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

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

May 20, 2008

Jenn Cooks some more!

My pal Jenn is still hanging out in the kitchen and she’s still cooking. She’s gotten quite bold for a gal who couldn’t even make a decent grilled cheese sandwich last fall. I mean really - Miracle Whip on a grilled cheese? Blasphemy! I can forgive that travesty, though, because Jenn’s coming up with some pretty good stuff these days, and you know I’m all about good stuff. Her Monday’s Menu features whatever she’s eating or making on Mondays. No Hamburger Helper for our Jenn! She posted a wonderful Chili Mac recipe that makes it so much better than the junk that comes in a box. She’s as fond of chocolate and peanut butter as I am and has shared several tasty recipes that feature the two in combination. I’m not sure how I missed her Peanut Butter Fingers a while back, but I found them while I was researching this post and just had to copy the recipe.

That’s a peanut butter, brown sugar and oatmeal cookie bar, covered lusciously with chocolate and a peanut butter glaze. I’ll be picking up the ingredients next time I go to the store. Follow the Peanut Butter Finger link above for the full recipe. You’re going to want to try them, too!

Jenn’s become a sophisticated cook in just a few short months. Jenn Cooks is full of main dishes, desserts, quick meals, tips and lovely kitchen toys. Check her out. Be prepared, though. You’ll be saving and trying quite a few of her delicious dishes!

Photo byJenn (froggybluesock)

Technorati Tags: blogs, food, food blogs, recipes

April 28, 2008

Birthstone jewelry for Mother’s Day

My son came to visit me for Mother’s Day last year. It’s not something he can do every year, as his time-off schedule is subject to the whims of other people. If he can’t come for Mother’s Day this year he’ll try for my birthday. I’d rather he make it for Mother’s Day, simply because it comes first, but it’s always a good time when he visits, no matter the time of year. We work in the garden and go to the beach and to restaurants for the local foods he misses. I can’t seem to get it through his head that by the time he arrives I’m excited about the prospect of cooking for him - he seems to think his visits should create no work for me, silly boy! I guess he’ll understand when he has kids of his own that parents revel in doing things for their kids. He thinks that should be a one-way street, with him giving and me recieving. And, oh, he knows how to give! I’m not sure where he got his talent for selecting presents. Since he was quite young he’s had a knack for picking just the right gifts to make my heart sing. I’ve told you about he insect jewelry collection he started for me shortly after I began my career in pest control. He also started and frequently contributes to my collection of kaleidoscopes, and likes to give me board games which we play when he visits. Whatever else he gives me, he always includes a Border’s gift card, too, since one can never have too many books. I can’t wait to see what he gives me when he finally gets around to blessing my with grandkids. Lots of framed photos, I’m sure, and maybe some birthstone jewelry, something to which I can add a charm with each addition to the family. I’d love to have something like that, with a tiny jewel I could touch each day to bring babies to mind. It would start with a garnet for his own birthstone, of course, and one for the love of his life. Then another and another as the years pass and his family grows. Oh, yeah! I’d like that lot. It won’t happen for me this year, but I know it will someday. Until then I content myself by weaving dreams and by making wish lists and wondering whether his first son will have my unfortunate family nose or his father’s amazing eyes. Ah, the stuff of dreams! I think I’ll go browse the birthstone jewelry again and work on those wish lists. I should be prepared, don’t you think, for those happy crowded-house days that will come someday!

Technorati Tags: birthstone jewelry, gifts, grandchildren, jewelry, Mother’s Day, sons

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