skullfun's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.7
- Helpful Votes:11,503
- Reviews Submitted:649
- First Review:February 24, 2013
- Most Recent Review:January 2, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Christmas Eve: Midnight's Call Collector's Edition
Do you have what it takes to save Christmas?
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Only ERS can deliver a beautifully bizarre adventure like this!
PostedDecember 28, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Haunted Legends: The Stone Guest Collector's Edition
(33)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Christmas Eve: Midnight's Call is a Christmas-themed HOPA game - one that balanced the joyous Christmas spirits and some darker elements of the game incredibly well. I was surprised by how solid the story was, it was heartwarming, exciting and cheerful all at the same time. The characters were also beautifully drawn and professionally voiced with lip sync.
The visuals of Christmas Eve were the good old-fashioned style we have come to expect from ERS. Still, I felt like the art team at ERS approached each location in the game with more creativity than ever before, or maybe it was because this is a Christmas game in which they can let their imagination roam free. Nonetheless, ERS should really consider amp up their graphics a little bit; imagine how stunning those beautiful scenes would look with sharper and brighter graphics.
Set all the nice graphics and engaging storyline aside, yet again, ERS played it safe when it comes to the gameplay. In fact, the adventure part of Christmas Eve was so mundane and easy that I barely need to use the Hint button, just forget about the strategy guide. There were no unique extra features present in the game, except for an annoyingly cute Snowman and a couple of Magnifying Glass Mini-Games which were not at all challenging. The hidden object scenes and puzzles were not very innovative either; the hidden object scenes came in a variety of modes, the majority was fairly easy to complete. While the puzzles were the typical ones, did not really help with the development of the story.
In the Collector's Edition, Christmas Eve: Midnight's Call featured the usual gallery items, along with a strategy guide, replayable hidden objects and puzzles as well as general achievements and collectibles. The bonus chapter was surprisingly good though, lasted around 60 minutes for me. I highly recommend for all causal game players!!!
The visuals of Christmas Eve were the good old-fashioned style we have come to expect from ERS. Still, I felt like the art team at ERS approached each location in the game with more creativity than ever before, or maybe it was because this is a Christmas game in which they can let their imagination roam free. Nonetheless, ERS should really consider amp up their graphics a little bit; imagine how stunning those beautiful scenes would look with sharper and brighter graphics.
Set all the nice graphics and engaging storyline aside, yet again, ERS played it safe when it comes to the gameplay. In fact, the adventure part of Christmas Eve was so mundane and easy that I barely need to use the Hint button, just forget about the strategy guide. There were no unique extra features present in the game, except for an annoyingly cute Snowman and a couple of Magnifying Glass Mini-Games which were not at all challenging. The hidden object scenes and puzzles were not very innovative either; the hidden object scenes came in a variety of modes, the majority was fairly easy to complete. While the puzzles were the typical ones, did not really help with the development of the story.
In the Collector's Edition, Christmas Eve: Midnight's Call featured the usual gallery items, along with a strategy guide, replayable hidden objects and puzzles as well as general achievements and collectibles. The bonus chapter was surprisingly good though, lasted around 60 minutes for me. I highly recommend for all causal game players!!!
I recommend this game!
Welcome to Holy Mountain Hotel, where all criminals are punished.
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 25 found this review helpful
Elephant delivers a golden peanut in Haunted Hotel Death Sentence
PostedDecember 22, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Third in the series Haunted Hotel: Death Sentence is spooky, but perhaps not actually scary, since all of its jumpscares are telegraphed very clearly, and it's hard for me to take a corpse reveal that all but screams, "Get in, loser, we're going shopping" seriously. Visually, it's a rare treat, with crisp visuals, rich, dark colours, and a great flair for the macabre and the creepy. If you enjoy the sort of ghoulish camp you'd find in something like Christopher Pike's Fear Street, chances are all the mysterious shadows and grinning skulls will be right up your alley. The story might move a little quick in the way it reveals things, with more pacing given to shock value than character development, but the "justice from beyond" trope is executed well. It's a fairly fast-moving game, and most of the difficulty will largely come from how much back-tracking you'll be expected to do, though the fast-travel map means that isn't quite as frustrating as it might have once been back in olden times. The only problem with Death Sentence is actually that it falls into a pattern. Find out who the next victim will be, find an item in their case file, track them down, repeat, repeat, repeat. Still, the game's stunning presentation and genuinely sympathetic villain will keep you hooked 'til the end, though it's not likely to take anyone much longer than three hours or so, and it still feels like it leaves a lot of questions unanswered as to how certain things happened. The soundtrack is a particular standout, with a few genuinely pretty pieces and a creepy ditty that know when to take a backseat and let the atmospheric sounds set the stage. The ending sequence is actually pretty well executed, and if you pick up the Collector's Edition, the bonus chapter is actually a surprisingly satisfying addition... neither a simple prelude, nor something that feels lopped off of the main story, instead centering on a little girl who's gone missing at the hotel's island after the main game ends. While it all might be over too soon, Haunted Hotel: Death Sentence is still a fantastic blend of thriller and supernatural horror, with high production values and a flair for drama that makes this demo well worth checking out for any casual adventure fan.
I recommend this game!
Bring an end to Mr. Dudley's reign of terror!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
The Final Show is excellent, even worthy of CE!!!
PostedNovember 29, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The curtain closes on the Weird Park saga in this shocking third chapter in the hit series of hidden object adventures. When a young boy steps into a closet and disappears, cops and journalists swarm his home looking for answers. But they can't see what lies behind the veil of reality: a bizarre alternate dimension created by a twisted imagination!
Taking the role of an investigative reporter, you must unlock the door to the other world, save the child, and bring an end to Mr. Dudley's reign of terror! It's a challenge to solve the puzzles he put in place to stop you from reaching the boy! Will you be able to cling to your sanity as you explore strange worlds that defy everything you believe? Most important of all: The fate of Louis the Clown is in your hands... Don't miss this stunning final installment in the Weird Park trilogy! I highly recommend, especially for fans of the series...
Taking the role of an investigative reporter, you must unlock the door to the other world, save the child, and bring an end to Mr. Dudley's reign of terror! It's a challenge to solve the puzzles he put in place to stop you from reaching the boy! Will you be able to cling to your sanity as you explore strange worlds that defy everything you believe? Most important of all: The fate of Louis the Clown is in your hands... Don't miss this stunning final installment in the Weird Park trilogy! I highly recommend, especially for fans of the series...
I recommend this game!
A deadly secret lurks in the woods of Dire Grove!
Overall rating
5
/
5
21 of 29 found this review helpful
Dire Grove, Sacred Grove is a brilliant sequel !!!
PostedNovember 27, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
There's something strange and wonderful about wandering the forest at night during a snowfall. The hiss of the flakes as they accumulate, the crunch of your footsteps as you perambulate, the howl of the wolves that are dogging your every step...On second thought, maybe wandering the woods at night in the midst of a snowstorm isn't a particularly good idea. Especially if the woods are the sacred Celtic area around the tiny town of Dire Grove in Elephant Games' latest addition to the Mystery Case Files adventure hybrid collection, Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove, Sacred Grove. This sequel brings you back to the chilly burg of Dire Grove, which is once again in the throes of an unseasonal deep freeze along with a severe case of "When Animals Attack". This time around you will actually meet some of the inhabitants of Dire Grove as you work to solve the mystery of what is causing the freak snowstorms and the wild animal problems. Does it have something to do with the Druids, the Mistwalkers, or did the locals manage to do something to trigger the whole thing? Point-and-click your way through the gorgeous winter scenery to solve the mystery with the help of a lot of puzzle solving and hidden object finding.
This Unique Adventure is packed with tons of gameplay, eerie music and gorgeous scenery, all of the things we expect from a Mystery Case Files game. While the pristine backgrounds seem to have lost a little of their mystique from the original game with the addition of the hunters, the druids, and the wolves, the gameplay has actually improved tremendously. The one complaint about Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove was the paucity and simplicity of the puzzles. Elephant games has packed the sequel with tons more including the addition of those fabulous multi-layered Rube Goldberg-esque door puzzles that so delighted #or annoyed# fans of the original Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst. A map that not only shows areas of interest but also allows for instant transportation makes for smooth and easy exploration of this deadly little tourist trap.
So how does this stand up to the original? The backgrounds and scenery are as gorgeous as ever, and while the story and the characters have moved from intriguing live-action to slightly more cheesy animation, the gameplay more than makes up for it. The hidden object scenes contain multiple little mini-games to keep them fresh, and the more complex puzzles keep the gameplay engaging. And as is expected with any Mystery Case Files game there are multiple little side quests like finding the hidden puzzle pieces or collecting miniatures of the town buildings. In addition to five different modes of gameplay, including a dastardly timed mode that can only be unlocked after the first playthrough, there is an exciting new feature that allows the player to choose the gender of their mystery case files detective, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience of playing. Lush and exciting, chilly and mysterious, Mystery Case Files: Dire Grove, Sacred Grove shows once again why the Mystery Case Files games are the leaders in the field. Once again prepare to be chilled to the bone! "The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep."
I recommend this game!
Save your friends and escape from a deadly game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
21 of 24 found this review helpful
Game of Gods:The Game within a game is Brilliant!!!
PostedNovember 23, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You play Alice Russell, whose friends go missing when they take part in a strange game you yourself were supposed to be a part of. Turns out the game, played every three years, has some very serious rules, and the players are contractually bound to face the threats that pop up when they roll the dice or die, which is something I would have thought we'd all learned to avoid when Quark taught us what a terrible idea that is. With your friends in danger from tabletop gone wrong, you have no choice but to sign the contract presented to you by the man with the infinitely smug and punchable face and play yourself to save them, presumably absolving yourself of ever feeling obligated to drive one of them to the airport or pay for pizza ever again. As you play, you'll follow your friends into the scenes they've trapped themselves in, solving puzzles and hidden-object scenes, as well as helping free the many centuries' worth of souls trapped in the game. Surface: Game of Gods is an appealingly creative and beautifully presented hidden-object adventure perfect for players looking for something cinematic and just the right amount of creepy-cool for an evening's play.
It has an interesting plot despite its similarities to Jumanji, though with all the people who have apparently lost the game over hundreds of years, the overall difficulty and complexity probably should have been a bit higher to reflect that, since most of the challenges facing Alice are pretty simple, making everyone else look dense as a result. Admittedly, the story implies winning is less about cunning or intelligence and more about overcoming ones fears and faults, which is much harder to do than simply solving a puzzle. Early on you discover the game... uh, the game within the game, that is... is actually a means to satisfy a bunch of bloodthirsty gods who were inadvertently called to earth long ago, and players have been brought in to try to appease and defeat them ever since. It's more creepy-cool than genuinely scary, though there are some beautifully executed scenes and well done jump scares, and the overall design is absolutely gorgeous. Areas are wonderfully illustrated and the soundtrack is surprisingly top-notch too, though people tend to look more than a little weird when they animate while speaking.
It has an interesting plot despite its similarities to Jumanji, though with all the people who have apparently lost the game over hundreds of years, the overall difficulty and complexity probably should have been a bit higher to reflect that, since most of the challenges facing Alice are pretty simple, making everyone else look dense as a result. Admittedly, the story implies winning is less about cunning or intelligence and more about overcoming ones fears and faults, which is much harder to do than simply solving a puzzle. Early on you discover the game... uh, the game within the game, that is... is actually a means to satisfy a bunch of bloodthirsty gods who were inadvertently called to earth long ago, and players have been brought in to try to appease and defeat them ever since. It's more creepy-cool than genuinely scary, though there are some beautifully executed scenes and well done jump scares, and the overall design is absolutely gorgeous. Areas are wonderfully illustrated and the soundtrack is surprisingly top-notch too, though people tend to look more than a little weird when they animate while speaking.
Though the gameplay is a lot more straight-forward and familiar than the game itself, Game of Gods makes up for it by taking you to a variety of distinctive locations, all with their own themes and villains. One neat mechanic is collecting cards that have special single-use powers for you to "play" and pass obstacles, and many of the hidden-object scenes incorporate different playstyles, like tracking down pairs of objects or specific items needed to advance a story. More importantly, however, is that despite a lot of backtracking, you never feel like you're partaking in random busywork to pad the length of the game. There's a ton of different things to see and puzzles to solve here, and the way the game weaves its story into all of it is surprisingly effective. While slow to start and still on the easy side, Surface: Game of Gods is one of the best hidden-object adventures to come along in a long time. Just remember, kids... if a mysterious stranger who looks like he needs to be throttled with his own cravat invites you to play a game for your heart's desire, just say no. Unless your heart's desire is to be a Powerpuff Girl. Always be a Powerpuff Girl.
I recommend this game!
Haunted Legends: The Stone Guest Collector's Edition
Someone is stealing the hearts of children – literally! Is it a brilliant inventor, seeking to cure his ailing son? Or has dark magic taken over the village...
Overall rating
5
/
5
24 of 30 found this review helpful
THE STONE GUEST IS A BEAUTIFULLY BIZARRE HOPA!
PostedNovember 18, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
An old friend of yours, a local doctor for a small town, has been accused by the locals for causing the disappearances of its’ populous including the children. Travel to the small town to investigate what’s the real cause behind the disappearances. There is definitely something sinister going about in the town. SAINT GERMAINE THE DWARF a familiar old foe has made his appearance once again. Is he somehow involved and/or connected with the disappearance? Or perhaps this time around he isn’t working alone – Be on your guard. You must help Dr. Leporello save his dying son. I wish the adventure had lasted more than a few hours; with the inclusion of the bonus play it feels more like a completed game. ERS has delivered another wonderfully weird addition to this awesome series!!!
I recommend this game!
You've been called to investigate a strange purple tide. And that's when the mermaid shows up...
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Kudo's to both developers for this Awesome Adventure!!!
PostedNovember 17, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Haunted Legends: The Stone Guest Collector's Edition
(33)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Eipix Entertainment takes the reins for Dark Parables: The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide, the latest installment in Blue Tea Games' hidden-object adventure series, where you find yourself in Greece attempting to find the source of and stop a strange phenomenon flooding villages and killing off all the sea life. Turns out all of this is tied to the mysterious temple that's risen out of the sea, and a war fought long ago between two kingdoms, one of which had the brilliant idea to summon the Sea Goddess who promptly sank and cursed the kingdom to end the fighting in what might be the most epic fit of "I'll give you something to cry over" ever. Now the king, transformed into a hideous creature and sort of bitter about non-monstrous "Landwalkers" like yourself, is trying to use her power once more against the whole world, and it's up to you to stop him. You'll travel across one seriously big map, do battle with a persistent #and giant# poisonous eel, solve perplexing puzzles and fragmented hidden-object scenes, and fight the urge to make more fish based puns than anyone has any right to.
If you like unlockables and item achievements, The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide has you covered, with little extra objects to pick up that unlock parables and more. It's a beautiful game, with its ornate environments and lush colours, but it's also almost too busy visually at times, making it hard to pick out items from the surroundings. This is definitely the sort of title for people who love to be dazzled with sparkles, flares, and vibrant, intricate doo-dads, but it might be a bit hard on the eyes for people who aren't used to games looking like a pair of magical tchotchke and craft stores exploded on them. Those keys look like you'd hurt yourself using them, man! The latter half of the game is a bit of a slog, mostly because it starts dumping piles of items into your inventory, repeating puzzles, and then sending you back and forth across a frankly massive map. If you feel like you need to go to a lot of different locations for a game to reel you in, you'll definitely get your money's worth here. There's a lot of ground to cover as you explore, with a lot of dazzling sights, and while the telling is a little scatterbrained, the story itself is actually pretty interesting and a unique spin on the classic fairytale that even combines elements from the other games as well.
While there are definitely things to nitpick, however, Dark Parables: The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide is still a rock solid and extremely ambitious fantasy romp. There are a lot of brilliant executed cutscenes and action sequences, and the gameplay balances classic point-and-click adventure puzzles with traditional hidden-object elements nicely. Since it's an Eipix game, you know there's going to be both eye and ear candy on display, and they come through in spades, delivering a game that dazzles from every aspect. While its story could have been better served by limiting itself to the source material at hand rather than trying to pull in other elements from the rest of the series that just confuse people who haven't played them, it's told in a sweeping, cinematic style and even sprinkles in a few well executed jump scares to really make you feel part of the action. Dark Parables: The Little Mermaid and the Purple Tide is fantastical fantasy with a few rough edges, but more than enough punch behind its content and flair to make you appreciate every hour you spend with it. I highly recommend!!!
I recommend this game!
Breaking news – Casey's father has gone missing on a remote island that carries a curse! Help Casey overcome the obstacles and solve this mystery!
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
Cursed Island Mask of Baragus is like CE for the price of SE...
PostedNovember 11, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Turning on the TV, Casey finds out from breaking news that her father is missing on a remote island that carries a curse! She immediately prepares to travel to the island to find her father. Overcoming considerable obstacles on the journey Casey arrives on the island and learns that her father and his entire team have disappeared in an unknown direction. As a possible clue to this mystery Casey discovers that Stromberg, one of the team members, attempted to invoke the spirit Baragus using a mysterious ancient artifact. You must help Casey to overcome obstacles and solve mysteries in this incredible adventure leading to an ancient city full of secrets and wonders. This is a long playing HOPA which I recommend to all players. I didn't have any glitches or technical difficulties. Demo this one, you'll be surprised!
I recommend this game!
A shadow from the Gray family's past has returned for revenge. Can you save your family from their worst nightmares?
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
Color of Fright might just be the best in the series...
PostedNovember 7, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is an amazing HOPA. Your Adopted brother Thomas is an artist gone insane who is determined to seek revenge on the entire Gray family. This edition of Grim Tales is everything you want in an epic adventure. Elephant dev's really raised the bar with voice, graphics, 3D screen panning and interaction gameplay. This is an adult game not for children. There are other adventure's from Elephant that are more challenging, but this was brilliantly executed. I highly recommend!!!
I recommend this game!
Seek the help of Lemuel Barnabas and unravel the mystery of what happened to Halloween in this ludicrous and imaginative hidden object adventure.
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
One of the most difficult games I have every played.
PostedNovember 4, 2014
skullfun
fromTennessee
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I don't know if I saved Halloween, but I did enjoy this game. You really have to think outside of the box. You get a map about an hour into the adventure, which is good because you need it and the hint button. You play Van Hallows a little boy who is trying to save Halloween but is frightened by what going on around him in the land of Dern. I liked the characters too. Ms. Cringeworth, the bar tender, his wife, the ghost girl, and the pumpkin kids. It seems there are 6 chapters to this game in some versions. Youtube has the entire walkthrough including chapter 6. I didn't get to complete the game because of the challenge in the house at the very end of the adventure. I still loved it and recommend it.
I recommend this game!