Kay_Erin's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:1,627
- Reviews Submitted:237
- First Review:January 15, 2014
- Most Recent Review:December 25, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Uncover the true murderer as you investigate a haunted house!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
The best so far
PostedJune 2, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromA bright sunny Sunday! Summer is a comin' in!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wow, between number 3 in this series and this (#4) it seems the dev took a quantum leap in creativity. The music is more evocative, (and I’ve not needed to turn it off yet;) The colours are brighter and the scene is a pleasant and well drawn. There are friendly ghosts; at least they aren’t macabre. The mystery tale is brisk and keeps along at a brisk pace. A beautiful Pallas cat is here, and of course it isn’t long before the ubiquitous St. Germaine shows his nasty little face! “Stupid Detective! Why don’t you investigate the bottom of a tar pit?!” Gotta love him! An odd, and pointless collectable is the 20 bags of seeds I must sow,water and cut then sell and start over. I passed on that - there is no incentive nor is it a real part of the game at all.
I am however becoming increasingly frustrated with the puzzles which don't give enough information or allow you to learn how to play them. I'm not a great puzzle player, I'll be the first to admit, but sometimes when the answers are just random it is beyond frustrating. Basically I have to settle for as good a storyline as I can get, beautiful graphics and more HOS. I know the devs are struggling to keep both avid puzzle fans and the hog-ers happy, a thankless task, but I think they could go along way toward that if they gave better directions in the puzzles.
Well since this was written way back in about 2012, I'm just thankful it is as good as it is. Now onto number 4 _The Stone Guest_.
I am however becoming increasingly frustrated with the puzzles which don't give enough information or allow you to learn how to play them. I'm not a great puzzle player, I'll be the first to admit, but sometimes when the answers are just random it is beyond frustrating. Basically I have to settle for as good a storyline as I can get, beautiful graphics and more HOS. I know the devs are struggling to keep both avid puzzle fans and the hog-ers happy, a thankless task, but I think they could go along way toward that if they gave better directions in the puzzles.
Well since this was written way back in about 2012, I'm just thankful it is as good as it is. Now onto number 4 _The Stone Guest_.
Find out who is behind the shocking zombie invasion.
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
The series is getting better
PostedJune 2, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromIt's good to go back a number of years and see how much progress has been made in HO/Advent. Games
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a case where I can see, looking back over past years how the really great devs learned and grew.
This is #3 in the series. The first two, _Queen of Spades_ and _The Bronze Horseman_ were basically no frills very challenging games; not to much difference in how they played. But # 3 is much better in terms of help; hints now for where to go next. Still good HOS and good puzzles. Some of the puzzles were just figure it out as you go along (random) and some like finding all the matching fish scales at the end were doable but basically just time wasters. We finally get a view of St. Germaine as he was before the witch cursed him to look like he was on the inside; a greedy vile little man. Still, the pace could have picked up a bit. Now on to #4.
This is definitely a good game
This is #3 in the series. The first two, _Queen of Spades_ and _The Bronze Horseman_ were basically no frills very challenging games; not to much difference in how they played. But # 3 is much better in terms of help; hints now for where to go next. Still good HOS and good puzzles. Some of the puzzles were just figure it out as you go along (random) and some like finding all the matching fish scales at the end were doable but basically just time wasters. We finally get a view of St. Germaine as he was before the witch cursed him to look like he was on the inside; a greedy vile little man. Still, the pace could have picked up a bit. Now on to #4.
This is definitely a good game
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a past case from destroying the present?
Overall rating
1
/
5
14 of 19 found this review helpful
Really???
PostedMay 31, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromAs Mr. Bugs would say..."What a maroon!"
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
In addition to freezing up and cutting out 20 minutes of my trial time, this game is so derivative and boring I couldn't even finish the trial minutes I had.
Not to mention the bobble-headed doll of Ms Holmes as a "collectable" being in unbelievably poor taste, the cutesy image of her at the top of the page in Holmes type clothes were insulting and quite quite off putting.
Not recommending this game at all.
Not to mention the bobble-headed doll of Ms Holmes as a "collectable" being in unbelievably poor taste, the cutesy image of her at the top of the page in Holmes type clothes were insulting and quite quite off putting.
Not recommending this game at all.
Discover the secrets behind a magical deck of cards in Haunted Legends: Queen of Spades! Find The Countess and stop her curse!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A Golden Oldie!
PostedMay 28, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromSpring/Summer is being dragged in, kicking and screaming!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Here I am again, reviewing a *really* old game (bought it back in 2012, but it was originally released in 2010) that has well stood the test of time. It shows to advantage the really good devs" ERS and AMAX studios.
Now mind you, after 9 years I am surprised I can even play the game! Kudo's to BF for picking games that are so well made. On my machine (PC Dell Inspiron about 3 years old) it takes about 5 minutes to load, but STILL plays well.
Now for you baby fish, this is an old core, think-for-yourself-no hand-holding game. No Map, no hints (except in the HOS) but there is a detailed Strategy Guide (that won't save your place! Somethings did get better with time!) The only collectibles are 52 cards which are essential to the story and the completion of the game.
There are lots of HOS piles, but pretty decent and not at all easy. The puzzles are also decent. There is NO map, so you spend a lot of time going round to different sites and it helps to make notes of where you will need things. Not that I did, but it would have helped;)
Still, I'm intrigued by "SG" in his early incarnation, as sarcastic, bitter and charming an old rascal and villain as ever graced a game! Much will be revealed in later games but this initial one was worth the effort and I felt so satisfied when I finally found the last missing bit on the machine. It forces you to go back and really look, although all the information is in the Strategy Guide, thank goodness!
I very much recommend this game! As I have the whole series I'm going to go back and play them all, so look for my next review of "The Bronze Horseman"
There are lots of HOS piles, but pretty decent and not at all easy. The puzzles are also decent. There is NO map, so you spend a lot of time going round to different sites and it helps to make notes of where you will need things. Not that I did, but it would have helped;)
Still, I'm intrigued by "SG" in his early incarnation, as sarcastic, bitter and charming an old rascal and villain as ever graced a game! Much will be revealed in later games but this initial one was worth the effort and I felt so satisfied when I finally found the last missing bit on the machine. It forces you to go back and really look, although all the information is in the Strategy Guide, thank goodness!
I very much recommend this game! As I have the whole series I'm going to go back and play them all, so look for my next review of "The Bronze Horseman"
I recommend this game!
Embark on a paranormal journey through a family’s past in this wonderfully crafted adventure game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 9 found this review helpful
An above average game with morphs
PostedMay 28, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromSpring/Summer is being dragged in, kicking and screaming!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I was really caught up in the game, but I know *exactly* why BF didn't offer it as a CE: I certainly wouldn't pay for this as a CE, as it has a pretty dark and gloomy atmosphere, and the story while a good mystery lacked in clarity, so that I had to use the map more than I like.
However I *did* like the mystery part of the game and and the collectibles pushed it over the top; I wish more SE games did this, if only so it would push the CE games to stop being so self satisfied with adding bling to a poor story! So I will gladly get it as an SE. I don't remember this dev, but this is a workman like game; it just didn't have that "wow" factor I usually associate with CE games.
Still, after the great sale this past w/e I've a free game credit to spend and this is a good candidate!
However I *did* like the mystery part of the game and and the collectibles pushed it over the top; I wish more SE games did this, if only so it would push the CE games to stop being so self satisfied with adding bling to a poor story! So I will gladly get it as an SE. I don't remember this dev, but this is a workman like game; it just didn't have that "wow" factor I usually associate with CE games.
Still, after the great sale this past w/e I've a free game credit to spend and this is a good candidate!
I recommend this game!
Whenever heroes gather, villains are sure to follow...
Overall rating
2
/
5
16 of 18 found this review helpful
Not happy
PostedMay 7, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromMonday 70 degrees, Wednesday Blizzard. For fun weather come to Wisconsin!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I was looking forward to this second game in this spin-off series with 3 “old hands”; i.e., Anna Gray, (and her spooky Dad, Vincent, Yay!) from Grim Tales; James Blackthorn from Haunted Hotel ; and Agent Brown from Mystery Trackers.(minus the helpful dog; what’s with that?) Having said all this, for the first time ever, I hated this game! Mostly because I feel the devs pulled a fast one; I felt I’ve been had.
Instead of a regular game and a bonus game, there was a _very_ short game followed by another game, called the bonus game. But this was the same game, just split in half! All the same characters, the same plot, although it was technically a sequel.
Don’t get me wrong the puzzles and hops, morphs and collectibles were fun. But knowing that I wasn’t getting what I’ve come to expect gave me a sour feeling as I finished the game.
To top it all off, the “Secret Room” (after the “bonus” game) that you knock yourself out in finding all the morphs, statues etc, had a timer on it! I hate timed games! I play to relax, and not having the option to turn off the timer was a big bummer. Also they got rid of my favorite, Vincent, and presumably you won’t see him again unless you buy another game in this series. This feels like blackmail. This is bad business and worse pr.
And to be honest, both the games in this series are not as good as the other series this dev has put out. It is like all their energies were split between the three characters and there was just too much to cover and so they did nothing well.
This has got to be the worst review I’ve ever given any game, and it hurts more because I’m a big fan of this dev and (previously) loved all their work.
So, Caveat Emptor my friends. Let the buyer beware.
For a better experience try any of the Grim Tales, but I recommend The Nomad, The Legacy and Crimson Hollow but all are good. Also all the Mystery Trackers are fun. I especially enjoyed Queen of Hearts and Four Aces early in the Mystery Trackers series, but they are all good.
Instead of a regular game and a bonus game, there was a _very_ short game followed by another game, called the bonus game. But this was the same game, just split in half! All the same characters, the same plot, although it was technically a sequel.
Don’t get me wrong the puzzles and hops, morphs and collectibles were fun. But knowing that I wasn’t getting what I’ve come to expect gave me a sour feeling as I finished the game.
To top it all off, the “Secret Room” (after the “bonus” game) that you knock yourself out in finding all the morphs, statues etc, had a timer on it! I hate timed games! I play to relax, and not having the option to turn off the timer was a big bummer. Also they got rid of my favorite, Vincent, and presumably you won’t see him again unless you buy another game in this series. This feels like blackmail. This is bad business and worse pr.
And to be honest, both the games in this series are not as good as the other series this dev has put out. It is like all their energies were split between the three characters and there was just too much to cover and so they did nothing well.
This has got to be the worst review I’ve ever given any game, and it hurts more because I’m a big fan of this dev and (previously) loved all their work.
So, Caveat Emptor my friends. Let the buyer beware.
For a better experience try any of the Grim Tales, but I recommend The Nomad, The Legacy and Crimson Hollow but all are good. Also all the Mystery Trackers are fun. I especially enjoyed Queen of Hearts and Four Aces early in the Mystery Trackers series, but they are all good.
I don't recommend this game.
Face the legacy of mythical sunken city of Ys!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
I liked it - better than the first!
PostedApril 11, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromMonday 70 degrees, Wednesday Blizzard. For fun weather come to Wisconsin!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
An excellent long game. It was challenging without being too much. It took me a long time to play, although the bonus game was much shorter, it was interesting - I kind of think it was a cross between a prequel and an up coming story line.
I agree with another reviewer; this is almost a "bling-less CE" in that the only collectibles were 4 or so different sets of masks, which I found odd and they never showed what the connection between the ancient city and the masks was.
Anyway these collectible were not worth anything and they don't allow you to go back and find them anyway, so Pffft!
I agree with another reviewer; this is almost a "bling-less CE" in that the only collectibles were 4 or so different sets of masks, which I found odd and they never showed what the connection between the ancient city and the masks was.
Anyway these collectible were not worth anything and they don't allow you to go back and find them anyway, so Pffft!
I gave this 3 stars because of the fun time I had playing the main game, but took 2 stars off for posing as a CE;but really, I would give it 5 stars as an SE
They did add a cute animal to the bonus chapter. I'm a fan of animals and don't think they take away from my ability to play a game well. So I liked that, and it made paying for a CE less painful;)
Bottom line: if you are a completest and want the CE go for it, but in actuality the SE will give you more bang for your buck.
They did add a cute animal to the bonus chapter. I'm a fan of animals and don't think they take away from my ability to play a game well. So I liked that, and it made paying for a CE less painful;)
Bottom line: if you are a completest and want the CE go for it, but in actuality the SE will give you more bang for your buck.
I recommend this game!
Escape from the eerie Redemption Cemetery by helping trapped spirits save their loved ones, and free their souls!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Another Oldie but Goodie!
PostedFebruary 17, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromOh, ugh! More snow!!!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
On playing this game again after several years, I think it holds up amazingly well considering it is about 7 years old.Unlike a few of the lesser made games, I can still play this one, although it takes a long time to load because it doesn’t recognize I am in the correct resolution (600x900) but it eventually does.
Compared with today’s games, it is pretty bare bones, having no map, and the hint button is slow to refill. You spend a lot of time wandering round without the more modern additions of morphs and collectibles to keep you alert (or distracted!)
However, a strong and well written story line and beautifully drawn layout keeps pulling you along and the HOS are excellent.
However, a strong and well written story line and beautifully drawn layout keeps pulling you along and the HOS are excellent.
In those days HOS were the main focus and there were fewer puzzles, which suits me as I prefer the adventure/hos aspect: I think that often the puzzles are used as "filler" and only distract/interrupt the story line.
The main game is divided into 3 stories where you have to help someone rest in peace by correcting the past for them. The bonus game is similar but here you need to find the killer of two lovers and reunite them. All are very well written stories, and challenging. Oh yes, and the "extras" are limited to music tracks, screen savers and concept art.
This game has its own unique charm and was excellently paced; I was drawn on to play to the end, with very few hints. (When you press on the hint button a group of bats fly to the correct place, IF you are in the correct scene!)
My conclusion: an excellent start to an outstanding series and still worthy of CE status more than 7 years later!
My conclusion: an excellent start to an outstanding series and still worthy of CE status more than 7 years later!
As someone else has noted this is a darker game and probably not suited to very young players - (one story has a young child trapped in a fire) use discretion in offering to younger children.
I recommend this game!
The shapeshifting detective, and hero of Netherfall, is once again called to the capital to help king Robert investigate a series of kidnappings!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Another adventure for the shape shifting Medic!
PostedFebruary 14, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromGood thing we have flowers in the game. Closest we'll get to them until this brutal winter is done!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Another game about the witch who transforms into other creatures by mixing potions. This one is a bit more accessible and doesn't spend too much time (a fault with the previous games) on mixing them. The miniature worlds she transforms to are delightful (eg. the cocky mouse!)
A good story and well-drawn. Sequel is charming and of respectable length.
However! Absolutely no acknowledgement of found morphs or collectibles in the bonus section, which pretty much makes finding them pointless. 2 points off fun factor for this. Come on guys, if you are going to the trouble of including morphs and hidden objects, at the very least you can tot up how many we get!
A good story and well-drawn. Sequel is charming and of respectable length.
However! Absolutely no acknowledgement of found morphs or collectibles in the bonus section, which pretty much makes finding them pointless. 2 points off fun factor for this. Come on guys, if you are going to the trouble of including morphs and hidden objects, at the very least you can tot up how many we get!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a madman from using puppets to take over the island?
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 9 found this review helpful
Another in the series, but still play worthy
PostedFebruary 10, 2019
Kay_Erin
fromNice to see all the flowers in this game...I long for spring!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I like this series, mostly because the hidden objects keeps the game moving. The underlying reality is pretty horrific, but it is so well drawn it softens the effect.
The collectibles (which give you a bauble and a description of previous games in the series) really don't add a lot to the game, but the bonus game was very well done and worth the total CE price.
Although stereotypical, the Japanese bride adds a pretty ambiance to the story.
In conclusion: not earth shattering but a good example of the series (except the first two or three which were outstanding) and a pleasant game.
Although stereotypical, the Japanese bride adds a pretty ambiance to the story.
In conclusion: not earth shattering but a good example of the series (except the first two or three which were outstanding) and a pleasant game.
I recommend this game!