phatkhat's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:1,517
- Reviews Submitted:70
- First Review:February 4, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 7, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Our penguin family just discovered the fourth color! Enjoy mosaic puzzles in more colors than ever!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
Easy Peasy, but still fun.
PostedMarch 31, 2016
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Marble Popper, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Not sure why they bother with the "story". The items placed in the scenes are funny - some are just silly cartoons, others seem to fit in. (Had to love #13 when they added the modern TV to a cottage that looked off-the-grid!)
Anyway, I like the 4 colors, but it seems to actually make the game easier, IMHO. The grids are clear and easy to see, and the music is nice - for a while. I turn sound off and listen to Pandora while I play.
The FM series has always been easier than others, which makes it relaxing, but not much of a mental workout. I wish they would make another World Mosaics. That was my preferred series - maybe because it actually had a story that made me keep playing! I like Gizmo, too, and even the monochrome griddlers everyone loves to hate.
Still, this is a good game, and I recommend it for lovers of the genre.
I recommend this game!
Gobble gobble! Get ready for a merry holiday of harvest! 120 incredibly exciting nonograms in Thanksgiving Day Griddlers!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Good game, but could be better
PostedNovember 24, 2015
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Marble Popper, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Generally speaking, I like the 8Floor griddlers. They are kind of a picross lover's picross, I guess. No bells and whistles, just an escalating challenge. Remind me of the pencil and paper ones I used to do.
I know everyone loves the Penguin, but those are the ones I do when I am frustrated with these and want a break! I find them MUCH easier than these, and can rip through the whole game in a couple of days. This series - no way.
However, I would like some things added to these, like autofill when you complete a row/column. And like someone said about another, how about leaving the picture up on the completed puzzles so you can figure it out.
I am glad to see the x's on this one. The Halloween one they were too light and I made a lot of mistakes because I couldn't see them.
I would also like to see a "casual" mode that had unlimited mistakes. Especially since there are no trophies in this one, evidently. Sometimes I just want to muddle through one without having to start over. I can always go back and go for 3 stars when I feel like it.
But, it will be a buy after the first. Not going to start a new PC at this late date in the month!
I recommend this game!
A unique detective world and new villainous riddles await you! Solve 120 unique griddlers in Detective Riddles 2!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Meh.
PostedJuly 8, 2015
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Marble Popper, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Might buy it on sale. I bought the first one, and was sorely disappointed. This dev doesn't offer any story, despite one being promised, in any of their picross games.
It is a picross, and I'm addicted to them. However, this is kind of the bottom of the barrel. It's a fill-in until a better one comes out. No bells and whistles, just bare bones. The puzzles start easy, then get pretty hard by the end. I dislike the crossing off of the numbers as you go, because it is confusing. I also don't care for pictures that don't look like anything, though I personally don't mind single color puzzles. I also don't like the lack of autofill for the empty squares.
That said, some of the puzzles are right difficult, and it will do until a better one comes along. I sure wish there would be some new World Mosaics or another GemSweeper. I like the stories in WM, and really loved the professor's corny jokes in GS. I'm not a big fan of Fantasy Mosaics, either, but they are better than this one.
I recommend this game!
Discover and collect all of the videos to uncover the collector’s mystical story!
Overall rating
5
/
5
110 of 115 found this review helpful
Seems to be another love it or hate it game.
PostedMay 21, 2015
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Marble Popper, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have not yet finished it - I played until I just HAD to go to bed, LOL. Some have said it is really short, but I started playing around midnight, and when I quit at 4 am, the end didn't seem to be in sight. And I found it to be very compelling.
This is a game with a really good - and unpredictable - storyline. It has a bit of a retro feel, due to things like the antique car, I think. It isn't your run-of-the-mill HOPA, either. It's more of an adventure game, and it doesn't hold your hand, which I love, but some apparently don't. I've only used the hint in a couple of HOS, so can't comment on its usefulness for other things.
There is no map, so you will need your sneakers. I am used to that, since I'm an adventure player. I generally don't use the maps, anyway. You will also need your brain. You will either need to remember a lot or take notes - the journal isn't very helpful in that regard.
The infrequent HOS are list type and pretty easy, though some will require some interaction. Then there are scenes full of morphing objects that will charge your crystal. Some of them are pretty hard to spot.
Minigames/puzzles are not out of the ordinary, but I found them to be fun, for the most part - except for the one that you have to rotate "rings" of squares for. I hate those as much as picture sliders, LOL.
Yes, the game, like MOST games, was made in another country, in another language. Localization could be better, but I didn't find it really disturbing. The acting was so poor it was funny - probably some of the devs themselves - but the video clips were short and moved the story along. For me, story is at least half the game, so I enjoyed this way of telling it.
I'm hoping you cannot go through the portal if you haven't finished up on the island, because once you go through, you can't backtrack like you were able up to that point...
The music is in keeping, though it can get tiresome. One scene with whispers sounds like they are saying "coffee, coffee..." Graphics are clear and sharp. The scenery is pretty realistic - until you go through the portal. Then it is pure fantasyland. At least it isn't eye-assaulting pink and purple or blue neon.
I give it a 10 for NO helpers, fuzzy or otherwise. And tools stay in inventory as long as you will need them, a big plus. It has a pretty creepy atmosphere, and some quite surprising moments, too.
This isn't going to be the game of the year, but it's a good, solid adventure-lite, and a worthy stand-alone SE. I have just about quit buying the new, shiny CEs because they are all alike. This one is different, and it is quite refreshing.
I am patiently waiting for Maze: Subject 360 to come out, filling the time with Fantasy Mosaics and Indies from other sites. (Grim Fandango has been re-released!) I am tired of candy-colored games and all the hand-holding. I play to keep my brain engaged, not to veg out. But, to each their own. Try this, give it a chance. You may find you like it, too.
I recommend this game!
Unlock the mysteries shrouding the creatures of Oxbridge University!
Overall rating
5
/
5
61 of 68 found this review helpful
Well, 4.5 stars, but I'll err on the side of better.
PostedApril 23, 2015
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Large File, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've not finished yet, because I am savoring every bit of it.
This is, yes, a bit old school. It reminds me of interactive graphic novel games like Vera Blanc, albeit much less stressful, since (at least so far) you can't die. There are no voiceovers or animation. It's comic book art in subdued colors. (Refreshing! No eye-searing purple, turquoise and pink!) You are really on your own, too. No hand-holding, no help! Yes!!!
Not a HOG, though you will search for things for your inventory, and they are not always easy to find. (Hint: Click everywhere - no click penalty!) This is adventure lite, with lots of back and forth action. It's story driven, and there is a lot to read. If you want to understand what is going on, you will have to read it, too. It's a big part of the game.
And speaking of the story, it's a very, very good one. Based on old myths from many cultures and their similarities, it has a lot to follow, and if you aren't into myths and legends, some of it may be a little puzzling. But, no missing relatives, no obnoxious helpers, no saccharine. The villains are quite human, too. Thank you, Devs!
I am absolutely overjoyed at a game like this, even if it is just a tad on the easy side. It really stands out from the crowd. I love games that are different, a tad noir, and not too predictable.
If you want HOS, cute helpers, hints, and lots of eye candy, it isn't your game. But if you like retro adventures, you gotta try it!
I recommend this game!
Venture beyond time and space in this classic adventure game that will take you out of this world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
44 of 58 found this review helpful
Worth a buy for me
PostedFebruary 16, 2015
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Large File, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This one is a bit strange. It has the feel of being made a long time ago, with popup cartoon characters and a lot of dialog to read.
Very basic, indeed. Only options are full screen or not, music or not, sound or not. If you want to adjust the volume, you will have to use your computer/speaker controls! There is a hint button if you get stuck.
There is a journal, which is really kind of useless, and an inventory rucksack. Inventory doesn't lock, as far as I can see. There are no hidden object scenes, per se, but you will go on scavenger hunts.
Localization is awful - so awful, in fact, it is quite funny. This is obviously a low-budget and/or first effort by the devs. The scenes are really basic, no interactive things outside the minigames, which are only mildly challenging in the demo.
And yet... I had fun playing. The storyline develops as it goes, and is kind of sci-fi/aliens/paranormal rolled into one. The characters are sort of likeable in a wooden way, and the dialog is oddball. I was surprised when the demo ended, and I definitely want to see where the story goes.
Despite its faults, I'll buy it, especially with the sale. Try it, you might like it, too.
I recommend this game!
Help the Goddess of Creation restore the planet devastated by the God of Chaos.
Overall rating
4
/
5
17 of 20 found this review helpful
Good for this type of game.
PostedFebruary 10, 2015
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Large File, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'm not a big fan of mosaic inlay games, but this one is pretty decent. The storyline is there, but it is told only through pictures, and you kind of have to fill in some blanks. I like it well enough.
The graphics are sharp and clear, controls intuitive. I really like the soundtrack, too. Upbeat but relaxing.
I'm really glad that this has a relaxed mode, because I'd never be able to complete the puzzles in the time they give you for them. (Even on relaxed, it tells you the time limit and your time, but you are not penalized for not finishing on time.)
I think this is one of those games that looks deceptively easy, but gets hard pretty fast. I think it is probably one that is good for your brain, LOL. I may get it with a PCC or on sale, but not enough my cuppa to rush to buy it.
I recommend this game!
Experience the romance of Regency England, in this sumptuous solitaire game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 11 found this review helpful
Best Up/Down Soli since the original Fairway!
PostedFebruary 10, 2015
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Large File, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
And by the same Developers! I have to admit, I bought it almost a month ago when it first came out at another site. I'm still playing, and it's really addictive.
The storyline makes you want to keep playing. Each chapter brings a bit more of the story. I'm normally not a romance fan, but somehow, this one captured me.
Like all Grey Alien games, the soundtrack is excellent. I only wish there were voiceovers. The visuals are pleasant without being distracting. The characters are interesting and likeable - except, of course, the odious Mr. Bleakley.
Gameplay is up-and-down - with a few twists. And there are goals to reach, much like Fairway. I wish the goals could be shut off, but that's just me. I want to play on through and get the story without having to replay levels to get enough stars or whatever.
The powerups are a lot like the powerups in the Spooky Bonus - you decorate the ballroom with items that give you additional powerups. Wild cards are abundant, and you have some recharging powerups I keep forgetting to use! I'm playing on casual, so not sure what hard is like - casual is for sure hard enough for me!
If you like a good story, interesting characters, and up-and-down soli, you will love this one! Kudos to Jake and the crew!
Come celebrate Christmas with these holiday themed puzzles and help the residents of Gizmoland bring on the Christmas cheer!
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 13 found this review helpful
Another winner for the green guys!
PostedDecember 13, 2014
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Bought this on release day at another site which beats BFG to them by a week or so. Like its predecessors, it is a fantastic nonogram game!
There is no guessing here - all can be deduced through logic. Nothing worse in nonograms than ambiguities! And they get hard very, very fast! These are quite challenging - even for a nonogram addict like me!
Gizmos, unlike Fantasy Mosaics, have an actual storyline, though not as compelling as World Mosaics. They are humorous, like Gem Sweeper. And they have some very good options, like turning off the background. This is a welcome option for me. I love Arizona Rose, but hate the way the background intrudes on - and confuses - the puzzle itself. You can also turn off the voices but keep the music. You can also replay the videos.
If you love nonograms, then you gotta have Gizmos!
I recommend this game!
Explore seven different Mahjong styles while traveling through the cosmos in Space Mahjong.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Not my cuppa...
PostedNovember 25, 2014
phatkhat
fromAsh Flat, AR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Large File, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
The graphics and art are quite nice, and I loved the new-agey music. But the kudos stop there.
I got to the solitaire level, and quit. I didn't like it much, and of course I got down to the last two tiles, which were stacked, and that was it. No thanks. Can't go to the next board until you finish the current one.
We PAY for these games, and should be able to play as we wish, which includes only playing the modes we actually like. I didn't always see the logic in the logic mode, but it was kind of fun. I was hoping for something like my old quintessential favorite, Kyodai mahjong, but nope. I sooooo want the game of "Rivers", and it doesn't seem to ever show up.
I don't recommend this game.