sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:815
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 25, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you uncover who’s behind the haunting of the McKirk estate?
Overall rating
4
/
5
122 of 189 found this review helpful
DECK THE HALLS WITH MURDER
PostedDecember 23, 2021
sunnyglow
fromDeck the halls with murder? While you are eating your Christmas turkey or goose, remember somebody committed a murder most “fowl!”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
Super sleuth, Sharlotte Holmes, (Sherlock’s copycat relative), returns in another whodunit! Discover who is behind a rash of robberies at an old English manor, the McKirk Estate. Are ghosts involved, or could there be a less ethereal, flesh-and-blood culprit behind the missing McKirk jewels? Unfortunately, this case will develop into more than theft - find yourself investigating a murder as well. Can ghosts commit murder? Enjoy your romp in the English countryside as you deal with the estate’s conniving butler and rude staff. Watch out for "ghosts" as well!
This is a nice relaxing game for detectives of all ages. This is an “okay” game. I use the word, “okay,” because there is nothing spectacular nor sensational about this game; however, it is a decent game. For me, it is a nice change from the overabundance of sugary, glittery Christmas fare. I welcomed playing a game which did not reek of angels, goody two-shoe elves, Rudolf, Santa, nor a ton of tempting pictures of high-calorie, sugary delights. After being “over-glitterized,” and Christmas caroled to death, having a good detective game to play was a nice change of pace and a treat!
The game has the same format as Elephant’s other games. There are two collectibles, detective paraphernalia, and puzzle pieces which produce a picture at the end of the game. I found the picture pieces easy to locate; however, it seems that this developer along several others have begun designing collectibles which appear smaller and smaller within the scenes - in other words, hard to see. I realize this is a detective game; however, I don’t’ want to use a magnifying glass to search for collectibles, nor do I wish to go blind. Again, I make my plea to this developer to please make those collectibles easier to see within the scenes. The game is short, but I feel it has a good pace throughout. It is not the best game this developer has produced; however, it is a decent game and a nice whodunit for those who enjoy this type of game.
BONUS CHAPTER: Detective Holmes is off on another case involving a hotel, the Tower Bridge Guest House, which may be housing some criminal elements. Uncover the secrets of this guest house. I uncovered a chapter which is identical to the main game. Continue to search for the hard-to-see collectibles. There are four (4) HOP scenes plus a few mini-HOP scenes with searches for six items. There are five (5) mini-games. Personally, I had a difficult time assessing what the story was about in this chapter. To me, there seems to be a lack of clarification of the storyline at the beginning of the chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 19 achievements.
• Collect 12 items belonging to Sharlotte Holmes.
• Collect 23 puzzle pieces which create a picture upon completion of the game.
• 7 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Expedition room allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve missed collectibles.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games hidden within the Archives room.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 19 achievements.
• Collect 12 items belonging to Sharlotte Holmes.
• Collect 23 puzzle pieces which create a picture upon completion of the game.
• 7 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Expedition room allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve missed collectibles.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games hidden within the Archives room.
HOP SCENES: There thirteen (13) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. In my opinion, they are standard fare, lackluster in comparison to those from other developers. They include scenes with standard lists of items, silhouette scenes, story centered scenes which flush out the story behind the game, and matching scenes. There are also quite a few mini-HOP scenes with searches for six items.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty (20) mini-games, thirteen (13) which can be replayed upon completion of the game. They are easy puzzles and ones which have appeared in other games in one variation or another. I thought two were somewhat creative. I enjoyed an escape puzzle in which the player must encircle a fishing rod with a net so it cannot escape the grid. The net has squares which cover several squares of the grid. I thought that was a unique approach to this puzzle. The other I enjoyed is a connection puzzle in which the player must recreate a given image by connecting dots within the grid to defeat a criminal. However, overall, I was not enthralled with puzzles within the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Gear puzzle. Switch gears which have picture fragments on them, so they restore the complete image.
B. Assembly puzzle. Create medicine by following given instructions. 3X
C. Block puzzle. Create a path for a fastener to reach the end of a grid by pushing blocks out of the way to create a path.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch two rows of clamps (8 on each side) so that each two which face each other mesh.
E. Escape puzzle. Surround a fishing rod in the “water” by using a net to enclose it so it cannot escape. The net will close off squares within the grid There are only 6 moves to trap the item so it cannot escape
F. Connection Puzzle. Create a given pattern on a grid with dots. If you fail 3 times the game restarts. 6 images
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Sequence puzzle. Move gems on a peacock to the top of the plumage so that all are on top. Moving one affects the others.
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place hexagonal picture fragments into position to restore a picture on a hexagonal shaped grid.
I. Chess puzzle. Use a knight to defeat a queen on a chessboard. 2X
B. Assembly puzzle. Create medicine by following given instructions. 3X
C. Block puzzle. Create a path for a fastener to reach the end of a grid by pushing blocks out of the way to create a path.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch two rows of clamps (8 on each side) so that each two which face each other mesh.
E. Escape puzzle. Surround a fishing rod in the “water” by using a net to enclose it so it cannot escape. The net will close off squares within the grid There are only 6 moves to trap the item so it cannot escape
F. Connection Puzzle. Create a given pattern on a grid with dots. If you fail 3 times the game restarts. 6 images
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Sequence puzzle. Move gems on a peacock to the top of the plumage so that all are on top. Moving one affects the others.
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place hexagonal picture fragments into position to restore a picture on a hexagonal shaped grid.
I. Chess puzzle. Use a knight to defeat a queen on a chessboard. 2X
I recommend this game!
Bring an end to the Swamp Witch’s terror!
Overall rating
5
/
5
127 of 200 found this review helpful
OFF ON A WITCH HUNT TO DRAIN THE SWAMP
PostedDecember 18, 2021
sunnyglow
fromThis game proves that nothing is worse than a witch with a bad attitude! These two witches woke up (resurrected) on the wrong side of the broom!
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
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
Get your amulets charged and head off to the town of Liberville to partake in a witch hunt in this premiere game in a new series. Play a royal advisor to the king who investigates unusual happenings within the kingdom. In this game, you will get two witches for the price of one – a pretty, nasty one in the main game and an ugly crone in the bonus chapter! Hopefully you can drain the swamp of these two hags causing chaos in the kingdom.
This game follows the same pattern as previous games from this developer. There are three collectibles, amulets, morphing witch’s belongings, and coins. I found most easy to locate; however, I did feel some were too small to be identified. I do hope Domini will enlarge the collectibles in future games. The coins are used to purchase items for a witch’s garden upon completion of the game. The stories are well-written for both the main game and the bonus chapter. I found the pace excellent with plenty of activities within this game. As always, Domini provides more game for the money with an incredible number of creatively designed puzzles and ingenious HOP scenes.
In summary, for the cost, and in comparing this game to other developers’ games, this game is well-worth the price for the entertainment value. For those who love puzzles (like me) these "puzzlemeisters" provide an exceptional number of creatively designed puzzles, most which can be played in an easy version for a light-hearted, easy, breezy game or in a hard version for those wanting more challenge. Although they are best-known for their puzzles design, I found the HOP scenes in this game ingeniously designed. This is my favorite designer and seldom am I disappointed in the quality of their games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 amulets and 15 morphing witch’s belongings
• Collect 65 witch’s coins used to purchase items for a Witch’s Garden
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 amulets and 15 morphing witch’s belongings
• Collect 65 witch’s coins used to purchase items for a Witch’s Garden
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is sequel. As the king’s advisor you are off to Rainville, a town plagued by bad weather, the result of another nasty witch out for revenge. This story is a continuation of the story from the main game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games. I found the story a nice sequel to the original game with activities like those within the main game. This is a long chapter and a nice addition to the game.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Again, Domini provides more variety in creation of their HOP scenes than any other HOPA game designer. I have several favorites in this game. In one scene, the player must place items used to create a potion on the proper numbered squares. Another favorite of mine involves locating fluttering butterflies – just incredibly beautiful. Another has morphing frogs which I found amusing – Ribbit! Most have more than one scene in which to search for items and I loved one in which scenes are brought down using ropes.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most can be played in an easy version for a hard version. This can bet set in the menu, but the difficulty can be changed if the puzzle proves to be too easy or too difficult.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 27 MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. Assembly puzzle. Place boards into position to create a set of stairs with no gaps between the boards. Correctly placed, boards stay level.
B. E/H. Maze puzzle. Ride a horse. Ride a horse while avoiding obstacles in your path. Hard version has more obstacles blocking your path
C. E/H. Switch puzzle. On six circles, each with 4 flowers, rotate them so that flowers which are next to each other are the same. In the hard version, you must not only rotate the circles to match up the flower but you must switch the circles as well to get it to work properly.
D. E/H. Position gems on bracelets so they match up to a given image. Gems can move up-and-down on the bracelets using arrows. You can also switch gems within the same row. The easy version has 3 bracelets and the hard version has 4.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Map puzzle. Find a way out of a forest avoiding obstacles in your path. Pick up items along the way to help maneuver through the forest.
F. E/H. Connection puzzle. Use the rays of a lantern to scare away cave creatures. All pairs of eyes must be hit by the rays. The hard version has more eyes to connect to the rays of light
G. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Click on 4 lions in the proper sequence following a given guide. The hard version has a more complex sequence to follow.
H. E/H. Climb up a cliff to get to the top choosing the correct objects. If you choose wrong stone or stump, you restart. The hard version has more choices to ponder.
B. E/H. Maze puzzle. Ride a horse. Ride a horse while avoiding obstacles in your path. Hard version has more obstacles blocking your path
C. E/H. Switch puzzle. On six circles, each with 4 flowers, rotate them so that flowers which are next to each other are the same. In the hard version, you must not only rotate the circles to match up the flower but you must switch the circles as well to get it to work properly.
D. E/H. Position gems on bracelets so they match up to a given image. Gems can move up-and-down on the bracelets using arrows. You can also switch gems within the same row. The easy version has 3 bracelets and the hard version has 4.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Map puzzle. Find a way out of a forest avoiding obstacles in your path. Pick up items along the way to help maneuver through the forest.
F. E/H. Connection puzzle. Use the rays of a lantern to scare away cave creatures. All pairs of eyes must be hit by the rays. The hard version has more eyes to connect to the rays of light
G. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Click on 4 lions in the proper sequence following a given guide. The hard version has a more complex sequence to follow.
H. E/H. Climb up a cliff to get to the top choosing the correct objects. If you choose wrong stone or stump, you restart. The hard version has more choices to ponder.
I recommend this game!
Can you break a curse in time to save Christmas?
Overall rating
3
/
5
152 of 220 found this review helpful
ALL DRESSED UP FOR CHRISTMAS BUT LACKING THE SPIRIT
PostedDecember 16, 2021
sunnyglow
fromIf the second star to the right and straight on till morning takes you to Never Never Land, what is the route to Christmasland?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
You are off to Christmasland; however, your trip will not be filled with the warmth and merriment of the Christmas spirit. Your nephew, Peter Pan Junior, has contacted you as his last hope to save his land from a winter curse. This curse has caused the inhabitants to become angry and aggressive. Now with the help of your nephew and his pixie, you must try to restore the inhabitants to their former selves and the land to its congenial happiness.
This game is loosely based on the Peter Pan story with many of its characters taken from the original story. It is decked out in Christmas fare, but, to me, lacks the spirit of the season. I did enjoy the game and loved the whimsy of the adorable kittenish pixies; however, to me, this game has nothing to do with the spirit of Christmas. To me, it is more of a fairy tale game than a Christmas game. I also believe some might find it “surprising” that, according to the game, the Christmas holiday originated within this land and is the “reason for the season.”
This is not my favorite Christmas game this year and to me, not nearly as good as the other two games. I was shocked this was designated as an editor’s choice game. I found some of the HOP scenes were repeated and many are not well-designed. This is a long game; however, I also feel that there is a lot of filler to make the game longer. This filler made the game boring in some places. It did not get me into the Christmas spirit as the other games did. There is no Christmas background music nor message. The story has nothing to do with Christmas. Nevertheless, it is a good family game which can be enjoyed by everyone. Most of the puzzles are easy making it an easy play.
The game is set in the same format as other games by this developer. There are two collectibles, morphing stockings and pixies. Each scene has two of each. I found some difficult to locate and needed to search the strategy guide to locate some of those collectibles. At the end of the game if all collectibles are found, the player can play another HOP scene which is timed. There is helper in this game – a pixie which sits on the inventory bar and charges personal items with pixie dust to help restore good memories.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 26 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 50 morphing stockings and 50 pixies
• There are 2 collectibles within each scene.
• 6 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 10 Mini-games
• Helper pixie who sits at the left side of the inventory bar
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 26 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 50 morphing stockings and 50 pixies
• There are 2 collectibles within each scene.
• 6 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 10 Mini-games
• Helper pixie who sits at the left side of the inventory bar
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. In celebration of Christmas, Junior wants to celebrate the holiday in grand fashion. Junior along this his two friends are each responsible for providing something to make the celebration fantastic. The chapter is divided into three (3) activities, one assigned to Junior and one each to his two friends, Amelia, and Fang. These chapter sections can be played in any order the player wishes. Amelia is responsible for providing the food, Fan is responsible for creating figurines used as presents, and you, as Junior, are responsible for creating an ice rink. I found this chapter creatively designed and I feel it does a better job of providing the Christmas spirit than the main game. There are ten (10) mini-games and seven (7) HOP scenes.
HOP SCENES: I had a difficult time ascertaining what this developer considers a HOP scene. I counted twenty-two (22) HOP scenes, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also several mini-HOP scenes which have small number of items to be search for within the scenes. They are varied in style. I must admit some of the scenes are creatively designed. I loved the one with the farm animals and the bonus scene provided at the end of the game. There is a wide range of scenes such as lists of items, silhouette, matching, and rebus clues. There are scenes in which items are to be placed into the scene.
MINI-GAMES: There are forty-three (43) mini-games; however only ten (10) can be replayed at the end of the game. I cannot believe with all these mini-games in the game, the developer did not provide more for replay. Unbelievable! There are some which can be played in either a casual or hard version. However, for the most part, I found most of the puzzles easy. There is one repetitive slider puzzle which is used to narrate the story of the characters who have been affected by the winter curse. Sliders are switched to provide 3 different pictures for each of five (5) different characters. Each picture, once completed, provides a background narrative for the characters.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MIN-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Casual/Hard Strategy puzzle. Arrange scarves on rows and columns so no row nor column contains the same color nor symbol. The casual version has 5 rows and 4 columns. The hard version has 5 rows and 5 columns
B. Mathematical puzzle. Find how many of each food item are needed to fill a basket by figuring out a given mathematical equation.
C. Assembly puzzle. Using logic, figure out the sequence and symmetry on each string of ornaments on a tree, then place given ornaments into position to fill empty spots.
D. Casual/Hard. Jigsaw puzzle. Assemble a map. The hard version has more pieces. Then plot a route based on given coordinates
E. Mirror puzzle. Click on lanterns so that the beams of lights radiating from them pass through each of 10 flowers
F. Connection puzzle. Pipe puzzle. Connect pipe segments so that water flows in an unbroken path from top left to bottom right
G. Maze puzzle. On a cryptex with 5 segments, rotate each segment to create a path for 3 tokens to reach their matching slots on the other end of the cryptex.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Rope puzzle. Move knots on a rope so that no parts of the rope touch each other.
I. Checkers puzzle. Switch sides between two sets of chips – 3 in each set – so that they are reversed in location. Tokens can only move by jumping over each other or moving one space at a time.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch books on a bookshelf so it matches a given setup on the bottom of the bookshelf
K. Paint-by-Number Puzzle. Paint 4 figures according to a given diagram
B. Mathematical puzzle. Find how many of each food item are needed to fill a basket by figuring out a given mathematical equation.
C. Assembly puzzle. Using logic, figure out the sequence and symmetry on each string of ornaments on a tree, then place given ornaments into position to fill empty spots.
D. Casual/Hard. Jigsaw puzzle. Assemble a map. The hard version has more pieces. Then plot a route based on given coordinates
E. Mirror puzzle. Click on lanterns so that the beams of lights radiating from them pass through each of 10 flowers
F. Connection puzzle. Pipe puzzle. Connect pipe segments so that water flows in an unbroken path from top left to bottom right
G. Maze puzzle. On a cryptex with 5 segments, rotate each segment to create a path for 3 tokens to reach their matching slots on the other end of the cryptex.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Rope puzzle. Move knots on a rope so that no parts of the rope touch each other.
I. Checkers puzzle. Switch sides between two sets of chips – 3 in each set – so that they are reversed in location. Tokens can only move by jumping over each other or moving one space at a time.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch books on a bookshelf so it matches a given setup on the bottom of the bookshelf
K. Paint-by-Number Puzzle. Paint 4 figures according to a given diagram
I recommend this game!
The bad kids are taking over the Polar Express!
Overall rating
5
/
5
134 of 248 found this review helpful
GET ON BOARD FOR A GOLDEN HOLIDAY ADVENTURE
PostedDecember 9, 2021
sunnyglow
fromHere's what we know about Santa. He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good. I think he's with the NSA.
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: 64 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 64 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
Were you good or bad this year? If you were good (and we know you were), then board the Polar Express for a trainload of Christmas good cheer! Here is your golden ticket to experience an excellent game, one to usher in the holiday season. It is decked out in holiday cheer with snow, elves, reindeer, glistening Christmas trees, oodles of toys, and Santa, of course. This is a game which can be played by the entire family. Your help will be needed by Santa this year. He will have more than his share of headaches within this game as he battles some mean boys and a disgruntled elf. And always remember - Santa knows if you've been bad or good, "so be good for goodness sake!"
As usual, Domini does not disappoint with this game. They always provide more game for the money and this one is no exception. The graphics and musical background provide a game rich in the Christmas spirit. Bright and cheerful Christmas music (repeated "12 Days of Christmas" serenades throughout the game) sets the background for this game. The game has the same format as their previous games. There are three collectibles. The collectibles are morphing Christmas items, Christmas cards, and gingerbread cookies. After the game is completed, the player can read about holiday traditions in other parts of the world on the cards. I found this a nice touch. Upon completion of the game, the gingerbread cookies can be exchanged for items to decorate a boudoir with Christmas regalia.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 15 Christmas cards relating information about Christmas celebrations around the world
• Collect 15 morphing Christmas items
• Collect 70 gingerbread cookies to exchange to items to decorate a boudoir
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 15 Christmas cards relating information about Christmas celebrations around the world
• Collect 15 morphing Christmas items
• Collect 70 gingerbread cookies to exchange to items to decorate a boudoir
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: Become Santa’s helper as you try to save Christmas from being destroyed by one of Santa’s disgruntled employees, an elf named Georgie. Time is of the essence as you try to keep Georgie from destroying elements which create Christmas magic. There are eight (8) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. I found this chapter a nice Christmassy addition to the game. For me, it is a worthy addition to make this game a collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The scenes are jam packed with Christmas items. They are varied in style. In my opinion, Domini provides some of the most ingenious and creatively designed HOP scenes. My favorite is one in which the player reads children’s letters to Santa Claus and then chooses the present alluded to in the letter. I also enjoyed searching for holiday desserts from around the world in one of the scenes. And as in previous games, a thematic Match-3 games can be played in lieu of the puzzles.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-eight (28) mini-games, nineteen (19) which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The majority can be played in either an easy or hard version. As in all their games you can choose the difficulty level in the menu; however, the difficulty can be changed while playing the puzzle. They are also varied in style, and the puzzles have been created to reflect the Christmas spirit of the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE 12 MINI-GAMES OF CHRISTMAS APPEARING AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy: H = Hard)
1. Partridge in a pear tree. Map puzzle. Lead a balloon through the air avoiding birds within the path. Choose between 4 paths at the proper moment
2. Turtle Doves. E/H. Block puzzle. Move a red candy to the right end of a lock. Open the blocked paths by moving green candies to create a path for the red candy. The hard version has 2 scenes to solve.
3. French Hens. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch boards to restore a sign. In the easy version, the player can switch the 8 boards in any order while in the hard version, the boards can only be switched with adjoining boards.
4. Calling Birds. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Press on piano keys with notes imprinted on them so they match up sequentially with those on a sheet of music. The hard version has a longer sequence of notes
5. Gold rings. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Remove interconnected bars in sequential order. The easy version has 10 bars, and the hard version has 12.
6. Geese-a-Laying. Open 4 doors to 4 rooms and search for items which are out of place, then place them into their proper locations.
7. Swans-a-Swimming. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect snowflakes in the proper sequence until all are connected. The harder version has more snowflakes to connect
8. Maids-a-Milking. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move keys along 5 different paths so each colored key matches up with is same-colored lock. The easy version has 4 keys and hard version has 5.
9. Ladies Dancing. E/H. Matching puzzle. On a circular grid with 3 rings, match up sets of 3 lights each which are the same color until all are lit. In the hard version, the rings of lights rotate after each move
10. Lords-a-Leaping. E/H. Checkers puzzle. Capture all your opponent’s tokens. Capture them by jumping over them. The hard version starts out with one more of your opponent’s token.
11. Pipers Piping. Sequence puzzle. Enter a 5-digit code using a dial on a circular grid to point to the items. The dial can be moved 3, 5, and 7 spaces either clockwise or counterclockwise.
12. Drummers Drumming. E/H. Sequence/Assembly puzzle. Select arrows to rotate and center crystal pieces to create a flower. Pieces must be placed in the proper sequence so all fit. The hard version has more pieces to assemble
2. Turtle Doves. E/H. Block puzzle. Move a red candy to the right end of a lock. Open the blocked paths by moving green candies to create a path for the red candy. The hard version has 2 scenes to solve.
3. French Hens. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch boards to restore a sign. In the easy version, the player can switch the 8 boards in any order while in the hard version, the boards can only be switched with adjoining boards.
4. Calling Birds. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Press on piano keys with notes imprinted on them so they match up sequentially with those on a sheet of music. The hard version has a longer sequence of notes
5. Gold rings. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Remove interconnected bars in sequential order. The easy version has 10 bars, and the hard version has 12.
6. Geese-a-Laying. Open 4 doors to 4 rooms and search for items which are out of place, then place them into their proper locations.
7. Swans-a-Swimming. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect snowflakes in the proper sequence until all are connected. The harder version has more snowflakes to connect
8. Maids-a-Milking. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move keys along 5 different paths so each colored key matches up with is same-colored lock. The easy version has 4 keys and hard version has 5.
9. Ladies Dancing. E/H. Matching puzzle. On a circular grid with 3 rings, match up sets of 3 lights each which are the same color until all are lit. In the hard version, the rings of lights rotate after each move
10. Lords-a-Leaping. E/H. Checkers puzzle. Capture all your opponent’s tokens. Capture them by jumping over them. The hard version starts out with one more of your opponent’s token.
11. Pipers Piping. Sequence puzzle. Enter a 5-digit code using a dial on a circular grid to point to the items. The dial can be moved 3, 5, and 7 spaces either clockwise or counterclockwise.
12. Drummers Drumming. E/H. Sequence/Assembly puzzle. Select arrows to rotate and center crystal pieces to create a flower. Pieces must be placed in the proper sequence so all fit. The hard version has more pieces to assemble
I recommend this game!
When Santa’s sleigh is damaged as he’s leaving the North Pole on Christmas night, only one person can save the holidays. You!
Overall rating
5
/
5
108 of 169 found this review helpful
WRAPPED UP WITH THE MAGICAL PRESENCE OF CHRISTMAS
PostedDecember 2, 2021
sunnyglow
fromAt the North Pole searching for reindeer, elves, toys, and children’s letters- all well hidden within Santa’s state of the art robotic workshop!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Merry Christmas! Get ready to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Christmas. This is a festive game chock full of Christmas goodies. If this game does not get you into the holiday spirit, nothing will!
I do not play most HOP games, preferring HOPA games instead. I played my first game from this developer last year and became a “Winter Wonderland” aficionada. This game is as good as the one I played last year and has a similar format as well.
It is a long game jam-packed with all the beauty and merriment of the holiday season. One thing I like about this game are the extra goodies which are provided such as the wide array of Christmas songs and Christmas wallpapers. I love the Christmas songs playing in the background. The menu allows you to choose between twenty (20) Christmas songs to listen to. Do you want to add Christmas wallpaper to spruce up your computer? There are eighteen (18) beautiful wallpapers to choose from. This year there is an advent calendar with twenty-five (25) numbered slots to open throughout the game, each containing a present.
The game consists of a series of HOP scenes in which you search for items within a festive Christmas environment including Santa’s headquarters at the North Pole As you locate items, you are rewarded coins which can be used to purchase Christmas presents.
Within the HOP scenes there are gold angels and lost objects to locate. A photo must be taken within some of the scenes. There are also many interactive activities to engage in to find some of the items. The scenes are jam packed with items and I found some difficult to locate. You can earn three (3) stars for each scene played - one for finding all the angels, one of finding all the lost items and one for finding all the items listed. You can also earn eighteen (18) achievements.
Alternating between the HOP scenes is a puzzle. The puzzles are varied. There are various types of picture puzzles - jigsaw puzzles, flipsaw puzzles, and rotating tiles puzzles. There are also other puzzles such as matching, word searches, concentration puzzles, and spot-the-difference puzzles. There are forty-eight (48) additional puzzles which can be played at the end of the game. In this game you are timed.
MECHANICS:
• Three levels of play – Casual, Challenge, and Extreme
• 48 additional puzzles to play
• Collect coins to purchase 16 Christmas presents.
• Collect gold angels and lost items
• 18 Lost and Found items within the scenes
• 18 Achievements
• 18 Wallpapers
• 20 Christmas songs to choose form as background music
• Advent calendar with 25 days, each hiding a present
• 48 additional puzzles to play
• Collect coins to purchase 16 Christmas presents.
• Collect gold angels and lost items
• 18 Lost and Found items within the scenes
• 18 Achievements
• 18 Wallpapers
• 20 Christmas songs to choose form as background music
• Advent calendar with 25 days, each hiding a present
FINAL NOTE: This game provides a lot of gaming pleasure for the price. Kudos to Casual Arts for another fantastic Yuletide delight.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a merciless arsonist from destroying San Francisco?
Overall rating
5
/
5
122 of 209 found this review helpful
A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SURPRISE!
PostedNovember 27, 2021
sunnyglow
fromWhat a happy Thanksgiving weekend surprise! No turkey here – just a fantastic holiday treat.
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
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages (My Time – 10 Hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages (My Time – 10 Hours)
Enjoy sleuthing your way through a new crime mystery series from Domini Games. Play a budding crime reporter out to get the scoop on bizarre and seemingly unsolvable cases, all while helping solve the crime. In the premiere episode, find yourself in San Francisco where an arsonist known as the Plague Doctor is out to exact revenge upon those whom he feels escaped punishment. This game will not only test your detective skills, it will also test your endurance skills as you solve numerous puzzles and tackle many HOP scenes as well.
Domini again provides an exceptional game and one which I feel is worth every penny I paid for it. I do not mind paying for quality and this game is a good example of what a HOPA game should be. This is a very long game chock full of puzzles and HOP scenes. This game is one of the longest HOPA games I have ever played.
The framework for this game is the same as in most of their games. Most of the puzzles have the option to be played in either a hard or easy version. The difficulty of the puzzles can be set in the menu but can be changed while playing the puzzle if it seems too easy or too difficult. There are three collectibles, one of which is exchanged to outfit some room or office. There is a sidebar which lights up when a collectible is within a scene.
The story is excellent; however, there is a lack of surprise as to the evildoer. The player will know who the evildoers are before the end of the game. The game is a period piece with graphics reflecting San Francisco in the early 1900’s. The three collectibles are newspaper clippings, morphing building figurines and stone tokens. Two of the collectibles alternate between scenes. The stone tokens can be exchanged for items to outfit a newspaper office.
FINAL NOTE: There were two HOPA games out this week, something rare nowadays. If I were going to choose only one to play, it would be this one. It is far superior in my opinion than the other game. It is another little gem from this developer. This is my favorite developer for HOPA games, and this game is illustrative of what a HOPA game should be.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 newspaper clippings and 15 morphing building figurines
• Collect 70 stone tokens to exchange for items to furnish an office
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 newspaper clippings and 15 morphing building figurines
• Collect 70 stone tokens to exchange for items to furnish an office
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story with the same crime reporter. This time you will travel to Quietown, New York to investigate the death of a recently divorced woman who finds herself in dire financial straits. After she borrows money from an unscrupulous moneylender, she ends up dead. Get some help from her ex-husband as you both try to discover who murdered her. This is a long chapter with five (5) HOP scenes and ten (10) mini-games. Continue to collect the three collectibles. This is an exceptional chapter and worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes within the entire game. All can be replayed upon completion of the game. There is a variety of different styles. All are highly interactive, with some having puzzle-like aspects to them. For a developer who is best known for their mini-games, it should be noted they also provide some fantastic HOP scenes as well. Most of the scenes are standard lists of items, silhouette and those items which are located within a storybook setting. However, there are also matching scenes, cryptic clues scenes, spot the differences scenes, and search-and-replace scenes. My favorite is a scene in which items are located in sequential order, after which they are returned back within the scene to locate the next item on the list. And for those who dislike these scenes, Domini provides a thematic Match-3 game in lieu of the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: Domini does not disappoint in puzzle design. It always amazes me their genius in constructing puzzles which can be played in two different versions, easy or hard. Amazing! I counted thirty-four (34) puzzles within the game. However, there are a few instances when there are sequential puzzles, which I counted as one puzzle. Unfortunately, only nineteen (19) of these can be replayed upon completion of the game. I truly wish all could be replayed but understand the need for brevity in design.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 34 MINI-GAMES FROM THE GAME: (E = EASY; H = HARD)
A. E/H. Weights and Balances Puzzle. Place weighted spheres on pedestals arranging them from lightest to heaviest. The easy version has 4 spheres and the hard has 6.
B. E/H. Sequence Puzzle. Open drawers in a cabinet to locate items which are then placed back into the scene in slots on the drawers. Upon placing an item, the drawer opens to disclose another item. Continue until all items are placed. Find items in the hard version in the dark with only the light of a flashlight.
C. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch pharmaceuticals and place them into the proper position on two shelves based upon clues on scraps of paper on the side. The easy version has 6 to switch and the hard has 8.
D. Map puzzle. Two-part puzzle. (1) Lead a horse through a path avoiding obstacles within its path. (2) Cross a street by moving the horse through oncoming car traffic.
E. E/H. Matching puzzle. Uncover leaves to match like symbols. The hard version has more leaves than the easy version.
F. E/H, Maze puzzle. Move an amulet to the other end of a grid by pressing piano keys – each one representing a direction and number of spaces it will move the amulet. The hard version has a more twisted path than the easy version.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Jigsaw puzzle. Assemble a picture by placing fragments into position. Fragments turn green when placed correctly. The easy version provides an outline of the image the hard version does not have.
H. E/H, Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no parts cross each other. Move knots.
I. E/H, Sequence puzzle. Press levers up-and-down to match those on a given diagram. Moving one lever affects the others. The hard version has 6 levers and the easy has 4. 3X
B. E/H. Sequence Puzzle. Open drawers in a cabinet to locate items which are then placed back into the scene in slots on the drawers. Upon placing an item, the drawer opens to disclose another item. Continue until all items are placed. Find items in the hard version in the dark with only the light of a flashlight.
C. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch pharmaceuticals and place them into the proper position on two shelves based upon clues on scraps of paper on the side. The easy version has 6 to switch and the hard has 8.
D. Map puzzle. Two-part puzzle. (1) Lead a horse through a path avoiding obstacles within its path. (2) Cross a street by moving the horse through oncoming car traffic.
E. E/H. Matching puzzle. Uncover leaves to match like symbols. The hard version has more leaves than the easy version.
F. E/H, Maze puzzle. Move an amulet to the other end of a grid by pressing piano keys – each one representing a direction and number of spaces it will move the amulet. The hard version has a more twisted path than the easy version.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Jigsaw puzzle. Assemble a picture by placing fragments into position. Fragments turn green when placed correctly. The easy version provides an outline of the image the hard version does not have.
H. E/H, Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no parts cross each other. Move knots.
I. E/H, Sequence puzzle. Press levers up-and-down to match those on a given diagram. Moving one lever affects the others. The hard version has 6 levers and the easy has 4. 3X
I recommend this game!
Pendle Tower was once a lavish high-rise hotel, but a new renovation has awakened a long-dormant secret within its foreboding halls.
Overall rating
4
/
5
85 of 144 found this review helpful
HOTEL RENNOVATION CAN BE A “PHANTASMIC” EXPERIENCE
PostedNovember 23, 2021
sunnyglow
fromHappy Thanksgiving and Black Friday! After playing this game, I have found the perfect holiday gift for my cat – telekinetic white mice! Floating through the air, I want to see him try to get those mice!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
Welcome back Master Detective! In this year’s case, you will be in for a “phantasmic” time as you make repairs to a hotel suffering from a distortion in the time/space continuum. The paranormal energy is out of control, the result of an experiment performed by a misguided scientist in 1920. The spirit world has infested this building and with the help of a spirit medium, hopefully you can restore this building to its normal state.
As with other games within this series, your wit and puzzle skills will be tested by a series of mini-games, many of which are either two-part or Rube-Goldberg puzzles. Nevertheless, Her Majesty has all the confidence in your skills to follow through. Keep calm and carry on. This game is not challenging. This is not the best game within this series; however, it is an enjoyable one, especially those who like games with a lot of easy puzzles.
One element I find helpful in this developer’s games is the sidebar on the left side of the screen which indicates how many collectibles are within the scene and the number remaining to be located. There are two collectibles, jigsaw puzzle pieces and stain glass shards. I found the collectibles difficult to locate, especially the jigsaw puzzle pieces. They are well-hidden in the game. I needed to consult the strategy guide a few times to find where they were hiding. For me, locating the collectibles was the most difficult part of the game!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 52 pieces of stained glass (some morphing) and 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 14 mini-games
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 52 pieces of stained glass (some morphing) and 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 14 mini-games
BONUS GAME: Return to 1920, and as the medium, Millicent Keaton, relive the events which led to you being trapped in the spirit world. I feel this prequel provides a little more clarity to the story behind the main game. The setting is the same; amble around the hotel trying to stop Dr. Corman’s experiment which has gotten out of control. It is a short chapter with only two (2) HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games. However, the mini-games include a couple two-part puzzles and a lengthy Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
HOP SCENES: There are not many HOP scenes in this game, only thirteen (13), all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the scenes are standard lists of items. However, the scenes are highly interactive and involve manipulation of items within the scenes. There are also a few silhouette scenes and a scene set within the pages of a storybook.
MINI-GAMES: As with other games in this series, this game is puzzle-laden. There are seventeen (17) mini-games. However, these include several two-part mini-games and two (2) Rube-Goldberg puzzles. There is a wide variety of mini-games. Most of the puzzles are easy. Since this series is known to be more challenging than other HOPA games, I would have liked a few more brain crushing, thought provoking puzzles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Two-part puzzle: (Repeated throughout game)
1. Sequence puzzle. Click on 4 planetary bodies in the proper sequence according to given riddles to open a cache.
2. Sequence puzzle. Press on hanging weights in sequential order so all are aligned with each other.
B. Rube Goldberg puzzle:
1. Logic puzzle. Move clock hands into position on two clocks based on clues given beneath them.
2. Maze puzzle. Move balls within two mazes on both sides of a central panel so that each ball reaches its destination. Player will need to open gates to enter new paths to complete the puzzle.
3. Move a group of 4 large circles, each with smaller colored circles within them, so that each small colored circle is within the larger circle with a planetary body of the same color. Four of the smaller circles will have two colors – each half is to face the same color as the large color it faces.
C. Matching puzzle. On an oscilloscope, turn knobs so that two sine waves match up with each other. 2X
D. Switch puzzle. Switch mirror fragments to restore an image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Connection puzzle. Draw lines from 3 geometric shapes to their matching counterpart within the grid. Lines cannot cross each other
F. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image of the building. Rotating one ring affects the others
1. Sequence puzzle. Click on 4 planetary bodies in the proper sequence according to given riddles to open a cache.
2. Sequence puzzle. Press on hanging weights in sequential order so all are aligned with each other.
B. Rube Goldberg puzzle:
1. Logic puzzle. Move clock hands into position on two clocks based on clues given beneath them.
2. Maze puzzle. Move balls within two mazes on both sides of a central panel so that each ball reaches its destination. Player will need to open gates to enter new paths to complete the puzzle.
3. Move a group of 4 large circles, each with smaller colored circles within them, so that each small colored circle is within the larger circle with a planetary body of the same color. Four of the smaller circles will have two colors – each half is to face the same color as the large color it faces.
C. Matching puzzle. On an oscilloscope, turn knobs so that two sine waves match up with each other. 2X
D. Switch puzzle. Switch mirror fragments to restore an image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Connection puzzle. Draw lines from 3 geometric shapes to their matching counterpart within the grid. Lines cannot cross each other
F. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image of the building. Rotating one ring affects the others
I recommend this game!
A vengeful monster has found a way to stop Christmas!
Overall rating
4
/
5
157 of 218 found this review helpful
A JOYOUS START TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON
PostedNovember 18, 2021
sunnyglow
fromNo matter what the language or customs – from Gleðileg jól (Icelandic) or Merry Christmas (English) – Happy Holidays to everyone no matter where you are!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 29 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 29 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
OPINION: Start the Christmas season with the first of the BFG Yuletide games. Elephant Games has again filled our stockings with another Christmas festive delight, this time based upon an Icelandic tale. It is a filled with the Christmas spirit with a message of redemption, reminiscent of “The Christmas Carol.”
I enjoyed playing this game. For me, this is another great family game and a great way to usher in the Christmas season. I found the game an easy play, smooth flowing with a good pace. I discovered no errors within the game nor in the strategy guide. Players can play three of the chapters in any order they choose. I found this a nice touch. There are plenty of activities within the game. However, some of the puzzles might be a little challenging for younger children without adult assistance. Nevertheless, the graphics are chuck full of Christmas items and snow-covered scenes. The game has some beautiful, glistening graphics set to festive seasonal background music making it a great one to play with children. I found it to ve a decent game; however, not as good as previous ones from this series.
There are two collectibles, cards with information on each of the Icelandic Yulemen and jigsaw puzzle pieces. Upon completion of the game, the puzzle pieces are used to create four puzzles. To add a little extra challenge, the pieces must be rotated before placing them into position. I found most easy to locate. Many of the scenes contain multiple jigsaw puzzle pieces. There is an exhibition room which allows the player to return to scenes to locate missing collectibles. As in many of the developer’s games, there is a secret room which allows the player to search for more items within the scenes. As with past games, the searches are timed.
I do not like game helpers; however, the helper, the dwarf, Glu, is a natural fit for a game such as this one. He provides a little Christmas whimsy to the game. He is used frequently in the game to retrieve hard-to-reach items. However, I do wish he had been made an optional helper. And although he is amusing and delightful, he takes some time to perform his duties.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 48 puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles
• Collect 13 cards describing the Yulemen.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper Yuleman, Glu – used to retrieve items
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games
• Secret Room opened upon completion of the game, allowing the player to locate more items within the scenes. Player is timed.
• Expedition Room which allows the player to search for any collectibles missed within the game.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 48 puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles
• Collect 13 cards describing the Yulemen.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper Yuleman, Glu – used to retrieve items
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games
• Secret Room opened upon completion of the game, allowing the player to locate more items within the scenes. Player is timed.
• Expedition Room which allows the player to search for any collectibles missed within the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is sequel. Play Hans, the evildoer from the main game. After being redeemed you, as Hans, are off to save the Yulemen from the Snow Queen. I found this a decent chapter. There are five (5) HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games. I found it a nice addition to the game. The activities, to me, are exactly like those from the main game. There is one HOP scene I thought very creatively designed; however, most of the chapter is just a continuation of the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are fifteen (15) scenes, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. They are chuck full of Christmas items. My favorite was the last one in the game. In the bonus chapter, there is a scene in which pages from several books are flipped back and forth to locate and combine two halves of an image before it is removed. I have seen this type of HOP scene in other games, but I found the one in this game easier to play. The other scenes include the usual lists of items, silhouette, storybook (with highlighted letters in the text), and matching.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. For the most part, I found the mini-games somewhat challenging for a Christmas game. They are thematic and and creatively designed. I enjoyed playing them. However, I wonder how school-aged children would fare with some of these puzzles?
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Merry Christmas! Lock Puzzle/Switch puzzle. Switch lock pieces on the top and bottom of a grid to that the pieces mesh with those in the center which are either directly above them or below them
B. Feliz Navidad! Maze puzzle. Move the dwarf Glu through a maze with hallways to locate a stash of items. Use arrows to move Glu back-and-forth through the maze
C. Joyeux Noël! Checkers puzzle. Remove blue cupcakes on a grid by having them jump over each other until only one remains.
D. Buon Natale! Gear puzzle. In this case use snowflakes instead of gears to create a continuous connection from the bottom left to the upper right of the grid. Once connected, they will rotate
E. Hyvää Joulua! Marble popper puzzle. Remove 3 or more marbles at a time by shooting marbles at a group of 2 or more to remove them.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Frohe Weihnachten! Map puzzle. Move a reindeer sleigh down a lane while avoiding obstacles in your path You will restart if you get hit by obstacles too many times
G. God Jul! Jigsaw puzzle. Rotate and place pieces into position to restore the Queen’s portal.
H. Gleðileg jól! Strategy Puzzle: Plot your moves. Click on like- tokens to move them so they hit each other and are removed from the board. All tokens must be removed from the board. Strategies your moves.
B. Feliz Navidad! Maze puzzle. Move the dwarf Glu through a maze with hallways to locate a stash of items. Use arrows to move Glu back-and-forth through the maze
C. Joyeux Noël! Checkers puzzle. Remove blue cupcakes on a grid by having them jump over each other until only one remains.
D. Buon Natale! Gear puzzle. In this case use snowflakes instead of gears to create a continuous connection from the bottom left to the upper right of the grid. Once connected, they will rotate
E. Hyvää Joulua! Marble popper puzzle. Remove 3 or more marbles at a time by shooting marbles at a group of 2 or more to remove them.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Frohe Weihnachten! Map puzzle. Move a reindeer sleigh down a lane while avoiding obstacles in your path You will restart if you get hit by obstacles too many times
G. God Jul! Jigsaw puzzle. Rotate and place pieces into position to restore the Queen’s portal.
H. Gleðileg jól! Strategy Puzzle: Plot your moves. Click on like- tokens to move them so they hit each other and are removed from the board. All tokens must be removed from the board. Strategies your moves.
I recommend this game!
An investigation into a disappearance reveals ghostly secrets in a mountaintop hotel!
Overall rating
5
/
5
134 of 234 found this review helpful
A PICTURE PERFECT FIRST GAME IN A NEW SERIES
PostedNovember 11, 2021
sunnyglow
fromTravel by Mirror! Mirrors are wonderful vehicles to transport to other dimensions and other worlds. This game opened another travel destination - Spirit World! Just post some symbols with any old lipstick you may have – and off you go!
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: 41 pages (My time – 7 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My time – 7 Hours)
Grab your camera and travel to the Snowy Creek Hotel to battle a disgruntled ghost in the first game in a new series from Domini Games. As a paranormal detective with your own agency, Mystic Riddles, your journalistic friend needs help in investigating the reports of ghostly attacks and disappearance of the hotel’s guests. With camera in hand, travel back-and-forth between the spirit world and the real world sleuthing the cause of all the ghostly activity.
This is a very long game! Domini always provides more game for the money and this one is no different. There are a lot of activities within this game. Logistically, it is a cookie cutter game, cut from the same mold as their other games. There are three thematic collectibles, rolls of film, morphing hotel items and door signs. The rolls of film can be exchanged for items for a dark room upon completion of the game. The player carries a gimmicky camera with a magic lens to take pictures of the paranormal. I wonder why Domini included this gimmick as it seldom is used in the game.
Most of the puzzles can be played in either hard or easy version. However, this game does not have as many puzzles with this option as in previous games. I loved this game. This game is creatively designed, with a good storyline and is chuck full of puzzles and HOP scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 59 rolls of films to exchange for items to deck out a dark room.
• Collect 15 door signs and 15 morphing hotel items
• Gimmicky camera to take pictures of the paranormal activity
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 Mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 59 rolls of films to exchange for items to deck out a dark room.
• Collect 15 door signs and 15 morphing hotel items
• Gimmicky camera to take pictures of the paranormal activity
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 Mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. The solicitor to your grandfather’s estate has contacted you and asked you to sign documents for you to take possession of it. However, upon arrival at this mansion, Albert Hall, you find yourself the victim of deceit. Now you must save yourself from a ghostly possession while helping your grandfather’s ghost reunite with your grandmother. I found this a nice addition to the game and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. It is a lengthy chapter with five (5) HOP scenes and eleven (11) mini-games.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Domini is best-known for their puzzles; however, there are some creatively designed HOP scenes in this game. There is wide variety of styles. There are lists of items, silhouette scenes, matching scenes, a spot-the-difference scene, and search and replace scenes. However, I had difficulty with one scene in which halves of items must be combined to remove them. I found it difficult trying to rotate the circle and then maneuver the two pieces together to create the item to be removed. Hopefully Domini will not use this format again.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Domini is best-known for their puzzles; however, there are some creatively designed HOP scenes in this game. There is wide variety of styles. There are lists of items, silhouette scenes, matching scenes, a spot-the-difference scene, and search and replace scenes. However, I had difficulty with one scene in which halves of items must be combined to remove them. I found it difficult trying to rotate the circle and then maneuver the two pieces together to create the item to be removed. Hopefully Domini will not use this format again.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-five (35) mini-games, nineteen (19) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Many have the option to be played in easy an easy or hard version. Amazing! There is a Rube-Goldberg puzzle within a maze puzzle. As you traverse a maze, the player must solve several other puzzles. My only complaint are the numerous lock puzzles within this game. To me, entering a numeric combination to a lock is NOT a puzzle.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE PUZZLES FROM THE 35 MINI-GAMES WITHIN THIS GAME
A. Switch Puzzle. Switch springs so that each one is level with each other. The easy version has 6 springs, and the hard version has 8.
B. An Amazing Maze Puzzle. Using a lantern, find a way out of a maze. Along the way, solve these puzzles
(1) Bullseye Puzzle. Break spheres within a revolving circle to defeat a ghost
(2) Sequence Puzzle. Locate magic flowers in sequential order to defeat a ghost
(3) Rotating Rings Puzzle. On a circle, place 6 spheres within 6 skulls sequentially so that with each turn, each skull matches with an empty skull
C. E/H. Connection Puzzle. Connect tokens in one continuous line. The hard version has more tokens to connect.
D. E/H. Assembly Puzzle. On a square mosaic, click on segments to change their color so that no 2 of the same color are next to each other. The hard version has fewer color options
E. Sequence Puzzle. Set 6 valves to move a ball from one end of a pipe to the other without exiting into holes next to each valve.
F. E/H. Assembly Puzzle. Create a solvent by following directions. The hard version has more ingredients to use.
G. Gear Puzzle Place gears into position so they mesh with each other. The easy version has 6 gears, and the hard version has 10
H. E/H. Escape Puzzle. Create a fence around an evildoer by landing on cells to block him in so he cannot escape. The easy version has more natural blockages such as trees.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Connection Puzzle. Connect like-colored gears with chains without crossing other chains. The hard version has one extra pair of gears to be connected.
J. Sequence Puzzle. On a grid, place letters into position by sliding them in the proper sequential order to spell out My Dear Alma. The easy version only has the player spell Alma – the Hard has 3 grids with all three words.
K. Assembly Puzzle. Transfer liquid between flasks using arrows at the side so 11 units is within the flask in the center
L. E/H. Rotating Tiles Puzzle. Rotate colored cameras on a grid so each on is on a square of a matching color. The easy version has 5 cameras, and the hard version has 6
B. An Amazing Maze Puzzle. Using a lantern, find a way out of a maze. Along the way, solve these puzzles
(1) Bullseye Puzzle. Break spheres within a revolving circle to defeat a ghost
(2) Sequence Puzzle. Locate magic flowers in sequential order to defeat a ghost
(3) Rotating Rings Puzzle. On a circle, place 6 spheres within 6 skulls sequentially so that with each turn, each skull matches with an empty skull
C. E/H. Connection Puzzle. Connect tokens in one continuous line. The hard version has more tokens to connect.
D. E/H. Assembly Puzzle. On a square mosaic, click on segments to change their color so that no 2 of the same color are next to each other. The hard version has fewer color options
E. Sequence Puzzle. Set 6 valves to move a ball from one end of a pipe to the other without exiting into holes next to each valve.
F. E/H. Assembly Puzzle. Create a solvent by following directions. The hard version has more ingredients to use.
G. Gear Puzzle Place gears into position so they mesh with each other. The easy version has 6 gears, and the hard version has 10
H. E/H. Escape Puzzle. Create a fence around an evildoer by landing on cells to block him in so he cannot escape. The easy version has more natural blockages such as trees.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Connection Puzzle. Connect like-colored gears with chains without crossing other chains. The hard version has one extra pair of gears to be connected.
J. Sequence Puzzle. On a grid, place letters into position by sliding them in the proper sequential order to spell out My Dear Alma. The easy version only has the player spell Alma – the Hard has 3 grids with all three words.
K. Assembly Puzzle. Transfer liquid between flasks using arrows at the side so 11 units is within the flask in the center
L. E/H. Rotating Tiles Puzzle. Rotate colored cameras on a grid so each on is on a square of a matching color. The easy version has 5 cameras, and the hard version has 6
I recommend this game!
Can you rescue a child with magical powers in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
77 of 153 found this review helpful
A REMASTERED GAMING WORK OF ART
PostedNovember 4, 2021
sunnyglow
fromIf the paintings in this game create worlds, can’t this game do the same? If so, I went over my exercise goal of 10,000 steps today by going up-and-down tower steps and zipping in-and-out of paintings - all without leaving my chair!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Enjoy a wonderful, remastered gem from the past! This game is puzzle lover’s delight, and one which is more of an adventure game than a HOPA game. There are only a few HOP scenes in this game. The game takes the player to a dark, dismal world, one which is devoid of color and light, to save Iris, a little girl, who is the only hope to save this world from evil. The setting is a tower in which Iris is imprisoned. Move through winding staircases and enter the worlds created by Iris’ paintings as you attempt to reach her at the top of this tower. You need to find the source which will save her and the world from an evil king
Since I did not play the original game, I am uncertain what alterations were made to this game. However, I can understand why this game was remastered. It is an artistic masterpiece, and much better than many of the current games being offered. The game is set in the background of a dark fairytale. It is a beautifully illustrated game, somewhat surrealistic with a touch of arte noire. I thought it was spark of genius to have the player enter Iris’ paintings which are vibrant and full of color and light, contrasted that to the drab world of the tower. It is evident a lot of work went into this game, and it appears many scenes were hand-drawn.
The game consists of entering the imaginary worlds created by Iris through her artwork, getting help from her friends within each of these works of art to reach the tower in which she resides. Most of the activities involve art in some way. The collectibles are morphing red scarfs and puzzles pieces which are used to play a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game. As in their other games, the developer provides an indicator on the left side of the screen indicating how many collectibles are within each scene. It also keeps track of how many have been found and how many remain to be located. Unlike other HOPA games, this one has no achievements.
Are there missing jigsaw pieces? I found some of the puzzle pieces extremely difficult to locate. Two I never found and believe they were omitted from the game. I researched the strategy guide for the location but never found them. One is supposedly on a gear system and the other is supposedly located on the side of an elephant. Upon completion of the game, the player can return to the scenes to locate the jigsaw pieces if they are missed while playing the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• There are no achievements.
• Collect 60 jigsaw puzzle pieces (most scenes have 2 per scene)
• Collect 60 morphing red scarfs (most scenes have 2 per scene)
• 7 wallpapers and 7 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 4 HOP scenes and 9 mini-games
• There are no achievements.
• Collect 60 jigsaw puzzle pieces (most scenes have 2 per scene)
• Collect 60 morphing red scarfs (most scenes have 2 per scene)
• 7 wallpapers and 7 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 4 HOP scenes and 9 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. It is the day prior to the beginning of the main game. The Griffin prepares Iris for her future responsibilities as queen by giving her three tests to assess the qualities she must possess. They are solving problems, saving lives, and being wise. Play Iris as you accomplish three (3) sets of tasks to prove your worthiness as a future queen. I found this chapter well-crafted and equal in quality to the main game. However, I do believe this chapter was not part of the main game. The puzzles created are much different. There is only one HOP scene and seven (7) mini-games. Upon completion of the game, the player will discover the character he or she plays in the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are only four (4) HOP scenes within this game. All can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also several mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to be located. There is one within the bonus chapter which I found very confusing. It consists of locating qualities based upon mythical creatures on a tapestry. For me, the qualities to be located did not match up to the mythical creatures to which they were assigned. For example, I don’t understand how the quality of bravery is related to a minotaur.
MINI-GAMES: This is a puzzle-oriented game and there are some challenging puzzles within this game. Luckily, some of the puzzles have two versions in which they can be played – casual or hard. Some of the puzzles have multiple steps or sequential puzzles to solve. There are twenty-five (25) mini-games, only nine (9) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I do wish this developer had included more of the mini-games to be replayed. I do not want to replay the entire game to replay some of the puzzles which I found somewhat difficult. There are several tracing activities (not considered puzzles by this developer) which I found tedious. In one chapter, I became tired of tracing a sun and a moon to change the time of day. I did feel this was excessive.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SAMPLE OF SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Assembly puzzle. Locate pieces of Roman numerals for a clock and then set the time based on clues within the scene.
B. Checkers puzzle. On a grid with one blue token and several red ones, have the tokens jump over each other to remove them leaving only the blue token centered in the middle of the grid.
C. Casual/Hard. Jigsaw puzzle. Place glass shards into the correct position to assemble a broken hourglass. In the hard version, the pieces must be rotated. 2X
D. Mirror puzzle. Rotate mirrors to center a beam on a seed to grow a tree during the day and then repeat to make a flower bloom at night.
E. Sequence puzzle. Move the teeth on two lions by clicking on their whiskers so the upper and lower set of teeth intermesh with each other. This puzzle is somewhat confusing on how to proceed after the player is finished.
F. Casual/Hard. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a dragon by placing pieces into position on a grid. In the hard version, the pieces are clear – no color until they are placed within the scene.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Casual/Hard. Matching. Uncover tokens to reveal pictures to match. The tokens move after each match. The hard version has two more tokens to match.
H. Rope puzzle. Switch knots on a rope so that rope segments do not intersect with each other.
I. Lock puzzle. Set the combination on a cryptex following a given clue.
J. Paint by number (symbol). Paint a picture on a piece of cloth according to a guide which assigns a symbol for each color.
B. Checkers puzzle. On a grid with one blue token and several red ones, have the tokens jump over each other to remove them leaving only the blue token centered in the middle of the grid.
C. Casual/Hard. Jigsaw puzzle. Place glass shards into the correct position to assemble a broken hourglass. In the hard version, the pieces must be rotated. 2X
D. Mirror puzzle. Rotate mirrors to center a beam on a seed to grow a tree during the day and then repeat to make a flower bloom at night.
E. Sequence puzzle. Move the teeth on two lions by clicking on their whiskers so the upper and lower set of teeth intermesh with each other. This puzzle is somewhat confusing on how to proceed after the player is finished.
F. Casual/Hard. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a dragon by placing pieces into position on a grid. In the hard version, the pieces are clear – no color until they are placed within the scene.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Casual/Hard. Matching. Uncover tokens to reveal pictures to match. The tokens move after each match. The hard version has two more tokens to match.
H. Rope puzzle. Switch knots on a rope so that rope segments do not intersect with each other.
I. Lock puzzle. Set the combination on a cryptex following a given clue.
J. Paint by number (symbol). Paint a picture on a piece of cloth according to a guide which assigns a symbol for each color.
I recommend this game!