sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,068
- Reviews Submitted:758
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 12, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Help the Walker design the school theater in this colorful, brain-jogging puzzle game for players of all ages.
Overall rating
1
/
5
21 of 39 found this review helpful
ANOTHER BORING KNOCKOFF
PostedJuly 12, 2021
sunnyglow
fromInstead of taking the stage, I hope the Walkers take a hike! This is the second game from this developer in a row. Can we please have some other developers’ games!
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON THE FIRST 6 LEVELS AFTER WHICH I DELETED THE GAME
OPINION: Yawn! What a bore! Another cookie cutter knockoff of a game which does not come close the quality from those of the originator of this game. I bought it, played about 6 levels of the game, and then deleted it. This snoozefest is not worth the bother of playing let along reviewing. The scenes are timed but the player can opt out if desired. I was so delighted I could beat out Bad Rabbit and other famous gamers while playing this game. Guess Bad Rabbit was happy with playing a Bad Game!
LOGISTICS: (Based on the beyond boring 6 levels I played)
*20 Levels with 7 scenes.
* Each level ends with a puzzle – picture puzzle or matching.
*Pairing either two or three items.
*Game can be timed or non-timed. This is set in the menu.
*There are achievements you can earn.
*There is leaderboard in the timed version allowing the player to compare his performance with others playing the game. You may be lucky and beat out Bad Rabbit as well!
* Each level ends with a puzzle – picture puzzle or matching.
*Pairing either two or three items.
*Game can be timed or non-timed. This is set in the menu.
*There are achievements you can earn.
*There is leaderboard in the timed version allowing the player to compare his performance with others playing the game. You may be lucky and beat out Bad Rabbit as well!
WHAT YA GET: Each scene involves matching two to three items set within a clutter format. There are clutter piles in which the items can be moved, moving chains, along with the standard junk scene with items scattered throughout. There is an option to move items in some scenes and not in others.
FINAL PARTING SHOT - ANIMAL HOUSE: I do hope this developer will get rid of this tribe of cartoon animals which are in all their games. Time to come up with some new characters. I post these games to the forum I belong to – just get tired seeing this same animal tribe in EVERY one of their games!
I don't recommend this game.
Can you find an elusive shop to save your long-lost partner?
Overall rating
5
/
5
132 of 194 found this review helpful
ENJOY A SPIRITED TOUR OF A MANOR WHICH COLLECTS GHOSTS
PostedJuly 8, 2021
sunnyglow
fromWorld’s Mysteries! One of the biggest mysteries for me is why Elephant removed Rick Rogers from this game? Maybe he had to disappear because he wanted to collect too many “bitcoins” within his contract for this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 4.5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 4.5 Hours)
OPINION: Are you a ghost hunter? Pack up your spirit box full of ghost hunting supplies as you join a paranormal research team take a ghost tour of a spooky old manor, World’s Mysteries. This is a little fright fest for those who enjoy the paranormal and the occult. It is a dark game, set in a mansion, which welcomes you with the hope to add you to its ghostly collection. The ghost tour is filled with twenty-two (22) well-drawn fright-filled scenes of the manor.
I enjoyed playing this game. For me, this game is much better than many of the Elephant games of late. The game is short. I played the entire game in 4 -1/2 hours; however, I prefer a quality short game over a long voyage into boredom. This game will keep you on your toes! The pace is excellent with a nice assortment of puzzles and HOP scenes. Mum is the word; however!, be prepared for surprise ending!
The collectibles are figurines of characters from the game and all-seeing eyes. The figurines practically jump out at you; however, the eyes are difficult to locate in some scenes. Each eye collected gives the player a puzzle piece for a jigsaw puzzle to be played at the end of the game.
BRING BACK RICK ROGERS! One of my favorite game characters is Rick Rogers. He is not in this game except for a short appearance at the beginning of the game. I enjoy his larger-than-life personality, good looks, and tongue-in-cheek humor. If Elephant is going to replace him with the dowdy, morose Rachel Cowell, and her tribe of young wannabe paranormal detectives, then there is not a ghost’ s chance I will purchase the next game! Elephant removed Elf from Mystery Trackers. Hopefully they are not planning the same for Rick Rogers.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• 22 Scenes
• Collect 12 figurines of the characters.
• Collect 22 eyes to open a secret room containing a jigsaw puzzle to play at the end of the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 12 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes.
• 22 achievements.
• 22 Scenes
• Collect 12 figurines of the characters.
• Collect 22 eyes to open a secret room containing a jigsaw puzzle to play at the end of the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 12 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Rachel as she finds herself back at the haunted estate to deal with some unsettled business with one of the ghosts. Continue collecting the collectibles. There are six (6) HOP scenes plus a mini-HOP scene with six items to locate. There are five (5) mini-games. I found the chapter consistent with the main game. It is a decent chapter and I feel it is worthy of the collector’s edition designation.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-two (22) scenes within the game, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. This includes a couple of mini-HOP scenes with only six items to locate. They are somewhat interactive and consist principally of standard lists of items and silhouette. Instead of a puzzle to fight an angry demon ghost, this developer uses some cleverly designed HOP scenes. I feel that is a nice change of pace. Many of the scenes contain two to three scenes in which to locate items. There are also some storybook scenes with items in highlighted letters to locate. There is one scene with cryptic clues and another in which items are located based on a fragment of the items. There is a matching scene as well.
MINI-GAMES: There are nineteen (19) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in difficulty; however, I found most of the puzzles easy to solve. I found none of the puzzles challenging.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Tracing puzzle. Trace 3 figures.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch musical notes on a sheet of music until all are placed in their proper locations. The notes turn green when placed correctly. Trial and error. No logic involved.
C. Matching puzzle. Macabre puzzle in which the player matches up 2 or more skeletons to remove them from a grid until all are eliminated. 2X
D. Sequence puzzle. Unique puzzle. Move 6 shadows so they match up with their perspective forms on a showcase. Use 6 sets of arrows to move the shadows back-and-forth.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Move bottles with various colored liquids within them until every bottle has liquid of only one color.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a picture to restore the image.
G. Rotating rings. Rotate parts of a globe so that the symbols displayed match up with those on a given diagram.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch musical notes on a sheet of music until all are placed in their proper locations. The notes turn green when placed correctly. Trial and error. No logic involved.
C. Matching puzzle. Macabre puzzle in which the player matches up 2 or more skeletons to remove them from a grid until all are eliminated. 2X
D. Sequence puzzle. Unique puzzle. Move 6 shadows so they match up with their perspective forms on a showcase. Use 6 sets of arrows to move the shadows back-and-forth.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Move bottles with various colored liquids within them until every bottle has liquid of only one color.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a picture to restore the image.
G. Rotating rings. Rotate parts of a globe so that the symbols displayed match up with those on a given diagram.
I recommend this game!
A desperate alliance between worlds hides a secret betrayal!
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 208 found this review helpful
DOMINI OPENS A PORTAL TO A WORLD OF FUN-FILLED FANTASY
PostedJune 24, 2021
sunnyglow
fromSneaky Snake Alert! I am having a “hissy” fit because of the slithering cobra with humongous fangs which just pops up out of nowhere!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 53 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 53 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: Enjoy a beautifully illustrated, magical adventure to other worlds to save them, along with your own, from the treachery of an evildoer. What a fantastic fantasy game! I enjoyed playing this game except for the pop-up snake in one of the scenes. Those fangs woke me up from any lull I was enjoying in this game. Nevertheless, it is an easy play with a good pace. The amazing graphics take you to three beautifully illustrated lands, Aertis, Origin, and Oasis. I love the fantasy elements within this game – just not the sneaky snake. I enjoyed seeing flying fish soar above the clouds in Aertis and the glistening blue roses in Oasis. This is a fantasy lover’s dream game. It is a long game and to me, worth the price of a collector’s edition.
I must admit I am addicted to Domini games! It is always a great week when I know one is being offered. Domini always provides more game for the money and this one is no exception, except for the snake. The collectibles are lizards (thankfully not snakes) which morph into flasks and items from a backpack which belongs to Naomi, a character from the game. Collect jewel-encrusted phoenix feathers which are exchanged for items to outfit a garden. I found all easy to locate. The game has a good number of creatively designed HOP scenes and mini-games. The difficulty level for the mini-games can be set in the menu but can be changed while playing the game. II found no errors within this game nor within the strategy guide.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing flasks and 15 items in Naomi’s backpack.
• Collect 70 feathers to exchange for items to create a garden.
• 21 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing flasks and 15 items in Naomi’s backpack.
• Collect 70 feathers to exchange for items to create a garden.
• 21 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play a lighthouse keeper in 1900 who is whisked into a portal to Source, a magical world ruled by Dorm. His sister, Serena, is out for revenge after being stripped of her title after it was discovered she was engaging in dark sorcery. Now, you must stop her before she usurps the throne from her brother. I found this a nice addition to the game. The graphics and story are of the same quality as the main game. There are seven (7) puzzles and five (5) HOP scenes. The player continues to collect the collectibles in this chapter. I found it a long chapter and a worthy addition to this collector’s edition game.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Although Domini is better known for their puzzles, the scenes in this game are creatively designed and display the same quality as the mini-games. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. Each scene in this game is unique, each slightly different from each other. They consist of standard lists of items, silhouette, matching, storybook, cryptic clues, rebus clues, spot-the differences, and search- and- replace scenes. My favorite scene involves searching for items situated on gears. Once the item is located on each gear, the gear begins to move. At the end, all the gears are moving within the scene.
MINI-GAMES: This is a puzzle-lover’s dream game. There are twenty-six (26) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the puzzles can be played in either an easy version for an easy breezy game or a hard version for more of a challenge. There is a marble popper game/puzzle included in this game and one which I enjoyed.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Move flowers and then their stems to their appropriate slots by moving them back-and-forth using a bar to push the flower and stem into position. The easy version has 4 flowers to place, and the hard version has 6.
B. E/H. Maze puzzle. Choose between 3 paths at the proper moment to go through a meadow while avoiding monsters in your path. 4X. The easy version has only one monster in the first two scenes and then 2 in the final two. The hard version has 2 monsters in the first two scenes and three in the last two scenes.
C. E/H. Mathematical puzzle. Fill a bottle with liquid based on plus and minus numbers on the valves used to fill the bottle. The numbers on the valves when added must equal the number given for each difficulty level. The easy version has a larger number to reach than the hard version.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter a number on a lock based on a given code.
E. E/H. Marble popper puzzle. Shoot colored marbles into a moving line of them trying to match up 3 or more to remove them. Continue to make matches until all marbles are removed before the string of marbles reaches the final exit point. In the easy version, the line is slower.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. E/H. Map puzzle. Follow a set of directions to get out of forest. The harder version has more complex directions.
G. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play lines of notes on a piano. The easy version has 4 lines, and the hard version has 5.
H. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on a grid so they match that on a given diagram. The hard version has more tokens to position.
B. E/H. Maze puzzle. Choose between 3 paths at the proper moment to go through a meadow while avoiding monsters in your path. 4X. The easy version has only one monster in the first two scenes and then 2 in the final two. The hard version has 2 monsters in the first two scenes and three in the last two scenes.
C. E/H. Mathematical puzzle. Fill a bottle with liquid based on plus and minus numbers on the valves used to fill the bottle. The numbers on the valves when added must equal the number given for each difficulty level. The easy version has a larger number to reach than the hard version.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter a number on a lock based on a given code.
E. E/H. Marble popper puzzle. Shoot colored marbles into a moving line of them trying to match up 3 or more to remove them. Continue to make matches until all marbles are removed before the string of marbles reaches the final exit point. In the easy version, the line is slower.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. E/H. Map puzzle. Follow a set of directions to get out of forest. The harder version has more complex directions.
G. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play lines of notes on a piano. The easy version has 4 lines, and the hard version has 5.
H. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on a grid so they match that on a given diagram. The hard version has more tokens to position.
I recommend this game!
Arthurian legends are just stories, but sometimes fiction hides the truth.
Overall rating
5
/
5
177 of 259 found this review helpful
ANOTHER HIDDEN EXPEDITION MASTERPIECE
PostedJune 17, 2021
sunnyglow
fromHurrah! For once, the collectibles did not include coins or tokens to exchange for knights, medieval armaments, or anything else to fill up some room in a museum or castle.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 5 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 5 hours)
OPINION: Enjoy an epic, action-packed adventure researching the authenticity of the Arthurian legends. For me, this is one of the best Hidden Expedition games produced. I commend Domini on a well-written gaming script. I found the stories from both the main chapter and the bonus chapter interesting in their purview of these legends. I am not certain if the facts behind the theories purported in this game are authentic, but they do provide a unique perspective which I have never seen before.
Domini always provides more game for the money and this one is no exception. As in their other games, there are three collectibles – fact disks, shields, and souvenirs. I found most easy to locate within the scenes. At the end of the game, the player can read the fact disks to learn more about the legends and other facts covered in the game. I appreciate this aspect of this series – it is educational as well as entertaining and a great game for players of all ages. I found the graphics creatively designed. I feel it has good pace with a variety of activities. It is an easy play, and I found no errors within the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 31 achievements.
• Collect 15 fact disks, 11 shields, and 15 souvenirs.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 31 achievements.
• Collect 15 fact disks, 11 shields, and 15 souvenirs.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER. It is a sequel. You are off to Wales to authenticate a golden cup which is believed to be part of the Arthurian legend. However, conflict will arise when a fellow H.E.L.P. colleague wants to preserve an item which is cursed. The world may be destroyed if this item is not. I found this chapter a nice addition to the main chapter. However, I was surprised that there are few collectibles to locate within this chapter. Most scenes do not have a collectible. However, there plenty of activities with five (5) HOP scenes and eight (8) puzzles.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They include lists of items, silhouette, matching, rebus clues, spot the differences, and storybook scenes. They are highly interactive. Returning are the scenes with morphing objects. I enjoy watching the items blink within the scenes. As in other games, a Match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes.
My only complaint are the storybook scenes. Most of the scenes involve one or two historical scenes in which to locate the items. However, to me, the relationship between the item to be found and the item itself did not compute logically with me. I could understand a skull for death, but the images for “conquest” and “battle” to me in one of the scenes did not make any sense. To me, a knight, in a scene with many other knights, does not stand out as being associated with either a conquest or a battle.
MINI-GAMES: This is a puzzle lover’s dream game. There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most can be played in either an “easy” mode for an easy breezy game or in a “hard” mode for more of a challenge within the game. There are some creatively designed games. I loved the bridges and ladders puzzle and a connection puzzle involving flags on a globe. Both are unique! There is one puzzle I found somewhat challenging; however, most of the “hard” versions of the puzzles are not terribly difficult.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Position parts of two knights to match those on a given diagram. In the hard version, moving one part of a knight affects those on the other knight.
B. Bridges and ladders puzzle. Using levers, position bridges and ladders on a building to reach the top. As you position them, you will be shown the path you have created.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect flags on a globe as per a given diagram. The hard version has more flags to connect.
D. E/H. Sequence puzzle Move planets to their matching slots on a maze. Planets must be pushed in the proper sequence for all to end up at their proper slots. The hard version has two more planets to move.
E. Lock puzzle. Enter a given code for a lock on a safe.
F. E/H. Matching puzzle. Use a magnifying glass to locate molecules by moving a tablet up, down and sideways. The harder version has more molecules to locate.
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place berries in a box so none overlap. The hard version has more berries to place In the box.
H. Switch/Logic puzzle. Switch shields on the Round Table as per given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Mathematical puzzle. Using buttons to move a latch -3, -4, and +5, spaces on a grid, create an equation of moves so that a latch is removed in 7 moves.
J. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no sections cross.
K. E/H. Battleship. Clear a grid of square tiles except those which conceal traps. There are numbered indicators which help deduce where traps are located.
B. Bridges and ladders puzzle. Using levers, position bridges and ladders on a building to reach the top. As you position them, you will be shown the path you have created.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect flags on a globe as per a given diagram. The hard version has more flags to connect.
D. E/H. Sequence puzzle Move planets to their matching slots on a maze. Planets must be pushed in the proper sequence for all to end up at their proper slots. The hard version has two more planets to move.
E. Lock puzzle. Enter a given code for a lock on a safe.
F. E/H. Matching puzzle. Use a magnifying glass to locate molecules by moving a tablet up, down and sideways. The harder version has more molecules to locate.
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place berries in a box so none overlap. The hard version has more berries to place In the box.
H. Switch/Logic puzzle. Switch shields on the Round Table as per given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Mathematical puzzle. Using buttons to move a latch -3, -4, and +5, spaces on a grid, create an equation of moves so that a latch is removed in 7 moves.
J. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no sections cross.
K. E/H. Battleship. Clear a grid of square tiles except those which conceal traps. There are numbered indicators which help deduce where traps are located.
I recommend this game!
Follow Iselin on an adventure like no other, explore a magical land to stop the witch Aradia, find hidden objects, and solve challenging puzzles.
Overall rating
5
/
5
90 of 142 found this review helpful
A FANTASTIC, “FROG” LADEN GEM SET IN AN ENCHANTED KINGDOM
PostedJune 12, 2021
sunnyglow
fromSeeing this small FROG in a Big Fish Pond put a smile on my face. Ribbit!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME (My Time: 5 Hours)
Ribbit! Remember FROGs (Fragmented objects games)? This game is overrun with them – one “hop-ping” up in every scene! Enjoy an exciting adventure seen through the eyes of a sixteen-year-old, Islelin, as she battles to save her world from an evil witch. This is a basic, no frills HOPA game, and for me, a nostalgic trip back in time to when HOPA games were simpler fare. It is a quality game, and although it is missing all the extras seen in the Collector Edition games, for this game, less is more. Comparing it to those from the major developers is like comparing apples to oranges. This game is not in the same league. However, for the price, it is a little gem, especially for those who miss FROG games.
There are no extras in this game. There is no strategy guide, nor bonus chapter. There are no puzzles to replay (although I wish there were), and no achievements. However, the player has the choice of 4 levels of play. The map is crucial in this game as it informs and transports the player to where there is an action or activity which needs to be performed. I feel that graphics are beautiful, and a great deal of work went into designing this game. It is a nice, no frills HOP game, and to me, it was a joy to play.
There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes within the game. You search for fragments of some inventory item. I found some of those difficult to locate within the scenes. Many are well-hidden. There are eighteen (18) puzzles as well. I feel the puzzles are creatively designed. There is a nice variety of puzzles from easy to difficult. The puzzles in this game are as good as, or better than, those in the collector edition games from some of the major developers.
The best part of the game, for me, was where I began the game. I played the beta for this game and was pleasantly surprised the downloaded game remembered me from the beta. The game started where I left off at the end of the beta. I wish more games from other developers would provide this feature. The one think I dislike is having to replay the beginning of the game (the demo) which I already played as the beta. Nevertheless, anyone can start the game at the beginning. Watch out for your inventory! If you collect too many inventory items, you will be forced to use them before being able to collect any more.
VERIDICT: For the price, this game is a steal. It is a piece of nostalgia for those of us who remember HOPA games without all the “extras.” For FROG lovers, this is must-have! For puzzle-lovers, there are some little gems in this game and at least one which is a nail biter. Seven Sails has done an excellent job with this game and personally, I hope BFG will offer more of their HOPA games in the future.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 18 PUZZLES WITHIN THIS GAME:
A. Coloring/strategy puzzle. Color triangular segments of a large triangle so every color has four squares colored and the shape of those four squares are different from each other.
B. Gear puzzle. Rotate gears so each red mark on a gear is next to a red mark on the grid.
C. Rope puzzle. Adjust candles attached to ropes so none of the ropes cross each other.
D. Weights and balances puzzle. Place weighted bird statues on 5 scales so that all the birds, when placed, are level with each other. Green lights will light up when each bird is placed correctly.
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate 3 rings so that colored roses are next to one of a matching color on the outside of the grid.
F. Chess/Strategy Puzzle. Reverse the positions of 6 tokens (3 on the right and 3 on the bottom of a grid). Clicking on each token provides several positions for it to move on the grid (or zero as well). Move the tokens into different positions until they are reversed from the original layout.
B. Gear puzzle. Rotate gears so each red mark on a gear is next to a red mark on the grid.
C. Rope puzzle. Adjust candles attached to ropes so none of the ropes cross each other.
D. Weights and balances puzzle. Place weighted bird statues on 5 scales so that all the birds, when placed, are level with each other. Green lights will light up when each bird is placed correctly.
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate 3 rings so that colored roses are next to one of a matching color on the outside of the grid.
F. Chess/Strategy Puzzle. Reverse the positions of 6 tokens (3 on the right and 3 on the bottom of a grid). Clicking on each token provides several positions for it to move on the grid (or zero as well). Move the tokens into different positions until they are reversed from the original layout.
I recommend this game!
Can you solve a sinister mystery in time to save your nuptials?
Overall rating
3
/
5
95 of 167 found this review helpful
A SERIES FINALE AND NEW BEGINNINGS
PostedJune 10, 2021
sunnyglow
fromHopefully, the death of this series will open a portal to new ones from this developer.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 23 pages (My Time – 4 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 23 pages (My Time – 4 Hours)
OPINION: All good things must come to an end, including this series. Paranormal detective, James Brown, and significant other, Jessica, are off to new adventures. For me, it is a tired farewell, a game which appears to have been thrown together hurriedly to tie up loose ends. In the finale, James Brown is giving up his bachelor days of investigating the paranormal with one final ghostly fling at the Hotel del Pasado. He, along with his fiancée, Jessica, travel to this hotel to tie the knot. However, a ghostly infestation will need to be cleared out before the couple can say their “I do’s.” And, of course, “until death do us part,” has no meaning to this duo. And although this series has ended, death is just another portal to Brown continuing with the Detectives United series.
This is a short game, one which I found somewhat lackluster, lacking the creativity of the earlier games from the series. The game activities revolve around investigating the hotel to locate items to perform a ritual to rid the hotel of ghosts. There is great deal of running to-and-fro throughout the hotel searching for the ritual and afterward, locating items for that ritual. Although the game is short, I feel it has some instances where it becomes tedious and somewhat boring. There are few HOP scenes and puzzles. And the ones within the game lack any unusual or creative touches to pique my interest. However, the graphics are decent and consistent with those from the other games within the series.
There are two collectibles, picture pieces to create four pictures and morphing photographs of the game characters. I found some easy to locate and a few well-hidden within the scenes. There is a bar on the right side of the screen indicating how many collectibles have been collected. There is an Expedition Room which allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles. It is available upon completion of the game. As in their other games, there is a Secret Room which allows the player to return to the scenes to search for more items. This is timed and the player can earn rewards based on the number of items found and the time required to do so. The Strategy Guide is a complete mess! The scenes are out of sequence, and I wish this developer had placed each scene’s collectibles together. It appears that this guide was not proofread before being released with the game.
VERDICT: This is a decent but not outstanding game. It is a short game which will appeal to those who like easy play games. For me, I found some of the game boring. I do believe that if the developer had provided a few creatively designed puzzles and HOP scenes, it would have been a fantastic game. Since it is the last game in this series, it is worth playing, if for nothing more than to see what happens to James Brown and his bride. It is not a terrible game; however, to me, it is a very poor ending to what was a great series.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 20 puzzle pieces to create 4 pictures.
• Collect 13 morphing photos.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
• Secret Room – Return to the scenes and search for more objects within the scenes. You are timed and can earn rewards.
• Expedition Room – Allows the player to return to the scenes to search for missing collectibles.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 20 puzzle pieces to create 4 pictures.
• Collect 13 morphing photos.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
• Secret Room – Return to the scenes and search for more objects within the scenes. You are timed and can earn rewards.
• Expedition Room – Allows the player to return to the scenes to search for missing collectibles.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play a young ghost who has been left behind at the hotel and is frantically searching for the portal to journey to the afterlife. His only hope rests with James Brown. I found it consistent in quality to the main game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. I found the chapter decent but not outstanding. The quality is consistent to the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I found them nondescript, somewhat boring with little creative design. They lack the interaction seen in their other games. Most the scenes are either standard lists of items or silhouette. There are also five (5) mini-HOP scenes with searches for six (6) items each.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. All have been seen in other games. I found all the puzzles easy and lackluster in design.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 21 MINI-GAMES FROM THE GAME – THESE ARE AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sequence puzzle. Pull keys in the proper sequence to destroy white ghosts with green smoke.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a heart to restore its image.
C. Connection puzzle. Connect gems with each other without retracing steps.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch circular parts of a tree to restore an image of the tree.
E. Assembly puzzle. Press on piano keys to color in squares red and green in a grid so that only two highlighted ones are green, with the color red being removed completely from the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Checkers puzzle. Start with a grasshopper. Jump over the others within a grid until only one remains. 3X
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 4 diamond-shaped emblems on a typewriter, so that each square of the emblems matches a colored bead next to it.
H. Connection puzzle. Connect all gems on a cup while avoiding ghostly obstacles which will break the connection.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a heart to restore its image.
C. Connection puzzle. Connect gems with each other without retracing steps.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch circular parts of a tree to restore an image of the tree.
E. Assembly puzzle. Press on piano keys to color in squares red and green in a grid so that only two highlighted ones are green, with the color red being removed completely from the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Checkers puzzle. Start with a grasshopper. Jump over the others within a grid until only one remains. 3X
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 4 diamond-shaped emblems on a typewriter, so that each square of the emblems matches a colored bead next to it.
H. Connection puzzle. Connect all gems on a cup while avoiding ghostly obstacles which will break the connection.
I recommend this game!
Can you undo Neptune’s deadly curse in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
98 of 150 found this review helpful
CURSES! ANOTHER ISLAND HOLIDAY RUINED
PostedJune 3, 2021
sunnyglow
fromAfter playing this game I would like to know what happened to that “undying love” between King Charles and Ayrine?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My Time: 8 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My Time: 8 Hours)
OPINION: Enjoy a seafaring adventure loosely based upon the Hans Christian Anderson tale of “The Little Mermaid.” I loved the first part of this game. However, as the game progressed, the game became boring to me - mired down in the doldrums of repetitive stories and actions. The actions are the same throughout the main game. Sail from one sea monster to another attempting to return their hideous presence to their former human self. The sequence is the same. Find the monster, locate a magic pearl, give the pearl to Morgana (your storyteller helper), listen to her narrate a tale of woe about the character, play the same Match-3 game, then receive a token to return the monster to its former human self.
Curses! This whole island is cursed, and you will need to not only remove them from five characters but also locate and return an item which has a special significance to that person. By the end of the game, I was saying “Curses! How many more monsters do I need to save?” Yawn! I think this game would have been better if it were shorter or provided a little more variety in the gameplay.
One feature I did enjoy about the game is the side bar on the left which indicates how many collectibles are remaining within the scene. I do wish more developers provided this feature. The collectibles are morphing objects and game characters. Every scene has two of each. I found some were easy to locate; however, I did have problems locating a few of them. However, I enjoy a challenge and I found this a good thing. If the player locates all the characters, a map puzzle is made available to play upon completion of the game. The game has beautiful artwork. The soundtrack is the same one as in most of this developer’s games. I do hope this developer will develop a new theme song for their games.
STORY: Play Amber as she ventures off to celebrate Neptune Day on Sunshine Island with her brother, Adam. After years apart, both are excited at the reunion. This day celebrates the harmonious relationship between the sea dwellers and the inhabitants of the island. However, when the mermaid who forged the truce, Ayrine disappears, her sister mermaids believe she is dead and blame her death on the island’s residents. They have placed a curse upon the residents and since you are not a resident, you are their only hope in stopping this curse. Is Ayrine dead or is she missing? The answer rests with an evil denizen of the ocean, the Sea Witch, who has ensnared the whole island kingdom in her net of deceit.
VERDICT: This is a long game which I feel would be better if it were shorter. I did enjoy the game. I feel it is worth purchasing and playing. There are some fantastic HOP scenes and puzzles. However, to me, it is not outstanding. Sorry, but I do not feel this is worthy of an editor's choice award. There are some good features within this game; however, to me, there is a lot of filler - making the game longer through the same repetitive actions.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements. (Some have 3 parts)
• 26 game scenes.
• Collect 52 morphing objects and 52 characters from the game. Every scene has 2 morphing objects and 2 characters.
• 8 wallpapers and 5 screensavers, along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Morgana a helper sea creature who will help you when you locate and give her a magic pearl.
• Replay 20 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements. (Some have 3 parts)
• 26 game scenes.
• Collect 52 morphing objects and 52 characters from the game. Every scene has 2 morphing objects and 2 characters.
• 8 wallpapers and 5 screensavers, along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Morgana a helper sea creature who will help you when you locate and give her a magic pearl.
• Replay 20 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Adam, Amber’s brother, as he helps Davy Jones save his ship, the Flying Dutchman, from the ghost of Mary Reed, the ship’s former captain. Mary has been cursed by the Sea Witch and you, as Adam, must find a way to allow her to escape this curse. There are six (6) mini-games and nine (9) HOP scenes. I felt the pace dragged a little in this chapter. Nevertheless, with all the activities within this chapter, it is worthy of a collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-eight (28) HOP scenes, twenty (20) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Some of these are what I consider mini-HOP scenes, which are searches for six or less items. I feel the best part of the game are the HOP scenes. They are highly interactive. They include the standard lists of items and silhouette scenes. There are also matching scenes, rebus clues, scenes in which items are to be replaced into the proper place within the scene. There is even a FROG in the bonus chapter! A few scenes have a mini-game within them as well.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-eight (38) mini-games, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There is a variety of different styles, and most are thematic. Some of the puzzles have the option to be played in either an easy or hard mode.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE 38 MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. Match 3 game. Fight a squid (Davy Jones) by filing up your bar with tokens before he does in 20 moves. (Same puzzle is played throughout the game)
B. Connection puzzle. Connect thread points with each other on an embroidery hoop without crossing lines.
C. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no parts intersect with each other.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a pocket watch to restore an image.
E. Checkers puzzle. Move colored gems on a magic wand, jumping over other gems to a free open space until all gems are in their matching slots.
F. Switch puzzle. On a circular grid switch tokens so that they are next to the two symbols which, when combined, create the image on the token.
G. Checkers puzzle. On a grid full of roses, have the roses jump over each other to a free space until only one remains.
BONUS CHAPTER:
A. E/H. Logic puzzle. Place colored fireworks into boxes as per written instructions.
B. Bullseye puzzle. Move 3 sliders into position to knock down a stalactite.
C. Maze puzzle. Find a way through a maze by choosing between 3 doors at each turn using a guide with symbols on it.
B. Connection puzzle. Connect thread points with each other on an embroidery hoop without crossing lines.
C. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no parts intersect with each other.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a pocket watch to restore an image.
E. Checkers puzzle. Move colored gems on a magic wand, jumping over other gems to a free open space until all gems are in their matching slots.
F. Switch puzzle. On a circular grid switch tokens so that they are next to the two symbols which, when combined, create the image on the token.
G. Checkers puzzle. On a grid full of roses, have the roses jump over each other to a free space until only one remains.
BONUS CHAPTER:
A. E/H. Logic puzzle. Place colored fireworks into boxes as per written instructions.
B. Bullseye puzzle. Move 3 sliders into position to knock down a stalactite.
C. Maze puzzle. Find a way through a maze by choosing between 3 doors at each turn using a guide with symbols on it.
I recommend this game!
The oracle’s strange vision portends cataclysmic destruction!
Overall rating
5
/
5
145 of 230 found this review helpful
5-STAR PLUS SCI-FI ADVENTURE DESTINED TO BECOME THE BEST GAME OF THE YEAR
PostedMay 27, 2021
sunnyglow
fromI wish I may, I wish I might – I just wish we had more games like this one which came out tonight. Such a joy to play. This one is a classic!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages (My Time: 8 Hours)
OPINION: Amazing! Sensational! These two adjectives cannot fully describe the quality of this game! Kudos to 5-BN for producing a sensational sci-fi adventure, a HOPA game which is destined to become a classic. To me, this game is the best HOPA game produced this year. It is a puzzle-lover’s delight. And although there are fewer HOP scenes, the ones within this game are creatively designed and puzzle-like in nature. It is a lengthy game; however, for me, the time passed quickly due to its fast pace and the multitude of puzzles and HOP scenes.
The graphics are beautiful – a work of art. The story behind the game is a well-written sci-fi thriller. There are seven (7) different collectibles with at least two per scene. Most scenes have a morphing object. I found most of the collectibles were easy to locate; however, there are some which are well-hidden. There are five (5) picture puzzles which can be played upon completion of the game. There is also a bonus puzzle which has twenty (20) levels of play – each one increasing in difficulty.
FINAL VERDICT: This is one game you will not want to miss, especially if you love sci-fi or are an avid puzzle lover! If there was only one game, I could play this year, this would be the one. It is well-worth the full price for this game. It is an exceptional game which, in my opinion, is worth more than the price I paid for it.
STORY: Join Scarlett (AKA the Purple Fox) on an adventure to save the world from destruction. Time is of the essence as she must return an Ancient, Anum Kaytel, back to Eltay Island. Only he can stop the destructive energy within a volcano from destroying the entire world.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 30 morphing objects.
• Collect 8 manuscripts, 7 ravens, 8 crystals balls, 8 figurines, 7 compasses, and (12 shells in the bonus chapter).
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 14 mini-games.
• Play 5 picture puzzles upon completion of the game.
• Upon completion of the game, play a block puzzle with 20 different games – each one increasing in difficulty.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 30 morphing objects.
• Collect 8 manuscripts, 7 ravens, 8 crystals balls, 8 figurines, 7 compasses, and (12 shells in the bonus chapter).
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 14 mini-games.
• Play 5 picture puzzles upon completion of the game.
• Upon completion of the game, play a block puzzle with 20 different games – each one increasing in difficulty.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. It explains in more detail the beginning of the main game. Join the Archwitch from the main game and her aide-de-camp as they explore Eltay Island in search of sarcophagi and anything else related to the Ancients. It is a long chapter with three (3) HOP scenes and eleven (11) mini-games. Collect twelve (12) sea shells in this chapter. To me, it is fantastic bonus chapter.
HOP SCENES: There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes. They are puzzle-like in nature. They include standard lists of items and silhouette. The silhouette scenes are searches for items which, once located, are used back within the scene. Most of the scenes contain at least one mini-game and some of the scenes have two. They are highly interactive with some scenes having items well-hidden within the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are fifty-one (51) mini-games, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. My only disappointment is that there are not more of these puzzles available to be replayed. I found the puzzles vary in difficulty with some extremely easy such imputing a code into a lock to extremely challenging. I found the last puzzle in this game somewhat difficult.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 51 PUZZLES IN THIS GAME:
A. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and move fragments of the four card suit emblems (a spade, a club,, a diamond, and a heart) so the symbols are created on four circles.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch triangular pieces to restore a picture on a mosaic.
C. Assembly puzzle. Position parts of a bug according to a given diagram.
D. Checkers puzzle. Jump over tokens until only one remains.
E. Strategy puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid calculate moves to move 5 fish tokens so they escape through holes in nets at the top and bottom of the grid. The fish travel up-and-down until they bump into another fish token or the sides of the grid.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch numbers on a clockface so all are in their proper position. There are 3 arrows on the clock, two which allow the number to move and one which switches the numbers between two spaces.
G. Assembly puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid, place masks so that the colors and emotions on each one are not repeated in each row and column.
H. Maze puzzle. Find a path through an underground maze.
I. Connection puzzle. Rotate all connectors so that beams of light connect all of them within a grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. Mathematical puzzle. Place numbers into a 5 x 6 grid so the sum of the columns and rows equal the numbers listed at the top and sides of the grid.
K. Connection puzzle. Two for the price of one. Connect like-colored buttons on a grid without crossing lines. There are bridges within the grid to enable a line to go over it and another to go under it.
L. Assembly puzzle. On a hexagonal grid with hexagon shaped cells, use an arrow to fill in all tiles without running out of spaces nor retracing steps.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch triangular pieces to restore a picture on a mosaic.
C. Assembly puzzle. Position parts of a bug according to a given diagram.
D. Checkers puzzle. Jump over tokens until only one remains.
E. Strategy puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid calculate moves to move 5 fish tokens so they escape through holes in nets at the top and bottom of the grid. The fish travel up-and-down until they bump into another fish token or the sides of the grid.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch numbers on a clockface so all are in their proper position. There are 3 arrows on the clock, two which allow the number to move and one which switches the numbers between two spaces.
G. Assembly puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid, place masks so that the colors and emotions on each one are not repeated in each row and column.
H. Maze puzzle. Find a path through an underground maze.
I. Connection puzzle. Rotate all connectors so that beams of light connect all of them within a grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. Mathematical puzzle. Place numbers into a 5 x 6 grid so the sum of the columns and rows equal the numbers listed at the top and sides of the grid.
K. Connection puzzle. Two for the price of one. Connect like-colored buttons on a grid without crossing lines. There are bridges within the grid to enable a line to go over it and another to go under it.
L. Assembly puzzle. On a hexagonal grid with hexagon shaped cells, use an arrow to fill in all tiles without running out of spaces nor retracing steps.
I recommend this game!
In The Wild Case, go on a first-person point-and-click adventure and explore a remote village located deep within a mysterious forest.
Overall rating
1
/
5
92 of 157 found this review helpful
A BEASTLY ADVENTURE SET IN RUSSIA
PostedMay 26, 2021
sunnyglow
fromRed eyes? Even my eyes turned red from reading all the dialogue within this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
STORY: You are off to a small mining town in Russia. Play Alexander Mikhailovich, a detective investigating the sudden appearance of red-eyed wild beasts who are menacing this town. The chairman of the town has contacted you because these beasts are attacking the townspeople. Now that the coal mine has been closed, the town is almost desolate with few villagers remaining. Could the abandoned coal mine hold the key to the appearance of these monsters?
OPINION. I love playing this developer’s HOPA games and was excited to see them venture into adventure games, another one of my favorite gaming genres. However, I absolutely hated this game. To me this game is a boring "snoozefest." The entire game consists of nothing more than running throughout the town and surrounding forest searching for inventory items. There are no voiceovers so the player must read every line of dialogue throughout the game and there is a lot of dialogue. In a nutshell, the player chats with the town residents and scampers back-and-forth between the scenes searching for one inventory item after another to satisfy some request by one of the game characters. Halfway through the game, I was completely bored and could not wait for the game to end.
The blurb for the game states there are puzzles to solve. Where? I found only one puzzle in this game – one involving a horseshoe which is used to open a door. The game does require strategic thinking to figure out where to go and what activities are needed to accomplish the required steps. However, it would have been a better game if the developer had included puzzles to add variety to the game, helping to break up the monotonous searches for inventory items.
For me, the graphics are depressing. The setting is a rundown town set against a depressing gray background highlighted with dark colors. I played the entire game in approximately four (4) hours which is short for an adventure game; however, for the price of the game, it is probably the right length. There are eighteen (18) achievements. I found the settings somewhat clunky. To get a windowed screen I had to disable the full screen and click on resolution to get the smaller screen. There is no strategy guide to reference while playing the game. However, there are You Tube videos which provide a walkthrough of this game.
FINAL VERDICT: “Nyet!” This is not an adventure game I recommend unless the player enjoys reading a massive amount of dialogue combined with endless searches for inventory items. All the activities are set in a depressing background of a desolate town with slum-like buildings. There are better adventure games out there. For me, it is not the price paid for the game which I regret, but rather, the time wasted playing it. And with all the fantastic adventure games out there, I do hope BFG will find better ones to offer in the future.
I don't recommend this game.
Can Camelot survive the wrath of the Green Knight?
Overall rating
5
/
5
90 of 173 found this review helpful
“THERE IS SIMPLY NOT - A LESS CONGENIAL SPOT” IN THIS CAMELOT
PostedMay 22, 2021
sunnyglow
fromNight and day I spent playing this long game about the Green Knight – all while listening to songs like “Stay the Night” by Green Day. Now it is time to call it a night!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 87 pages (My time: 12 Hours)
STORY: Be prepared for a long adventure! Pack your talismans, amulets, and grimoire and transport back in time to Camelot and the court of King Arthur. As a fledgling court mage, Bliss, you are off on your first assignment. The Green Knight, the keeper of nature, believes King Arthur abducted his wife. As a result, he has turned the king to stone. However, your mentor, Merlin, does not believe this is the case. He believes Arthur’s wayward sister and arch nemesis, Morgana, may be behind the abduction as part of a plot against the king. Can you locate the Green Knight’s bride and save the kingdom from his revenge? Paraphrasing the song from the musical, “There is simply not, a less congenial spot” as Camelot in this game.
OPINON: This is an action-packed game with a good storyline and plenty of activities to keep a player engaged. There is a combination of seventy-five (75) HOP scenes and puzzles in this game. The graphics well-portray medieval England. This game is long in comparison to those from other developers. To me, this game is better than this developer’s previous game, “Pride and Prejudice: Bloodlines.” There is more variety and creativity in the HOP scenes and puzzles. I feel the pace is better as well. However, I do not feel these HOP scenes nor puzzles are as creatively designed as in other HOPA games I have played. They are decent but not spectacular. I also did not discover any glitches or errors while downloading nor playing this game.
There is only one collectible, scrolls, which I found easy to locate within the scenes. There is a sidebar on the left side of the screen indicating how many scrolls are within a scene and how many you have collected. The player receives a gimmicky glove to fight off danger which is charged by finding spells throughout the game. There are no “extras” in this game. The player cannot replay HOP scenes nor mini-games. However, there are a small number of achievements which can be earned.
WHY 5 STARS? Some will wonder why I gave this game 5 stars if I had these small complaints. I am awarding this game 5 stars not because it is an outstanding game, but rather based on the improvement seen from the developer’s previous game offered on this site. I do hope that in future games, this developer will shorten their games and concentrate on providing more creatively designed HOP scenes and puzzles along with a provision to replay some those HOP scenes and puzzles. Hope to see more HOPA games from this developer in the future!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 65 scrolls.
• 7 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• 44 Scenes within the entire game.
• Gimmicky magic glove charged by finding spells throughout the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 65 scrolls.
• 7 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• 44 Scenes within the entire game.
• Gimmicky magic glove charged by finding spells throughout the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: “Invasion of the Monsters.” Monsters have invaded the castle and have captured King Arthur and his wizard, Merlin. They have also turned the knights into statues. You must now find a grimoire to stop them and return these monsters to the portal from which they came and seal it. Afterward, discover the culprit and his motives for releasing these monsters. Continue collecting he collectibles. There are nine (9) HOP scenes and sixteen (16) mini-games. This is a long chapter, well-crafted and worth the price of a collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES. There are thirty-six (36) HOP scenes. Unlike other BFG HOP games, the player cannot replay any of the scenes. They are varied in style and somewhat creatively designed. They include standard lists of items, matching, silhouette, replacement of items back into the scene, and a search for items to be used within the scene. This variety of scenes was not present within their previous game. I found them decent and varied but none which were outstanding.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-nine (39) mini-games. None can be replayed at the end of the game. The puzzles are variations of those seen in other games. There are some decent puzzles within this game. They are thematic. My only complaint is that I wish I could have replayed some of them. Perhaps in the future, this developer will make this provision within their games.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-nine (39) mini-games. None can be replayed at the end of the game. The puzzles are variations of those seen in other games. There are some decent puzzles within this game. They are thematic. My only complaint is that I wish I could have replayed some of them. Perhaps in the future, this developer will make this provision within their games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE 39 PUZZLES FROM THE GAME:
A. Checkers puzzle. Exchange the positions of red and blue gems on a grid so that red gems are located where the blue gems are and vice versa. Gems can jump over each other if there is an open space available.
B. Connection puzzle. Move a pretzel through a maze so that all squares are covered without retracing steps.
C. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so they do not cross over each other.
D. Paint puzzle. Color segments of an image so no segments of the same color are next to each other.
E. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings to restore an image of a dragon.
F. Math problem. Lead a blue dragon’s head and a gold dragon’s head to silver and gold tokens within a grid. You must plot the course, so both dragon heads land exactly on the tokens at the same time. The blue dragon moves 7 spaces, and the gold dragon moves 9 spaces.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Bullseye. Hit a monster once with a bola to kill him. Choose the right point on the monster to hit him.
H. Bullseye puzzle. Use a crystal scepter charged with energy to zap monsters within the castle.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch slats within a round shield to restore an image.
J. Sequence puzzle. Click on animals in a grid in sequence.
B. Connection puzzle. Move a pretzel through a maze so that all squares are covered without retracing steps.
C. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so they do not cross over each other.
D. Paint puzzle. Color segments of an image so no segments of the same color are next to each other.
E. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings to restore an image of a dragon.
F. Math problem. Lead a blue dragon’s head and a gold dragon’s head to silver and gold tokens within a grid. You must plot the course, so both dragon heads land exactly on the tokens at the same time. The blue dragon moves 7 spaces, and the gold dragon moves 9 spaces.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Bullseye. Hit a monster once with a bola to kill him. Choose the right point on the monster to hit him.
H. Bullseye puzzle. Use a crystal scepter charged with energy to zap monsters within the castle.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch slats within a round shield to restore an image.
J. Sequence puzzle. Click on animals in a grid in sequence.
I recommend this game!