catbag8717's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.3
- Helpful Votes:8,793
- Reviews Submitted:584
- First Review:April 27, 2012
- Most Recent Review:September 23, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Find out who is behind the shocking zombie invasion.
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
The ERS Curse Strikes Again!
PostedSeptember 27, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
NOTE:
Review is of completed CE. Bonus Content review at the bottom
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed this game, but it was let down by some rather idiotic and amateur mistakes that would be expected from some rookies, not experienced developers like ERS. I can't believe developers like ERS could pass through an ending like that.
Review is of completed CE. Bonus Content review at the bottom
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoyed this game, but it was let down by some rather idiotic and amateur mistakes that would be expected from some rookies, not experienced developers like ERS. I can't believe developers like ERS could pass through an ending like that.
The story started off extremely well, which is why I was hooked on this game. It's a zombie story with a twist. There are quite a lot of twists and turns, and I especially loved S.G's backstory. It was so unique, twisted and strange. I applaud the developers for this.
This is a Detective story, as all Haunted Legends games are. The story did get a little flat as I progressed, but picked itself up again about two thirds of the way through the game. You interview several witnesses, and these cutscenes added a lot more detail to the story. I thought this was clever and brilliant. I haven't seen this done before.
Now, here's the bad part:
I was getting myself all geared up for the “controversial” ending, when I finally reached the last cutscene. I was watching the first part and thinking 'hey, this isn't THAT bad. What is everyone talking about?' Then, BAM! It was over. I was angry. The ending was NOT complete! This is not only the worst ending by ERS, but also, dare I say, the worst ending in any HOPA I've played (and I've played a lot).
This is a Detective story, as all Haunted Legends games are. The story did get a little flat as I progressed, but picked itself up again about two thirds of the way through the game. You interview several witnesses, and these cutscenes added a lot more detail to the story. I thought this was clever and brilliant. I haven't seen this done before.
Now, here's the bad part:
I was getting myself all geared up for the “controversial” ending, when I finally reached the last cutscene. I was watching the first part and thinking 'hey, this isn't THAT bad. What is everyone talking about?' Then, BAM! It was over. I was angry. The ending was NOT complete! This is not only the worst ending by ERS, but also, dare I say, the worst ending in any HOPA I've played (and I've played a lot).
The gameplay is great. It was unique and actually challenging! I had to use the Strategy Guide quite a lot, which is something I never have to do! Applause to ERS for the extra challenge.
There are 2 types of HOS in this game: Junkpile and Silhouette. Junkpile appeared more frequently than silhouette, and was much more fun for me to play. However, the silhouette HOS provided a much bigger challenge for me, especially those mini puzzles. They were HARD! I had to skip them. However, even with their difficulty, I still enjoyed the Silhouette HOS.
The puzzles were also pretty hard! I could solve a few of them, but BOY were they challenging! I had to use the skip button a lot. Some puzzles even had two parts to them. Talk about extra challenge!
Other than that, the gameplay is pretty much standard HOPA. Intermediate players like myself should have no trouble whatsoever navigating through this game.
The game features a diary, hint and skip, but no map, which I found really odd. A unique feature of this game was the collectible fish scales. What was unique about these was that they were actually needed later in the game. All in all, there are 20 scales to collect.
There are 2 types of HOS in this game: Junkpile and Silhouette. Junkpile appeared more frequently than silhouette, and was much more fun for me to play. However, the silhouette HOS provided a much bigger challenge for me, especially those mini puzzles. They were HARD! I had to skip them. However, even with their difficulty, I still enjoyed the Silhouette HOS.
The puzzles were also pretty hard! I could solve a few of them, but BOY were they challenging! I had to use the skip button a lot. Some puzzles even had two parts to them. Talk about extra challenge!
Other than that, the gameplay is pretty much standard HOPA. Intermediate players like myself should have no trouble whatsoever navigating through this game.
The game features a diary, hint and skip, but no map, which I found really odd. A unique feature of this game was the collectible fish scales. What was unique about these was that they were actually needed later in the game. All in all, there are 20 scales to collect.
The graphics are standard ERS. They are well drawn and detailed, especially in the character design. ERS give us great graphics all the time, with no haziness unclear scenes.
I have one complaint about the voice-overs: What's with S.G's constant groaning? All he does in the game is groan and make noises. All evidence points to him being a PERSON, so how come he never talks? S.G's groaning was incredibly annoying, and was a major turn-off for me.
I have one complaint about the voice-overs: What's with S.G's constant groaning? All he does in the game is groan and make noises. All evidence points to him being a PERSON, so how come he never talks? S.G's groaning was incredibly annoying, and was a major turn-off for me.
FEATURES
3 modes of play: Casual, Advanced and Hardcore. I played Casual.
Hint and Skip- both recharge a little slow on Casual, but the hint is very helpful outside HOS.
Diary to keep track of events
20 collectible fish scales. As I said before, these ARE needed to progress in the game.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BONUS CONTENT REVIEW (for those who are interested)
3 modes of play: Casual, Advanced and Hardcore. I played Casual.
Hint and Skip- both recharge a little slow on Casual, but the hint is very helpful outside HOS.
Diary to keep track of events
20 collectible fish scales. As I said before, these ARE needed to progress in the game.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BONUS CONTENT REVIEW (for those who are interested)
The CE doesn't really have anything that is worthy of it being a CE. There are no achievements or collectibles (unless you count the fish scales, but they are a necessary part of the game).
The Bonus Chapter picks up where we left off, with all characters still involved and the mystery still unsolved. There are 2 old locations visited, but the rest are completely new.
The story has a brilliant twist, one that I SO did not see coming, but raised more questions than it answered.
The Bonus Chapter features more HOS than puzzles, which I really enjoyed. The HOS in the BC are ALL junkpile. The puzzles in the BC lose none of their difficulty, however I was able to solve one.
The Bonus Chapter picks up where we left off, with all characters still involved and the mystery still unsolved. There are 2 old locations visited, but the rest are completely new.
The story has a brilliant twist, one that I SO did not see coming, but raised more questions than it answered.
The Bonus Chapter features more HOS than puzzles, which I really enjoyed. The HOS in the BC are ALL junkpile. The puzzles in the BC lose none of their difficulty, however I was able to solve one.
The other CE Extras are:
Replay movies from main game and BC (there are 22 in total)
Replay HOS from main game and BC
Replay Puzzles from main game and BC
Play music (music used in the game)
Concept Art
Wallpapers
Screensavers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, I don't see this game as CE worthy. I only got the CE because of the sale and because of the incomplete ending to the main game. I still enjoyed this game a lot.
The CE of this game gets a 4, however, the SE will get a 3 because of the incomplete ending.
Replay movies from main game and BC (there are 22 in total)
Replay HOS from main game and BC
Replay Puzzles from main game and BC
Play music (music used in the game)
Concept Art
Wallpapers
Screensavers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, I don't see this game as CE worthy. I only got the CE because of the sale and because of the incomplete ending to the main game. I still enjoyed this game a lot.
The CE of this game gets a 4, however, the SE will get a 3 because of the incomplete ending.
On the game length:
I felt like I was playing this for ages. I don't time my gameplay, but I estimate the main game is about 4 hours on Casual mode, which is fairly long for me.
I felt like I was playing this for ages. I don't time my gameplay, but I estimate the main game is about 4 hours on Casual mode, which is fairly long for me.
I recommend this game!
It should have been a tremendous achievement, but the tunnel through the Ridge of Leviathan became the site of a great disaster. What really happened that day?
Overall rating
4
/
5
15 of 19 found this review helpful
Another Great Game From My Favourite Developer!
PostedSeptember 20, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
(For anyone who's wondering if I'm biased, I failed Riddles of Fate AND Bloody Mary. Proof enough for you?)
I loved the first two Surfaces, hated the third one, but the fourth one is great! It has a brilliant story that grips you from the get-go and you just have to find out what happens next!
As I said, the story is brilliant. It's just the right mix of spooky and sci-fi. The common theme of all the Surface games is traveling to another world. In this case, we are transported to a location via a mysterious tunnel.
The story had a couple of twists and ended at a brilliant spot. You have to hand it to Elephant- they know when to end a demo!
Although it's got the spooky side, the story is also full of heartbreak. A mother returns to the site of her family's disappearance after a year and is desperate to find them.
I don't know how Elephant does it, but they sure can make a story!
The story had a couple of twists and ended at a brilliant spot. You have to hand it to Elephant- they know when to end a demo!
Although it's got the spooky side, the story is also full of heartbreak. A mother returns to the site of her family's disappearance after a year and is desperate to find them.
I don't know how Elephant does it, but they sure can make a story!
The gameplay is pretty good, and is quite a challenge. The DREADED inventory item HOS have returned!!! I have a love hate relationship with them- They are unique and provide a great challenge, but it's always been a pain for me. At least they have improved on the difficulty of not knowing which inventory item to use. If you do not have it in your inventory and you press 'hint', it will tell you where to find it.
I found the puzzles incredibly easy. This will be very annoying for some, but it was wonderful for me. I usually can't complete puzzles, so it was a joy to finally be able to have some to complete. It's great that developers are finally considering those players who have trouble completing puzzles, not just those who love them.
The gameplay is exactly the same as any other HOPA game, so experienced players should have absolutely no trouble whatsoever in navigating their way through. The game features a teleport map, and also has some great CE Exclusives. The notable ones include achievements and a shop.
I found the puzzles incredibly easy. This will be very annoying for some, but it was wonderful for me. I usually can't complete puzzles, so it was a joy to finally be able to have some to complete. It's great that developers are finally considering those players who have trouble completing puzzles, not just those who love them.
The gameplay is exactly the same as any other HOPA game, so experienced players should have absolutely no trouble whatsoever in navigating their way through. The game features a teleport map, and also has some great CE Exclusives. The notable ones include achievements and a shop.
As always with Elephant, the graphics are outstanding. There is so much detail in the artwork, cutscenes and character designs that it almost seemed real at times. Everything was crisp, clear and delightful. I'm at a loss as to how developers can do so well when it comes to the art.
The voice-overs are standard. They aren't great, but they aren't bad either. No comment here.
The voice-overs are standard. They aren't great, but they aren't bad either. No comment here.
FEATURES
3 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced and Hardcore. Casual and Advanced differ in hint and skip recharge speed and sparkles, while Hardcore removes the Hint, Skip and sparkles completely. I played Casual.
Hint and Skip- both recharge fast on Casual and the hint is extremely helpful outside HOS.
No diary.
Teleport map. Can transport you to locations with a click. Also lets you know where there are objectives to complete.
3 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced and Hardcore. Casual and Advanced differ in hint and skip recharge speed and sparkles, while Hardcore removes the Hint, Skip and sparkles completely. I played Casual.
Hint and Skip- both recharge fast on Casual and the hint is extremely helpful outside HOS.
No diary.
Teleport map. Can transport you to locations with a click. Also lets you know where there are objectives to complete.
CE EXCLUSIVES
Bonus Chapter- from experience, the Surface games DO NOT need the bonus chapter to complete the story. They wrap up perfectly.
Shop- You buy stuff to upgrade something (I don't know what it is- I never checked it out). You can collect flowers, which are your currency.
Concept Art
Replay HOS and Puzzles
Music (listen to the music of the game)
Achievements
Bonus Chapter- from experience, the Surface games DO NOT need the bonus chapter to complete the story. They wrap up perfectly.
Shop- You buy stuff to upgrade something (I don't know what it is- I never checked it out). You can collect flowers, which are your currency.
Concept Art
Replay HOS and Puzzles
Music (listen to the music of the game)
Achievements
This is a solid four for me. I weighed it up, and the CE Extras don't seem worth it, so I'll wait for the SE. While not as good as the other Surface games I own, this will be a welcome edition to my game library.
I strongly recommend this game.
I strongly recommend this game.
I recommend this game!
The quaint mountain town of Hochwald hides a deadly secret. Defeat a mechanical mastermind and save your friend before another earthquake strikes!
Overall rating
3
/
5
14 of 21 found this review helpful
I Wish I Could Rate It Higher...
PostedSeptember 19, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is probably the poorest Artifex Mundi game I have played. Time and time again, we have seen masterpieces from this developer, but this just didn't cut it.
For starters the story was boring. Nothing happened in the demo that shocked or excited me, and the demo did not end well. I usually love a good spy game, but this just didn't cut it. The main story involves the disappearance of Ambrose Ink, who called you, Evangeline Glass, to help him investigate them. However, there was an evil general, which seemed interesting. What killed it for me was the setting. I didn't get the setting, and I hated the accents. They were so poor it kind of put me off the game. Overall, not a very interesting story.
I had some issues with the gameplay too. It's the Artifex gameplay we've come to love, and I enjoyed that and had some level of fun in the game, but I didn't really like the HOS as much as I should have. Instead of the usual junkpile, we instead have Fragmented Object Scenes (FOS) and Silhouette Scenes. I did not find a junkpile scene throughout the whole demo, much to my disappointment.
The puzzles were okay, though, and I thought they were better than the HOS (which is something that's never happened before). The puzzles were fun and challenging at the same time. Although I had to skip one, I still liked them.
The puzzles were okay, though, and I thought they were better than the HOS (which is something that's never happened before). The puzzles were fun and challenging at the same time. Although I had to skip one, I still liked them.
The graphics, as always, were outstanding from Artifex. There was so much detail and the character design was outstanding. Everything was clear, and was a visual delight.
However, I did have a problem with the voice-overs. The accents were awful and just drove me up the wall. This took out some of the fun for me, as voice-overs were a key part of the game.
However, I did have a problem with the voice-overs. The accents were awful and just drove me up the wall. This took out some of the fun for me, as voice-overs were a key part of the game.
FEATURES
3 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced and Hard. Only differences: Hint and Skip Recharge and sparkles. I played Casual, as always.
Hint and Skip- both recharge fast on Casual and the hint is very helpful outside HOS.
Diary. Diary keeps track of events and contains an objectives tab.
No map from what I could recall.
3 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced and Hard. Only differences: Hint and Skip Recharge and sparkles. I played Casual, as always.
Hint and Skip- both recharge fast on Casual and the hint is very helpful outside HOS.
Diary. Diary keeps track of events and contains an objectives tab.
No map from what I could recall.
To conclude, I'd have to say this is one of the worst Artifex Mundi game I have played. The game was just downright boring. Not at all like the reviews said.
The demo was an extremely short 22 minutes. This, from experience, indicates a very short game. Most players will be turned away by this, however, I do not judge on length, I judge on quality, and the quality of this game was way below par.
The demo was an extremely short 22 minutes. This, from experience, indicates a very short game. Most players will be turned away by this, however, I do not judge on length, I judge on quality, and the quality of this game was way below par.
I don't recommend this game.
Your father was murdered while he was investigating a crime. Travel back through time to save him!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
An Amazing Murder Mystery! This Went Straight On To My Purchase List!
PostedSeptember 16, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Note:
Review based On DEMO. Full Rating: 4 1/2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was saying yesterday how badly I wanted a murder mystery and here it is. The story is amazing, just as a murder mystery should be. I was so amazed, I'm going to buy the game. However, I'll wait for the SE.
Review based On DEMO. Full Rating: 4 1/2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was saying yesterday how badly I wanted a murder mystery and here it is. The story is amazing, just as a murder mystery should be. I was so amazed, I'm going to buy the game. However, I'll wait for the SE.
The story is just as a murder mystery should be. Shocking, lots of twists and scary. It actually made me jump at one point, which is a first! The story begins with the death of your father, and, after being given an amulet, you travel back in time to try and prevent it. Also, there is a special gem involved, which promises to be exciting. Like I said, there is a shocking twist halfway through the demo that made me jump. This is one of the best stories of the year, and I can't wait to play the conclusion!
I would have given this game a five had it not been for some small issues I had with the gameplay. Firstly, the game did not start with the hint charged up, which I found extremely odd. Secondly, the hint took quite a while to recharge, even on the first mode. Thirdly, I did find myself constantly having to use the Strategy Guide, because I'd get stuck.
That being said, I did enjoy the HOS and puzzles, and the uniqueness of the gameplay. The HOS featured quite a few extra step objects, and were a joy to play. The puzzles were also very different from ones I had played before, and thus, gave me a big challenge, one that I had not had in a long time.
The gameplay is simple, but different. You are able to combine two objects from your inventory to make one needed object (the game lets you know when you can do this by placing little + signs above the objects), which is something I have rarely seen in a HOPA. A+ for originality.
The game features a diary, interactive map and the other usual stuff you will find in a game.
That being said, I did enjoy the HOS and puzzles, and the uniqueness of the gameplay. The HOS featured quite a few extra step objects, and were a joy to play. The puzzles were also very different from ones I had played before, and thus, gave me a big challenge, one that I had not had in a long time.
The gameplay is simple, but different. You are able to combine two objects from your inventory to make one needed object (the game lets you know when you can do this by placing little + signs above the objects), which is something I have rarely seen in a HOPA. A+ for originality.
The game features a diary, interactive map and the other usual stuff you will find in a game.
The graphics were good, but not outstanding. They were clear, but they did not have as much detail as I would have liked. A bit more detail would have been nice, but they certainly are better than some other graphics I've seen.
The voice-overs were standard too. Nothing new, not outstanding, not bad either.
The voice-overs were standard too. Nothing new, not outstanding, not bad either.
FEATURES
Diary to keep track of events.
Interactive map. Very helpful. Keeps track of completed locations and locations where there is a task to be done.
3 modes of play: Casual, Advanced and Hard. I played Casual.
Hint and Skip- took longer than usual to recharge on Casual mode, but the hint is very helpful outside HOS.
Diary to keep track of events.
Interactive map. Very helpful. Keeps track of completed locations and locations where there is a task to be done.
3 modes of play: Casual, Advanced and Hard. I played Casual.
Hint and Skip- took longer than usual to recharge on Casual mode, but the hint is very helpful outside HOS.
CE Exclusives
Bonus chapter
Strategy Guide- extremely useful for puzzles as it gives you the step by step solution.
Concept art
Music
Replay HOS and Puzzles
Bonus chapter
Strategy Guide- extremely useful for puzzles as it gives you the step by step solution.
Concept art
Music
Replay HOS and Puzzles
Due to the lack of CE extras, I will not buy the CE. I loved this game, but my advice would be to wait for the SE. It will give you a much better experience. I hadn't even finished the demo and this was already on my purchase list- a brilliant murder mystery!
I recommend this game!
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
2
/
5
23 of 41 found this review helpful
Way Too Cute... *yawn*
PostedSeptember 13, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
It seems ERS have forgotten that not every Hidden Object Game player is a girl, because this pathetic offering is definitely aimed at girls. ERS will lose a lot of money because male players, like me, will pass this up.
There was a time when ERS made spooky horror stories that I loved and loved, but it seems this time has passed, because this offering is just way too... cute! Seriously; elves, fairies, ANNOYING SINGING PLANTS! (I hated the singing plants. They were SO annoying). Add this to ANOTHER magical kingdom game, and you'll get a dud story.
Despite all the cuteness, nothing interesting really happened anyway. It's the same old, same old. Some evil guy trying to take over the kingdom, a missing king, princes, princesses, nothing new at all. This is the worst story ERS has come up with since Reveries: Sisterly Love (which was terrible.)
Despite all the cuteness, nothing interesting really happened anyway. It's the same old, same old. Some evil guy trying to take over the kingdom, a missing king, princes, princesses, nothing new at all. This is the worst story ERS has come up with since Reveries: Sisterly Love (which was terrible.)
Even though the story was bad, the gameplay was okay. If you ignore the fact that we have an elf for a hint, a magical fairy that helps us defeat some evil creatures and random animal helpers along the way, you've got some alright gameplay there. The HOS were a fun challenge and were probably the best thing of the game. They came in many different forms; the usual junkpile, silhouette and finding groups of items.
The puzzles were good too. I could solve most of them, which I enjoyed. They were still challenging for me, though.
The game is pretty easy to navigate, so there should be no trouble for experienced players.
The puzzles were good too. I could solve most of them, which I enjoyed. They were still challenging for me, though.
The game is pretty easy to navigate, so there should be no trouble for experienced players.
In the CE we have achievements and collectibles. However, 40 minutes in to the game, I had already collected 7/15 collectibles, so I guess that they'll be found in a couple of hours and not leave much else to be done.
The graphics are also pretty good. They are the usual ERS; great artwork, great character design, all-round great. ERS can be counted on to produce some great graphics every single time.
However, the voice-overs were confusing. Half were British, half were American. Where is this set? The voice-overs gave no answers. Here's a tip- next time, either make them all British or all American.
However, the voice-overs were confusing. Half were British, half were American. Where is this set? The voice-overs gave no answers. Here's a tip- next time, either make them all British or all American.
FEATURES
Diary. Makes note of important events in the game.
Map. Interactive and very useful.
4 modes of difficulty- Easy, Advanced, Hard and Custom. Custom lets you change the sparkles, black bar tips and hint and skip recharge times. I played CUSTOM (set hint to 35 sec and skip to 45).
Hint and Skip- Hint is very useful outside HOS.
Magic fairy that you get to name. Also helps you defeat some creatures.
Diary. Makes note of important events in the game.
Map. Interactive and very useful.
4 modes of difficulty- Easy, Advanced, Hard and Custom. Custom lets you change the sparkles, black bar tips and hint and skip recharge times. I played CUSTOM (set hint to 35 sec and skip to 45).
Hint and Skip- Hint is very useful outside HOS.
Magic fairy that you get to name. Also helps you defeat some creatures.
CE EXCLUSIVES
Fairy gets her own section which displays all the achievements.
Achievements.
Strategy Guide. This is helpful for puzzles.
Bonus Chapter
Concept Art
Music
Replay HOS & Puzzles
Fairy gets her own section which displays all the achievements.
Achievements.
Strategy Guide. This is helpful for puzzles.
Bonus Chapter
Concept Art
Music
Replay HOS & Puzzles
So, this game is ERS' 53rd, and I believe they may be running out of ideas, because their 50th and 51st games were bad too. Combine the worst story of the lot with lots of “cuteness” and you've already lost me. Wouldn't even pay for this as a Catch of the Week. I wouldn't even finish it if they gave it to me...
I don't recommend this game.
Take the King's challenge! Save the wonderful land of countless islands, Islandshire, from the merciless forces of nature.
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
The Hidden Object Game Lover LOVES This Time Management Game!
PostedSeptember 8, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Well, I'm not as obsessed with Time Management Games as I once was, but I'm happy to give them a try. Let me say... ROYAL ENVOY IS AWESOME! It is hands down the best Time Management game I have ever played in my life.
For me, it's all about the gameplay, but there is a nice story to go with it. The story goes that you have been chosen by the king to help rebuild Islandshire and you, along with your friend, Cedric, set about on rebuilding the Island. Some nice touches added were the pirates “asking” for your help with THEIR island, and the game using your name in the story, although the king does not speak your name.
I felt that this story was a nice touch to an addictive game.
I felt that this story was a nice touch to an addictive game.
Now, the gameplay. One word to sum it up: AWESOME! I was addicted from the very start, and this addiction just grew and grew and grew. I had so much fun. My free hour went by in a flash. The gameplay is basically a medieval, much more fun, version of the Build-a-Lot franchise. The game involves building and upgrading houses to increase rent and happiness, building buildings (such as markets and sawmills), which decrease the happiness, I must add, collecting rent and so forth. So, you're pretty much looking at a 700x better Build-a-Lot.
The game is timed, but not timed. Let me explain this in further detail:
There is a gold timer, which gives you a gold star if you manage to complete it before the timer runs out, but if the timer does run out, you can still finish the level, which I loved. It is not important to get a gold star on every level, but an achievement is earned if you do.
The game is very challenging. For those looking for a challenging game, this is it.
How long does the entire game take? Well, I finished 10 levels in an hour, but I'm sure they'll get longer as the game progresses. There was still at least 5 islands, each with 4 levels, to complete. So I'm estimating at least a 3 hour main game based on my playing time, but there are faster and slower players than me, and this is assuming we don't run in to more pirates in the entire game.
The game is timed, but not timed. Let me explain this in further detail:
There is a gold timer, which gives you a gold star if you manage to complete it before the timer runs out, but if the timer does run out, you can still finish the level, which I loved. It is not important to get a gold star on every level, but an achievement is earned if you do.
The game is very challenging. For those looking for a challenging game, this is it.
How long does the entire game take? Well, I finished 10 levels in an hour, but I'm sure they'll get longer as the game progresses. There was still at least 5 islands, each with 4 levels, to complete. So I'm estimating at least a 3 hour main game based on my playing time, but there are faster and slower players than me, and this is assuming we don't run in to more pirates in the entire game.
The graphics were great, as is expected when it comes to PlayRix. They've done a marvelous job here. The game artwork is superb: crystal clear, visually appealing and not grainy, not even once. The cutscene artwork is also exceptional.
The voice-overs were good, but not great. They weren't over done, but weren't bad either. The voices are British with the exception of the pirates, who are American.
The voice-overs were good, but not great. They weren't over done, but weren't bad either. The voices are British with the exception of the pirates, who are American.
FEATURES
Achievements
“Log book”- this allows you to watch all cutscenes again.
Points System- every time you finish a level, you earn points. Points are accumulated by the following factors:
Amount of resources
Amount of houses built, as well as the upgrades.
Whether or not you got the gold star
Achievements
“Log book”- this allows you to watch all cutscenes again.
Points System- every time you finish a level, you earn points. Points are accumulated by the following factors:
Amount of resources
Amount of houses built, as well as the upgrades.
Whether or not you got the gold star
CE EXCLUSIVES
Strategy Guide- extremely helpful for those (like me) who can't finish every level in time for the gold star.
Lots of bonus play
Screensaver
Wallpapers
Strategy Guide- extremely helpful for those (like me) who can't finish every level in time for the gold star.
Lots of bonus play
Screensaver
Wallpapers
This will be the first time management game I have bought in AGES and the first ever PlayRix game I've bought. Usually, PlayRix give good games, but this is a great one. I HIGHLY recommend to anyone, even those who prefer Hidden Object Games. No matter if you get the CE or the SE, you WON'T be disappointed!
I recommend this game!
Can you defeat the Four Horsemen and save the city?
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 29 found this review helpful
Will The Real Developers Please Stand Up?
PostedSeptember 6, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
NOTE: Based on DEMO only.
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Well... I can't help but feel a little disappointed at Elephant's latest offering, Riddles of Fate: Wild Hunt. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't too exciting either. Elephant have been a little disappointing lately. What's going on?
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Well... I can't help but feel a little disappointed at Elephant's latest offering, Riddles of Fate: Wild Hunt. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't too exciting either. Elephant have been a little disappointing lately. What's going on?
The story was average. It wasn't boring, but it wasn't exciting either. It involved your typical town overrun by ghosts, and as usual, you are the one who has to save the town. This story comes complete with saving people, ghosts and strange creatures and our old friend, magic powers. It's nothing you haven't seen before, and I, for one, didn't like it that much.
The gameplay is okay. I wasn't happy with it, but I didn't hate it either. The HOS is nothing different. They include extra step objects, and are rather enjoyable to play. The puzzles are a little challenging, however, I could solve a few of them, which I was happy about.
On the subject of other gameplay, it's fairly easy for those who are accustomed to the traditions of HOPA games. There is the usual interactive map, inventory, hint and skip and so forth. There wasn't a diary, which I found odd.
The usual CE Exclusives come with the CE version of this game. Usual content includes Bonus Chapter, collectibles, etc. However, I don't think these collectibles are needed.
On the subject of other gameplay, it's fairly easy for those who are accustomed to the traditions of HOPA games. There is the usual interactive map, inventory, hint and skip and so forth. There wasn't a diary, which I found odd.
The usual CE Exclusives come with the CE version of this game. Usual content includes Bonus Chapter, collectibles, etc. However, I don't think these collectibles are needed.
Everyone seems to be raving about the graphics, so why did I find them disappointing? They were way too cartoon for me. They were nothing like Elephant's usual graphics, which I love for their uniqueness and outstanding artwork. For me, it seems these developers just had a lazy Sunday with the artwork and just could not be bothered making it appealing. Very disappointing, Elephant.
Voice-overs were nothing new. I can't make a comment on these, as with most other games, as I found them to be just right. They weren't over-done, but they weren't sensational either. I know it's only a game, but isn't it time we saw a little acting in Hidden Object Games?
Voice-overs were nothing new. I can't make a comment on these, as with most other games, as I found them to be just right. They weren't over-done, but they weren't sensational either. I know it's only a game, but isn't it time we saw a little acting in Hidden Object Games?
FEATURES
3 modes of play, as usual. Casual, Advanced and Hard. I played Casual. Only difference for me was hint and skip recharge speed and sparkles.
Hint and Skip- both recharge fairly fast on Casual and the hint is helpful outside HOS.
Map is interactive and helpful in some ways. It informs you of places where there are tasks to be done, but does not say where to complete your next task.
A helper named “Louis” who helps you with the odd jobs around the game. He is used a fair bit in the demo, so I'm assuming he'll be used a bit more throughout the game.
3 modes of play, as usual. Casual, Advanced and Hard. I played Casual. Only difference for me was hint and skip recharge speed and sparkles.
Hint and Skip- both recharge fairly fast on Casual and the hint is helpful outside HOS.
Map is interactive and helpful in some ways. It informs you of places where there are tasks to be done, but does not say where to complete your next task.
A helper named “Louis” who helps you with the odd jobs around the game. He is used a fair bit in the demo, so I'm assuming he'll be used a bit more throughout the game.
CE EXCLUSIVES
Built in Strategy Guide
Collectibles- The game claims that these tell an extra part of the story, but I saw nothing to back this up.
Achievements
Bonus Chapter
The Usual Bonus Content
Built in Strategy Guide
Collectibles- The game claims that these tell an extra part of the story, but I saw nothing to back this up.
Achievements
Bonus Chapter
The Usual Bonus Content
So, overall, I must admit I am rather disappointed with this game. It had so much potential, but was really just boring. I'm not even going to buy the SE. 3 stars and a non-recommendation is the best I can give for this game. Sorry, Elephant, I am your number one fan, and with that title comes high expectations. This time, you have failed to deliver.
I don't recommend this game.
Sable Maze: Norwich Caves Collector's Edition
Your students have gone missing during an expedition under the university. Can you track them down before the water rises?
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
Better Than The First Sable Maze, But Still Rather Average.
PostedAugust 30, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Once again, Daily Magic has failed to wow me. This is their fifth game now, and I have bought one of their past four (which I loved). I don’t know what it is: Maybe it’s the story, maybe it’s the gameplay, or maybe it’s that I didn’t like the first Sable Maze. I don’t know, but this game didn’t appeal to me that much.
The story started off a little boring. The opening cutscene wasn’t very interesting at all, but then the story got better as the game progressed. The main villain of the story is one that I didn’t expect, and is a nice twist. I’ll give them that. But, apart from that, nothing really that interesting happened in the demo. But in comparison to the first Sable Maze, the story was MUCH better, even if it wasn’t that gripping.
The gameplay was good, but not great. The last game got me with the gameplay, but this one won’t, sadly. The best thing about the gameplay was the HOS. The HOS were unique, in a good way. Some developers do unique HOS and they fail miserably, but these guys didn’t. I enjoyed every HOS I played. They were fun and challenging.
The puzzles were also enjoyable. To my surprise, I could actually complete most of them, which was nice.
Overall, the gameplay was probably the best part of the game.
The puzzles were also enjoyable. To my surprise, I could actually complete most of them, which was nice.
Overall, the gameplay was probably the best part of the game.
The graphics were the same from these devs; fairly good, almost realistic and lots of attention to detail. I’m amazed at how game makers can do such a great job. I tried once, and it was a mess…
I didn’t pay much attention to the music, because it was very quiet. It’s nice for those who like the game to be peaceful and don’t like loud, off-putting music like myself. If you want to make a comment on the music, TURN THE VOLUME UP!!! :)
Voice-overs were standard. They weren’t over-done, but they weren’t terrific either. I can’t really make a comment there.
I didn’t pay much attention to the music, because it was very quiet. It’s nice for those who like the game to be peaceful and don’t like loud, off-putting music like myself. If you want to make a comment on the music, TURN THE VOLUME UP!!! :)
Voice-overs were standard. They weren’t over-done, but they weren’t terrific either. I can’t really make a comment there.
FEATURES
- 3 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced and Hard. I played Casual. Difficulty can be swapped in game if you find it too easy or hard.
- Hint and Skip- both recharge fairly quickly on Casual and the hint is helpful outside HOS.
- No Diary, which I found incredibly odd.
- Interactive Map. The Map highlights areas that have a task that can be completed.
- 3 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced and Hard. I played Casual. Difficulty can be swapped in game if you find it too easy or hard.
- Hint and Skip- both recharge fairly quickly on Casual and the hint is helpful outside HOS.
- No Diary, which I found incredibly odd.
- Interactive Map. The Map highlights areas that have a task that can be completed.
CE EXCLUSIVES
- Bonus Chapter- a completed game review says this is not needed.
- Built-in Strategy Guide- very helpful with puzzles and is helpful if you get stuck.
- Collectibles- You must collect 3 items for every student to find out more about them.
- Achievements
- The other usual Bonus Content such as Concept Art, Music, etc.
- Bonus Chapter- a completed game review says this is not needed.
- Built-in Strategy Guide- very helpful with puzzles and is helpful if you get stuck.
- Collectibles- You must collect 3 items for every student to find out more about them.
- Achievements
- The other usual Bonus Content such as Concept Art, Music, etc.
So, to conclude, I’d say this is an average game. Although it’s much better than the first Sable Maze, I still wasn’t tempted enough to buy it. I’d give it a rating of 3 stars out of 5. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t outstanding either. The game seems to end conclusively, so it shouldn’t matter if you pick the CE or SE.
I'll recommend the trial, See what you make of it. :)
I'll recommend the trial, See what you make of it. :)
I recommend this game!
Discover what connects the ship’s disappearance with Devil’s Island and a family’s unsolved murder!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Just Average.
PostedAugust 30, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I was excited by the title, but to be honest, the game wasn’t really interesting. I played out the demo, but I won’t be buying.
The story sounded exciting at first, but really wasn’t that great. I wasn’t thrilled at all, and at times found it boring. The story just seemed to be going along, and nothing interesting really happened in the demo. To me, the story felt like a flat road, with no corners or anything. You just keep going along and nothing interesting happens.
The gameplay was pretty good though. It was sort of similar to Artifex Mundi, even though the credits and their website say that they didn’t develop it. So, I concluded Artifex “helped” with this game.
The gameplay was very simple and straightforward, with no way to get stuck, as there is a helpful hint and an interactive map. Beginners should find this pretty easy.
Puzzles and HOS are not that challenging and nothing new. I think I had to skip 2 puzzles in the demo, but I didn’t mind. The puzzles had very simple, helpful instructions.
The HOS were easy and had some extra step objects. There were quite a few, but why is everyone complaining that there is too many? I’ve seen some with a LOT more!
Overall, I found the gameplay to be easy.
The gameplay was very simple and straightforward, with no way to get stuck, as there is a helpful hint and an interactive map. Beginners should find this pretty easy.
Puzzles and HOS are not that challenging and nothing new. I think I had to skip 2 puzzles in the demo, but I didn’t mind. The puzzles had very simple, helpful instructions.
The HOS were easy and had some extra step objects. There were quite a few, but why is everyone complaining that there is too many? I’ve seen some with a LOT more!
Overall, I found the gameplay to be easy.
The graphics were good, but not great. Maybe a bit more work and they would be, but they seemed to be pretty standard for 2013. The sounds, on the other hand, were annoying. The music was FAR too loud, and I had to turn it down to almost mute. I found the music to be rather annoying.
FEATURES
- Diary. Makes notes of case findings and also holds objectives.
- 3 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced and Hard. I played Casual.
- Hint and Skip- both recharge fast and the hint is very helpful.
- Interactive map. Highlights locations with available tasks.
- Diary. Makes notes of case findings and also holds objectives.
- 3 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced and Hard. I played Casual.
- Hint and Skip- both recharge fast and the hint is very helpful.
- Interactive map. Highlights locations with available tasks.
So, the best I can do for this game is 3 stars. The gameplay was good, but everything else was average. This is a very average game. If you are new to Hidden Object Games, I’d recommend this for you, but I can’t recommend it for anyone else.
I don't recommend this game.
You've come to Mexico to explore a mysterious mansion. But this is no vacation. Your cousin is missing, and the house is crawling with bizarre and deadly creatures!
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 23 found this review helpful
This is an Improvement!
PostedAugust 23, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
NOTE:
This review is of the DEMO.
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I’d been waiting for the next Twilight Phenomena for a couple of months, so I was super keen to download the trial. I did, and I really enjoyed my demo, however, I decided that the CE Extras weren’t ones that I wanted, so I will be buying the SE.
This review is of the DEMO.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’d been waiting for the next Twilight Phenomena for a couple of months, so I was super keen to download the trial. I did, and I really enjoyed my demo, however, I decided that the CE Extras weren’t ones that I wanted, so I will be buying the SE.
If you want me to be honest, I have to say that I didn’t really When I read the little blurb thing on the game page, I didn’t think I was going to like it. The story involved some mutated animals, and saving your sister from an experiment by finding an antidote. Pretty sure that Dr. Vince will be involved later, because by the end of the demo, I had already found 2 of 4 DNA samples, so I’m guessing he plays SOME role in it later, otherwise we’d be in for a short game. Overall, I’d have to say the story was rather average. It was okay, but it didn’t draw me in at all. The first Twilight Phenomena had a much better story than this one.
However, I really did enjoy the gameplay. For the first time, or at least, I THINK it’s the first time, we’re able to customize our difficulty settings. In custom mode, you can alter hint and skip recharge speeds, black bar tips, and sparkles. I thought this was a really great addition to the game, as I love games that allow us to customize things the way we like them.
In addition, the second installment of Twilight Phenomena was a lot more fun to play than the first. I had a blast while playing the demo. This game includes HOS and puzzles, unlike the first, and there are three different types of HOS to play: The classic junkpile, silhouette items, and finding items with a common theme. All 3 HOS appealed to me, and I enjoyed playing them.
The puzzles, for once, weren’t actually that hard. I could solve quite a few of them, but there were some that I couldn’t solve. As an added bonus, you can set the puzzle difficulty levels to Casual or Hard for a better game experience.
Overall, I found the gameplay to be great. It was much better than the first.
In addition, the second installment of Twilight Phenomena was a lot more fun to play than the first. I had a blast while playing the demo. This game includes HOS and puzzles, unlike the first, and there are three different types of HOS to play: The classic junkpile, silhouette items, and finding items with a common theme. All 3 HOS appealed to me, and I enjoyed playing them.
The puzzles, for once, weren’t actually that hard. I could solve quite a few of them, but there were some that I couldn’t solve. As an added bonus, you can set the puzzle difficulty levels to Casual or Hard for a better game experience.
Overall, I found the gameplay to be great. It was much better than the first.
One complaint I have about the game is the raccoon character. He has his own little section called Raccoon’s outfit, which I found to be rather boring and pointless. Also, the raccoon character in general was rather annoying for me. He won’t help you until you feed him, so you have to run around to find food for him, although, he does help you find the food by jumping in front of a space where food is held. This is a first for me in games, and I didn’t like it at all. I sincerely hope ERS don’t put another helper like this in any future games.
The graphics were classic ERS. You can instantly tell when you’re playing an ERS game, as their artwork is so unique. I love how they haven’t changed their style since beginning. I love developers that do their own thing and stick to it! The graphics were clear and detailed, especially the character design. I don’t think I saw grainy graphics once.
The voice-overs were standard once again. They didn’t floor me, but weren’t terrible either.
FEATURES
- 4 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. Custom allows you to change the game to how you like it. I played Custom.
- Hint and Skip- Hint is very helpful outside HOS.
- Diary to keep track of events.
- There is a map and it is interactive.
- A raccoon helper. I’ve already explained him in detail, but I didn’t like him.
The voice-overs were standard once again. They didn’t floor me, but weren’t terrible either.
FEATURES
- 4 modes of difficulty: Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom. Custom allows you to change the game to how you like it. I played Custom.
- Hint and Skip- Hint is very helpful outside HOS.
- Diary to keep track of events.
- There is a map and it is interactive.
- A raccoon helper. I’ve already explained him in detail, but I didn’t like him.
CE EXCLUSIVES
- CE Bonus Chapter- not sure if this is needed yet, as I played the demo.
- Achievements.
- Raccoons Outfit- Again, I’ve already explained in detail how much I hated this.
- Concept Art
- Wallpapers
- Able to replay movies of the game (includes BC movies)
- Able to replay HOS of the game (includes BC HOS)
- Able to replay puzzles of the game (includes BC Puzzles)
- Music (listen to the music tracks of the game)
- CE Bonus Chapter- not sure if this is needed yet, as I played the demo.
- Achievements.
- Raccoons Outfit- Again, I’ve already explained in detail how much I hated this.
- Concept Art
- Wallpapers
- Able to replay movies of the game (includes BC movies)
- Able to replay HOS of the game (includes BC HOS)
- Able to replay puzzles of the game (includes BC Puzzles)
- Music (listen to the music tracks of the game)
This is ERS’s 52nd game, and I think it’s a good one. After playing the demo, I’ve come to the conclusion that this is a game worth buying, but I will wait for the SE.
I recommend this game!