MysteryAngel145's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.8
- Helpful Votes:812
- Reviews Submitted:45
- First Review:July 23, 2014
- Most Recent Review:May 14, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The city is being taken over by dark forces!
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 20 found this review helpful
A dazzler of a game
PostedNovember 20, 2017
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I won't go into all that's been covered - but will keep this short & sweet and mention anything noticed that has not yet been covered - first, the gorgeous graphics are like pieces of artwork, the sound fits well for this fantasy and is enjoyable/pleasant to the ears, (Celtic sounding, with pipes). The games ranged from easy-breasy to ones with a bit more difficulty - the HOPs were gems, themselves, and a lot of fun - and one thing I really like about this game - you don't have to carry around items in your inventory that need more than one piece - for instance, if it says "1 of 4" items that you have collected, you can go put the 1 item where it goes and don't have to wait to collect the other 3 - (which can cause your inventory list to be too long when you have to wait to collect pieces of different items). I love that feature and wish all developers would do that! :)
The morphs aren't really morphs- (morphing is to change from one item into another) - but they are flowers that are invisible and quite literally "pop" up for about 2 seconds - a little easy to spot most of the time, but the sparkling gems - found in both regular scenes and pop-ups - made up for any lack of real challenge. :) As mentioned, you can go back to collect any missed gemstones after game is done, since they are the tiles in the Match 3 game, (to be played after all are collected). I also really appreciate it when devs do that, because sometimes I get so caught up in a game/story I forget that I'm supposed to be looking for some hidden collectable each scene...I found the story interesting and easy to follow and enjoyed the immersive feel when characters would say a few lines to each other in a scene.
I think any fantasy/ fairy tale lover will enjoy this imaginative gem of a game. :) I know I did...
I recommend this game!
Save your cousin and his new bride from a horrible beast!
Overall rating
5
/
5
27 of 33 found this review helpful
A real Beast of a Beauty ...
PostedNovember 2, 2017
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
And that is said with approval - (based on demo only) -Living Legends does it again- I own all these games and was so excited to see a new release from them - one that feels a bit different and is more unique in gameplay than some of what we've gotten lately... The graphics are gorgeous, romantic, and would appeal to art lovers. Every scene is beautiful, even the pop ups, resplendent of what a fantasy game should look and feel like - yet doesn't detract from the darkness of theme (there is some blood, violence, and murder in game). The music is their usual soundtrack for this series, but I love the mood it gives off and smile when I hear it - knowing I am playing another Living Legends game.
The mini-games aren't too intense and give an enjoyable challenge, the HOS's are as beautifully drawn as the rest of the game and fun to play. In each regular scene are two collectible owls (sometimes transparent and blended well into background) and one morphing object that isn't fast to change and is often small, so that gives it more challenge. Love having both collectibles and morphing objects that are a challenge to find in every scene! As for the story, (as important to me as gameplay) - I was sucked in - it's a dark twist on Beauty and the Beast, complete with the beastly lord of the castle and inanimate objects that come to life because of a curse. I guessed the cliffhanger twist long before demo's end - and I love their take on it! Can't wait to buy and play and see how this story progresses.
You get a helper - sort of. A cute and mischievous squirrel who scampers about in every scene (so far) but isn't part of your inventory or tool bar - and you'll use the furry critter as needed. Same with a rather ferocious animated winged lion candlestick that you receive in a unique way and carry for a short time (I actually didn't want to let him go - ha!) It's a fantasy game, and all of that interaction fit well for theme - adding to the enchanted atmosphere...
If you enjoy fantasy and fairy tales games that aren't saturated with ten kinds of evil every turn, then this is for you - give the demo a whirl. I think you'll be glad you did...
I recommend this game!
Can you find the Wise Dragon and save your people?
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 16 found this review helpful
A jewel of a dragon fairy tale!
PostedAugust 18, 2017
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Finally, a game without demons and devils and other horrors of the darkness...
This had the perfect amount of everything- I like casual games to relax, but not so much that the puzzles are easy, geared to primary levels. On the flip side, I don't want them so difficult that a collegiate would tear his hair out in trying to solve them. This was perfect - just the right amount of difficulty to make it enjoyable. Loved that it had morphing items in all scenes, (true, the cursor changed to a hand over the morphs - but when I enter a scene, I look for the morphing item first and don't move my cursor around until it's found - problem solved. ;-)) The raccoon helper was cute - this one I really liked for the game because he made me laugh out loud - twice - and I sorely need that in my life right now - humor - so this is a definite buy for me! (The cute cat and mouse in the first HOP scene made me smile as well.)
****That said, I do agree that gaming companies should make the helpers optional - there are those of us who love them, finding them comedic and fun or just plain cute - and others who prefer a more serious side to their games, where no companion helper is involved with the tasks. I don't always like them either, depending upon what they are. Please, developers, make this feature optional in future so that all parties are satisfied. :) May I also make one more request- when the game starts, please don't boost the sound/music/environment levels so high - I often play games at night to unwind, when everyone else is asleep- and I have to scramble to adjust the sound so I don't wake the entire household! If you would set the levels at a low volume from the start, it would be ever so much appreciated. Thank you.****
The game was beautiful - music and graphics - with a story that immerses you from the moment the cut scene ended and you were plunked amid a burning village. I felt the need to hurry and save them - and I loved the way the demo ended (though I suspected that twist all along. ;-)) Can't wait to see where the plot goes from there...
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
1 of 1 found this review helpful
There are morphing objects in this game!
PostedApril 26, 2017
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I am halfway through this game, and I'm thinking I must be playing a different one, after reading so many of the reviews here (lol)- contrary to what some have said, there ARE morphing objects - I have found about 15 so far - they are in the pop-ups, but they are also in the rooms/scenes themselves. They are both cloudy - and others are clear, like the cursed objects in the older games - changing slowly from one object to another. For the pop-ups, you have to keep them open a bit sometimes, to see if one is there. I've spotted a few in the rooms themselves so far (though there may be more I've missed and will go back to see). They are parable pieces, but they do morph- inside and outside of the pop ups. They are scattered and a challenge to find at times, but they are there.
There are also collectibles - I've found three so far - "Felix" the fish, the "blue tea" teacups (as you will see when you click on them), and a "scribe"- that is a feather pen. Not sure if there are more or not...
True, Dark Parables is not the same as they used to be in graphics- but it's still very beautiful, colorful, intricate- and a pleasure to play! I highly recommend you give this one a whirl! :) I am having such a blast with it...
I recommend this game!
Help your little sister get a second chance this Christmas after she gets on the naughty list.
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 61 found this review helpful
A charming Christmas tale!
PostedDecember 1, 2016
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
(Based on demo only)- Christmastime is my favorite season, and I look forward to these Christmas games by Elephant every year- I have every one of them, and will be getting this one as well....
I have always loved the story of the Gift of the Magi, and thought it clever how they incorporated the tale into this game. I also love the carol they played at the beginning- Oh Holy Night. I smiled when I heard that first thing. :)
I have always loved the story of the Gift of the Magi, and thought it clever how they incorporated the tale into this game. I also love the carol they played at the beginning- Oh Holy Night. I smiled when I heard that first thing. :)
Visuals are beautiful, crisp, vivid, decorative, really putting one in the spirit of the season. So, if you like: charming, sweet, funny, nostalgic, inspirational, fun, playful, cheery, bright, colorful, oh-so-cute-it-makes-you-giggle, oh-so-heartwarming-it-makes-you-smile-(and even tear up a bit) in your Christmas games- then I strongly recommend trying the demo for yourself. :) There are morphs and puzzle pieces for collectibles, fun Christmas themed HOS and mini games, and a jump map that shows any morphs/collectibles in the area (so you don't miss any).
My only wish is that all the music was Christmas-themed throughout game. (I'm not sure if it was or not, it wasn't always recognizable to me, though it was pretty, and they did play some familiar carols too. :))
Children will love this - but so will the child at heart living inside most every adult. Especially those who love Christmastime...
Merry Christmas to all! May your holidays be blessed.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop history from repeating itself?
Overall rating
5
/
5
53 of 60 found this review helpful
Well crafted & fun - this game has it all...
PostedOctober 13, 2016
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I now limit my reviews to those games that I feel are exceptional - and this dark romance of Bluebeard and his victims is that. Based on demo - It has everything- an engaging story, fitting music, romance, adventure, horror and even humor at times - good characters/voice acting - (have always loved that you play as both the hero & heroine in these Dark Romance games, switching back and forth as plot progresses. It keeps things fresh and fun.)
Along with the usual CE bling, this game Includes 4 types of collectibles (roses, scrolls, statuettes and beasts, these last are morphs, and when you find them, there is a bit written about each one in the extras section, as well as the scrolls which are spells, and the statuettes of the characters. The roses to find are within the popup frames and they buy items in a boudoir). A panel of 4 circles above your inventory lets you know when there is a collectible to find in that scene and what type you are looking for.
There is a Match 3 alternative for HOG scenes, easy/hard choice on mini games, great graphics, rich in color (beautiful at times, a bit frightening at others) ...I love that you can click on objects that aren't an actual part of gameplay and they do things! :D Had such fun clicking on the headstone and the ghost appearing. Also what happened with the stairwell by the knight in armor inside the castle - lol - that was great. A lot of these little surprises were, and I love how they are sprinkled everywhere. It's these little attentions to detail that really show the diligence of the devs. Be sure and click on everything, to see what might happen... ;-)
This is a winner and a keeper - I will be purchasing.
But don't take my word for it. Try the demo and see...
But don't take my word for it. Try the demo and see...
I recommend this game!
Not all fairy tales are just stories…
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 16 found this review helpful
Welcome to Fairyland!
PostedJune 17, 2016
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
When I saw the so-so reviews and read them, I knew I had to check this out and play. I own one Surface game though I've played demos to all of them (they're usually too weird for my tastes, and I'm not a big fan of modern day settings) but this one fit the bill for what I like - a sense of fantasy without being too bizarre - meaning not one grotesque scene in the demo. I also liked that the modern day setting is minimal - I will be purchasing. Thank you makers, for taking other players' tastes into account and not always going with what is often the norm (ultra creepy)
The show mentioned in the review- pretty sure I know which one that is. I watch that show, but except for the queen looking like a certain queen named Regina, I saw no other similarities in demo. In show, there is no white rabbit, no Cheshire cat, etc., and the Huntsman wasn't pure evil. Perhaps the one similarity game has is that it has several fairy tales combined, all set in one kingdom...
I thoroughly enjoyed the demo. Didn't want to quit. Gameplay was fun and a bit challenging at times (with what to do next). Puzzles were average challenge-wise, but fun. Storyline was engaging and imaginative. Didn't always care for the music, but that's just a preference thing - and can be turned down at any time. Spotting the signature Surface flowers and the morphing collectibles (each with their own bio) was a neat addition.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Those who like fantasy/magical "enchanting" games, like the Dark Parables games or even the Awakening series - I think will really like this (I own the full sets of both). There are no FROGS (not in the demo anyway) but the HOS scenes were varied and interactive, I recommend you try before you buy to get your own taste of it...
I'm glad I did and didn't just ignore this, thinking it was yet another dark, gloomy game.
I recommend this game!
As an agent of the Alliance, you’ve been given a mission to destroy an ancient artifact known as the Spear of Destiny. In the wrong hands, it could help conquer the world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 22 found this review helpful
WWII spy game = wowsa!
PostedFebruary 1, 2016
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wasn't sure I'd like it- ended up loving it and didn't want to quit at the demo. lol
The narrator- oh my... from the moment game started, his voice and accent made me melt...all the voice acting is really good- the graphics and artwork beautiful- the gameplay exciting.
Espionage in WWII (I felt like a member of the resistance!) - the puzzles were very spy-like - the music soothing but thematic as well - and the HOS scenes- some of the best I've ever played. I got excited every time I saw another. (In fact, this dev looked very familiar, like one of my faves I buy games from all the time - and I'm wondering if it's the same devs under another name)...anyway, I loved that there were morphs and collectibles, an interactive map and a super puzzle feel to some of the regular gameplay. (making a wheel for a cart, a fake passport, guiding the boat, etc)
The narrator- oh my... from the moment game started, his voice and accent made me melt...all the voice acting is really good- the graphics and artwork beautiful- the gameplay exciting.
Espionage in WWII (I felt like a member of the resistance!) - the puzzles were very spy-like - the music soothing but thematic as well - and the HOS scenes- some of the best I've ever played. I got excited every time I saw another. (In fact, this dev looked very familiar, like one of my faves I buy games from all the time - and I'm wondering if it's the same devs under another name)...anyway, I loved that there were morphs and collectibles, an interactive map and a super puzzle feel to some of the regular gameplay. (making a wheel for a cart, a fake passport, guiding the boat, etc)
This game went above and beyond- better than some CEs out there. Definitely worth a buy!
I recommend this game!
Mystery is afoot at Castle Malloy! Unveil a ghostly legend and find the vanished groom in this chilling adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
I finally get what all the commotion is about...
PostedMarch 19, 2015
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have heard a lot about Nancy Drew games since I joined BF - (my favorite walkthrough guy who puts his game videos on Youtube played one awhile back and was instantly hooked - buying and playing a lot more- I didn't watch those, but got notice each time he posted. I knew if he liked them that well, they must be great, which is what convinced me to try a few). I (wrongly) thought they were just for young girls/ teens- (I read the book series when I was a kid, and they were geared for adolescent girls)- I loved them - have always loved mysteries and playing detective- but thought I was too old for these games.
Boy was I wrong! They are not only excellent and absorbing and fun and suspenseful for any adult- male or female - I learn new things every time! And I love that!
When I played my first ND game, (an Irish one for St. Patrick's day) I learned binary code, Irish traditions, Celtic festivals, more on the zodiac- etc.
This Irish one was my first game to play of this Nancy Drew series. That was 3 days ago. Since then, I must have been bitten by the ND bug- because I played The Mystery of the Haunted Mansion the next day, and today I just finished Secrets Can Kill remastered- I just downloaded # 4- the one set in Japan- Shadow at the Water's Edge. (I think though I might take a day's break so I can actually get some work done around here- lol - but for any (former) skeptics like me-
These games are highly addictive, uniquely fun, surprising, absorbing, mysterious - and simply the best! I plan to play every one of them, in numerical order. (I am so thankful Bigfish has so many great sales throughout the week! Since I ended up buying 12 of these after playing the first one! lol)
For this game, the ONLY thing I wasn't fond of was the chemical puzzle at the end- (why I gave it a 4 on the fun scale)- and only because those tongs were so darn sensitive to any slight wrong move so as to explode the lab. lol - but I did enjoy the witty ways they told us we blew it - Pun intended. ;-) And thank God for second (and third, and fourth - ad infinitum...) chances in these games. That's another thing I love about this game (and the others I played)- the humor, and the voice acting is top notch. If feels like I'm really playing a mystery movie- very immersive...
The outtakes after the credits are cute- as if to make it seem real and not like drawn graphics. Loved that touch. The Easter eggs were such fun to get- I was shocked when I got the first one for the dart throwing game- and then was like but what is it for? lol (I kept thinking it must be something I needed for a puzzle or something. ;-)) - and the soda machine Easter egg in Secrets Can Kill was cute - Love those little pluses.
The Celtic music for this game was wonderful - I could have listened to it for days...the voice actors/accents as well. And the graphics really made me feel like I was in a haunted castle in Ireland- very nicely done!
I think all the ghost writers who made up "Carolyn Keane" would be pleased to know their stories have become such wonderful and engrossing games...
I recommend this game!
Christmas Eve: Midnight's Call
Do you have what it takes to save Christmas?
Overall rating
5
/
5
95 of 103 found this review helpful
A potpourri of Christmas magic…
PostedDecember 30, 2014
MysteryAngel145
fromIn a land far, far away
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I’m not sure why this game has gotten such bad press. In part, maybe because another popular Christmas game came out before it? I was leery, going into this, (after having read the low reviews)- and am so glad I bought it during the sale anyway. I try not to compare (I bought the other one and played it last week) and with that in mind, based on its own merit- I found this game interesting as well as fun- and very in keeping with the holiday! It is confusing to me why people think Santa shouldn’t be in a game with a land that keeps Christmas (per reviews for CE). Yes, this game is a bit of a potpourri mishmash- fairytale like, magical, snowy winter wonderland, complete with a snow queen, her prince and an evil villainess and her minions, and then having Santa and his Christmas land in another part of game- but it worked, since the fairytale part was about a town that kept Christmas - and it's your job to save it- and them. And of course, Santa would help in that too. Maybe not the most riveting story, but for the season, cute and fun- which is what a Christmas game should be.
This game doesn’t hand everything to you- it made me use my brain a little more, which I think is a good thing. You need to think outside the box a lot of the time, thinking of unique ways to fix things. I like games that do that. It doesn’t feel contrived and like the same old solution to a problem most games deliver.
There are a lot of mini games- but maybe there were only 4 in the demo and that’s what the reviewer meant? I don’t remember- I played the CE demo, and found it short but fun- yet really not worth a CE price. The length of the demo is misleading- the game is of good length - I played for approx. 7 hours or more on casual, but I do like to look at my surroundings, appreciate the artwork, and not just rush through to the next area.
**Most of the mini-games are in keeping with the season or theme of story. I loved leading the prince to fight the dragon with the sword and leading the queen to find the key, then bringing them together. Putting together the boy and girl elves one was tricky but cute (sliding squares into place), and the suction ball one took a bit of deducting- those were some of my faves, as well as rolling balls into their holes, though there were others that were a lot of fun too. Some puzzle games are so much easier than others, and some really took a lot of brain work. You’re also given a choice to play on hard or casual with many of the games.
**HOP are interactive lists and silhouette as well as find the difference and pair similar items. Also finding items and putting them back in the scene, which would cause some sort of reaction to next item - I really enjoyed the one with the robotic reindeer and others like it - some very innovative gameplay! Some HOPs you visited more than once, but they were as you left them - nice.
**Something I found cool- to get an item to put in a slot to open something up (like a door or container) – sometimes you have to hunt for the pieces of the emblem and put it together like a puzzle. It usually happened inside a pop up box involving another interactive action/puzzle, but not all the pieces of the emblem puzzle are always there- they can be in other scenes. I liked that- making the emblems, etc. needed to put in the slots and hunting the pieces for it. Rather than just finding the emblem to put in a slot. It was a fresh idea. :)
**The map was transportable, taking you where you needed to go. It showed when areas were cleared and also where things needed to be done, though not always at that point in time.
So, to sum it all up, a lot to do and see, and a lot of unique ways to do them! I also really enjoyed doing the good deeds for the boy and the wolf pup too- Charity toward others and Goodwill toward men, all in keeping with the Christmas spirit and heartwarming.
****The main game ended conclusively- the CE a sequel to it (I didn't buy the CE, but I did see the ending elsewhere).*****
The only thing I missed was having Christmas music as the accompaniment. The music was pretty, however, and familiar to another game I recently played by these devs (I think Spirits of Mystery - I just played the second one of the series and the music sounded a lot like that). But it wasn't Christmas music, so I missed that.
I would normally give this 4 or 4.5 stars, but because it's gotten such bad reviews and it has really cute and unique gameplay, I'm giving it 5 stars to boost the ratings.
All in all, it was a fun Christmas game! :)
I recommend this game!