Ziggy_Zigster's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.1
- Helpful Votes:1,765
- Reviews Submitted:120
- First Review:October 23, 2013
- Most Recent Review:June 19, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
It was supposed to be a routine mission. But when a dragon attacks your plane, crash-landing in a lush valley, you're drawn into the adventure of a lifetime!
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 13 found this review helpful
Beware the dragon king!
PostedApril 24, 2015
Ziggy_Zigster
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
*Based on COMPLETED main & Bonus game.
This is another installment in the Myths of the World series. While the storyline is good, I've seen better - but I've also seen worse. It revolves around dragons as you probably have already figured out.
The bonus chapter does have a connection to the main story, but is not 'necessary' to enjoy the main story. The bonus chapter is one of those 'later on' installments where you are called back etc.
The graphics are pretty decent. The difficulty settings include a 'customizable' option. The number of HOPs is not overkill. In fact, I'd dare say there are more 'puzzles' than there are HOPs. But the HOPs are quite well done and all interactive. They all have several 'levels' to them. You can play Mahjong instead of the HOPs if you like. You can even split them up in the 'levels' within one HOP (do part of it as HOP and part of it as Mahjong). It is not 'either or'.
Each HOP scene has a 'morphing object' which you will need to find in the actual HOP (before switching to Mahjong, if you choose to). The morps are not 'too easy' to find. You have to look for them.
The puzzles include several I have not seen before, some of which were quite fun. The puzzles ranged from very easy to very hard and some in-between. The puzzles, like the HOP scenes, have several 'levels' to them.
Each 'non-HOP' seen has a 'bamboo strip' to find and you can tell whether or not you have gotten it in that particular scene by checking the bottom right of your screen.
The bonus content is superb. The strategy guide is integrated and there is a 'jump map'. The HOPs are re-playable as are the 'puzzles'. You can play the Mahjong game as well (unlocked after you complete the 'bonus game').
There is also an 'achievement' list that I really like in this particular game. I really cannot stand it when developers have a 'time limit' achievement (finish the game in such and such hours) HOPAs are not TMs. Fortunately, this one doesn't have that achievement.
There are also four 'golden heart' puzzles as a bonus. I really like the 'souvenir room' bonus. It's like the 'treasure hunt' in other games. However, this one is much more fun because the object you are seeking is not in plain sight. You have to click on something or perform a task in order to 'reveal' the souvenir. In essence, they are each HOPs.
Overall, I'd say this is a great game. If you like all the 'bells and whistles' like I do, you'll be happy with this game. If you don't and you don't care for the bonus chapter then you'd be safe with the SE.
I recommend this game!
Is your husband-to-be guilty of betrayal – or even worse?
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 14 found this review helpful
Another kiss of life in a great series!
PostedApril 20, 2015
Ziggy_Zigster
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
*Based on review of COMPLETED main & bonus game.
Before I start, I have a gripe that really needs mentioning. I've seen it in reviews on several games but this game in particular is my issue. Giving a game '1 star' and merely commenting in a few sentences that you just didn't like the game isn't fair to other gamers nor the developers. If you are going to rate a game with 5 stars or 1 star - explain your justification for it. I will admit, even I have been guilty of such, so I hope others keep that in mind.
Okay, on to the review. I am a HUGE fan of the first 'Cadenza', such a fan that I actually contacted the developers. I was ecstatic about this latest installment - but as usual, I tried the demo first.
To be honest, there really isn't anything I didn't like about the game, not enough to complain about it. Well, except maybe once I finished it.
So, let me explain WHY this game is a must have. First off, the storyline. Second, I am a CE 'collector'. I like all the 'bells & whistles' and this game has just that. Top it off with a top-notch storyline (yes, it's worth mentioning again, and again) you got yourself a great game. However, if you do NOT like/need all the bells & whistles you would be safe with getting the SE since the bonus chapter is not essential to the main story. It takes place five years later involving an entirely new story, but does include ties to the original storyline. In the bonus chapter, you play the detective (that appears in the main game as a separate character). I do however really like the bonus chapter story and would still 'recommend' the CE over the SE.
I won't spoil it for you - I just want to stay that I found the storyline intriguing and complete.
The HOPs are interactive and include much of the layout/format of the first "Cadenza" with a few new types. The puzzles are decent - not too hard, not too easy. Most of all, the game is not bogged down with either. A lot of the gameplay does involve interacting with people/places/items to move forward. It's not always an HOP/puzzle.
There are 'golden tickets' to collect, morphing objects, a 'treasure hunt', a bonus match-3 game, bonus chapter as well as achievements and replayable puzzles and HOPs. There is also an integrated strategy guide and a map you can teleport through.
The game is not super-long but not super-short either. About 4-5 hrs including the bonus chapter (depending on your skill level). The difficulty level is also customizable (in addition to the standard 3 modes).
In conclusion, I'll just say this. IF you find the storyline interesting in the demo, buy it. The storyline just gets better, which can often be a rarity with some games.
I do have to give kudos to the developers at Mad Head. The storyline is just superb. THAT is probably the best achievement in this game. Rarely, do follow-ups in series live up to the previous installment, but this game is an exception. Bottom line, if you were a fan of the first 'Cadenza' storyline, this one won't disappoint!
I recommend this game!
Unleash the awesome power of nature in Weather Lord: In Pursuit of the Shaman!
Overall rating
2
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
In pursuit of frustration
PostedApril 15, 2015
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Like the 'Successors Path' in this series, this game has a lot of promise but where it fails to deliver is on the timer.
I don't want nor expect to have my hand held throughout a TM game - however, I do expect the game to have realistic timing and proper gameplay outline. This game just fails that test.
I don't recommend this game.
The power of the elements is in your hands. Use them to claim your kingdom!
Overall rating
2
/
5
22 of 23 found this review helpful
Not on the successor's path
PostedApril 10, 2015
Ziggy_Zigster
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game was a letdown from the get-go. But it had so much potential. The graphics are decent and there is quite a list of awards to collect.
However, this is one of those games where the 'timer' is just completely out of sync. MOST T/M games don't time you on the very first level - in order to allow you to get to know the logistics of the game. I had to try the first level a second time just to get the gold.
When you can't get gold on your first try on the first level - it tells me that the later levels are gonna be even worse. Also, there is NO 'relax mode' - which wouldn't matter to me IF the timer was realistic.
I don't recommend this game.
In this scarier-than-ever story, find out what really happened on prom night, 1964...
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Has potential, but sloppy in its execution
PostedMarch 25, 2015
Ziggy_Zigster
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I am trying to be more careful in my reviews - seeing as I have posted a couple that I later realized were too harsh in criticism. So now, if I am going to review a game BEFORE I have completed it - then it has to be something I am sure will not get better. This is such a case.
What I liked about it - the storyline really grabbed me from the get-go. I also like that it has quite a few 'extras' that appeal to me (collectables, replayable HOs/Puzzles) as well as a stand-alone game (match-3)
But here is the problem. Like several other viewers have said - the whole 'transparent' down-bar is extremely annoying and I don't like having to keep moving my mouse to the bottom to see what I have/don't have.Other than that, I do like the graphics.
I lasted through one HO and one puzzle. The HOP was 'silhouette', which I don't mind - but not in the format they used. Giving you a silhouette of something to find that is not shown - you have to find another object (not listed or shown) in order to find the silhouette one. I had to use 'hint' after 'hint' just to get through the puzzle. Match--3 was not an option with the first HOP.
Then came the first puzzle. It was confusing and agitating. I am a seasoned HO gamer but this game has no appeal to me other than the storyline, which I didn't get to see much of given the short time I played it.
My final consensus is this - try the demo - maybe you will like the transparent down-bar and maybe you will like the HOP and puzzle formats. But I just want to caution against outright buying it. I'm not gonna say "do not buy" this game. I'm just saying I caution you to play the demo first is all. But for me, anyways, it is a no-sale which I personally don't recommend.
I don't recommend this game.
A new breed of virus has spread throughout the City of Oxford. You must search the city for a missing girl who holds the key to stopping the global epidemic!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Not up to par for a CE, but definitely a must get SE!
PostedMarch 19, 2015
Ziggy_Zigster
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love the storyline of this game. I also find the HOPs to be quite interesting. Rather than just finding a list of objects, you have to use each object in the puzzle. Often times you need to use one object in the list to find another. It's like a puzzle and an HO at the same time.
The map isn't interactive. You can't jump from place to place. IMO, it isn't much help anyways.
I would definitely recommend the SE version of this game and that is likely what I will get. I'm passing on this version because of the 'lack of' extra content. There is a bonus chapter and an integrated strategy guide - both prerequisites for a decent CE.
But there are no 'objects' to find in the main game (such as morphing or other items). No achievement section and no ability to replay HOs or puzzles.
With it lacking those extras as well as not having an 'interactive' map, it doesn't really stand out as a decent CE in my opinion.
Of course if none of that matters to you, then you really just need to ask yourself if the CE price is worth it just for the SG and bonus chapter. For me, it's not. I'll stick with the SE.
I don't recommend this game.
Track down a vampire hiding on a Mississippi riverboat cruise.
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Not a 'fun time'.
PostedMarch 18, 2015
Ziggy_Zigster
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
*Based on completed main game.
I know people have different tastes when it comes to CEs and what constitutes a worthy one. IMO, this one does not.
While I enjoyed the graphics and storyline - and several of the 'extras' - there was little else enjoyable about this game.
There are certain criteria I look for in a CE, besides graphics and storyline. I think of CEs as games with all the 'bells & whistles'. Not just a 'bonus chapter' or 'integrated strategy guide'.
Let's start with what else I liked about the game - the HOs are 're-playable', varied and interactive. There are several 'collections' to complete - including morphing objects, roses and pumpkins. There is a map which is very helpful and allows you to travel from place to place. There is also a bonus game 'bubble-shooter' which is unlocked after you complete the main game. The game options are also 'customizable' which is always a plus.
My BIGGEST and really only gripe is the achievements section. It irked me enough to be VERY critical of the game. Reason being, IMO, if you can't 'enjoy' the game and gain the achievements then there is no point in having them. As such, rendering the rest of the extras useless.
For example, there is an achievement for finishing the game in under 5 hours. I HATE achievements like that and IMO make such features obsolete. I play HO games for fun, not for 'time restraints'. HOs are not supposed to be 'time-management'. There is one achievement where you have to stand still for a time period (which IMO runs counter to the 5hr achievement). You also have to watch all the cinematics, finish all the puzzles without skipping etc to get the rest. These achievements I like - problem is - you have to 'rush' through the game just to get the 5hr time achievement. In other words, you have to choose which achievement you want cause it's not possible to get both unless you have the game' memorized'.
I'm not gonna recommend this version of the game. I think people should stick to the SE version.
I don't recommend this game.
Discover The Island’s past as you travel back in time! Explore the familiar paths and take on new quests in The Island: Castaway 2!
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 10 found this review helpful
Sorry islanders, you've been cast offed
PostedMarch 2, 2015
Ziggy_Zigster
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I'm a big fan of these kinds of adventure games, like the Adelantados and Westward series. I was drawn to this game by its great reviews and it seemed like fun.
I will admit, there is a LOT of dialogue, which becomes very annoying. A lot of running back and forth to talk to people and do tasks. This would be fine if it wasn't all there really is to the game. Basically, it consist of running around to do the same things over and over again. Gather this, brew that, go talk to so-and-so. It becomes repetitive and dull very quickly.
One of my other big gripes is you don't always know where to find someone. Not all of them show up on the map. Perhaps you have to listen to all the dialogue to get all the clues, but if I wanted to listen to that much dialogue, I'd watch a movie.
I really wanted to like this game, but the more I played it - my opinion didn't change.
I'm giving this game a very low 'storyline' rating simply out of protest of all the dialogue. A low challenge level due to the repetitive tasks.
I'm gonna give the first one a try and see if I like it any better, but this one is a no-go for me. At least for now, maybe I'll get it if ever goes on the daily deal or if I have an extra coupon I haven't used. But I certainly wouldn't pay $7 for this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Unravel the mystery of the Ghost King and save your family in Cave Quest, a fast-paced and exciting Match 3 game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 10 found this review helpful
The developer(s) of this game sure were not brought up in a cave!
PostedFebruary 19, 2015
Ziggy_Zigster
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is one of those match-3 games with a lot of added elements. There is a decent storyline and the graphics are good, considering.
When I saw the high rating this game has, I decided to DL the trial since it's part of the 'daily deal'. I waited until the trial was over before I purchased it. Only because I got so engrossed in the game before I knew it, the hour was over.
As I mentioned, there are added elements. Like most match-3 games, there are power-ups available that you purchase in the shop (which you get access to as the story progresses). There is a 'map' which shows you different areas of interest and lets you know where actions are available. You then have to play a match-3 level in order to reach the goal of that location. There are also a few hidden object elements as well, though not enough to qualify it as an HOG. There are numerous quests to complete as well, like finding certain items in different locations.
What I like most about this game - is the different ways the match-3 levels are played out. With some, you have to lead your people through a maze (match-3 level) or you have to move certain pieces to the bottom of the board etc. There is also a 'battle match-3' part too. It's really got a lot of variety in it which means lots of gameplay.
I recommend this game!
Explore the kingdom of Silverdale in this innovative new match-3 adventure.
Overall rating
1
/
5
19 of 37 found this review helpful
More like ruin fall.
PostedFebruary 14, 2015
Ziggy_Zigster
fromUnited States
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
I don't understand all the good reviews.
The graphics are okay. Not terrible but I've seen better. I like the idea of building your own village. However, the 'moving' match 3 screen is super annoying. Whoever thought this up really didn't think it through. The pieces are supposed to move, not the entire board. If disabling that feature was an option, I might have given it a better review, but nothing stands out enough to set it apart from other match-3 games.
There are plenty of match-3 games to choose from on BFG. Don't waste your time with this one.
I don't recommend this game.