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:
Explore the zombie island and break an ancient curse! What caused the disaster? Was it a virus or magic?
Overall rating
1
/
5
6 of 10 found this review helpful
Come on... Is This A Serious Game???
PostedMay 1, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Usually, I try and play the full demo before submitting a review, but this was so horrible that I could only play 20 minutes of the demo. I can’t believe that a game from 2013 could be so low in quality. What a terrible start to the month.
Firstly, the story is rather boring to begin with, and with no voice-overs, is even more boring. The main story of the game is that your rescue team is sent to an island to investigate a mysterious disease- already done, so this really needed to wow me if it was going to be impressive- and it did not.
The game is very confusing, and without a strategy guide to help, I was left wandering back and forth, back and forth, until the hint charged up, and the hint took a long time to recharge. There are quite a few locations to explore, but also quite a bit of backtracking. The game really should have been worked on more to be better quality. The 20 minutes I wasted on this game was a sheer bore.
The HOS were average. There were quite a lot of “extra step objects” plus one item you needed to find at the end that would be added to your inventory. The Hidden Objects were very hard to find, and I ended up having to use the hints a lot. Apart from that, there was nothing special. The one puzzle I played was also a little hard.
The graphics were alright though. The artwork was of good standard, and everything was clear. I did not have to tilt my screen back or squint once.
The graphics were alright though. The artwork was of good standard, and everything was clear. I did not have to tilt my screen back or squint once.
FEATURES
- Diary to keep track of events
- Interactive map to save time on backtracking
- Hint and Skip- Hint took too long to recharge, but skip was quicker.
- Diary to keep track of events
- Interactive map to save time on backtracking
- Hint and Skip- Hint took too long to recharge, but skip was quicker.
There isn’t much that I can write, but it’s fair to say that this was a horrible game. I’m glad to uninstall it, and would not recommend it to anyone.
I don't recommend this game.
Help your good old friend bring the family garden to bloom again in this brand new hit from Playrix!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A Very Nice Change!
PostedApril 30, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
These days, most Hidden Object Games are also adventure games and/or have dark, dreary storylines where somebody goes missing, is murdered etc, etc. This is not the case with this game. It was really nice to play a “happy” game for once, with nothing to do except find Hidden Objects. I actually surprised myself with how much I liked it!
Gameplay is very challenging, because some of the objects are hidden very well and hints are limited (you start off with 3, and then have to find more. Hints included: Thermometer hint, camera hint and regular hint. There was no time on the game, so everything was very relaxed and enjoyable. The game has upgrades which are purchased with the money collected after every Hidden Object Scene. The gameplay was very simple, and as stated before, very enjoyable. The game puts your name in to the story (though it is used briefly) and you also get to name your dog once you have bought a kettle for it.
The graphics are done very well, and are improved greatly from the last game. The artwork is done well and they are modern and very clear. It seemed like a 2013 game.
The whole story is you are visiting your parents (as Austin) for the first time in a long time, and your aim is to restore the garden among other things such as finding photos from the photo album. While this story doesn’t win the “Thriller of the Year” award, it sets up the game nicely, and you have a good idea of why you are here doing what you are doing.
FEATURES
- Achievements. There are quite a few achievements, and some have more than one level.
- A screensaver.
- Photo Album (unlocked some point in the demo). You must find photos in various scenes to reassemble the old photo album.
- Upgrades. Upgrades start from $50 and are used to restore your garden. For each type of upgrade there are three items to choose from.
- Hints. There are different 4 different types of hints
- Camera Hint: For a brief moment, all items you need to find are displayed on the screen. This is very useful, but blink and you’ll miss it.
- Magnifying glass hint: Very useful, lasts the longest out of all hints. You run the magnifying glass over items, and an item will bounce if it is one you need to find. Lasts for 3 items.
- Thermometer hint: Also useful, but to use you have to move your mouse around until the box turns red. Takes time to use and is only valid for a limited time.
- Question Mark Hint: Classic hint; makes a ring around the item you need to find. You start the game with 3 and must collect more. Question marks can be found in various scenes, and often, there is more than one.
- Achievements. There are quite a few achievements, and some have more than one level.
- A screensaver.
- Photo Album (unlocked some point in the demo). You must find photos in various scenes to reassemble the old photo album.
- Upgrades. Upgrades start from $50 and are used to restore your garden. For each type of upgrade there are three items to choose from.
- Hints. There are different 4 different types of hints
- Camera Hint: For a brief moment, all items you need to find are displayed on the screen. This is very useful, but blink and you’ll miss it.
- Magnifying glass hint: Very useful, lasts the longest out of all hints. You run the magnifying glass over items, and an item will bounce if it is one you need to find. Lasts for 3 items.
- Thermometer hint: Also useful, but to use you have to move your mouse around until the box turns red. Takes time to use and is only valid for a limited time.
- Question Mark Hint: Classic hint; makes a ring around the item you need to find. You start the game with 3 and must collect more. Question marks can be found in various scenes, and often, there is more than one.
I was a bit reluctant to try the game at first; having hated the last Gardenscapes, but this was really enjoyable. I was 6 minutes away from finishing the demo when I stopped playing. This will definitely be a nice addition to your collection. Strongly recommend even if you didn’t like the first one!
I recommend this game!
Howdy partner, welcome to Countryside Buffet! Join Jessica as she pursues her dreams of opening and managing a buffet restaurant.
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
The Reviews Sum It Up. Very Average Game.
PostedApril 28, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
It appears that these days the only real TM games we get are spin-offs of Diner Dash, or at least, follow the same rules and concepts. Countryside Buffet follows the same concept but has a slight variation. I lasted only 15 minutes of the demo before quitting out of sheer boredom.
The one good thing about this game was that the gameplay is much better. While Diner Dash if fast and frantic, Countryside Buffet is slower and more patient, and is easier to complete. Unlike Diner Dash, you are not overwhelmed with more customers than you can seat. They come in one at a time and sit down, eat and leave. That was what I really enjoyed, because it took the pressure off and you could relax a little.
The real downside to the game though is that you don’t serve food. All you do is clean up and collect the money over and over again, and because of this, the game is really boring. I couldn’t bear to play any longer when all I was doing was cleaning up.
The graphics are really cheap and outdated too, and seem to be from a game years older than this one. Everything was cheaply animated and did not stand out.
Despite the gameplay being better than Diner Dash, I really didn’t enjoy this game as much. It’s a real bore, and for that reason I don’t give a recommendation.
I could only play 15 minutes…
I could only play 15 minutes…
I don't recommend this game.
There's a dark force at work in Pilgrim's Hook. Return to your childhood home and save your twin brother from the evil that lives beneath the sea.
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 14 found this review helpful
Nothing Like The Reviews Said...
PostedApril 27, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Given that the first to Small Town Terrors weren't very good, I wasn't expecting much from the third. I was right not to, because this didn’t excite me at all.
The storyline has good potential, but wasn't executed well. It wasn't gripping or exciting, like a story of this type of game would be. It’s the typical “find your missing sibling” story, which has been done a lot, so if you’re going to do it, it better be good. This was not. There were some good voice-overs, but that’s about it in my opinion. I was pretty much bored throughout the entire demo (which only lasted about 30 minutes anyway.)
The HOS though were great. They were a good challenge for me, and I really enjoyed. The HOS contained interactive objects, and some contained many different objects, while others contained groups of only a few objects. At the end of each scene, you had to find one more object which you would take with you in your inventory.
The puzzles I extremely disliked. They were too hard for me, and I ended up having to skip all of them. Some I didn’t even attempt to finish, others I had a go at. Overall though, they were disappointing.
The puzzles I extremely disliked. They were too hard for me, and I ended up having to skip all of them. Some I didn’t even attempt to finish, others I had a go at. Overall though, they were disappointing.
The graphics were the average ones you’d find in a game, not bad, but not stand-out either. They certainly didn’t jump out at me, and there were a couple of scenes that were hazy and unclear, but otherwise they were okay.
FEATURES
- A Diary to keep track of all events
- A map which is interactive and saves a lot of time backtracking
- Hint and skip, both of which charge quickly. (I played this on casual mode)
- Built-in Strategy Guide (CE Exclusive)
- 15 achievements (CE Exclusive)
- 25 Collectibles known as “Castor’s Creatures” (CE exclusive)
- A Diary to keep track of all events
- A map which is interactive and saves a lot of time backtracking
- Hint and skip, both of which charge quickly. (I played this on casual mode)
- Built-in Strategy Guide (CE Exclusive)
- 15 achievements (CE Exclusive)
- 25 Collectibles known as “Castor’s Creatures” (CE exclusive)
Looking at all the CE Exclusives, I don’t believe this to be good value for money and considering I finished the demo in half an hour, I don’t think the game will be long either.
Even if you enjoyed this game (which I didn't), I would strongly consider waiting for the Standard Edition, considering it would be better value
Even if you enjoyed this game (which I didn't), I would strongly consider waiting for the Standard Edition, considering it would be better value
I don't recommend this game.
A late-night subway ride takes a bizarre turn into a mystical cemetery. You have been summoned by a strange entity to free the cemetery’s lost souls. Will you succeed, or is this the end of the line?
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Come On ERS, You Can Do Better Than This!
PostedApril 27, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Given some of the masterpieces we've seen from ERS, I'm rather disappointed in this, especially since the third Redemption Cemetery was so good. It's almost like the developers lost interest...
For starters, the storyline is ridiculous and nowhere near the standard of the first three. You’re on a strange train, get off at a cemetery, and your dog is abducted by ghosts. The “keeper” says she won’t give him back until you free the ghosts of the cemetery. You then go on to each ghosts’ story, starting with the one at the zoo.
The whole part of this chapter was very hard to follow and I was really lost. Adding to this, the demo ends rather abruptly, and in my opinion, not at a suitable point that would grip you and make you want to play on again.
The whole part of this chapter was very hard to follow and I was really lost. Adding to this, the demo ends rather abruptly, and in my opinion, not at a suitable point that would grip you and make you want to play on again.
The graphics were… Good. All I can say about them really. There should have been a little improvement as to make you feel like you’re playing a 2013 game rather than a 2011 one which is what I felt. That being said, there were no hazy or unclear scenes, so I can’t really complain about them being bad.
The HOS were a mixed bag, both literally and figuratively. Some HOS were Junkpile (the ones I enjoyed the most) and included extra step objects. Others where silhouette scenes, which also included multiple extra step objects. Personally, I thought the junkpile ones were easier, so the ones looking for more of a challenge would be leaning more towards the silhouette ones.
The puzzles were a mixed bag as well, some being easy, but the majority of them being challenging. The element puzzles were by far the easiest.
The puzzles were a mixed bag as well, some being easy, but the majority of them being challenging. The element puzzles were by far the easiest.
The gameplay was all over the place and I was getting lost all the time. I constantly had to refer to the hint and/or strategy guide to see what to do next, and this was not only boring, but very time wasting. There was quite a lot of backtracking too, which was a bore.
FEATURES
- Diary to keep track of events, as well as an extra section for interesting facts, which I did not take much interest in, and felt was unnecessary to the game.
- Map is interactive and can save you some time backtracking
- You are given a raven at the start of the game which can help you get different things, and requires four different elements.
- There are collectable medals, which unlock games for your puppy. You must collect 5 medals before being able to unlock the game. These games were: Tic Tac Toe, Match The Toys, Puppy’s Toys (a puzzle game) and Paws and Tails. You also got to name your puppy, which was a nice addition to the game
- Built in strategy guide (CE exclusive)
- Hint and Skip- recharged rather quickly and were very useful.
After playing the demo of this game, I get the feeling that it was rushed. Given the fact that ERS has been releasing almost a game a week, you’re bound to get a rushed game once in a while, and this is it. ERS probably should have spent another couple of weeks minimum on this game to make it more interesting and add some finishing touches, because this game is one of ERS’ worst.
- Diary to keep track of events, as well as an extra section for interesting facts, which I did not take much interest in, and felt was unnecessary to the game.
- Map is interactive and can save you some time backtracking
- You are given a raven at the start of the game which can help you get different things, and requires four different elements.
- There are collectable medals, which unlock games for your puppy. You must collect 5 medals before being able to unlock the game. These games were: Tic Tac Toe, Match The Toys, Puppy’s Toys (a puzzle game) and Paws and Tails. You also got to name your puppy, which was a nice addition to the game
- Built in strategy guide (CE exclusive)
- Hint and Skip- recharged rather quickly and were very useful.
After playing the demo of this game, I get the feeling that it was rushed. Given the fact that ERS has been releasing almost a game a week, you’re bound to get a rushed game once in a while, and this is it. ERS probably should have spent another couple of weeks minimum on this game to make it more interesting and add some finishing touches, because this game is one of ERS’ worst.
I don't recommend this game.
Snowy is opening an eatery to win the restaurant contest.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Better, But Still Not A Winner
PostedApril 27, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Yet another Spin-off of Diner Dash, Lunch Rush HD follows the same rules, same gameplay and same basic concept of Dash but is slightly better.
The thing that this game has that Dash did not is cuteness. The storyline centers on a bear named Snowy who opens a restaurant to win a competition. This will easily appeal to young children, and is a great addition to the game collection for those who have children in the family. (I am not one)
The thing that this game has that Dash did not is cuteness. The storyline centers on a bear named Snowy who opens a restaurant to win a competition. This will easily appeal to young children, and is a great addition to the game collection for those who have children in the family. (I am not one)
The gameplay follows the same concept as Diner Dash, and this is the main issue I had with the game.
Firstly, there are a lack of tables, which really begins to prove problematic when you progress further in to the game because you cannot fill in the spaces left on the tables with other waiting customers. Customers can come in groups of 1-4, and this is also problematic, because you cannot pair up two groups of 1 to fit on a 2 person table, or a group of 3 and a group of 1 to fit a four person table, etc. This is what ultimately caused me to shut down the game after 25 minutes of the demo, and further proceeded to remind me how much I disliked Diner Dash.
Firstly, there are a lack of tables, which really begins to prove problematic when you progress further in to the game because you cannot fill in the spaces left on the tables with other waiting customers. Customers can come in groups of 1-4, and this is also problematic, because you cannot pair up two groups of 1 to fit on a 2 person table, or a group of 3 and a group of 1 to fit a four person table, etc. This is what ultimately caused me to shut down the game after 25 minutes of the demo, and further proceeded to remind me how much I disliked Diner Dash.
In the game, there are two modes of play: Story and Nonstop, both of which are pretty self-explanatory. Story Mode has 2 goals for each level; Regular and Expert, with Expert giving you an extra 1000 points at the end of each level
While both are very similar, I did find a number of differences between Diner Dash and Lunch Rush HD
- Lunch Rush HD features the group colour grey which earns you no colour bonus.
- In Lunch Rush HD, unlike Diner Dash, you cannot choose your repairs, they are given to you automatically.
- Lunch Rush HD does not have the “disasters” that Diner Dash does. The closest you get is a cat that sits around and meows when you click on it.
- Lunch Rush HD features the group colour grey which earns you no colour bonus.
- In Lunch Rush HD, unlike Diner Dash, you cannot choose your repairs, they are given to you automatically.
- Lunch Rush HD does not have the “disasters” that Diner Dash does. The closest you get is a cat that sits around and meows when you click on it.
When compared to Diner Dash, I would say this game is slightly better because I found it easier, however, this is still a no go for me. Taking no credit away from this game, because it is actually better, the frustration that this game brings is not really my cup of tea, and I will be going to check out other Time Management Games.
I don't recommend this game.
A murderous figure in a red mask haunts the streets of a small French town, and the mayor needs your help to track him down. But you soon discover that the mysterious Red Masque might not be the real criminal…
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
Best In The Series! Really Enjoyed Every Minute of the Demo!
PostedApril 27, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
(Full rating is 4 1/2 stars)
It seems these days ERS are releasing a new game almost every day. One would think with the speed that these games are released, that they might be rushed. This is not the case. The demo I have just played has captivated and enthralled me, and I might just continue on!
The Storyline is your classic “hunt the killer” one, and takes many twists and turns on the way to determining who the villain is. But who is the real villain? That’s where this gets good; you do not follow a certain path which automatically gives you the answer, YOU get to decide for yourself! The way this is set out is: You gather evidence, and you are given red spheres at certain points, and the way you place them in the scales determines who is guilty. What I love about this is it lets you come back and swap them if you change your mind. Why have we not seen more games like this? The story and this added element alone are enough to make you want to buy.
On to the HOS: There are 2 types; junkpile and silhouette. I personally preferred junkpile because it was easier, but both give you a great challenge. Junkpile scenes contained multiple “extra step” objects, and the silhouette ones also contained a great deal of these objects.
I found that the puzzles were a mixed bag: Some easy, some hard, some fun, some not. I only came across 2 puzzles in the demo, my favourite of which was the cup one. I don’t know how they will be after the demo, but my best guess is that they will be rather challenging.
I found that the puzzles were a mixed bag: Some easy, some hard, some fun, some not. I only came across 2 puzzles in the demo, my favourite of which was the cup one. I don’t know how they will be after the demo, but my best guess is that they will be rather challenging.
The graphics were rather well-done; the artwork and animations are great, but in my opinion, they could still use a little bit of improvement, as I felt I was looking at a 2011 game as apposed to a 2013 one. That being said, all scenes were clear, and nothing forced me to tilt my screen back, so I don’t really have an issue.
FEATURES
- Map is interactive. There is a camera icon at the bottom of the screen, and you must take a photo of every new place in order to make the map interactive.
- Journal is given to keep track of and review all pieces of evidence throughout the game.
- “Scales of Justice”- Acquired some point near the end of the demo, the way this works is: You are given a number of red spheres, and you must place them either on the left or the right to determine whether the Mayor or the Red Masque is the guilty party.
- Hint and Skip recharge fairly quickly, and the hint is very useful outside HOS, unlike some previous games from this developer, which I really appreciated.
- Achievements- located in your office (another feature of the game), these are an extra thing to do in the game, and are your typical achievements like “go through one scene without using a hint” but I found that there were a lot of misspellings and mistakes, for example: “U ing” appeared quite frequently. (unsure if this is a CE exclusive)
- Your Office, which includes photo albums, a kitten, and framed photographs of certificates as well as your achievements (unsure if this is a CE exclusive)
- Bonus chapter where you uncover the origins of the Red Masque (CE Exclusive)
- Built-in Strategy Guide (CE Exclusive)
- Map is interactive. There is a camera icon at the bottom of the screen, and you must take a photo of every new place in order to make the map interactive.
- Journal is given to keep track of and review all pieces of evidence throughout the game.
- “Scales of Justice”- Acquired some point near the end of the demo, the way this works is: You are given a number of red spheres, and you must place them either on the left or the right to determine whether the Mayor or the Red Masque is the guilty party.
- Hint and Skip recharge fairly quickly, and the hint is very useful outside HOS, unlike some previous games from this developer, which I really appreciated.
- Achievements- located in your office (another feature of the game), these are an extra thing to do in the game, and are your typical achievements like “go through one scene without using a hint” but I found that there were a lot of misspellings and mistakes, for example: “U ing” appeared quite frequently. (unsure if this is a CE exclusive)
- Your Office, which includes photo albums, a kitten, and framed photographs of certificates as well as your achievements (unsure if this is a CE exclusive)
- Bonus chapter where you uncover the origins of the Red Masque (CE Exclusive)
- Built-in Strategy Guide (CE Exclusive)
You may ask yourself: Is this game worth the money? Personally, I would say yes. Looking at all the extras and features of this game, I would say the CE is definitely worth the extra money, but either way, you are sure to be given one brilliant game.
I recommend this game!
Am I dead? Apparently, and you have no memory of how it happened. Death may be the least of your problems.
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Much Improvement Is Needed...
PostedApril 25, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This game is nowhere near the standard that other games on Bigfish have set; from the start I didn't enjoy it, although it began to get better, it wasn't enough to make me buy.
The storyline is just confusing. Are you dead or not? The title of the game and the opening scene make you think so, but the rest of the game begs to differ…
When you meet your sister later on in the game, you need to give her many things to calm her down and make her believe you, one of which is drugs. I mean, come on! Obviously someone will believe anything if you give them drugs.
When you meet your sister later on in the game, you need to give her many things to calm her down and make her believe you, one of which is drugs. I mean, come on! Obviously someone will believe anything if you give them drugs.
My main problem with this game is the HOS & Puzzles. First off, both the HOS and puzzles were WAY too easy. I breezed through the majority of the HOS and puzzles without needing a skip or hint, and adding to my frustrations, there are way too many HOS! For example, I ended up finishing one and going straight on to another. If you’re going to include that many in a game (mind you I was only on to chapter 3 and there are 7 chapters), at least make them a little more challenging, otherwise, take some out!
The graphics were ok. There were a few scenes that were hazy and unclear, and a few that were fine. While not the best graphics, these certainly were not the worst. Although, there were parts of the game that were cut off by the screen.
FEATURES
- Diary is given to keep track of events. What annoyed me about this though, was that some items you picked up went straight to the Diary and didn't let you read them first
- Map is missing
- There is something called a “hideout” which I didn't get to use.
- Hint & skip recharged quickly.
- The game features 7 chapters. I had finished 2 and had gotten through some of the third when I quit the trial.
- Diary is given to keep track of events. What annoyed me about this though, was that some items you picked up went straight to the Diary and didn't let you read them first
- Map is missing
- There is something called a “hideout” which I didn't get to use.
- Hint & skip recharged quickly.
- The game features 7 chapters. I had finished 2 and had gotten through some of the third when I quit the trial.
Overall, as the general consensus states, this really is not a very challenging or enjoyable game. There are quite a lot of things that need to be improved (the clarity of the story for one) and I hope the developers learn from this mistake and make the next one better.
I don't recommend this game.
Discover the secrets of your family’s past on a mystical island!
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Utterly Disappointed
PostedApril 25, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
DISCLAIMER: Based on DEMO
Having played the first game in the series (and loved it) I was disappointed with this latest offering.
The storyline is the same old, same old; we’ve seen it time and time again. A 25 year old man is looking for his parents after they’ve been “missing” for 20 years. The storyline took no twists or turns while I was playing the demo, and I am doubtful that it would if I purchased the full version.
That being said, I thought that the HOS were very good. There were 2 separate scenes which you could access through a time portal, and one object from the first scene could not be found until you had found all the objects from the second scene. There were two interactive objects per scene. The HOS also included an alternative to finding the objects, where you could place letters to form a word relating to the object. Though simple, I rather enjoyed this. The puzzles though, were average. I skipped as many as I played, and I didn’t really enjoy the ones I played.
Graphically, this game is superb. The artwork and animations are top-notch, and I could not find fault with it in any way. Voice-overs were different though: I found the voice of Gloria to be very annoying.
FEATURES OF THE GAME
- Hint and skip- The hint button took way too long to recharge, but the skip recharged faster.
- There is a diary to keep track of the events, as well as a separate section which tells you about the islands’ history (which you have to collect scrolls for)
- There is a map, which is interactive, and saves you a lot of time backtracking, but I preferred not to use it.
- The game features an amulet which you don’t get to explore much of in the demo. The only use I had for it was to unlock the door to the water tower.
- Hint and skip- The hint button took way too long to recharge, but the skip recharged faster.
- There is a diary to keep track of the events, as well as a separate section which tells you about the islands’ history (which you have to collect scrolls for)
- There is a map, which is interactive, and saves you a lot of time backtracking, but I preferred not to use it.
- The game features an amulet which you don’t get to explore much of in the demo. The only use I had for it was to unlock the door to the water tower.
COLLECTOR’S EDITION EXCLUSIVES
While I don’t speak highly of the game, what impressed me was how many bonus features you got, which were:
- A strategy guide, which proves to be very useful
- Bonus chapter (unlocked at the end of the game)
- Word game (unlocked at the end of the game)
- Hidden Gallery (the whole point of this is to find artifacts throughout the game)
Although packed with Collector’s Edition extras, the game itself is rather disappointing, and is way below what I expected given the success of the first. I wouldn't recommend it.
While I don’t speak highly of the game, what impressed me was how many bonus features you got, which were:
- A strategy guide, which proves to be very useful
- Bonus chapter (unlocked at the end of the game)
- Word game (unlocked at the end of the game)
- Hidden Gallery (the whole point of this is to find artifacts throughout the game)
Although packed with Collector’s Edition extras, the game itself is rather disappointing, and is way below what I expected given the success of the first. I wouldn't recommend it.
I don't recommend this game.
A wonderful story of the citizens of Joyville. Can you change their destiny? You will see – nothing is impossible!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
A Wonderful New Addition To The Series!
PostedApril 25, 2013
catbag8717
fromTasmania, Australia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Alright, I’ll admit it: I’m not the biggest fan of ERS or the Puppetshow series, but I was really impressed with this one!
First and foremost, kudos to the developers on such a great storyline! I spent most of the demo trying to figure out if Felicia was good or evil, and the cutscenes kept me hanging on. I’m really keen to see what the woman’s involvement is in the case!
First and foremost, kudos to the developers on such a great storyline! I spent most of the demo trying to figure out if Felicia was good or evil, and the cutscenes kept me hanging on. I’m really keen to see what the woman’s involvement is in the case!
On the subject of HOS and puzzles, it’s a little bit of a mixed bag. The HOS were great (save for one, which was a silhouette scene) and included extra step objects, and I appreciated the challenge that it gave me. On the other hand, the puzzles were… A bit below standard. I think there was about one in the whole demo that I did not have to skip.
Graphic-wise, this game is good, but could use a little improvement. Nothing was hazy, and I could see clearly, but I think the way they were animated made the game seem older than it actually is. Sound-wise, I believe the voice-overs were well done. I can find nothing to fault about this.
FEATURES
- Hint and skip buttons, as always, are featured. In this particular game, they were quite helpful to me, and recharged fast.
- A diary is giiven to keep track of the events in the game.
- Map is interactive, so you can save time backtracking.
- At some point during the game you acquire a little helper in the form of a mechanical puppet (which you get to name as well.) This was a great addition to the game, and a very cute one too! The puppet is very useful to you and requires many uses throughout the game.
- As a Collector’s Edition exclusive, you are given a Strategy Guide, which you can use if you are finding the hint to be of no use. The strategy guide is very useful for finding solutions to puzzles, which is the main thing I used it for.
- Hint and skip buttons, as always, are featured. In this particular game, they were quite helpful to me, and recharged fast.
- A diary is giiven to keep track of the events in the game.
- Map is interactive, so you can save time backtracking.
- At some point during the game you acquire a little helper in the form of a mechanical puppet (which you get to name as well.) This was a great addition to the game, and a very cute one too! The puppet is very useful to you and requires many uses throughout the game.
- As a Collector’s Edition exclusive, you are given a Strategy Guide, which you can use if you are finding the hint to be of no use. The strategy guide is very useful for finding solutions to puzzles, which is the main thing I used it for.
Having played every Puppetshow to date, and knowing the best and worst this developer can offer, I’d have to say I’m pretty pleased with this game. Based on my experiences, I would personally recommend waiting for the Standard Edition to come out, as the only extra I could find was a Strategy Guide.
I recommend this game!