February 5, 2009

Hidden Expedition: Titanic contest winner

Congratulations to Owen, who has won a full verson download of Hidden Expedition: Titanic ™ from Big Fish Games. Owen entered my contest in January and his name was selected by a random number generator as our winner. Owen, I’ll be in touch to provide you with the info you’ll need so you can claim your game.

Mahalo to all of you who entered the contest. Big Fish has supplied me with another game to give away, but it’s gotten lost amongst all of the packing, painting and repair work going on. As soon as I find it I’ll dream up a way to let you win it!

[tags]Big Fish Games, contest, contest winner, games, Hidden Expedtion: Titanic, hidden object games[/tags]

January 8, 2009

Giveaway time! Win a full version hidden object game from Big Fish Games

Our kind friends at Big Fish Games know how much you like hidden object games. They’ve given me a full version download of Hidden Expedition: Titanic ™ to give away. Here’s how you can win it:

Leave a comment below telling me what kind of games you like to play. Which Big Fish Game is your favorite?

To qualify for additional entries: Stumble, Digg or Tweet this post for an additional entry.

Blog about the contest (with link) for two additional entries.

Don’t forget to post back here to let me know how you’ve earned your extra entries and to tell me the screen name you used for submissions to social media sites.

See how easy that is! The contest is open until January 31st. A winner will be selected at random from all valid entries. I may be traveling near the end of the month, so cut me a little slack if it takes me a few days to announce the winner, please!

[tags]Big Fish Games, contest, giveaway, Hidden Expedition: Titanic, hidden object game[/tags]

August 19, 2008

Wild West Quest - hidden object game

After finding some of your grandfather’s belongings in an old trunk, you’re magically transported back in tme to his era in the the wild west. Grandpa hasn’t been seen for a while, so you turn detective and begin to gather clues that will help you locate him. That’s the premise which kicks off Wild West Quest, available as a free one-hour demo from Big Fish Games. You’ll talk to town characters and visit different settings as you go about your task. In each scene you visit you’ll be provided with a list of objects to find, or with a menu of sillhouettes to match with items in the scene.

If you enjoy searching for hidden objects that have be subtley woven into a scene, this is not the game for you. Most of the items you’re asked to find in Wild West Quest are not really hidden. They are “in plain sight” but each scene is so cluttered that it’s a challenge to pick out any given item. Sillhouetted items are a little tougher to find and some will require some willd guessing on the player’s behalf - when there are half a dozen circular items in a scene, your only recourse is to click on each until you get lucky. Question marks are hidden within each scene. Each one you find provides you with a hint, so collect them as you go along, but you won’t need many, so don’t sweat it if you miss a few.

I prefer a higher level of challenge in hidden object game play, but I have several games that I keep handy for those days when I don’t have a large chunk of time for a more absorbing game. I know that I can use them for a brief break from a busy day without being sucked into wanting to spend hours with them. Wild West Quest falls into that category for me. If you’re looking for a real challenge, this might not be the game for you. If you select games of different intensity to suit different occasions, label this one “relaxed play” and give it a whirl. The demo is free, so you’ve got nothing to lose.

You can find other hidden object game reviews in the games category for skeet’s stuff. Each review offers my thoughts on the game and provides you with a link so you can check it out for yourself.

[tags]games, hidden object games, Wild West Quest[/tags]

June 26, 2008

Scrabulous - my latest obsession

A friend sent me an email invitation to play Scrabulous with her a few days ago. We’ve had a game going ever since. I also have games going with several other people. The really nice thing about this game is that you play when it’s convenient. You don’t have to be online at the same time as your opponent. You’ll get an email when they make a move. When you make your play, they’ll be notified.

Some additional features: A handy drop down box gives you access to your choice of the two dictionaries used by serious Scrabble® players. I especially like the list of all two-letter words. Very useful when you get in a bind. When you close the dictionaries you’ll see a message box. You can use it for live conversation if you and your opponent are online at the same time, or leave a message for them to find later.

I can never get enough word games, so I’ve been playing with a robot to fill some time between live-people games. The computer generates some really oddball words, so I’m learning a lot. I haven’t been motivated to find out what all of these strange words mean. It’s enough right now just to add them to my store of available ammunition for future games. I’m playing at level ten and winning maybe ten percent of my games against the computer. I got a bit frustrated and considered setting the level a little lower, but I’m enjoying the challenge and feel like it really means something when I beat the robot at this level. I’ll stick with ten for right now.

If you’re interested in starting a game with me, go to Scrabulous, enter your email address and follow the directions for setting up a game. Once you’re registered you can create a screen name. I’m skeeterbess over there and use the RoadRunner email address that some of you have. If you use a name that I’ll recognize you won’t even need to notify me - the website will do that for you. The set-up makes it possible to have a dozen or more games going at once, so bring it on. I’m game!

[tags]games, online games, Scrabulous[/tags]

June 20, 2008

Hidden Expedition: Amazon - new hidden object game

I knew before I donwloaded the demo that I would be buying Hidden Expedition: Amazon ™. The previous incarnations of the Hidden Expedition series are that good. Hidden Expedition: Amazon did not disappoint. I was up playing until two this morning and I’m a responsible working gal who doesn’t do that when I know clients will be waiting in the morning. Bah! Who needs work when there are great games to be played?

As anticipated, the artwork for Hidden Expedition: Amazon is stunning, having the quality of fine paintings. The placement of hidden objects is devious, with some worked into the scenery with such subtlety that you don’t realize you’re seeing them when you’re staring right at them. The player’s mission is find a professor who has gone missing while searching for the legendery Beetle Temple in the Amazonian rainforest. You’ll find bits of a map and other clues as you progress along your way. Some of the items you’ll find will go into your inventory for use in later searches - for instance, a key in inventory will be needed to unlock a drawer containing a hidden object.

The level of challenge is high, but Hidden Expedition: Amazon employs fair play principals. There’s no trickery. Hidden objects are well-defined, but finding some of them may have you pulling your hair out. Each time you find five beetles you’ll be rewarded with a hint. Try to collect them from each screen because you’re likely to need as many of them as you can stockpile.

The mini-games are not mere filler between hidden object searches. Each is an intricately woven puzzle. These are real stumpers and you’ll feel a sense of victory when you finally solve each one. Some of the objects you’ve found on previous searches will be needed in order to solve these logic puzzles. There’s a Hidden Expedition: Amazon Strategy Guide available as a separate download those who need some help. I haven’t downloaded it yet, but probably will. I’m reasonably intelligent but lack the ability to make the intuitive leaps that are sometimes needed to crack these brain-benders.

Hidden Expedition: Amazon ™ is an exclusive from Big Fish Games Studios. You might as well go ahead and purchase the full version instead of bothering with the free demo. If you’re a fan of tough hidden object games, you really need the full version. Purchase price is $19.99, but, as with all Big Fish Games, you’ll pay as little as $6.99 if you’re a Game Club member.

The previous Hidden Expedition games are also available as free one-hour demos or to purchase from Big Fish:

You can see all of my hidden object game reviews in the games category for skeet’s stuff. Each review provides my observations on the game plus a link you can use to get a free download so you can check it out for yourself. Enjoy!

[tags]Big Fish Games, game reviews, Hidden Expedition: Amazon, hidden object games[/tags]

June 18, 2008

The Three Stooges: Treasure Hunt Hijinks - new hidden object game

Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk! That was fun! The Three Stooges: Treasure Hunt Hijinks is just what I’ve been hoping to find - good, clean fun that the whole family can enjoy. The level of challenge is low to medium, so bring the kids in and have some game time with them. G. Reedy, the Stooges’ greedy landlord, has stolen and destroyed their treasure map. Help them find the pieces before he tosses them out for being in arrears on their rent.

Each map piece you find will lead you to new locations to search in the next round of play. At first glance each scene looks like an easy solve, with clearly defined object scattered about in plain view. You’ll find a few stumpers along the way though, and the sniffer will come in handy to help you find them. Earn extra sniffs (hints) by playing minigames any time you want. The mini games are typical Stooges silliness, like using a baseball bat to knock flying objects our of the way before they can bean our boys on their noggins.

The game is well-done, with colorful graphics and clear instructions. The designers did a good job of capturing the personalities and spirit of the classic Three Stooges characters. Lots of nyuk-nyuks, head thumps and eye-pokes will distract you as you play and the music is exactly what you remember. If you’ve read my previous reviews, you know my pet peeve: games that don’t honor the spirit of fair play. This one does, though there are a few places where that goes astray. When looking for a broom on the dock, don’t go for the obvious one leaning against the boat. There’s another hidden in the scene and you’ll need to search for it. In the scene above, the “lamp” is not the desk lamp on the drawing board, it’s the lantern on the little table beside the drawing board. Minor annoyances, since such errors are the exception instead of the norm in this game.

I recommend The Three Stooges: Treasure Hunt Hijinks if you’re looking for some leisurely hidden object game fun with a little nostalgia thrown in. It’s not the toughest game you’ll play this year, but I think you’ll enjoy it even if you’re not a Stooges fan - I’m not and found it to be fun and entertaining. It’s a Big Fish Games exclusive, so they’re your sole source for this one. Download the demo for a free hour of play. If you decide you like it enough to purchase the full version, it’s priced at $19.99, but you can discount that to as low as $6.99 by joining their free Game Club. You’ll be committing to buying a certain number of games when join (the number you commit to and the price you’ll pay depned on the level you choose) but if you’re a game fan it’s a real bargain.

Check out all of my hidden object game reviews in the games category for skeet’s stuff. Each review contains my observations on the game and a link you can use to download a demo so you can try it for yourself. Enjoy!

[tags]Big Fish Games, games, hidden object games, The Three Stooges: Treasure Hunt Hijinks[/tags]

June 16, 2008

Discovery! A Seek and Find Adventure - new hidden object game

The latest exclusive hidden object game release from Big Fish Games is pure hidden object game fun. Discovery! A Seek and Find Adventure is modeled on a game show, complete with all of the fanfare, hoopla and audeince noise. Players begin the game by spinning a wheel to determine the value of prizes in the upcoming round and the type of mini-games that will be available.

Different locales provide the playing field for each round. A list of objects is given and the player’s task is to find each item hidden within the scene. I found the objects to be clearly and fairly defined, but had some trouble seeing some transparent objects. The challenge level is high, but all objects can be found. The game creators have made no attempt to achieve the photo-realism we’ve seen in some recent games. The graphics for each round of play are fun and colorful, with some having a decidedly cartoonish appearance. Each background is cluttered and busy, distracting the eye and incresing the level of difficulty. Hints and a zoom feature will help you out if you get in a tight spot.

The two types of mini-games I played are a fun segue between segments of the real action but won’t strain your brain. Flipping tags and matching the pictures on them came up several times on the wheel for me, so I didn’t get to sample all of the mini-games. Blizzard Bucks - grabbing falling dollar bills - is fun but mindless. The U.S. Roadtrip Jackpot Round requires the player to find a single hidden object in each of ten scenes, presented in rapid succession with a short time limit for completion of the round.

You can download a demo version of Discovery! A Seek and Find Adventure for a free hour of play before you decide whether or not to buy the full version. Purchase price is $19.99, but you’ll pay as little as $6.99 to own any game from Big Fish if you decide to join the Game Club.

You can see all of my hidden object game reviews in the games category for skeet’s stuff. Each review gives my observations on the game and will provide you with a link for a free download. Have fun!

[tags]Big Fish Games, Discovery! A Seek and Find Adventure, games, hidden object games[/tags]

June 15, 2008

Mystery Stories: Island of Hope - new hidden object game

Mystery Stories: Island of Hope is a new hidden object game available exclusively from Big Fish Games. Like all games of the genre, the player’s goal is collect specific items which have been cleverly hidden in cluttered scenes. The storyline involves solving a mystery, so you’ll be collecting clues towards that goal as you play.

The artwork is bright, clear and colorful. Objects to be found are well defined and fairly hidden within the crowded scenes. Some are pretty tough to find. Hints and tools are in generous supply and can be earned along the way. I needed hints a few times. The items to be searched for are presented either as a word list or as silhouettes. Some items require the player to perform a simple action: in the top photo above, find the film, find the camera, insert the film in the camera.

There’s nothing earth-shakingly innovative going on here, but it’s a good game. Searching in the dark and other well-known devices keep gameplay challenging and interest levels high. I found the game to respond sluggishly when an object is clicked and when swithching screens - very frustrating with the clock ticking in timed play - but have no other complaints.

Some of the objects collected along the way are clues to help the player solve the the mystery at the conclusion of the game. Additional clues are earned with mini-games like the eye-pleasing one shown above.

I’m giving Mystery Stories: Island of Hope points for fairplay and for providing a medium-level challenge. It’s a relaxing game to play at your leisure, not a high tension one to get your blood pumping. A demo download is avialable for one hour of free play. If you decide to buy it’s $19.99, or as low as $6.99 for Game Club members.

You can see all of my hidden object game reviews in the games category for skeet’s stuff. Each review provides a few insights on my experience with the game and a link you can use to acces a free demo. Have fun!

[tags]Big Fish Games, games, hidden object games, Mystery Stories: Island of Hope[/tags]

May 31, 2008

Mystery Cookbook - new hidden object game

>
I was really excited about Mystery Cookbook when I first opened the game and started playing. I think hidden object games are a great activity for parents to share with their children online, but many of them are too sophisticated for the little ones to play. This one looked perfect - cute animals looking for everyday objects that kids would recognize, a cute storyline, nothing scary or adult going on. Alas, my first assessment was wrong.

I’ve ranted before about games that I feel don’t honor the spirit of fair play. Here I go again! In the first screenshot above you see spices on the list of items to find. There are no bottles or jars of spice visible, so perhaps it’s one of the little bunches of leafy greens? Nope - it’s the condiment tray with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Not exactly something that most folks would call “spices.” If that were an isolated sanfu it wouldn’t be so bad, but such confusion occurs throughout the game. The pot on the list for the second screen shot is not one of the pots on the stove. It’s the little black jar next to the fan. See can on the list? There’s some kind of canned goods on the counter over to the left - obviously a can. That’s not what’s wanted, though - try clicking on the clear glass jar at lower right instead. It’s a canning jar, so somewhat acceptable, but certainly not in the spirit of fair play. This could reflect cultural differences. I’m not sure where the game’s creators live. Maybe a jar is a can to them and condiments are spices? Whatever - this just doesn’t work for U.S. players.

Several modes of play are presented throughout the game, including find-the-differences, locate X-number of similar items and rearrange the puzzle pieces. The hidden object menu can be either a list of words or a series of silhouettes. The silhouettes are frequently just blobs which are too indistinct to tell the player what to look for - a pet peeve of mine.

I’m still a huge fan of Big Fish Games. They’ve got the best selection of games at the best prices of all of the game sites I visit. I’m giving Mystery Cookbook a thumbs down, though. It’s just not up to my standards. Why take my word for it, though? You can download the demo for a free hour of play and make up your own mind. Big Fish has released several new hidden object games recently and I’m playing catch-up this weekend so I can check them all out. I’m pretty sure I’ll like the next one better than the last one!

Browse through all of my hidden object game reviews and find yourself a fun time-suck for this weekend. Each review has a link that will allow you to test-drive the game for an hour before you decide whether or not to buy.

[tags]Big Fish Games, games, hidden object games, Mystery Cookbook[/tags]

May 24, 2008

The Sultan’s Labyrinth - new hidden object game

The Sultan’s Labyrinth is the latest exclusive release from Big Fish Games. Experienced player will find few challenges, but it’s a nice game to relax with and a great one for those who are new to hidden object games. The graphics are bright, colorful and well-drawn.

The storyline is a familar one. The princess needs a husband. The Sultan will award her hand to the candidate who completes a series of quests. Will it be her true love, or will she be forced to marry a stranger for the good of the kingdom?

Each level presents the player with several modes of play. Hidden objects to be found are given as silhouettes, as shown in the first screenshot above. Only a few items are shown at a time, with new ones appearing each time you remove an item from the search list. (I personally prefer a list of words to silhouettes. Sometimes the silhouetted shapes are indistinct, making it difficult for the player to decide what to look for.) The same scene is used again for additonal gameplay, like finding X number of similar items or finding all of the items that have identical matches in the scene. Some simple adventure play is also provide: find specified items, then move each to the correct place to get the secret to opening a door, for example. It may take you a few minutes to figure out what is required, but none of this is terribly difficult.

Mini-games include split-screen “find the differences” and mosaic inlays which much be completed before the player can advance to the next level.

”

I played the one-hour demo of The Sultan’s Labyrinth and it’s a likable game. I haven’t decided yet whether I’ll buy the full version for future play. It’s $19.99 from Big Fish Games, discounted to as low as $6.99 if you join the Game Club. There’s not a lot of brain food in this game, but it’s a pleasant diversion when you just want to relax and escape for a while. Take it out for a free spin and see what you think.

You can find other hidden object game reviews in the games category for skeet’s stuff. Each review includes a link so you can download a demo and try the game for free before buying.

[tags]Big Fish Games, game reviews, hidden object games, The Sultan’s Labyrinth[/tags]