Alenee's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.3
- Helpful Votes:302
- Reviews Submitted:64
- First Review:October 14, 2015
- Most Recent Review:January 4, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Everyone deserves a second chance – even the stingiest of them all.
Overall rating
3
/
5
Caught in a time loop
PostedDecember 24, 2018
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
In this game, you play through A Christmas Carol, setting Scrooge's life straight. It's a decent storyline as anyone who's read Dickens will know, and the scenes full of vibrant colours and music really suit the season.
I know I will probably be in the minority here but this game is honestly overlong. The first chapter was a struggle to get through with all the repetitive tasks, and so the beginning of yet another chapter made me sigh with frustration rather than "seasonal cheer". Either the chapters all need to be shorter or the storyline beefed up, because spending the length of [what seems like] an entire, small game on one goal in each chapter is really dragging things out unnecessarily.
The upsides are that the HO scenes are much more challenging than usual, which is great since the recent years saw HOs plunge to the level where a child with an attention deficit disorder could probably find every object easily. Elephant relies a bit less on decals and silly locks in this game, but they need to cut the remainder of such puzzles by a half again, if they want their games to be fun rather than dull and repetitive.
If you enjoy the holiday theme and bright colours enough, you might not be as bothered by those drawbacks. But as it is, this game isn't near enough to perfection to get a full 5 stars from me, personally.
Better luck next time, Elephant!
I recommend this game!
Can you and your trusted companion escape with your lives?
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Not as good as the others, but still ok
PostedNovember 17, 2018
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I've played all of these LoL games now, I believe, and find this one has a lot of the elements that made the others playable. The game play is swift moving and challenging but not convoluted - a massive achievement in hidden object game-land. But there's a problem with the plot. It's just not as elaborate and twisting as the previous games were. I feel I'm spending far too many scenes pursuing a single objective, e.g. getting to the end of 'The Game'.
There have also been far too many games lately that are about 'playing a game' and I think there's not much you can do with the whole concept. It allows very little creativity or character development, beyond completing levels and knocking out opponents to get to the end. Plus, I mean, we're already playing a game. Do we need a game within a game? I don't think so.
If you've not played LoL before sure, try this: then you'll be blown away by the earlier editions. But for me, The Game is up.
I recommend this game!
Mishap 2: An Intentional Haunting
This time it’s no Mishap! Help Milton Hobblepop and the Mishap gang stop his greatest rival from imprisoning more spirits!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Is this a HOG or an arcade game?? Make up your mind.
PostedSeptember 11, 2018
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I really liked the first section of the game that I played. The storyline seems kind of abstract and silly but that suited the surreal and cartoonish HO scenes, which are very high in terms of challenge. I ranked the storyline (3) and challenge (4) accordingly.
But for me the fun of this game was ruined when I came to the last part of the first section where, for unknown reasons, the devs decided to lay on a seemingly neverending arcade style shooting game. This game is just beyond silly - it's shooting and shooting with no noticeable advancement or goals - and as I said, it's endless. And I mean, come on, we're playing a game designed for laptops and pads, not joysticks. My hand was killing me within five minutes. Worse still, there is NO way to pause, escape or skip through this part of the game, so I ended up having to do a hard restart on my computer just to get out of the blasted game because it wasn't going anywhere.
The devs had a pretty decent HOG and ruined it, in my opinion. What were they thinking? I don't recommend this unless you're looking for an arcade game.
I don't recommend this game.
A killer is on the loose in a remote European castle. Track them down before they strike again!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Why be the same as the rest, when you can just be better?
PostedAugust 27, 2018
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I think another reviewer here mentioned that this game is very reminiscent of many other games on the market, and based on the demo alone, I have to say I agree.
These devs seem to have paid attention to a few of the complaints relating to other recent releases - many of us think the hidden object scenes have been way too easy, lately - but they have aspired to be only slightly better than the rest, instead of much better. The hidden object games were only *slightly* more challenging than what you'd find in your average Elephant or Mad Head game, but that's way below the challenge level that seasoned players have come to expect.
The detective story advances slowly with jerky gameplay, and all the usual obstacles stand in the way: a desk lock that can only be opened by pouring your own tin soldiers and placing them in slots. Unlike other games that have such quirky features, zero attempt is made to explain why any sane security guard would keep essential items in such a desk... the protagonist does not even crack a joke about it, which I can only assume means she's got the same desk in her office. Maybe this game should be taking place in a madhouse, instead of a castle?(!). Speaking of our protagonist, she barely speaks. I'm not even really sure she is a 'she' because I've heard / seen her voicing so few thoughts.
I opted to turn off the 'helpful' messages because I had a sneaking feeling the game would be easier than I like, and wanted to up the challenge level. But they don't turn off. Instead, the devs have, rather infuriatingly, decided to replace them with "I won't try that again's" and "Don't know why I thought that would work's" -- which are completely out of context. And anyway, that is not what I wanted, I wanted the comments OFF. (Why is it so hard for devs to understand that off should mean OFF?)
The visuals are as good as I'd want them to be in a game but the background looks uninspiring. There are far too many browns and blues, no real complexity in the pallette. It gets boring, fast. The music too, is alright, but it repeats endlessly. No variation there.
There is another annoying factor here that slows the gameplay down: when you hover your pointer over an active area, it turns to a little spinning cogwheel even when you are not on an area that you can actually click on. As a result, I've tried to use a number of inventory items on active areas where they belong, only to have them immediately returned to the inventory with a snide "don't know why I thought that would work." I thought it would work because it DID work, on the second attempt when I clicked on a slightly different position.... so stick that in your code and smoke it, Hal! The spinning cogwheel is clearly out of alignment with the active areas and needs to be tweaked, to avoid frustrating us game players.
What we have here is a predictable, medium quality game that looks like it could have been made by almost any other developer, yet it offers nothing that is new, unique or even very exciting. And since it's the same price as all the other games out there, I genuinely believe that other fishies would be better off spending their money on a game that has an original storyline, special artwork or new game mechanics to keep them interested.
Better luck next time, devs.
I don't recommend this game.
Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily is a captivating blend of hidden object challenges, puzzle solving and daring detective work.
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Intriguing and unique, but as easy as a walkthrough
PostedAugust 22, 2018
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
During the demo, this game reminded me of Enigmatis: The Mists of Ravenwood and 9 Clues: The Ward. The storyline, which is well enough explained by other reviewers that I don't want to repeat it here, is captivating and weird and that, combined with the fairly sharp realistic visuals, creates an uncanny feeling that just yells "mystery". The first 40 minutes or so of tasks that I came across were all related to the storyline's development. This was perfect. It was enough reason for me to buy.
Sadly, the hidden object scenes that I came across later were basically a waste of energy: a handful of items, most of which are on the list of stuff to find, are laid out clearly and in plain sight. There's no effort put into them... perhaps we should start calling these "revealed object games" instead?
The detective element is a carry-over from 9 Clues, but the scenes are so badly drawn that I can't tell the difference between what should be there and what shouldn't, so deciding what details I should mark as evidence is a hit and miss, clickaround affair. Also, there is no deduction involved in putting said clues together. You're basically following the pattern in the background of the clues rather than making sense of what you see.
The mingames are pretty cute at first but the most recent 'game' involved me putting together pieces of a lock - pieces that automatically place themselves in the right spots. Where's the challenge in that??
This is the second 'new generation' AM game I've played, the first being Sands of Persia, and I'm really disappointed by the challenge level again. The AM style is there, the soundtrack is there, but the brains have all been replaced by straw and stuffing.
Anyway, I look forward to finding out what the secret behind this whodunnit is, so I'm gonna recommend it regardless. But, Artifex Mundi, you should pay attention when I say I won't be buying any more of these games unless I read other reviewers saying that your hidden object scenes contain actual HIDDEN objects in them, and that your detective stories require us to use genuine deductive reasoning.
These storylines are decent enough, but a game is not meant to be as easy as a walkthrough at the end of the day. No one needs a more expensive way of watching television.
I recommend this game!
A mysterious plague casts a dark shadow on the people of Persia. The young apothecary Tara must discover the cause of the illness before it's too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
solid 4 stars, but this game needs work
PostedJune 4, 2018
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
After reading what seems like a small novel's worth of background info at the beginning of the game, I've figured out that I'm a sort of 'chosen one' who is supposed to save the kingdom of Persia from a mystical plague. Same-old same old, but it's done well. I get a hunky American sidekick and a nerdy, amusing genie-in-training to help me along the way.
By far my biggest beef with this game - which is colourful and full of character - is the vast amount of text involved with getting to know what's going on in each part. Each new scene brings screens full of text. These texts would have beebn better off incorporated into the actions that we, the protagonists, had to undertake.
I think would be a huge improvement would be if the devs would at least let us 'discover' information about each scene, as is often done in other games, by hiding it in carvings that tell us the tale or talking sculptures or whatever. The list of questions that I have to ask in each scene is really disruptive and makes me feel like I'm reading a book rather than playing a game.
So it's a promising game and I'd give it 4 stars, but it isn't perfect. Play and see for yourself whether you agree...
I recommend this game!
Dive in to the most mysterious region on Earth to find out what really happened to your great-grandmother years ago.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Basic but funny. 4.5 stars!
PostedMay 16, 2018
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a game that harkens back to ye olden days of a couple of years ago, when HOA's were nothing but hidden object scenes, teamed with a storyline. Those games had zero bells or whistles but because of that, they put a LOT more attention into the tale. This one's a funny trek around Bermuda seeking old wrecks in the water. The tension between the explorer and her rakish captain are quite funny, and the answer to the mystery has yet to become clear to me (whereas in the majority of games these days, it's obvious from the outset).
If you want to play a lot of challenging HO scenes and relax with some funny dialogue between each quest, this is a game for you... but if you're seeking treasure that's a bit more glitzy, you may want to test other waters.
I recommend giving this game a try, either way!
I recommend this game!
Jason and his friend Hercules are tasked with finding the Golden Fleece, but their adventure is becoming more and more dangerous.
Overall rating
3
/
5
Too busy for me
PostedMay 15, 2018
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
*Based on demo alone
While I found this Hercules edition to have the best music and nicest visuals, it was also far too busy for me to relax and enjoy: there were things constantly steaming, flashing, reminders and arrows blotting out the scenery.. It seemed like it was designed for people with no desire to concentrate whatsoever which is weird, because the whole point of these games is to concentrate on your objectives and get them done in the best possible time.
Unfortunately I won't be buying this, but you should give it a try if fed up with the standard Hercules' games. At least the devs tried something new, hey?
Accompany Alicia Quatermain on her latest time-management adventure and help save the world and get the treasure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Way easy
PostedApril 25, 2018
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Whether you like this or not depends on what you want from a TM game. If you want to just sit back and repeat the same actions on every level and watch the story progress, great. Personally I found this far too easy though, and as a result the game flew by far too fast. The storyline is Alicia chasing her nemesis who's after the Stone of Fate and there are various entertaining filler quests such as rescuing sacred tiger cubs. It's all extremely fluffy and aimless, except for the main quest.
The last game I really felt challenged by of this nature was Kingdom Chronicles; after a year, I still haven't managed to get a perfect rating on each level. By contrast, I've owned Alicia Quatermain for a week and already, it's all over. That's way too easy and fast, and it's a shame because the graphics and characters were entertaining enough... they should have lasted several weeks at least.
Can't recommend.
I don't recommend this game.
Challenge yourself in the role of the scientist-historian-scholar of ancient civilizations and mystical legends and save your friend from the Demon of Darkness!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
An oldie but a goodie
PostedApril 25, 2018
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Who says that games have to be running on the latest technology to have great scenery, fun games or haunting atmosphere? This game manages to have all those things despite being several years old and having a file size that is less than half of the current games. Also, because it's an older game it's a far better challenge level. There is enough hand holding to make it comfortable, but not easy; the HOS have the perfect balance of detail and difficulty. Added to which, the location in Thailand is exotic but well executed; no tacky cultural mishaps here!
A lot of fun and great value if you can get it on sale. Even without a sale, it's still better than the majority of new games I've seen lately. Try it & see!
I recommend this game!