Recent reviews by Keeper Of Monsters

Conditional recommendation!!!
Thumb up only because I've enjoyed it for most part, and because there isn't neutral option on Steam.

Not a bad game, about the same as the rest in the series.
Certainly recommended for leisurely playing and killing some time - if you enjoy this kind of games.

But - can't recommend it if you are going after 100% (even though there are only in-game achievements).
Reasons - problems with crafting items (same as in 5th iteration of the series), and two of the achievements are broken or poorly worded (requirements are different from what is stated) - I still have 1 missing after 26 hours of playing (and about 1/4 of that - just going after one of those).

All in all - get it if you are going after a whole series, and only as a part of a full pack/bundle, and only when on sale. Otherwise - save your money for something else.

Magic is still magical - even after all those years...

To those who say that there are bugs - personally, I didn't run into any bugs with this one, unlike with both originals (though - yes, I know that not everyone has the same experience). But really - I haven't seen even one LEGO game without ANY bugs at all, and compare to my experience with both 2 original games - this version is less clunky, runs smoother, looks sharper...

To those who say that price tag is too high - it's not higher than both originals combined without any sales or discounts.
Yes, considering how often they are on discount it's not a good comparison, but if you wait a... few... years - this will go onto big discount too, I'm sure.
Yes, "loyalty" discount for those who already own both originals could be bigger and more permanent - but that has nothing to do with the game, and let's be honest - business is business...
Also - for the first time I was able to experience those DLCs that weren't on Steam previously.

Biggest PRO point to me - ACHIEVEMENTS!!!
That's a perfect excuse to get this Collection - and play the heck out of it!
That also makes for some creative play - I would never thought about some character choices for some levels if not for those achievements. Quirrell fighting the troll? Or Voldemort fighting Quirrell? Yes please!

All in all - not perfect (but what is nowadays), but very good and enjoyable experience.
I had fun - and recommend it to everyone loving LEGO games.
https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3398214602&fileuploadsuccess=1

Very short - but very fun game.
Even with going through all dialog choices (and having to restart the game because of missed achievement) it took me just about 2.5 hours to beat it completely.
But with the amount of FUN this game provide - it is well-spent time.
Tongue-in-cheek humor, Renaissance art and music, easy gameplay - what not to like?
Sure, you can miss a few achievements on the first run, but it's easy to just restart the game and get them on a second try (careful - there's only one savefile).
And even if you have no idea how to solve some of the puzzles - just poke around and you'll find the way.
For art geeks it's also very interesting to try and find all the ways paintings were altered, mixed, and blended. And developers did a great job of that - it seems so organic.

The only real downside I see to Four Last Things - I can't pet or feed the dog. That's jsut one sad pup - and I feel despondent.
https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3361363139

Dozy is the best boy ever!
10000/10 would pet again!
https://steamproxy.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3306281887

Well, I am finally done with the game - at least the current version of it, so I guess it's time to update my review...

I'm keeping initial one here, and adding my final thoughts after that.
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I'ts not a full review - just a first impression. But a very favorable impression!
So far I've played only just a bit over 3 hours, but not because I don't like the game - quite the opposite! But real life demands, and there are only so much time in a day...
I went into this game blind, without reading reviews or guides or wiki (is there a wiki?), or watching videos. But since I've played Stardew - it was easy to figure out what's what. But the game does a good job of guiding you even if you don't know what you doing at all at the start.
Art, music, vibes - I fell in love with the game in the first five minutes, and after almost 4 hours - it doesn't disappoint.
Sure, I would like some QoL changes in the future (why the heck planters don't stack? and why fighting monsters cost energy?), but overall - it's pretty and cozy and charming...
I'm definitely coming back for more!
Now, how can I rearrange my schedule to get more play-time?..
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So... I did find time, and I did finish the game.
Conclusion - will I recommend this game after all? Yes.
My stance is still stays pretty much the same.
Yes, there is room for improvements - and I saw some QoL changes made even while I was playing. Developers do listen and actively engage in the community, so I have high hopes for the future too.

Characters are lovely, if maybe a little bit simple (but that's not a big drawback in my eyes).
Graphics, art - 10/10, vibrant, easy on the eye, absolutely lovely.
Music - 8/10, nice, simple but not simplistic, though it gets repetitive after a time.

Gameplay... that's what a lot of people have issues with.
Many say it's grindy and repetitive, and I agree - to a point.
It's a farming sim, and so it is cycling through the same motions again and again, with some variations. But that's to be expected in this genre. And if you are in need of some high-paced action - why are you looking at farming sims in the first place?
It's not easy to speed-run LKG (at least currently), but to me it looks like it's by design - it's a feature, game is meant to be played at a leisure speed, not rushed through. And if you are feeling bottle-necked at some point - you are probably trying to force your way forward disregarding other areas.
A lot of mechanics become easier and more manageable as you progress and upgrade your equipment (and one mini-game can be just turned off entirely), and money isn't as hard to get as it seems at the start.
That said - yes, game can and should be improved, but as I said already - developers are on it...

My biggest disappointment as of now - there are no blue antennae! And no way to change the color of those green one that are in the game. So - no way to cosplay as an Andorian...

P.S. To my friend who gifted me this gem - thank you, you are awesome! <3

Another condition-dependent review - but this time I veer toward warning people to stay clear of this game.

I liked first 4 MOAI games, and I even bought all the rest of the collection in hopes of getting the same or even better experience. But - lo and behold - I got tricked...
Games of that genre are usually pretty relaxing, and only push you hard in later parts of the game - and only if you are going for achievements, 100%, doing challenges - this sort of things. But this one... Oh, this one!
You are thrown deep into the shark-infested waters pretty much right from the start. Forget completing levels in gold with time to spare and on the first try - you will be doing them over, and over, and over again!
Yes, you are given tutorials, and yes, there is Easy mode if you are completely new to this kind of games - or feel like doing something relaxing and taking your time.
But Casual mode doesn't feel like casual at all - more like hard-core, with a very little room for error. I couldn't complete even the very first level on timer without replaying - and I'm maybe not a pro, but definitely a veteran of time/resource management games!
Out of about 20 levels finished at the time of writing this - only one (ONE!!!) was done on the first try - and even that was at the pretty much last second, and only because I was geared up, using every possible trick at my disposal... And that's not even half the game done...
On top of that - I had to replay several levels just because they were bugged (exiting to a map and restarting the level helped), poor design in some levels wouldn't let you finish those at all if you took a wrong turn with your resource allocation (not just on time - not at all), and one time already was thrown out of the game because of some sort of error (hopefully not a permanent GO, but it has to be seen)...

On the bright side - yes, same old MOAI, with pretty graphics and same old familiar soundtrack, but with a twist of having 2 separate heroes and 2 paths with different mechanic and approach to solving puzzles and reaching goals. Too bad to see so much potential pretty much wasted...

So, final verdict...
If you don't care about achievements and 100% the game but content with going on Easy mod and Easy mod only - well, maybe pick it up on very heavy discount and as a part of a bundle.
If you get frustrated easily and not willing to run head-first into walls repeatedly - stay away.
If you have a very specific personality traits - maybe give it a spin... But be ready to be disappointed, frustrated, humiliated, and enraged.

I am stubborn, and at this point I accept the challenge of besting this game (unless I run into some game-breaking bugs or something), even though it will not be an enjoyable experience...
Stupid, maybe. But that's me.
Don't be like me - get some other game and have a different, not-masochistic kind of fun. ;P

P.S. Adding this little bit after finishing the game.
Yes, I did finish it - all achievements, additional levels - whole package. And overall experience pretty much the same as what I've talked about before, but with a "bonus" - crafting materials are an additional pain in the arse.
I had to go through almost all levels 2 times, and some of them even thrice! All just because some piece of something was located behind some other thing and wasn't quite visible on the map unless you know where to look - or go with you cursor around until you almost accidentally land on something to dig or open.
There's no indication how many of some thing or other on a particular level - or if you've missed it, or if there's anything at all. So you only confronted with the tally in the end - when you can't craft the full set of gear for your hero.
I did beat it in the end - but it almost cost me my sanity.
On top of that - there's one achievement that was removed on Steam - but stays in the game, and that is impossible to complete. Again, same issue with crafting mats - but now there's simply not enough of them, not even close to be enough. Not a big problem you say? No, not a big problem. But a completionist in me is miffed.
Oh well. Time to move on to something less frustrating, I guess...

Well... Sorry, but it's another one of those "conditionally neutral" reviews.

Honestly, it's not bad - but 1st Lego Indy is just way better.
Part 2 is still LEGO, so - it is still humorous, still mostly interesting, not over-complicated... But... But.

First - bugs. All LEGO games have them to some degree, but here - especially in some particular places - it's just too much. Sure, it might be "me" issue and that I don't know how to fix them fully. But in my opinion games shouldn't require you to bend over to find solutions, fix different and various computer settings, and install patches - all just to play in a normal casual way.

Second - overall design.
6 different parts / hubs that do not over-arch in any way... WHY?
Yes, sure - money studs and extras are carried throughout the whole game, but...
Why can't I use characters from one part / movie in another in free-play?
And btw, where is free-play? There are timed replays, there are Bonus levels, Treasure levels... But no replaying regular story parts in free-play as a, say, Mola Ram looking for Grail. Or - as Marion going on adventure with her son. Why can't I do this?
Also - a general structure of "LEGO sets" in a warehouse... Whole connected world, like in the 1st game (or in Harry Potter, or in Hobbit, or LoTR) appeals to me way more than this chopped mix.

Another issue is - story levels are just somewhat short and way too easy... Except horrid car and boat chases. Those are not complicated, no... but they are tedious and - BOOORING! And again - at risk of repeating myself - bugs, bugs, buuuugggggsssss...
Overall gameplay concentrates more on after-story levels, accessible from the hubs, than story itself. And oftentimes if you didn't see the movie - you wouldn't even get what is going on, and what you suppose to do, and... who even are those characters and how are they related to the story? Don't forget some retconning... which is, again - why? Just to squeeze in an extra joke?

That brings us to another thing (and yes, that's totally "me", but I have to say it anyway) - humor in this particular game often is just... too on the nose. It is still funny, but I kind of expect some ba-dum-tss! after many jokes here.
Maybe not a bad thing to some - but I don't like to be told where I suppose to laugh.

Overall - I would recommend to get this game if you are looking to complete your collection of LEGO games (or some other collection). Or if you love LEGO games - or Indiana Jones - just a little bit too much (yes, yes, I know - the log in the eye).
And even then - not at full price for sure.
But if you just want to play some game yourself or gift a game - Lego, or Indy, or whatever - to someone... there are better games both in new and old titles.

P.S. I've got this game quite a long time ago in some bundle, so - no regrets.
I love my LEGOs, even if with some head-shaking and face-palming...
Yeah, it's complicated. ㋡

P.P.S. (edit after 100% the game)
I've found free play - it is there after all... But as it is tucked away in a totally separate "set" - I've found it only after 100% everything except Creator.
Better late than never, sure... But wish I've found it sooner. Oh well...

I have to say right away - it is a conditional recommendation.
Because I had a lot of fun with most aspects of the game - I can't really not recommend Stranded Sails. And if you don't demand to much from it - this is a good way to spend 8-10 hours.
But for many people it will be boring or frustrating, or both. And for completionists - no matter if you are going after achievements or in-game collections - be ready for a long grinding and maybe even rage-quitting.
Really - if Steam had a neutral option, I would pick that. But it's all-or-nothing...

Ok, now let's get to why exactly I have this opinion.
Visuals, sound, basic gameplay - it is all wonderful.
You pretty much get what's on the tin - watch the videos and screenshots on the store page.
It is pretty, and easy, and relaxing - game holds your hand so much that I would even recommend it for a kid who previously never had any experience with videogames. But - only if you ignore the many frustrating parts.
And those are, indeed, many...

I'm already used to at first being very slow in this kind of games - and getting fast travel, or sprinting, or something alone those lines later after progressing a bit (or a lot). But this game takes it up a notch: it is not just slow - it is SLOOOW!!! And energy reserves are so low that you have to get back to camp all the time - or pass out. And while passing out doesn't have any detrimental effects- it interrupts the rest of the stuff way too much. And fast travel cost a lot of resources - which you have to find in different areas... Sort of catch-22 situation.
And when you have enough resources to not worry anymore - it is already end-game and unless you are going after achievements or in-game collections it doesn't matter much.
I didn't mind it too much - but not everybody has same mindset and stores of patience.

Practically the same goes for resources - you need a lot of them at the start, when they are hard to come by. And later in the game when you have stacks upon stacks of everything - you don't need them anymore. Plus inventory management is not the best you see around. Maybe set up works wonders for controller - I don't know, can't say - but on keyboard & mouse it is annoying quite often.

Then - NPCs...
They are static. Not going anywhere, and not doing anything. Yes, that makes them easy to find when you have to interact with them... which isn't often. But that also makes it very boring very soon.

Gameplay overall is very monotonous and repetitive. Even combat - no strategy needed, just hit and step side, hit and step aside, and again and again, until it is over. I don't like fighting parts of any game - but in this one it's just boring.

Cooking overall and discovering recipes - absolutely not player-friendly. Be ready to use guides - or spend hours moving things around.

Then comes the fishing... That's where it stops being family-friendly game for kids in any way, shape, or form.
Oh no! That's where you will become frustrated in earnest! You will be cursing and raging! At least I was...
It's not even needed for achievements - aside from getting first few catches for progressing quest line you don't even need fishing, there are different ways to get fish if you aren't skilled enough for this part of the game.
But if you are looking to complete all in-game collections - you are so totally screwed! One of the items requires such precise timing - and a lot of luck (!) - that it looks like developers introduced a very artificial level of difficulty to the game for whatever reason.

So all in all - not a worst way to spend maybe a weekend if you are going after main story only.
But if you are going after 100% - be ready to spend around 30-40-50 hours on this game. And biggest part of it will be very boring - or very frustrating... or both.
Wait, I think I am repeating myself...

Bottom line: if you want to give it a go - do so on sale with a heavy discount or in a bundle.
But I definitely don't recommend picking it up at full price.

And definitely - think twice! It's not a game for everybody, that's for sure.

It is not a big game.
It is not a long game.
Maybe you wouldn't even call it a game at all...
But it is very pleasant, calming, relaxing...
It is simple - yes. But is simplicity necessarily a bad thing?

Stones of Solace is artistic in nature, therapeutic, maybe even meditative experience.
You can "fix" your clock - and run through everything in an hour or so...
Or - you can play a new chapter every day, the way it is intended.
You can make symmetrical arrangements, or make faces and pictures, or just throw colorful chips at your canvass - you will not be judged or measured against anything or anyone. It is yours to make what you want - or even nothing at all - while listening to Zen music.
Wonderful soft colors, very easy on your eyes - what not to like?

Few points off though for those things:
- yes, soundtrack is somewhat short and maybe even repetitive;
- yes, controls could be better in parts (holding LMB becomes a bit annoying after a time);
- and yes - be careful, it is LOUD! No way to adjust the volume - only ON or OFF.

But it is an absolute gem - especially considering that it is free.
And even with some minor (and maybe even totally personal) points of concern it is still way, way better than a lot of stuff that me and you buy in bundles for pennies because we have to when it's shoved with something else we want.

This game has the same spirit as Viridi (btw, if you didn't check it yet - do so, please) - and I recommend it likewise.

P.S. At the time I write this - game has a limited profile features, but when it gets fully integrated you will also add a few achievements to your counter.

It's just... awful.
Gameplay, graphics, music? What are you even talking about, gentlemen?
So-called "developer" couldn't even bother checking proper English spelling for "rom"...
Yes, I know it was an original spelling in original cartoon - but there it was tongue-in-cheek joke which lost its meaning when used as a title for this... item. And don't even get me started on overuse with English memes.
Right. Back to so-called "game"...
I'm not going into details about actual game itself as a whole or in parts - short video on Steam store page bares it all out right there. I have nothing to add except a very long string of not-appropriate adjectives, nouns, and verbs - both in English, Russian, and with a bit of Ukrainian added to boot.
Looks like all that was made quick-and-dirty, just to capitalize on meme - and nostalgia of people who grew up on Soviet animation.
I've never seen 2005 arcade version from Action Forms, but have a very high suspicion that this piece of hot garbage was made using at least some assets from that old game. Case of Piracy of Intellectual Property - and double so. Too bad not original Soviet creators nor Ukrainian game studio can go after this thief now.
The only "redeeming" quality might be cards, badges, and emoticons - but even that can't be a credit to whoever is behind this "product" - it's all ripped from original animation of Ukrainian masters of Soviet era.
Don't know how Steam was so fast to approve that one - a lot of games of better quality linger in "Steam is learning about this game" limbo for years.
Honestly - I would refund this if I could. Too bad I went over the time limit.
It's not worth the time or money - not even while being dirt cheap on sale.