ntexas99's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:279
- Reviews Submitted:25
- First Review:January 20, 2013
- Most Recent Review:May 13, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Be swept away by a heart breaking romantic tale of love, romance, deception, and tragedy seen through the eyes of Maria Lopez!
Overall rating
4
/
5
41 of 43 found this review helpful
okay version of Hidden Object game
PostedJuly 9, 2014
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Not sure why this is getting terrible reviews. This game is for those that enjoy strictly Hidden Object, with a tiny bit of "find the pieces and build the whatever" thrown in for variety. Game play is that you are given a category, and asked to find five things that fit that category, such as fruits, weapons, sea creatures, cosmetics, kitchen gadgets, etc. Object is to try to find all ten items in each scene, without using hints, to earn the most hearts on each level.
I never read or pay attention to the storyline in any game, but with that being said, the storyline in this game is plausible and moves the play along, if you enjoy following the story. Lots of different versions of hints are available, such as name, outline, or locate, but using hints will reduce your number of hearts for the level. Also, you can replay any level to get more hearts, but use caution, as items will be different and may be a bit harder to find the second time around.
Graphics are above-average and fairly colorful, rather than grainy and dull, but certainly not the highest quality. As you search for items, there are usually not a large number of "wrong answer" items in the scene, and you are not penalized for clicking on the wrong item, unless you click too rapidly. A few of the items you are looking for may be quite small, or obscured by bushes or some other obstacle, such as being located underwater. Background music is pleasant enough, and isn't too distracting.
I think anyone that likes strictly Hidden Object games will enjoy this game. No strategy or time management in this game - just straightforward Hidden Object. My guess is the the bad reviews stem from people wanting adventure or strategy-type games, but if you are looking for strictly Hidden Object, then this is a decent choice.
I played the full sixty minutes of the free preview, and have marked this one for purchase the next time there is a half-off sale, mostly because I rarely purchase any games at full price, and prefer to wait for the sales. In sixty minutes, I got to Chapter 5, which looks to be just a little bit less than halfway, based on what I could tell by the length of expected play. Because difficulty level is fairly easy, not sure I would have any desire to play it over and over again, but might enjoy it as a change of pace.
If you like this game, you would probably enjoy Route 66 or 100% Hidden Objects, or any of the Big City Adventures series. If Hidden Object is your thing, this one works.
I recommend this game!
The King turns once more to you, his trusted city planner, to save the faraway land of Middleshire in Royal Envoy 2!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Great Strategy Game
PostedJuly 6, 2014
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Love the Royal Envoy series of games.
Skill building and strategy, where you can only earn three stars on each level by being quick and using your resources wisely. My only negative comment is that this version - Royal Envoy 2 - requires you to physically click on every coin to gather money. Later versions -- for instance, RE-3 and RE-Campaign for the Crown -- allow you to swipe coins, rather than clicking every one. I prefer the graphics in RE-3 to RE-2 because colors are brighter and images are sharper, but all of the Royal Envoy games in the series are good for those that like strategy building games. Build the houses, collect rent, chop down trees, hire workers, and do it all in unison to beat the timer in order to earn three stars. Bonus levels if you earn three stars on every level.
If you like the Royal Envoy series, then you'll probably also like the Island Tribe series.
I recommend this game!
Travel to a storybook world and bring life back to the glade.
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
Adorable and Colorful M3 Game that is Great for All Ages
PostedJune 7, 2014
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Incredibly cute M3 game. Very brightly colored, with lots of sparkling special effects and tinkling sounds. The free trial was over in a flash, and that's always the sign of a game you should put on your "buy it for sure" list. One of the cutest games I've seen.
Various icons to match up for special bonuses, such as the tornado, which shuffles the board, or the cross X, which blasts away a patterned choice of tiles, or drop the basket by matching three items above the basket, which then opens up more of the board. Also love the happy bear that shows up after you drop the basket, with a list of specific items to collect. Adds another layer of fun to the game.
All in all, this is a very cheerful, colorful, fun, and definitely not boring game. Yes, you can also build your fantasy kingdom between the match three boards by purchasing various decorations, and that is cute, too, but the M3 games are some of the best I've seen. Great graphics, and very colorful. Not too difficult, and not too easy. Just right.
Absolutely would recommend this game for all ages. Very cute. Kids and adults both will enjoy this game. If you like bright graphics, colorful scenes, and fun sound effects, plus easy play and unexpected surprises, then you'll like this game. The Fishdom series has always been my favorite for the M3 games, but Arcanika might just jump to the top of the list, based on cuteness factor alone.
I recommend this game!
After inheriting an old antique shop, Emily discovers an odd diary that seems to contain a number of clues as to the book's origin. As she delves deeper into the mystery, what she uncovers will change her forever.
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Fuzzy Graphics - Poor Quality - Not For Me
PostedJune 7, 2014
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
HO game with storyline. Find random hidden objects in various antique shop or old market square settings. Graphics are some of the worst I've seen. Everything is grayish-greenish-brownish in color, with most hidden objects being extremely difficult to locate. Most are small in comparison to the scene, and some, even when you click on the Hint feature, are still indistinguishable (feather, rings). Extremely pitiful version of a hidden object game. Really one of the worst I've ever seen.
Even the music was annoying - it sounded like a record that got stuck on a track, and kept skipping over and over the same sequence. The mini games also have fuzzy graphics, and little to no direction on how to play the games, and they are boring. I should say that I never read or pay attention to story lines, so I can't comment on that aspect, but this game was really not my cup of tea. I didn't even bother finishing the free trial, and had to close out the game after only about fifteen minutes. It was awful, and I would never recommend this game. I don't think I've ever written a negative review before, but this game was THAT bad. Yuck. No thanks.
I don't recommend this game.
An endearing 1930s love story set around a traveling circus.
Overall rating
2
/
5
Flapper Music and Mediocre Graphics
PostedApril 6, 2014
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A lot of people reviewing talk about loving the music, so I suppose it is just a matter of taste. I found the flapper - roaring 20's music irritating and annoying, which ultimately kept me from being able to enjoy the game. My choice was either to turn the sound off, or play with a muted version of the music, but even a little bit was too much, and I don't enjoy playing the games without any background music.
Music issue aside, the graphics are not terrible, but they certainly aren't sharp and clear. I prefer graphics that are crisp and sharp and bright and colorful. The graphics in this game were muddled and muted and slightly fuzzy, and even though the objects are relatively easy to find, I didn't personally find it to be an enjoyable game. However, if you love the music of the flapper era, and you prefer games that are low key and strictly hidden object versus strategy, then you would probably like this game.
If you like games without the blood and guts and gory storylines and strategy twists and turns, and you enjoy brightly colored graphics and sharp clear images, then I would suggest you might want to try out the Aquascapes or Fishdom series, or the Big City Adventure series, or Route 66, or maybe even the Samantha Swift series. Enjoy!
Travel down the world famous Route 66 with Madeleine Mayflower, as she takes a much needed vacation from motorcycle racing!
Overall rating
3
/
5
25 of 26 found this review helpful
Easy-Peasey and Laid Back
PostedApril 6, 2014
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This game has some historical information scattered throughout, or you can skip ahead and just go straight to the hidden object games. Each HO game has 10 hidden objects in each scene, with 6 free hints always available, but you won't need them, and you can earn more hints by playing the mini-games. Objects are relatively easy to find, but there are a few typos such as "brain plug" should be "drain plug" but the game is so easy, it didn't really bother me much. I would have liked the HO games to be a little bit more challenging, but overall, this is a very chilled out version of a hidden object game, with no strategy story to slow you down.
Personally, I turned the music and sound effects all the way up, since the music is very chilled out and the sound effects are non-obtrusive. One of the three rotating mini-games is a Four-In-A-Row game, one is a Pick-The-Two-That-Match game, and one is a Remember-The-Sequence game. Personally, I like the Four-In-A-Row game and enjoy playing against the computer. It's a nice break in-between the HO games.
I made it through 2/3 of the game on the 60 minute trial, but will go ahead and purchase, at a bargain price of 70% off, because the chilled out vibe and easy listening music will make this one a good choice for those need-to-unwind times. Would probably not pay full price for this one, but as a bargain game, and one that I will probably play repeatedly, it is a good choice. A pleasant and easy game.
I recommend this game!
Help Monica solve the deadly mystery of an experiment that has gone wrong!
Overall rating
5
/
5
29 of 29 found this review helpful
This one will surprise you - great HO / Word game
PostedJanuary 1, 2014
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The reason I tried this one was because of the reviews. I like HO games, and I like Word games, so I figured maybe a game that combined both would be worth a try. This turned out to be a very relaxed and chill game. Think of it as a combination of an HO game, and a letter-search game, and even a game of Hangman with every chapter, plus relaxing and fun mini-games between each set of objects. Plus, the music is very peaceful and unobtrusive, and provides the perfect backdrop for unwinding.
Here's what you won't like: the graphics could certainly be better, but try it for at least fifteen minutes, and you'll get used to how to find the objects (and letters). Also, it could be longer, but because it's such a relaxing game, I've already played it several times, and enjoy each replay. I'm never into the storyline, and this one is not my cup of tea, but since I always ignore the storyline anyway, it doesn't much matter.
Here's what you will like about this game: Overall, it's challenging, yet no so difficult that it can't be mastered. HO scenes are varied and colorful. Music is perfect for unwinding and relaxing. Word puzzles are entertaining. Letters in the puzzles are consistent and relatively easy to locate. In every scene, you have to switch between two related scenes in order to complete that set, and the transition between the two is seamless and doable.
Overall, this is a great game, and will remain one of my favorites. I always appreciate a game that can be played again and again without it getting boring. Might be a little on the difficult side for young children, but tweens and above should get by just fine. I rarely find a game that hits all the right buttons, and this one does exactly that. I give it an A++
I recommend this game!
It's Bill and Mary's best Christmas ever! Be part of the famous town parade and visit Santa's amazing North Pole workshops.
Overall rating
5
/
5
28 of 33 found this review helpful
Best Christmas HO Game for the Holidays
PostedDecember 16, 2013
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
When I was a little girl, one of the things I looked forward to for the holidays was receiving that big, fat Christmas coloring book (and a new box of crayons). You know the one I'm talking about - it had wonderful holiday pictures, and every sort of puzzle, and even some word games and my favorite, the 1=red, 2=blue, 3=green and you fill in the picture.
That's what Christmas Wonderland 4 is like. It's chock-full of Hidden Object games, for sure, but it also has all sorts of mini-games that are fun to play (jigsaw puzzles, fill in the dots, mazes, number games, matching pairs). Plus, there is a "mini" mini-game running throughout the whole game, in that you search for nativity figures in every puzzle, AND you get to look for specific items that are only identified by their shape. In other words, you get a little bit of everything, and nothing is impossible, because you can always use the Hint Button if you choose.
Love this game, and it's perfect holiday entertainment for the whole family. Challenging enough to be fun, but easy enough to be relaxed. Complete with fun and uplifting holiday music throughout the various HO games. Great buy!
I recommend this game!
Gotcha: Celebrity Secrets
You are Gaby, an amateur celebrity blogger, desperate to ditch her dead-end job for the exciting world of celebrity gossip.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
something different - like a Where's Waldo HO game - colorful and fun
PostedSeptember 19, 2013
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a little bit different than your average dark and gloomy Hidden Object game, where you move from screen to screen, looking for scissors and anchors and genie lamps. This game is a Where's Waldo version, where you search for different people within a crowd of celebrity-type characters. Cartoonish and colorful characters, and you also find five stars and two reporters in every scene, plus stop watches that add to your time - although you can play in either timed or untimed mode - up to you. Mini-games between screen shots are varied and quick, and offer a bit of variety.
My only real complaint is that it isn't longer, or more difficult to quickly move through the levels. There are 5 Chapters and 8 Levels per Chapter. For reference, in the first hour - during the trial period - I managed to scoot through to the 4th Level of Chapter 2, so I was already halfway through all the available levels in just the first hour. But I can see this being a game I would play on repeat, if for no other reason than because it offers such a nice break from the usual HO game. Even though the levels do get a bit more difficult as you continue through the game - distractions are thrown in, or you have to look through a keyhole to find the characters - even with the added level of difficulty, this game is fairly quick and easy. Not necessarily a bad thing. Mostly I like the colorful graphics, and the quick play. Background music and sound effects are not too distracting or abrasive.
Generally speaking, I probably would not recommend for kids, mostly because some of the clothing on the celebrity characters is pretty skimpy, or presents a poor body image - such as waistlines that are even skinnier than your typical Barbie doll. But other than the skimpy clothes or unrealistic body images, there is nothing offensive or too adult about this game. Many HO games have macabre or frightening themes - this one is a nice departure from that - so for that reason, it might be a good choice for kids or young adults. Just depends on your own personal taste.
Overall, this game is cute, colorful, and different, and is a nice switch up from the usual dark and gloomy HO game. Better than most, even if it's a bit easy to move through the different levels. I liked it enough to add it to my collection. Would definitely recommend it.
I recommend this game!
Explore the incredible underwater hidden object world of Aquascapes.
Overall rating
5
/
5
best Hidden Object game in my collection
PostedAugust 18, 2013
ntexas99
fromSan Antonio, TX
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Vibrant colors, lots of activity to accompany the hidden object games, challenging levels of achievements if you decide to opt for meeting all the achievements. You can play in either relaxed or timed mode, and in either one, you earn coins for finding hidden objects. Then, after you collect your coins, you also earn XP for feeding your fishies, and for decorating your aquarium, and the more XP you earn, the quicker you Level Up. There are eight "collections" for the aquariums, or you can go in your own direction, and just pick and choose whatever strikes your fancy. Most HO games get boring after you've managed to master the game, but this is the first HO game I've owned that I can play over and over again without getting bored. Perfect way to wind down after a busy day. Perfect family game, too. Colorful, fun, easy and relaxed, or more challenging, depending on your preference. Highly recommended if you enjoy HO games.
I recommend this game!