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:
Amazing Adventures Riddle of the Two Knights
Follow a curious trail through crowded bazaars and snow-swept summits to find what is missing!
Overall rating
3
/
5
24 of 25 found this review helpful
Classic HO – No Surprises
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
Story: After pieces of an ancient tablet begin appearing around the globe, the museum calls you in to hunt them down and follow the clues to the greatest gem the world has ever known -- the famous "World Diamond".
Developer: PopCap Games
Release Date: May 2012
Extras: High Scores, Times and Collectibles, Unlimited HOs, Click 2 Game
Release Date: May 2012
Extras: High Scores, Times and Collectibles, Unlimited HOs, Click 2 Game
I admit to being disappointed with this latest Amazing Adventure. I thought maybe they might have added a few bells and whistles to compete with all the amazing HOPAs out now.
I assumed they would stick to their formula of course – HO scenes followed by a simple puzzle, repeat ad nauseum. This is sensible of them. They have a strong niche in the pure HO market. But why not add a little animation, a bit of (optional) back-story, an occasional surprise?
Your mission this time takes you to Switzerland and Morocco, of all places, but there’s no rhyme nor reason in the progression through locations.
As with all Amazing Adventures, they have collectibles that unlock unlimited play, and they are timed and scored.
Personally, I don’t like these games, but I think that they are quite good examples of pure HO games, so if that’s what you like, I’d recommend it.
I don't recommend this game.
When the ghost of the beautiful Diane de Poitiers appears in front of you, you are transported back in time in Amulet of Time: Shadow of la Rochelle!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 20 found this review helpful
Beautiful And Unique; A Charming Game
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
GAME COMPLETED SEVERAL TIMES
Story: When the ghost of the beautiful Diane de Poitiers appears in front of you, you are transported back in time and must uncover a conspiracy against the king’s mistress and protect her in order to return to the present. An historical love story set in 16th century La Rochelle, France.
Developer: Game Factory Interactive
Release Date: Feb 2012
Extras: Special Ability Elixirs
Release Date: Feb 2012
Extras: Special Ability Elixirs
Although there is a fleshed out story, some adventure and a few puzzles, the focus of this game is the HOs. The gameplay is unique – each location consists of a few rooms, usually in a scrollable format. With each new task, you get a list of items needed to complete it (objectives), but for them to be found usually requires completion of at least three HOs and a puzzle, as well as found items lying about. It’s actually a great deal of fun.
The game has got the right stuff – truly beautiful graphics, interesting and original story, some neatly shocking surprises, ghosts with great voiceovers and animation, logical gameplay.
Would have easily made it to five stars even though I prefer more "A" in my HOPAs, except the developers completely failed the historical accuracy test. Sad to see, because they did a brilliant job of creating a romantically medieval atmosphere.
I recommend this game!
There's a terrible secret hidden deep within Lockwood Manor!
Overall rating
3
/
5
26 of 28 found this review helpful
Love Triangle Wakens The Demon Within
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
GAME COMPLETED SEVERAL TIMES
Story: Looking for your missing friend Jennifer, you go to Lockwood Manor – home of the notorious Lockwood family, who have been accused of practising black magic and summoning demons for generations. You must uncover the ancient secrets of Lockwood Manor to save the lives of you and your friends.
Developer: Mariaglorum
Release Date: Dec 2011
Extras: None
Release Date: Dec 2011
Extras: None
In the year since this game was released, we have seen an unbelievable blossoming of all aspects of the artistry of game development. Which leaves this one feeling a bit dated. (A year ago, this would have rated 4 stars from me).
So though graphics are fine they are not thrilling, the scenes are largely inanimate, there’s no interactivity in the HOs, and little in the way of cutscenes. Also no voiceovers, and no map.
The game is easy to play, with more than the average number of HOs, and generally easy puzzles. Not a stunning game, none of the bells and whistles, but I have played it several times and still enjoy it.
I think part of its appeal is the logical progression of the gameplay, the clarity of the HOs, and the uncomplicated puzzles. It’s a game for a lazy afternoon.
Good no frills entertainment.
I recommend this game!
Uncover Poseidon's ancient secrets hidden under the town of Black Water!
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 38 found this review helpful
Irresponsible Archaeological Dig Threatens World Again
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON COMPLETED GAME
Story: You travel to the remote island town of Black Water, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of two archaeologists. There you encounter a terrifying monster straight from the ancient myths of Poseidon. What cursed secrets have these archaeologists unearthed beneath the town?
Developer: Mariaglorum
Release Date: Dec 2012
Extras: Interactive Jump Map, Game Timer
Release Date: Dec 2012
Extras: Interactive Jump Map, Game Timer
This is a much more sophisticated sequel to Lockwood Manor – it feels more lively and active. The story started off familiar, then took a couple of interesting turns. It was paced very well and there was plenty of background on the myths if you wanted it.
The graphics are well done, particularly the cutscenes. The monsters really are monstrous. There is fun animation and colour in the interactive HOs, making them more appealing. The puzzles are more difficult than the first game, making it a bit more challenging for those who like that. Me, I skipped a lot. I’m hopeless at puzzles.
Hint and skip are very quick. Hint is useless outside of HOs, just the usual “There’s nothing to do here”. The interactive jump map was excellent, acting as a good substitute for the hint button. And the game timer is a great addition. This is a solid game.
I recommend this game!
Save the souls of prodigy children and their caretaker who disappeared during the fire in The Agency of Anomalies: Cinderstone Orphanage!
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 47 found this review helpful
Beautiful Sequel To The Dingy Though Enjoyable 1st Agency of Anomalies
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
GAME COMPLETED SEVERAL TIMES
Story: It’s your 2nd case with the Agency of Anomalies, and this time you must save five prodigy children and their caretaker, who disappeared during a fire at Cinderstone Orphanage. Help the disembodied inhabitants of the orphanage use their extraordinary abilities to destroy the plans of the evil doers behind this tragedy.
Developer: Orneon
Release Date: Mar 2012
Extras: Cut Scene Replays, Special Abilities
Release Date: Mar 2012
Extras: Cut Scene Replays, Special Abilities
Following the pattern of the first in this series, you are a paranormal investigator, and you can expect to come across inexplicable and supernatural happenings, individuals whose souls are not at rest, and a psycho scientist somewhere in the mix.
You have an Anomalous Activity Detector (Hint) and a Nexus collector for gathering special abilities. The nature of the special abilities you acquire are more imaginative than expected, and while not used often, added to the game’s originality.
This is a beautiful game. Which is well done, since it is set in a burnt out orphanage . The cut scenes are great, HOs clear and relevant, and puzzles often startlingly original as well as beautiful. The HOs were easy enough, both list and return items, but the puzzles were much harder than the first of this series. I skipped more than I solved. For me, I would have preferred easier ones.
I recommend this game!
Ariel's twin sister, Belle, has been kidnapped and it's up to you to assist in her rescue!
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 32 found this review helpful
So Colourful and Vibrant, It’s Almost Gaudy
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
GAME COMPLETED TWICE
Story: Ariel and Belle were dropped off at an orphanage long ago and cannot remember their parents. Now, Belle has been kidnapped and Ariel goes off in pursuit of her twin sister. Ariel's search leads her to a backwater European town that time forgot and where magic fills the air. You must uncover the secret that has led to Belle's abduction.
Developer: Space Monkeys International
Release Date: Jun 2012
Extras: Achievements, Collectibles, Unlockable Bonus HO scenes and Mini-Games (see below for CE exclusive content)
Release Date: Jun 2012
Extras: Achievements, Collectibles, Unlockable Bonus HO scenes and Mini-Games (see below for CE exclusive content)
The colours, the flowers, the creatures – they are all masterful creations in this charmingly strange game. The story, though, is what makes it so odd. Most of the time there is no way to connect the gameplay with our goal, and the end didn’t clear things up either. Second time around, I just ignored it and went with the flow. THEN, the game became a lot of fun.
There are tiny purple flowers to collect in each scene ( for which you get coins), and beautiful fantasy creatures, also some real oddball characters. The HOs are pretty and interesting, but not hard. And you have the alternative of playing Match 3. The puzzles were a snap. Both puzzles and HOs award you with coins depending on how quickly you completed them. (See below)
Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed myself, and if the story had been handled better, this game would have rated 5 stars.
Bonus Content Review ****
Okay, now the bonus content seems to have confused many, so I’ll try to get it right.
Collectibles, completed HOs and puzzles can earn you coins which can be spent in the Store.
The “Achievements” button in the Main Menu shows you your coins awarded for HOs or puzzle you played. You then have the option to redo that spot and aim for a better result. I think this has wonderful option.
The Bonus button on the Main Menu gives you the Bonus adventure, which is not necessary to the Main Game, but follows on from it. Personally, I thought it a bit weak.
The Store is where you can get those items that are unique to the CE - concept art, backstory sketches, music, and videos. Your reward for being so clever is a little art appreciation experience.
Would I buy the CE again? No, I think I’d have been just as happy with the SE.
I recommend this game!
The Secrets of Arcelia Island
Unravel The Secrets of Arcelia Island as you, your father, and a small crew set off on this dangerous expedition!
Overall rating
4
/
5
22 of 22 found this review helpful
Short But Oh So Sweet
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
GAME COMPLETED TWICE
Story: You, your father, and a small crew set off on a dangerous expedition to find a legendary island of magic and wonder. After getting shipwrecked in a storm, you wake up to discover you're alone on an island inhabited by strange creatures and plagued by four deadly curses. You must destroy the curses in order to find your father, and stop the tyrannical witch that is responsible for it all.
Developer: HitPoint Studios
Release Date: Aug 2011?
Extras: Collectibles
Release Date: Aug 2011?
Extras: Collectibles
This game comes up with few surprises. It is formulaic, using the familiar 3-4 environments where we solve one aspect of the problem, held together by a basic structure. This is also clearly a low budget game; there’s been very little spent on the extras, there are no voiceovers whatsoever, and a few simplistic cutscenes.
But this game is a must have for anyone who prefers more HO over PA. There are heaps of beautifully drawn HOs, clear, not at all cluttered and a pleasure to play. There are only a handful of puzzles, and those easy.
OH, and there are collectible ‘story page pieces’, which go together to make jigsaw puzzles that reveal story. Lots of (skippable) story available.
Arcelia Island may offer little that is new – but its visual appeal, ease of play and soothing environment make it worth the price, for primarily HO fans and for new players.
I recommend this game!
Amazing Adventures: The Caribbean Secret
Legend has it that a Spanish ship loaded with a fortune of gold went missing somewhere in the Caribbean! Find the secret treasure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 18 found this review helpful
Another Classic HO Game
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
GAME COMPLETED SEVERAL TIMES
Story: The Museum desperately needs your help - again! Legend has it that a Spanish ship loaded with a fortune of gold went missing somewhere in the Caribbean and was never found. This lost treasure is referred to by locals as the Caribbean Secret and it’s your job to recover the riches.
Developer: PopCap Games
Release Date: Nov 2009
Extras: High Scores, Times and Collectibles, Unlimited HOs
Release Date: Nov 2009
Extras: High Scores, Times and Collectibles, Unlimited HOs
If you’ve played one Amazing Adventure, you’ve played them all. Literally, the only differences are the background. Even many of the items are borrowed from the previous games. This one does offer a couple of different puzzles between the HOs – spot the difference, return items, Match 3, swap tiles, turn tiles, jigsaw, word match.
I really don’t like these games, but I have an 84 year old friend who can’t take in the more complex HOPAs. For her and people like her these games are perfect, so I review each with her in mind. Of the 5 games in the series, this is my favourite. It has more picturesque scenery.
As always, the game has collectibles, which unlock unlimited play mode on the HOs and, in this one, Match 3 games. The game is timed and scored, so top scores ranks are an achievement of sorts.
After Awakening in a mysterious castle it's up to you to collect clues and items needed to solve perplexing puzzles and escape!
Overall rating
5
/
5
117 of 136 found this review helpful
Absolutely Gorgeous!
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
GAME COMPLETED SEVERAL TIMES
Story: After awakening in a mysterious castle, it’s up to you to prove yourself worthy of the legendary Light In The Dark, escape the castle and save all the kingdoms.
Developer: BoomZap
Release Date: Feb 2010
Extras: Game Timer, Unlimited GoblinJong, Faerie Companion
Release Date: Feb 2010
Extras: Game Timer, Unlimited GoblinJong, Faerie Companion
I am embarrassed to admit that all four times I’ve started this game I have had to resort to the walkthrough in the beginning. Later, the game seems to make more sense . After all, the story is simple enough, the problem is getting a handle on a different style of HOs.
There are only a couple of HOs with lists, yet almost everything that needs doing means looking around in the location for the “10 map pieces” etc. And many of the items are quite difficult to find, and occasionally too small.
There are by far many more puzzles, but without exception they are well within my amateur grasp.
The artwork is the real reason I like the games in this series. The entire Awakening series are glorious visually. They’re just so darned pretty I could spend all day happily plodding along. Now I think about that’s pretty much what I’ve just done.
And by the way,who was that mysterious goblin?
After awaking from a century long slumber, Princess Sophia finds a world that is devoid of people! Help her find her friends!
Overall rating
5
/
5
86 of 100 found this review helpful
Again, This Series Is Stunning In Its Beauty
PostedFebruary 22, 2013
JustTheFacts
fromRural Western Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
GAME COMPLETED SEVERAL TIMES
Story: Having left the castle where you had been sleeping for 100 years, you now go on a mission to find your people (you’re the only surviving human in the magical world), and travel to Moonfell Wood, the domain of the Fairy Queen
Developer: BoomZap
Release Date: Jan 2011
Extras: Game Timer, Free Play Tripeaks (Solitaire), Pocketdragon
Release Date: Jan 2011
Extras: Game Timer, Free Play Tripeaks (Solitaire), Pocketdragon
This sequel to Dreamless Castle picks up where it left off and begins Sophia’s quest for her family. To my mind the best thing about this game is the beautiful art, and ultimately, it is the artwork that makes all of this series exceptional.
The gameplay is similar to Dreamless Castle, and once again I needed help in the early stages, but soon became lost in the experience. Instead of Goblinjong, this time it is Tripeaks, a version of Solitaire, that you play with those you encounter.
Again, there are only a couple of HOs with lists, but plenty of, “spot the difference” “find the pairs” that I deem HOs in another form. One particular version that I really enjoyed was the magic cards which are sketch drawn, and where you must find “12 of” . There were still numerous puzzles and mini-games in this one, and I liked that I could do most of them.