sfr8rfan's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:5,257
- Reviews Submitted:171
- First Review:July 20, 2012
- Most Recent Review:March 25, 2023
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Who could turn down an opportunity to change the past?
Overall rating
2
/
5
17 of 23 found this review helpful
The Mystery Is Why This Is So Highly Rated
PostedMarch 25, 2023
sfr8rfan
fromWalnut Creek, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I played this game from start to finish and I'm at a loss for what people think is so good. I purchased it without using the trial period because of the overwhelmingly positive review.
This game bears ZERO resemblance to previous Dalimar/Ravenhurst-MCF games. Aside from a little mention of Dalimar and another character or two, it has nothing to do with the original series.
The story line sucks. The game play is alright, but nothing stirring. The soundtrack, what little there is of it, is nothing like the original MCF Ravenhurst games. It's absent most of the time. Among the things I disliked is the uneven ability to back out of a cut scene: sometimes it's enough to click on the lower part of the screen to move backwards, other times it's necessary to click on the X in the top right corner. Why? Why not consistent.
One prominent reviewer also mentioned the ability to go back to retrieve collectibles from previous scenes. This is not true. Perhaps after the game is complete, but not during the game. When a map location is closed, its closed.
Credit where credit is due: the Graphics and Voice-overs are stunning. Visually this is a beautiful game. Also, the few Hidden Object games were quite good and "interactive."
IMO, the puzzle games were hit or miss. Some were so easy my pooch could have finished them (by accident of course, although he is very smart...but you get what I mean). Others were not so much complicated as they were boring.
The game was a snooze.
Too bad the Dalimar Legacy is not up to the early MCF quality I've experienced. This is NOT your Grandmother's MCF. Don't believe your lying eyes.
Has the level of HOPA gone down so much that this is what's accepted as state of the art?
Of course you should read the reviews that are posted, but I strongly recommend taking advantage of the free hour of play before you buy this. I'm grateful that I used credits.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save your world from magical beings bent on its destruction?
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Beautiful Game, But I'm Not Here For The Artwork.
PostedDecember 31, 2020
sfr8rfan
fromPittsburgh, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game is stunningly beautiful. I've probably seen something as eye-pleasing but I couldn't tell you what it is.
That said, this a beautiful game that has zero challenge and it is not going to get my seal of approval. The morphing objects and collectible elves take a bit of work to find (not much). The hidden objects are not challenging. The puzzles are numbingly easy. You won't break a sweat.
As you travel through the beautiful scenes your cursor will change to an outstretched hand or into a fist. You know there's something to add to you item bank. In one puzzle, the "find the item described in the text" puzzle, the items that are camouflaging the desired picture segment conveniently clear out of the way so you can click on what you need and complete the puzzle.
It's not my job to convince you to agree with me. If beauty is what you seek (and after 2020 who couldn't deal with a little beauty) then this is your game. If you want to put your mind to work, look elsewhere.
One of these days we will find both in one game. This is not the day. I will recommend this game FOR THE FREE 60 MINUTES. Check it out for free and drink in the sights and sites.
I recommend this game!
Master Detective must face the greatest challenge – time itself!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 14 found this review helpful
TRYING TO FIND SOMETHING NOT TO LIKE...
PostedNovember 26, 2020
sfr8rfan
fromPittsburgh, PA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I think all can/will agree that other than the loose plot which refers to previous MCF games, this entry is really not related to its predecessors.
That said, this is a stunning game. I do think it takes some time to enter into it...especially if you're hampered, as I was, waiting for the MCF aura. If it were called anything other than Mystery Case Files I would have given it 5 stars. (I know, I gave it 5/5 in each of the rating categories yet gave an overall rating of 4/5). I really love the game. It just has the wrong title.
I've played very little so far, frankly. And I can't wait to spend more time with it this weekend. Stunning: visually and aurally for sure. Perhaps an early disappointment was my expectation of the dark and ominous sound track of MCF games. Nope. Not here. I just finished Harbinger...and I have to admit that while I loved the musical reference to precious MCF I found it to be crazy repetitive...constant. Me thinks the developers took a risk creating a new and intricate soundtrack...and it paid off. It's very satisfying.
This visuals aren't dark. That's a departure from previous MCF, clearly. Bright, vibrant coloration here. Amazing, in my eyes (pun intended).
Games: Interesting and I think different than I've played previously. (I'll admit I've been away from HOP for over a year). Nonetheless, the games are fun, different...not particularly challenging thus far but not 2+2=4.
HOP: Only had one so far. I gather from other reviews that there aren't many. The one was good. A couple of twists.
Is this the best I've ever played? No. Is it the best in a long time. You bet. Unlike a rose, this game by any other name would be 5 stars. Give it a chance.
I'll report back when I've completed it, but I don't think you'll be disappointed if you filter out your MCF expectations.
I recommend this game!
A small-town murder case hides a revelation that will shake the agency to its core!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 11 found this review helpful
Loved the Game. What does it have to do with MCF?
PostedAugust 24, 2020
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I absolutely enjoyed the game. Unfortunately, to me, it had nothing to do with MCF...yes there were references to previous MCF games. That doesn't make it another in the series.
None of this is to complain about the game itself. No complaints from me (with the exception of too many hints even in "impossible" mode).
Otherwise, I liked the mini-games. I thought there were some very creative HOGs. I enjoyed the collectibles.
I MISS THE DARKNESS OF MCF.
So, I absolutely recommend it, but if you're expecting this to be Ravenhurst or Madame Fate or 13th Skull...you're gonna be disappointed (but you'll get over it and enjoy the game once you accept the reality).
Help stop a killer and keep an important scientific discovery from falling into the wrong hands!
Overall rating
1
/
5
15 of 22 found this review helpful
Criminal Mindset Accidentally Forces Gamer to Uninstall Game
PostedJuly 12, 2020
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
What a waste of time...even though I only spent 15 minutes playing it.
1. I doubt this game was "proofread." The written grammar is awful and the dialog is anything but conversational.
2. The voice acting is ridiculously bad: The associate, world-famous neuro-scientist sounds like Shaggy from Scooby Doo and alternatively emotes like a pre-teen and a fascist; a recruiter (dressed more like a mafia hitman) speaks like a robot with just a nano-second too long between words; the "star" of the show is only POV in the first few scenes I lasted through and she doesn't sound authoritative but more like a cocktail waitress. Believe me, I have nothing against cocktails. The best acting was the dog who did, in fact, sound like a dog.
3. From the video perspective, there was no fluidity of movement...step, reset to further progression, step, reset and disappear....if you play this you'll understand what I mean when you see the recruiter walk out of the lab door near the top of the game.
2. The voice acting is ridiculously bad: The associate, world-famous neuro-scientist sounds like Shaggy from Scooby Doo and alternatively emotes like a pre-teen and a fascist; a recruiter (dressed more like a mafia hitman) speaks like a robot with just a nano-second too long between words; the "star" of the show is only POV in the first few scenes I lasted through and she doesn't sound authoritative but more like a cocktail waitress. Believe me, I have nothing against cocktails. The best acting was the dog who did, in fact, sound like a dog.
3. From the video perspective, there was no fluidity of movement...step, reset to further progression, step, reset and disappear....if you play this you'll understand what I mean when you see the recruiter walk out of the lab door near the top of the game.
I'm sorry. This is pretty basic stuff. I'd looked forward to it but it's just too poorly constructed to be fun..
Again, I could have spent 15 minutes watching paint dry and it would have been time better spent.
One star is two stars too many.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save your hometown from the entity that killed your family?
Overall rating
1
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
The Game Sucks
PostedFebruary 1, 2020
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Based on many other reviewers, I'd have to say I must not have played the "secret" edition. Instead, I played the "No Fun, Illogical, What a Waste of Money" game.
Of course it's hidden object game and one progresses by using an item to get to the next item. One plays puzzles which open opportunities or provide game items which help further the game. Example from this game, using a swinging bench (you know, a patio type bench which was mysteriously elevated to the top of a tree which had to be blown up to lower the bench) to pound out a shallow pond by a lighthouse to acquire a fish net that's used to climb a lighthouse ladder, that, that, that....
This is just unbelievably bad.
I've been away from HOP games for awhile. The last two are the most recent MCF and now Mystery Trackers. Both duds. Poor storyline, poor character development. What a disappointing return.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you keep the past from destroying the present?
Overall rating
1
/
5
16 of 25 found this review helpful
Classic Series Name 10. Storyline 0.
PostedJuly 24, 2018
sfr8rfan
fromThe only Mystery hear is how anyone thought it was a good idea to publish this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I bought the CE sight unseen. The name, the history of Mystery Case Files was enough for me. Boy that was a mistake. I can't imagine the non-CE is better.
In the middle of one of the Hidden Object scenes there was a chyron that said "Yawn." Wow. i don't know if that was a comment on me being slow or on the game.
First game in forever. First review in forever and a day.
First game back: YAWN. There is no storyline in case that's what you seek. There's trip after trip after trip after trip after trip (have I gone on enough? No? Ok....AFTER TRIP...) to the Library, the Gym, the Butcher, the Bathroom, the Corridor.....
This is nothing more than one hidden object scene after another stealing from, perhaps, the most glorious series in the history of Hidden Object Gaming.
What a waste. Perhaps I should count it as my great good luck that the game is malfunctioning and glues up my computer so I can go no farther.
What an utter disappointment. Making it even worse, I went with the recommendation of earlier reviewers whom I have trusted in the past. Hmm. Bad move.
If you love HOS you'll love this (other than the constant repetition). If you are into a storyline and some creativity, move along. There are no real characters. There is no character development. There is no story.
I used to run to MCF. I'd run screaming if I were you.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you keep the past from destroying the present?
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 14 found this review helpful
Look 10. Storyline 0.
PostedJuly 17, 2018
sfr8rfan
fromWell, back on the review board. I've been away for quite a while.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
In the middle of one of the Hidden Object scenes there was a chyron that said "Yawn." Wow. i don't know if that was a comment on me being slow or on the game.
First game in forever. First review in forever and a day.
First game back: YAWN. There is no storyline in case that's what you seek. There's trip after trip after trip after trip after trip (have I gone on enough?) to the Library, the Gym, the Butcher, the Bathroom, the Corridor.....
This is nothing more than one hidden object scene after another stealing from, perhaps, the most glorious series in the history of Hidden Object Gaming.
First game back: YAWN. There is no storyline in case that's what you seek. There's trip after trip after trip after trip after trip (have I gone on enough?) to the Library, the Gym, the Butcher, the Bathroom, the Corridor.....
This is nothing more than one hidden object scene after another stealing from, perhaps, the most glorious series in the history of Hidden Object Gaming.
What a waste. Perhaps I should count it as my great good luck that the game is malfunctioning and glues up my computer so I can go no farther.
What an utter disappointment. Adding to it...I trusted previous reviewers whom I have trusted in the past. Hmm. Bad move.
If you love HOS you'll love this (other than the constant repetition). If you are into a storyline and some creativity, move along. There are no real characters, no character development and no story.
If you love HOS you'll love this (other than the constant repetition). If you are into a storyline and some creativity, move along. There are no real characters, no character development and no story.
I don't recommend this game.
A fire at the local asylum takes on a supernatural life of its own!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 13 found this review helpful
It's No Secret: This is a GREAT GAME!
PostedMay 28, 2016
sfr8rfan
fromWell, back on the review board. I've been away for quite a while.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After reading Sunnyglow's review I was very excited to play this game. My expectations were high. They have been met, if not exceeded.
Although the HOGs are not great, the mini-games more than make up for that deficit. If you're a gamer who prefers mini-puzzles to HOS, you'll be very happy. If you prefer your games to present a challenge, you'll be delighted.
Additionally, the story line, though improbable (but hey, it's a fantasy) is well conceived and logically presented (even if not logically possible). You know what I mean. Everburning Candle maintains an internal logic so that as the game progresses, information is added and the story becomes more involved and involving. The story does not go off the rails in a maelstrom of nonsense.
While the audio and video are not nearly as polished as Mystery Case Files and Mystery Trackers games, each is good enough not to stand in the way of or detract from the superlative mini-games and storyline. Consequently, these two, most important, features of any game to me happen to be excellent in this edition of Whispered Secrets. They overwhelm the features that are not "top of the line."
Overall this is a great game. I hope this makes sense: this is a low 5/high 4 game. Because ratings here tend to run high IMO, a game rated only a 4 can be dismissed. (I'm guilty of it). So, to do this game justice in comparison to other games and to give you a fair idea of its quality, I am awarding a well-deserved 5.
I recommend this game!
Your son is lost in a deserted mansion. Discover the strange things that occurred here to save your child!
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 13 found this review helpful
This Game Made Me Cross
PostedJanuary 19, 2016
sfr8rfan
fromGoing for a hearing test. I can hear music, but no voices.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I had high hopes but they've been dashed.
This is a different type of review from me. This is a different type of game. It defies a typical description or a typical up or down measurement. Still, there are a number of items which impact the bottom line.
Positive Input:
a. The game has a good "feel." It's scary in an elemental sense. There's something wrong and that's communicated. A mom has a son who's disappeared and at first she doesn't know where he's run off. Out of the box this is a tense situation.
b. I'm impressed by the graphics. There are lots of buildings and gardens and these are well drawn. They are spare, and without ornamentation...that's ok.
c. The background music is cry good, adding even more to a feeling of (not "impending doom") but a scary situation right here and now.
a. The game has a good "feel." It's scary in an elemental sense. There's something wrong and that's communicated. A mom has a son who's disappeared and at first she doesn't know where he's run off. Out of the box this is a tense situation.
b. I'm impressed by the graphics. There are lots of buildings and gardens and these are well drawn. They are spare, and without ornamentation...that's ok.
c. The background music is cry good, adding even more to a feeling of (not "impending doom") but a scary situation right here and now.
Negative Input:
a. There are no voice actors. All dialogue must be read. Why? If this is a choice made to underscore the stark, sparse environment in the service of scariness...it doesn't fail so much as it ANNOYS.
b. The dialogue box/black box that you must read is so huge it takes up the top 20% of the screen. It's much larger than what I've seen before (or it seems like it is) and it is a major distraction.
c. The game seems glitchy to me. No matter what I think, my computer isn't fond of the game.
a. There are no voice actors. All dialogue must be read. Why? If this is a choice made to underscore the stark, sparse environment in the service of scariness...it doesn't fail so much as it ANNOYS.
b. The dialogue box/black box that you must read is so huge it takes up the top 20% of the screen. It's much larger than what I've seen before (or it seems like it is) and it is a major distraction.
c. The game seems glitchy to me. No matter what I think, my computer isn't fond of the game.
I want to like this game but I find the lack of spoken dialogue inexcusable. It's not because games have progressed to the point where they "should" have spoken dialogue. It is because it makes the game less fun. I can't get around it. And, as I wrote, the dialogue box is a terrible distraction for me. I don't really care about whether or not there are HOS. I'm not a big fan of HOS anyway. I do care that three's no voice acting delivering the lines.
When I began writing this i was thinking, "maybe I'll get the game with a free coupon." Now, I think I don't want it even if it's free because I don't want to have to read the dialogue.
Check it out. Maybe you'll like it.
You know what to look forward to. Take advantage of the free hourlong trial period and see if it's just right for you. It's not for me.
You know what to look forward to. Take advantage of the free hourlong trial period and see if it's just right for you. It's not for me.
I don't recommend this game.