PATinPNS's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:4,189
- Reviews Submitted:272
- First Review:February 5, 2013
- Most Recent Review:November 20, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you save Netville from a dangerous artifact before it’s too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 14 found this review helpful
I Need to Check my Will...
PostedOctober 1, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I kind of enjoyed this one. Had it not been for the theme, I think I would have really liked it. It was fun and took me all afternoon to play, which was good on a day like this.
Graphics were well done and the voices overs were, not fantastic, but very good. I liked the colors in the game. They were pleasant and easy on the eyes. The only problem, and it could have been my computer, but it seemed like I spend most of the time waiting for things to load. Constantly "loading" even if you just left a scene. I waited for hidden object scenes; waited for a different location; waited for just about, no, everything to load. It was frustrating to say the least. I haven't seen anything like this in any other game I have played lately.
I really enjoyed the hidden objects scenes. They were the most varied I've seen. They covered just about every imaginable way to play. Loved it. The mini games were interesting too and I'm not a mini game person, but I do believe I did all of them. Consequently, they were either easy or my patience level has increased and I don't believe that has happened. There is a map, which I found tremendously helpful. Just as a hint, if you are going from place to place, use the map. If you go from one room to another to get to the location you want, you have to wait until that intermediate room loads before you get to the room you want which then must load. Using the map bypasses that. With several modes of play, I chose the custom to set the hint and skip times to the quickest.
Others will go into the story in depth, so I'll not repeat their efforts here. I'm just tired of ghosts and the supernatural stories that we get. This one is pretty much the same thing, but having said that, I did like the story. It ended a bit weak, but the main part was really well written.
This is just a brief outline of what you can expect with this game. If you like simple puzzles and good hidden objects and your're not tired of the supernatural, you are going to really like this game. I did. Try the demo and see if it fits your cup of tea.
I recommend this game!
Can you save a young heir from Saint Germain in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Oh My, The End of SG
PostedSeptember 25, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but this game did not live up to my expectations. I read all the reviews and since the demo was so short, I thought there was more to come that would bring this up to those expectations, but it didn't. This is just an average game in my opinion.
Graphics were okay. I can't quite grasp the various colors they used for the dead and dying, gold would not have been my choice, but other than that, they were acceptable. Fx were good and went along with the action in the scene, but those voice overs were simply... not what I expected. Phony is the only term I can think of to describe them. The music was good and not intrusive.
Hidden objects were okay. They were varied and the interaction was fun. The mini games were mini games.. not a big fan anyway, but some I simply could not figure out what in the world they wanted me to do. Some were very easy while others bordered on way past my patience and intellectual ability. The map was rather confusing to me. It was a big help, but it would show there was something to do in a location, but when I got there nothing was to be found. I would hit the hint and it would take me elsewhere. Didn't make a lot of sense to me. There were several degrees of difficulty from which I chose custom to set the hint and skip to the fastest recharge times.
So this is the end of SG. Hate to see him go, but alas, all good things must come to an end. Most of his previous games have been really good, but this one let the legend die with a whimper instead of a bang. Others will delve into the story for you, but I'll just say we have seen this before in many shapes and forms.
I did purchase the game and not sorry I did. It isn't a horrible game, just didn't live up to what I expected. Give the demo a try an see if you might like it more than I.
I recommend this game!
Journey into your nephew’s mind to save him from a nightmare!
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 24 found this review helpful
Wasn't Gonna, but Glad I Did
PostedSeptember 11, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I almost talked myself out of buying this one even before playing the demo. I had convinced myself it wasn't going to be any good, simply, because of the genre. Boy and I glad I didn't listen to me. I really enjoyed playing this on a windy, rainy north Florida day.
The graphics were really good. Pretty natural with that unnatural twist you would expect from this type of game. The music is the same as the other games in the series and really isn't to my liking, but it isn't intrusive. Effects and voice overs were excellent.
I loved the hidden objects and liked the mini games for a change. That probably means they were simple, but I'm not one to work all day trying to solve a puzzle. Some of the puzzles I didn't understand and some were repeated two or three times and once is enough for me. Hidden objects were very varied, clear and clean and kept my interest trying to find everything. There is a map that really came in handy. It shows where you have something to do and will transport. I liked the clue board. I seldom if ever use the journals we get once in a while, but I used the clues several times. You don't have to scroll through page after page looking for something that happened previously.
I'm not a big fan of this type of story. I think I'm just tired of ghosts, witches, and things that go bump in the night, but this story, which others will go deeply into, kept my attention all the way through. I connected with the child and wanted him safe and sound. This was well written and performed.
I did enjoy this one. be sure and not judge the game by the cover. Give the demo a try and I think you will enjoy it also. It is a well put together game from start to finish.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your young nephew from an unimaginable fate?
Overall rating
4
/
5
15 of 16 found this review helpful
Good Little Game with a Few Changes
PostedSeptember 5, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after completing the entire game.
This is of course a sequel to the other grim tales games. I have to say other than the main characters and the theme, it is really different than the others. It was fun even with the ghosts.
The graphics were quite a bit different from the other games. Rather than going for a realistic appearance, the designers used a cartoon format. It was something out of a comic book and if you forget about the others in this series, they are quite unique. Colors were rather bright, but dreary when necessary. Voice overs were well done and the music along with effects went along with the action.
I did like the challenge. It was right up my alley. The mini games were not terribly challenging and could be completed without too much effort. I did skip a few, because I couldn't figure out what to do or they were repetitious in nature. Once is enough. With several degrees of difficulty available I chose the custom so I could set the skip and hint to the fastest speed. Hidden objects were silhouettes and lists with some interaction among them. Nice variation.
Others will do the story line for you so I won't bore you with that. Richard is here as is Auntie who must search for Brandon... again. Poor kid needs a leash. Even though it is the same ghost theme that the developers seem to be stuck upon here lately, this one did keep my attention and wanting more.
This is a good game and I invite you to try the demo and see what you think. Just forget about the past games and enjoy what this one has to offer.
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the truth behind a string of strange thefts?
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 21 found this review helpful
Not Quite a Zero, but Close
PostedSeptember 4, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the complete game.
I have all of the Vermillion Watch games and have really enjoyed them, until this one. It wasn't as much fun or engrossing as the others. While this seemed to be an extremely long game to me, it just wasn't as enjoyable as others.
Graphics were well done and the sound, including voice overs were well done. Music and effects went along with the action in the scene. I really didn't understand why so many scenes with voice overs had no lip action. Just a picture popped up in the corner and sat there while words were said. Some scenes did have the lip action, but not very many.
The level of challenge got me. Hidden objects were well done and varied from lists to silhouettes and a couple completely different takes on them, like matching statues with an outline. However, those mini games were way... WAY past my abilities, understanding and patience level. Whoever dreamed these things up deserves an award for making this a bad game. I completed some, but not very many. Still say they need another way to play those things like they do for hidden objects, like a match 3. Most of them I couldn't understand what to do and then the tediousness of doing the same puzzle three times to win was just a bit much. Some didn't have any instructions whatsoever, or if they did I missed them. My biggest disappointment was the minis and I was so glad I used the custom setting for quick charge of the hint and skip buttons. If you are one of those who like involved, time consuming puzzles this game is for you! The map was extremely necessary to get about, because there is a lot of back and forth in this this game. I used my hint button more in this game to figure out what to do and where to go than most.
The story, while convoluted at times was okay. One thing I like about this series is the different places you get to go. This was no exception. While I did have difficulties figuring out where to go in these different worlds, the trusty map and hint button saved the day. Others will go into the story in depth, but I'll just say I will never watch the Wizard of Oz in the same light again.
Again, if you like mini games you are going to love this game if for no other reason. Play the demo and see if this is to your liking.
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover who’s after your dance troupe?
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
I Just Couldn't Believe...
PostedAugust 30, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I found this game, for the lack of a better term, lacking. I own all of this series and couldn't believe Eipix would turn it into a ghost story. I bought it in the belief they wouldn't change the theme that much. On that I was correct, but and it is a big BUT, it was not their best effort. It just wasn't fun like the others. It had errors, IE, on start up there was an error in the game and I had to restart it and the map, usually my go to thing, wouldn't help me at the train station. I had a ticket I needed to fill out and finish. I did everything I could think of and nothing would work. I tried the map which didn't show anyplace else to go and when I hit the hint button, it just said I needed to move along. Come to find out I had to click on something twice. Found that out by going to the walkthrough. This was really aggravating. It isn't the worst game I've ever played, but far from being something to write home about. Something just happened to the quality I have come to expect from these folks which left me wondering what in the world happened.
Graphics were well done and the effects went along with the action in the scene. Voice overs seemed to be good. I did enjoy the background music.
The mini games were rather simple which was to my liking. Not a big fan of them anyway and if I can do them, more the merrier. A lot of repetition of the same thing to finish the mini, so after completing one or two of I just hit skip. Hidden objects were okay. No complaints on them. I mentioned the map which wasn't all that horrible. It usually showed where you had things to do and would transport.
I'll leave the story telling to others. It's an okay story. Kind of convoluted at times and a tad bit hard to follow, but it did kind of come together in the end. The characters were interesting and it did keep my attention on a rainy, windy Florida afternoon.
All in all, this game was good and by any other developer would probably be an exceptional game. I so enjoyed all the others in the series and help out hope against hope this would would make the same grade.
Give the demo a try, which is really short and doesn't get you into the story very much, so don't base everything on it.
I recommend this game!
Help John D investigate cases and free the city from the Mafia’s grip in this challenging match-3 game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Days Upon Days of Vengeance
PostedAugust 12, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is posted after completing the entire game.
I really enjoyed this game. I do have to admit it did get a bit boring toward the end, but like most match 3 games it was a mindless exercise that was a break from the ordinary. The only difficulty with this game was the lack of variety in the scenes. It was pretty much the same thing over and over. I'm sure the next version will be much better than this one.
The graphics were very well done. Clear and crisp Voice overs were good for a match 3 and the music was simply awesome. Even though it was on a loop and you get the same song until the scene is completed, I did really enjoy the choice in music. I'm a jazz fan so that helped.
As I said, it is pretty much the same thing scene after scene and did get somewhat boring after a while. I ended up playing a scene or two a day which was plenty. I played in the relaxed mode, but I don't know how in the world I would have been able to play in the timed one. Maybe next time I'll try that. There are several helpers along the way. You earn those by making matches of certain elements in the scene. If you make huge matches you get a sun which explodes a couple cells and then for really huge matches you can get an electronic beam or a bomb. To complete most scenes I had to use the tools.
This is one of the best stories I have seen in a match 3. You're a detective trying to put an end to the crime spree taking over the city and improving the city along the way. I did enjoy keeping up with the progress.
Other than being a slight bit boring toward the end, this is a great game and I look forward to the next installment. Give the demo a try and see if this isn't what might tickle your fancy.
I recommend this game!
Your brother gets in trouble during the filming of his ghost hunting show!
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 21 found this review helpful
It's Okay, but Enough Already
PostedAugust 10, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the complete game.
Had it not been for the theme of this game, I would have probably had a different feeling about it. It is pretty much the same as most the games we have been getting. Ghosts, saving a relative, etc, etc, etc. This wasn't horrible, and I don't regret making the purchase, but they need to find some other ways of entertaining us.
I think I was most disappointed in the voice overs. They were... dull to say the least. One could almost figure out what was going to be said before they opened their mouths. I'm not quite sure what I expected, but this wasn't it. The colors were the blues and purples that you come to expect from ghost stories. The graphics were well done with no complaints on that. Music and effects went along with the action in the scene.
I did like the level of challenge. I actually completed most of the mini games which means they weren't that difficult. Some I could not figure out what to do until the computer showed me and I felt like an idiot, but hey, there are not do overs here. The hidden object scenes were well done, clear and varied which I like. The interactive map was useful, but I found that many areas were completed in the same scene. There is some back and forth, but not like usual. I do like that aspect very much. There are several levels of difficulty. I played on the custom so I could set the hint and skip buttons to recharge quickly.
Others will go in depth about the story. I will just say, I, for one, and so tired of ghosts, witches and things that go bump in the night, I could scream. I just know there are developers out there who can do a good old fashion mystery story. This one followed that same routine of saving someone from the grips of a mad ghost. I honestly didn't follow the story as much as I normally do. I just played the game.
Give the demo a try and maybe you'll like this more than I. As I said, this would have been a decent game to me if not for the theme.
I recommend this game!
Can you recover your memories and save a missing girl in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
This One is a Memory, Okay
PostedJuly 25, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I hope this game does not signal the end of this great series. I believe I own all of the MT games, and this one left me lacking so much, it is hard to find something good to say about it. This game was just not fun for me. Besides being rather short, it just didn't come together. After playing the demo, if I didn't have a free game available, I probably would not have gotten it.
The visuals were good. I found the graphics clear and well prepared. Colors weren't constantly drab and easy on the eyes. I did like the voice overs. They were well acted and the presentation was extremely good. Music wasn't intrusive and went along with the action in the scene.
My biggest problem was those blessed mini games. They were way beyond my patience level and most I couldn't figure out what to do. That's on me I suppose and if you are one who likes good challenging minis, you're going to love this game. Every time one would come up, I would try to figure it out, but alas, that is why I play the custom mode so the skip fills quickly. The hidden objects were diverse. Sometimes I would be in a hidden object scene and not realize it. Some were silhouettes, some were place the object where it belongs in the scene and others. Elephant did a good job mixing them up.
So far as helpers, there is Elf, the trusty dog companion who has been a part of this series forever. I don't mind him much. He's fun to watch and I just like dogs. The map, while not essential in this game, did come in handy getting around. Of course there are the usual modes of play from casual to custom.
Story was okay. Nothing to write home about. The previous games were much more interesting. I'm glad there isn't a test over the story, because it just didn't grab me and I lost interest in it as the game progressed. Big Fish and others do a better job explaining the ins and outs of the story so I'll leave that to them.
As I said, I hope this game does not signal the end to the series. I have enjoyed them all. Give the demo a shot and perhaps you will have a better experience than I. While not a horrible game, it just wasn't up the the usual Elephant Games standards.
I recommend this game!
This may be the Amazing Garibaldi Brothers’ final performance!
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 40 found this review helpful
Is this the Death of DR?
PostedJuly 9, 2017
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is posted after playing the entire game.
I believe I have all the games in this series. This one is by far the worse of them all. I was very disappointed in the game play, the story, and the level of challenge. Now, having said all that, I'm not sorry I bought it. I was really expecting more from Eipix and felt that after the demo it would get better. I guess one should not compare previous games with new ones, but it's hard not to.
The graphics were excellent. Extremely realistic and colorful. The effects went along with the action in the scene and the music was okay too. Voice overs were well done. No complaints on the quality of these.
The mini games were horrible in my estimation. They either repeated the same action over and over, like finding parts of constellations and others. Not my favorite to begin with, but to repeat the same actions was not fun at all. Many I could not figure out what to do or were so convoluted and confusing I just gave up. Hidden objects were fine. They were varied in type and were interesting to do. The only complaint I have with this developer is the small windows that pop up with hidden objects in them. They are so small it is really hard to see anything. The interactive map was a necessity, because there is so much running back and forth. It was hard to tell from the action and the story what needed to be done. It shows where there are things to be done and will transport you.
The story started out pretty good, but dissolved right before my eyes. I was so confused by the end, I couldn't remember who was who or had done what. When the murderer was unmasked, I had forgotten who the person was. Others will go into the story in detail, so I won't do that here. I just think there could have been a bit more to the story, but I survived it.
Although I felt this game rated way down in what I expect from Eipix, I'm glad I bought it. It's not the longest game, but long enough to satisfy my desire. The one saving grace is there were no witches, ghosts or things that go bump in the night. This was such a relief. Give the demo a try and perhaps you will have more enjoyment than I.
I recommend this game!