tadame's game Reviews on Newgrounds

[Forgotten Asylum]

There are over 40 rooms for exploration. It's okay to draw your map and take notes. I have only solved one puzzle and decided to give up after watching the first few minutes of a walk through video.

First, any spot on a scene is clickable. Therefore, there's no way to find out whether you have missed something or not. It can take a lot of time to use a tool in a scene (e.g., digging in the graveyard and checking loose tiles). Second, some items including crystals just blend in so well with the background and are hard to spot (e.g., a screwdriver). Also, I had no idea where I could use the wooden pegs and a cog. Third, it is easy to miss a knob in a shower room that opens a secret pathway to the underground. I didn't know about it until I read the walk through comments. Last but not the least, I found the file information in the cabinet overwhelming other than being able to pick out two entrance codes. Journal entries, in contrast, are interesting for reading.

Overall, the game isn't well designed although Selfdefiant might have put in a lot of effort in setting the crystals, ordering the scenes, and adding some hard puzzles for us.

selfdefiant responds:

I have to disagree with you on this one. It is one of my best games period. I only changed the cursor to not always be on for my recent games because I wanted to make them easier. People have told me many, many times that this game is their favorite. I put a lot more time and thought into this game and it has an actual story to go along with it. If it's too hard for you, then it's just you. Avid escape gamers from all over have told me this one is too easy. I realize that not everyone has the same difficulty level of experience. Have you ever played the Myst games? They are hard, they leave you almost no clues or hints. If you can't make it through this, I highly doubt you would stand a chance on them.

[Inquest]

Graphics are pleasant to look at. I enjoy exploring different locations.

Game play is quite challenging. It's better to explore all scenes and collect items before you can figure out where and how to use them. There is an inventory for keeping the items. However, opening a map overlaps with the inventory screen. It's tedious to open and close different screens.

In case you're stuck, here are some pointers:
- a rope is used for fishing;
- a polish is used to reveal a clue on another item;
- a lantern requires fuel;
- check a carpet;
- a comb reveals a clue related to length (thanks to the walk through comments, I couldn't figure this out).

I was shocked to see what I found in the last wooden house. Jesus Christ!

[Shipwreck Island Escape 5]

I couldn't figure out the four-digit code from the 7/16 pie. Thanks to the walk through, I received a key after opening the safe. Other puzzles are alright. I wish there were two separate lever boards to open the gates. This will save one's time for revisiting a scene without switching the levers again.

The last stick was hard to spot. I had to glance the walk through and found out it was hidden between the bush stacks. I felt relieved to have escape from this island because I had never imagined finding five sticks would be so hard. :|

[Shipwreck Island Escape 4]

Grandpa is an expert in everything! I like the path he made for me to walk up the hill. Encounters with a monkey and a parrot are pleasant. After I got a lemon, I had no idea how and where to use it. Thanks to the walk through, I wouldn't have received a green gem and found a secret clue on a map without it.

Making a fish pole is straightforward. c:

[The Enchanted Cave 2]

This adventure game is very addictive! The goal is to combat enemies, earn coins to spend at shops, and advance to the next floor. Combats start automatically whenever one confronts an enemy. You can fight with a knife/sword or deploy magics. After gaining enough experience, you can level up by choosing one or more skill. When you're in low health, the best option is to use the escape wing which secures your sacred items.

Instructions are easy to understand with user-friendly tabs to switch between an armory shop, a crafting place, items you've looted, and settings.

[Shipwreck Island Escape 3]

Where did Grandpa find the cereal on this island?

I was a tad confused what to do with a rope. After talking to Grandpa, I knew I might missed something at the wrecked ship. Then, found a pickaxe. Not too sure what I'll do with it.

Puzzles are easy.

[Absence]

Prologue was intriguing, but the story ended abruptly - Amy ran away and was home? (chuckles).

Most puzzles were easy to solve except the map. I don't live in the US and have no clue of the state location. Thanks to the walk through, I wouldn't have found the last sacred stone without it.

Also, I missed a black key, thanks to a guy who commented below. c:

[Sneaky Differences]

I found 9 differences in the first pic and gave up. Are there levels in this game?

[Shipwreck Island Escape 2]

The tedious bit was trying to build a bridge and cross the water. Other than that, puzzles were easy to solve with the available clues. The explosion part was too much for a child to handle although it was unreal.

I like the underwater adventure. Grandpa must be pleased to see the clams I collected. c:

[Shipwreck Island Escape]

The introductory movie is rather laggy or slow.

Travelling with an amazing grandpa isn't easy. He made me work a lot. When I came back to him with six sticks, he had already built us a phenomenal shelter. This made me laugh a little. Also, I wanted to share with him some banana, but the game didn't allow me.

selfdefiant responds:

Thanks!