Robsim's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.3
- Helpful Votes:358
- Reviews Submitted:20
- First Review:November 15, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 30, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Help Ashley Ford find her father and solve the mystery of the Three Oak Mansion.
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 23 found this review helpful
'Four Stars' Worthy
PostedDecember 3, 2013
Robsim
fromMiami, FL
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
This is a great little 'TGT' release. Played the demo and, although the story-line is nothing new, what I look at is how developers deliver the storyline - old or new - in their version of a game. 'Crystals of Time' is a soft-release presented to us by a relatively new developer with two other Hid'n-Obj games released in 2012 and 2010, and although I have yet to try those two games, I found 'Crystals' worthy of saying a few words.
As is a norm for me, I won't rehash the game's plot, as it's been done both in the reviews before mine's and in the game page description; but instead, will simply give my four-cents worth of thought: If you're seeking something in the form of bells and whistles. . . .don't!!! Instead, what we have here is good 'old-fashion' simplicity, which - from time to time - can be a good thing. Yes, the game's mechanics could have used some polishing; such as the cursor's not always turning into the 'hand' when necessary, or the directional arrow has to be placed exactly on the 'hotspot' to display, or that a circle of sparkles show where an item needs to be picked up -- which is a 'no no'. However, as long-time hid'n-obj game players, these little nuances are easy enough to adjust to and overlook once you delve into the overall feel of the game play and its' element of "edge-of-seat" mystery. During the game's demo, I experienced no technical problems, my screen was filled, the scene locations were very clear with quite a few locations to explore, and the music the developers chose to use adds well to the mystery/atmosphere without being overwhelming. Also, as I'm not one that is in need of a map - only a few games I've ever needed one - both it and the journal are suitable enough for a basic game such as this. I also like the feature of going back and forth into a different time, which is similar in nature to two other games of this genre on BF.
Truth be told, I actually look for games by new and/or small developers for release on BF, as they bring their own different/unique style of subtlety to hidden object games with their "no-two-games-alike", cookie cutter feel; and this little gem has enough challenge to make you think, but not too much where - for me, that is - a walk through is really necessary.
This game, to me, is a definite buy. And, if you too are one that occasionally looks for a decent "back-to-basics" or "something a little different" in your games, then. . . .see below:
I recommend this game!
Secret Trails: Frozen Heart Collector's Edition
Your surprise visit is ruined by a blizzard. Who caused it, and what does he want with your little sister?
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 13 found this review helpful
Good game, but no 'CE'
PostedNovember 24, 2013
Robsim
fromMiami, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I took the plunge at playing the demo, when this game was in 'TGT' status, and thought it as equally satisfying a game as most others. This little fare is developed by Foxy Games Studio, makers of "Mystic Legacy: The Great Ring" - which was a good game when released - and, as I see it, "Secret Trails" would have fared better if it had been released as one of the occasional - yet 'surprising' - soft edition game releases that give you bang for the buck.
As the previous reviewers have already broken down the game's mechanics, features, colors, etc., there's no need for repetition on my part. Probably the most I can say is if you're one of the players that prefers to mentally 'gear up' for a deep sea dive [heavy challenge], then this probably won't be for you. But, for those that prefer - or sometimes prefer - going in waist-high and only putting your face beneath the surface [mild challenge], then this game you might enjoy. Although the game includes collectible butterflies and achievements, I wouldn't consider it to be of CE caliber but, instead, more of a "bang-for-your-buck" soft edition release, and the weekend sale's $8 price tag is more on-par than that of $14.
But, as always. . .try before you buy! I give her *4 thumbs up* and #see below#:
I recommend this game!
Begin your dangerous journey to the Caribbean island of the corsair Thomas de Grandpré.
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 34 found this review helpful
For newbies or newbies at heart!!
PostedNovember 11, 2013
Robsim
fromMiami, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
After reading the game's description and viewing the scene thumbnails, I was very curious to learn of the developers prior to 'testing' the game. This game was a prototype by a group of French students, while in school, in 2010. As of more recent, the gaming company - Cazap - was interested in having the prototype put into production/distribution and here we are with 'Treasure of the Caribbean Seas'. I stopped playing after about 15 minutes of the demo [to write up this mini-review], as it was enough for me - at that moment - to see it is a cute little game that is definitely suitable for Tweens, or persons who are interested in learning to develop their skill in the Hidden Object genre without the confusion or frustrations that could be brought about while attempting to play the more advanced/challenging games of the larger game developers.
I won't get into any details about the game's storyline, as it's already spelled out for us; however, as far as some of the game mechanics, you get two modes of play, there's no journal, and the inventory box seems to hold only one item at a time #again, I played for only 15 minutes, so this might not be so# and the dashboard is to the left of the screen instead of below. The scenes are very bright, colorful and clear but; unfortunately, the items in the scenes are small and seem to blend in a little too much with the scene's background. The game is pretty much straight forward and there are no bells or whistles.
I rated the individual categories as '2 and 3', but gave it an overall rating of '4' not because I 'loved it', but because I commend new developers and young people for their efforts at making games for us to, hopefully, enjoy and for the success at meeting the outcome of their goal.
This game is not for hard-core adventurers, but instead beginners, young/young at heart, or for those that simply want a moment's break to prepare for that next big Hidden Object challenge.
For the above stated reasons, I recommend.
I recommend this game!
Track down a missing detective and fight an evil curse!
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
"OUCH" BF & Developers!!!
PostedApril 27, 2013
Robsim
fromMiami, FL
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on the demo: No need to get into the full details of the game, as previous reviewers have already done that. So, I'll just thrown in my overall, two-cents commentary by starting off with, "This ain't no game for sissies!!" I've been a long time gamer on this site, and have conquered all of the previous HOPA games I've purchased. Yet, the developers of THIS baby takes you past 'brain strain'. The quality of visuals/graphics are sharp and clear [no washed out/dull color contrast as we know of some games to be], and game mechanics are smooth. Unfortunately, the voice - that of the boss's, that is - and lips don't synch very well, and our heroine's voice is rather irritating. I also find that the game's story is somewhat less than immersive because it just doesn't have a strong/fluid flow. This, for me, somewhat takes away from the fun factor, which is why I rated 3 stars for these two categories. As for the level of challenge? Well, pardon my whine, but. . .it's haaaard!! I repeat: this ain't a game for sissies; thus, the 5-star rating. But, as my commentary is only based on the demo, things might get better further on into the game. Do I recommend the game? Absolutely. . .particularly for those that enjoy going beyond a 'call of duty' mental challenge!! Also, seeing that BF is offering a good 'end-of-month' sale for the weekend, the lesser price makes it more attractive to want to take on that challenge. . .including me!! :-)
I recommend this game!
The wolf has returned and Red Riding Hood is in danger - but this is no fairytale!
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
Good. . .just, plain good!!
PostedNovember 17, 2012
Robsim
fromWashington, DC
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I haven't commented on any games in a while. However, I feel this little gem by our friends at Alawar is one of the few SE releases that is as good as - if not better than - many of the recent CE's. . .even the other Red Riding Hood game. Yet, after reading and demo'ing this one, I was hooked. I won't got into details because others before me have broken it down sufficiently; however, will throw in my two-cents that it's a worth-while game to sit back/relax with a cup of Joe, hot chocolate. . .or other. . .and get started. Mini-recap: A woman's fiance is kidnapped by a nut-case and you hunt for him.. .plain and simple!! Know, however, there are no major bells and whistles to this game, but there is enough to do/places to go. The hidden objects are not interactive, but because there's enough to do within the game itself, I - personally - found this to be a plus. There are no morphing objects or collectibles, although collectibles would've rounded the game out. Last, as a 'heads-up', keep in mind that there are items you will have to carefully scan for, even in the areas the magnifying glass enlarges, as they tend to look to be just another part of the scenery. Make sure that you carefully scan your cursor over every scene because I found that there were a few inventory items I almost missed, during the demo period, that should you miss them - and upon needing them - you'll be asking yourself, "Well, where was it? How did I miss it?" Very important!! Otherwise. . .very good game. Enjoy!!
I recommend this game!
After their hiking trip takes a tragic turn, a group of friends are forced to travel between realms to undo an old wrong and save the Cypress Witch.
Overall rating
4
/
5
59 of 65 found this review helpful
Aaah. . .refreshing on the senses!!
PostedMay 29, 2012
Robsim
fromWashington, DC
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I played the hour demo and found this little gem light and refreshing. . .on the senses!! It has clear, non-dreary, colorful graphics and the game isn't. . .harsh. . .as has been with the recent releases. The game's characters are not drawn but are similar to those in Weird Park: Broken Tune and Vampire Saga: Pandora's Box. There are no voice overs [gotta read, folk!], there's a journal/diary, no map and the hint system fills rather quick. The objects to find aren't of the ordinary 'junk pile' list style but, instead, are items in the scenery that you click on and they go into your inventory. The story is not a dark 'whodunnit' or the usual asylum, haunted house, etc., variety as of late, but one about a woman who is to marry a Native-American man, yet his father #the chief of their tribe# is dead-set on the break-up of that union. He poisons her and she dies. She needs help from you to end the curse following her death but you will have to play to know what the curse is about. This is a nice, relaxing game with visually colorful scenes and a softer story line that includes some challenge and will make you think. All I can say is give it a try!! :-)
I recommend this game!
Face your fears and unravel the mystery of the abandoned asylum!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
If it weren't for the fact. . .
PostedMay 5, 2012
Robsim
fromWashington, DC
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
. . .that this fictional game takes place in the very REAL city of Rockville, MD, USA (I grew up in that area), I would probably buy. . .but won't!! The Chestnut Lodge Asylum, originally a resort hotel, is an actual facility - of the same name - located in Rockville, Maryland (the developer has even used the lodge's image in the game). The facility closed in 2001, however.
Unfortunately, even for a soft release - and as the game does play as well as that of other HO adventures. . .lots to do; usual back and forth - it remains to be in the same flat-lined format as other 'asylum' storylines [one doesn't have to go into detail, the game's title says it all]. The scenes in the game are clear and well done; the HO's are not too difficult; and the music, sound effects and mini-games are standard. As there are other 'asylum'-type games that use multiple color, the lack of color in this one is just too blah on the senses and, add this to the game's typical storyline, makes for less-than-enthusiastic game play.
In general, it's as good as any other game of this type, but I recommend as one for those that either haven't yet tried 'asylum' themed games, or something to whittle away the time until the next supply ship arrives to 'the pond'!! :-)
I recommend this game!
Your family is missing and the town is in chaos in Small Town Terrors: Livingston!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 6 found this review helpful
I KNOW I would've enjoyed, buuut. . .
PostedMarch 18, 2012
Robsim
fromWashington, DC
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
. . .deleted within the first 1/2 hour. It pretty much has the same storyline and usual 'bells & whistles' of other Hidden Object games, however, I don't care for solving combination puzzles without a previous clue offered. I got stuck at the storage room where you had to figure out the combination to open the door to a hidden object scene. Having to choose a 3-digit number between 000 and 999 - even with green 'up' and 'down' arrows to indicate if you're too high or low and 10 tries to get it right - was of no help, and there's no 'skip' button. I tried several reasonable combinations to narrow down/pinpoint if I were at least within the 'range' of the right answer, yet the arrows would still indicate I was either too high or low. Since you're required to do the puzzle to move forward, I found it unnecessarily frustrating and too long to have to spend on it, so I deleted. Otherwise, it's a great SE game that's just up my ally. Maybe I'll download again, give it another try with the other 1/2 hour and bump up my rating. Although this is my sole reason for a mediocre score, I still recommend!!
I recommend this game!
Appease terrifying ghosts before they kidnap and punish the entire city of Sunnyvale in this dark and mysterious Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Game just dragged on, and on, and on. . .
PostedDecember 18, 2011
Robsim
fromWashington, DC
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This game has as many positives as any game of this genre, such as rich-colored graphics, decent voice overs, ease of navigation and cursor. The music, however, was rather annoying. However, what I found - as my title states - is that this game dragged out in its ability to keep up with the plot.
The storyline is about a man who receives the death penalty for the wrongful conviction of murdering his wife. You have your sparkled HOS scenes, mini games, and you go from place to place picking up items for inventory; yet, in many cases, I found that it would get confusing as to what you do next or where some of the inventory items were supposed to go. The game seems to lose its flow and ebb at times which, in turn, dragged the game out. What I also found interesting was when you're required to look closer at any given area (magnifying glass#, you would pick up one item only; whereas, it would seem that the devs would've optimize use of many of the areas for picking up more than one item #which may also contribute to the game's dragging out). Bottom line: Each time I would sit to start playing, I found myself getting sleepy after about 10 minutes in the game. I believe the devs could've polished/fine tuned this one a bit more.
However, as with any game, consider playing the demo first. What's good for some isn't always good for others.
I don't recommend this game.
You have been chosen to defend all of mankind in Red Crow Mysteries: Legion! Stand up to a terrible evil and save humanity!
Overall rating
4
/
5
59 of 71 found this review helpful
More of an 'Adventure' game than 'Hidden Object'
PostedNovember 15, 2011
Robsim
fromWashington, DC
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This game is developed by Cateira (new/indie?). It's more adventure than hidden object, somewhat different than what most are used to, yet VERY engrossing. You are the main character being put through a test (locating objects, using them where necessary, etc.#, by the spirits of your [deceased] mother and grandfather, as you're next in line to defeat the world's invisible enemy, Legion #unfortunately your mother and grandfather were defeated by him#. The graphics had somewhat of a grainy effect, but not overwhelmingly so #very colorful and not dark). There are voice overs and quite a bit of reading. But also know that there are achievements and the 'reading' is one of them. There also are quite a few new and challenging puzzles in addition to the standard fare. This game could probably qualify as a Collector's Edition, and I could see there being a second/followup game. All in all, many of you should enjoy this one. It has its challenging moments, but is definately worth it.
I recommend this game!