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:
A small-town murder case hides a revelation that will shake the agency to its core!
Overall rating
5
/
5
153 of 282 found this review helpful
DEATH IS IN THE AIR WHEN A STRANGER COMES TO TOWN
PostedAugust 20, 2020
sunnyglow
fromKudos to our GrandMA for knitting together images from past games into the fabric of this new one – tying them together in a fantastic addition to this series
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: 47 pages (My time: 7.5 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My time: 7.5 hours)
Master Detective! Death is in the air as you travel to Darkmoor to investigate a murder of a young man. Death is spreading throughout this town, searching for more victims. According to a young mysterious psychic, everyone is doomed to die, including you. Who is this young girl, an amnesiac who cannot remember anything about her past? As you investigate, you will see characters and other reminders tied to past cases. Hopefully, Death will not find you before you solve the case.
OPINION: This is a long game and a nice addition to the series. I found it vastly different from the other games within this series. This is an easy-breezy game. The mini-games are less difficult and there are less of them as well. There are also less HOP scenes. The story is a variation of a Celtic legend, providing some surprises as to the culprit. The pace is excellent with plenty of activities to keep a player engaged. The graphics are better than in some of the other games in this series. There are some beautiful scenes within the bonus chapter. However! Beware! Snake alert! There is nasty snake which jumps out at you in one of the scenes!
MECHANICS Collect morphing tarot cards. Also collect jigsaw puzzle pieces to complete a puzzle at the end of the game. The morphing cards are related in some way to past Mystery Case Files games and some of the characters are wearing masks to avoid the corona virus. I found this a humorous touch. There are two tarot cards per scene. I found most easy to locate. I like the sidebar on the left side of the screen which indicates how many collectibles are within a scene and how many are left to locate. There are two gimmicks within the game – a energy anomaly device and an energy cube. A puzzle must be played to use the energy anomaly device.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 54 morphing tarot cards and 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky device to destroy energy-based anomalies
• Gimmicky energy cube which you inherit from Aisling as you play the game
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 54 morphing tarot cards and 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky device to destroy energy-based anomalies
• Gimmicky energy cube which you inherit from Aisling as you play the game
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play a character from the main game (to name it will spoil the story) who must regain her power by engaging in three challenges within the Spirit World. I found this a nice addition to the game and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. There are seven (7) mini-games and three (3) HOP scenes. There is one Rube-Goldberg puzzle in this chapter. The graphics are incredibly beautiful, set in a forest.
HOP SCENES: There are sixteen (16) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. There are various mini-HOP scenes in which the player collects five or six items. I found them well-designed and highly interactive. They include the usual lists of items, silhouette scenes, and storybook scenes. There are also replacement scenes in which items are placed within the scene. There is one which has items located by pattern or from a small segment of the item. My favorite is one with cut out cards which must be placed on items within the scene to remove them.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-six (36) mini-games – thirteen (13) of which can be replayed. There are five (5) Rube-Goldberg puzzles with four (4) or five (5) puzzles each. I found the mini-games excellent. There is a wide range of styles. Most are easy but there are a couple which are somewhat challenging. There is one mini-game which has an easy and hard option. That one is in the demo; however, I wish they developer had included more. There are puzzles which must be played when the Energy Anomaly device is used.
SPOILERS: THESE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sleight of hand. A token is placed under a cup. The cups are then shuffled. Identify the cup which has the token underneath it. 3X. Uses 2, 3 and finally 4 cups
B. Sequence/Connection puzzle. Connect the faces of game characters with like slots. They must be placed sequentially. Rotate 4 cylinders with paths on them to create the connection.
C. Energy Anomaly puzzle. Chain link puzzle. Move 3 chains with 5 items each to their appropriate slots on a grid.
D. Domino puzzle. A variation. Rotate crocheted pieces with four flowers on them so flowers of the same color are next to each other.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch strings of colored beads so they match a given diagram
F. Physics puzzle. Place mirrors into a grid filled with Celtic bonfires so all are lit.
G. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
1. Block puzzle. Move lines back and forth between 5 rows to move two girls’ heads so they fall and land on their shoulders
2. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes by moving the pieces around a circular frame
3. Picture puzzle. Maneuver 4 pieces of an image to reassemble the image on the other side of the grid.
4. Maze puzzle. Rotate parts of a grid to get a ball into a hole. Buttons along the sides and bottom manipulate the scene
H. Riddles. Locate items within a scene which answer given riddles
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Connect the Dots. Using a knife – connect all dots without retracing steps.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces to restore an image of an Yggdrasil
B. Sequence/Connection puzzle. Connect the faces of game characters with like slots. They must be placed sequentially. Rotate 4 cylinders with paths on them to create the connection.
C. Energy Anomaly puzzle. Chain link puzzle. Move 3 chains with 5 items each to their appropriate slots on a grid.
D. Domino puzzle. A variation. Rotate crocheted pieces with four flowers on them so flowers of the same color are next to each other.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch strings of colored beads so they match a given diagram
F. Physics puzzle. Place mirrors into a grid filled with Celtic bonfires so all are lit.
G. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
1. Block puzzle. Move lines back and forth between 5 rows to move two girls’ heads so they fall and land on their shoulders
2. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes by moving the pieces around a circular frame
3. Picture puzzle. Maneuver 4 pieces of an image to reassemble the image on the other side of the grid.
4. Maze puzzle. Rotate parts of a grid to get a ball into a hole. Buttons along the sides and bottom manipulate the scene
H. Riddles. Locate items within a scene which answer given riddles
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Connect the Dots. Using a knife – connect all dots without retracing steps.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces to restore an image of an Yggdrasil
I recommend this game!
A geological adventure into a secret world inside our planet!
Overall rating
5
/
5
180 of 276 found this review helpful
GO UNDERGROUND TO UNCOVER A NEW WORLD OF ADVENTURE
PostedAugust 13, 2020
sunnyglow
fromAfter this playing this game, I am going to purchase all my souvenirs at tourist traps! Better than being a tourist trapped by a souvenir!
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: 50 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
As Simon, you are off on your dream vacation with your friend, Olivia. However, this dream will soon become a nightmare when you are hurled underground, to a land which houses three (3) worlds. When Olivia becomes possessed by the power of a crystal from this underground world, her monstrous presence must be dealt with. Battle her possession before a prophesized war erupts between humans from the outer world with the inhabitants of the inner world.
OPINION: This is yet another creatively designed adventure by Domini Games. This is the first game in this series by this developer. It is a matter of personal preference, but I like this developer’s approach to this series better than that of the previous one. It is a fast paced with plenty of activities. This developer always provides more game for the money with more collectibles, HOP scenes, and puzzles than other developers. For me, their games are in a league of their own – pure artistry in gaming. The graphics include their signature neon green and vivid purple, tastefully incorporated into their scenes. There are some incredibly beautiful underwater scenes in the bonus chapter. In my opinion they are truly becoming the top “gamemeister” for Big Fish Games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 15 collectibles for a backpack and 15 morphing birds,
• Collect 70 coins to purchase items for a garden
• 19 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 33 Scenes, 29 mini-games, 18 HOP scenes
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 15 collectibles for a backpack and 15 morphing birds,
• Collect 70 coins to purchase items for a garden
• 19 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 33 Scenes, 29 mini-games, 18 HOP scenes
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Learn the story of Etien from the main game and how he arrived in the world of the Underground. Help him locate a manuscript from a ship for Gibson Vermi, a misguided man with hidden intentions in his quest to find an important relic from the Underground world. I found this a nice addition to the game, making it worthy of the designation of a collector’s edition. There are nine (9) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. I found it equal in quality to the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Although Domini is better known for their puzzles, I find their HOP scenes better than those from most developers. They offer a variety of creatively designed ones. They include the standard lists of items, silhouette, and storybook scenes; however, there are some creative touches incorporated into them. My favorite is the slider silhouette scene in which the player moves sliders at the top and side of the scene to match the silhouette of the item with the item itself before removing it. There is also a scene with rebus clues and two spot-the difference scenes. A Match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: This is a puzzle-lovers delight! There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games, most of which can be played in either a hard or easy mode. This provides a nice game for those who want an easy play, however, it also provides some challenge for those who want that element in their games. Eighteen (18) of the mini-games can be replayed at the end of the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Enter 5 numbers so that no column, row nor connected string has duplicates of the same number
B. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens embedded with musical notes so that all the musical notes symbols surrounding them light up Easy version has less note tokens to switch.
C. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch colored gears within 5 like-colored circles so all mesh. Gears will light up when placed correctly. Easy version has less gears to place.
D. E/H. Queen’s 8 puzzle. In this case, place 5 falcon heads on a board so that none are in alignment with each other either by row, column or diagonally. 3 are already placed. Easy version has only 3 tokens to place
BONUS CHAPTER
E. E/H. Dot-to-Dot puzzle. Recreate a given image by connecting the dots. The easy version has less dots.
F. E/H. Map puzzle. Navigate a submarine through water in the dark avoiding mines and bubbles. You get only 3 lives to do this. In the easy mode there are no lives lost - just avoid bubbles
G. E/H. Map puzzle. Navigate to an exit by moving on a path with squares. Choose to go either 4, 5, 6, 9 or 11 spaces.
H. E/H. Block puzzle. In this case, move cannons blocking the path for a crate to move from one end to the other.
I. Rope puzzle. Maneuver rope so that is covers all dots on a grid without crossing lines.
B. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens embedded with musical notes so that all the musical notes symbols surrounding them light up Easy version has less note tokens to switch.
C. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch colored gears within 5 like-colored circles so all mesh. Gears will light up when placed correctly. Easy version has less gears to place.
D. E/H. Queen’s 8 puzzle. In this case, place 5 falcon heads on a board so that none are in alignment with each other either by row, column or diagonally. 3 are already placed. Easy version has only 3 tokens to place
BONUS CHAPTER
E. E/H. Dot-to-Dot puzzle. Recreate a given image by connecting the dots. The easy version has less dots.
F. E/H. Map puzzle. Navigate a submarine through water in the dark avoiding mines and bubbles. You get only 3 lives to do this. In the easy mode there are no lives lost - just avoid bubbles
G. E/H. Map puzzle. Navigate to an exit by moving on a path with squares. Choose to go either 4, 5, 6, 9 or 11 spaces.
H. E/H. Block puzzle. In this case, move cannons blocking the path for a crate to move from one end to the other.
I. Rope puzzle. Maneuver rope so that is covers all dots on a grid without crossing lines.
I recommend this game!
Can you save an old friend from a deadly legend in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
95 of 168 found this review helpful
DON’T ASK FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS IN THIS TOWN
PostedAugust 6, 2020
sunnyglow
fromAttention evildoers! Tired of the same black hooded robe you wear in every game? Want something with the latest technological advances to help you escape from nosy detectives and irate townsfolk? Check out the iridescent invisible robe from this game!
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: 39 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages
You are off with Detective Dupin to the town of Morden to investigate the disappearance of your friend, Constable Simon Loyalle. Something is amiss in this town. An old curse appears to have been resurrected! A bell tolls thirteen (13) times at midnight, with a person dying after the tolling ceases. A mysterious cloaked phantom figure is seen while the bell is pealing, disappearing in front of those who spot him. Can a ghost be responsible for these deaths? Does the blame rest with two siblings who are illusionists, or is there someone or something else behind these deaths?
OPINION: Ring-a-ding-ding! What a fantastic game! I found this game a vast improvement from recent ones in this series. A lot of work went into the game and it shows. The story is superb with a few surprises along with way. Amax Interactive has returned to producing a quality game and this one is a perfect example of that excellence. The game has a good pace and is filled with a lot of activities. The graphics are beautiful as always with this developer’s games. Unfortunately, I do not feel the demo does this game justice. The game is better after the demo.
One of the elements I enjoyed about this game is the puzzle-like nature of some of the activities within some scenes. There are several instances in which the player interacts with the scene searching for items by trial and error which are then returned and used within the scene. This interactive process continues until a final inventory item is located. I found this a nice touch. Another puzzle-like element consists of choosing from a series of actions which are to be performed in a certain sequence such as opening a door to a house or punching out an evildoer.
There are two collectibles, morphing jigsaw puzzle pieces and cards. The puzzle pieces are used to create a jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game. I found both collectibles easy to locate. If did feel the jigsaw pieces were too large. They practically jump out at you from the screen. This is probably the only complaint I have about this game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 12 achievements.
• Collect 60 jigsaw pieces and 12 morphing objects
• 7 wallpapers, 8 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 18 Mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 12 achievements.
• Collect 60 jigsaw pieces and 12 morphing objects
• 7 wallpapers, 8 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 18 Mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: Play George Wheeler, the illusionist, as a child. Along with your sister, Anna, save your mother from being imprisoned for fraud. Your father left a will naming your mother along with you and your sister as heirs to the Wheeler Theater of Illusions. However, a banker has accused your mother of fraud and claims the theater as his own. Find documentation to prove your lawful inheritance. I found the chapter a nice addition to the game. There are eight (8) puzzles and three (3) HOP scenes with three (3) mini-HOP scenes. This chapter has one puzzle which can be played in either a hard or casual mode and a very creatively designed 3-part Rube-Goldberg escape puzzle. This chapter is worth the extra price of a collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are few HOP scenes in this game. I counted only sixteen (16) HOP scenes in the entire game. All can be replayed at the end of the game. There are ten (10) mini-HOP scenes in which the player locates six (6) to eight (8) items. Some are extremely interactive. Most are lists of items but there are some matching and one silhouette scene.There are also several storybook scenes to provide background information about the story behind the game.
MINI-GAMES: There are forty-one (41) mini-games within this game. Only eighteen (18) can be replayed. They vary in style and difficulty. Most of the puzzles I found easy or of average difficulty. I found most them creatively designed. My favorite was a Rube-Goldberg escape puzzle in which the player escapes prison by playing three (3) life or death puzzles. There are some puzzles within the HOP scenes which I found a creative touch. My only complaint is that I do wish more of the mini-games could be replayed.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch 9 stamps so that no two are in the same row or column
B. Ride that horse! Ride a horse down a trail using arrows to avoid obstacles, including snakes, along the pathway
C. Removing bars puzzle. Create a path for a skeleton to reach its destination by rotating bars to create the path.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch books on two shelves so each book is situated in the proper location based upon clues surrounding them
E. Switch puzzle. Switch statues so that each one is in the proper position according to clues along the sides of the shelves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. On a frame for a net, connect each of two nodes around the net with yarn so that all intersect at the same place within the middle of the frame.
G. Rube-Goldberg Escape puzzle. (1) Run through swinging axes (2) Choose the proper squares to step on to avoid spikes (3) Run through swinging sabers without getting killed.
B. Ride that horse! Ride a horse down a trail using arrows to avoid obstacles, including snakes, along the pathway
C. Removing bars puzzle. Create a path for a skeleton to reach its destination by rotating bars to create the path.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch books on two shelves so each book is situated in the proper location based upon clues surrounding them
E. Switch puzzle. Switch statues so that each one is in the proper position according to clues along the sides of the shelves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. On a frame for a net, connect each of two nodes around the net with yarn so that all intersect at the same place within the middle of the frame.
G. Rube-Goldberg Escape puzzle. (1) Run through swinging axes (2) Choose the proper squares to step on to avoid spikes (3) Run through swinging sabers without getting killed.
I recommend this game!
Someone in Fairy Tale Land is selling wishes, but at what cost?
Overall rating
5
/
5
154 of 272 found this review helpful
A GAME TO FULFILL ALL YOUR WISHES
PostedJuly 23, 2020
sunnyglow
fromThis game proves the saying: When you wish upon a star - you might be happier the way you are
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
8 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
8 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: Be careful what you wish for! You may get more than you bargained for in this game. Buyer beware! In this game deal with the Seller, a misguided evildoer who grants wishes; however, not in the way the buyer expects. Play Fairy Godmother in her quest to stop the havoc caused by this evildoer out for revenge.
This game fulfilled my wishes. Again, Domini Games has delivered an outstanding game! The story behind the game is well-written, incorporating characters from well-known fairy tales such as the Seven Dwarfs, Rapunzel, and the Snow Queen. The bonus chapter includes revamped characters from the “Wizard of Oz.” The game is not as lengthy as previous games; however, to me, it is a quality game packed with extras no other developers provide in their games. I found the graphics decent with the developer’s signature neon green and vivid purple splashed throughout the scenes. I found it an easy and smooth play. It is a fast-paced game chock full of activities.
There are one to two collectibles in every scene. They include morphing fairy tale objects and shards - one for each character within the game. Collect coins to purchase items for your own sales suitcase. Returning is the indicator bar to indicate if there is a collectible within the scene. I like this feature and wish more developers had this feature within their games. There is a gimmicky magic wand which is used throughout the game. It is charged with energy spheres collected while searching the scenes for inventory items. I hate gimmicks within games; however, although I feel the game would have been better without the wand, it is a logical addition to the game.
MECHANICS:
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 shards, each one representing a character within the game
• Collect 15 morphing fairy tale objects
• Collect 70 coins to purchase items for a suitcase.
• 18 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Magic wand to transform items. The wand lights up when needed
• Replay 16 minigames and 17 HOP scenes
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 shards, each one representing a character within the game
• Collect 15 morphing fairy tale objects
• Collect 70 coins to purchase items for a suitcase.
• 18 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Magic wand to transform items. The wand lights up when needed
• Replay 16 minigames and 17 HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: Go back in time to Fairy Godmother’s first case, right after graduation from the Godmother Academy. Learn how she met Goodwin, her lifelong sidekick in detective work. Dark magic has infiltrated Talesville, perpetrated by an evil witch, Odette. Odette was vanquished, but has resurfaced with her guards, the Fire Lion, the Hideous Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodcutter. Now you, as Fairy Godmother, must battle Odette and destroy her guards. I found this a nice addition to the game and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. There are six (6) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. I found the HOP scenes more creatively designed than in the main chapter. There is a beautiful scene set in a birdhouse with colorful birds. There is another clever one in which a vending machine item is chosen based on two items within the product.
HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes in the game. All can be replayed at the end of the game. They are somewhat interactive. I enjoyed them but found them not as creatively designed as in previous games. They include lists of items, silhouette, spot-the-differences, and matching. There is one scene with rebus clues, another with searching by pattern or design, and one storybook scene with highlighted items to be found in a descriptive narrative.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Except for two mini-games in the bonus chapter, all can be played in either an easy or hard mode. This makes the game appealing to those who want an easy, breezy game as well as those who want a little more challenge within a game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy, H=Hard)
A. E/H Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate lines on a diamond shaped grid so they recreate a given pattern. Harder puzzle has more lines to rotate and maneuver
B. E/H Mathematical puzzle. Using darts, hit numbers on a dartboard which total equal 105 in the hard version – 95 in the easy version.
C. E/H. Picture puzzle. Place puzzle fragments into position to create a train track. Easy version has less pieces
D. E/H Connection puzzle. Place tiles with lines upon them so they connect and reach the top left of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. E/H Assembly puzzle. Connect a wire between two tiles which, when combined, produce one of the six images at the bottom of the screen. The easy version has only 4 images to create
F. E/H Shooter puzzle. Shoot colored balls into their appropriate holes by rotating the shooter to face the proper hole. Hard has more balls to get into holes
G. Maze puzzle. Choose the right road, at the right time, to get a bull to a farm while keeping him from seeing red flags along the way.
A. E/H Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate lines on a diamond shaped grid so they recreate a given pattern. Harder puzzle has more lines to rotate and maneuver
B. E/H Mathematical puzzle. Using darts, hit numbers on a dartboard which total equal 105 in the hard version – 95 in the easy version.
C. E/H. Picture puzzle. Place puzzle fragments into position to create a train track. Easy version has less pieces
D. E/H Connection puzzle. Place tiles with lines upon them so they connect and reach the top left of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. E/H Assembly puzzle. Connect a wire between two tiles which, when combined, produce one of the six images at the bottom of the screen. The easy version has only 4 images to create
F. E/H Shooter puzzle. Shoot colored balls into their appropriate holes by rotating the shooter to face the proper hole. Hard has more balls to get into holes
G. Maze puzzle. Choose the right road, at the right time, to get a bull to a farm while keeping him from seeing red flags along the way.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your friends save all the worlds in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
116 of 210 found this review helpful
THE DREAM MACHINE HAS PRODUCED MY OWN NIGHTMARE – PLAYING THIS GAME
PostedJuly 16, 2020
sunnyglow
fromFree at last! I have just escaped the Dream Machine, having ended my own nightmare of playing this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages (My Time: An agonizing 6 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages (My Time: An agonizing 6 hours)
When fellow Watcher, Estelle, contacts you as her astral self, you are off to save the real world from the evildoer, Dr. Blackmore. He is holding captive Dupin, along with the other fellow Watchers, the Cardinal and The Puppet Master. He has enslaved them along with others with his Dream Machine. This device transforms anyone exposed to it into zombie slaves with piercing blue eyes. You are the last Watcher Blackmore has not zombified. Only you alone can you save the world and your fellow Watchers.
OPINION: I bought this game and then regretted it. This is one of the most boring games I have played this year. This game does not possess the same quality as other games from this developer. After playing the bonus chapter, I felt as if I had been exposed to the Dream Machine myself - brain dead and zombified! I found the story very strange with a lack of clarity of its intent. There are dangling characters. St. Germaine appears in the beginning and seems to be behind some of the chicanery. However, he disappears, never to be seen again after the first chapter. What happened to him? The demo is excellent; however, for me, the game falls apart afterward.
One thing I enjoy about AMAX games are the beautiful graphics. However, I did not find the scenes to be of the same quality as those from previous games. There are only 14 collectibles within the entire game, including the bonus chapter. Not all the scenes have a collectible within them. They are crystals which contain stories from the Keeper of Untold Stories which can be read at the end of the game. I found it frustrating that some of the crystals listed in the strategy guide were not even in the scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: What waste of space – and time! It appears as if this chapter was just tacked on as filler. For me this was the worst part of the game and not worthy of a collector’s edition. It is another story, happening within the same time as the main game. Play Estelle who, in her astral form, has been asked by Dupin to locate parts of the astral key. This key is used to help the Watchers get to the evildoer, Dr. Blackmore. In this game the player receives four (4) powers which must be powered up by playing a HOP scene. Unfortunately, there are seven (7) of these cookie cutter variations of each other. within the chapter. I found them tedious after playing a couple of them. There are six (6) additional HOP scenes as well. There are six (6) mini-games
.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-four (24) HOP scenes (from what I counted) and a myriad of mini-HOP scenes in which the player searches for six (6) to eight (8) items. Twelve (12) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette. They are very interactive. Also included are one storybook scene with items in highlighted letters plus a few matching scenes and one search–and-replace scene.
BONUS CHAPTER: What waste of space – and time! It appears as if this chapter was just tacked on as filler. For me this was the worst part of the game and not worthy of a collector’s edition. It is another story, happening within the same time as the main game. Play Estelle who, in her astral form, has been asked by Dupin to locate parts of the astral key. This key is used to help the Watchers get to the evildoer, Dr. Blackmore. In this game the player receives four (4) powers which must be powered up by playing a HOP scene. Unfortunately, there are seven (7) of these cookie cutter variations of each other. within the chapter. I found them tedious after playing a couple of them. There are six (6) additional HOP scenes as well. There are six (6) mini-games
.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-four (24) HOP scenes (from what I counted) and a myriad of mini-HOP scenes in which the player searches for six (6) to eight (8) items. Twelve (12) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette. They are very interactive. Also included are one storybook scene with items in highlighted letters plus a few matching scenes and one search–and-replace scene.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-eight (38) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. There is one Rube-Goldberg puzzle in the demo. They vary in style. I found the mini-games the best part of the game. There are a few creatively designed puzzles; nevertheless, not even these could not save this game. There are quite a few picture puzzles and the Rube-Goldberg puzzles contains three of them in a row. There is a creatively designed maze puzzle. There is also a cleverly designed sequence puzzle which features Geisha girls on a chess board.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Using a dial which moves a bar 3 spaces clockwise or 3 spaces counterclockwise, move glass shards so each colored shard matches that on the star it is next to.
B. Block puzzle. Move blocks to release 4 deadbolts
C. Sequence puzzle. Choose geishas in proper sequence on a board according to statements made about them. Awesome puzzle
D. Sequence puzzle. Move 8 dragon chains so they are situated in the saw row as their image on the left side of a grid. Moving one dragon chain affects the others.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch hexagonal pieces to restore an image
F. Maze puzzle. Move the game characters through the maze to open doors and release a doctor. Pick up items to help in the rescue. Awesome puzzle.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Moving tiles puzzle. Move blue and green colored marbles on a round grid so all the same colored marbles are grouped together.
H. Moving tiles puzzle. Move colored gears along lines so each ends up next to the same colored one on the left.
B. Block puzzle. Move blocks to release 4 deadbolts
C. Sequence puzzle. Choose geishas in proper sequence on a board according to statements made about them. Awesome puzzle
D. Sequence puzzle. Move 8 dragon chains so they are situated in the saw row as their image on the left side of a grid. Moving one dragon chain affects the others.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch hexagonal pieces to restore an image
F. Maze puzzle. Move the game characters through the maze to open doors and release a doctor. Pick up items to help in the rescue. Awesome puzzle.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Moving tiles puzzle. Move blue and green colored marbles on a round grid so all the same colored marbles are grouped together.
H. Moving tiles puzzle. Move colored gears along lines so each ends up next to the same colored one on the left.
I don't recommend this game.
Explore a fascinating world, save a werewolf and defeat cruel witches in this amazing hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
65 of 137 found this review helpful
ENJOY AN EPIC JOURNEY IN ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedJuly 11, 2020
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Five-BN for a game which is a fantastic start to a wonderful new series!
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: 8 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My Time: 8 Hours)
Be prepared to battle a band of witches in this new series by Five-BN. Play Lucia, a young girl in search of her older brother, Ulf, kidnapped by this witchly crew for his special energy. Your family is from a long line of werewolves and your energy is special, needed by the witches for a special ritual. Travel through various locations and scenes, (including a ride on the back of a large tortoise to cross a river), to save your brother, getting some help from magical beings along the way.
This is a fantastic game not to be missed! It is a long game; however, for me, the time passed quickly playing it. It is fast-paced with plenty of activities throughout. The graphics are amazing! It is puzzle laden with over twice the number of puzzles in relation to the HOP scenes! I found this game better constructed than previous ones from this developer. Be warned! There is no hand holding in this game. You will need to write down or memorize codes which are used with puzzles throughout the game.
This is a dream game for those who love searching for collectibles. There are seventy (70) within the entire game. They include morphing objects, along with figurines, goblets, tarot cards, and goblets. The goblets are collected in the bonus chapter. You will earn extra puzzle games in the bonus section if you collect all the collectibles. Most scenes have two or three collectibles in the main game and I found most easy to locate.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 8 medallions, 8 figurines, 7 flowers, 7 tarot cards, and 10 manuscripts
• Collect 30 morphing objects.
• Collect 13 goblets in the bonus chapter.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 14 mini-games
• Bonus game is a strategy game in which colored gems are moved so each one is situated next to a like gem. (20 plays)
• Play 5 jigsaw puzzles if you collect all the various types of collectibles
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 8 medallions, 8 figurines, 7 flowers, 7 tarot cards, and 10 manuscripts
• Collect 30 morphing objects.
• Collect 13 goblets in the bonus chapter.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 14 mini-games
• Bonus game is a strategy game in which colored gems are moved so each one is situated next to a like gem. (20 plays)
• Play 5 jigsaw puzzles if you collect all the various types of collectibles
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a side story happening at the same time as the story from the main chapter. Play a young orphaned boy who was released from a cage by Lucia in the main game. This young boy wants revenge against the witches who killed his parents. Help him earn membership into the Resistance by rescuing a member from the Witches Prison. This is a long chapter and a wonderful addition to the main game. There are twelve (12) mini-games and three (3) HOP scenes. Collect 13 goblets within the chapter. They are easy to locate within each scene.
MINI-GAMES: This game is a puzzle-lover’s delight. There are forty-nine (49) mini-games, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed. They vary in style, but I found most of the puzzles easy with a few of middle difficulty. There are puzzles within most of the HOP scenes and I found that a nice touch.
HOP SCENES: There are only fifteen (15) HOP scenes within the game. However, the scenes are puzzle-like. They are either lists of items or silhouette scenes. They are highly interactive. Most have one or two mini-games within them. Most require searching for items which are then returned to the scene to be used or combined with other items. I love this type of scene.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE 40 MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tokens - 3 each from 3 of the animal kingdoms and place them according to their habitat – ocean, earth, or sky
B. Logic puzzle. Paint the petals of a rose with 4 different colored paints so each petal does not adjoin a petal of the same color.
C. Variation of a block puzzle. Move blocks within a grid to create a path for a token to move from left to right to its designated location.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect 2 like-colored gears with chains without crossing lines with other paired gears.
E. Connect-the-Dots puzzle. Connect dots as you move a token from left to right end of a grid passing through all dots once.
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to create a path to lead a ladder to an exit on the right
G. Sequence puzzle. Scale a cliff choosing the proper places to move to without falling. If you fall, you start over. Find the right sequence of rocks to climb to get to the top
BONUS CHAPTER
H. Physics puzzle. Place barriers on a racetrack as you run a race in which all 4 horses arrive at the finish line at the same time.
I. Gear puzzle. Place gears into position so they interconnect and mesh with each other.
J. Maze puzzle. Get through the underground maze of a city as based on a given map.
K. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Connect the dots. Connect all stones in a continuous line on a grid
(2) Assembly puzzle. Move tokens with lines emanating from them to create a design as per a given diagram
(3) Rotating disks puzzle. Rotate disks to restore an image.
B. Logic puzzle. Paint the petals of a rose with 4 different colored paints so each petal does not adjoin a petal of the same color.
C. Variation of a block puzzle. Move blocks within a grid to create a path for a token to move from left to right to its designated location.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect 2 like-colored gears with chains without crossing lines with other paired gears.
E. Connect-the-Dots puzzle. Connect dots as you move a token from left to right end of a grid passing through all dots once.
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to create a path to lead a ladder to an exit on the right
G. Sequence puzzle. Scale a cliff choosing the proper places to move to without falling. If you fall, you start over. Find the right sequence of rocks to climb to get to the top
BONUS CHAPTER
H. Physics puzzle. Place barriers on a racetrack as you run a race in which all 4 horses arrive at the finish line at the same time.
I. Gear puzzle. Place gears into position so they interconnect and mesh with each other.
J. Maze puzzle. Get through the underground maze of a city as based on a given map.
K. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Connect the dots. Connect all stones in a continuous line on a grid
(2) Assembly puzzle. Move tokens with lines emanating from them to create a design as per a given diagram
(3) Rotating disks puzzle. Rotate disks to restore an image.
I recommend this game!
Help stop a killer and keep an important scientific discovery from falling into the wrong hands!
Overall rating
5
/
5
83 of 165 found this review helpful
A SCI-FI GAME WHICH IS A MIND-ALTERING EXPERIENCE
PostedJuly 9, 2020
sunnyglow
fromDoes not taking control of your mind and impulses supposed to make you less of a monster to deal with? Well not in this game!
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
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
Enjoy a sci-fi thriller as you, Nancy Bradford, a behavioral psychologist, continue your parents’ research into the realm of MK Ultra, mind control. After accepting a grant from Neurotech Corporation, find yourself working with the C.I.A. to stop this company from using its research on humans for nefarious purposes. While on a fast-paced adventure, learn more about your parents, how they died, and battle several evildoers throughout the game, thwarting their efforts to destroy the world!
OPINION: I found this a fast-paced, enjoyable game. The story behind the game is excellent with a well-written gaming script. It is somewhat thought provoking, delving into some of the consequences of mind control and altered states. It is a puzzle-lover’s delight, chock full of various types of mini-games. There are over twice as many puzzles as HOP scenes. For me, this was a pure delight to play! This game is another wonderful masterpiece by this developer. This developer does not produce many games, but the ones it produces are exquisite!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 14 figurines and 15 morphing puzzles pieces
• 16 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 8 HOP scenes and 8 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 14 figurines and 15 morphing puzzles pieces
• 16 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 8 HOP scenes and 8 mini-games
There are two collectibles, famous scientists, and morphing puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces are used to play a jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game. However, the puzzle is easy; the pieces jump into place just by clicking on them. There is no work involved in solving this jigsaw puzzle. Where are these collectibles and the jigsaw puzzle located? Somewhat bizarre, they are found in the Achievement section of the menu.
BONUS CHAPTER It is a sequel. It is two weeks after the end of the main game. As Nancy Bradford, try to find an antidote to the mind control serum given to a family member. Return to the research center to see if you can locate this serum. I found the chapter a nice sequel to the main game. Nevertheless, I did feel this chapter was somewhat slower paced than the main game. There are no collectibles within this chapter. There are four (4) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, eight (8) of which can be replayed. Most of the HOP scenes are either a list of items or silhouette scenes. There are a few storybook scenes in which items are found within a text, furthering the story behind the game. Nevertheless, they are creatively designed and interactive. Many of the scenes have morphing objects within them. There is also a game of Monaco which can be played instead of the scenes. It is a variation of a matching game in which two adjacent matching items (in any direction) are removed.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, eight (8) of which can be replayed. Most of the HOP scenes are either a list of items or silhouette scenes. There are a few storybook scenes in which items are found within a text, furthering the story behind the game. Nevertheless, they are creatively designed and interactive. Many of the scenes have morphing objects within them. There is also a game of Monaco which can be played instead of the scenes. It is a variation of a matching game in which two adjacent matching items (in any direction) are removed.
MINI-GAMES: There are forty-one (41) mini-games, only eight (8) of which can be replayed! I found most of them easy. There are only a few which I would categorize as of middle difficulty. There are a couple of multiple-step ones as well. I loved the nonogram puzzle. This is one puzzle I wish more developers would incorporate into their games. There is also an incredibly beautiful puzzle involving butterflies imprinted on a stained-glass window. My only complaint is that I wish more of the mini-games could be replayed at the end of the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sequence puzzle. Press red buttons on a 4 x 3 grid until all buttons turn green. Pressing on a button either lights up or shuts off the others next to it.
B. Mathematical puzzle. Switch numbered fuses on a board so that the sum of two which are connected equals the number situated between them.
C. Sequence puzzle. Choose safe spots on a cliff to ascend it without falling.
D. Spot-the-differences puzzle. Find differences between two pictures
E. Nonogram puzzle. Create a picture by filling in squares based on numbers and spacing at the top and left side of the graph.
F. An incredibly beautiful counting puzzle. Use 5 knobs to display the number of butterflies on a stained-glass window.
G. Connection puzzle. Click on pipes between nodes on a circular grid until a number produced on the nodes between connecting pipes is equal to the number of connections for each node.
H. Sequence puzzle. Repeat the punching fist sequence by an evildoer.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Matching puzzle. Match up tokens displayed on a heart according to their association with each other.
J. Maze puzzle. Move 4 boxes using a forklift to spots within the middle of a grid
K. Search and Replace puzzle. Locate missing objects within a scene placing them where they belong
B. Mathematical puzzle. Switch numbered fuses on a board so that the sum of two which are connected equals the number situated between them.
C. Sequence puzzle. Choose safe spots on a cliff to ascend it without falling.
D. Spot-the-differences puzzle. Find differences between two pictures
E. Nonogram puzzle. Create a picture by filling in squares based on numbers and spacing at the top and left side of the graph.
F. An incredibly beautiful counting puzzle. Use 5 knobs to display the number of butterflies on a stained-glass window.
G. Connection puzzle. Click on pipes between nodes on a circular grid until a number produced on the nodes between connecting pipes is equal to the number of connections for each node.
H. Sequence puzzle. Repeat the punching fist sequence by an evildoer.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Matching puzzle. Match up tokens displayed on a heart according to their association with each other.
J. Maze puzzle. Move 4 boxes using a forklift to spots within the middle of a grid
K. Search and Replace puzzle. Locate missing objects within a scene placing them where they belong
I recommend this game!
An expedition to an Aztec temple awakens a true force of nature!
Overall rating
5
/
5
118 of 220 found this review helpful
ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE INTO THE RAINFOREST – ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedJune 25, 2020
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Domini Games for a well-crafted adventure into the heart of Mexico
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: 51 pages (My time: 9 Hours)
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages (My time: 9 Hours)
OVERVIEW: Journey to the land of the Aztecs in a stunningly beautiful game! For me, this is one of the best games to date from Domini Games. It is a long game set against the lush graphics of the rain forest. Domini provides more game for the money and this one is no exception. It is less historic than previous games in this series from another developer. It captures the essence of the Aztec culture; however, it contains more fantasy than facts. For me, it was more of an adventure into fantasy than a historical journey into the past. The creative design, the fast pace, the excellent storyline, along with a plethora of activities make this game an epic adventure. A lot of creativity and hard work went into designing this game – and it shows.
STORY: As a newbie H.E.L.P. employee, a linguist specializing in the Aztec language, you are off to Teotihuacan to translate hieroglyphics on the Sun Pyramid. Find yourself engulfed in an adventure when the spirit and power of Coatlicue inhabit the body of the expedition’s leader, Vincent Alvarez. Under this influence, he ventures off on a quest to locate the Moon Sphere which will give him unlimited power. Stop this crazed ecological zealot before he causes havoc for the entire world.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 20 calendar days and 15 Aztec souvenirs
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
•Replay 18 HOP scenes and 23 Mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 20 calendar days and 15 Aztec souvenirs
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
•Replay 18 HOP scenes and 23 Mini-games
There are only two collectibles - souvenirs and Aztec calendar days. I found most of these items well-hidden within the scenes. Most scenes only have one collectible, and some do not have any at all. For me, the graphics are better than in other games from this developer. There is less of the neon green and bright purple usually associated with their games. For me, that is a good thing. And as for the soundtrack - for once, I enjoyed the background music in a game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Vincent Alvarez, the head of the expedition in the main game. After his plane crashes in the rain forest, he is off to investigate a criminal organization, Relic Sales Agency, who pose as H.E.L.P. agents to steal ancient artifacts from the native tribes. Stop this organization from stealing the Vase of Wind from a local tribe, the Wind Talkers. This is a long chapter. I felt the story was action-packed and a chapter which made this game worthy of a collector’s edition. The quality of this chapter is equal to that of the main game. There are nine (9) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. There are some breathtakingly beautiful HOP scenes in this game, displaying all the lushness of the rain forest. They vary in style. A Match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes; however, the scenes are so creatively designed, some you may not want to miss. They include the usual lists of items and silhouette. However, there are matching, storybook scenes searching for highlighted items, replacement of items within a scene and spot the difference scenes. My favorite was a gorgeous scene with a search for flowers within a jungle setting.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-six (36) mini-games. Twenty-three (23) can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are two Rube-Goldberg puzzles within this game. Most of the puzzles have an option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy, H=Hard)
A. E/H Physics puzzle. Place angular pieces into a grid to lead colored balls to their appropriate colored slots at the bottom. Angle them on pegs so they create a path to each slot. Hard version has more balls to place into slots.
B. Rube Goldberg Puzzle:
1. Bulls eye. Transfer a beam of light from one satellite to another until it reaches its destination.
2. Connection puzzle. Connects all dots on a grid without connecting the same dot twice.
3. Connection puzzle. On a grid of balls, find 5 patterns and trace them on the balls. All balls must be connected in some type of pattern. There are 2 of each pattern of balls.
C. E/H Mathematical puzzle. Switch paddles with numbers on them so the two added together equal the number on each chair. Each person in a chair has two paddles with different numbers. Hard version has one more equation to solve.
D. E/H Matching puzzle. Click on parts of a lock (tumblers) changing the design so they match with a given key. Hard version has one more tumbler to match up
E. E/H Physics puzzle. Lead all gems to Coatlicue in the center of a grid- all at the same time. Place blocks on the grid to control the speed. Easier version has less gems to move toward the center
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect blue dots on a fuse without retracing steps.
G. E/H Place shells on stones within a creek so their circles overlap each other.
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate round tiles to restore an image
I. E/H Maze puzzle. Move a chip through a maze in a specific number of moves. Easier version gives you more moves
B. Rube Goldberg Puzzle:
1. Bulls eye. Transfer a beam of light from one satellite to another until it reaches its destination.
2. Connection puzzle. Connects all dots on a grid without connecting the same dot twice.
3. Connection puzzle. On a grid of balls, find 5 patterns and trace them on the balls. All balls must be connected in some type of pattern. There are 2 of each pattern of balls.
C. E/H Mathematical puzzle. Switch paddles with numbers on them so the two added together equal the number on each chair. Each person in a chair has two paddles with different numbers. Hard version has one more equation to solve.
D. E/H Matching puzzle. Click on parts of a lock (tumblers) changing the design so they match with a given key. Hard version has one more tumbler to match up
E. E/H Physics puzzle. Lead all gems to Coatlicue in the center of a grid- all at the same time. Place blocks on the grid to control the speed. Easier version has less gems to move toward the center
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect blue dots on a fuse without retracing steps.
G. E/H Place shells on stones within a creek so their circles overlap each other.
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate round tiles to restore an image
I. E/H Maze puzzle. Move a chip through a maze in a specific number of moves. Easier version gives you more moves
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a deadly evil waiting in an abandoned school?
Overall rating
5
/
5
87 of 149 found this review helpful
CAMP OUT IN A WORLD OF SCARY TALES AND NIGHTMARES IN ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedJune 20, 2020
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Mad Head Games! Playing this game was pure joy! It is not often we get a game of this caliber! This developer does not produce the most games; however, they do produce some of the best. This game is a keeper!
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
Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My Time: 7 fun-filled hours)
Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My Time: 7 fun-filled hours)
Play Sophie along with her friends, Dario and JP, as they travel to a campsite for a fun-filled weekend. However, this sojourn will take a detour, taking them to another reality, a wasteland filled with nightmares, operated by twins. These little monsters feed off the fears of others in this world. This alternate reality is created by your own scary tales. Now each of you will have to survive the worlds created from each other’s stories.
What a fantastic game! Welcome to a land filled with the scary stuff nightmares are made of. This game is filled with creepy dolls, clowns, and black- eyed evil children (in this case, white-eyed twins) A host of monsters abound in this world. The story is well-written, consisting of three tales set against the backdrop of the world of scary stories. This developer has provided some creative touches in this game. There are choices between two actions in dealing with certain situations within the game. Choose the wrong one and you die (but you can replay it!) The player can also play the chapters dealing with the scary tales in any order they wish.
The graphics provide an eerie ambiance to the game. The pace is excellent. The three tales breaks up any monotony in the game. There are also plenty of activities to keep the game exciting. I have become fairly jaded to the scare factor; however, in this game I jumped out of chair in one scene from the abandoned polar station. I was not expecting that scary moment! This game for me, was pure joy to play. This genre will not appeal to everyone; however, if you like creepy, scary stories, this game may send chills up your spine.
There are two collectibles, morphing objects, and the sign for Gemini. There is one of each in every scene. I found most easy to locate; however, some are well-hidden within the scenes. There is an indicator at the bottom of the screen indicating if the collectibles have been found. At the end of the game, there are three jigsaw puzzles and an ultimate HOP scene which can be played. You can replay the HOP scenes but not the mini-games. Again, I loved this game but would have rather replayed the mini-games than the HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Sophie who is now married. When her husband leaves for a short jaunt, she receives a call for help via her radio. She opens the portal to the nightmare world again and is off on another adventure. You must once again battle the twins. Be prepared for a surprise ending as well – one which could be somewhat unsettling for Sophie. This a wonderful addition to the game. There are six (6) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements. (Some with 3 parts)
• Collect 28 morphing objects and 28 Gemini signs. One of each in every scene.
• Collect 19 morphing objects within each of the HOP scenes.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes
• You will receive pictures of all the characters upon completion of the game
• Play 3 jigsaw puzzles and the Ultimate HOP scene upon completion of the game
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 11 achievements. (Some with 3 parts)
• Collect 28 morphing objects and 28 Gemini signs. One of each in every scene.
• Collect 19 morphing objects within each of the HOP scenes.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes
• You will receive pictures of all the characters upon completion of the game
• Play 3 jigsaw puzzles and the Ultimate HOP scene upon completion of the game
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. At the end of the game you can assess the accuracy and time spent in playing each one. They are creatively designed and very interactive. Most of the scenes are lists of items and silhouette; however, there are storybook scenes, replacement of objects within a scene, and searches for a specific number of the same item. All have a morphing object within them. I found some difficult to locate.
There are twenty-eight (28) mini-games. Some are incredibly easy such as entering a number code for a lock; however, there are some challenging ones as well. For the first time, this developer has offered an option to play some mini-games in either an “easy” or “hard mode.
There are twenty-eight (28) mini-games. Some are incredibly easy such as entering a number code for a lock; however, there are some challenging ones as well. For the first time, this developer has offered an option to play some mini-games in either an “easy” or “hard mode.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy; H=Hard)
A. E/H Repeat a sequence of keys given on a piano. 3X
B. Rope puzzle. In this case, move human organs attached to strings so the strings do not overlap
C. Gear puzzle. Place gears into the proper position so they mesh
D. Assembly puzzle. Move three dials to choose 3 designs which, when combined, create a given symbol on a token.
E. Sequence puzzle. Click on the eyes of several skeletons until all are lit up.
F. Maze puzzle. Maneuver through a maze by landing on spots which open and close doors. Figure out the correct order to get through to the other side.
G. Sequence puzzle. Click on buttons in proper sequence to turn off a series of lights on a grid.
H. E/H Shoot to monster. Rotating tiles puzzle. Clear a path for two balls to fall into a circular maze by rotating the four circles in each one.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Assembly puzzle. Move arrows up and down and sideways to combine two images to create a third on a TV screen
J. Moving tiles puzzle. Move six tiles on a 3 x 3 grid so that each row has the same tiles.
K. Matching puzzle. Match up pairs by uncovering cards.
B. Rope puzzle. In this case, move human organs attached to strings so the strings do not overlap
C. Gear puzzle. Place gears into the proper position so they mesh
D. Assembly puzzle. Move three dials to choose 3 designs which, when combined, create a given symbol on a token.
E. Sequence puzzle. Click on the eyes of several skeletons until all are lit up.
F. Maze puzzle. Maneuver through a maze by landing on spots which open and close doors. Figure out the correct order to get through to the other side.
G. Sequence puzzle. Click on buttons in proper sequence to turn off a series of lights on a grid.
H. E/H Shoot to monster. Rotating tiles puzzle. Clear a path for two balls to fall into a circular maze by rotating the four circles in each one.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Assembly puzzle. Move arrows up and down and sideways to combine two images to create a third on a TV screen
J. Moving tiles puzzle. Move six tiles on a 3 x 3 grid so that each row has the same tiles.
K. Matching puzzle. Match up pairs by uncovering cards.
I recommend this game!
A romantic spa getaway hides a terrible secret!
Overall rating
3
/
5
83 of 166 found this review helpful
A SPA HOTEL TO CAPTURE YOUR YOUTH
PostedJune 18, 2020
sunnyglow
fromWhoever said stress, smoking and drinking were the leading causes of premature aging never stayed at this hotel.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
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: 37 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
MAIN GAME: Happy Anniversary, James Blackthorn! For your one-year anniversary, you and your girlfriend, Jessica, are off to the Victorian Spa Hotel for a relaxing weekend. You are planning on popping the question; however, you will find this weekend a haunting experience which is far from restful. Upon arrival, Jessica disappears, and you will have to stir up ghosts from the past to discover the secrets of this hotel. Be prepared to battle a misguided ghost who has caused chaos in his quest for immortality.
Once you have checked into this game get prepared to wander aimlessly around this hotel traveling from room-to-room, searching for inventory items. I was ready to check out of this hotel adventure halfway through the game finding myself more bored than scared. I feel the story behind the game is well-written. However, the game lacks the creative touches and activities of the previous games in this series. There are not enough activities to maintain a good pace. Nevertheless, I found the graphics are consistent with the previous games within the series and well-designed.
There are three collectibles. Collect figurines of the characters and morphing objects. Also collect puzzle pieces for four pictures. I found most easy to locate within the scenes. As with most of this developer’s games, there is a secret room which allows the player to return to the game scenes and search for more items.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Josephine Davis, an in resident ghost of the hotel. Learn the story of how she, her beau, Bernard, and the medical staff became trapped within the confines of the hotel. I found this chapter tedious to play, especially after playing the boring main chapter. There are five (5) HOP scenes and three (3) mini-HOP scenes. There are seven (7) mini-games as well. For me, the HOP scenes are better designed than the mini-games in this chapter. I found the mini-games lacking in creative design and most ridiculously easy. These activities seemed to be hastily created and just thrown into the game. To me, this chapter is boring, lacking creativity and not worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements.
• Collect 27 morphing objects, 13 morphing character figurines and 20 picture pieces for 4 pictures.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 Mini-games and 14 HOP scenes
• Secret Room. Go back through the scenes and locate of new items within the scenes.
• 18 achievements.
• Collect 27 morphing objects, 13 morphing character figurines and 20 picture pieces for 4 pictures.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 Mini-games and 14 HOP scenes
• Secret Room. Go back through the scenes and locate of new items within the scenes.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of these are lists of items or silhouette. There are also storybook scenes which narrate the story behind the game. There are six (6) mini-HOP scenes with searches for a small number of silhouette items. I found most of the scenes were cookie cutter variations of each other. There is a lack of variety in most of the HOP scenes.
There are twenty-three (23) puzzles within the game. I feel they are more creatively designed than the HOP scenes in the main game, but the reverse in the bonus chapter. They vary in design and difficulty. I found most of the mini-games in the main game of average difficulty and on the easier side in the bonus chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Beat the computer! Fill up a grid with more of your tokens than those of your opponent. Every move by either of you gains a token on that space. Moving next to your opponent’s token changes their token to yours.
B. Maze puzzle. Move a ball through the inner wall of a safe. Your view of the maze will be blocked by the sides of the safe until you move the ball through that section.
C. Assembly puzzle. Combine two symbols so create at given third symbol.
D. Card game. Play a game of cards against an evildoer. Capture more cards than your opponent. Your cards and his have numbers along the sides. The highest number wins.
E. Picture puzzle. Restore an image of two of the game characters
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Assemble a broken statue by placing pieces into the proper location
G. Ghost Zapper. Catch ghosts. Use a candle to defeat ghostly skulls. Attack them with the candle to make them disappear. Fill up a meter by zapping these ghosts.
H. Matching puzzle. Keep the ghosts out of the garage. Match up symbols on ghosts with those on side panels.
I. Assembly puzzle. Usually this is a HOP scene. Use sliders at the top and along the left side to place items back into the right position within a scene.
B. Maze puzzle. Move a ball through the inner wall of a safe. Your view of the maze will be blocked by the sides of the safe until you move the ball through that section.
C. Assembly puzzle. Combine two symbols so create at given third symbol.
D. Card game. Play a game of cards against an evildoer. Capture more cards than your opponent. Your cards and his have numbers along the sides. The highest number wins.
E. Picture puzzle. Restore an image of two of the game characters
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Assemble a broken statue by placing pieces into the proper location
G. Ghost Zapper. Catch ghosts. Use a candle to defeat ghostly skulls. Attack them with the candle to make them disappear. Fill up a meter by zapping these ghosts.
H. Matching puzzle. Keep the ghosts out of the garage. Match up symbols on ghosts with those on side panels.
I. Assembly puzzle. Usually this is a HOP scene. Use sliders at the top and along the left side to place items back into the right position within a scene.
I don't recommend this game.