JustTheFacts's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:33,148
- Reviews Submitted:681
- First Review:December 7, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 4, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Someone has stolen two powerful magic doves from your kingdom, and the consequences could be disastrous. Embark on an extraordinary journey to stop the thief.
Overall rating
4
/
5
148 of 162 found this review helpful
Any Sweeter, I’d Need Insulin
PostedSeptember 12, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The title is Flights Of Fancy, the developer is ERS. So I knew exactly what we’re getting here before I started the download. The locations will be beautiful, there will be cute creatures, maybe some truly magical ones, and an adorable companion whom I maybe will dress up or otherwise pamper.
The title is Flights Of Fancy, the developer is ERS. So I knew exactly what we’re getting here before I started the download. The locations will be beautiful, there will be cute creatures, maybe some truly magical ones, and an adorable companion whom I maybe will dress up or otherwise pamper.
And that’s pretty much the way it is. If you are one of the people who are over cute – RUN! This one is so sweet it’s saccharine. And I still love it.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Gorgeous, gorgeous, fanciful, magical, gorgeous. And of course ERS’s signature hand painted style. The only HO scene I played showed clear and detailed items.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, fanciful, magical, gorgeous. And of course ERS’s signature hand painted style. The only HO scene I played showed clear and detailed items.
The voiceovers are an interesting mix – no two accents the same. I like that, a truly diverse kingdom, of many races. Even the music is pretty, and a good range of ambient sounds.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Returning from the King’s ball, you find your estate in a mess. Your seneschal(?) tells you the inhabitants of your estate have been turned into tiny statues and the magical dove is gone. Evidence points to your neighbour, Count Boss. But while he is known to cause trouble, this level of evil seems beyond him. So we go to interrogate him.
Returning from the King’s ball, you find your estate in a mess. Your seneschal(?) tells you the inhabitants of your estate have been turned into tiny statues and the magical dove is gone. Evidence points to your neighbour, Count Boss. But while he is known to cause trouble, this level of evil seems beyond him. So we go to interrogate him.
MAKING PROGRESS
There are a few less HOPs than usual in this game. In fact, I saw only one progressive (find & use) silhouette game, visited twice. There are 11 HOPs and 17 puzzles/mini-games in total, according to the extras. Either I’m way tired or this game is more difficult than most, because I needed to check the SG a couple of times to work out the instructions to the new and original puzzles.
There are a few less HOPs than usual in this game. In fact, I saw only one progressive (find & use) silhouette game, visited twice. There are 11 HOPs and 17 puzzles/mini-games in total, according to the extras. Either I’m way tired or this game is more difficult than most, because I needed to check the SG a couple of times to work out the instructions to the new and original puzzles.
I also had a bit of trouble working out where to go, even with an interactive jump map which shows active tasks and completed locations IF you choose. There are several other options available in the custom difficulty settings – including no black bar comments or sparkles. (Perhaps the experts might forgive the cuteness in light of the better gameplay options.)
BLING!
Hint is represented by an elf with an arrow he shoots off in the right direction. You gain extra hints by collecting golden arrows. You also must collect 15 cursed inhabitants, presumably to restore once you win. Your fairy gains special powers when you find her certain objects.
Hint is represented by an elf with an arrow he shoots off in the right direction. You gain extra hints by collecting golden arrows. You also must collect 15 cursed inhabitants, presumably to restore once you win. Your fairy gains special powers when you find her certain objects.
Achievements. These are the usual sort of things, and each is represented by a ‘bubble’ inside the fairy’s house. That is our only decorating task, though. As well we have gallery items, SG, replayables and bonus chapter.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I know a lot of you are sick of cute, and we certainly are being swamped with them, but this still looks too good for me to resist, and perhaps those difficulty options will entice you!
I know a lot of you are sick of cute, and we certainly are being swamped with them, but this still looks too good for me to resist, and perhaps those difficulty options will entice you!
I recommend this game!
Return a valuable idol in Kate Arrow Deserted Wood! Help Kate travel deep into the jungle in this fun Hidden Object game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
Nice Middle Of The Road HOG
PostedSeptember 12, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
When you take into account the year this was released (2010), this game is quite extraordinary, but by today’s standards, it is merely middle of the road. The photorealistic graphics are well done, music and sound are both nice, but there are no voiceovers. There is however a couple of excellent and exciting cut scenes.
The many HO scenes are static, no animation. The objects are clear and identifiable, but sometimes small, and also often almost hidden completely by other objects. There is no interactivity. The HOPs are simple lists, visited 3 times each, spread out over the game, and some “multiples of” type.
The gameplay also includes some puzzles/mini games, some of which were delightfully original. There is a goals list, which pops up annoyingly when achieve a goal or add a new one.
Finding out what needs doing and doing it are generally not too difficult. The hint is only useful in HOs, since it will only tell you if there are no tasks to perform in that location, but there were only a couple of times I would have liked a better hint, and at no time did I get tempted to look up the walkthrough. There is no need for a map – the game is broken into 5 chapters, each with a few locations, and they are closed off from other chapters.
The story is okay. Kate’s grandpa needs help getting a tribal idol to its rightful possessors and you head off to help. The usual accidents and obstacles ensue. The game starts off a bit slowly and uneventful, while Kate prepares to leave for the journey, but once she reaches the jungle, the adventure really starts.
Today, all this is old hat – a dated gameplay with unfashionable graphics and limited excitement. But it is a nice game. As a Daily Deal, I was quite happy.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
The only thing I really object to in this game is the title – there is not a blooming wood, deserted or otherwise, in it. Kate does all her investigating in a lightly populated jungle!
The only thing I really object to in this game is the title – there is not a blooming wood, deserted or otherwise, in it. Kate does all her investigating in a lightly populated jungle!
I recommend this game!
3D Puzzle Venture takes puzzle gaming to a whole new dimension! With multiple levels of difficulty and 40 high-resolution puzzle images included, this is a game that every puzzle enthusiast is sure to enjoy!
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 19 found this review helpful
Okay Jigsaw Game, Done 3D Style
PostedSeptember 11, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
At first glance, this is a not especially good jigsaw game.
There are the features you’d expect...
*40 pictures in 4 categories (nothing really wow’d me)
*choose number of pieces 40 – 1030
*choose background
*completed image display options
*3D gallery for completed games
*timer
*choose number of pieces 40 – 1030
*choose background
*completed image display options
*3D gallery for completed games
*timer
And some you may not expect...
* a puzzle editor to create your own (not available in trial)
*choose windowed or full screen, resolution, aspect, graphics quality
*sliders for sound and music (which is pretty good)
*choose windowed or full screen, resolution, aspect, graphics quality
*sliders for sound and music (which is pretty good)
And there is the selling point – do all this in 3D!
Well, it’s novelty value working for it. Imagine your jigsaw is stuck on the joy stick of your game controller. You can use the mouse or the arrow keys to swivel it around in alarming ways, up/down, forward/back (zoom), left/right.
It gives you some interesting viewpoints of the jigsaw, and I quite enjoyed playing around with it. But I’m unsure if it serves any real purpose.
I didn’t find it as appealing as other jigsaw games out there.
I don't recommend this game.
Release the characters from the witch's curse and find the portal home!
Overall rating
5
/
5
125 of 136 found this review helpful
Best Of The Bunch
PostedSeptember 11, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED CE GAME
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
5th in this series, this game is both representative of it, and something new. We still have our nemesis the witch, and we still must fix things she has destroyed before we can travel back to our reality. Something I didn’t notice immediately – this game is not a time travelling one. The “past” is merely the kingdom we are stranded in, which is not Orion, but the witch’s home world.
5th in this series, this game is both representative of it, and something new. We still have our nemesis the witch, and we still must fix things she has destroyed before we can travel back to our reality. Something I didn’t notice immediately – this game is not a time travelling one. The “past” is merely the kingdom we are stranded in, which is not Orion, but the witch’s home world.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Graphics are superb, they have those sharp edges I’m none too keen on, but even that became unnoticeable quickly, because otherwise, the art was beautiful. Cut scenes are exceptional, and I love the witch’s new look.
Graphics are superb, they have those sharp edges I’m none too keen on, but even that became unnoticeable quickly, because otherwise, the art was beautiful. Cut scenes are exceptional, and I love the witch’s new look.
The voiceovers are very good, done without any attempt at lip sync, the characters’ mouths don’t move. Some of the most majestic and uplifting music I’ve heard was mixed with the original theme, which I’m tired of, but I guess is a way of connecting this to the earlier games.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
We are, once again, sucked through a portal to another world, this time the witch’s. She has scattered the 5 amulets we need to get back, throughout the realm, so we must go on 5 quests to redeem her poor subjects in order to get them. She has removed each victim’s greatest virtue, turning them into opposites of their real selves. It is very well done and told, with each part of the world being quite different, but connected by the one theme.
We are, once again, sucked through a portal to another world, this time the witch’s. She has scattered the 5 amulets we need to get back, throughout the realm, so we must go on 5 quests to redeem her poor subjects in order to get them. She has removed each victim’s greatest virtue, turning them into opposites of their real selves. It is very well done and told, with each part of the world being quite different, but connected by the one theme.
MAKING PROGRESS
Loads and loads of puzzles. Some of them are really clever adaptations of old ones, some completely new, all of them engrossing, and none too easy. I had to skip a few. There are also a fair number of HOs – multiples of, interactive lists, and misplaced items. I particularly like that the items to replace are actually items you picked up earlier from a previous scene. The multiple items are handled differently as well.
Loads and loads of puzzles. Some of them are really clever adaptations of old ones, some completely new, all of them engrossing, and none too easy. I had to skip a few. There are also a fair number of HOs – multiples of, interactive lists, and misplaced items. I particularly like that the items to replace are actually items you picked up earlier from a previous scene. The multiple items are handled differently as well.
Skip and hint are quick. Hint gives you advice, or sometimes shows where you should be. The interactive jump map allows you to toggle (on or off) indicators of active areas and completed scenes. One of my favourite things about these games – the inventory is at the top.
BLING!
Well, the CE does have achievements and a ‘spell book’, which is a little bit of fluff at the end of the game. And of course SG and bonus chapter and some puzzle replays. The only gallery items are concept art. The main game ends satisfyingly, and the bonus game is wedged in seamlessly at the end. Another quest, but unnecessary to the feeling of completion.
Well, the CE does have achievements and a ‘spell book’, which is a little bit of fluff at the end of the game. And of course SG and bonus chapter and some puzzle replays. The only gallery items are concept art. The main game ends satisfyingly, and the bonus game is wedged in seamlessly at the end. Another quest, but unnecessary to the feeling of completion.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Always of two minds about this series, I can finally say I love this one! For me, the SE would have been just as wonderful.
Always of two minds about this series, I can finally say I love this one! For me, the SE would have been just as wonderful.
So finally, I can give a game in this series an unequivocal five stars.
Either way, I’m glad I bought it.
I recommend this game!
Jane Austen's: Estate of Affairs
Search for Jane Austen's missing novel and help save the Austen estate from greedy villains!
Overall rating
3
/
5
121 of 130 found this review helpful
I Know, I Know, Poor Quality, But I Like It!
PostedSeptember 10, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON FULL HOUR DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I know I’m going to be in the minority this time, and I must admit I surprised myself, I expected to be terribly disappointed.
I know I’m going to be in the minority this time, and I must admit I surprised myself, I expected to be terribly disappointed.
Yes, the graphics are awful and archaic. Ignore them and they mostly go away. It is worth the eyestrain to enjoy the delightful voiceovers alone. And the gameplay is quite good – including 3 types of HOPs, and some interesting riddling couplets. And the story matches the Jane Austen theme quite nicely.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
The blurb says it all – you must save the estate of Jane Austen by finding a missing novel manuscript. You are at war with your cousins over it, and a very mean housekeeper. The untrustworthy neighbour, Richard, with whom you have ‘history’, is a surprising ally though, and you seem to be making progress.
The blurb says it all – you must save the estate of Jane Austen by finding a missing novel manuscript. You are at war with your cousins over it, and a very mean housekeeper. The untrustworthy neighbour, Richard, with whom you have ‘history’, is a surprising ally though, and you seem to be making progress.
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
So yes, expect very poor graphics, they really are terribly done, both in terms of quality and artistry. But they encompass many delightful scenes that overcome their components and are a pleasure to see. The HOs are very clear, and of decent size, although sometimes they are very well hidden. Texture is used well to conceal them.
So yes, expect very poor graphics, they really are terribly done, both in terms of quality and artistry. But they encompass many delightful scenes that overcome their components and are a pleasure to see. The HOs are very clear, and of decent size, although sometimes they are very well hidden. Texture is used well to conceal them.
In direct opposite the voices are spectacular. I believe I can see where the BBC’s input lies. Not only are they well acted and in keeping with the period, they are spoken in a ‘voice’ so like Jane Austen’s narratives that there is a tendency to forget altogether that they are actors from our era. The music is, I think, in keeping with the period – not my area of expertise re. Jane Austen – but I found it irritating.
MAKING PROGRESS
This game is an adventure style, somewhat dominated by HOPs. The 3 types used are interactive lists, silhouettes, and fragment objects. The ‘FROGS’ are not difficult or small so they are okay to do.
This game is an adventure style, somewhat dominated by HOPs. The 3 types used are interactive lists, silhouettes, and fragment objects. The ‘FROGS’ are not difficult or small so they are okay to do.
There are also riddles presented in rhyming couplets, left for us in scrolls by Frank Austen. These provide answers to tricky locks found about the estate.
There really are no other forms of puzzle. A matching pairs that is quite tricky, construct a keyhole – very different and fun. A lot of dialogue, as you’d expect from Jane.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
I completely lost sight of the poor graphics with this one. True, they make the game seem amateurish and outdated, but who cares? It is still fun and a game to make you think, as well as time trip back to the Regency period.
I completely lost sight of the poor graphics with this one. True, they make the game seem amateurish and outdated, but who cares? It is still fun and a game to make you think, as well as time trip back to the Regency period.
Without doubt, the biggest problem here is the lack of a walkthrough, I expect a lot of cries for help in the forums!
I recommend this game!
Help the gnomes restore their magic potion franchise!
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 44 found this review helpful
Certainly Chaotic!
PostedSeptember 9, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Beginner
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
Okay, I admit it, I am not good at these timed games, I get flustered. But this one is stress on hyperdrive. There are sure to be some experts of this genre, though, who’ll find this game easy enough to be fun.
In production terms, this is a very basic game, but surprisingly, you can adjust the aspect ratio in options which greatly improves the visuals. They are, however, low def cartoon graphics, and there is no voiceover for the (lengthy) introduction to the story.
You are spun off into an alternate world where the gnomes are friendly and besieged by imps. They can help you get back home, but only if you can help them get rid of the pesky imps.
Music is quite good, upbeat but not the usually irritating few bars.
To explain why this game is not for everyone, I can only describe the gameplay on a level (even the early ones).
You must make potions, cast spells, raise money, collect gems, outrace imps and beat the timer. Once you’ve managed all that, you get a rift stone, many of which you need to get to the next of 5 islands.
POTIONS – there are 5 types of potions to make, each a different colour. To make them you must first build a well and a flower garden, and with each choose a colour for the potion, because once chosen, only that colour can be made on them or go into the cauldron. The annoying thing about this action is that to get these items to the cauldron, you must click on the item hovering over the building then click on the right cauldron, all before an imp gets there.
CAST SPELLS – these are the usual power ups (freeze imps, increase speed etc.). You get them with progress in the game or you can buy them at the shop using the gems you find, but only between levels. They use up your limited supply of magic power.
COLLECT GEMS – this is my favourite bit because I don’t have to do anything other than hover the cursor in the general area to pick them up. They are used in the shop.
IMPS – they walk towards your buildings, if they get there before you’ve collected the products, they destroy it (both your water and your ingredients). From as early as level 3, there seem to be an awful lot of them!
NO UNTIMED MODE – no good for me, I’ll be lucky to get more than I have in the demo. I’m already repeating levels.
There are, according to the promo video, also puzzles, but I unfortunately don’t have the skill or fortitude to get that far into the game.
It has perhaps a greater appeal to children than adults – and they usually have a better ability to play with these types of high tension games.
But if all this complexity sounds great to you, then you’ve got yourself a nice little game here.
Royal Envoy: Campaign for the Crown Collector's Edition
King or Swindler? Who will be the new ruler of the Kingdom?
Overall rating
4
/
5
120 of 137 found this review helpful
Another Fun & Giggles Royal Envoy
PostedSeptember 7, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I sometimes wonder if I should give up my obsession with HOPAs and transfer my allegiance to wonderful builder games like the Royal Envoy series. This addition is hugely fun, for all the reasons the other two were such hits.
I sometimes wonder if I should give up my obsession with HOPAs and transfer my allegiance to wonderful builder games like the Royal Envoy series. This addition is hugely fun, for all the reasons the other two were such hits.
I love having my name included in the royal command to ‘fix it’. I love the overacted voiceover and the whimsical cartoons. The art continues to be of a high standard, and the music is ‘jolly’.
Most of all I love that I can play this game without a time limit, or I wouldn’t be able to play at all!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
A pretender to the throne has demanded an election to see who should be king. The king requires us to conduct a political campaign to ensure he wins the election. The ‘bad guy’ is going around taxing and destroying, all in the name of the king, so you will have to rebuild towns etc. to prove your king’s integrity.
A pretender to the throne has demanded an election to see who should be king. The king requires us to conduct a political campaign to ensure he wins the election. The ‘bad guy’ is going around taxing and destroying, all in the name of the king, so you will have to rebuild towns etc. to prove your king’s integrity.
We are ordered to take Cedric along with us, which is handy, because he has (of course) just finished a training course on political campaigning. *ironic smile*.
MAKING PROGRESS
The game play is almost a replica of the earlier games, including many of the locations. The big difference is that earnings from our buildings can now be gathered in by a simple sweep of the cursor. No more clicking.
The game play is almost a replica of the earlier games, including many of the locations. The big difference is that earnings from our buildings can now be gathered in by a simple sweep of the cursor. No more clicking.
The chapter end summary is not detailed, as the first one was. There are again the usual achievements and trophies.
It’s been quite a while since I played the others, so I’m sure to have missed something, but these and the differences I picked up from the demo.
It’s been quite a while since I played the others, so I’m sure to have missed something, but these and the differences I picked up from the demo.
BLING!
This is a CE, so of course we must have some extras. There is a walkthrough, which at first I thought was pretty silly, there are so many ways of beating the levels. But in fact it gives really good and relevant tips. There are wallpapers and an animated screensaver.
This is a CE, so of course we must have some extras. There is a walkthrough, which at first I thought was pretty silly, there are so many ways of beating the levels. But in fact it gives really good and relevant tips. There are wallpapers and an animated screensaver.
And there are 30 “The King’s Challenges” I don’t know what they are because they are unlocked only when you’ve finished the game. (which means I'll never see them!)
For only the second time since I joined Big Fish, a non-HOPA goes on my “must-have” list. Can’t wait to get totally immersed!
I recommend this game!
The fate of the magical world is in your hands – free it from evil!
Overall rating
4
/
5
70 of 76 found this review helpful
So Very Pretty And Light-Hearted Fun!
PostedSeptember 6, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This game is pretty rather than beautiful. From the opening seconds it is filled with wonder. The intro to the game has us flying low over a river in a canyon, swooping over the falls and down towards the water. I almost felt the vertigo.
This game is pretty rather than beautiful. From the opening seconds it is filled with wonder. The intro to the game has us flying low over a river in a canyon, swooping over the falls and down towards the water. I almost felt the vertigo.
The music is light and serene, and everything about this game seems designed to relieve stress, rather than agitate us, as so many of our favourite games do. There are plenty of beautiful flowers, babbling brooks, cute critters, and magic in the air, so some of you may find this a bit too sweet.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
We’ve just come into our inheritance, a family home we have not seen in years. Not since our mother died when we were just a child. Not since our father disappeared without a trace. It seems that secrets were being kept from us, all our life, for our own protection of course, but now we must face our destiny.
We’ve just come into our inheritance, a family home we have not seen in years. Not since our mother died when we were just a child. Not since our father disappeared without a trace. It seems that secrets were being kept from us, all our life, for our own protection of course, but now we must face our destiny.
Going back to the family home, we come upon a weird elf-like guy, and he tells us that we are the only one who can save Nearwood, a world we’ve never heard of, but which may reveal the secrets of our childhood. All we have to do is step through that mirror...
MAKING PROGRESS
There are more puzzles than HOs in this one. But the game really is adventure-based. The puzzles are fairly familiar, and the HOs are simple FROGs – fragmented object games. These are clear and detailed and the pieces are not too small to find, but this is still not my favourite style.
There are more puzzles than HOs in this one. But the game really is adventure-based. The puzzles are fairly familiar, and the HOs are simple FROGs – fragmented object games. These are clear and detailed and the pieces are not too small to find, but this is still not my favourite style.
The adventure tasks are not too difficult, but there have been some complaints about the map. It is an interactive and transporter map, but the transporter function must be recharged, like a hint. Seems fair to me, because that’s its role in this game. There is no hint outside the HOs. Hints also need to recharge, but you can capture glow bugs everywhere that will recharge it for you.
BLING!
Should you go for the CE? I didn’t. There are the usual extras and a bunch of admittedly adorable snoop-sees (funny animated little critters which all look different) as collectibles, but it wasn’t enough to sway me.
Should you go for the CE? I didn’t. There are the usual extras and a bunch of admittedly adorable snoop-sees (funny animated little critters which all look different) as collectibles, but it wasn’t enough to sway me.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
This game really is “cute” in overdrive, so it’s not going to be for everyone. And I don’t think it’s worth the cost of the CE, but as an SE, even better, a punchcard coupon, it’s a nice treat and very relaxing.
This game really is “cute” in overdrive, so it’s not going to be for everyone. And I don’t think it’s worth the cost of the CE, but as an SE, even better, a punchcard coupon, it’s a nice treat and very relaxing.
I recommend this game!
Get tips and hints from our handy Strategy Guide! Follow our crystal clear instructions and helpful tricks to succeed!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 16 found this review helpful
So Very Pretty And Light-Hearted Fun!
PostedSeptember 6, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This game is pretty rather than beautiful. From the opening seconds it is filled with wonder. The intro to the game has us flying low over a river in a canyon, swooping over the falls and down towards the water. I almost felt the vertigo.
This game is pretty rather than beautiful. From the opening seconds it is filled with wonder. The intro to the game has us flying low over a river in a canyon, swooping over the falls and down towards the water. I almost felt the vertigo.
The music is light and serene, and everything about this game seems designed to relieve stress, rather than agitate us, as so many of our favourite games do. There are plenty of beautiful flowers, babbling brooks, cute critters, and magic in the air, so some of you may find this a bit too sweet.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
We’ve just come into our inheritance, a family home we have not seen in years. Not since our mother died when we were just a child. Not since our father disappeared without a trace. It seems that secrets were being kept from us, all our life, for our own protection of course, but now we must face our destiny.
We’ve just come into our inheritance, a family home we have not seen in years. Not since our mother died when we were just a child. Not since our father disappeared without a trace. It seems that secrets were being kept from us, all our life, for our own protection of course, but now we must face our destiny.
Going back to the family home, we come upon a weird elf-like guy, and he tells us that we are the only one who can save Nearwood, a world we’ve never heard of, but which may reveal the secrets of our childhood. All we have to do is step through that mirror...
MAKING PROGRESS
There are more puzzles than HOs in this one. But the game really is adventure-based. The puzzles are fairly familiar, and the HOs are simple FROGs – fragmented object games. These are clear and detailed and the pieces are not too small to find, but this is still not my favourite style.
There are more puzzles than HOs in this one. But the game really is adventure-based. The puzzles are fairly familiar, and the HOs are simple FROGs – fragmented object games. These are clear and detailed and the pieces are not too small to find, but this is still not my favourite style.
The adventure tasks are not too difficult, but there have been some complaints about the map. It is an interactive and transporter map, but the transporter function must be recharged, like a hint. Seems fair to me, because that’s its role in this game. There is no hint outside the HOs. Hints also need to recharge, but you can capture glow bugs everywhere that will recharge it for you.
BLING!
Should you go for the CE? I didn’t. There are the usual extras and a bunch of admittedly adorable snoop-sees (funny animated little critters which all look different) as collectibles, but it wasn’t enough to sway me.
Should you go for the CE? I didn’t. There are the usual extras and a bunch of admittedly adorable snoop-sees (funny animated little critters which all look different) as collectibles, but it wasn’t enough to sway me.
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
This game really is “cute” in overdrive, so it’s not going to be for everyone. And I don’t think it’s worth the cost of the CE, but as an SE, even better, a punchcard coupon, it’s a nice treat and very relaxing.
This game really is “cute” in overdrive, so it’s not going to be for everyone. And I don’t think it’s worth the cost of the CE, but as an SE, even better, a punchcard coupon, it’s a nice treat and very relaxing.
I recommend this game!
A mysterious blazing fireball has crashed into the Whispering Woods and jolted the sweet little Peablins out of a peaceful slumber. What could it be? Find out in Joining Hands 2!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
As Charming & Upbeat As The Original
PostedSeptember 5, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON DEMO
This sequel to Joining Hands is a fun slightly more sophisticated version of the first.
Our progress is now followed on a map, there are ten achievements to be won, and the graphics are a little more complex. There are also new peablins to play with, new kinds of connections to make and something very close to a story!
A falling star brings starblins to our home, who have no hands and so we welcome them with a group hug. There are grandlins who are very fragile and cannot move their hands. And geoblins, who can stand on rock but can’t move away from it. All of which adds new ways to enjoy this entertaining little gem.
This game also has added hint – and they’re very useful.
If you’ve not played the original game, here is a brief run down from my previous review.
If you’ve not played the original game, here is a brief run down from my previous review.
“The gameplay is straightforward but much harder than it first seems. Peablins are little round blob creatures with varying numbers of arms. It is important for their happiness that all their hands are held by someone else. So, on a grid of hexagons, you must place them all so that their hands join.
So if I have a peablin with 2 arms and 2 others with 1 arm, the 2 armed one will be in the middle, a one armed peabin on either side. It starts from there and gets more complex as each new level is beaten. There are obstacles around which peablins must connect, stars for bonuses, peablin relatives whose own beliefs mean they have different hand holding traditions, etc. “
FAMOUS LAST WORDS
Like its predecessor, this is a cute little game, more difficult and certainly more addictive than you’d first suppose. One could lose a few hours to this original and charming game.
Like its predecessor, this is a cute little game, more difficult and certainly more addictive than you’d first suppose. One could lose a few hours to this original and charming game.
I recommend this game!