einiespal's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.1
- Helpful Votes:1,653
- Reviews Submitted:234
- First Review:November 24, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 1, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Life imitates art with deadly results in this thrilling whodunit!
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Super game
PostedNovember 27, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is one of the best BF games I have played. The story is great - an old fashioned murder mystery. What a relief from the all too common fairy tale. The story is well told, too, with some ingenious ways of committing the crime. Others have complained about seemingly timed situations where you have to do other things first to "save" the victim, but gimme a break. It's a game, not a movie. Others complained about being able to figure out who-done-it, but that is true of most mysteries for the average detective we all are.
The artwork is very good, and the VOs are outstanding with lip movement. The music is good without being overwhelming.
Game play is good. Some have complained about "cluttered" HOS, but they would have also complained if they weren't - too easy. The HOS are all IA, and the puzzles are good and varied.
The HINT button just points in the right direction or at where action is needed if you are in the right location. You have an option to customize the hints, skips, etc. in the options menu. You can make the hint/skip recharge in as little as 15 seconds if you want.
The CE version has all the bells and whistles of a CE - objects to find, achievements, an SG, wallpapers, etc. The main game has an ending though a little abrupt in my opinion. The bonus chapter continues the mystery in a new location, Chicago vs. Boston ( the bad guy got away in the main game.)
All in all, this is a top notch game in all ways - production, story and game play.
The artwork is very good, and the VOs are outstanding with lip movement. The music is good without being overwhelming.
Game play is good. Some have complained about "cluttered" HOS, but they would have also complained if they weren't - too easy. The HOS are all IA, and the puzzles are good and varied.
The HINT button just points in the right direction or at where action is needed if you are in the right location. You have an option to customize the hints, skips, etc. in the options menu. You can make the hint/skip recharge in as little as 15 seconds if you want.
The CE version has all the bells and whistles of a CE - objects to find, achievements, an SG, wallpapers, etc. The main game has an ending though a little abrupt in my opinion. The bonus chapter continues the mystery in a new location, Chicago vs. Boston ( the bad guy got away in the main game.)
All in all, this is a top notch game in all ways - production, story and game play.
I recommend this game!
Secret Trails: Frozen Heart Collector's Edition
Your surprise visit is ruined by a blizzard. Who caused it, and what does he want with your little sister?
Overall rating
2
/
5
10 of 18 found this review helpful
Dumb game
PostedNovember 23, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Oh no, not another "frozen" game! Give me a break! The story is very lame, too, with no lead in at all. All of a sudden, boom, it's snow in July supposedly caused by some mysterious weatherman. Huh? I only played the demo, which is only 27 minutes long, so maybe things get clearer later, but I doubt it.
The dialog and comments when you do something are truly gag worthy - very immature. Game play is OK with the usual back and forth, decent HOS and puzzles. The HINT button tells you exactly what to do, which I don't like. Much better to just be pointed in the right direction so you don't have to click so much. Use of objects is good for the most part; i.e., no cutting down trees with a glass shard, etc. There are achievements and butterflies to collect if you like that sort of thing.
Although the game is well presented, the story and the dialog are so bad that I was glad the demo was so short.
The dialog and comments when you do something are truly gag worthy - very immature. Game play is OK with the usual back and forth, decent HOS and puzzles. The HINT button tells you exactly what to do, which I don't like. Much better to just be pointed in the right direction so you don't have to click so much. Use of objects is good for the most part; i.e., no cutting down trees with a glass shard, etc. There are achievements and butterflies to collect if you like that sort of thing.
Although the game is well presented, the story and the dialog are so bad that I was glad the demo was so short.
I don't recommend this game.
This was supposed to be the happiest day of your life. But instead of walking down the aisle, you're in another dimension, battling a mad inventor to save your family!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 9 found this review helpful
Great game, but....
PostedNovember 20, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Everything about this game is good - the production, game play, music, story, etc. Others have reviewed the details. I just want to add that this game is NOT worth the CE price! It has little things to find during game play, an SG, and it has achievements. But the only thing I like about CE games, the bonus chapter, is a complete disaster in this game. It should be called the bogus chapter. If the story is somehow related to the main story, I missed it. It is very short, too. A real waste of the extra bucks for the CE.
I highly recommend the game, but only as a SE.
I highly recommend the game, but only as a SE.
I recommend this game!
Darkness has engulfed Grimville! Use your cunning and wits to unravel the evil intrigues and save the town!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 12 found this review helpful
Cute game
PostedNovember 18, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a cute game that, I would think, is more suited for children than adults. It is produced in cartoon style, which fits the game design. The character's voices aren't audible - only text. There is a journal that adds to the story. The map is OK but not a jump map, which is too bad since there is a LOT of back and forth. In fact, it's ALWAYS back and forth.
The HOS are cluttered and annoying - like a star is a needed object, but there are many stars. You have to pick the right ones. Puzzles are some standards as well as some that are arcade game like. The HINT button works well but not too well - you aren't always told exactly what to do.
An interesting feature is that you are given two choices regarding what to do in some situations - help the thief or stop him for example. Supposedly, it makes a difference in the outcome of the game. I guess you'd have to play it a few times to see; a horrible fate given the nature of this game.
While cute, I found this game to be mostly tedious. Back and forth, back and forth, then some more back and forth. I might have recommended this game to kids if it wasn't so tiring to play it.
The HOS are cluttered and annoying - like a star is a needed object, but there are many stars. You have to pick the right ones. Puzzles are some standards as well as some that are arcade game like. The HINT button works well but not too well - you aren't always told exactly what to do.
An interesting feature is that you are given two choices regarding what to do in some situations - help the thief or stop him for example. Supposedly, it makes a difference in the outcome of the game. I guess you'd have to play it a few times to see; a horrible fate given the nature of this game.
While cute, I found this game to be mostly tedious. Back and forth, back and forth, then some more back and forth. I might have recommended this game to kids if it wasn't so tiring to play it.
I don't recommend this game.
Your archaeologist fiancé has been abducted in Prague! Unravel an ancient mystery and save humanity from destruction as you rescue him!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Fun game
PostedNovember 15, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a fairly simple game with a good story that doesn't involve an evil witch and there aren't any cute critters to help you. What a relief from the usual games these days! Action is mostly straightforward, and there aren't a ton of objects to find. Also, there isn't a lot of back and forth - saves my poor, aching feet.
The HOS are IA or placing objects. Puzzles aren't tedious as in some games where the puzzles aren't difficult; they are just plain tedious.
I'm not familiar with the game other reviewers refer to, but this one is fun and relaxing to play. It was like breath of fresh air to me.
The HOS are IA or placing objects. Puzzles aren't tedious as in some games where the puzzles aren't difficult; they are just plain tedious.
I'm not familiar with the game other reviewers refer to, but this one is fun and relaxing to play. It was like breath of fresh air to me.
I recommend this game!
Paranormal State: Poison Spring
Thrills abound as the ghost-hunters from the hit A&E TV show "Paranormal State" race to solve terrifying Civil War hauntings.
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Good game, but...
PostedNovember 15, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I've never even heard of the TV show on which this game is based, but the premise is interesting. The game is fun to play, but there are some rather annoying things about the game:
- The characters, while well rendered, are wooden without lip and body movement.
- The characters are lazy sending you on all the errands, and they are selfish. You fall through the floor, and they won't help you get out. When you get out on your own, they ask what took you so long.
- The HOS are all IA, but they are poorly designed requiring spot-on placement of two objects.
- To navigate to different locations, you have to find a new map and then click on that map posted on a board to go there.
- You have to use these "ghost-finding" instruments in dumb ways at times. Sometimes the result is an awful picture you have to reassemble.
If you can ignore these things, I think you will enjoy playing the game as I did.
- The characters, while well rendered, are wooden without lip and body movement.
- The characters are lazy sending you on all the errands, and they are selfish. You fall through the floor, and they won't help you get out. When you get out on your own, they ask what took you so long.
- The HOS are all IA, but they are poorly designed requiring spot-on placement of two objects.
- To navigate to different locations, you have to find a new map and then click on that map posted on a board to go there.
- You have to use these "ghost-finding" instruments in dumb ways at times. Sometimes the result is an awful picture you have to reassemble.
If you can ignore these things, I think you will enjoy playing the game as I did.
I recommend this game!
As Sara tries to find a miracle cure for her ailing brother, she unravels the dark events of her own past.
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Fun game
PostedNovember 12, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The main thing I like about this game is that it isn't a fairy tale involving an evil witch. I almost wept with joy! This is a good old fashioned mystery that is well told with an excellent journal.
Game play is the usual with standard HOS (none of those annoying IA HOS) and OK puzzles. There is a map, but it isn't IA and doesn't give any info - basically useless. The HINT button tells you exactly what to do and offers an opportunity to jump to the location. I thought the length of the game was right on.
All in all, this is just a fun and interesting game.
Game play is the usual with standard HOS (none of those annoying IA HOS) and OK puzzles. There is a map, but it isn't IA and doesn't give any info - basically useless. The HINT button tells you exactly what to do and offers an opportunity to jump to the location. I thought the length of the game was right on.
All in all, this is just a fun and interesting game.
I recommend this game!
The rich folklore continues with this exciting tale set in an old Slavic land. As Child of Spring, can you save the world from eternal winter?
Overall rating
2
/
5
26 of 44 found this review helpful
Gag time!
PostedNovember 8, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
There seems to be race on amongst game developers to see who can design a game with the most annoying and most by number of "cute" little critters to help the player. This game wins the prize so far for gag factor at least, and they add in cruelty to animals to make it worse. It was difficult to get past the gagging and get into the game.
It's a shame, too. Other games by this developer have been very good. This one is not good at all. The story is lame and is also poorly told. Game play is very easy. The production is good as usual, but it is wasted.
This game is worse than a total waste of time - it's totally annoying.
It's a shame, too. Other games by this developer have been very good. This one is not good at all. The story is lame and is also poorly told. Game play is very easy. The production is good as usual, but it is wasted.
This game is worse than a total waste of time - it's totally annoying.
I don't recommend this game.
Guide little Emmy through her fears and back to the real world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Fun game
PostedOctober 22, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a well designed game that is fun to play - that's the whole point, right? The story is interesting and is well told. The VOs are good even if the lip movement isn't always in sync with the words. At least they are most of the time unlike some games where the characters are just dummies with words written below them.
Game play is very good - good HOS and puzzles and interesting and varied locations. The map is a jump map which helps a lot. The HINT button works well without giving away the farm.
The bonus chapter is actually good, too, and like the game it is of a good length and is a good story. I guess some don't like the lack of "collectibles", which, to me, is a bonus not a detriment. Who wants the spend time looking for hidden objects during game play? It distracts from the game and is completely useless except maybe to use to give yourself a pat on the back. The same with "achievements". What a waste.
All in all, this is a fun game!
Game play is very good - good HOS and puzzles and interesting and varied locations. The map is a jump map which helps a lot. The HINT button works well without giving away the farm.
The bonus chapter is actually good, too, and like the game it is of a good length and is a good story. I guess some don't like the lack of "collectibles", which, to me, is a bonus not a detriment. Who wants the spend time looking for hidden objects during game play? It distracts from the game and is completely useless except maybe to use to give yourself a pat on the back. The same with "achievements". What a waste.
All in all, this is a fun game!
I recommend this game!
Should anyone ever check in to a place called the Final Journey Hotel?
Overall rating
2
/
5
22 of 39 found this review helpful
Lame game
PostedOctober 10, 2013
einiespal
fromArizona
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This game has to be right up there as one of the worst games going. The story is completely nonsensical and is even more poorly told. Just plain awful. The male detective is a real wimp letting the heroine do all the dirty work. The VOs are very poor. Artwork and music are marginally OK.
Game play is poor and too easy. The HOS are OK and are all IA. There is the requisite strange critter to help you, except this one is completely illogical. The HINT button tells you exactly what to do. The jump map shows where action is needed.
There is absolutely nothing that would lead me to recommend this dog.
Game play is poor and too easy. The HOS are OK and are all IA. There is the requisite strange critter to help you, except this one is completely illogical. The HINT button tells you exactly what to do. The jump map shows where action is needed.
There is absolutely nothing that would lead me to recommend this dog.
I don't recommend this game.