nerd alert : broken sword | the shadow of the templars

Nicole is a journalist who has uncovered a dangerous lead linking the deaths of some very powerful men all over the world. As she investigates a recent terrorist attack who just killed her latest lead, she meets George Stobbart. George is an American tourist in Paris, and he is about to embark on an adventure that follows the last moves of the Knights Templar as they hide what remains of their great treasure.

Originally released for PC, the Broken Sword series consisted of 4 games released between 1996 and 2006. Shamefully, I haven't played any of them until this past weekend - and I will say better late than never because the first game in the series, The Shadow of the Templars, has set me off in hot pursuit of the remaining 3 games. This point and click adventure game doesn't lack anything in the puzzle department, and translates to the DS quite well - too bad that top screen was mostly a screensaver the whole time though! 

01/ cross ring $6.00  //  02/ knight chess pieces $5.00  //  03/ elephant $9.95  //  04/ skull cupcake mold $11.95  //  05/ clown nose $4.99  //  06/ paris manhole cover $24.99  //  07/ magic carpet $64.00

5/6 Toes // Overall

1 // Graphics
The game was originally released in the mid 90's so it is going to be judged by era. The illustrated style of the game goes well with the DS interface and it doesn't look like an older game on this platform (on a PC it might be a different story).

1 // Storyline and Characters
I'm not going to lie - the whole Templar thing was WAY overdone in the 90's/00's (come on - Gabriel Knight, Post Mortem...) but this may have been the first one, and since I don't have a timeline of all the Templar games in front of me I will let it slide. The main character George, is likable and you get a little tug and pull on whether he is good or bad in some situations. I originally thought Nico would be a toggle character, but you don't get to control her after the beginning of the game. Story-wise though - I couldn't put it down and loved every puzzle ridden minute of it. But seriously Nicole, what is up with those blue shoes?
 
0.5 // Soundtrack and Sound Effects
Nothing too stellar (it was the 90's) but I do appreciate they didn't change anything from the original. There are sound effects for all the actions in the game, and the cut scenes have additional sound - I did like the typing sound that accompanied the talking portions... but I would've liked talking more.

1 // Length of Game and Price
So for $19.99 at GameStop, this game entertained me all weekend and then some (about 9 hours total). so definitely would recommend. You can probably find it cheaper for PC or used - and I even heard a rumor its available for the iPhone.

1 // Replay Value
I could see this series becoming one I replay ever few years. It has good bones and I cant wait to see what happens next.

0.5 // Puzzle Difficulty
The DS version has a little hint cheat in the upper corner, I'm not going to lie - I was glad it was there and even used it once or, ok, twice. the puzzles were inventory and location based - but overall were more enjoyable than outright difficult.

nerd alert : zelda - phantom hourglass ds

You and Tetra (don't even think about calling her princess Zelda!) are out on the high seas looking for the legendary ghost ship and all the adventure that comes with it. The rumors of treasure have Tetra jumping on board moments after it comes into view. A scream send you after her... but the next thing you know you are waking up on a beach. (haven't we been here before Link?) Celia, a fairy of sorts, finds you and commits to helping you find your friend. You meet your new partner Lineback, who is usually not much help, but nothing can stand in your way! Fight your way through bosses to collect more sand for the Phantom Hourglass until you can finally defeat an evil that has cast a shadow over the entire ocean.

01/ link decal $5.00  //  02/ heart containers $5.00  //  03/ phantom hourglass DS game $11.99  //  04/ celia (Navy) earrings $15.00  //  05/ hourglasses $38.00  //  06/ boss key chain $3.50  //  07/ heart chest $165.00  //  08/ tri force earrings $12.00  //  09/ shield mints $3.99  //  10/ bomb bag $45.00  //  11/ tri force print $30.00  //  12/ link tee $19.95  //  13/ limited edition DS $499.99  //  14/ Rupees $25.00

This game is flat out fun. Like, can't put it down, dream about it fun. Link has his standard sword and shield, but there is also Lineback's ship that lets you explore the ocean, salvage treasure, go deep sea fishing and explore all the islands on your map. The split screen of the DS is especially helpful since you have a constant map displayed on your top screen, and you can make handy notes with the stylus. There are also a lot of creative uses of the DS features including the microphone! Also you get to play barbie with the ship, swapping out different hulls, chimneys, hand rails, cabins, anchors, etc...

5/6 Toes // Overall

1 // Graphics
Graphics are great, love the split screens like i said before it makes the map super easy to use and eliminates the back and forth between gameplay and secondary screens. I also really enjoyed the paper cut out style of the cut scenes, it was a nice way to make the look/feel different on the relatively lo-res DS screen..

1 // Storyline and Characters
Zelda & Link, together forever. Its the classic boy saves princess in distress - but Zelda (sorry, Tetra) had a pretty tough girl attitude in this game - she definitely wasn't playing the part of a princess in this game.

1 // Soundtrack and Sound Effects
Classic Zelda, don't mess with a good thing. I loved the microphone elements taking the interactive sound to the next level.

1 // Length of Game and Price
So I payed $29.99 for this game and I spent about 3 weeks playing through the story, mini-games and extras. Honestly I think I found all the treasure.Definitely was ready for the end so I could get back to life as normal - but I would be lying if I didnt tell you I loved every minute of it.

0.5 // Replay Value
There is lots of discovering to do in this game. And there are also lots of skill challenges that you can keep playing - archery, ship cannon targets, fishing. I dont think I would replay the whole game since it was epically long, but i might go for a boat ride from time to time.

0.5 // Puzzle Difficulty
Honestly the interior mazes before the bosses are my favorite. They are all based on sequence and flipping the right switch. They aren't terribly difficult, but you cant just cruise through without paying attention to the details. Did I ever feel stuck? no.

nerd alert : nancy drew the secret of shadow ranch

Nancy is headed to Arizona for a wild west vacation with her friends Bess & George. Too bad that vacation is about to turn into a full blown mystery involving a lot of accidents and a glowing phantom horse.  Learn first hand the hard work of living in the west and explore ghost towns and horse trails looking for clues. Help Nancy figure out who is trying to scare the Rawley's off their ranch before its too late.

The 10th game in the Nancy Drew series from HerInteractive is one of my favorites. Its got mystery, puzzles, villains, and treasure to boot! Riding around the dessert on Nancys horse Bob was definitely a highlight - but the ghost town was my favorite. Did I mention the love story theme makes this one perfect for valentines day?

01/ canteen $14.00  //  02/ campfire logs $27.00  //  03/ southwestern throw $35.00  //  04/ tuning fork $5.95  // 05/ turquoise ring $17.00  //   06/ petroglyph box $8.99  //  07/ boots $49.99  //  08/ cactus picture $65.00  //  09/ western romance novel $7.99  //  10/ horseshoe necklace $31.00  //  11/ picture agates $2.99  //  12/ horse print $16.95  //  13/ cuff $55.00  //  14/ fools gold $10.00

5/6 Toes // Overall


1 // Graphics
good. the backdrops in this game make it beautiful because of all the desert mountain scenery. The characters are believable and for one of the earlier games it looks pretty good.

1 // Storyline and Characters
The love story mystery in the wild west. horseback riding, treasure, ghost towns and southwestern style will have every girl out there swooning.

0.5 // Soundtrack and Sound Effects
Very appropriate for the settings. I could do without shortys horrible singing at the cookout but other than that it was great =)

1 // Length of Game and Price
This game takes me about 2 afternoons to beat, which is a lot longer than some of the earlier titles (but way longer than the twister!) I will say that overall HerInteractive game lengths vary - but this is one of the longer ones.

1 // Replay Value
The storyline keeps me coming back to this one - its like taking a mini vacation to the Arizona desert without leaving my apartment. I've played it at least 5 times and an definitely not done yet.

0.5 // Puzzle Difficulty
this whole game is a scavenger hunt, which is great. There are all different kinds of inventory puzzles and mazes. Also one of the first Nancy games where you searched via the cell phone which i like - i didn't like the realistic lack of service when you were out exploring the Arizona trails!

nerd alert : professor layton & the last specter

// from here

There is a monster in the town of Misthallery and Professor Layton has been sent a suspicious note from an old friend asking for his help in the investigation. Together with his assistant Emmy and apprentice-to-be Luke, Layton leaves London to see what can be done about the Specter. He starts to unearth clues; an ancient flute and an archeological dig to unearth a legendary golden garden.

This is the 4th installment in the Professor Layton series, and it solves the question of how Luke and Layton came to be such a formidable duo. I'm not sure I remember Emmy in the other 3 games, but I like her spunk. This game, like all of the Layton games, is a puzzle game - like, puzzles that are otherwise unlinked to any part of the plot. Let me try to explain...

Professor Layton : "Hello random townsperson of Misthallery"
Randon person : "Why hello, you look pretty smart - think you could help me with this puzzle?"

And then you get a nice puzzle to solve - it could be anything ... even something like "if a train left London at 12:15m traveling 56 meter per hour..."

Get the gist? There is a nice storyline and the characters are well developed - but the puzzles are why I play. Not sure if you'd like it? Play the free demo!

01/ scooter necklace $59.99  //  02/ puzzle workshop $70.40  //  03/ mouse pendant $10.00  //  04/ stove pipe hat $30.00  //  05/ Luke $19.99  //  06/ flute $12.95  //  07/ Vespa paper clips $7.98  //  08/ Hershel Layton $23.11  //  09/ Keats the cat! from the game  //  10/ dino ring $31.00

6/6 Toes // Overall


1 // Graphics
These 2D cartoon games are a cross between french (think triplets of Belville) illustration and anime. They are cute and cool at the same time.

1 // Storyline and Characters
Professor Layton, Assistant Emmy, and apprentice-to-be Luke are quite the trio traipsing around Misthallery looking for the facts on the Specter. There are a lot of secondary characters in this game to interact with as well, and some very frustrating villains to deal with. Find out who is playing the mysterious flute that follows the specters appearances like clockwork, work out what really happened in a mysterious suicide, get to the bottom of a local group called the black ravens, and help out 2 orphans who have more to do with the mystery than they are letting on.

1 // Soundtrack and Sound Effects
I always appreciate when characters are given voices - it makes them more real. The video and straight talking segments are very nicely done and the !! sound when you solve a puzzle is something you will be very glad to hear over and over again.

1 // Length of Game and Price
The game took me around 14 hours to complete. I know this because it logs your time next to your saved game (depressing and convenient). for $30 that's not too shabby (considering that's about 2 weeks of casual gaming for me).

1 // Replay Value
The puzzles arent really going to change, but it will take you a few times of replaying them before you memorize the answers. There is also a great mini game called "little london" where you create a character and try to create a little digital london life for yourself. Its addictive. 

1 // Puzzle Difficulty
Thank goodness for the hint coins in this game - because otherwise I would've been stuck more than once. There are a total of 170 puzzles in this game (if you can find them all!) and each one is great.

nerd alert : big fish sampler 4

Another BigFish sampler post! I might be addicted... Let me tell you a little about the three I played this past week... 

01/
Voodoo Whisperer: Curse of a Legend

Voodoo Doll  //  ruby paperweight  //  dried lavender

Lillian, is from a long line of women gifted in the art of Voodoo. New Orleans has been put under a spell and she is the only one left to help. Save the town from evil and unravel the mystery behind the curse as you hear the stories from the people you encounter in the game.

The spell aspect of the game really takes it to the next level. There are different spells that you acquire as you progress in the game - and there are Voodoo recipes to make for each person you meet. This obviously makes the inventory items key - and since you know what to be on the lookout for, it makes the seek and find element of the game more relevant to the story.

Overall strength of the games story line 5/6
Quality of the graphics, especially in the seek and find elements 6/6
How far through the game did I feel I was after the hour 6/6
Odds that I would buy the full version of this game 6/6

***** UPDATE : DO NOT BUY. I played and finished this game and it was.... to be continued!!! which is fine if I hadn't bought this game - felt like a total cop-out. not really that interesting to merit a sequel, and definitely not happy that there was literally no ending, it just stopped in the middle of the story.

 02/
Haunted Manor : Queen of Death

skull amulet  //  carriage jewelry box  //  raven chandelier

Your astranged sister writes to tell you that your parents have died and that you are both now orphans - you head home, sad and bewildered to find your family manor surrounded by evil. It soon becomes clear that you must do what you can to save yourself from the evil. Is you sister Stella behind this? or is she in danger too?

This is the first BigFish game that I have played from a child's perspective - your character is probably around 12 or 13 years old. The graphics are superb, the dying people are creepy, and you are kind of left guessing whats going to happen next. I feel like after the hour I was almost done with the game - but I could be wrong. My biggest qualm is that there is a back story of the manor being cursed and they barely explain it to the player. If there's a curse i want to know all the spooky details!

Overall strength of the games story line 3/6
Quality of the graphics, especially in the seek and find elements 6/6
How far through the game did I feel I was after the hour 2/6
Odds that I would buy the full version of this game 3/6


03/
Penny Dreadfuls : Sweeney Todd

umbrella  //  london map  //  razor

Sweeney Todd returns to London in search of revenge. Its your job to track him down and put an end to his murderous rampage before its too late. Walk around London town in search of clues and solve puzzles with items you find along the way.

This is a beautiful game - hands down one of the most nicely animated BigFish games I have played thus far. The details are outstanding - even the exit game pop up is designed to please. I also love the fact they honored the musical nature of the Sweeney Todd story with a song intro to the game. There is also a somewhat helpful peeler to narrate your moves throughout the game. very awesome.

Overall strength of the games story line 6/6
Quality of the graphics, especially in the seek and find elements 6/6
How far through the game did I feel I was after the hour 6/6
Odds that I would buy the full version of this game 6/6


So.. which one would I buy? I didn't technically have to buy any because I used 2 of my Big Fish Game Card Punches to buy BOTH Sweeney Todd and Voodoo Whisperer!! psyched!

** read the update for the voodoo whisper above. I wouldn't recommend buying this game.

nerd alert : syberia 2

// from here

Lets pick up where we left off shall we? I will try not to give too much of the story away, but in case you haven't played the first one (and don't know how it ends) here is the mandatory...

 *spoiler alert*

Syberia 2 starts up right where the first one ends - Kate abandons her entire life in New York and joins Hans on his quest to find the Mammoths. Oscar, as always, is right there to (kind of) help out. Youki is the cutest addition to the team, part dog part seal, he is almost like an inventory item at points in the game. and Kate's outfit gets way more weather appropriate (can you believe she traipsed around northern Europe in a white bomber jacket?)

01/ bear pillow $22.00  //  02/ shearling aviator jacket $699.99  //  03/ dream catcher top $34.00  //  04/ white owl mittens $28.94  //  05/ bronze tusk $75.00  //  06/ owl pendant $20.00  //  07/ Youki! from the game  //  08/ gear heart $220.00  //  09/ ice crampons $20.00 


You guessed it, just like Syberia 1, I loved this game. This may shock you - but its actually my favorite of the two games! Sequels are always coupled with a bit of apprehension, but this is more of a continuation than a sequel.

It's more like the second installment of a really good book series, the charters grow, Kate is determined and confident throughout the game (instead of one foot in like Syberia 1), the story gets more complex - it's great. Hans is also a huge addition to the game, one of my favorite details is how he has taken over the train and made it into a traveling workshop - its now covered in gears and things he is tinkering with.

There are also general improvements to the navigation (hotspots include directions instead of just a general highlighted circle) - and the train got a little makeover too (you can make fun of me all you want - but I love that the bathroom is assessable in this game).


6/6 Toes // Overall

1 // Graphics

The quality of the second game is the same, if not slightly better than Syberia 1 - I especially love the constant wandering of Kate's fuzzy companion Yuki - so lifelike and doesn't cause any lag or delay during gameplay. Also, since you are in a winter wonderland in this game, they have taken the liberty of animating falling snow in a lot of the scenes - gorgeous, and very realistic.

1 // Storyline and Characters

When you finish Syberia 1, the game feels complete - but you know there is going to be a sequel. After you play the second one, theres no way to imagine the story being even a fraction of the way over after the first game. The journey is just beginning and you need to help Hans make it to the Mammoths in Syberia, before its too late. The relationships are great, there are a lot more people in this game compared to the first one, the towns you travel to and from are full of people, you even visit a (drop dead gorgeous) monastery. Its great to see the imagined life on the edges of civilization - almost like going back in time. I wont lie to you, this game made me cry. I won't spoil it, but if you don't cry at a specific part (you'll know when you play it. And no, its not at the very end) then you might be sans one heart. On top of that, Hans is adorable - his age paired with his small size and child-like personality melt your heart (despite all of the snow). Even though it seems somewhat complete, I cant wait to see what the (much anticipated) Syberia 3 has in store! Its currently on hold - but we can only hope it comes out sometime in 2012. 

1 // Soundtrack and Sound Effects

Sound in Syberia2 is great. more sound effects for the ice and snow, more music for the new environments and cultures you encounter.  Also there is a huge attention to detail on which sound effects are used - example, if Kate walks in water there is a "splash", if she walks on metal there is a "tink" and if she is on snow "crunch", etc... such attention to elements like that makes games so much more fun to lose yourself in! Also when the wind blows through the trees you can hear the clinking of icicles and blowing of snow. Two thumbs up! 

1 // Length of Game and Price

Buy both games together (they are even available on BigFish Games for $9.99 each!), and spend days exploring the gorgeous environments and solving every challenge Hans throws in Kate's path. 

1 // Replay Value
Like I said, this is pretty much a seamless continuation of the first game, so they should ideally be played together. And then played again, and again - yearly at the very least. (I recommend January - the weather is perfect lol). 

1 // Puzzle Difficulty

The puzzles are vast, and very inventory/sequence based like the first game. You come to a location - you encounter a problem (train needs wound again) you talk to the people you meet, do some favors, find some items, and you are on your way! To make matters a but worse, the train is getting stopped by weather and snow. There is also a lot of other travel including boats and sleds. And don't forget the Automatons! The addition of Yuki to help you out is a great game addition, and there are also some pesky villains to outwit.

Nerd Alert : Syberia

Kate Walker is visiting Valadilene on a business trip. The small French town is home to a very large toy company that her New York law firm has been asked to purchase. As Kate walks into town she passes by a rather odd funeral procession for none other than Laura Voralberg, the late owner of the toy company.

To make matters worse, it seems that there is an heir. Laura had a brother Hans who was rumored to be dead. The mysterious lives of Hans & Laura lead Kate on a journey in Hans luxury train across northern Europe. As she passes through each station she uncovers more about Hans' life and his genius. 

 
01/ mammoth necklace $15.00  //  02/ boots $130.00  //  03/ paris print $30.00  //  04/ automaton hand $1250.00  //  05/ gear train $72.00  //  06/ nouveau decal $65.00  //  07/ honey $3.40  //  08/ rocket bank $92.00  //  09/ white bomber $59.50  //  10/ gears $7.95  //  11/ goggles $16.00  //  12/ deco earrings $24.50  //  13/ cell phone case $20.00  //  14/ opera glasses $435.00  //  15/ mammoth doll $45.00

Syberia is a classic point and click adventure game and the puzzles are inventory/sequence based. That said, sit back and enjoy the story - which is what point and click games are all about. And take my word on this one, the story of Syberia is worth hearing at least once.

This is one of my all time favorite series of games. There are currently two (Syberia & Syberia II) and the third is hopefully going to be out soon *crosses fingers*. White Birds Productions and Benoît Sokal, the man behind the game, are responsible for so many gorgeous environments (Paradise and Sinking Island) and they don't disappoint here. It is hands down the most beautiful game I have ever played. I do also own this game for Nintedo DS - but all i have to say is DON'T - there isn't enough screen to do the graphics an ounce justice.
 

6/6 Toes // Overall

1 // Graphics
The cut scenes are dreamy, and the in game graphics are really great. the attention to detail is what really takes it to the next level. As you travel through the stages of Hans life, you progress through eras of design. starting with art nouveau then going to deco to constructivism etc - it is absolutely gorgeous.

1 // Storyline and Characters
At first it seems as if Kate is on this journey alone - but there are tons of relationships in this game. Kate's phone calls from the US illustrate her life in New York,  Oscar, her automaton companion takes AI to a whole new level, the people she meets and helps along the way - and not to mention the train almost has a mind of its own as it takes you to each mysterious destination. 

1 // Soundtrack and Sound Effects

There is a definite theme song - and it will get stuck in your head. You also encounter an opera singer and some very interesting contraptions - all with very interesting sound effects.

1 // Length of Game and Price

The game is long, (you will spend evenings, not hours, playing this game start to finish) and you can buy both games together for $15.95

1 // Replay Value
The game is great - even the second and third time through. I find myself replaying it to return to some of the locations in the game. (ex. I love the conservatory at the university, i could walk around a place like that all day)

1 // Puzzle Difficulty

Since automatons are the big element in this game there are lots of gears and components to play with. Each station you stop at begins the journey of finding a way to wind up the train to get it going again (yes the train is a giant wind up toy - how awesomely steampunk is that?)

Nerd Alert : Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7

Harry is back in the land of Lego - ready to finish the saga and duel it out with Lord Voldemort. Throughout the game play, and replay not only as Harry and his friends - but all the characters in the story. Each character brings their own skills to the table. Oh and did i mention you get to play as their pets too?




01/ Harry Pillow $22.00  //  02/ Illuminating wand $37.46  //  03/ horcrux tie clip $18.00  //  04/ Harry Potter poster $15.00  //  05/ muggle born $13.99  //  06/ deathly hallows decal $7.95  //  07/ Hermione lego necklace $15.94  //  08/ up to no good notebook $16.00  //  09/ Dobby lego necklace $11.00  //  10/ accio keyring $9.95

Let me first say that I loved, LOVED the first Harry Potter Lego game for DS (read that review here) - I couldnt put it down for days and days... so I was waiting for this sequel to hit the shelves. And so the anxiously awaited Lego Harry Potter sequel came out - and I anxiously drove home from best buy, ran inside and snuggled up with my Nintendo DS XL.

I started playing and was confused...

"why does this feel so different?"  

"...why are there so few villains to kill?"
"if they are going to change the way you cast spells why aren't they giving me a tutorial"
"...oh that's how that's supposed to work?"
 "this is supposed to be a game where your character uses a wand! and i can play completely without the stylus!?"

and that last one people, that's the one you should be taking note of. the entire game can pretty much be played with no stylus. VERY surprising since the first game was very wand/stylus based, where you would draw different shapes on the screen to cast different spells. They even had a version of the game that came with your very own Harry Potter "Wand" stylus. Now its just point and shoot, and i couldn't be more disappointed.  

// from here

Also - almost all of the fighting in the game is via "duel."  I think this was done so you knew exactly who you were fighting for stronger storyline - not nearly fun as taking out dementors in years 1-4. I might need to try the Wii versions of these games to see if there is a huge disconnect in game play with those as well.
 
2/6 Toes // Overall 
1 // Graphics
The graphics are the same as the the first game so no complaints there.

0 // Storyline and Characters  

The characters are great, and i really like the addition of the pets. But the storyline (though great) was hard to follow even though I knew the story! There was no "how to" intro even though they changed all the game play controls.  

1 // Soundtrack and Sound Effects

Music and sound effects again are the same as the first game.

0 // Length of Game and Price

Compared to the first game, this one was very short. I played the whole thing in less than 10 hours. the first taking me over 20. The difference has a lot to do with the items hidden in each level. with the first game there was more you could accomplish - now you have to pretty much beat the entire game then go back with very specific characters. also, being new - at $39.99 this game wasn't cheap.

0 // Replay Value
I will replay it to unlock every item and every character in every level. but not with the same enthusiasm that i played the first one.

0 // Puzzle Difficulty

The puzzles in this game were not nearly as hard - the most complex levels require you to move light from one lamp to the next, or find items and take them to their designated area. you don't get to fly the broom very much, you didn't get to cast the shape spells, you didn't get to find the hidden hats and red legos until you replayed for the second time.

 

nerd alert : sherlock holmes mystery of the mummy

Let's just say I am a pretty big mystery fan, and Sherlock Holmes is at the top of sleuthing stardom. Needless to say I an absolutely stoked to see the new Sherlock movie that comes out the 16th - so much in fact that I have decided to replay all of the Sherlock Holmes computer games. Starting with the first: Sherlock Holmes the Mystery of the Mummy

Sherlock has been asked to solve a mystery! A man disappeared 6 months ago and his daughter needs your help. Scour his beautiful mansion, full of Egyptian artifacts and puzzles to try and discover what happened to him. Explore the house, solve the puzzles to travel deep and deeper into the mystery.

01/ pith helmet $19.99 // 02/ bastet art $14.00 // 03/ faux zebra rug $66.00 // 04/ Cleopatra pendant $32.00 // 05/ vintage book print $27.00 // 06/ pipe $20.00 // 07/ torch pendant $37.00 // 08/ hieroglyphics $1.00 // 09/ pyramid talisman $25.00

This is an older game - circa 2002 and quite honestly if it didnt have both Sherlock and Mummies in the title I would say i didnt like it... but since I love both sherlock and mummies I am trying to see the brighter side of things..

Its puzzles are mainly inventory and the items are hard to find in some cases. Also there is little method to the madness (and you will go a little mad trying to figure out where items are, and which items to use where). But for a late 90's early 00's game the graphics are pretty good, but the music is pretty hokie.

3/6 Toes // Overall

1// Graphics
for 2002 the graphics are pretty good. The 360 view of the rooms is also helpful for finding things. There isn't an option for gamma correction and the scenes are a bit dark.

0.5 // Storyline and Characters
Holmes is pretty much all you get the entire game, a few letters keep you company. There are some gaps in the back story of you cousin (or soon to be cousin? I never got that straight) and you feel rather aimless wandering through the house... convinced that this is where all the clues must be based on absolutely nothing.

0 // Soundtrack and Sound Effects

The music is classic 90's gaming. Its low budget and you don't really understand how jazz got paired with a British library from 1899.

1 // Length of Game and Price

This game has length going for it, and you can download it online for $6.99 from BigFish! so I have to give it a full point there.

0 // Replay Value
The only reason I thought to replay this game was because of the new Sherlock game coming out! But I don't think i will be playing it again anytime soon.... however if i did come across the DS version (on sale) I would pick it up

0.5 // Puzzle Difficulty

Half a point because the puzzles are 50/50 - half of them you fly through without thinking, the other half are infuriatingly vague and based on items you cant find. oh and they are timed too.

nerd alert : big fish sampler 3

So I finally bit the bullet and signed up for the Big Fish Game Club. Basically you get games at a discounted price, and for every few games you buy you get "punches" in your card - punches equal free games.... its kind of a lot to think about, but I am going to give it a shot so I have an excuse to buy the games instead of just playing an hour of them...

Let me tell you a little about the three I played this past week...


01/
Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek Collector's Edition

flash light // sink knobs // rope bracelet

You, an FBI agent, wake up and vaguely remember you are looking for a missing person, a girl, in a town called Maple Creek. Though your memory only returns to you in little bits at a time, you begin to piece your case back together again. There are strange connections to a case from years earlier.

This game reeks of mystery. After the hour I was so sucked in, i needed to know what it all meant. The character you play has a real voice, instead of a subtitled inner voice, so its really easy to forget the game costs less than $15. This game also slightly reminds me of silent hill, or at least its church goers do... but not nearly as spooky. The inventory items are really great, and the wall where you put your case together is a nice home base i feel a lot of games are missing these days.

Overall strength of the games story line 5/6
Quality of the graphics, especially in the seek and find elements 5/6
How far through the game did I feel I was after the hour 5/6
Odds that I would buy the full version of this game 6/6


 02/
Phantasmat

hotel sign // teacup // piranha

Your car crashes (come on big fish this happens to me in EVERY game! have some more faith in my driving ability) and you are stranded in an isolated area. After running into a girl who you find nearby, you try to call for help from the spooky neighborhood hotel. Well what kind of game would it be f the phone worked, am I right? You get a room and start unraveling the mystery of a town devastated by flood... but there's more tragedy and mystery afoot to uncover!

This is one of those games that you just want to fly through in order to get to the bottom of things. Who are the people in the hotel? Why can't you leave? What exactly happened with the flood and the town that's now mostly out of water. Also the hidden object sections of the game can be subbed out for a bejeweled inspired mini game! such a great idea! also props for the character monologs.

Overall strength of the games story line 6/6
Quality of the graphics, especially in the seek and find elements 6/6
How far through the game did I feel I was after the hour 6/6
Odds that I would buy the full version of this game 6/6


03/
Grim Tales: the Bride

silver sun // engagement ring // white gloves

Your sister dies on her wedding day, and you think something sinister is afoot (again, I feel like this storyline is overdone) Convinced her death was no accident you head to her isolated mansion to search for answers.

Very bride oriented, as you may have guessed from the title. but the scenes are nicely done and the puzzles are heavely based on inventory, which i love. overall not much to write home about - but a quality title none the less.

Overall strength of the games story line 3/6
Quality of the graphics, especially in the seek and find elements 4/6
How far through the game did I feel I was after the hour 5/6
Odds that I would buy the full version of this game 2/6


So.. which one would I buy? I actually bought 2! Phantasmat and Enigmatis. (not surprising i know). I'll be sure to update when I finish them.

nerd alert : super mario bros. wii

Bowser is at it again! This time crashing Princess Peach's birthday party disguised as a cake. She has been taken hostage on his airship and his many minions stand between Mario and Peach's freedom. Lets'a Go!

01/ piranha earrings $sold out //  02/ bob-omb usb $29.95  //  03/ goomba hat $16.18  //  04/ toad slippers $15.99  //  05/ super mario bros. wii $43.99  //  06/ coin box tin $3.80  //   07/ pipe bookshelf $99.00  //  08/ controller lamp $84.95  //  09 pipe mug $sold out  //  10/ bullet bill belt buckle $sold out  //  11/ bob-omb ornament $10.00

This game is the latest and greatest take on the classic super mario brothers games we know and love. It keeps the linear levels, but introduces a more 3D look to each world.

Don't brush it off either, its pretty difficult.

I really appreciate how they have kept producing this kind of game instead of going 100% to the completely 3D style introduced by Mario64 (which we get in the mario galaxy games).

// from here

If anything, the 2d levels will make kids more willing to go back and play the old games, which are all available on wii! you can even buy a wii compatible controller for each nintendo system that plugs into the top of the system. From the Nintendo64 three prong controller to the gamecubes playstation rip-off - and since Nintendo bought Sega you can also play all those games too!)

The nostalgia around the mario legacy is huge, i mean the products made by fans is enough to show that. and I am glad you can still go buy a game that is just as awesome as super mario brothers was in the 80's.

6/6 Toes // Overall

1 // Graphics
The 2D levels pairs well with the 3D worlds, and there has been a noticeable facelift to the worlds and elements. I do however wish the end of each level was the 3 item boxes instead of the flag pole.

1 // Storyline and Characters  
The storyline is the classic peach gets kidnapped, so not much to be upset about there. My favorite addition to this particular game is the new suits mario gets to wear - the copter hat and the penguin suit are great. And i still can's decide if I prefer fire or ice balls. and did I mention all the yoshi's are here? and they have the extra boost jump that you loved in Yoshi's Island!

1 // Soundtrack and Sound Effects 

all classic, but the soundtrack has been updated and the villains in each level even stop what they are doing to dance along with the beat.

1 // Length of Game and Price   

You are guaranteed days of game play, you also have the ability to travel between the worlds you have beaten to unlock more content. They also threw in the element of going back and saving toad from levels already played which makes the game last longer. It has the potential of being just as addictive to uncover as Super Mario Brothers was for Super Nintendo. Its not too pricey for a wii game, but don't be shocked at the $50.00 stickers. Luckily the game has been out for a while and you can probably pick up a used copy at gamestop for less $. 

1 // Replay Value 
I will be replaying, or unlocking content in this game for months (or years) to come. bonus! you can play this game with up to 4 players! And no waiting around for your turn, all players play at the same time.

1 // Puzzle Difficulty  

The overall game is pretty difficult, and i don't know if its the fact I am not accustomed to the horizontal use of the Wii remote - or I am just so use to the old games i have them memorized. the new levels (and the 3 star coins hidden in each) have secrets and hidden 1-ups so keep your eyes peeled. the new suits and their special uses also add to the puzzles.