alsteele28's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.2
- Helpful Votes:1,950
- Reviews Submitted:209
- First Review:August 5, 2012
- Most Recent Review:April 22, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Stop an infamous cat burglar as you solve pictographic puzzles and travel through time.
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Familiarity breads contempt!
PostedDecember 6, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I think given the fact that this is the 6th in the series, the series whilst good is just the same old, same old. I bought the 5th in the series recently just as others had said it was the 'best in show' and having tried it I liked those puzzles so purchased it at a special price.
Having downloaded the free trial, I see that this is the same as the others in the series (certainly form number 3), when all that was different were maybe the 'storyline', the shapes (obviously) and the cutscreens.
Having downloaded the free trial, I see that this is the same as the others in the series (certainly form number 3), when all that was different were maybe the 'storyline', the shapes (obviously) and the cutscreens.
If you really like these puzzles and want another set then yeah you are in familiar territory, but to me the new version bought nothing to the 'party' other than a new set of puzzles (suppose it makes a diversion from the HOPA, type games).
I don't recommend this game.
Patchworkz is a relaxing jigsaw-puzzle game with competitive elements.
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Not for me
PostedDecember 3, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
I can't honestly see the point of this game. It is a tangram style of game where you put the pieces into the puzzle. To me the game was way too easy, and I got bored after 30 minutes of the free trial, so not going to purchase it. I thought I would try it as I like tangram style puzzles, but this was just dragging and placing and no real skill (you didn't even need to turn the tiles round) involved.
There were different packs but at the end it was a case of 'dragging and dropping', which to me a good game does not make.
There is a 'fever' mode where you race against the clock to see how many different 'tangrams' you can make, but apart from this variation there is nothing, thus nothing to pique my interest. Defiantly one for the younger players (IMHO).
I don't recommend this game.
Save the three worlds contained inside of a magical book in Azada: In Libro! Stop a dark magician from conquering Azada!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Good but once again SE players are 'caught short'
PostedNovember 23, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This was a good game, with a game length of around 4 hours. This is pure adventure and no hidden object scenes.
Considering this was a SE there was good VO and the graphics, sound etc churned the game along. The puzzles were good, some easy, some I skipped because I got bored (I admit I did skip the very last puzzle as it was a sudoku style and after about 20 minutes my eyes 'went'.
I enjoyed the game but once again there was no real ending for the SE version. The game finished with a 'guilded message' and then it cut back to the front screen, no sense of completion.
I know it ain't going to happen as developers will always want people to spend more, so that the punters feel they are getting a more 'rounded' experience. I think though it maybe a time when there were two different endings one for the CE and one for the SE, so that at least you feel some sense of achievement when you have finished the game and not just a cut to the front screen (I mean this one didn't even do the whole 'credit' thing, so felt short-changed even more.
The game though was good and satisfying with a good story, just felt a tad short-changed at the end.
Considering this was a SE there was good VO and the graphics, sound etc churned the game along. The puzzles were good, some easy, some I skipped because I got bored (I admit I did skip the very last puzzle as it was a sudoku style and after about 20 minutes my eyes 'went'.
I enjoyed the game but once again there was no real ending for the SE version. The game finished with a 'guilded message' and then it cut back to the front screen, no sense of completion.
I know it ain't going to happen as developers will always want people to spend more, so that the punters feel they are getting a more 'rounded' experience. I think though it maybe a time when there were two different endings one for the CE and one for the SE, so that at least you feel some sense of achievement when you have finished the game and not just a cut to the front screen (I mean this one didn't even do the whole 'credit' thing, so felt short-changed even more.
The game though was good and satisfying with a good story, just felt a tad short-changed at the end.
I recommend this game!
Bejeweled 3
Escape to the biggest, brightest Bejeweled ever! Discover all-new ways to play the world's #1 puzzle game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
I have been sucked into the vortex
PostedNovember 20, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
For years I have stayed away from these games as in essecence they were to me just '5 minute fillers' which is fine if that is your bag but I kinda always wanted something a tad more satisfying. The only one of this type I kind of enjoyed was Zookeeper on my DS as it had different challenge modes, I know the first two of this series did, and I did get the delux bejewled 2 which took it a tad further but then this version has taken it further still. You can play the normal and Zen versions (though I am struggling to see the difference between those two versions), then you have the quest and lightening versions.
The quest is what I played most, though be warned it is short, I completed this (albeit have been playing for quite a few hours), but have now nearly finished this mode and nearly got 100%. This to me is a shame as I liked the different modes in the quest (such as balance of gems, wall-blast etc), as to me there was a lot more strategy involved.
Certain games are 'unlocked' after you reach a certain level on the main game (for example if you reach level 5 on the main game you 'unlock' poker. This is good as this version is slightly different to the 'quest' version in that there is skulls to avoid by having to make better poker hands. So again more strategy involved.
I have purchased the game (got it on a special deal), but whilst I don't think I will play the normal or zen game a lot value for money for the other variants are more than met.
This version has therefore sucked me into the vortex, but I don't think others in this genre can match to this series (IMHO)
The quest is what I played most, though be warned it is short, I completed this (albeit have been playing for quite a few hours), but have now nearly finished this mode and nearly got 100%. This to me is a shame as I liked the different modes in the quest (such as balance of gems, wall-blast etc), as to me there was a lot more strategy involved.
Certain games are 'unlocked' after you reach a certain level on the main game (for example if you reach level 5 on the main game you 'unlock' poker. This is good as this version is slightly different to the 'quest' version in that there is skulls to avoid by having to make better poker hands. So again more strategy involved.
I have purchased the game (got it on a special deal), but whilst I don't think I will play the normal or zen game a lot value for money for the other variants are more than met.
This version has therefore sucked me into the vortex, but I don't think others in this genre can match to this series (IMHO)
I recommend this game!
Open up Cake Shops around the world as you expand your global empire in this fast-paced Time Management game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 12 found this review helpful
Hmm not too sure
PostedNovember 20, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
As other reviewers have said this is in the style of the 'burger' games, but again I am not too sure. I think it has something to do with the camera angles that kind of puts me of a tad, as I find them a bit disconcerting. You are not 'faced on' but more of a 'birds eye view' and for me for some reason this does not seem to work.
I have played the hour and as with all TM games the story line is the 'same-old same old' but then not many of these 'cafe-style' TM games can really have much of a story-line I suppose as that is not the essence of the game.
The sound and visuals are OK for this type of game and as DD game I maybe tempted.
I have played the hour and as with all TM games the story line is the 'same-old same old' but then not many of these 'cafe-style' TM games can really have much of a story-line I suppose as that is not the essence of the game.
The sound and visuals are OK for this type of game and as DD game I maybe tempted.
Reunite the Dragon and Pheonix Kingdoms to stop the evil witch!
Overall rating
3
/
5
12 of 14 found this review helpful
Curse of the free hour
PostedNovember 16, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I purchased this game (on one of the many offers kindly given to us by BFG) after playing the hour free trial. The trial was good and the game flowed thus the hour went by too quickly. I decided that as the game was at a discounted price that I would purchase it, unfortunately I feel that I have not got my monies worth (to the point where I may not even finish the game (which is unusual for me)), as I felt the game didn't have enough 'flow' and that I was stumbling around to try to work out what to do next. I was using the hints and strategy guide far more that I felt I should have done (certainly far more than on other games), and because of this I couldn't get 'into' the story as I seemingly playing 'staccato', because of this I had to abandon the game (I think I was around 3/4 through), but I just didn't have enough 'botheration' to finish this thus the bonus content had not been unlocked so can't comment on that.
The puzzles were good and twists on the 'tried and tested' there were some new ones which added variety, though even here some were so obscure that I had no choice but to skip (which again didn't add to the appeal of the game to me).
I think the reason for my feelings towards this game was because of a lack of map system. In some games the map system is just that an ability to 'jump' to the place that you want to be at. In others (such as Mystery Tracker games, it also gives you clues as to where you need to be and what you need to do (some may say this is boarding on cheating, I am in two minds)), in this though there is none and as such you need to remember where all the different rooms are, I was therefore (even with the guide) spending 10 minutes trying to find the correct room in order to stop the game going totally 'flat-line'. I therefore gave the game up as a bad job.
On a positive note the music and VO was good as were the graphics. But for me this was a 'fur coat - no knickers' kind of game (i.e. a game that looked ok on the outside but had no substance on the in)
Sorry for the long-winded review, but I thought I would make my feelings known. The reason for the 3 stars was because the 'free' hour was good as were visuals etc.
On a positive note the music and VO was good as were the graphics. But for me this was a 'fur coat - no knickers' kind of game (i.e. a game that looked ok on the outside but had no substance on the in)
Sorry for the long-winded review, but I thought I would make my feelings known. The reason for the 3 stars was because the 'free' hour was good as were visuals etc.
I don't recommend this game.
Fight your way out of a coma by exploring your deepest memories.
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Good 'mind' game but warning to Brits (and others that use Brit Dictionary)
PostedNovember 7, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I like these games that delve into your mind (Surface, Doors of the mind are among others of my favourite).
The game and concept is good, however I noted a couple of points
1) There didn't seem to be hint guide 'per sa' rather just a stratergy guide (don't relaly using this unless I really have to, hint button just seems to be only 'a little bit like cheating' :)). The other thing is being a 'Brit abroad', some of the objects that had to be found were very 'American'!.
Let me explain one of the objects was a 'birdie' now to the average Brit that would be a bird (possibly a canary etc in a game like this), but for some bizzare reason it is what we know to be a 'shuttlecock' (used in badminton), the other was a 'pot holder' now this was a little bit more logical as it is what we call a 'oven glove'. Had I not been playing these games for a while then this would have stumped me.
That is a reason why I like a 'hint' as usually if I come across American English words I have always got the 'safety net' of the 'hint', in this game I didn't.
Please don't let this detract though from what is an otherwise excellent game, and one that should be worthy of consideration.
The game and concept is good, however I noted a couple of points
1) There didn't seem to be hint guide 'per sa' rather just a stratergy guide (don't relaly using this unless I really have to, hint button just seems to be only 'a little bit like cheating' :)). The other thing is being a 'Brit abroad', some of the objects that had to be found were very 'American'!.
Let me explain one of the objects was a 'birdie' now to the average Brit that would be a bird (possibly a canary etc in a game like this), but for some bizzare reason it is what we know to be a 'shuttlecock' (used in badminton), the other was a 'pot holder' now this was a little bit more logical as it is what we call a 'oven glove'. Had I not been playing these games for a while then this would have stumped me.
That is a reason why I like a 'hint' as usually if I come across American English words I have always got the 'safety net' of the 'hint', in this game I didn't.
Please don't let this detract though from what is an otherwise excellent game, and one that should be worthy of consideration.
I recommend this game!
SushiChop: Slice fish to become the Sushi Master!
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Ipod/pad game should stay that way
PostedOctober 30, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Like another reviewer has stated this game plays exactly like fruit ninja for the ipod/ipad, but the difference is the intimacy with this piece of kit is that it makes for a more interactive feel (as well as 'weirdly' strange work out for chosen finger#, whereas playing it on a computer you not only lose the intimacy of the game but also I suspect that for long periods of play #not that I think this game is designed for that#, I don't suppose it will either do the mouse or the surface the mouse is on much good.
So whilst the concept is OK I don't think the medium #home computer#, is the best the medium that could have been chosen for the game. Also another 'throw-back' from the Ipod/ipad is the ability to purchase 'in-game' credits I hope BF don't starting pushing this as the norm and soon on other genres such as HO games we have to buy extra chapters with 'in-game' money to be able to enjoy playing those game, if the tide is turning then I ain't looking forward to the tsunami that is going to follow.
So whilst the concept is OK I don't think the medium #home computer#, is the best the medium that could have been chosen for the game. Also another 'throw-back' from the Ipod/ipad is the ability to purchase 'in-game' credits I hope BF don't starting pushing this as the norm and soon on other genres such as HO games we have to buy extra chapters with 'in-game' money to be able to enjoy playing those game, if the tide is turning then I ain't looking forward to the tsunami that is going to follow.
Prepare for a mind-bending journey into the realm of the weird in Haunted Halls: Revenge of Dr. Blackmore! Brace yourself for the unexpected in this exciting Hidden Object adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
28 of 29 found this review helpful
Good but starting to get tired
PostedOctober 30, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Having played others in the series, I didn’t hesitate to buy this game in what was until this game a good franchise.
This game followed the other formats in that you had to help others before you could save Tim. This time though it was ‘personal’ as all the characters you had to rescue were people that had slighted the ‘good’ doctor in the past. Dr Blackmore being a particularly evil person didn’t put them into separate rooms of the asylum oh no he sent them to ‘far-flung’ ‘disaster zones’ such as Chernobyl. The game therefore had distinct chapters and each one could be played independently thus if you wanted to take a break between each chapter you could do knowing that you were ‘starting again’ with a new game within in a game (if you see what I mean). Each of the different chapters were good and well-thought out, and gave a little background to the zone and why that particular person was put where they were. The area was also well thought out thus (taking the above example) for Chernobyl you were told what happened there and a bit of further background, this helped therefore with playing the individual chapters.
Overall the game was good, as was the acting and voice synchronisation. The music was atmospheric and fitted in well with the game. The only downside was that in order to get a fully rounded game you have to really purchase the CE as the SE would have left players wondering exactly what happened to Dr Blackmore. I feel that this ploy should really be ousted as not everyone can afford (or indeed want the CE (can buy more games if you don’t purchase the CE) the CE and thus it is unfair to penalise people by not giving them a ‘proper ending’ after all people have taking the time and ‘botheration’ to purchase the game and to play it through so the lease they should be able to expect is an ending of sorts.
One final word, I hope this is the end of this particular franchise as unless they do some major overhauling this franchise is going to get weaker and weaker and people are going to just think the developers are just ‘milking the licence’.
I recommend this game!
Save Brightfield from a shocking plot by a dastardly organization!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent game shame about the acting
PostedOctober 30, 2012
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game was on par with others in the series. I played the CE version that unusually this was an ‘extra’ as the standard game finished of the story quite comprehensively (which I have found to be rare in games that have both SE and CE editions. The bonus game takes you on a new challenge completely independent of the main challenge (though you are playing in the same town so there is some references to the ‘main game’. If however you have just bought the SE version you are not penalised from a gaming point of view.
The VO is good, but the ‘live’ character acting in my opinion was very poor, whilst the concept is a good idea it just seemed to be a tad stilted in this game, and didn’t seem to ‘flow’ very easily. Having played others in the series, this was only where I felt that it was ‘stilted acting’. Other games didn’t use as many ‘live actors’ and maybe the games were better because of this. It seemed to me to really notice in this as the ‘main character’ (the ‘ACE’) was in my opinion very stilted.
The VO is good, but the ‘live’ character acting in my opinion was very poor, whilst the concept is a good idea it just seemed to be a tad stilted in this game, and didn’t seem to ‘flow’ very easily. Having played others in the series, this was only where I felt that it was ‘stilted acting’. Other games didn’t use as many ‘live actors’ and maybe the games were better because of this. It seemed to me to really notice in this as the ‘main character’ (the ‘ACE’) was in my opinion very stilted.
On the plus side the mini-games were good, and challenging, though I did ‘by-pass’ two, one because whilst I could understand the concept of the game, I totally lacked the patience, and the other because I didn’t understand the concept of the game.
The gameplay and storyline was logical and proceeded in an orderly manner. There was an ‘interactive map’ which was not only useful to be able to ‘jump’ to locations but it also showed what areas there were tasks to complete (some may regards this as cheating, but I thought it helped with the flow of the game as it meant you didn’t wonder aimlessly wondering what you should be doing next).
Overall this was a fun game and a worthwhile addition to the series, for the reviewer who said there should be ‘slider control’ for the snow and rain, I agree to extent as I can imagine it would slow down and older system, however in context of these game (and it always seems to be snowing/raining etc.) it adds to the atmosphere of the overall game (a sort of 90’s noir feeling).
I recommend this game!