tesamoine's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:4,958
- Reviews Submitted:534
- First Review:March 13, 2013
- Most Recent Review:February 10, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Haunted Hotel: Ancient Bane Collector's Edition
Guests keep disappearing from a gimmicky haunted hotel. Is there someone pulling the strings, or are these ghosts actually real?
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
Not CE Worthy
PostedMay 30, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Even though I had tech problems playing the demo, I did play 60 minutes of the trial or thereabout. I love the original Haunted Hotel games, and the last one, Eclipse, was not bad at all. This one, however, looks like the team was on coffee break and the game was thrown together. The graphics are good. There are quite a few HOS and they are standard list. There are misspellings that make finding objects difficult. The mini games were difficult, not because of the nature of them, but because some of the directions were either wrong or impossible to follow. There are only about 10 or less achievements, all game related, and some artifacts to find. The game could have been so much more. There is absolutely no fright factor... such as eerie noises, a spooky ambiance, etc. I found myself slogging through the demo looking for anything at all to grab my attention. It lacked oomph and luster. With the tech issues, the lack of any CE bling, and the absolute dullness of the game, along with a large developer putting out a game with glaring translation errors, I don't recommend this game. Not as a CE, and probably not even as an SE.
I don't recommend this game.
Viking Saga: Epic Adventure
Go on an epic adventure around the globe in the name of love! Visit 4 continents and test your skills by completing 40+ cleverly designed levels!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
They're Back !!!
PostedMay 28, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a great installment to the Viking Saga series. It seems it's set (time-wise) between the 1st and 2nd game. (How he met his wife). There is a relaxed mode, with no timer. It says you can disable voices, but it didn't work for me. This one, I found, is much more difficult than the first 2. You really need to play ahead. I was very confused when I saw this release since the 2nd installment just came out in March. Now we shall know how Ingolf met his bride. I do like this series of TM games, and will purchase.
I recommend this game!
Haunted Manor: Painted Beauties Collector's Edition
A peaceful day at the park becomes a journey into the surreal when you become the latest victim of a troubled artist's deal with Death!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 10 found this review helpful
Somewhat mediocre game, with way too much help on hardest mode
PostedMay 25, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I did not care for the first 2 games in this series. Since this is a stand alone game, it doesn't really matter. I found this game to be mediocre. The story concept is great. I just think so much more could have been done with it. I actually liked the graphics. I found them appropriate to the story (dark, gloomy). The HOS were very very easy. Puzzles were of medium difficulty (for me). I did like the cutscene in the beginning explaining the story. The little bits of humor by Amelie were cute, but were incongruous with the story line here. The hint button should have been a creepy gargoyle or something of that sort instead of a giggling angel. I'm not bothered by it, however, it just doesn't fit. The map is basically useless. This game has a lot of locations. I rarely use the map as I like to wander and figure things out for myself, but in just 15 minutes I've traipsed through many locations. In this game, a map that shows active areas would have been helpful. I'm not really seeing the loading time between scenes. Maybe a second or so, but I can overlook that. I don't feel this game is CE worthy. The morphing objects and rosary beads... eh. I can do without looking for extra things. The bonus chapter has been reported to be less than 30 minutes long. That is not acceptable for a CE. This is one of those middle of the road games. Not great, not bad. Could have used more work or more inspiration. Also, on the most difficult mode, there was too much hand holding and glitter. That needs to be addressed by the developers in their next game. As a side note, I am glad to have this forum to see both the negatives and positives of games. Opinions are the right of reviewers. No one should have to defend their like/dislike of a game. With that said, I may take another look at this game when it is offered as an SE. For now, it';s a pass, as most of the games of late have been. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend and give thanks for those who gave all.
I recommend this game!
Royal Envoy 3 Collector's Edition
Embark on an exciting expedition to crack the intriguing puzzles of the past, while developing new lands for the kingdom!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 12 found this review helpful
2 stars off immediately since this is a replica of the previous games.
PostedMay 22, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Exorcist 2
(53)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I have the RE #1 and 2 (not Campaign for the Crown). This game is EXACTLY like the first 2. It does seem to get more difficult in the earlier levels. They claim there is a relaxed mode, however, all that means is that you can continue playing after the timer runs out instead of restarting. A true relaxed mode doesn't have a timer. There is a sort of strategy guide included, but I can't see how this is a collector's edition of any sort. I will be passing on this game as it is a replica of the first two (especially the 2nd one in particular). Also, I was taken right to the developer's site when I entered the game and the price for the game there was drastically lower. Just saying, although I don't intend to purchase it at either place. About the game itself, the graphics are clear and bright, the workers are the same, the kingdom is the same, Cedric is the same, and yes, the workers talk. Personally, if I don't like the music or sound effects of a game, I turn it down or off. So many larger problems this world is facing compared to the talking workers.
I don't recommend this game.
Hope Lake
Visit a boarding school abandoned after a terrible accident. Unravel the mystery of the loss of its former students.
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 27 found this review helpful
What has happened at Hope Lake?
PostedMay 21, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Exorcist
(25)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I am reviewing this game for what it is: a simple SE with no frills attached. As a detective assigned to catch a serial killer, you find yourself at an abandoned boarding school where strange things have happened in the past. The game has an interactive jump map, 2 modes of play, a journal which lists your notes and tasks. You do get a flashlight to help out in the darker areas. This is a dark natured game and I found the dimness appropriate. There IS a click penalty for rapid clicking... I really dislike that. The puzzles, to me, were odd, in that I didn't quite understand what they wanted the player to do. I had no problem located objects in the HOS. There is quite a bit of adventure in the game. You do get sparkles in both modes and hints. It's an easy game, but I'm a sucker for dark, creepy games. I am interested enough after playing the demo to want to find out what happened and who the cloaked figure is. I had no tech problems. There is a very small delay when you change screens, but it isn't horrendous. I think this developer, if this is their first effort, did a good job on this. I would have liked more story, but perhaps that is learned along the way. I do recommend
I recommend this game!
Tales of Terror: House on the Hill Collector's Edition
Find your sister and escape from a terrifying haunted house!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 14 found this review helpful
Very mediocre game, and definitely not CE material
PostedMay 17, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Malice: Two Sisters
(93)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I neither liked nor disliked the game. It was just OK to me. It does have an adventure aspect to it that I enjoy. However, during the demo, the game fell flat. I do like the idea of the story line... evil house feeding on people's fears. I like the live actors. Graphics were good. Puzzles were challenging (for me). However, I don't see this as a CE. Actually far from it. I did find during the latter part of the demo, my cursor became floaty and hard to control. This is one game I'll sit out and wait for the SE and give it another try. It just did not grab me, but we all have different tastes. I do recommend the game as it's nicely done, and if you must have the CE. Otherwise I'd say wait for the SE.
I recommend this game!
Off the Record: The Italian Affair
Track down the wily Fox before he slips away into the beauty of Venice!
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 38 found this review helpful
Excellent Game
PostedMay 16, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Night Mysteries: The Amphora Prisoner
(70)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is a visual feast for the eyes and ears. EIPIX is one of my favorite developers and this game does not disappoint. The story is intriguing and kept me playing from the beginning of the game. As most EIPIX games, the HOS are varied and enjoyable. The mini games start off pretty easy but do become more challenging, at least for me. The graphics are artwork are top notch. The game looks and feels sophisticated. You do get a custom mode of play which is a great touch to eliminate black bar tips and sparkles. The game is not difficult, nor is it mind-numbingly easy. It just has the "IT" factor for me. Some games have it, and some do not. I did purchase the CE which had a plethora of extras. I usually only purchase SE's but this was a game I did not wish to wait for. Demo for yourself, this may be your cup of tea too. :)
I recommend this game!
Grim Tales: The Vengeance Collector's Edition
When his sister is murdered, you must prove your nephew’s innocence!
Overall rating
3
/
5
34 of 42 found this review helpful
A strictly mediocre game as far as CE's are concerned
PostedMay 15, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Red Crow Mysteries: Legion
(59)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I have all the Grim Tales games and have loved them all (with the exception of The Stone Queen, which I just found to be odd). With that said, I was rather confused by the story going on here. I seems the family name has changed,the Aunt can now see the past and other things, Elizabeth and her husband are dead, etc. etc. I found this all confusing as the other games always followed the story of the helpless sister needing the aunt to come save the day. Anyway, they're all deceased now and the nephew is being charged with murdering his sister in hopes of inheriting the estate. I'm not quite sure where Brandon went who we met as a baby way back when in previous games. This is one of the easier series that Elephant has put out. The Grim Tale games are predictable. There is much much too-ing and fro-ing and a jump map is included. The HOS are simple and the puzzles are easy also. In this game you can bring back items from the past, to help prove the innocence of James in the courtroom. The graphics I found to be excellent. There are a few achievements and some collectibles. I'm not quite sure this warrants a CE status as the bonus chapter is less than 30 minutes long. Also, the other Grim Tales were all very very long games. This one I see is clocked around 3-4 hours. I didn't love the game, not did I dislike it. I think I spent most of the demo time trying to figure out why the entire family changed. I believe I would get this as an SE, but play for yourself. We all have different tastes.
I recommend this game!
Black Rainbow
For adventurer Helen Stone, the biggest adventure is yet to come!
Overall rating
5
/
5
41 of 47 found this review helpful
Helen has her hands full
PostedMay 13, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy
Current Favorite:
Red Crow Mysteries: Legion
(59)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love games by the Cateia , both because they offer the very few adventure type games we see on BFG and because of the quality of their gameplay, story lines, and puzzles. The hint button is useful if you do not know where to go. You do need to collect items along the way for your adventure, but there are no HOS per se, as this is not a HOG. I don't pay much attention to graphics in a game. I base my likes and dislikes on the gameplay and story line. There are quite a few puzzles in this game. I enjoyed the thinking ones. Didn't care for the ones which required manual dexterity. This is an easier type adventure game, perfect for lovers of these types of games, and those who want to try this genre of game. I do wish BFG could come up with a separate area for adventure only games, as the poor reviews mostly are based on there being no HOS in the game. However, I do recommend.
I recommend this game!
Tales From The Dragon Mountain: The Strix
Explore the mystical woods and mountains to defeat the evil spirit called Strix in this Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
24 of 26 found this review helpful
Very nice adventure game
PostedMay 11, 2014
tesamoine
fromJersey Girl
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a true point and click adventure game. You will not find HOS in this game. You do have your choice of custom settings which is a fantastic touch. The hint works as far as helping you if you are in the same room as a needed object. This is a great game if you are new to adventure games. It is not overly difficult and there is a terrific walkthrough on BFG available if needed. Art and color were marvelous, as was the music score. I highly recommend.
I recommend this game!