joelrobert's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.6
- Helpful Votes:20
- Reviews Submitted:7
- First Review:June 25, 2019
- Most Recent Review:August 24, 2023
- Featured reviews0
joelrobert's Review History
Embark on a daring rescue through time!
Overall rating
5
/
5
DRAGONSEYE - THE "FUNNEST" DEVELOPER AROUND!
PostedAugust 24, 2023
joelrobert
fromTemecula, California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love DragonsEye games. In fact, they are pretty much the only ones I currently purchase.
Why?
Because they are fun. Because they make you think. Because they are so incredibly unique and fresh.
Unlike other games, I don’t find myself racing through a completely predictable process. Often, in the mini-games, I have to figure out exactly what is going on. Sometimes, simply how to activate the game itself. Pretty proud of myself when I finally do.
Yes, I experienced a couple of glitches.
Like when I didn’t pick up a “tool” immediately, left the scene, and it was no longer available when I returned. (I had to start the game over at that point.)
And even though I “asked” the map to show which scenes still had collectibles and morphing objects, it never did so.
And it counted the gnomes incorrectly, telling me I had discovered more than even existed.
But those are minor annoyances compared to the pure fun of the game itself.
It did seem like they provided more guidance (hints) than before, but that may have just been the settings I chose.
And there was that almost impossible challenge for me at the end, when my shaky old hands just couldn’t seem to keep the cursor on the moving object.
But I persisted for three days, and finally, I did it.
Again, that amazing sense of pride.
Anyway, DragonsEye has certainly earned my loyalty, and I hope I don’t have to wait so long for their next offering.
Or that other developers might take the hint and stop their rampant cookie-cutting of previous successes.
Just MHO.
Why?
Because they are fun. Because they make you think. Because they are so incredibly unique and fresh.
Unlike other games, I don’t find myself racing through a completely predictable process. Often, in the mini-games, I have to figure out exactly what is going on. Sometimes, simply how to activate the game itself. Pretty proud of myself when I finally do.
Yes, I experienced a couple of glitches.
Like when I didn’t pick up a “tool” immediately, left the scene, and it was no longer available when I returned. (I had to start the game over at that point.)
And even though I “asked” the map to show which scenes still had collectibles and morphing objects, it never did so.
And it counted the gnomes incorrectly, telling me I had discovered more than even existed.
But those are minor annoyances compared to the pure fun of the game itself.
It did seem like they provided more guidance (hints) than before, but that may have just been the settings I chose.
And there was that almost impossible challenge for me at the end, when my shaky old hands just couldn’t seem to keep the cursor on the moving object.
But I persisted for three days, and finally, I did it.
Again, that amazing sense of pride.
Anyway, DragonsEye has certainly earned my loyalty, and I hope I don’t have to wait so long for their next offering.
Or that other developers might take the hint and stop their rampant cookie-cutting of previous successes.
Just MHO.
I recommend this game!
A mystery-filled ride to unknown cosmic shores!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
FRESH, NEW, AND TREMENDOUSLY FUN!
PostedSeptember 6, 2022
joelrobert
fromTemecula, California
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
The exact same review title I used for Tears of Thieves. The greatest takeaway from these new Dragonseye games is how incredibly fun and satisfying they are to play. Everything seems so fresh and new and well conceived. The inventoried items are not just a chain of linked items in a box. You are foretold what to be looking for, but it is totally up to you to figure out how to find them. Nothing is very linear, so you are forced to slow down and enjoy the surroundings while you figure out your next step. And yes, the graphics are a little cutesy, but who cares!? The storyline is so fun to follow, and it's so satisfying when you make a stalled breakthrough, the cute factor is just fine! I was getting so bored with the repetitive process of other games, I was just racing through them or deleting them altogether. The difficulty here is not the obtuseness of the puzzles, but figuring out what needs to be done to progress. This makes the whole thing great fun rather than frustrating. My kudos to Dragonseye for creating something so new and fresh.
I recommend this game!
A breathtaking voyage through dreams, reality, and places in between!
Overall rating
5
/
5
FRESH, NEW, AND TREMENDOUSLY FUN!
PostedSeptember 6, 2022
joelrobert
fromTemecula, California
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
I purchased and played this a while back, so I will save my specific compliments for the new one I'm playing by Dragonseye: Moontrain. The same features apply as summarized in my review title.
I recommend this game!
Royal Jigsaw 2
With over 700 unique puzzles, Royal Jigsaw 2 is the choice of real kings!
Overall rating
2
/
5
TOO MANY MESSY GLITCHES!
PostedAugust 19, 2022
joelrobert
fromTemecula, California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I don't see it mentioned in other reviews, but the colors are all messed up on my copy. None of them match the photos at all. Blue skies become burnt orange in every single puzzle. Too weird.
And don't store pieces in the box provided. Half of them will freeze up and not become available until the puzzle is almost completed.
And every time you come into the game, you have to scroll forward to where you stopped last time. Don't know why they can't save your progress.
And you are limited to a maximum of 300 pieces. Some of us would like to have more, smaller pieces for a greater challenge.
Finally, you can't zoom on the picture itself. You can use a magnifying glass, but that is pointless when you can't do anything on the puzzle at the same time.
The only positive element was that the pictures were kind of cool and fun to assemble, even if the colors were just bizarre.
I don't recommend this game.
A breathtaking voyage through dreams, reality, and places in between!
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
EVERYTHING THEY SAY IS TRUE!
PostedMarch 23, 2022
joelrobert
fromTemecula, California
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
The positive reviews nailed this one. Above all the articulated details, in the end this game is just downright FUN to play! I was worried it might prove too difficult. But the intrigue comes not from difficulty, but from the unique THINKING required. As one reviewer said, just spend some time and the answers will come to you. And he/she was right. The pleasure derives from coming to the solutions on your own. In addition, the non-linearity of the game is intensely pleasing. The reviewers are also right about the HOP games. Fresh, unique, engaging, and just FUN. And, for me personally, there are no explanatory backstory episodes to endure, where characters just chatter on for hours on end. The gamer is fully a part of this story. Finally, the strangest sensation prevails: I did not feel the urgent need to proceed quickly, as if time were of the essence. That always produces a certain anxiety, and emerges from the cookie-cutter similarity of other games. In summary, this game is about immersion and thoughtful consideration. In other words, just sitting back and having some fun.
I recommend this game!
A small-town murder case hides a revelation that will shake the agency to its core!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 9 found this review helpful
TRUE FUN TRUMPS EXCESSIVE CHALLENGE EVERY TIME!
PostedAugust 26, 2020
joelrobert
fromTemecula, California
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Grandma Games are still consistently my favorite. This Edition continues that winning streak. For me, they are absolutely the best developer for combining story, fun, and a sense of relaxed play, while offering a variety of elements to keep one’s engaged interest alive. The elements I appreciate so much include:
1. A logical flow of play – confining present attention to two or three scenes before completion and moving forward. I don’t mind backtracking several times over a few scenes, but I prefer not to constantly revisit every freaking scene in a game.
2. A nice variety of mini-games, most congenial and enjoyable to play. They minimize frustration without sacrificing interest, with clear instructions on what is required.
3. Some embedded mini-games in the HOP scenes, but easy enough to keep the search flowing, with enough variety to keep each scene fresh and new.
4. Like everyone mentions with this developer, the graphics are wonderful.
5. I love that the game flow all makes sense, with each element having a reason for being there. Not like some outsider throwing in other stuff just for filler.
I do wish I was allowed to explore a scene before having to watch and listen to characters offering exposition. When I enter a scene, I like to search out the collectibles and morphing objects immediately, then continue with the story. No big deal, just a preference.
Finally, I always appreciate being able to lock the inventory bar, have access to monitors telling me I’ve found all collectibles, morphing objects, and/or puzzle pieces in each scene.
As I said at the beginning: Grandma Games are my favorite, simply because they approach each element in exactly the way to keep me having fun. And though I appreciate a good challenge, I will sacrifice too much challenge for true fun any time.
1. A logical flow of play – confining present attention to two or three scenes before completion and moving forward. I don’t mind backtracking several times over a few scenes, but I prefer not to constantly revisit every freaking scene in a game.
2. A nice variety of mini-games, most congenial and enjoyable to play. They minimize frustration without sacrificing interest, with clear instructions on what is required.
3. Some embedded mini-games in the HOP scenes, but easy enough to keep the search flowing, with enough variety to keep each scene fresh and new.
4. Like everyone mentions with this developer, the graphics are wonderful.
5. I love that the game flow all makes sense, with each element having a reason for being there. Not like some outsider throwing in other stuff just for filler.
I do wish I was allowed to explore a scene before having to watch and listen to characters offering exposition. When I enter a scene, I like to search out the collectibles and morphing objects immediately, then continue with the story. No big deal, just a preference.
Finally, I always appreciate being able to lock the inventory bar, have access to monitors telling me I’ve found all collectibles, morphing objects, and/or puzzle pieces in each scene.
As I said at the beginning: Grandma Games are my favorite, simply because they approach each element in exactly the way to keep me having fun. And though I appreciate a good challenge, I will sacrifice too much challenge for true fun any time.
I recommend this game!
Can you escape the nightmares before it's too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
THE PERFECT GAME EXPERIENCE!
PostedJune 25, 2019
joelrobert
fromNon-Stop World Traveler
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I’ve purchased and played over 80 Hidden Object games. I feel somewhat entitled and rather competent to finally offer an opinionated review. Although I’ve played only 2 Grandma Games to date, while other creators like Eipix, Elephant, 5BN, and Mad Head may offer greater complexity and/or more unique elements, none of the others offered the total game-playing enjoyment of Grandma. They seem to have mastered each piece of what makes a game truly satisfying. So, rather than offer an extensive description (already proffered by others), I’ll simply bullet point what makes this game so perfect.
• All of the Graphics are absolutely superb.
• Spots of interest have multiple offerings – not just grab and go. And when the spot is exhausted, it closes forever. (Don’t you hate magnifying a spot, only to reaffirm for the hundredth time that nothing is left?)
• Each scene contains some combination of a morphing object, a collectible, and a puzzle piece, with unobtrusive but appreciated indicators for each to check.
• HOP scenes are unique and highly interactive.
• You can lock the inventory grid. No kidding – some games don’t allow this, which drives me crazy.
• Scenes and plot are so interesting, there is no urgency to move along too quickly.
• And yet, some urgent situations do demand quick responses.
• Required movement among the scenes is wonderfully complex, but not overdone, and remains on the sane side of confusing. That is: sometimes you are just done with a place, and you know it.
• Puzzles, when on easy mode, are still engaging and fun. Just not frustrating. They enhance the story rather than obstruct it.
• While many games are fun, in that they are truly games, this one actually made me feel I was part of the story. Which is surprisingly rare.
• I did accomplish all achievements, unheard of for my history, but it was because they were solely achievement oriented. There were none for doing inane things, like clicking on an object a hundred times, or failing to use the map for travel (which should be considered a crutch, not an achievement.)
• Even the sound effects were perfect – adding a magic flash of life when something was found or used; with no loud distracting music or unnecessary noise, like dogs howling or sirens wailing.
• And, OH MY GOD! A consistent, rationally coherent, plotline!!
• All of the Graphics are absolutely superb.
• Spots of interest have multiple offerings – not just grab and go. And when the spot is exhausted, it closes forever. (Don’t you hate magnifying a spot, only to reaffirm for the hundredth time that nothing is left?)
• Each scene contains some combination of a morphing object, a collectible, and a puzzle piece, with unobtrusive but appreciated indicators for each to check.
• HOP scenes are unique and highly interactive.
• You can lock the inventory grid. No kidding – some games don’t allow this, which drives me crazy.
• Scenes and plot are so interesting, there is no urgency to move along too quickly.
• And yet, some urgent situations do demand quick responses.
• Required movement among the scenes is wonderfully complex, but not overdone, and remains on the sane side of confusing. That is: sometimes you are just done with a place, and you know it.
• Puzzles, when on easy mode, are still engaging and fun. Just not frustrating. They enhance the story rather than obstruct it.
• While many games are fun, in that they are truly games, this one actually made me feel I was part of the story. Which is surprisingly rare.
• I did accomplish all achievements, unheard of for my history, but it was because they were solely achievement oriented. There were none for doing inane things, like clicking on an object a hundred times, or failing to use the map for travel (which should be considered a crutch, not an achievement.)
• Even the sound effects were perfect – adding a magic flash of life when something was found or used; with no loud distracting music or unnecessary noise, like dogs howling or sirens wailing.
• And, OH MY GOD! A consistent, rationally coherent, plotline!!
Like I said: The Perfect Game Experience.
I recommend this game!