MaggieMaze's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:1,813
- Reviews Submitted:47
- First Review:January 20, 2013
- Most Recent Review:May 28, 2017
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Dark Dimensions: City of Ash Collector's Edition
A dark dimension has fallen over Phoenix Hill, turning its residents into volcanic ash. Help them rise from the ashes.
Overall rating
4
/
5
55 of 61 found this review helpful
Dark Dimension Not So Dark This Time!
PostedJune 1, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Interesting game with good visuals and sound. The previous games in this series were too drab and dreary for me, so the bright colours were a pleasant surprise. Played the full demo and enjoyed it. Now I need to know what dark dimension is at work in Phoenix Hills!
With protester Audrey Owen pitted against her father (the Mayor) attempting to stop mining operations threatening the town, something goes wrong, the volcano erupts, and a mystery begs to be solved. How did it all happen?
Straightforward HOPA gameplay with the usual features, including interactive map and directional hint. The iHOS are a bit cluttered but add a degree of challenge, the puzzles are fun not frustrating, and immediate use of inventory minimizes backtracking.
Graphics are a bit grainy but well-drawn and colourful. The music is varied and appropriate. The cutscenes and voice overs enhance the mood, move the story along and, contribute to a sense of urgency. You really do want the mystery resolved. This is important as the game is not overly challenging.
There are unexpected moments that please, like clicking on a poster that triggers a cutscene of the riot depicted instead of just another headline to read. Also included are collectibles which are always fun, but I only managed to find one golden animal in the demo.
The game is enjoyable but lacks the wow factor that I need for a CE purchase. A definite buy for me, but will wait for the SE.
Since likes and dislikes are so personal, as always, give it a try and see what you think!
I recommend this game!
Become the fabled detective and rescue the Final Cinderella from the evil Godmother's clutches!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Perfection! Blue Tea - Please don't ever change this series!
PostedMay 25, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Just have to add another five stars and a comment that those of us who love this series, love it all! You can't improve on perfection so please, Blue Tea, don't even try!
I recommend this game!
The evil Alura is back, and this time she’s attacking your homeland!
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 31 found this review helpful
Silly Name! Fun Game!
PostedMay 25, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Usually I would never touch a game called “Love Chronicles” but, being in mood for fairy tale fare and a relaxing quest, it worked for me. I checked out the demos of the previous two games in the series and liked them too, for the same reason.
A definite upgrade for the series, with voice overs this time, improved animation and cutscenes, character interaction and a more immersive storyline. Time travel changes it up a bit as you search for the four amulets necessary to protect Alura from the evil clutches of Zander. Guess we now find out how the "wicked witch" got that way!
Stunning graphics with lots of colour and beautiful artwork. Very light gameplay, varied HOS, familiar puzzles, hint, journal, transporter map, task markers. In other words, the usual. The music relaxes to the point of sleepiness.
Without collectibles and achievements, it really doesn’t offer much as a CE. There is nothing spectacular about this game but it is strangely appealing.
If you need to zone out, de-stress or just have some fun with the kids, consider giving it a try! There’s a great sale this weekend!
I recommend this game!
Save the kingdom and reunite Princess Isabella with her prince in the exciting conclusion to the Princess Isabella trilogy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 42 found this review helpful
Third Time's a Charm for Princess Isabella!
PostedMay 18, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The series crowning achievement! The climax of the trilogy brings Bella’s fantasy adventure to us in another enchanted setting. Outstanding visuals and sound. Delightful characters. An engaging and entertaining story certain to please the child in all of us, but it’s so much more!
The devs have taken advantage of the current interest in customized gameplay and include the ability to enhance or diminish the speed of hint, skip features and glint display. You can play the game at any level of difficulty that suits your taste. Challenge yourself, or simplify it all for your kids!
Will Bella finally find her mother? Can’t imagine a successful conclusion without that! We shall see. Bella’s three fairy godmothers have been trapped by the Evil Witch and Bella must free them. To help her, we have Fairy with helpful hints, Dragon to lift heavy objects when summoned by a tune from his magic flute, Owl for wisdom in tough spots, and a magic wand with power over the natural world.
The graphics and artwork are excellent, the music is exciting, the cutscenes enhance the suspense, and the voices bring the characters to life, giving a movie-like quality to the unfolding story.
My only negative comments concern the HOS (lists) which are not interactive and much too frequent, and the puzzles which are much too simple. I must also agree with those who find our dear sweet Fairy to be much too chatty. Played only the demo, so can't comment on the bonus chapter but, without additional collectibles and achievements, the game as a CE might miss the mark for many players. Regardless, it's a buy for me.
This game is a ray of sunshine in a gaming world overly populated with occult darkness. Don’t miss it!
I recommend this game!
The lighthouse fails and darkness invades Willow Ridge. Your husband runs into the forest for answers, unaware of the shadow hunting him.
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 25 found this review helpful
Rite of Passage is Just Right!
PostedMay 16, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Played the demo and it was over before I knew it. The game is definitely on my purchase list. Looking forward to helping save the Town of Willow Ridge from the dark forest and the town curse!
Good game, and a definite step-up from its predecessor. The devs have listened to previous game reviewers. This time there's a transporter map and plenty of help. With sparkles on map locations (in casual), a task list, a directional hint and four levels of difficulty, the degree of challenge is entirely the choice of the player.
Good quality graphics and sound, with standard HOPA gameplay and the usual CE extras. The HOS have one added feature. Initial standard lists give you an item with each click required to complete a final task before you get the needed inventory item. An extra bit of fun.
Then there's Felix the cat (no kidding!) and a cute hamster you get to name, for those who enjoy animal companions. Loved the haunted forest and the animated tree that seems to be wreaking havoc everywhere.
The negative - Obtaining and using items requires cursor precision. One of my favourite reviewers called this "clicky-picky" which is appropriate here. Also, there is little animation, and some of the cutscenes are choppy. Most of all, I did not feel immediately drawn in by the storyline.
Nevertheless, I found the game entertaining and CE worthy. Highly recommended.
I recommend this game!
Solve this maritime mystery to reunite a pirate with his lost love!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 27 found this review helpful
Just Average - Might be Fun for Pirate Enthusiasts
PostedMay 11, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Not being a fan of pirate stories or romance novels, perhaps it’s just me, but I did not feel drawn in by the storyline. A couple in love vanishes from their castle on the sea. The sea captain husband washes up on shore in pirate gear. Your quest is to find out what why. A beautiful castle to explore, a mystery to solve. Sounds intriguing. The plot entices but, for me, fails to deliver. This is based solely on the demo.
There is little animation and the story unfolds with the unfurling of scrolls upon which the details are written before your eyes. Here, there are voice-overs, and the dialogue can be clicked and skipped. The British accents are not authentic, which always annoys me in any game. The atmosphere, dreary and rainy outside, may be offset inside the castle. I didn't get far enough to find out.
I found the gameplay to be slow with sluggish scene changes at times (maybe it's my computer). The music and ambient sound effects evoke more a sense of poignancy than urgency, and I found myself feeling lulled to sleepiness rather than urged on to solve the mystery. Perhaps a good game to relax and de-stress.
The gameplay is standard HOPA with HOS (lists), familiar puzzles, notebook, transporter map with task markers, and hint that is both directional and instructional. The graphics are good but a bit dark, with an option to change brightness. Coins must be collected to open chests to obtain needed items, and the transporter map does show whether you have found them all. I do love collectibles!
For me, this game fails to appeal. As a CE, it offers little. However, since so much of gaming enjoyment is based on personal taste, I do recommend that you give it a try. You might just love it!
I recommend this game!
An ancient phoenix summons Anna to explore a drifting ocean city, confront the Evil Colossus and save her lost tribe.
Overall rating
4
/
5
63 of 66 found this review helpful
Empress series is strangely compelling!
PostedMay 10, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I bought the CE of this game. After playing only a few minutes, I bought the series, then played all three games in succession. This is unusual for me. Just played the demo of this version and feel drawn to start the adventure all over again!
Don't be fooled by the game's deceptive simplicity. The pace is very relaxed and there appears initially to be an over-abundance of dialogue and instruction, but it is surprisingly challenging.
I love the animals. From frisky felines to acquatic sea creatures, they make it irresistible. We lose a beautiful phoenix as the story opens, but his resurrection is assured if Anna can locate the four sacred relics needed to save her people from her evil twin.
The familiar characters are there but their motivation is uncertain. Is the Blue Whale a friend or foe? Is Jacob a villain instead of guardian and guide? Lots of questions and a surprise ending!
I enjoyed the beautiful graphics, mesmerizing music and imersive storyline. I wasn't impressed with the extras in the CE, so fully endorse this SE.
Delightful! Don't miss it!
I recommend this game!
The gates to another world will open soon! You can stop the impending disaster - if you track down the stolen runes!
Overall rating
5
/
5
47 of 51 found this review helpful
Secret society scenario, but who is on which side?
PostedMay 9, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Reminds me of a recently popular movie and book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I found the ultra violet light that was used to reveal a secret message on a piece of art, I was hooked. The demo went by quickly and the game is on my purchase list.
The graphics, sound, animation, cutscenes and music are all excellent and, while the storyline is familiar, it is immersive and intriguing.
With the standard features of a HOPA, the gameplay need not be described again, except to mention a new function of the "hint" system. In any location, clicking hint will either point you to an adjacent location or take you directly to the map, circle the location you need to visit, and then transport you there. A small change, but one that makes an already useful transporter map even more effective. I liked that.
If you are in the mood to delve into the mysteries and machinations of a secret society to save the world from unspeakable evil, don't miss this one.
As for me, I have to find out if the kindly old Archbishop innocently needs our heroine's help or is a actually part of a nefarious plot!
I recommend this game!
Castle: Never Judge a Book by Its Cover
Solving murder has never been so much fun!
Overall rating
3
/
5
176 of 189 found this review helpful
Warning: For Castle Fans Only!
PostedMay 4, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
If you are a fan of the TV show, you might enjoy the typical banter between the characters, which is very well done. Voice overs would have made this great but would have been prohibitively expensive to pull off, so we have conversation bubbles instead. Character likenesses are bang on. To my surprise the demo went by quickly. Will purchase.
The graphics are great, there’s an interactive map with task list, a murder board for clues, quickly recharging hint, slightly interactive HOS (lists) and easy puzzles. Challenging gameplay is totally absent, along with ambient sound effects, and the music is repetitive enough that I finally had to turn it off.
If you are a fan and have a free coupon available, go for it. Otherwise, save your pennies!
I recommend this game!
Track down a missing detective and fight an evil curse!
Overall rating
5
/
5
40 of 48 found this review helpful
Shadows to give you shivers! Great game!
PostedApril 27, 2013
MaggieMaze
fromToronto, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is an excellent adventure! However, coming on the heels of yesterday’s great Poe game, this one might suffer in comparison. Hope not. I loved it!.
Your boss acquires a mystical map and needs you to help defend against the supernatural forces invoked. The demo went by so quickly I was unexpectedly drawn in and felt compelled to find out what happens.
Stunning graphics and artwork are always a plus for me. I was also pleased that the gameplay provides plenty to do in each scene, with lots of challenge. The map (not interactive) and task list assist, but there is still a lot of to-and-fro required. For me, this is always a flaw. I found the narration by the female character annoying as well, but that's personal taste. Regardless, it’s an enjoyable adventure that keeps you on your toes.
Engaging cutscenes, unobtrusive music and ambient sound enhance the atmosphere. The HOS in the demo surprised me. I was expecting the usual (ho…hum) lists, but discovered it was necessary to manipulate the elements in sequence to obtain the item needed for use elsewhere or to solve a puzzle. A nice change!
Collectibles and achievements require keen eyes and add to the challenge factor. Even without the super sale this weekend, this CE is a must have!
I recommend this game!