DiDi212's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.6
- Helpful Votes:1,067
- Reviews Submitted:181
- First Review:October 14, 2013
- Most Recent Review:March 27, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Gem Legend
The ancient Chaos has devoured the abode of the gods. Save the gods from Chaos and become a legend!
Overall rating
1
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
I Hate to Give 1 Star!
PostedDecember 29, 2014
DiDi212
fromSmall town just south of Austin, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
The Treasures of Montezuma 2
(14)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Based on about 11 levels in 30 minutes I found this game boring.
I don't like sound when playing M3 games so I can't comment on the sound as I turned it down.
Instead of the usual match of at least 3 of a kind, this is match at least 2 of a kind in a group. Now I personally like group M3 games, but not this one. Instead of a timed game you get only a certain number of moves/chances to accomplish whatever the level asks, such as breaking all the bricks by making matches next to them. If you can't accomplish the task and if you have enough stars (collected when you finish a level -- up to 3 stars can be earned each level) you can buy 5 extra moves. If not you fail the level but then you may replay the game from the beginning. However, if you replay and complete the level task, you can't earn the maximum stars.
The graphics are very childish and didn't appeal to me. There really isn't a story line. At the beginning there is a cut scene giving you the back story but there was no other story progression as I played through the 11 levels.
Maybe others will like this game so you should play it to make an informed decision. For me this is a no buy and I don't recommend it.
I don't recommend this game.
Fishdom: Depths of Time
Submerge into the unique deep-sea world with your amusing aquatic buddies that will never let you feel bored in Fishdom: Depths of Time.
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 24 found this review helpful
I Didn't Like the CE Either
PostedDecember 28, 2014
DiDi212
fromSmall town just south of Austin, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Based on partial play of the demo. Too many "bombs" and most of them didn't help in solving the game. I liked the old games better.
I don't recommend this game.
Haunted Hotel: Death Sentence Collector's Edition
Welcome to Holy Mountain Hotel, where all criminals are punished.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Too Short
PostedDecember 20, 2014
DiDi212
fromSmall town just south of Austin, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Fright Collector's Edition
(127)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Oh my, what a lovely game but way too short. I played the demo and immediately bought it. It has everything I look for in a game. I did have fun playing this one and wished it had gone on for a lot more time than it did. I don't understand why the developers rushed this game.
There are 4 modes to play in and I chose custom to change the length of charge for hint and skip. I figure by the time I want to use a hint or skip I should be able to now. I used the hint a couple of times in the HOS and skipped a couple of puzzles.
The visuals are beautiful albeit a little gloomy. After all we are in a spooky old hotel which seems to have been vacant for a long time -- or is it.
The voice overs are nice. Not a lot of conversation. Mostly reading of notes and letters, but nice all the same.
This game is very easy. You find inventory items and use most of them quickly. This will be a good game for beginners and very relaxing for the rest of us. There are not many HOS. They consist of list, silhouettes, and match pairs. The puzzles outnumber the HOS and most I've seen before. Some puzzles are simple and some not so much.
For the storyline, you've been called in by a friend of yours to help with an investigation of a creepy old hotel. Bodies do pile up in this one.
There are 2 types of collectibles and I easily found them all. However no morphing items.
The hint button works outside the HOS by either showing you something in your scene or shows you a window of where you need to go and teleports you there. I did use it a couple of times (as I was a little too lazy to look at the strategy guide).
There is a wonderful map which shows one active task at a time and teleports you there. There is also an arrow to use to show different parts of the house, like the back yard.
The bonus chapter really doesn't add anything to the story, so if you're short on funds, waiting for the SE would offer you still a great game to play. There is also an alternate ending that could have been left out IMHO. You have the bundle of things usually associated with a CE like concept art, wallpaper, etc. These don't do anything for me.
You should play the demo, which is 90 minutes, before purchasing the game, but I do highly recommend it. I wanted to give it 5 stars but the game is just too short.
I recommend this game!
The old historic mansion in Istanbul is being renovated into a hotel and when the owner summons you to fix the grand clock you discover that there are dark secrets contained within.
Overall rating
2
/
5
31 of 34 found this review helpful
Very Old School and pure HOP
PostedDecember 17, 2014
DiDi212
fromSmall town just south of Austin, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Fright Collector's Edition
(127)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I couldn't even finish the demo. You go room to room playing HOS. There are no directional hints. Hint only works in the HOS. Seems like something from many years past. I gave up as I couldn't see where this was going. I didn't even like the HOS which were list type. Most of the objects were very easy to find. Items in the tapestry HOS were a little more difficult to find. I just got bored.
You should try the demo before purchasing. For me this is a no buy -- not even if it was free I don't think I would play it.
I don't recommend this game.
In Search Of Treasure: Pirate Stories
The ship of the Henry Morgan is stranded on the reefs, and buried treasures are hidden on the island!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Nope -- Not for Me!
PostedDecember 17, 2014
DiDi212
fromSmall town just south of Austin, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
The Treasures of Montezuma 2
(14)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Based on 4 rounds in the demo on the casual mode of 3. I can't recommend this game.
The beginning cut scene had a story but that was the last I saw mention of any additional story line. There is no voice over so you had to read the cut scene. However, I do believe you can skip it altogether.
Also the music was way too loud and I turned both it and the sound down. I meant to go back and turn off the sound because of the "creaking-boards" sound during game play but decided to just exit the game.
The graphics could have been so much better. The jewels you get to match are nothing to write home about -- boring IMHO.
You have 4 modes of game play -- standard match 3 or more; click on groups of 3 or more; drag your cursor over groups of 3 or more; and slide rows and columns to make matches of 3 or more. I didn't try the slider game play but did the other 3. My favorite mode is clicking on groups of 3 or more. I played one set 3 times and finally changed to dragging 3 or more because I kept running out of matches -- same with the dragging mode. Finally I returned to the standard match 3 or more and then gave up. I don't think the programming was up to pare to accommodate the other types of match 3.
I was disappointed you don't win anything extra for making matches of 4 or more. You do have the opportunity of matching a brightly colored jewel, but the game is rather stingy putting them into game play and it takes several matches to charge the sword which in turn can be used to clear only 1 tile.
You should try the demo yourself. For me this is a no buy. I would have given it a one but don't like to use the word hate.
I don't recommend this game.
Shadow Wolf Mysteries: Curse of the Full Moon Collector's Edition
Called into a small city from the capitol, you have been put in charge of solving a string of mysterious murders!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Lacks All Things I Really Like in a Game.
PostedDecember 16, 2014
DiDi212
fromSmall town just south of Austin, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Fright Collector's Edition
(127)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on completion of the demo in casual of the two modes with 8 minutes to spare.
It had a lovely intro. The music wasn't too loud but I did turn it down in the options which only had music and sound to choose from. I also turned down the sound which controls the voice overs.
The voice overs were nice, however I was disappointed in the voice for the gypsy fortune teller and the little girls voice was a tad squeaky.
The graphics were okay but a bit grainy in spots.
Now to what I didn't like about this game: there was no map; the hint was only available in the hint; the strategy guide wasn't available in the demo; no collectibles; no morphing items; you have to hit the okay button to add an item you've just picked up to place it in inventory; and the inventory doesn't lock. Those are all things which should be available in a collector's edition.
Because of all the things absent in this game I will not purchase it. There are just too many games out there that do have all of the above for the same price -- just saying.
You should play the demo to make up your mind but for me it's a no buy.
I don't recommend this game.
Reveries: Soul Collector Collector's Edition
Your wedding day gets interrupted when your fiancée is kidnapped!
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 8 found this review helpful
Too Easy!
PostedDecember 13, 2014
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Based on partial completion of the demo. IMHO doesn't merit a CE, not even with a sale price.
I found the helper extremely annoying -- that voice just grated on my nerves! And the visual wasn't pleasant either.
The hint worked well and could be configured to reload in 10 seconds with the custom option mode.
There is a map but I didn't use it or even look at it.
The puzzles were very simple and the HOS were too.
I like easy games but this one is too easy LOL.
I don't recommend it, but highly recommend you play the demo before buying it to make up your own mind. This might appeal to some, but not me and I won't be buying it mainly because of the helper.
Silent Nights: Children's Orchestra
A fire breaks out during a concert, and now your daughters are both missing. Hurry to track them down – their music may hold the key to life and death!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
Really Great Map.
PostedDecember 3, 2014
DiDi212
fromSmall town just south of Austin, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Fright Collector's Edition
(127)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on completion of the SE in Casual mode. This is one of those "nothing-better-to-do" games to play and I had a coupon.
There are more puzzles than HOS and most are simple. The HOS vary. Some puzzles are repeated like the pipe which I didn't like and skipped them. The hint outside the HOS isn't very helpful -- it doesn't give directions. It either points to something in the scene or it says there's nothing else to do here.
There is a wonderful interactive map which also shows areas where you can do something now. This is available in casual mode but I'm not sure about the other 2.
There is a walk through which I did use. I didn't understand some of the puzzles and used the walk through to figure them out.
This doesn't have anything special. Two little girls, both gifted musicians, are kidnapped and their mother sets out to rescue them.
Other than a lag time between scenes I didn't find any other issues. I liked the music -- it was subtle. The graphics were a little grainy and I thought the little girls could have been drawn softer.
I suggest playing the demo to make an informed decision. I also demoed the CE and would recommend this over the CE.
I don't recommend this game.
Weird Park: The Final Show
Bring an end to Mr. Dudley's reign of terror!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Really a 3.5.
PostedDecember 3, 2014
DiDi212
fromSmall town just south of Austin, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Fright Collector's Edition
(127)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on completion I found this game a little above just okay but below really liking it. The graphics were very good and I really loved the music, which I can't say about many games. I also thought the voice overs were well done.
I would have been lost without the interactive map which, in the causal mode, shows where there is action to be performed. I don't think I've ever relied so heavily on a map before.
There aren't many HOS and they vary and are IMHO very easy. There are more puzzles than HOS and most are easy. I think I may have skipped a few but can't really remember.
I found the ending disjointed. While the main portion of the story has an ending you are then transported back into time to learn more information leading up to the goings on at Weird Park. Can't say much more without giving away game info.
You don't have had to play the previous WP games to enjoy this. I do believe it is suited for most age group. There is one inappropriate curse word in this game but then I've heard much worse during prime time on TV. IMHO it could have been left out, but then again when is cursing of any type really appropriate.
Play the demo to get an idea of whether or not you'd like this game. For me I had a coupon and used it and I don't regret it. Happy gaming.
I recommend this game!
Fishdom: Depths of Time Collector's Edition
Submerge into the unique deep-sea world with your amusing aquatic buddies that will never let you feel bored in Fishdom: Depths of Time.
Overall rating
2
/
5
19 of 23 found this review helpful
Where's the CE Bling?
PostedNovember 27, 2014
DiDi212
fromSmall town just south of Austin, TX
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Fishdom 2
(24)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Based on the demo I was very disappointed. As I own all the other Fishdom games I was expecting something spectacular but alas no. Other than wallpaper and screen savers there didn't seem to be any other "special" things about this game and those things don't interest me.
I did find this game harder than the others and I play Fishdom games to relax and I play them in untimed mode, but this didn't have a relaxed mode so that was off putting from the get go.
I didn't like the new "bombs" either. I realize the developers wanted to offer something new with this release and a few new bombs would have been good but why not really spice it up with more unique fish and crazier decorations (I know there were some of these, but not enough IMHO). For a CE maybe they could have thrown in a HOS -- something different.
I definitely won't be buying this game as a CE. Maybe a SE but not unless it's on sale or I have a game coupon. Just didn't see it offered anything more interesting than say Fishdom 2 which is my all time favorite in the series because it lets you rack up points whether or not you match over a spot that needs to be covered. None of the other games do that.
Well try the game for yourself and read some reviews. Also visit the forum for additional comments about this and all the games offered by BF. I always visit the forum before I buy.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, if you celebrate it. And for those in other countries -- it's a day for eating lots of favorite foods we don't normally eat on a daily basis -- lots of fun -- watching American football -- taking naps -- and spending time with family.
I don't recommend this game.