BooksandGameFan's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:3,783
- Reviews Submitted:278
- First Review:September 14, 2015
- Most Recent Review:June 15, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you overcome your fear to save your family?
Overall rating
5
/
5
18 of 18 found this review helpful
Haunted Hotel as it should be, Creep and Scary! Stellar!
PostedJune 23, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I'm not going to go into details about the game as charlene_lane and pennmom36 have already done a great job explaining everything technical about the game
. I would just like to say that this game is Stellar! The graphics are beyond amazing, just the trees alone in the forest were a marvel to me, the faces appeared to be living and breathing, one was actually crying. The huge spider spinning a large ball of silk, although gross to me was still something to behold! The setting's change from time to time and the overall feel is dark, sinister and spooky. There were two times in the demo alone that scared the heck out of me, I just loved it!
This is the Haunted Hotel done right, harkens back to the earlier games in this series but with much better graphics!
Elephant Games, can be very proud of themselves they put out a stellar game! A lot of hard work went into this game and it shows. I think it's pretty darn close to perfect!
My only critique would be if they have people in the games with you, which I love, they should find a way to make them actually work with you or help you along the way, that would be awesome.
I know some who have played the complete CE edition of this game say it's a bit on the short side and that's probably true since I finished the demo with at least half the time still left but I do tend to skip mini games so maybe that's why. Even if it's a shorter game it's still well worth the full price or a free game coupon. Yes, I highly recommend this game.
. I would just like to say that this game is Stellar! The graphics are beyond amazing, just the trees alone in the forest were a marvel to me, the faces appeared to be living and breathing, one was actually crying. The huge spider spinning a large ball of silk, although gross to me was still something to behold! The setting's change from time to time and the overall feel is dark, sinister and spooky. There were two times in the demo alone that scared the heck out of me, I just loved it!
This is the Haunted Hotel done right, harkens back to the earlier games in this series but with much better graphics!
Elephant Games, can be very proud of themselves they put out a stellar game! A lot of hard work went into this game and it shows. I think it's pretty darn close to perfect!
My only critique would be if they have people in the games with you, which I love, they should find a way to make them actually work with you or help you along the way, that would be awesome.
I know some who have played the complete CE edition of this game say it's a bit on the short side and that's probably true since I finished the demo with at least half the time still left but I do tend to skip mini games so maybe that's why. Even if it's a shorter game it's still well worth the full price or a free game coupon. Yes, I highly recommend this game.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a devious plot against the Vermillion Watch?
Overall rating
2
/
5
Nowhere near as good as the first game.
PostedJune 22, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I did not enjoy this game at all, as a matter of fact, I dragged myself almost 3/4 through the game when I'd had enough and just deleted the game.
Eipix did a fantastic job portraying London in the early 1900s. All the locations are stunningly designed so that they are both fascinating to look at and fit with the era of the storyline. music is sophisticatedly composed and the voice-overs are top-notch.
That's where Eipix excels in the visuals but the story gets lost long before you are even halfway into the game. There are a lot of things you do that make zero sense. ie. stopping water pouring out of a faucet with a powder puff, turning red hot valves with no gloves on? There are more, but I can't think of them right now.
I didn't find the hidden object scenes nor the mini games added nor moved the story along. I do not like how they tilt the hidden object scenes, and I really don't like all the panning in and out of the camera, it gives me a headache!
I use to be a big fan of Eipix with their older games, but honestly not anymore. I've enjoyed maybe 2 of their games in the past year. They have forgotten how to tell a story and how to keep things cohesive. It's a shame because the concept was great, the characters if utilized could have been amazing. It just wasn't!!
It's like decorating a gorgeous wedding cake only to find it's all styrofoam underneath!
No, I do not recommend this game.
Eipix did a fantastic job portraying London in the early 1900s. All the locations are stunningly designed so that they are both fascinating to look at and fit with the era of the storyline. music is sophisticatedly composed and the voice-overs are top-notch.
That's where Eipix excels in the visuals but the story gets lost long before you are even halfway into the game. There are a lot of things you do that make zero sense. ie. stopping water pouring out of a faucet with a powder puff, turning red hot valves with no gloves on? There are more, but I can't think of them right now.
I didn't find the hidden object scenes nor the mini games added nor moved the story along. I do not like how they tilt the hidden object scenes, and I really don't like all the panning in and out of the camera, it gives me a headache!
I use to be a big fan of Eipix with their older games, but honestly not anymore. I've enjoyed maybe 2 of their games in the past year. They have forgotten how to tell a story and how to keep things cohesive. It's a shame because the concept was great, the characters if utilized could have been amazing. It just wasn't!!
It's like decorating a gorgeous wedding cake only to find it's all styrofoam underneath!
No, I do not recommend this game.
I don't recommend this game.
He can’t be stopped. And he’s digging your grave!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 18 found this review helpful
Not Bad but not fantastic either.
PostedJune 22, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This was an ok game not bad but not blow your socks off great either. It's an average game with the same old same old, everything! Graphics were very nice, voice overs were well done but the voices themselves, for the most part, were cringe-worthy to me.
The gameplay was pretty much straightforward and relatively easy. Hidden object scenes and mini games were nothing spectacular and nothing you haven't seen before. The setting was a dark, decrepit, gloomy and a bit sinister looking. Not my favorite setting but I do like to indulge once in a while in a horror game. This game was a bit scary in a few parts but not really an overall scary game.
The gameplay was pretty much straightforward and relatively easy. Hidden object scenes and mini games were nothing spectacular and nothing you haven't seen before. The setting was a dark, decrepit, gloomy and a bit sinister looking. Not my favorite setting but I do like to indulge once in a while in a horror game. This game was a bit scary in a few parts but not really an overall scary game.
Now my real pet peeves with the game and why I won't rate it higher:
Everything you clicked, every item, brought up a black bar text telling you what you just did or immediately said what you had to do - "I wonder if there's something inside this piggy bank?" "I need to remove this bolt from this door" "The dial is missing from the radio." I felt as if there was way too much stating of the obvious and hand holding. You weren't allowed to click around, figure out what was needed, connect your own dots or just think about things. There was no way to get rid of the texts, not even on the hardest setting.
There were a lot of voice scenes that you couldn't click forward through if you read fast and many of the speakers especially the old man were insanely slow talkers. You can skip the whole thing but then you'd miss the unfolding story. Much of the dialogue was actually intrusive and slowed down my gameplay for no real good reason! I thought there was far too much hand holding and the computer doing things that we should have been doing ourselves. I like a game that's on the intuitive easy side not treat me like a 5 year old easy side.
All and all I did mostly enjoy the game despite the things that annoyed me and I would recommend.
Everything you clicked, every item, brought up a black bar text telling you what you just did or immediately said what you had to do - "I wonder if there's something inside this piggy bank?" "I need to remove this bolt from this door" "The dial is missing from the radio." I felt as if there was way too much stating of the obvious and hand holding. You weren't allowed to click around, figure out what was needed, connect your own dots or just think about things. There was no way to get rid of the texts, not even on the hardest setting.
There were a lot of voice scenes that you couldn't click forward through if you read fast and many of the speakers especially the old man were insanely slow talkers. You can skip the whole thing but then you'd miss the unfolding story. Much of the dialogue was actually intrusive and slowed down my gameplay for no real good reason! I thought there was far too much hand holding and the computer doing things that we should have been doing ourselves. I like a game that's on the intuitive easy side not treat me like a 5 year old easy side.
All and all I did mostly enjoy the game despite the things that annoyed me and I would recommend.
I recommend this game!
A fire breaks out during a concert, and now your daughters are both missing. Hurry to track them down – their music may hold the key to life and death!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Fantastic game with a great story!
PostedJune 21, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I enjoyed this game very much. It's relatively easy and straight forward no high colored computer graphics no panning in and out of the camera no high tech gizmos and gadgets just a fun straight forward game just the way I like them.<P>
Fun interactive hidden object scenes, plenty of, mini-games that aren't head scratchers and a great story!
Nice music, clear nicely done if not a tad bit older looking graphics that are so much easier on my eyes then a lot of the overdone, overly bright colored graphics of the newer games.
Fun interactive hidden object scenes, plenty of, mini-games that aren't head scratchers and a great story!
Nice music, clear nicely done if not a tad bit older looking graphics that are so much easier on my eyes then a lot of the overdone, overly bright colored graphics of the newer games.
Yes, I highly recommend this game.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a heartless criminal before it's too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
Straight forward fun game!
PostedJune 19, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I don't know how I missed this one when it come out last year. Just saw it as the deal of the day so I tried it and really really enjoyed it!
The graphics and colors are great, the game play is relatively easy in that you don't have to run here there and everywhere to get what you need it's either already in your inventory or you find it soon after you need it which is exactly how I like my games to be. It keeps you moving forward and keeps the story from getting lost.
I'm not sure if the game is a bit short or I was just having so much fun it went by quickly, either way, it was well worth the 2.99 I paid for it!! I'm so glad I found this yesterday it gave me a day worth of enjoyment!!!
The graphics and colors are great, the game play is relatively easy in that you don't have to run here there and everywhere to get what you need it's either already in your inventory or you find it soon after you need it which is exactly how I like my games to be. It keeps you moving forward and keeps the story from getting lost.
I'm not sure if the game is a bit short or I was just having so much fun it went by quickly, either way, it was well worth the 2.99 I paid for it!! I'm so glad I found this yesterday it gave me a day worth of enjoyment!!!
I recommend this game!
What will you do when a fairy tale curse shows up on your doorstep?
Overall rating
5
/
5
47 of 52 found this review helpful
Best game I've played in a long while!
PostedJune 18, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I purchased this game when the CE came out so I've played the whole game and the bonus and I have to say I loved it!
I enjoyed everything about it, from the interactive hidden object scenes to the mini games and the beautiful music during the hidden object scenes, also the new alternative to HOG scenes was great, I loved the triangle puzzle!
I've demoed quite a few new games lately and most of them just seemed to easy or boring this game is not boring at all! There's so much to do and look at, the scenes are gorgeous! As usual, there is an evil queen causing chaos but we are finding out little by little why she is acting evil and who's behind it. I love that you interact and talk to many different characters throughout the game as well. The game is a bit dark so I guess it would be called a dark fantasy game but it still just so much fun!!
I was so surprised to see so many negative comments about this game under the CE edition. I'm sorry but there are a lot of games out there that may deserve a 1 or 2 star but this is not one of them!
I normally do not purchase the CE's because the bling doesn't appeal to me but I was finally enjoying a game after a long dry spell that I just had to pay extra to get it right then and there. I'm so glad I did this was a really great game!!
Try if for yourself I really think you'll enjoy it. I highly recommend it
I enjoyed everything about it, from the interactive hidden object scenes to the mini games and the beautiful music during the hidden object scenes, also the new alternative to HOG scenes was great, I loved the triangle puzzle!
I've demoed quite a few new games lately and most of them just seemed to easy or boring this game is not boring at all! There's so much to do and look at, the scenes are gorgeous! As usual, there is an evil queen causing chaos but we are finding out little by little why she is acting evil and who's behind it. I love that you interact and talk to many different characters throughout the game as well. The game is a bit dark so I guess it would be called a dark fantasy game but it still just so much fun!!
I was so surprised to see so many negative comments about this game under the CE edition. I'm sorry but there are a lot of games out there that may deserve a 1 or 2 star but this is not one of them!
I normally do not purchase the CE's because the bling doesn't appeal to me but I was finally enjoying a game after a long dry spell that I just had to pay extra to get it right then and there. I'm so glad I did this was a really great game!!
Try if for yourself I really think you'll enjoy it. I highly recommend it
Explore the four corners of Oz in this thrilling fantasy game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
117 of 142 found this review helpful
This game is just magical to me and I'm loving it!
PostedJune 1, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I almost never buy the CE of a game and I've never purchased one the first day out for full price but I was so bedazzled by it, I just had to have it! I only played about 10 minutes but I know I'm going to love it! It's like when you meet the certain perfect someone, you kinda know the minute you lay eyes on them!
I've enjoyed the other games in this series, especially Alice in Shadowland but this one I think is going to be even better. They really stepped things up for this game. The scenery so far is very lovely, the music is fine, you do get a pair of goggles you use to show you what happened previously in that scene.
The game moves along nicely and it's on the easy side which I like but my favorite part is having an adorable Scottish Terrier as a helper, he looks just like my childhood dog MacTavish who I just adored!
I haven't come across any mini-games yet so I can't comment to those but I've done 2 hidden object scenes so far, both are interactive and a little different from the norm.
I think most folks are really going to love this game and I highly recommend it! I'm so excited, the first game in a long time I just can't wait to get back to! Happy gaming, everyone!
I've enjoyed the other games in this series, especially Alice in Shadowland but this one I think is going to be even better. They really stepped things up for this game. The scenery so far is very lovely, the music is fine, you do get a pair of goggles you use to show you what happened previously in that scene.
The game moves along nicely and it's on the easy side which I like but my favorite part is having an adorable Scottish Terrier as a helper, he looks just like my childhood dog MacTavish who I just adored!
I haven't come across any mini-games yet so I can't comment to those but I've done 2 hidden object scenes so far, both are interactive and a little different from the norm.
I think most folks are really going to love this game and I highly recommend it! I'm so excited, the first game in a long time I just can't wait to get back to! Happy gaming, everyone!
I recommend this game!
Can you save a group of students before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 31 found this review helpful
Great hidden object game!
PostedMay 23, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I really enjoyed playing this game. It wasn't a 5-star game but it was a solid enjoyable 4-star game. I Loved the graphics in this game, despite the fact that it was another haunted spirit game everything was reality based and lovely to look at. The game takes place inside of a school so you will visit a library, a chemistry lab, and other places.
I've been waiting for a haunted game where everything doesn't look gross, dirty, run down and full of bugs. This was that game, and for me, that added another star which is why I gave the game 5 stars.
I've been waiting for a haunted game where everything doesn't look gross, dirty, run down and full of bugs. This was that game, and for me, that added another star which is why I gave the game 5 stars.
You do know why you are doing what you are doing as the story unfolds as you play the game which is something I like. The voice overs were done pretty well, the music was fitting.
The hidden object scenes are clever and interesting; and since the game focuses quite heavily on the hidden objects, this is a big plus. The mini games were fun but nothing you haven't seen before.
All and all an easy enjoyable game.
The only cons I have are the game was a bit on the short side, and you'll notice this as you go from room to room you don't do all that much in each room, which was an easy, yet sadly missed opportunity for the game developers. Still all and all a relatively easy breezy fun game that took approx. 3 hours to play.
Yes, I recommend this game.
The hidden object scenes are clever and interesting; and since the game focuses quite heavily on the hidden objects, this is a big plus. The mini games were fun but nothing you haven't seen before.
All and all an easy enjoyable game.
The only cons I have are the game was a bit on the short side, and you'll notice this as you go from room to room you don't do all that much in each room, which was an easy, yet sadly missed opportunity for the game developers. Still all and all a relatively easy breezy fun game that took approx. 3 hours to play.
Yes, I recommend this game.
What will you do when a fairy tale curse shows up on your doorstep?
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 41 found this review helpful
I'm loving this fantastic fantasy game! Don't listen to the naysayers!!!
PostedMay 23, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I can not for the life of me understand all the 1 stars for this amazingly fun, fantasy game. I'm enjoying everything about it, from the interactive hidden object scenes to the mini games and the beautiful music during the hidden object scenes!
I've demoed quite a few new games lately and most of them just seemed to easy and well kind of boring this game is not boring at all! There's so much to do and look at. As usual, there is an evil queen causing chaos but we are finding out little by little why she is acting evil and who's behind it. I love that you interact and talk to many different characters throughout the game as well. The game is a bit dark so I guess it would be called a dark fantasy game but it still just so much fun!!
I'm sorry but there are a lot of games out there that may deserve a 1 or 2 star but this is not one of them! I normally do not purchase the CE's because the bling doesn't appeal to me but I just didn't want to stop playing this game that's how much fun I was having!
Try if for yourself I really think you'll enjoy it. I highly recommend it.
I've demoed quite a few new games lately and most of them just seemed to easy and well kind of boring this game is not boring at all! There's so much to do and look at. As usual, there is an evil queen causing chaos but we are finding out little by little why she is acting evil and who's behind it. I love that you interact and talk to many different characters throughout the game as well. The game is a bit dark so I guess it would be called a dark fantasy game but it still just so much fun!!
I'm sorry but there are a lot of games out there that may deserve a 1 or 2 star but this is not one of them! I normally do not purchase the CE's because the bling doesn't appeal to me but I just didn't want to stop playing this game that's how much fun I was having!
Try if for yourself I really think you'll enjoy it. I highly recommend it.
I recommend this game!
Strange vines have taken over a popular National Park!
Overall rating
2
/
5
23 of 32 found this review helpful
Logic and Reason are nowhere to be found! It's a NO for me!
PostedMay 6, 2017
BooksandGameFan
fromJacksonville Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Arcade & Action, Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I played approx. 20 minutes of this game when I'd finally had enough of the lack of reason and logic. I can suspend disbelief, but only so far and for so long and then I'm done!
Pain meds don't come out of a spray can and even if they did, if you sprayed it on top of the bandaged wound it would do absolutely zero! If your leg is broken how are you scaling rock walls? If you have what appears to be a Taser that makes the vines go away, why would you discard it?This and many questions that will never be answered! Oh, and just an FYI even if a saw is rusty it will still cut!
I had a hard time seeing things because so much was slammed into each scene and it was dark, done in dark purples and blue hues. Too much for my older eyes, I guess.
What really had me yelling, no, no, nope was a huge pet peeve of mine, depicting males as scared morons! The park ranger sounded so effeminate it was just unbelievable to me! He's so scared and can't figure anything out for himself I must get in and save the day! I have a dad, brothers, friends, a husband all males and none of them would act or talk how they depict the males in these games and I for one am darn well sickened by it!
Yes, it does ruin the game for me, to have a grown man act like a scared 10-year-old girl! I'd rather not run into anyone than run into males that act like this. Ok, rant over. lol
The game itself is not for me for all the reasons stated above and I found it boring. Try it you may like it, I don't!
Pain meds don't come out of a spray can and even if they did, if you sprayed it on top of the bandaged wound it would do absolutely zero! If your leg is broken how are you scaling rock walls? If you have what appears to be a Taser that makes the vines go away, why would you discard it?This and many questions that will never be answered! Oh, and just an FYI even if a saw is rusty it will still cut!
I had a hard time seeing things because so much was slammed into each scene and it was dark, done in dark purples and blue hues. Too much for my older eyes, I guess.
What really had me yelling, no, no, nope was a huge pet peeve of mine, depicting males as scared morons! The park ranger sounded so effeminate it was just unbelievable to me! He's so scared and can't figure anything out for himself I must get in and save the day! I have a dad, brothers, friends, a husband all males and none of them would act or talk how they depict the males in these games and I for one am darn well sickened by it!
Yes, it does ruin the game for me, to have a grown man act like a scared 10-year-old girl! I'd rather not run into anyone than run into males that act like this. Ok, rant over. lol
The game itself is not for me for all the reasons stated above and I found it boring. Try it you may like it, I don't!
I don't recommend this game.