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 19, 2008

Laura Williams Musings

Y’all know I love contest and games. Some of you are addicted, too. I know, because you show up here on my blog every Tuesday. I think some of you must have found me through Laura Williams’ Musings. For the rest of you, here’s the scoop: Laura posts a list daily of all of the best blog contests on the web. If you’ve ever wondered why I have her badge over there on my sidebar, it’s because she sends me Tuesday Teaser players every week. You can subscribe to Laura’s feed or have each of her posts sent to you via email, guaranteeing that you don’t miss any contest opportunities.

Laura and I share another interest in common. We’re both booklovers, and Laura has dedicated a lot of space on her to blog to thorough and informative book reviews. She must have friends in the publishing industry, because she frequently has books to give away. The current giveaway is With Endless Sight, by Allison Pittman. The deadline to enter is today, so follow the link and leave Laura a comment if you’d like to be entered.

Despite having one of the busiest blogs around, blogging is not Laura’s first priority. She’s a Christian homeschooling mom to seven kids, and you won’t have to read many of her personal blog entries to know that her family comes before blogging and other pursuits. They’re country folks and the kids get much of their learning outside the classroom. They garden and keep chickens, with each child having responsibilities appropriate to their age and abilities. I’m not sure where she finds the time, but Laura is also a hobbyist and manages to find time for scrapbooking, sewing and crafting projects. I’m pretty sure there’s never a dull moment around Laura’s house. I know there’s always something fun and interesting going on at her blog. You should go visit, and tell her skeet sent you. She likes company and always has the welcome mat out.

Technorati Tags: blogs, Laura Williams’ Musings

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

Her opinion counts

Chatbug Karen is an opinionated woman. She has something to say about everything. Do you want to know what’s right (or wrong) in pop culture? Karen will give you the scoop on movies, books, TV shows, games and music. Being a mature woman, she’s got enough mileage on her accumulated some wisdom over the years and honed her wit to razor sharpness, so it’s always interesting an informative to look at celebs from her viewpoint or to consult her opinion before you plop down your hard-earned bucks at the box office window. I enjoyed comparing our thoughts about American Idol during it’s most recent incarnation, and Karen is the one who finally got me interested in perhaps getting a Wii. I thought they were just kidstuff, but Karen’s post about family fun changed my mind, and her blog is where I found out that you can download games so that Wii has the stuff that really interests you instead of just the arcade and racing games they always show on their commercials. Maybe everyone else knew that, but I didn’t until Karen told me. Her blog is accurately called My Opinion Counts and it certainly does with me. I value her insight, and not just on the fun and frivolous stuff of life. As a small-business owner I really appreciate the stories she relates about the business she and her husband run. I’m still kind of new to it, so their years of experience operating a small business have taught me some things I would otherwise have had to learn by trial and error. Since I’m pretty much stuck on my little island, I also enjoy Karen’s travel reports. She’s a great resource for armchair travelers like me who don’t get out much. Her archives and categories are user-friendly, so when you find something you like it’s easy to find related posts.

A little criticism: Karen, is there a reason that your posts aren’t dated? I enjoy browsing through your blog, but it makes me crazy when I find an interesting news item you’ve referred to and I don’t know if it’s something that happened last week or last year. And about those news items: why no links? Some of the current events you provide commentary on are well known and I can make the connection, but some refer to stories that are new to me. I’d like to learn more about them, but never know where to start. How am I supposed to decide whether or not to steal your ideas if I don’t know where they come from, hm? Your story about con artists devouring neighborhoods is fascinating. I want to know more, but need a source, know what I mean? It’s not annoying enough to make me quit visiting your place - nothing could make me do that - but my visits might be enhanced if a little more information was provided. Some news sources like to link back to bloggers who mention them, so sending them some traffic them could bring some good karma your way, too.

Speaking of stealing content, Karen ran a hilarious but thought-provoking video a while back. I’ll paste it below so you can see. Well, no, wait - that would be so wrong! I want you to go visit her, so start with the video, then come back and tell me what you think about it. Take your time though. There’s a lot of good stuff over there that you’ll want to read. I’ll still be here when you get back. Go! Go see Karen!

Technorati Tags: blog reviews, blogs, reviews

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

June 12, 2008

What’s your Philaahzophy?

I’ve been a little afraid of Philaahzophy since the first time I visited and saw Aahz’s tagline: Personal musings on life, business, anarchy, fatherhood, and earning money online. Anarchy? Yikes - scarey word for a good ole’ American gal, ya know? Would there be recipes for Moltov cocktails and instructions on how to corrupt government data centers? Well, no - I didn’t find anything like that. Generally speaking, Philaahzopy is … just a blog. In the writer’s own words: “Philaahzophy is, above all, a way for me to communicate and record daily happenings, life lessons, joys, and losses with my daughter Z.” Pretty mild stuff for an anarchist, huh? Oh, the anarchy is there, and we’ll talk about that, too, but much of what Aahz writes about is the stuff we’ve all come to expect from personal blogs: slices of life from an individual’s viewpoint. It’s a fun viewpoint, too. Aazh is a coaster buff and on a mission to ride every roller coaster in California. Check out his Ride Reports category for a comprehensive list and his critiques. He and his daughter like cheesy roadside attractions, carnivals and cheap arcades, too. As a veteran of many alligator farm and hubcap museum visits, I’ve never lost my fascination for such cheap thrills and appreciate his chronicles. Work-wise, Aahz cares for two deveopmentally disabled roomates. I can see an opportunity there to share information and help foster awareness, but didn’t find any posts categorized on the subject. Perhaps a personal decision concerning the privacy of and sensitivity to the roomies? Aahz, if there are things there you can share, I’d be an interested reader and I know others would, too. First-hand experience carries solid weight and might open some thoughtful dialog. Just something to think about.

So what is Aahz’s Philaazophy concerning anarchy? In a nutshell, the goal is “bringing about the end of government and the restoration of genuine freedom and liberty through nonviolent means.” That’s more radical than many of us are willing to directly support, but there’s much to be learned here. Like most of my generation, I was raised with “my country, right or wrong” philosophy. Those of us who came of age in the trial-by-fire sixties became jarringly aware that -gasp! - governments can be wrong and an informed citizenry is obligated to question the motivations and directions of our leadership. You might call me a cock-eyed optimist (or hopelessly naive,) but I believe that it’s possible to have a truely representative government acting with and in the best interest of its citizens. I don’t want to overthrow our government. I want to foster change to a healthier government, one that functions for and by the will of the people. I believe my position is probably typical of the majority of US citizens today. So, no - I don’t want anarchy and am a little uncomfortable with the term. I do want change and believe that I have no right to demand it without understanding the issues. Ideas and idealistic thinkers - left, right and center - nurture the germinating seeds of the changes that most of us desire. Philaazophy is an excellent resource for 1.) finding information not always available in the mainstream press and 2.) exploring the thought processes of creative thinkers who advocate one approach to change (actually, a collection of approaches.) The anarchy category of Philaahzophy looks at specific instances and broad categories of government action and possible responses. Do I support everything I read in Philaahzopy? No, I don’t. Do I think you should read Aahz’s blog? I do. You have a brain. Put it in gear, look at ideas from across the spectrum and make up your own mind about what your responses should be. It’s the American way. I think it’s Aahz’s way, too. Start with his About Me and Usage Guide page. You’ll get a sense of the man, the blog and the philosophy, and some suggestions for navigation. Where you go from there is up to you.

Technorati Tags: anarchy, blogs, Philahazophy

June 6, 2008

Footprints on the Moon

It’s time to visit with my friend Jenn again. You remember Jenn, right? She’s the one who recently started learning to cook and has shared her successes and failures over at Jenn Cooks. I visited Footprints on the Moon today, where she posts about the daily events in her life, so I thought I’d catch y’all up on what she’s doing when she’s not in the kitchen. First of all, she must be spending a lot more time with her nephew, Killian, because she’s run some great pictures of him lately. That’s him in the photo (stolen from Jenn, natch!) laughing in glee because we’re visiting his Auntie Jenn today. I need a cute little short guy like that in my life.

Jenn’s having some strange dreams lately and sharing those, too. The one she relayed a few days ago was extra funny to me because I know some of the people who were in it. I rarely remember my dreams, but Jenn remembers all kinds of details quite vividly. I’m a little hurt that I haven’t had a starring role yet. Maybe if you think about me and all my stuff right before you go to sleep, Jenn?

I thought I had read everything Jenn had posted recently, but just discovered that I missed a very funny post about a website she visits regularly. Check out Not Always Right and laugh with me, please. You’re going to be adding another blog to your feeds after you finish cleaning your beverage-of-the-day off of your monitor and keyboard.

One more example of why a visit to Jenn always makes me smile. We’re kindred spirits when it comes to having too much stuff, and wanting to keep things we shouldn’t because they have sentimental value. My own struggle with that has been well-documented and Jenn mentions it from time to time, too. I wanted to reach out and give her a big hug when I read about her poor ratty doormat. I get it, Jenn. I truely understand! I took the picture of my little froggy plaque just for you. It’s not the same as having your doormat back, but I hope it helps. I hope some of my readers will come visit you today, too, just to make sure you’re surviving the trauma, ya know? Y’all could do that for Jenn, couldn’t you, please?

Technorati Tags: blogs, Footprints on the Moon, review

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