zaitrancer's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:101
- Reviews Submitted:11
- First Review:April 18, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 27, 2013
- Featured reviews0
Nightmare Adventures: The Turning Thorn
What dark and powerful secrets are hidden within the A.R.C.A.N.E. agency's old research base? Kiera Vale returns to find out.
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 23 found this review helpful
Rewarding for patient light adventure enthusiasts
PostedJanuary 27, 2013
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I don't normally put much stock or appreciate reviews of demos or incomplete games, but based on the number of negative reviews and after playing this game for some time I'd like to add my review of partial game play.
Straight up, this game is not for everyone. I would put the difficulty and challenge level of this game even higher than a standard HOPA on hardcore mode. It is best suited for more experienced or adventurous gamers who have patience for slow, methodical game play with a lot of stumbling around, trial and error and then finally the thrill of the "aha!" moment when something finally clicks into place.
What I think will turn some gamers away from this game is that it lacks many of the features of the new generation of HOPA's: engaging cut scenes, stunning graphics, fun little add-ons and gimmicks and a great story line that pulls you right into the game.
Also, the puzzles in this game are often the style where the actual solution is very simple, but the real work comes in figuring out the meaning of cryptic and vague riddles, symbols and images.
It's not necessary to have previously played Witch's Prison from a story line perspective, but it will be a big help for the puzzles and style of game play. They are quite similar.
Personally, I love this game so far. Witch's Prison is one of my all-time favourites because it was so mentally rewarding, and I hope this one turns out to be like that as well.....so far it's on track.
I recommend this game!
Mystery of the Ancients: Curse of the Black Water
Uncover Poseidon's ancient secrets hidden under the town of Black Water!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Wonderful!
PostedJanuary 13, 2013
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a wonderful game with stunning graphics! I enjoyed playing this game slowly to take in all the detail because the graphics were so well done.
This game is more weighted toward puzzle and adventure, but it's not that hard. If you paid attention to the game it was almost always clear what needed to be done and where to go next.
There are not many HO scenes in this game, but when they do come up they are beautifully illustrated and the objects are not too difficult to find.
I'm a fairly experienced gamer and was able to play this game on hardcore mode with no sparkles, hints or skips. Normally on hardcore mode I have to switch difficulty levels or else consult a walk through a few times, but not once with this game.
What I really loved about this game was that it played out like being in a great story. A lot of times towards the end of a game things can get a bit tedious with me feeling glad that it's finally over. I stayed riveted to this game right up to the very end.
The ending was a bit abrupt, but I guess that's what I get for playing the SE.
Very highly recommended and one of the better games I've played in a long time!!!
I recommend this game!
Echoes of the Past: The Revenge of the Witch
Once again black powers have seized the kingdom of Orion. The entire city is gripped by fear and it's up to you to save them, and yourself!
Overall rating
2
/
5
56 of 92 found this review helpful
Only if you like puzzles.....
PostedAugust 17, 2012
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I've played quite a few Big Fish games ranging from easy to hard, but this is the first game that I quit playing and uninstalled halfway through. The reason is that there were so many puzzles that the storyline got lost and I ended up frustrated and not having fun. Almost every new scene had at least one puzzle with many scenes having more than one puzzle. One scene I played had at least 4 if not 5 puzzles.
There's so much going on that it's best you play with a notebook to make notes because it got to the point where everytime I found a new object I had to go to the start of the game and move from scene to scene trying to use it on every puzzle because there were so many unsolved puzzles that I'd forget where they were. I'd finally find the puzzle and solve it and then get or find a new object that meant I'd go back to the start of the game and start trying every puzzle again, etc, etc.
The game play is continuous but plays in segments where in each segment you play toward solving a big puzzle to move forward. The big puzzle in each "segement" is basically the same, so I lost enthusiasm every time I'd solve it because then it would start a new round of game play to reach the end goal of solving the same puzzle again, etc.
I do enjoy puzzles, but this just didn't work for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Grim Tales: The Bride Collector's Edition
After your sister vanishes on her wedding day no one has any idea what happened to her, so it’s up to you to find the truth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
A good time
PostedJune 18, 2012
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Current Favorite:
Shiver: Poltergeist Collector's Edition
(156)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game was fun and engaging, but I do have a mixed review.
What I liked about this game is that game play was quite long, the graphics were beautiful and the music and sound effects were tastefully done. I played on expert mode and found that the adventure, HO scenes and puzzles were challenging enough without being too difficult or frustrating. Also, for me the bonus chapter was one of the most fun and enjoyable parts of the game.
There were two things that I did not enjoy about this game:
1. The first was that the HO scenes are completely random, junk piles that don't relate to the game. It's almost as if someone else designed the bonus chapter, because the HO scenes there were much less cluttered and random.
2. Endlessly running back and forth between scenes. This usually isn't something that bothers me in this genre of games, but in this game it did. The game play is largely divided into stand-alone "chapters". A lot of the game play was finding an object at one scene in a chapter and then having to run all the way to the other end of the chapter to use the object which would then give you another object that required you to run all the way to the other end of the chapter to use, endlessly back and forth, to and fro. Thankfully there are only 5 to 8 scenes to a chapter, so it wasn't too far to go; but I finally got to a point where if I ever got stuck I just went to the farthest scene from where I found an object and usually that was where it needed to be used.
In spite of the two things I didn't like about the game, overall I did find it to be a good game that I would recommend, especially the bonus chapter.
I recommend this game!
Time Mysteries: The Ancient Spectres Collector's Edition
Take on Time Mysteries: The Ancient Spectres, a challenging Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game! Stop the evil witch Viviana!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Well worth it!!!
PostedJune 10, 2012
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Current Favorite:
Shiver: Vanishing Hitchhiker Collector's Edition
(52)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a fun, engaging and challenging HOPA with great graphics and a really good story line!
I consider myself pretty good at these types of games and usually play on hardcore or expert mode, but in this game was so much of a challenge that I had to regularly toggle back to regular mode and use the walk through and hints!
For me some of the main highlights of this game were that it is non-linear, uses a lot of time travel where an action at one date can change the same scene in another date, gives a great challenge by providing only general objectives that can require a series of creative solutions to achieve, uses very cleverly and sometimes fiendishly hidden objects outside of regular HO scenes and also allows you to toggle back and forth between a mini-game when you get stuck in a hard HO junk pile which happened plenty for me.
Another feature that I really liked about this game is that although I usually don't enjoy HO scenes very much, this game was challenging enough that I'd get excited when I'd find another HO scene because I'd be so curious as to what object it would give me to help me on any of the numerous puzzles that I needed to complete to move ahead.
This ranks right up there with some of the best games I've played. Highly recommended!!!!
I recommend this game!
Top Secret Finders
Welcome to Top Secret Finders. Your first mission is to save a small town, uncover the truth about a government conspiracy and stop the villain in his tracks!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Great game!
PostedMay 24, 2012
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Current Favorite:
Shiver: Poltergeist Collector's Edition
(156)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've never written a review before I've finished a game, but I need a short gaming break and want to give this game a plug.
Sometimes it's hard to say what makes a game special, but for me it's that rare find where all of the elements such as HO scenes, adventure, puzzles and story line all work together to pull you in and keep you wanting to walk around the next corner to see what's waiting. This is one of those games. For me it's right up there with the favourite games I've ever played such as the Shiver series, Drawn and Nightmare Adventures: The Witches Prison.
Anyway, on to a quick review about what I love about this game. Firstly, it's a non-linear game, and playing on harder mode without sparkles except for HO scenes I have found that it can be a challenge and I have had to use the hint button from time to time. I love adventure games, so from an adventurers perspective you sometimes have a nice sized inventory of items to use with some random items that you can't imagine how you'll use, but when the time comes it is logical. One quick note about the hint button: It actually shows you the scene where you should go search without telling you what to do, and then you have the option to immediately transport there without the hint button having to recharge.
Secondly, I'm not usually fond of either HO scenes or cut scenes. This game has plenty of both, but they are so well integrated into the game play that they really add an exciting element of discovery that complements the game and keeps you enthused and engaged. The diary also has quite a bit to read, but instead of ignoring it like I often do I've found myself just randomly going in and checking to make sure I haven't missed any new entries because it's put together really well.
I'll also mention that this game does a very great job of creating a dark, foreboding atmosphere by using darker, grittier imagery instead of lots of gimmicks and animations. It sets the stage nicely for your mind to fill in the gaps. The cursor does momentarily stick at times, but even that has played into my sense that I'm someplace where something is definitely wrong.
To be clear, there are games that are cleaner and smoother with a much more WOW! production, but this one has that special something that for me makes it a hands down winner that's a real keeper.
I recommend this game!
Death at Fairing Point: A Dana Knightstone Novel
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Pleasantly surprised!
PostedMay 1, 2012
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Drawn: The Painted Tower
(183)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
After 5 hours of game play to get to the end, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this game! It's a light, fun game with great graphics and nice background music. With a softer, romance theme I can see this being perfect for family fun, mother & daughter, a younger audience or casual relaxing gaming for fun.
Game play is divided into 7 chapters. Each chapter has a nice variety of scenes and a variety of tasks and puzzles to solve before the chapter closes and you start a new chapter with new scenes. You have a journal to help you along, but there is no map which you don't need anyway because of how the game is set up.
Game play consists of light adventure, a good variety of puzzles and finding hidden objects. Hidden objects include only a few traditional junk piles and then quite a bit of finding several similar items and then doing a task with them.
Aside from only a couple of puzzles, I would say the game play is generally quite easy with obvious solutions for an experienced gamer. What really kept my attention is that I hadn't seen a lot of the puzzles in other games, and even if they were easy and obvious they were still fun because of the novelty factor. The game offers some sparkles, hints and skips if you get stuck and need a nudge in the right direction.
This isn't a game style or theme that I normally would choose to play, but I'm glad I stumbled across it! It's a nice diversion from heavier gaming. I really enjoyed it and I hope you do too! :-)
I recommend this game!
PuppetShow: Mystery of Joyville
Uncover dark secrets, find hidden clues, and solve nefarious puzzles, in PuppetShow: Mystery of Joyville.
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 10 found this review helpful
Not for me
PostedApril 29, 2012
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on the reputation of the PuppetShow series, I was enthused to play this game. I thought the graphics were nice and the story line was a great idea with the potential for a great game, but it never took off for me. To be fair, there were a couple of interesting moments and I did play it to the end, but mostly I just wanted it to be over.
The main issue for me is that almost the entire game play consists of moving from one HO scene to the next. I don't think it's fibbing to say that perhaps 90% of the locations you visit have a junk pile HO scene; and at least one location had two of them. Some of the HO scenes were challenging in the way the items were hidden, but the puzzles were very easy and required almost no thought.
There are no diaries, maps or journals in the game. There is basically no back tracking, and game play is forward moving and linear. Inventory is small with mostly obvious uses, and the game is full of sparkles everywhere. Gamers who love puzzles or adventure and figuring things will likely be very bored and disappointed.
Once I got over my disappointment about halfway through the game and realized it was just going to be HO scenes, I relaxed with a cup of coffee and played casually and just tried to enjoy it for what it is. From that perspective, I think this is perhaps an excellent game for casual gamers who want to play a HOG with very easy puzzles and without much adventure.
I've read the sequels are different and more challenging, but at this point I am quite hesitant to continue with the PuppetShow series.
I don't recommend this game.
Drawn: The Painted Tower
Enter the world of Drawn. Explore the Painted Tower and unravel its mysteries on your quest to save the hope of the kingdom. Can you reach the top of the tower?
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
WOWZA!!!
PostedApril 28, 2012
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Drawn: The Painted Tower
(183)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a beautifully crafted, challenging adventure that will reward the patient and determined gamer and leave you wanting more!
In the world of HO games, Drawn is in a unique category. There are no specific hidden object scenes like junk piles or lists of items to find, but there still are many cleverly placed objects throughout the game that you must collect and use.
Make no bones about it, this is a point and click adventure that goes from one puzzle to the next. Puzzles range from easy, rather obvious solutions to others that don't seem to make any sense until you exercise patience and spend time clicking and trying things until suddenly it starts to fall into place what you're supposed to do. The beauty of some of the puzzles is that they look so complex but once you figure them out they are really simple.
I became more and more engaged in the story line and game play as it went along as it took me about half of the game to get out of the usual HO game mind set and start to think more creatively. By the end I totally enthralled and will definitely be playing the next Drawn game in the series!
I recommend this game!
Shiver: Poltergeist Collector's Edition
After inheriting a manor in England, you begin to explore the Kangale Estate and discover its history!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
WOW!
PostedApril 20, 2012
zaitrancer
fromVancouver, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Current Favorite:
Shiver: Poltergeist Collector's Edition
(156)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is what gaming should be all about! This game is dark, eerie and atmospheric with stunning graphics and an engaging story line and game play that kept me enthused right through the end of the bonus chapter. I'm fairly new to gaming, but this is the most fun and enjoyable game I think I've ever played!
I played this game on expert mode which offers no skips, hints or sparkles. Expert mode gives a nice challenge without being too difficult. One nice thing about the puzzles in this game are that they fit nicely into expert mode because they are integrated into the story line in a way that allows them to be solved by game play, diary entries and inventory instead of random puzzles like rotating geometric shapes, connecting pipes or fuses, untangling lines, etc.
I recommend this game!