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 odball 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!

Technorati Tags: games, online games, Scrabulous

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!

Technorati Tags: Big Fish Games, game reviews, Hidden Expedition: Amazon, hidden object games

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!

Technorati Tags: Big Fish Games, games, hidden object games, The Three Stooges: Treasure Hunt Hijinks

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!

Technorati Tags: Big Fish Games, Discovery! A Seek and Find Adventure, games, hidden object games

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!

Technorati Tags: Big Fish Games, games, hidden object games, Mystery Stories: Island of Hope

May 31, 2008

Mystery Cookbook - new hidden object game

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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.

Technorati Tags: Big Fish Games, games, hidden object games, Mystery Cookbook

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.

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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.

Technorati Tags: Big Fish Games, game reviews, hidden object games, The Sultan’s Labyrinth

April 22, 2008

The Hidden Object Show - new hidden object game

The Hidden Object Show is the latest release from SpinTop Games. It’s a bit of a twist on the genre, combining many of the modes of play you’re probably familiar with.

The artwork is colorful and most of the objects you’ll search for are clearly defined. A few objects are hidden behind other items, with only a small piece of the sought-after object showing, and a few are not drawn sharply enough to be definitively identified. In the screenshot above, there’s a footprint (at least I think that’s what it’s supposed to be) on the inside wall of the desk, in the kneehole. When it’s on the search list as a silhouette, it’s a poorly defined blob that could be almost anything. This goes against the spirit of fairplay, but I only noticed these faults a couple of times. Overall gameplay is satisfying.

Objects to be found are typical of the hidden object games you’ve played before, from toys to steam cleaners to animals and clothing. Question marks hidden in each scene can be clicked on to earn hints or to exclude modes of play that don’t interest you.

The premise: You’re a contestant on a gameshow. The first round in each level is a standard hidden object search with the player working from a list of items to find. When you’ve completed a search you’ll spin a wheel which will determine the next mode of play. The screen you’ve just completed is re-played, but you might have riddles or sillouettes for clues instead of list, or be assigned to find ten items of the same type, like keys or dominos. It’s a fun twist and I like the variety it adds to this game. I enjoyed it enough that I might buy the full version soon, but right now I’ve got more games than I have time to play. Go to the SpinTop Games links above to get a free download of The Hidden Object Show and play it for an hour. I think you’ll like it!

You can see all of my hidden object game reviews in the games category for skeet’s stuff. Each will provide you with my opinion of the game and a link to a free download so you can try it for yourself. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: games, hidden object games, The Hidden Object Show

April 19, 2008

Hidden Mysteries - Civil War, new hidden object game

Fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight, folks. Big Fish Games has released a new hidden object game that’s going to take you on a rough ride. I mean that in a good way, of course. If you like your games to engage and challenge, download it for a free hour and take it for a test drive.

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Hidden Mysteries - Civil War is the toughest hidden object game I’ve played in quite a while. I struggled to find some of the items on the search lists in each scene. I had quite a few “duh!” moments, because all of the items are obvious once you find them. They’re well camoflaged and cleverly placed, though, and you’ll work to find many of them. Three hints are available on each level. You may find that that’s just not enough help to get you through to the end. A minigame is always on call to let you rebuild your store of hints, but I never did figure out the secret of solving it.

Players have the option of playing in timed or relaxed mode. I highly recommend that you go easy on yourself by selecting “relaxed.” The story line follows several soldiers on both sides of the conflict, with different battlefields serving as your search screens. You’ll find numerous personal letters along the way which will give the story and perspective of the soldiers. Upon completion of each level you’re presented with a brief history lesson that places it all in context.

You’ll also find some official communications which are written in code. Breaking the codes provides a pleasant break from the tension that builds up as you strive to solve each level. The codes will require a little work but are not terribly difficult.

My free hour of play went by much too quickly. Since I appreciate a good challenge, I bought Hidden Mysteries - Civil War and played through to the end. There’s an annoying twist to the storyline at its conclusion, but I’m still rating this one as “highly recommended.” The artwork is bright and realistic, the challenge level is high and it’s a fairplay game (ie: evey challenge can be solved.) The full version is available exclusively at Big Fish for $19.99, discounted to $6.99 if you join the Game Club. You’ll get two free games when you sign up, so it’s a pretty nice bargain for the serious game fan.

You can see all of my hidden object game reviews by selecting the games category from the drop-down box on my left sidebar. Each includes a link to a free download for you to try.

Technorati Tags: free games downloads, games, hidden object games, Hidden mysteries - Civil War

March 21, 2008

New trend means more hidden object game fun!

Several games have been released recently featuring our favorite genre as mingames. I prefer full version hidden object games, but these games offer a fun diversion while we wait for new releases. Give them a try and see what you think.

Hidden Wonders of the Depths

Hidden Wonders of the Depths is primarily a match-three game, but has a nice mix of of minigames, some quite engaging. I didn’t get to any hidden object play before my demo hour ran out, but I was playing during the business day and had numerous interruptions (darn clients!) I found a screen capture on Big Fish, though, that shows some hidden object fun.

Rainbow Web

I enjoyed Rainbow Web, a match three game with an unusual configuration. As you claim the orbs from the enchanted webs that imprison the castle, you’re also collecting letters that will help you discover a spell to end the curse. The couple of hidden object screens that I played during my demo hour were not terribly challenging, but the overall gameplay was nice.

Natalie Brooks: Secrets of Treasure House

Natalie Brooks: Secrets of Treasure House is an adveture game in which the player must find items and perform specific actions with them in order to move forward. The hidden object levels are a much more integral part of the game play than with the two games above. I’ve only just begun to get acquainted with adventure games and haven’t developed any skill with intuitively figuring out what comes next in each scene, so I was pretty frustrated playing Natalie Brooks. I liked it, though. I may buy the full version and play it through so I can get more comfortable with the adventure genre.

The History Channel Lost Worlds

The History Channel Lost Worlds is special! Being from The History Channel, you know it’s got some educational value and is, of course, family friendly. There are more split-screen find-the-differences puzzles and jigsaw-type puzzles than hidden object games, but they’re all challenging, some devilishly so. Little history lessons come with each level, of course. The artwork is superb and the entire game is quite engaging. I’ll be buying this one for my collection.

Hidden Secrets: The Nightmare

Hidden Secrets: The Nightmare is another adventure game which came out about a month ago. I finally played it today in furtherance of my efforts towards trying to master adventure games. They’re still pretty frustrating for me at this point. There’s not “pure” hidden object play in Hidden Secrets - it’s incorporated into the adventure. The darkness of some of the scenes makes it impossible to “see” what you’re looking for. You have to rely on the objects being highlighted as you mouse blindly over them. I’d rather a game that doesn’t have to give you the clues. The minigames are fun and somewhat challenging. I did enjoy the storyline, so I may buy the full version, practice my adventure game skills a bit more and find out how the story ends.

Escape the Museum

Well, I thought I had reviewed Escape the Museum for you a week or so, but I guess not. It’s another adventure game/hidden object game combo. The hidden object action is more robust here than in the other games on this list. The storyline is interesting, but annoying. If you brought your daughter to work with you at the museum and an earthquake trapped you in separate ends of the building, would you stop to search for museum artifacts on your way to rescue her? Not if your body has ever produced progesterone! Still, there’s a lot of great hidden object fun here, making Escape the Museum worthy of purchase.

The mixed genre/hidden object game combo is growing rapidly into it’s own specialty niche. I’m good with that. Anything that brings us more hidden object fun is okay with me. You can get a free one-hour demo of each game above by following the links. Full versions are available for $19.99 from Big Fish Games. If you want to get them at a nicely discounted price, check out the link in the graphic below and get your own Game Space.

Technorati Tags: Escape the Museum, games, hidden object games, Hidden Secrets: The Nightmare, Hidden Wonders of the Depths, History Channel Lost Worlds, Natalie Brooks; Secrets of Treasure House, Rainbow Web