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:
Embark on a secret mission to save Princess Isabella!
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 18 found this review helpful
"Alors!" The game is afoot!
PostedMarch 28, 2018
Kay_Erin
fromStill wintery Wisconsin...
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The amusing and delightfully scrappy St. Germaine is no longer with us, but another weird creature, a craven minion of the dark, pops up to serve us, or so it seems. He is a pretty wimpy character but does present the type of peasantry that were so abused at that time. Cardinal Richileau is back, manipulative and brilliant as ever with his nasty cat (brilliant at it as well:) This time we must save Princess Isabella of Spain who has been scrobbled by an evil something. Plots, counter plots, this has the feeling of an interval story that will take us on further journeys. Alors! The game is afoot!
I miss the acidity and humor of St. Germaine, but the fascinating incredible city of Paris is still there, although much reduced. Tiny glimpses of the poverty of the average citizen let’s you know why there was a revolution.
There is a sub game going on during/after the game. The collectibles are glowing balls and you have to find all of them to earn coins to clothe you as 3 different adventurers, where you play firstly a grand lady, then a nun, then a Musketeer. I didn’t have quite enough coins to clothe the Musketeer, so I couldn't play that story; but the first two were fun, (rather like those books "create your own adventure books" where you choose the action). Altogether a satisfactory game in a series I like, but I’m hoping it will be better in the next game. This one sort of whimpered out at the end, with a totally not related puzzle game to defeat the villain.
CE worth it for those of us who like the series. And the bonus game does give hints as to where future games may go.
I miss the acidity and humor of St. Germaine, but the fascinating incredible city of Paris is still there, although much reduced. Tiny glimpses of the poverty of the average citizen let’s you know why there was a revolution.
There is a sub game going on during/after the game. The collectibles are glowing balls and you have to find all of them to earn coins to clothe you as 3 different adventurers, where you play firstly a grand lady, then a nun, then a Musketeer. I didn’t have quite enough coins to clothe the Musketeer, so I couldn't play that story; but the first two were fun, (rather like those books "create your own adventure books" where you choose the action). Altogether a satisfactory game in a series I like, but I’m hoping it will be better in the next game. This one sort of whimpered out at the end, with a totally not related puzzle game to defeat the villain.
CE worth it for those of us who like the series. And the bonus game does give hints as to where future games may go.
I recommend this game!
Spend a summer helping rangers run the Pinecreek Hills National Park and go on an adventure packed with great HOGS and puzzles.
Overall rating
5
/
5
61 of 71 found this review helpful
Another vacation in the great woods!
PostedMarch 21, 2018
Kay_Erin
fromA Preview Of Summer!
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
I totally love these Park Ranger adventures, and this one, is, if possible, even better than the 6 that went before it.
Exceptionally sharp and beautiful photography. You get to learn something of the critters that live in the wild, and relax to the folksy music. This is one hop lovers should never miss!
Exceptionally sharp and beautiful photography. You get to learn something of the critters that live in the wild, and relax to the folksy music. This is one hop lovers should never miss!
I recommend this game!
As this young couple found, evil never asks for permission to drive a wedge between even the strongest bond.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent Game
PostedFebruary 3, 2018
Kay_Erin
fromWintery snow and a lot of games to win. What a great weekend!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
My review this time will be short, because other 4 and 5 star reviewers have covered most of my assessments!
To answer those who found the game "old" and "not enough directions" I would have to agree. BUT because old means you are going to have to think and reason things out. There is no hand holding here. If you knew the hours I spent figuring out "old games"': the Myst like games and and the various Zork games (all classics)! Those really gave your imagination and your logic synapses a good work out.
One hint to those of you who might not have known, if you click on the inventory skull in the bottom left corner it will pop up a hint button. When you get to a game you cannot understand it will give you a valuable hint in what to aim for. I only had to use it once during the game.
I cannot recommend this game strongly enough! For those of you who've been playing games for over 30 years you will identify.
Enjoy this classic game! I can't wait to play it again in a year or so:)
One hint to those of you who might not have known, if you click on the inventory skull in the bottom left corner it will pop up a hint button. When you get to a game you cannot understand it will give you a valuable hint in what to aim for. I only had to use it once during the game.
I cannot recommend this game strongly enough! For those of you who've been playing games for over 30 years you will identify.
Enjoy this classic game! I can't wait to play it again in a year or so:)
I recommend this game!
The contract must be fulfilled, but your girlfriend will pay the price!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 15 found this review helpful
Distracting Notices worked against this game.
PostedJanuary 11, 2018
Kay_Erin
fromGood evenings to curl up by the fire with a laptop and an adventure!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is an ok game as CE games go but one thing that kept me from enjoying it is that every time you made a move or accomplished something, pop up boxes told what you just did and told what you needed to do next. It was VERY distracting.
The game itself was ok, but I'll wait for the SE if I decide to buy.
I did find the artistic value very high and the story intriguing, but if you like immersing yourself in a game and want to keep focused, you'll have to overcome the games' constant notifications. I didn't notice this trait in the other games, so either the story isn't good enough to keep me going, or they have upped the number of interruptions.
I did find the artistic value very high and the story intriguing, but if you like immersing yourself in a game and want to keep focused, you'll have to overcome the games' constant notifications. I didn't notice this trait in the other games, so either the story isn't good enough to keep me going, or they have upped the number of interruptions.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you break an evil curse and save the day?!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
"Absolutely Perfect in every way"
PostedDecember 16, 2017
Kay_Erin
fromA Wonderful Game to start off the Holiday Season!
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
I quote Mary Poppins above because this truly is a perfect game for children and those young at heart. The artistry was first class, I even laughed at the cartoon type characters they threw in as collectables!
A charming edition to the Christmas tradition, and so good to meet some old friends, like Puss N Boots, and other cats and characters from previous Christmases!
I recommend this game!
Save your cousin and his new bride from a horrible beast!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
A Five Star Winner
PostedNovember 6, 2017
Kay_Erin
fromA Wonderful Game to start off the Holiday Season!
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
Big Fish may not have considered it so, but I believe this game is truly a worthy successor to the " Nutcracker" they brought out several years ago as The Christmas Game. It has that same indefinable magic that great game makers and artists long to create, and often just miss. This game doesn't miss at all!
As in the Oz retelling, there are a number of Easter eggs and bows to the animated movie of Beauty and the Beast; I almost found my self singing "Be my guest!" at the start. But again as in their remake of the Oz story (Escape From Oz. Also recommended!) there is an edginess to this that makes it deeper and more enjoyable for adults. Along with multilayers of stories and characters, truly stunning artwork, challenging hidden owls (I had to really LOOK for a number of them) as well as the morphing object in each scene) this is an outstanding game.
From the extras I've got the image of the Squirrel Family on my laptop. So many charming sub tales in this game. This is truly an outstanding game and gets a Game of the Year vote from me!
Honestly if you are hesitating, dont! This is a major hidden object/Adventure game, well done, with a good engine and no nasty surprises!
Good job Friends4Games and Big Fish! Well done!!!!
I recommend this game!
Discover a world of fantastical creations in this hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Every HOGer should have this game!
PostedOctober 24, 2017
Kay_Erin
fromHere's hoping we have a good Halloween HOP/Adventure. Nothing like curling up with a game and a mug of hot chocolate!:)
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
This was a super fun game. There is a good story line. The focus is on HO's so those of us who love HO's are in for a treat.
Not all the objects are easy to find! In fact I found the extremely Baroque placing of items in the HOS made it quite challenging! There is a unique music box which you can run over the area for hints : you can either have the music box find it for you, (it lights up when you are on top of the object) or what I did : find the general area and then put the music box back and find it myself. There were only 1 or 2 in the entire game that I had to let the music box find for me.
You also need to collect flying pigs (very rare;) and they are not in every scene or in any kind of order so you have to keep an eye out. I managed to find them all, but if you don't there is a map that will help you out; you will need the pigs eventually.
Not all the objects are easy to find! In fact I found the extremely Baroque placing of items in the HOS made it quite challenging! There is a unique music box which you can run over the area for hints : you can either have the music box find it for you, (it lights up when you are on top of the object) or what I did : find the general area and then put the music box back and find it myself. There were only 1 or 2 in the entire game that I had to let the music box find for me.
You also need to collect flying pigs (very rare;) and they are not in every scene or in any kind of order so you have to keep an eye out. I managed to find them all, but if you don't there is a map that will help you out; you will need the pigs eventually.
Quirky characters, an eccentric owner, a glum worker who tells you what you need to do, and best of all, a snarky cat (aren't they all?) who is NOT a helper at all, and you will only ever be bothered by him unless you pass your mouse over him to find out what is on his mind. I found him amusing. Top it all off with an O'Henry ending and this is a classic to keep on your computer for the odd 20 minutes you have here and there and don't want to get into, or want to take a break from, more serious games. It is a huge game: I only played it occasionally and it took me about two weeks to finish!
I highly recommend this game to all HOG lovers:)
I highly recommend this game to all HOG lovers:)
I recommend this game!
Help a young woman dig up her past and face her fears in this hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Not horrible, not great, and here's why
PostedOctober 2, 2017
Kay_Erin
fromHere's hoping we have a good Halloween HOP/Adventure. Nothing like curling up with a game and a mug of hot chocolate!:)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A good story line, but the ending was sloppy and not thought out. Also the original theme of the stigmata was never really explained. It was all a little "woo woo" but not much substance.
The Puzzles were good, although as usual I didn't do too well. If you are good at puzzles you will like the ones in this game. Although one of the puzzles is like a match 3 game where you have to get rid of all the yellow tiles. After 10 minutes I skipped. Boring.
What I Liked about the game was the HOPS which were well done and gave me a challenge.
I also liked the switch between the main character and the policeman who tried to help her.
I also liked the switch between the main character and the policeman who tried to help her.
I would have liked to give this a 3 1/2, but that's not allowed.
You may like it for the puzzles or the HOPS, but the story line is not fleshed out enough.
I recommend this game, but only as a freebie!
You may like it for the puzzles or the HOPS, but the story line is not fleshed out enough.
I recommend this game, but only as a freebie!
I recommend this game!
After waking up chained to the floor of a cabin, you must discover the Secret of Agony Creek and escape before it’s too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A good solid adventure/hop game!
PostedSeptember 27, 2017
Kay_Erin
fromAnother favorite SE to check out is my current favorite!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I very much enjoyed this rather old game (c. 2011) which had an excellent story line, with a rather O'Henry ending and puzzles that for once I enjoyed doing and didn't have to skip too many. I skip puzzles that are boring and have multiple repetitive moves or are so complicated it requires an engineering degree to figure out - at least imho!)
I recently suffered some carpel tunnel symptoms, which led me to using my left rather than my right hand to play games. It slowed me down quite a bit at first, but surprisingly,, I got used to it quite quickly. It made me stop and think: perhaps we have become rather spoiled with all the bells and whistles of the newer games, as enchanting as they are. Being made to slow down and think a bit, I believe i made better, more thought out choices. Whatever, I have been appreciating the older games more - even old text games like Zork, or The Colossal Cave. There is something to be said for slowing down!
Not that I won't jump on the next great game! All I'm saying is that if you find your free game tokens building up, go back and search out reviews for older games. You might surprise yourself!
Now this game I played as an SE - I don't see that it is available anymore except as a CE. This was in the early days when game companies started to add "collectable" hidden objects to find, and I believe there were a bunch of bags of gold to collect, as well as an extra story and some cool wallpaper.
Not that I won't jump on the next great game! All I'm saying is that if you find your free game tokens building up, go back and search out reviews for older games. You might surprise yourself!
Now this game I played as an SE - I don't see that it is available anymore except as a CE. This was in the early days when game companies started to add "collectable" hidden objects to find, and I believe there were a bunch of bags of gold to collect, as well as an extra story and some cool wallpaper.
I definitely recommend this game in whatever edition you find it. I would have given it a 5 except that the dreary colors get old very quickly for me, but really it was the story that kept pulling me along.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a ghost bride and save the city?
Overall rating
5
/
5
63 of 69 found this review helpful
Old HOPers, rejoice!
PostedSeptember 25, 2017
Kay_Erin
fromMilwaukee, WI
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This was such a solid enjoyable game, I loved it. It doesn't have a lot of splash and pyrotechnics, but it makes up for it in excellent story lines (there are three; the main story and two complete bonus stories. The writing was VERY well done, not your usual formulaic plot. The villains are a surprise, the endings fascinating and real. Pleasing as well were the well drawn scenes, which managed to keep the creepy atmosphere without depressing dark coloring.
I can't fail to mention the insertion of very old game types into the game - just a taste so that some of you newer gamers get an idea of the wonderful games we played before a certain Roberta Williams broke the text barrier.
Also no cutsy tricks with bits and pieces of objects, just recognizable objects. There were a few little glitches with the inevitable language problem in the hops; a brush posing as a comb for example/
I truly enjoyed this game. I got it in a bogo, but it would be worth the full price. In the bonus parts there is also an unusual bonus in a game where you can buy bouquets for former Grim Facade brides, and get a little history of the series. Quite clever, without being annoying, and it reminded me why this series has been a favorite.
This will be a game I will play again, because I missed some coins (you collect roses in each scene and coins are hidden throughout the game that you can use to buy needed supplies) and thus I had collect all but 3 coins, so one of the bouquets I couldn't afford.
Also I suspect there are other hidden easter eggs I might have missed.
Also I suspect there are other hidden easter eggs I might have missed.
I don't mention the puzzles as they are really not my forte, but there were definitely some challenging ones, especially the first map where you had to direct the car through looping streets. A real mind bender! But enough simpler ones that I was able to complete.
I highly recommend this very well written and presented CE selection! A solid HOP and Adventure game.
I recommend this game!