TnT_TJ's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:1,756
- Reviews Submitted:76
- First Review:May 20, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 15, 2012
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Save your brother and try to solve the mystery behind the silver screen in Final Cut: Death on the Silver Screen, a thrilling game set in the 1950's!
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 34 found this review helpful
A Blockbuster - A guy's review
PostedMay 28, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
*review based on completing the full game (including bonus section) in expert mode*
Highly enjoyable game with a great storyline and smart puzzles. Lots of adventuring in a wonderful setting.
The graphics on the most part is really good, though it could have been slightly brighter, especially in the indoor scenes. It has a combination of real actors and animations that actually works very well together. Some of the HO scenes seemed a little blurry and dark, but didn't cause much of a problem.
The music and sound effects are top notch all the way and help to set the mood. Very appropriate to the setting of the game. Voice-overs are mostly good, but seemed a little uninspired.
There is a lot of game play involved. Lots of adventuring, which means a bit back and forth (which I find perfectly ok). The puzzles are fresh and creative, but never felt mind bending, not even in expert mode. HO scenes are clutter scenes, but not too overcrowded. Great level of interactivity within them. In expert mode I did not use one single hint, and I usually have to use it at least once through the length of a game.
The storyline might be one of the best in this type of game, and is clearly thought through. Though thrilling it never gets too scary or spooky. The journal is quite helpful, and has a map that highlights objectives. There is never any confusion of what your tasks are. The game mechanics and flow is close to superb.
The bonus game play is rather short, and I am not sure that alone warrants the price as a CE. But there are 40 achievements to collect, collectibles throughout the game and several other bonus features that do. This also motivates replay.
There are two modes of play:
Regular: Hint/Skip recharges quickly, frequent sparkles on active zones and locations with available action and objectives will be highlighted on the map.
Expert: Hint/Skip recharges slowly, sparkles only on HO scenes and only the objectives will be highlighted on the map.
It might not be the most challenging game I've come across, but it is certainly one of the most enjoyable. I am truly looking forward to seeing more from this developer in the future.
I recommend this game to anyone who likes adventure and interactive HO's, from beginner to expert.
For the guys:
In a scene where many games seem targeted towards the ladies (nothing against that at all), some guys might be reluctant to get certain games. Therefore I want to make it easier for those to figure out if the game suits them or not (in general).
There is nothing girlish about this game except for playing a female character. The storyline is well suited for both genders.
TJ
I recommend this game!
Step into the shoes of a detective who has been approached by the FBI to take over a terrifying case and stop a Dark Ritual!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
More HOG than adventure - A guy's review
PostedMay 27, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
*review based on completing the full game in advanced mode*
The premise and the basic storyline is quite interesting, and could have been a top contender if they followed through with it. The story gets broken up by so many HO scenes that one loses track of the story itself, and ends up making the story itself very short.
Yeah, at first I found myself a bit captivated by the plot, but before getting far into the game I started thinking to myself "oh no... YET another hidden object screen. There are many of them, and not only that, you visit each one twice. I guess that is a good thing for pure HOGists, but I missed a bit more adventuring and other things to do. Thankfully it does get broken up with a couple of puzzles once in a while. Non too difficult, but the change of pace is welcoming.
I found the graphics to be good, not great, but definitely not bad. The many HOG scenes are cluttered scenes, not too overcrowded, but many items are way off true size and in dimensions to other items, and this might be off putting for some. Some of the first HO scenes are mildly interactive, and items already picked up from the first visit, comes back the second time. Even the puzzle related ones that you have picked up and used elsewhere.
The music and few sound effects are maybe where the game shines the most. It really reflects the atmosphere quite well.
The animations are cheaply done and this game would have done much better with some voice overs. I think they are trying to be somewhat spooky, but the lack of voice overs and slow moving animations makes all of that non existent.
I also found it annoying that after reading the text it was not enough to click the button to continue. No, you had to click, then move the cursor to the top right corner to click next.
The game has two modes:
Casual: Helpful sparkles, hints/skip recharges faster
Advanced: HOG scene sparkles only, slower recharging.
Advanced: HOG scene sparkles only, slower recharging.
The game/HO's/puzzles are not the most challenging and the game is not very long, so expert players might want to stay clear unless getting it on a nice deal
Not recommended to others than the ones who appreciates HOG more than adventure and find themselves comfortable in a beginner/intermediate difficulty rating.
For the guys:
There is nothing girlish about this game except for playing a female character looking for her sister. The storyline touches an interesting subject, the little story there is.
TJ
I don't recommend this game.
Open up small jars and find a new Hidden Object scene, Puzzle, or another surprise! Explore these magical tiny worlds!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Pure enjoyment - A guy's review
PostedMay 27, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
*review based on completing the full game*
This game is a pure delight for all fans of pure HOGs. Artistically wonderful and at times quite challenging. I have a deep respect for any developer that can come up with something quite original in an already thoroughly explored field. These developers do exactly that.... with bells on.
The background music is soothing and there are some creative sound effects and small animations throughout the scenes.
The HO scenes are artistically inspired pictures with objects cleverly hidden. Sometimes quite small, transparent and/or really well blended into the backdrop, so some people might find it hard to see, especially if one is sight impaired. Luckily there is a helpful hint button that recharges quickly and no penalty for clicking wildly.
There are also quite a few "mini games" (I'm not sure all of them can be considered games), some of which is totally pointless. Non of them are very challenging. But it is in the HO's this game shines, and you always look forward to see what comes up next in this amazing selection.
I consider this game a "MUST BUY" for everyone who is into pure hidden object games, and would recommend it to anyone else who is looking for an original experience.
For the guys:
As there is no storyline involved, and being a pure hidden object game, this should suit both genders. Some of the mini-games might be considered targeted towards the ladies more than the men, but nothing that will bother anybody.
TJ
I recommend this game!
Lost City of Z
Explore the exotic rainforest to find valuable clues and follow the trail of a missing National Geographic researcher!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
Interesting but a bit flawed - A guy's review
PostedMay 24, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, 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
3
/
5
*review based on completing the full game in casual mode*
Well, at the beginning I was actually surprised by this game. It seemed better than I first expected, and it had some fun elements in it. But it kinda fell apart later on in the game.
The good: Nice scenery, upgradable inventory, somewhat interesting story and loved the photographer mini game (or adding to the HO scenes). You get some education from this game, as I would expect from NatGeo.
The bad: Repeating scenes, few puzzles and some things just make no sense. You open a secret passage to get somewhere, come back to the scene, open another secret passage leading another way (supposedly) and get back to the same scenes you have been before??? What gives??? Also time management is an issue. You start in daylight, then it gets darker, then lighter, then darker again, then lighter... all during the same "night".... crazy. It could have been more thought through IMO.
I think NatGeo has the capability to create some really great edutaining games, so I hope they will put some more time and thought into future game projects, as we all know they do with their programming.
I do not think the game is worth full price and will therefore not recommend it, but if you catch it on a Daily Deal you can at least try it out. It is not particularly lengthy and is more a HOG than anything else.
For the guys:
You play as a female character on a rescue mission for a female friend. But it is not a "girly" story and should not cause nervous twitches in any guy.
TJ
I don't recommend this game.
Uncover the Sea Secrets of the Flying Dutchman in Secrets of the Seas: Flying Dutchman!
Overall rating
4
/
5
29 of 31 found this review helpful
Rated ARRRRRRR! - A guy's review
PostedMay 24, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
*review based on completing the full game in advanced mode*
I truly enjoyed this game, and had a hard time deciding a 4 or 5 star rating, so you might call this a 4.5. I think some of the nostalgic moments and thoughts back to the Monkey Island games had me liking it a bit extra. Though, basically the only similarity is the pirate theme and the sometimes thinking outside the box adventure elements.
The graphics are nice enough, though some of the cut scenes seemed a bit blurry. I certainly did not struggle seeing clearly what everything was. The characters are animated as opposed to live actors, which I think is a good way to go in a game like this.
The music is catching and the few voice overs you find in this game are done quite well. I usually turn the music way down, but here I could keep it a bit louder.
It is basically a true adventure game with a lot of pick-ups and use tasks. And here they did better than most other games I've played so far. You actually have several uses for several items, and if so, they actually stay in your inventory. It's not like when you need a knife and use it you lose it only to find out that you need a new knife somewhere else. I hate that.
The game is also littered with the standard HO scenes. They are the usual cluttered scene, but luckily not overcrowded and only a few smaller items. They are bright and clear on the most part, with a few darker places. Also, the objects on the most part makes sense and suits the screen it is in.
There is a small selection of puzzles as well. Most of them are the usual, and none of them seemed too challenging.
There is little character interactivity, and you are mostly on your own. There is a bit back and forth traveling, especially in the latter half of the game, but not too long distances. I don't mind that, as it is true to the adventure genre :o).
There are three difficulties to choose from:
Casual: Hints recharging faster, no penalties and active areas highlighted.
Advanced: Hints recharging slower, penalties and no highlights (and that includes not highlighting HO scenes)
Hard: No hints, penalties and no highlights.
I wish the crayfish? hint sidekick could have been a bit more interactive, and even occasionally come with some dry remarks or something, just to break the silence now and again. But no such luck.
There is nothing gloomy or scary about this game, even if there are a few ghosts here and there, so the game should suit most players. I read an earlier review about animal cruelty, and have no idea what should govern that??? As an animal lover myself, I had absolutely no problem with the animal interactions in this game.
I highly recommend this game to everyone who likes these types of games, this game will almost guaranteed entertain you, and it was actually quite lengthy IMO. Well worth purchasing.
For the guys:
As we know by now, lots of these types of games are targeted towards the better gender, and I have no problem with that whatsoever, but I know some guys do. This game is well suited for us guys as well, and the story is about a guy helping out a friend... oh... and it has pirates :o). Both genders should enjoy this game.
TJ
I recommend this game!
Novelist Edward Grand has found evidence of a terrible tragedy in the city of Rosemount and sets off to investigate!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Ice Ice Baby... - A Guy's review
PostedMay 24, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
*review based on completing the game in advanced mode*
This game is really nicely done. The surroundings are wonderful, the graphics crisp and clear, and the puzzles, adventure elements and HO scenes are very enjoyable. All in all a really fun game to play.
The music was not too annoying either, though I always set the music to very low. There are no voice overs in this game, which I kinda missed. And this game has animated characters as opposed to live acting... which I actually (at least most of the time) prefer.
The storyline however is so so... now I'm a guy and that might be a factor as the story is targeted very much on the better gender. I have 5 nieces and am familiar with the Snow Queen story on which this games borrows a lot from. So much so that it didn't seem the developers could decide to call the nemesis "Ice Queen" or "Snow Queen". Both names are used throughout the game, and was a bit confusing. Unless i totally misunderstood something (there was a bit fast clicking through parts of the, to me, uninteresting storyline.
There are 3 difficulty modes to choose from: Casual, Advanced and Expert. I played through on advanced and felt that to be an ok level for me. The hint button was somewhat slow to fill up, encouraging you to try to figure things out without using it. The HO scenes were not too crowded, and on the most part were crisp and clear. They had some level of interactivity to them which I always enjoy.
There were lots of adventure elements (which I like even more), a bit back and forth traveling, picking stuff up and figure what to use where. Most rather logical but not overly easy.
Speaking of the hint function, I did use it a couple of times (never in the HO scenes), and it is not always helpful. It tells you if there is nothing to to in the scene without having to recharge, but sometimes it tells you what you need to do, rather than how to. Sometimes even something you can't really do yet.
But small flaws aside, I really enjoyed the game for what it was, and have no problem recommending it to anyone. It was well worth the purchase.
For the guys:
Now, the story is really targeted towards the better gender, and you do play a female character trying to save her beloved Edward. It is never too much in your face, so it should not bother anyone too much. If you enjoy a good HOPA, you should really try it out.
TJ
I recommend this game!
After your son, Bobby, mysteriously disappears, it's up to you to find him in Surface: The Mystery of Another World!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Good on the surface - A guy's review
PostedMay 24, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
*review based on completing the game in advanced mode*
First and foremost: You can NOT go wrong getting this game. There is hours of challenging fun that should NOT be missed.
This game is visually stunning and the live acting video integrates well with the backdrops/scenes. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but the scenery is really imaginative and interesting. Job well done from the developers.
Next to the eye candy you get tons of stuff to do. There are a lot puzzles to be solved, hidden object scenes to search through and quite a bit of adventuring. Items are spread everywhere to pick up and use elsewhere, even in the HO scenes. It is actually close to overwhelming. Some players might be a bit put off by the traveling back and forth, which there is an abundance of in this game. I'm an old school adventure game addict, so I'm used to it and don't really mind. I did not think to check if you could use the maps to fast travel, but it might be likely that you can.
I did however lose track of all the places I needed to interact with, and where to use all the items I picked up, which was a bit TOO widespread. Seeing that the developer is named Elephant, they probably have way better memory than me, but seriously???
Now, sound effects and voice overs are quite good, though seems to start off a bit bland. The live acting is horrible. I don't think they should expect any phone calls from Hollywood anytime soon.And the lip sync is way off. Those are the main reason for me to bump it down to 4 stars and not give it a flat 5. That, and the fact that some interactions or tasks make no sense at all. There were several flaws that is quite noticeable. I don't want to take anything away from your game experience, but will give one small example, so be prepared for a little spoiler...
***spoiler alert***
How logical is it to remove the hands from a rather big grandfather clock so that you can put them on a pocket watch?
***end spoiler alert***
The problem is that is not an isolated case. Several times you have to do some out of box thinking... sometimes WAAAAY out of box. Maybe why they called it another world??? I don't know.
But, bad acting and flaws aside. The game is tons of fun and should not be missed by anyone that likes adventure, puzzle and HOG games.
There are 3 difficulty modes to play:
Casual: Sparkles and hints recharging fast
Advanced: No sparkles, slow recharging hints
Hardcore: No sparkles, no hints and no skips
I usually consider myself an avid player in this genre, but I am sure glad I chose advanced instead of hardcore. I had to use the hint button a couple of times, and even skip once (which I HATE to use). I do not think I could have gotten through the hardcore mode. Though, even if it says slow recharging hints, I didn't feel it was slow at all.
Also, there is no penalty for clicking aimlessly, which IMO should be the standard in all HO games.
I recommend this game to everyone and their neighbors. This game should not be missed.
For the guys:
There is no gender bias that I could see at all. You are looking for your son, but your character never talks or comes into view, so you can't tell if it is a woman or a man. And the story suits all.
TJ
I recommend this game!
Welcome to the great outdoors! Create and run your very own campsite in this rugged resource management game.
Overall rating
2
/
5
22 of 24 found this review helpful
Love and hate - A guy's review
PostedMay 22, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
This game could have been something that I would really enjoy playing. Loving all kinds of City Builders and Tycoons this has the recipe for success. But somehow it fails in several areas.
The graphics is horrible and there is way too much going on at the same time, making you lose oversight and makes it more of a chore than fun.
The game concept itself is close to brilliant. You get to create a campsite making room for tents of different sizes and caravans. You need to build facilities and decorate the area according to your visitors wishes. When visitors are coming, you need to make sure to greet them and propose to them a place that might or might not be acceptable to them. And you need to make sure you have parking for your guests cars.
You have plenty of options to decorate and build on your property, and the property itself expands ever so often after reaching certain goals of the game. Same with buildings/facilities. Most are disabled at first, but will open as you progress through the game.
What makes it more of a chore is that you need to greet visitors, place them, build new facilities, build other things to sort out unhappy visitors, repair used sites and repair sites and facilities ruined by the forces of nature. Sometimes things just disappear without letting you know, which I found quite frustrating. It is not always easy to figure out until it is too late as the graphic quality doesn't make it that easy to see. Everything seems to be happening at once.
What I really hope is that the developer of this game takes this concept and refine and update graphics and mechanics to today's standard. I think that will make for an awesome game experience. This version though, falls short and I do not recommend this, at least not without trying it out first.
TJ
I don't recommend this game.
Discover the secrets of an ancient relic using your Match 3 skills! Summon powerful lightning storms to help you clear the board.
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 23 found this review helpful
Addictive Match 3 - A guy's review
PostedMay 22, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Well, I'm not very seasoned when it comes to match 3 games so far, but I have a growing interest in them, much thanks to this and a few other games.
This one is highly addictive and I love the way you can make reasonably long chains and the great power-ups. It is the first EVER match-3 game I ever played through. I'd say it is close to Puzzle quest in the level of fun, but falls short because of the lack of story/adventure.
Playing this led me to instantly purchase the second one in the series, that I am truly looking forward to play.
Recommended for any match-3 addict and a good introduction to the less seasoned match-3 players as well. Actually this game might turn you into a match-3 addict in the first place ;o)
I recommend this game!
After Awakening in a mysterious castle it's up to you to collect clues and items needed to solve perplexing puzzles and escape!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Princesses and Fairies - A guy's review
PostedMay 22, 2012
TnT_TJ
fromKongsvinger, Norway
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Well, I never turn down a free game, and that is how I got to play this sugar sweet fairy tale. I think we can safely say that this game was targeted towards the better gender, primarily the younger ones.
It is a princess story teamed up with a fairy to figure out what she is doing there and what her role is. Along the way she meets several goblins and need to solve puzzles and some junk scene hogs.
All in all the storyline is ok i guess even though it doesn't add to the growth of chest hairs for the male players. The graphics are really nice and the puzzles and hogs are cleverly done on the most part. It is a bit on the easy side, and there is a fair amount of traveling back and forth through the "world".
My wife loves it, and I think a fair share of female players will, young and old both.
As I understand, this is the first of a series that is very popular, which continues the story from where this leaves off. But it is not an irritating ending to this one and it doesn't really leave you hanging. I, personally will be a bit reserved to play those next games, but if my wife downloads them I will surely play them.
Anyhow, I recommend this game mostly for the dames and chicks, not so much for the toms and roosters.
For the guys:
This is the casual games answer to the chick flick, you score points with the wife/girlfriend by playing through it, but you'll have to endure princesses, fairies, unicorns and a storyline that might require a closely placed bucket ;o)
TJ
I recommend this game!