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
The Emperor’s son has a mysterious illness. As legendary healer Daiyu, you’re called to the palace to save him, but you end up having to save yourself!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Nice older HOPA with a strong storyline - pretty fun
PostedOctober 26, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Enjoyable and nearly vintage (at the time of this writing) HOPA where you play the role of an adventuresome healer who must save the Chinese emperor's son from an apparent evildoer/foe type... I don't have a lot of experience with this format of game (not yet anyway) so for a relative newbie I will say this older offering is easy to figure out (there's a walkthrough included, but I didn't need to consult it). Once the gameplay gets started you'll find the usual HOGs offered in these sorts of adventure games and of course, an awful lot of semi-annoying "IQ puzzles" thrown in which you can skip after a short wait if you're playing casual mode (and oh, I did skip most of them, not gonna lie!). The voice acting and art are impressive, along with the soundtrack score which adds to the excitement level, when appropriate. You'll have a map so it's easy to find your way around and hop to and fro to use your collected items. Overall a fairly satisfying game experience; recommended.
I recommend this game!
Only you can save the kingdom from a mysterious disease!
Overall rating
5
/
5
This is the game which changed my mind about HOPAs!
PostedOctober 25, 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 finally did it and slogged all the way to the end of this HOPA game – the first HOPA I've actually played all the way through, and I've been playing games on Big Fish for over a decade! Normally I dislike HOPAs – have trash-talked them before in my reviews because I've tried and prematurely quit so many of them - but I am a fantasy fan, so in the spirit of open mindedness I decided to give A Dark Seed a try....hoping it would be different from other story-driven games I've attempted in the past. I didn't use the included walkthrough (in fact I didn't even notice it until I was about halfway through the game) but I will admit to relying quite a bit on the “dreaded hint button” to direct me where to go at times and also what to do with all of the inventory items I kept collecting as I progressed through the many different scenes! I enjoyed the story very much (with the exception of the first part in the medical laboratory – I really don't like to see anything of a medical nature and particularly antique medical stuff) – thankfully I stuck with it anyway and that aspect of it didn't last very long and the rest was more in the fantasy vein which I love so much! It's a pretty long game and I spent about six hours on it from start to finish. The artwork, music, characters and story were engrossing. The minis were kind of hit or miss – I completed all of the hidden object scenes without any difficulty but I skipped a number of the “IQ test” type minis – instructions for those were scant and I wanted to see what happened next without spending a lot of time trying to (for example) match rune icons on a wheel or whatever. Since my experience with HOPAs is scant I am not able to say whether the story line was cliché or not – I thought it was clever and suspenseful and quite exciting! I will definitely recommend this game to “HOPA newbies” because it's not difficult to play and it's seemingly a very good introduction to the mechanics of HOPA gameplay. I will be playing the sequels for certain, and will definitely look through BF's extensive catalog of other fantasy inspired games as well. Well done, Domini Games – consider me a new (although “late to the party”) fan!
I recommend this game!
Step in and test your skill with a stunning collection of challenging puzzles!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Fun way to pass an hour or two
PostedOctober 23, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I decided to give this game a whirl - well, I'd really only intended to play the memory matches - and there are only a couple of those - but after I finished them I decided to do the rest (except for Spot the Difference, which I don't like). Nice little brain workout - nothing hard core, but you'll think more playing this than reading People Magazine. Wish I'd known about the hidden lion sooner - didn't find out about that until I had a misclick and I was 2/3'rds finished. These are the same type of minis you find on Tiny Little Lion's feature games. Nice music and colorful scenes to play around with - there's nothing profound going on here, but I enjoyed it for what it is!
I recommend this game!
Can you solve the mystery of the mansion?
Overall rating
5
/
5
HOPA-lite fun full of intrigue. Enjoyable game!
PostedOctober 22, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I generally avoid HOPA's and most offerings from Domini Games (because 99% of their games are HOPAs) but I decided to give this one a chance even though many of the "long time" players on Big Fish dinged it with a brief one or two star review. After looking through many of these lower-rated reviews, it seems the majority of the criticisms were written by seasoned, long time HOPA fans who were disappointed that 100 Doors isn't exactly like the old HOPAs of yore (say, 2020 and earlier). Well you know what, that's great news for me - sounds like a game right up my alley!!! I enjoy games with a "light plot" but utterly despise heavy, tedious, boring, long, drawn out plot driven mystery games...if I want to experience a really great mystery, I can always read Agatha Christie, right? Even though my experience with HOPAs is basically nil (I always quit them prematurely out of sheer boredom/frustration) and I've only played through a couple of HOPA-Lites - I think I can still weigh in here - this is a fun game! The graphics are gorgeous with depth and lovely color saturation and lots of attention to detail. The eerie music is very atmospheric. There's an appealing, classic fantasy element to 100 Doors. The HOGs are great fun, even when they require a little "object assembly" (one of the hallmarks of a HOPA). Some of the minis CAN be pretty challenging - I skipped a couple of them, but played through most. In short, I like nearly everything about 100 Doors. I do know I was so involved with it that I lost track of time while playing and that's always a positive sign of a well done game. I'll definitely be checking out others from this series. Well done effort here, Domini!
I recommend this game!
Solve puzzles in the warmth and coziness of home!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Great fun, high quality HOG!
PostedOctober 21, 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
I'd been mulling over purchasing this game since it was released a couple weeks ago. $14 is a lot to pay for a single game especially when, as a member of a different gaming site I can play unlimited games for nearly the same amount for an entire month (only catch is that BF gets the newest games faster). AND I already burned through my BF club "allowance" for the month....ah, what to do?! So after a long consideration I finally decided to pull the trigger on this game as an increasingly rare "special treat" (something certainly not to become a habit, as money is a bit tight these days.) I am enjoying it immensely. The graphics, music and smooth gameplay just ooze high quality. The picture hunts are very enjoyable - nothing disguised in the dark or too tiny to spot! The minis are great. And yes, yes - all of the animals are super cute. If you have some extra money to spend and are looking for a super high quality hot new HOG, this one certainly fits the bill. Highly recommended!
I recommend this game!
Uncover dark forces emanating from the heart of Old Town and be spellbound by this adorably ghoulish horror-themed puzzle game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Stellar Match-3! Halloween fun!
PostedOctober 19, 2023
rainstormy
fromLufkin, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
At the time of this review Spooky Bonus is a not a new game by any means but it is not dated, either - the graphics and music are great - gameplay is exciting and there's a good bit of humor as well. Game flows nicely and definitely gets you "in the mood" for Halloween. It's progressively more difficult as you advance but not maddeningly difficult as some Match 3's. If you're looking for a little Hallow's Eve themed fun give this game a try! Recommended!
I recommend this game!
Come along for an awe-inspiring trip around the world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Not just for kids.
PostedOctober 14, 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
A very enjoyable, if not overly challenging installment to the ongoing Our Beautiful Earth series. Scenes are bright (well lit) and sharp and rendered in near photorealism. At each stage you will hunt for a list of animals in three scenes, a paw print, a camera and three kitty cats. Between scenes are an assortment of minis consisting of (for example) memory, spot the difference, "fit the wooden shapes", mah-jong, solitaire and "find the animals in the Far East carving." I liked the scenes in #6 very well with a nice assortment of locations instead of primarily Southeast Asia settings. OBE offerings would appeal to child players, if any children actually play HOGs. Great game, even if it's a bit oriented to children.
I recommend this game!
Dispel the ominous presence of the Spooky Dwellers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Spooky, different and fun!!!
PostedOctober 10, 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
As Monty Python would say, "And now for something completely different!" - and this spooky Halloween themed game is no ordinary, run of the mill Match 3! There's some strategy involved, but it's not maddening and overly difficult like some other Match 3's I've played in the past - you do have to pay attention to the instructions given at the beginning of each round, however - but don't worry - it isn't difficult to understand or play and you can always click the in-game icon for a quick summary of each round's goals. You win coins from completing levels and from minis - btw I loved the minis in this game - as well as decorating the spooky terrace with the coins you earn! Great music soundtrack, too - just the thing to get you in the mood for Halloween! I LOVED this game - it's addictive and fun and original. And I'll definitely be playing the sequel soon. Highly recommended!!
I recommend this game!
Embark on a wild journey to find exotic animals!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Of course it was an instant buy.
PostedOctober 10, 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
I love this series of games from Tiny Lion/Boomzap. Was not expecting a new installment to this ongoing series today but as soon as I saw it, it was an instant buy. Yes, this game is identical in style to the previous releases, with 16 wild animals to locate per round, 3 morphing butterflies and the usual list of random items in each of the two scenes. Yes - the scenes are sharp and crystal clear as always and of course, there's that soothing acoustic guitar soundtrack that I enjoy so much! Minis are great so far, too. If you enjoyed the other "I Love (fill in the blank)" games or this is your first one - you will love this game. Thank you Big Fish for bringing us HOG and animal lover fans a little joy and a vacation from the world's geo-political troubles.
I recommend this game!
Friendly and cheerful ghosts need your help in this new, breathtaking match 3 game with HOGs and puzzles.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Fun, vintage Match 3
PostedOctober 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
At the time of this review Laruaville (1) is a decade old and its original release dates back to the "Golden era" of Big Fish Games - when casual PC gaming was at a creative peak and BFG's slogan was "A New Game Every Day!". A decade ago, PC game developers seemed more willing to take creative risks in both concept and design. Obviously the formula for Laruaville was a smashing success as they just released their 14th sequel to this original game a couple months ago. I will not try to summarize the gameplay as others have already covered that territory in the many existing reviews - but I will say that it is a very enjoyable Match 3 which is still very fun to play in spite of its age. The characters are cute, and the game flows nicely with the occasional "hidden object" hunt to break up the monotony. It's also a relaxed game which is challenging but not terribly frustrating or difficult unlike other Match 3's I've played. If you haven't played any from this series, it seems that this original game is where you should start. I am not a huge Match 3 fan - a couple a year is sufficient for me - but I really enjoyed this cute game and recommend it highly.
I recommend this game!