rainstormy's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:19
- Reviews Submitted:63
- First Review:August 25, 2021
- Most Recent Review:August 20, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Treacherous villains attempt to deprive the world of the Christmas spirit!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Escapist Christmas fun to get you in the mood for the season
PostedNovember 27, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Delightful, plot driven Christmas themed HOPA from Domini Games. Although there's more dialog here than I've seen in some other Domini HOPAs I've played there's also plenty of action cut scenes, too which breaks up the monotony and keeps the gameflow interesting. Graphics are top notch of course – in fact there's almost a sensory overload of Christmas in every single scene and you can practically smell the Christmas pine and Santa's gingerbread cookies wafting from your PC screen. The gameplay itself seems remarkably similar to another HOPA I recently played from Domini (Myth or Reality: Fairy Lands) – in fact it's practically the same game, with some superficial plot twists and wrapped in a Christmas skin. This one has a Santa (hero), a cynical dwarf Ambrus (villan) – who seems dead set on putting a stop to Christmas forever, oh no!, a princess, some mischievous mice up to no good and the usual plot devices and mini puzzles you'll instantly recognize if you've played any recent HOPAs from this game designer. It's all good, though – it's easy going gameplay and seasonal, whimsical escapist fun which should appeal to any level casual gamer as well as seasoned “pros”. Recommended, ho ho ho!
I recommend this game!
Explore charming New England like never before and uncover its mysteries!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Let's take a trip to New England!
PostedNovember 14, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I purchased this game as soon as it was available (a couple hours ago). First impressions: same enjoyable gameplay as previous offerings in this series. You are to find the listed objects, a key (which unlocks a "fun fact") and a "collectible" (a star, which unlocks Unlimited Mode). Like the other Finding American games, some listed objects morph and others require some type of interaction to "find." I've discovered that in this game, more precise "object clicks" are required - getting pretty close often won't cut it, so if you play on the more difficult modes, that's something to bear in mind. The opening scene is a dingy subway station where you are instructed to clean up a floor stain with a mop and finish some graffiti with a can of spray paint - I thought this was a dismal opening for a game about picturesque New England, but the scenes improve as you progress through the game. The wonderful and soothing acoustic guitar music is back, happy to say! Minis are hit and miss for me - I'm no fan of color the picture but I like jigsaws; later on you'll apparently encounter a "guess the word"/Wheel of Fortune, which is definitely more up my alley. I'll rate this game as Recommended.
I recommend this game!
Join the Park Rangers at TWO National Parks, find hidden objects, complete challenging puzzles and spot 100’s of animals!
Overall rating
3
/
5
My least favorite of this series so far
PostedNovember 12, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
I hate to ding a Park Ranger game by a couple stars, as I am a big fan of this series and have played over 10 of them (have a couple more still left to go...) but #10CE is my very least favorite so far for the over-the-top promotion of trendy junk science.... I unfortunately, have the pleasure (rather, the "displeasure") of living directly next to a wind farm several months of the year, and these hulking, steel monstrosities destabilize our electrical grid while providing little or no actual benefit except to handful of investors reaping the tax benefits... Actually I could write an entire critical graduate thesis about this subject; but I'll spare you dear reader of those gory details. Thankfully (as I've played later installments of this series) this theme is not revisited in later PR installments - thank you!!! - but seeing it once is more than enough, and it tragically marred what would otherwise be a fun and escapist point-and-click outdoorsy video game. Please, Casual Arts - keep your games FUN and leave the trendy "science" away from Pinecreek Hills. You will see much higher ratings - and game sales - as a result!
The wolf spirit still haunts… will you heed its call?
Overall rating
5
/
5
Classic fantasy HOPA - a complex and engaging game experience!
PostedNovember 10, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
So here I am – it's almost 2024 and I just finished a “vintage” game released nearly a decade ago – the last review for Spirit Wolf CE was back in 2020 so I figured this game needs a little “new love” in the review section. It's a long, complex and fast moving HOPA with very nice artwork, an excellent soundtrack, quality voice acting and an engrossing storyline. There's lots and lots of North American Native American lore here (along with some Meso-American elements thrown in – Mayan pyramids and calendar stones for example – some purists might ding this game a bit for the way these two dissimilar ancient cultures were combined into one storyline, but hey, it's still all from the same continent and it all does work together very well! - and let's not forget it's a “fantasy” game which grants a little bit of creative flights of fancy, so...). That all said, the puzzle minis are creative and above average and of course, there's lots of very enjoyable HOG scenes! I enjoyed everything about Spirit Wolf CE – it's a shame that Eipix Games is apparently no longer in business because their Myths of the World is an excellent series and this title in particular hits on a niche category which just lends itself so nicely to this type of game format! 2014 was at the peak of Big Fish Games popularity and this was but one of several production studios that was licensed to provide very high quality content to this website: it seems studios were willing to take more creative risks back then than they are today – I'm not intentionally knocking (for example) Boomzap/Tiny Little Lion here because we love their new games too, but these older HOPAs are very unique and thoughtful offerings. Give this game a try – it really holds up well. Highest recommendation!
I recommend this game!
The secret of the fairies lies deep in the English countryside.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Charming fantasy story! Five stars!!
PostedNovember 8, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Delightful HOPA offering from Domini Games! I still consider myself a bit of a neophyte when it comes to HOPAs and this one flowed almost intuitively for me. In some regards it was almost too easy - with occasional assistance from the "dreaded hint button" and the always-helpful in-game map the action moved along quickly and I had no difficulties or frustrations with figuring out where to go or what needed to be done next. Great fantasy story - with fairies!!! - and all of the classic fantasy elements. The artwork is gorgeous - Domini really shines here, with top notch graphic art and production. I loved looking for the "magical items" and leaves. The HOGs are frustration-free and the mini puzzles were also "doable" with some time and effort. Absolutely impressive game for certain! Highly recommended, especially for high fantasy aficionados!
I recommend this game!
Join experienced detectives to help solve riddles and investigate one of history's greatest heists!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Deserves better ratings! Fun "HOPA lite"
PostedNovember 6, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
How can this game possibly receive only two stars as the average rating? It's a five star game - IF your expectations are realistic - this is not a full blown HOPA, guys - it's (what I like to call) a "HOPA-Lite". There's a neat (but small) mystery plot, lots of excellent HOGs - where everything is bright and clear and easy to spot - no clicking around in dark areas - no magnifier but none is really necessary. The minis aren't too tough - I enjoyed them! Good soundtrack, too. I like this casual game format very well. Not too heavy or involved and fun for a few hours to pass the time. Will AVI Games treat us to a third installment? I hope so!
I recommend this game!
Unmask the other-worldly mystery of your uncle's agency!
Overall rating
5
/
5
HOPA-lite done right. This is a very enjoyable game.
PostedNovember 3, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Hoo-boy, did this one take a beating in the BF ratings - one star bandits are on the loose here! I consider this game to be a HOG-Lite (my own term) due to the presence of a light plot, but this is primarily a HOG with some puzzle minis. I can see how long-time HOPA fans might feel left down; this is definitely not a HOPA. As a HOG however, I feel it excels. The artwork is absolutely gorgeous: the graphic artists at Domini Games have their craft mastered. There's just enough of a story to keep you mildly interested from scene to scene. Some of the puzzles are a little tricky with unclear instructions (or virtually no instructions) but the majority are not impossible with a little thought and a bit of time investment. If you are aware of what you are buying this should be an appealing game for many players. Frankly, I'm finding this formula to be just the thing to break the monotony of travel HOGs I've been binging on this year. Stellar work, Domini Games - I hope to see more of these types of games going forward!
I recommend this game!
Organize and run an epic yard sale for the ages!
Overall rating
3
/
5
It's kind of meh
PostedNovember 1, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I purchased this as the free game on a Halloween BOGO. I kind wish I'd gone with another title, though. I thought it might be like the old Playrix games (Gardenscapes, Farmscapes) which used this same formula and Seven Sails obviously did borrow their very successful template here, but this Yard Sale lacks the charm and likeability present in those earlier classic games. There's little or no soundtrack, many of the objects are too small to see on my 17.5" laptop, and the images are lacking the clarity and crispness I am used to seeing in today's very high quality hidden object games. I probably should have just done a drive-by on this Yard Sale, checked it out from the street and kept on going. Seven Sails, you do put out some great games but this one misses the mark for me. Three very generous stars is what I'll assign it then, which means on the BF game rating system that it's just "OK."
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop the rampage at the Halloween party?
Overall rating
5
/
5
So much fun, a little scary too - excellent Halloween game!
PostedOctober 31, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am a BFG veteran - but I consider myself a HOPA "newbie" player; however, in my inexperienced opinion this game is a very, very well done HOPA with a strong and exciting storyline, excellent voice acting, just enough "creepy" music to set the tone and best of all, really top notch graphic art with the bright and distinctive color palette we've come to know and love from Domini Games! I enjoyed so much about this game - the plot, the characters, the minis which are "just hard enough", the excellent (and challenging) hidden object searches, finding the costume masks, Halloween dishes and tickets and of course, little unexpected surprises too like the occasional random spook that pops out when you click somewhere! The whole package is really lots of fun with no frustration factor at all. The map and an occasional click of the "dreaded hint button" were enough to help me figure out where to go and what to do next. Just a stellar game and so perfect for the season! Now I'll go back and play the earlier installment, for sure. I absolutely recommend this game. Big thumbs up!!
I recommend this game!
Gear up for frights with spooky Halloween fun!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Really gets you in the mood for Halloween!
PostedOctober 29, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This game was recommended to me and it exceeded my expectations! I played it through on the weekend before All Hallow's Eve and it really helps "set the mood!" Took me over 7 hours to complete everything but the slider puzzles ('cuz I don't like those, who does?). Everything is well done as we've come to expect from our beloved Tiny Little Lion. Much stronger game than Stars, Stripes and Subgames. I wish and hope they put out a Christmas game like this one. Really loved every minute of it and I can give it my highest recommendation!
I recommend this game!