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:
Can you stop a new monster brought to life before it's too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 227 found this review helpful
INVASION OF THE CYBORGS
PostedJune 11, 2020
sunnyglow
fromThe Puppet Show Life Cycle of Evolution: Puppets on a string, mechanical puppets, robotic puppets, and now cyborgs.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
Be prepared for the invasion of the cyborgs! When your former professor, Richard Kingston, is kidnapped and imprisoned, he sends a message via his mechanical raven for help. His inventions may have gotten out of control! Save your professor and the city by battling cyborgs under the leadership of one of your professor’s inventions.
I found this one of the best games within this series. AMAX has put a new spin on this series – reinvented it, so to speak. Normally, I do not like the games in this series, most of which are cookie cutter versions of each other. However, I found this game a refreshing change with a more modern theme. I am delighted this developer moved away from puppetry and has delved into robotics. The game has a current, modern feel. The graphics are well-designed and have a more modern look. It is an action-packed game with plenty of activities to provide a good pace throughout.
Nevertheless, I do have a small complaint about this game. I wish this developer would get rid of the barking dogs, baying of wolves and screeching cats. These animal soundtracks are in all their games are for some, like me, are nerve racking. These animals are not even featured in this game, so why were they added? They are out-of-place and irritating.
This is a basic game with few frills. There is only one collectible (robotic animals) and there are only ten (10) within the entire game. There are no morphing objects nor secret room in which to purchase items as with other games from this developer. However, I am delighted! It is refreshing to see that this developer does not have coins as collectibles as in their other games. I hate searching for coins which are used in exchange to purchase items for some room.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 10 mechanical animals invented by Dr. Kingston
• 7 wallpapers and 8 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 mini-games and 15 HOP scenes
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 10 mechanical animals invented by Dr. Kingston
• 7 wallpapers and 8 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 mini-games and 15 HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Detective Howard and return to the period three days before the start of the main game. Mechanical animals have been stolen from Professor Kingston’s laboratory. He has contacted you to search for them. He is concerned they are dangerous and may have fallen into the wrong hands. I found this chapter a nice addition to the game. There are four (4) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. Most of the HOP scenes are lists of items. There is one matching scene. The puzzles include some matching puzzles and a few maze and map puzzles. I found the activities consist with those of the main game and worth a collector’s edition designation.
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes, fifteen (15) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette scenes. However, they are all interactive. They include some of my favorite scenes as well. There are search and replace scenes in which the player locates items and then uses them within the scene. There is a pattern scene in which items are located based on their pattern or from a small segment of the item. Some of the scenes are repeated with a new list of items. There are a few mini-HOP scenes in which the player locates a small number (5 or 6) items or pieces of items.
There are thirty (30) mini-games, fifteen (15) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. I found most of the mini-games easy with a few which I would consider of middle-difficulty. There is a variety of different styles of puzzles. There is one puzzle which is offered in two levels of difficulty – casual and hard. Listed below are some samples of the mini-games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate 4 pieces to restore the image of a spider
B. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze while avoiding cyborgs in your path. Pick up items to help you get through the maze. (Puzzle offered twice in the game)
C. Mathematical puzzle. Move a token through a maze by landing on numbered squares. Every time the token lands on the square it goes down one number. Create a smooth path by landing on each square once and not running out of spaces to move.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch lock pieces so each of two segments mesh.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a key to reach a lock by rotating path segments to create the path.
G. Map puzzle. Set up a route using numbered tokens to arrive at a destination in 7 steps, while avoiding pitfalls along the way.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols hidden under feathers on an eagle until all are matched.
B. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze while avoiding cyborgs in your path. Pick up items to help you get through the maze. (Puzzle offered twice in the game)
C. Mathematical puzzle. Move a token through a maze by landing on numbered squares. Every time the token lands on the square it goes down one number. Create a smooth path by landing on each square once and not running out of spaces to move.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch lock pieces so each of two segments mesh.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a key to reach a lock by rotating path segments to create the path.
G. Map puzzle. Set up a route using numbered tokens to arrive at a destination in 7 steps, while avoiding pitfalls along the way.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols hidden under feathers on an eagle until all are matched.
I recommend this game!
A series of deaths plague a small town, but who or what caused them?
Overall rating
4
/
5
101 of 256 found this review helpful
A TALE OF TWO "HISSING" COUSINS - BASILISK AND COCKATRICE
PostedJune 4, 2020
sunnyglow
fromWho would have known? The basilisk and the cockatrice are kissing or is that “hissing” cousins? Both have serpentine bodies. However, the basilisk has the head of a serpent and the cockatrice has the head of a chicken
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
When your sister receives an invitation to visit Serpent Hill, she sends you in her place. As an expert in cryptozoology you jump at the chance visit areas which have chimeric creatures. Upon arrival, you learn from the sheriff, Amber, that people are dying from some unknown cause. Is it a curse as townspeople believe? Help the sheriff locate the cause of these unfortunate deaths while learning about the connection between a basilisk and these untimely deaths.
This is a short game. It has all the quality elements of an Elephant game, but it is only four (4) chapters long (with the bonus chapter). Personally, I would rather have a short quality game than one which has boring activities and a slow pace. I found the story excellent in the main game; however, I was not as impressed with the one in the bonus chapter. The pace in the main game is excellent with plenty of activities including creatively designed mini-games and HOP scenes.
The collectibles are morphing objects and postcards. There is a morphing object in every scene. Also collect picture fragments to play four (4) jigsaw puzzles at the end of the game. I found most easy to locate. At the end of the game I was missing one picture fragment, which is very frustrating because I cannot complete one jigsaw puzzle without replaying the entire game. I wish Elephant would allow the player to return to the scenes to find any missing jigsaw pieces to complete the puzzles. There is also a secret room at the end of the game in which to search for more items hidden within the scenes of the game. You are timed in this activity
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 48 picture fragments to play 4 jigsaw puzzles at the end of the game
• Collect 26 morphing objects and 12 cards
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Secret room. Return to the game scenes to locate a specific number of items within a specific time.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 48 picture fragments to play 4 jigsaw puzzles at the end of the game
• Collect 26 morphing objects and 12 cards
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Secret room. Return to the game scenes to locate a specific number of items within a specific time.
There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes with eight (8) mini-HOP games with searches for either six (6) items or matching six pairs. Most of the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. However, they are creatively designed and interactive. Many of the scenes involved maneuvering objects within the scene to locate the items. There are some matching scenes plus my favorite – pattern scenes which require the player to locate items based on either their pattern or a small segment of the item.
There are only seventeen (17) min-games and all can be replayed. They are well-designed and some have several parts to them, each once increasing in difficulty. For me, this is a wonderful way to provide games so that most of the puzzles can be played in an easier mode and still provide challenge to those looking for it. Also, if a puzzle is too difficult, they player can skip the harder levels and replay them, spending more time in solving them. Kudos Elephant! I do wish more developers would offer this option. One of the puzzles has six (6) levels and the final three (3) puzzles I found difficult.
BONUS CHAPTER: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner! Well that is what you might say after you finish this chapter concerning a big clucking bird, a cockatrice. Sheriff Amber has asked for your help when people are turning to stone as the result of this foul fowl. Battle this bird to return the town to normal. I did not care for this chapter. I found the story ridiculous and found the pace slow. It is HOP heavy and puzzle lite. There are seven (7) HOP scenes with three (3) mini-Hop scenes, each with six items to locate. There are five (5) mini-games. The puzzles in the chapter are ridiculously easy and to me, it seems as if this chapter was produced hastily without thought to the quality of the content.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MIN-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MIN-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots and plot a path through a forest according to given clues
B. Connection puzzle Connect all lights throughout a grid by turning the beams of light to the correct direction. 3X
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place hexagonal pieces into a honeycomb grid to recreate an image of a basilisk
D. Maze puzzle. Move two tokens at the same time from the bottom to the top simultaneously. When there are blockers in the path, the tokens must pass over them at the same time.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces to restore a bird
F. Switch Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch circular pieces to restore a picture
G. Connection puzzle. On a shield connect symbols so that all squares are visited once
B. Connection puzzle Connect all lights throughout a grid by turning the beams of light to the correct direction. 3X
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place hexagonal pieces into a honeycomb grid to recreate an image of a basilisk
D. Maze puzzle. Move two tokens at the same time from the bottom to the top simultaneously. When there are blockers in the path, the tokens must pass over them at the same time.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces to restore a bird
F. Switch Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch circular pieces to restore a picture
G. Connection puzzle. On a shield connect symbols so that all squares are visited once
I recommend this game!
Can you save your dad from a genie bent on revenge?
Overall rating
5
/
5
128 of 249 found this review helpful
PUT THE GENIE BACK IN THE BOTTLE
PostedMay 28, 2020
sunnyglow
fromThis game proves that it is hard to put the genie back in the bottle.
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: 4 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 4 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
Someone let the genie out of the bottle (in this case a lamp)! As the daughter of the genie, Satur, you must save your father and his brothers from an evildoer out to harness their powers. As you venture into different parts of the game, you will meet your uncles, the light genies, who control the elemental forces of nature. You will also need to battle the black sheep of the family, your uncle, the vengeful Sardonik, a dark genie who is behind the kidnapping of your father. As a half-genie, you will get to prove your worth (and maybe earn your very own lamp) in this adventure!
This is another fantastic game from my favorite developer. Domini always provides more game for the money and this one is no exception. The story is action-packed with plenty of activities to keep the player engaged. Although not as lengthy as previous games from this developer, it is a quality game with a good pace and well-designed puzzles and HOP scenes. Most of the scenes are decked out in the colors Domini is known for – neon green and vivid purple. I wish this developer would diversify their color scheme a little. For me, there is little too much green and purple.
This is a game which should appeal to both adults and children alike. There is a helper dragon named Chakka. He flies around and retrieves inventory items. I hate most “cutesy” helpers in games and this one is no exception. However, this one is only used six (6) times within the game, so he is tolerable. However, I do feel the game would be better without the helper. Nevertheless, the “draggin” dragon may appeal to children who play this game. Collectibles include mushrooms which can be traded in for items to use in a laboratory. Also collect morphing vessels and animal tracks. I found most easy to locate.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 51 mushrooms to use in exchange for 15 items for a laboratory
• Collect 15 morphing vessels, and 15 animal tracks
• 16 wallpapers along with 10 concept art renderings
• 5 music selections, and 20 video sequences
• Helper dragon, Chakka.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 15 min-games
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 51 mushrooms to use in exchange for 15 items for a laboratory
• Collect 15 morphing vessels, and 15 animal tracks
• 16 wallpapers along with 10 concept art renderings
• 5 music selections, and 20 video sequences
• Helper dragon, Chakka.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 15 min-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a story about another misguided genie. When an archaeologist, Xavier, uncovers an hourglass, a genie, Timeikus, is released. This powerful genie of time was put in the hourglass to stop his reign of terror. Wanting to reclaim his power, he is off to search for his lamp and break it. He sends both of you back in time where you will remain unless you can stop him. I found this a nice addition to the main game. It is a long chapter with a good pace and plenty of activities. There are eight (8) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes.
The HOP scenes are exceptionally well-done. There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. What I love about Domini’s HOP scenes is the rich variety of styles. This developer seldom repeats the same style of HOP scene. They include the usual lists of items and silhouette. Others include matching, search-and-replace, spot-the-differences, searching for twelve each of the same item, morphing objects, pattern scenes, and sliders. My favorite are the scenes with sliders in which the player must match up an item with its silhouette using sliders to unite them before removal. The scenes are creatively designed. There is also a Match-3 game which can be played in lieu of the scenes.
There are twenty-three (23) mini-games. Fifteen (15) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. Many of them can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. Listed below are some of the mini-games from the game:
SPOILERS: HERE IS A LIST OF SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy, H=Hard)
A. Maze puzzle. Plot a course through a maze by choosing between paths and turning on levers to open new paths.
B. Logic puzzle. Figure out the correct sequence in which to arrange symbols on a bridge according to given instructions.
C. E/H Matching puzzle. Move a magic lamp to locate hidden symbols then match them up. Hard version has more symbols
D. E/H Bar removal puzzle. Remove 4 horizontal bars from a grid by moving the vertical ones so that an opening within them centers on the bar to create an opening for removal of it. In the hard version, moving one vertical bar affects the others.
E. E/H Block puzzle. Move items which block the way of a cart to move over a bridge. Harder version requires more complex moves in moving objects to create a path.
F. Escape puzzle. Move upon a honeycomb grid to corral the evildoer so he cannot escape.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Measurement puzzle. Use a 9-gram and a 4-gram flask to fill up a 3-gram and a 6- gram flask moving liquid back and forth between the flasks .
H. Switch puzzle. Switch dolls so that all are holding hands
I. Switch puzzle. Switch stars, each with a different number of points, so that all are situated as per a given diagram
J. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a token to reach a lamp at the top of a grid using three path segments to create the path
B. Logic puzzle. Figure out the correct sequence in which to arrange symbols on a bridge according to given instructions.
C. E/H Matching puzzle. Move a magic lamp to locate hidden symbols then match them up. Hard version has more symbols
D. E/H Bar removal puzzle. Remove 4 horizontal bars from a grid by moving the vertical ones so that an opening within them centers on the bar to create an opening for removal of it. In the hard version, moving one vertical bar affects the others.
E. E/H Block puzzle. Move items which block the way of a cart to move over a bridge. Harder version requires more complex moves in moving objects to create a path.
F. Escape puzzle. Move upon a honeycomb grid to corral the evildoer so he cannot escape.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Measurement puzzle. Use a 9-gram and a 4-gram flask to fill up a 3-gram and a 6- gram flask moving liquid back and forth between the flasks .
H. Switch puzzle. Switch dolls so that all are holding hands
I. Switch puzzle. Switch stars, each with a different number of points, so that all are situated as per a given diagram
J. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a token to reach a lamp at the top of a grid using three path segments to create the path
I recommend this game!
An intruder’s puzzling calling-card means certain doom for the Holmes family line!
Overall rating
5
/
5
147 of 301 found this review helpful
GENERATIONAL FAMILY DRAMA
PostedMay 21, 2020
sunnyglow
fromIt just goes to show you that games have educational value. Today I learned a new word to add to my vocabulary - the word “floozy.” Used in a sentence to summarize the bonus chapter – Newsy Susie was a doozy of a floozy.
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: 36 pages (My Time – 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My Time – 5 Hours)
Join Sharlotte Holmes as she sleuths her way through the second case in this series. Upon wrapping up a case, she returns home to find it burglarized. Other citizens are being targeted by this burglar as well, all receiving five (5) orange seeds and a message to contact Holmes. Someone is out for revenge, but who is it and why? Joining the budding detective on this case is the grandson of John Watson, Oscar. However, unfortunately, our debonair Mr. Watson will be of little help, spending most of this time trying to recuperate from being poisoned by a “doozy of a floozy “in a game set in the 1930’s.
This game is a sleuth lover’s delight. The story behind the game is excellent with an active pace and plenty of activities to keep a player engaged. The game is somewhat short; however, it has all the quality and excellence of other games from this developer. I found the graphics excellent especially in some of the HOP scenes. There is some subtle humor as well to break up the intensity of the game.
Some of the collectibles are puzzle pieces to play four jigsaw puzzles. Other collectibles include items related to Sharlotte Holmes, with each one providing information on how it is relevant to Ms. Holmes. There are morphing objects in each scene of the game. I found all easy to locate. However, I wish this developer would provide some type of device to indicate what collectibles are within each scene and if they have been collected. I always find it difficult to know (without looking at the strategy guide) what collectibles are within each scene and if I have collected them all.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 items connected to Sharlotte Holmes
• Collect 26 morphing objects
• Collect 42 picture fragments to create 4 jigsaw puzzles
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 mini-games and 11 HOP scenes at the end of the game which are hidden within the archives
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 items connected to Sharlotte Holmes
• Collect 26 morphing objects
• Collect 42 picture fragments to create 4 jigsaw puzzles
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 mini-games and 11 HOP scenes at the end of the game which are hidden within the archives
There are eleven (11) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also seven (7) mini-HOP scenes in which six items are to be located either through a list or through silhouette. Although there are not many HOP scenes, they vary in style. Besides lists of items and silhouette, there is a search and replace scene in which items are discovered and then used to uncover other objects. There is also a placement scene in which items are put into the scene in the proper location.
There are nineteen (19) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. I found them creatively designed and consisting of a variety of those which are easy with those of middle difficulty. Most of the mini-games are thematic, having a nautical theme. There is a new type puzzle in this game. On a grid with sliders and open spaces, move the sliders up, down, and sideways using arrows at the top and sides to uncover three images. Move the sliders until all three images appear.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a case of a runaway bride, one who ends up dead at her own wedding. Sharlotte Holmes is attending a wedding of her friend, Susie. However, when her friend ends up murdered in the hallway of the reception hall, Holmes and the police detective, Gordon Wood, are off to investigate. Who wanted her killed and why? Learn the sad story of this bride and why she was poisoned on the happiest day of her life. This is an excellent addition to the game and worthy the collector’s edition designation. The chapter is long with a good pace. There are six (6) mini-games and (2) HOP scenes and two (2) mini-HOP scenes. To me, the activities are of the same caliber as those in the main game
.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Lead a ship to port using arrows to maneuver it while avoiding obstacles within its path.
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate four disks with indentations to create openings for 4 skeleton keys each created from the spines from sea animals.
C. Origami puzzle. Fold a map so that it shows where it leads.
D. Sequence puzzle. Place cards into sequential position demonstrating how to tie a nautical knot.
E. Assembly puzzle. Place stones into four columns as per a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so not intersect with each other. Switch knots to untangle them
G. Matching puzzle. Place different styles of dowels into place on a grid to create a punch card which matches a given one. The items must be placed upside-down on the grid.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up like items to escape a room.
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate four disks with indentations to create openings for 4 skeleton keys each created from the spines from sea animals.
C. Origami puzzle. Fold a map so that it shows where it leads.
D. Sequence puzzle. Place cards into sequential position demonstrating how to tie a nautical knot.
E. Assembly puzzle. Place stones into four columns as per a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so not intersect with each other. Switch knots to untangle them
G. Matching puzzle. Place different styles of dowels into place on a grid to create a punch card which matches a given one. The items must be placed upside-down on the grid.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up like items to escape a room.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a mysterious monster terrorizing a new amusement park?
Overall rating
5
/
5
91 of 173 found this review helpful
A MONSTROUS ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF EXCITEMENT
PostedMay 16, 2020
sunnyglow
fromIt was a walk in the park playing the Ultimate Puzzle within this game. After practicing social distancing daily, zigzagging down that path was easy. However, I wish there were arrows in real life to push people out of the way when they get too close.
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
The Fright Chasers are back! As one-half of the daring duo, you and your partner, Lisa, are off to an amusement park plagued by an evil force which is turning people into monsters. When two of the park personnel including your own partner, Lisa, are turned into monsters, you are off to investigate. Fight fire with fire as you try to defeat them and at the same time, find a method to return them to their former selves. Enjoy the day at the amusement park!
This is another fantastic game from Mad head, one with an engaging story. It should appeal to adults. I would not recommend this game for children. There is one bloody scene in the bonus chapter which may be unsettling to children, and to some adults as well. Mad Head Games has added some creative touches to this game. The player has the choice in deciding in which order to play three of the chapters. Each of these is dedicated to tackling one of the three monsters. This amusement park has some bright, colorful scenes. These scenes contain some thematic puzzles and HOP scenes. The game is a fast-paced roller coaster ride, entering different parts of this amusement park.
The collectibles are morphing objects and hats. There is one of each in every scene. Each HOP scene has a morphing object as well. I found most easy to locate; however, there are some well-hidden morphing objects within some of the scenes. At the end of the game there is an ultimate HOP scene which displays three different scenes within a chest in which to find three lists of items. There is also an ultimate puzzle which is an extension of one of the puzzles within the game. Practice the art of social distancing (quite the rage now) as you walk through a park, avoiding all people with whom you may come in contact. If you get through the park without running into anyone, you not only solve the puzzle but may also qualify for an award in social distancing.
MECHANICS:
• 5 levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements (each with 3 parts)
• Collect 27 morphing objects and 27 hats
• Collect 17 morphing objects within the HOP scenes.
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Ultimate HOP scene. Collect all morphing objects and collectibles to play it.
• Ultimate puzzle. Extension of a puzzle form the game.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes at the end of the game
• 11 achievements (each with 3 parts)
• Collect 27 morphing objects and 27 hats
• Collect 17 morphing objects within the HOP scenes.
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Ultimate HOP scene. Collect all morphing objects and collectibles to play it.
• Ultimate puzzle. Extension of a puzzle form the game.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes at the end of the game
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. There are some matching scenes as well. I found the HOP scenes beautifully illustrated, but not terribly exciting. I would love to see more variety in the HOP scenes by this developer.
There are twenty-four (24) puzzles within the game. I found the puzzles better designed than the HOP scenes. Most of the puzzles are easy. Unfortunately, this developer does not provide the ability to replay any of the puzzles. Again, I hope in the future, Mad Head will consider this option for those who would like the opportunity to replay the puzzles without having to replay the entire game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Research the story of a cursed chest mentioned in the main game. Your partner, Lisa, is on vacation so you are off to learn more about the story behind the chest. I loved the story behind this chapter, and feel the story is better than that of the main game. It is a long chapter and well-worth the price of a collector’s edition designation. There are five (5) HOP scenes and three (3) puzzles. Be warned that there is an unsettling graphic in this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Connect nodes with wires so that each node has the same number of wires attached to it as the number written upon it.
B. Picture puzzle. Click on segments of a picture turning each segment the same color as that on a given diagram.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 pieces of an image to restore it.
D. Search and replace. Search for items in the wrong position and replace them back into the scene in the proper position.
E. Maze puzzle. Walk through a maze in the dark, using a flashlight to light the way and using special inventory items to help you get through the maze.
F. Tangram puzzle. Place suitcase pieces into a grid so all fit within the grid and there are no open spaces.
G. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored squares on a grid without crossing paths.
H. Social distancing. Take a walk moving arrows right and left to avoid people in your path.
I. Domino Puzzle. Place dominoes on a grid so that ends match up.
J. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles until an image is formed on a 3 x 3 grid.
BONUS CHAPTER
K. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and place pieces of a map into position, creating a complete map.
L. Moving tile puzzle. Move marbles with Roman numerals upon them. Open gates and close them as you move the marbles. Move each one to its proper location on a 3 x 3 grid.
B. Picture puzzle. Click on segments of a picture turning each segment the same color as that on a given diagram.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 pieces of an image to restore it.
D. Search and replace. Search for items in the wrong position and replace them back into the scene in the proper position.
E. Maze puzzle. Walk through a maze in the dark, using a flashlight to light the way and using special inventory items to help you get through the maze.
F. Tangram puzzle. Place suitcase pieces into a grid so all fit within the grid and there are no open spaces.
G. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored squares on a grid without crossing paths.
H. Social distancing. Take a walk moving arrows right and left to avoid people in your path.
I. Domino Puzzle. Place dominoes on a grid so that ends match up.
J. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles until an image is formed on a 3 x 3 grid.
BONUS CHAPTER
K. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and place pieces of a map into position, creating a complete map.
L. Moving tile puzzle. Move marbles with Roman numerals upon them. Open gates and close them as you move the marbles. Move each one to its proper location on a 3 x 3 grid.
I recommend this game!
Return to Rosemount to stop the Ice Queen in this updated classic!
Overall rating
4
/
5
87 of 149 found this review helpful
AN ARCTIC BLAST FROM THE PAST
PostedMay 7, 2020
sunnyglow
fromRemodeling a fixer upper constructed in 2012 (game that is) is hard work. Adding in some new graphics and furnishing it with some new activities and collectibles gives it a fresh new modern look. However, the HOP “junk piles” should have been thrown out!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
It is an Arctic blast from the past in this refurbished game from 2012. The first game in this series has been resurrected, refurbished with new graphics, collectibles, puzzles, and a bonus chapter attached at the end. It should provide a nostalgic journey for long time club members – those who played the original game. Nevertheless, it has somewhat of a fresh look which may appeal to those who did not .
The Ice Queen is back in a fury of flurries as she strikes her vengeance at the town of Rosemount. When your beloved Edward ventures off to Rosemount to research the history of the Ice Queen, you follow him to this frozen kingdom. Once there, you discover the Ice Queen has been released from her prison trying to regain her power, using Edward as her pawn. Learn the history of this misguided queen, those who stopped her previously, and how she was released from her frozen prison. Finally, discover a way to save Edward!
I found this this to be a decent, but not spectacular game. For me it has the same appeal as refurbished houses – it has some modern touches, but underneath, it still has the same foundation of the original game. I do not like fixer uppers, and the same can be said about games. I do believe the developer put a great deal of effort modernizing this game. Nevertheless, underneath all the “improvements,” one can still see the traces of the vintage past.
There are two collectibles, morphing objects, and squirrels. There is an equal number of each one. I found most easy to locate. There is one of each in each scene. If all the squirrels are collected, an additional picture puzzle can be played at the end of the game. The extra puzzle is hidden beneath the squirrels.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 squirrels to trade in for 5 squirrel figurines.
• Extra picture puzzle playable at the end of the game – hiding behind the squirrels
• Collect 49 morphing objects
• 6 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 28 mini-games and 14 HOP scenes
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 squirrels to trade in for 5 squirrel figurines.
• Extra picture puzzle playable at the end of the game – hiding behind the squirrels
• Collect 49 morphing objects
• 6 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 28 mini-games and 14 HOP scenes
There are thirty (30) HOP scenes, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed. Most of the scenes are lists of items. They are those “junk piles” many of us remember from days of yore. They are not thematic – most are filled with a host of odds and ends thrown into the scene. As in days of old, returning are those miniscule items which are difficult to locate. They are interactive. Nevertheless, most of the scenes are reused, returning with a new set items to be located. There are five (5) silhouette scenes which involved searching for three (3) each of three (3) items in a scene of smoky silhouettes. After locating them, a narrative appears providing more detail of the story behind the game.
There are thirty (30) mini-games, twenty-eight (28) of which can be replayed. I found the puzzles of easy to middle difficulty and creatively designed. I am delighted that most of them could be replayed. For once, a developer has listened to some of us who want to replay more of the puzzles within a game. There are many picture puzzles in various forms. There is one I have not seen before in which the player clicks on parts of a picture, changing the appearance of the pieces until a complete picture is created. The extra puzzle at the end of the game is of this variety.
BONUS CHAPTER: The bonus chapter is the completion of the story behind this game. Continue your quest to save Edward, who is now in a trance. In this chapter, discover a sorcerer who grants wishes to humans to gain more power. Learn about the magical properties of blue roses which provide magical power to this evildoer. I found it a decent addition to the game. It is a long chapter and well worth the price of the collector’s edition. There are seven (7) HOP scenes and nine (9) mini-games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Logic puzzle. Switch on lights according to a given pattern. Clicking on one light in the grid will affect those surrounding it – either turning them on or off. Click on the lights until the pattern is replicated.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate picture pieces on triangles to restore a picture.
C. Checkers puzzle. On a grid with red and blue roses, jump over other roses of an alternate color until only one remains. 3X. Puzzles increase in difficulty
D. Switch puzzle. Switch objects within a dollhouse so that the characters are in a room with items associated with them
E. Picture puzzle. Flip tiles on a grid until you restore the image
F. Mathematical puzzle. Figure out the correct sequence of symbols which represent numbers and mathematical calculations to unlock a chest.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match up like roses
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate cylinders with parts of a fish to restore its image. Rotating one cylinder causes others to change as well.
I. Assembly puzzle. Click on portions of a shield to create the sun and the moon.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate picture pieces on triangles to restore a picture.
C. Checkers puzzle. On a grid with red and blue roses, jump over other roses of an alternate color until only one remains. 3X. Puzzles increase in difficulty
D. Switch puzzle. Switch objects within a dollhouse so that the characters are in a room with items associated with them
E. Picture puzzle. Flip tiles on a grid until you restore the image
F. Mathematical puzzle. Figure out the correct sequence of symbols which represent numbers and mathematical calculations to unlock a chest.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match up like roses
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate cylinders with parts of a fish to restore its image. Rotating one cylinder causes others to change as well.
I. Assembly puzzle. Click on portions of a shield to create the sun and the moon.
I recommend this game!
Can you traverse the Underworld and make it out alive?
Overall rating
5
/
5
137 of 260 found this review helpful
HERE COMES THE BRIDE – A “GHOUL” DRESSED IN WHITE
PostedApril 23, 2020
sunnyglow
fromAccording to this game, “cats are people’s best friends ”-obviously said from someone who does not own a cat. Example - during the pandemic, a dog would say “you can work from home forever;” a cat would say, “everyone needs to get back to work now!
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: 49 pages (My time: 6 hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 pages (My time: 6 hours)
OPINION: Here comes the bride! Unfortunately, that vision dressed in white is a vengeful ghost out to alter the past of her wedding day! As a supernatural detective you are off to save your niece, Heather’s wedding to her fiancé Craig. Our vision in white has kidnapped Craig, dragging him to the Underworld to change her fate. You are off to rescue him from this bride from Hades. However, along the way you will need to deal with Death, a woman who has plans for you as well.
Domini Games is my favorite developer. They always provide more game for the money and this one is no exception. The story is well-written. The graphics beautifully portray the afterlife and its denizens, including the hellish, ghostly bride all decked out in white from her shroud to her ghoulish white complexion. The pace is good with plenty of creatively designed mini-games and HOP scenes. It is evident a great deal of work went into designing this game. This is one of the best games I have played recently.
The collectibles are heart-shaped coins to purchase items for a boudoir, postcards, and morphing objects. I found the coins easy to locate; however, some of the postcards and morphing objects are well-hidden. There is a helper in this game, a cat with bi-colored eyes named Morty. He is living his tenth life, which allows him to travel between worlds. I hate helpers in games, but this adorable chubby feline is seldom used (seven times) and provides some comic relief throughout the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 63 heart-shaped coins to purchase items for a boudoir
• Collect 15 postcards and 15 morphing objects
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper named Morty, a cat with one green and one blue eye
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 16 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 63 heart-shaped coins to purchase items for a boudoir
• Collect 15 postcards and 15 morphing objects
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper named Morty, a cat with one green and one blue eye
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 16 mini-games
There are eighteen (18) scenes in the game. All can be replayed at the end of the game. Although I play this developer’s games for the puzzles, I enjoy their HOP scenes as well. In addition to the usual lists of items and silhouette scenes, this developer also includes rebus scenes, spot-the- differences scenes, matching scenes, and search- and-replace scenes. This game is truly the “cat’s meow,” with a wide variety of cats, including one “purr-fect” scene which has the player matching up cats.
There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games and sixteen (16) can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the puzzles have the option to be played in either a “hard” or an “easy” mode. The difficulty for the puzzles can be set in the menu; however, it can be changed while playing the game. There are some exquisite puzzles in this game. My favorite one was getting in touch with my witchy side by riding a witch’s broomstick while avoiding obstacles in the path. My only complaint is that I wish this developer would provide more mini-games to be replayed. All the HOP scenes can be replayed but few of the mini-games have that option.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. While you are on your way to meet your niece’s fiancé, Craig, you are involved in a car crash. While recovering from the incident, a witch, Belladonna kidnaps your cat Morty. Rejected by the local witches, Belladonna wants to make Morty her familiar to amaze those witches with hew newfound power. Save your cat Morty from this misguided old hag! I found this chapter a nice addition to the game. To me, the story is not as good as that from the main game, but it has a nice pace and some great activities. There are eight (8) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MNI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy, H=Hard)
A. E/H Slider puzzle. Slide tokens along several tracks until each token is in its designated location. Tokens can only be moved by pushing a token in front of it.
B. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch spheres along tracks until each one is positioned as per a given diagram. Must be done in 7 moves in the hard version.
C. E/H Paint by Number (in this case by symbol). Match colors with symbols and paint a fresco. The hard has more spaces to paint
D. Maze puzzle. Lead Morty the cat through a maze. Collect items to remove obstacles in his path
E. E/H Assembly puzzle. Place segments of a fingerprint into position. The hard version requires rotating the segments.
F. E/H Logic puzzle. Guess the placement of symbols by color and placement. Use trial and error and logic. There are only a specific number of choices to guess the correct placement. The hard version provides fewer choices.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H Maze puzzle. Lead a claw in a vending machine to a mouse. Plot the movements before pressing the start button. Hard version has more moves
H. E/H Maze puzzle. Be a real witch and ride a broom avoiding obstacles in your path.
I. E/H Assembly puzzle. Press arrows at the side and bottom so like-tokens are arranged together as per a given diagram.
B. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch spheres along tracks until each one is positioned as per a given diagram. Must be done in 7 moves in the hard version.
C. E/H Paint by Number (in this case by symbol). Match colors with symbols and paint a fresco. The hard has more spaces to paint
D. Maze puzzle. Lead Morty the cat through a maze. Collect items to remove obstacles in his path
E. E/H Assembly puzzle. Place segments of a fingerprint into position. The hard version requires rotating the segments.
F. E/H Logic puzzle. Guess the placement of symbols by color and placement. Use trial and error and logic. There are only a specific number of choices to guess the correct placement. The hard version provides fewer choices.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H Maze puzzle. Lead a claw in a vending machine to a mouse. Plot the movements before pressing the start button. Hard version has more moves
H. E/H Maze puzzle. Be a real witch and ride a broom avoiding obstacles in your path.
I. E/H Assembly puzzle. Press arrows at the side and bottom so like-tokens are arranged together as per a given diagram.
A mysterious birthday gift uncovers a sinister kidnapping plot!
Overall rating
4
/
5
112 of 201 found this review helpful
DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE OF TIME WITH ALICE AND HER WHITE RABBIT
PostedApril 16, 2020
sunnyglow
fromMore Grays? After seeing all those Gray figurines, I wonder if Anna Gray took daughter Alice along with her white rabbit to Wonderland to meet more family members from an alternate universe?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 28 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 28 pages
OPINION: Happy birthday Alice Gray! Anna Gray’s daughter is now six years old and about to celebrate it with a birthday party. However, upon a receipt of a white rabbit as a gift, this Alice goes down a rabbit hole into the past, whisked away by a misguided evildoer. Now, as Anna, you are off to save your daughter and discover the reason for her capture. Zigzag through time uncovering the evildoer behind this kidnapping.
This is one of my favorite series from this developer and this entry is a nice addition. I found it a decent game; however, not as good as other games from this developer. I found the story the best part of the game. Returning is Anna’s father, Richard, (now a doting grandfather) from the spirit world, adding a little humor to the game. This episode sees Anna is expanding the family drama with a marriage to Dorian Black (now Gray) and the birth of a daughter, Alice. Adorable blonde Alice is a chip off the Gray family block. Alice has inherited her mother’s abilities and this episode hints that she may be joining her mother in her travels in time. I found the story a nice addition to the series. The game is short; however, there are plenty of activities and it has a good pace throughout.
There are three collectibles. Collect morphing objects and picture fragments to create four (4) screensavers. Collect figurines of the Gray family which are portrayed as characters from Alice in Wonderland. I found this a clever and creative allusion to the Lewis Carroll classic. I found most easy to locate. At the end of the game there is a secret room (as in most of this developer’s games) in which the player returns to the scenes from the game and searches for morphing objects. This activity is timed.
There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. There are also eleven (11) mini-HOP scenes which require searching for six (6) silhouette items. Most of the HOP scenes are lists of items with some interactivity. However, I was somewhat disappointed in the scenes, most of which are lists of items with little interactivity. I wish the developer had provided more variety in the types of scenes used. Nevertheless, there is one storybook scene, one silhouette scene, and one scene which alternates between searching for an item and replacing an item back within the scene.
There are nineteen (19) mini-games. Thirteen (13) of these can be replayed. I found most of them easy with a few of moderate difficulty. I am somewhat disappointed by the lack of mini-games. There is the same number of mini-games in the main game as there is in the bonus chapter. I would have liked to have seen more of them. As in most of this developer’s games, there is a variety of picture puzzles.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 23 achievements.
• Collect 12 characters from the game
• Collect 26 morphing objects
• Collect 48 picture fragments to create 4 screensavers
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Secret room which returns you to past scenes to search for morphing objects. You are timed in this
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• 23 achievements.
• Collect 12 characters from the game
• Collect 26 morphing objects
• Collect 48 picture fragments to create 4 screensavers
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Secret room which returns you to past scenes to search for morphing objects. You are timed in this
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. With your daughter off to camp, you, hubby Dorian and relatives, John and Louisa Gray, are off on a train trip to spend the weekend with Dorian’s parents. However, while traveling, you encounter a stranger on the train, Floyd, who stops time and then disappears. The space/time continuum is collapsing, and it will be up to you, Anna Gray, to stop this misguided individual from destroying the universe. This chapter is a nice addition to the game. The pace is excellent. There are four (4) HOP scenes and three (3) mini-HOP scenes. There are also seven (7) mini-games. I found the mini-games excellent and better than the ones in the main game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Picture puzzle. Fit picture fragments into a grid so all fit together.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place picture fragments into a picture frame to create a picture
C. Switch puzzle. Switch out marbles on 3 rings of a circular grid so that each marble is in the ring of the same color.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect a green button on the left to its red counterpart on the right. Paths are established between the two buttons to reconnect them.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Map/Connection puzzle. Retrace the suspect’s path around the town. Connect two points based on clues given.
F. Assembly puzzle. Click on two symbols, which, when combined, equal one in the middle of the screen.
G. Match 3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more tokens to defeat the misguided evildoer
H. Assembly puzzle. Create a medicine according to directions.
I. Physics puzzle. Angle mirrors so that a light beam is directed from the mirrors to a token.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place picture fragments into a picture frame to create a picture
C. Switch puzzle. Switch out marbles on 3 rings of a circular grid so that each marble is in the ring of the same color.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect a green button on the left to its red counterpart on the right. Paths are established between the two buttons to reconnect them.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Map/Connection puzzle. Retrace the suspect’s path around the town. Connect two points based on clues given.
F. Assembly puzzle. Click on two symbols, which, when combined, equal one in the middle of the screen.
G. Match 3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more tokens to defeat the misguided evildoer
H. Assembly puzzle. Create a medicine according to directions.
I. Physics puzzle. Angle mirrors so that a light beam is directed from the mirrors to a token.
I recommend this game!
Can you live up to your family’s legacy in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
98 of 187 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH PROVIDES A ‘TALEQUAKE’ OF EXCITEMENT
PostedApril 9, 2020
sunnyglow
fromEver wondered what happened to Furbys? After invading homes in the 1990’s, learning how to make mewing noises, these chattering furballs took the portal to Taleworld – and are now called Gremlins!
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: 37 pages (My time: 6Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My time: 6Hours)
OPINION: Fly off into the clouds on another adventure to Taleworld, a kingdom created by dreams and stories and fueled by imagination. When your grandmother, the Heathbridge guardian, falls into a coma, you are summoned to take her place in battling an evildoer, the Tall Man. Your grandmother, along with Eliah, the Soulstone Guardian, keep the portal closed between the two worlds. The Tall Man has entered this world to collect the Alltale Heart. You must stop him before his dastardly plans cause this world to collapse.
What a wonderful family game for the spring holiday season! The beauty of this fairy tale land should lift the hearts of those playing it during a bleak period for the world. The beautiful rainbow array of colors and flowers provides a cheerful, bright background for this game. This game is truly a work of art and a storybook come-to-life. I found the pace excellent with plenty of activities. There are some creatively designed puzzles and HOP scenes. The collectibles are masks and morphing objects. A jigsaw puzzle can be played at the end of the game upon collecting all the collectibles. Also, upon completion, return to the scenes and locate souvenirs within the scenes.
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. There are also numerous mini-HOP scenes scattered throughout. There is a variety of different styles of scenes including lists of items, silhouette, pattern, and matching. All scenes have a morphing object. The time and accuracy of the searches is given for each scene. There are two scenes which I found exceptional. Both are within the bonus chapter. In one a stone square must be rotated to locate symbols carved on all four sides. There is another in which three circles must be rotated to assemble the items to be removed.
There are twenty-nine (29) puzzles. There are some which have multiple steps. The puzzles are superb; however, I am disappointed that none can be replayed. I am one who never replays HOP scenes; however, there are some puzzles from this game I would like to replay but the option is not available. The puzzles range from easy to middle difficulty. However, I found none which were challenging. Most of the puzzles are thematic as well.
MECHANICS:
• 5 levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements - some with 3 parts.
• Collect 28 masks and 45 morphing objects
• Collect 28 souvenirs within the scenes at the end of the game.
• 9 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Collect all collectibles to play a jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game
• Replay 17 HOP scenes
• 11 achievements - some with 3 parts.
• Collect 28 masks and 45 morphing objects
• Collect 28 souvenirs within the scenes at the end of the game.
• 9 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Collect all collectibles to play a jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game
• Replay 17 HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play a character from the main game. At the bequest of Taleworld, you as Milton Harris, return to discover if there is another attempt by some evildoer to steal the Alltale Heart. This chapter will provide some surprises as to the culprit. It is a nice addition to the game. There are six (6) puzzles and five (5) HOP scenes. I found the HOP scenes very creatively designed. For me, this chapter is worthy of the collector’s edition designation.
SPOILERS: Here are some of the puzzles after the demo:
A. Hit the gremlin. Click on a sliding ball until it is centered to clobber a gremlin. 3X Ball increases in speed
B. Assembly puzzle Click on 2 symbols which, when combined, create one of 4 symbols along the sides of a circular grid. 3x
C. Rope puzzle. Untangle lines so none intersect with each other
D. Escape puzzle. Use left and right arrows to maneuver an airship to a mountain avoiding the evildoer’s minions (gremlins).
E. Maze puzzle. (1) Rotate tiles on a grid to create a path for a stone to travel from one end to its destination at the other end. (2) Slide tiles to create a path to lead the same stone from one end to the other.
F. Slider puzzle.) Use sliders to maneuver a silhouette of an item over the actual item to remove it. Most developers employ this as a HOP scene.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch gems on the top and bottom rows so that the combination of the 2 colors equals the color in the central row.
H. On a grid locate 6 hidden flags within 11 moves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Assembly puzzle. Create designs by placing dots into the proper position within a grid to create the design. 3X
J. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces with heart and hat cutouts on a grid so that each piece is used and every square has a cutout on it.
K. Spot the difference. Select the differences between two circles with symbols within them. 3X
B. Assembly puzzle Click on 2 symbols which, when combined, create one of 4 symbols along the sides of a circular grid. 3x
C. Rope puzzle. Untangle lines so none intersect with each other
D. Escape puzzle. Use left and right arrows to maneuver an airship to a mountain avoiding the evildoer’s minions (gremlins).
E. Maze puzzle. (1) Rotate tiles on a grid to create a path for a stone to travel from one end to its destination at the other end. (2) Slide tiles to create a path to lead the same stone from one end to the other.
F. Slider puzzle.) Use sliders to maneuver a silhouette of an item over the actual item to remove it. Most developers employ this as a HOP scene.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch gems on the top and bottom rows so that the combination of the 2 colors equals the color in the central row.
H. On a grid locate 6 hidden flags within 11 moves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Assembly puzzle. Create designs by placing dots into the proper position within a grid to create the design. 3X
J. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces with heart and hat cutouts on a grid so that each piece is used and every square has a cutout on it.
K. Spot the difference. Select the differences between two circles with symbols within them. 3X
I recommend this game!
Can you escape a utopian toy world before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
138 of 278 found this review helpful
ESCAPE FROM THE WORLD OF CASKETS
PostedApril 2, 2020
sunnyglow
fromLocation: At home – hiding from a stealthy, silent monster all while battling those in fantastic BFG games!
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: 34 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: As a member of the Order of Guardians, you, Grace, are off to a mechanical toys fair at the invitation of toymaker, Gustav Weber. However, upon arrival, you discover you were deceived by this misguided mechanical wizard. Find yourself trapped in the World of Caskets, a fantasy world controlled by the evil queen, Pandora. Within this realm you will meet Ada, Gustav’s younger sister, who is also trapped within its boundaries. Battle Pandora, learn the truth about Ada and her brother, and plot your escape!
I found this game a vast improvement for this developer. A great deal of work and creative design went into this game! The story behind the game piqued my interest. The story takes some twists and turns as the player meanders around the World of Caskets. The graphics are amazingly beautiful and there is mouth movement from the characters. The player has the option to play two of the chapters dealing with the Aquatic Realm and the Carnival Realm in any order he or she chooses. That is a nice touch!
There are three collectibles. Collect coins to purchase costumes for five mythical creatures. You have the choice between two styles of costume for each creature. Collect morphing objects and feathers. I found most easy to locate but there are some which are well-hidden. If you miss any of the collectibles you can return to the scenes at the end of the game.
There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes in the game. All can be replayed at the end. This game provides the time and accuracy for each HOP scene played. Most of the scenes are lists of items and they are very interactive. There is an optional Match-3 game which can be played instead. There are also several mini-HOP scenes which consist of locating five or six items. There are some other styles of HOP scenes such as silhouette, spot-the-differences, matching, and locating items by design or from a small segment of the item. There is a bonus HOP scene which can be played upon completion of the game.
There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games and most are easy. There are some which can be played in either a “hard” or “casual” mode. I found most creatively designed. There is one Rube-Goldberg puzzle in the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 13 achievements.
• Collect 54 coins to purchase outfits for 5 creatures
• Collect 54 feathers and 27 morphing objects
• 9 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 15 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games
• Extra HOP scene playable at the end
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 13 achievements.
• Collect 54 coins to purchase outfits for 5 creatures
• Collect 54 feathers and 27 morphing objects
• 9 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 15 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games
• Extra HOP scene playable at the end
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Arthur Lumiere, a character from the main game. When your wife, Eleanor, is kidnapped, you are off to locate her. Meet a woman in the town square who informs you that Gustav, the toymaker, has kidnapped your wife and is holding her daughter, Agnes, captive as well. Now you must enter the World of Caskets to locate your wife and save this girl. There are six (6) mini-games and two (2) HOP scenes. Continue to collect the collectibles. I found this chapter comparable to the main game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (C=Casual, H=Hard)
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (C=Casual, H=Hard)
Aquatic Realm:
A. C/H Entrapment puzzle. On a grid with hexagonal squares, move a spider until it entraps an evil tree so it cannot escape. Each square the spider lands on turns into a spider.
B. C/H Rube-Goldberg Puzzle
(1) Sequence puzzle. Collect bubbles from smallest to largest
(2) Physical puzzle. Lead colored bubbles to their matching colored tube.
(3) Matching puzzle. Uncover bubbles to match symbols
C. Logic puzzle. Figure out the position of 4 gems. There are 8 chances to get the right combination by color and placement. Each entry indicates if that color is part of the four and if that color is in the proper location.
B. C/H Rube-Goldberg Puzzle
(1) Sequence puzzle. Collect bubbles from smallest to largest
(2) Physical puzzle. Lead colored bubbles to their matching colored tube.
(3) Matching puzzle. Uncover bubbles to match symbols
C. Logic puzzle. Figure out the position of 4 gems. There are 8 chances to get the right combination by color and placement. Each entry indicates if that color is part of the four and if that color is in the proper location.
Carnival Realm:
D. Maze puzzle. Move a latch through a maze to a door at the end of the maze. Use a dial which provides for 2, 3, or 4 spaces for the latch to move.
E. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings so that denizens of each animal kingdom are together.
F. Maze puzzle. Fill in a maze with silver. Every portion of the maze must be filled in and you must move consecutively from one section to the other.
E. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings so that denizens of each animal kingdom are together.
F. Maze puzzle. Fill in a maze with silver. Every portion of the maze must be filled in and you must move consecutively from one section to the other.
Bonus Chapter:
G. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to create a route for an airship to travel to its destination
H. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 gems so each is within its matching colored slot
I. Sequence puzzle. Press shields in sequence to remove roots.
J. Assembly puzzle. Follow directions to make a potion
H. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 gems so each is within its matching colored slot
I. Sequence puzzle. Press shields in sequence to remove roots.
J. Assembly puzzle. Follow directions to make a potion
I recommend this game!