sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:821
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 27, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Find and collect adorable cats as you visit incredible places all over the world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
75 of 120 found this review helpful
AN “A-MEW-SING” ADVENTURE SET IN THE WORLD OF CATS
PostedJuly 31, 2021
sunnyglow
fromAs any cat owner knows, cats are “purr-snickety.” In the world of cats, be it a Siamese, Burmese, Russian blue or American bobtail, you don’t adopt a cat - the cat adopts you.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
OPINION: Cat aficionados! If you have been adopted by a cat or just love these “purry” creatures, you will love this “paw-some” game. It is chock-full of felines. I usually do not like retro-HOP games; however, the world of felines mewed out to me. This is light-hearted game, one to enjoy just for the fun of it. The game is an easy play, suitable for all members of the family.
I loved searching different locations from around the world for cats and creating picture puzzles of - cats! Hundreds of cats will be available for your “a-mews-ment” within this game. The player can earn points which can be used to adopt – even more cats. I enjoyed the game; however, this is one best savored by playing only a few scenes at a time. It is a well-crafted game; however, the repetitive nature of this game could prove boring if played for too long at a time.. This is a great game for those who enjoy straight HOP searches and/or adore cats! I also felt that it would be a good time use some material to write a review from my “cat-alogue” of feline puns.
MECHANICS: The game has eighteen worldwide destinations, each with 3 scenes. Each worldwide location contains 3 scenes reflective of its culture. The bonus section (for those who purchase the collector’s edition) has six more scenes from around the world. Each scene has the following gaming sequence:
1. HOP SCENE/LIST OF ITEMS. The player locates objects from a list of items split between two scenes. The player can go back-and -forth between those two scenes until all items are collected. Clicking upon each scene zooms in to provide a close-up view of the scene. Six (6) cats are collected within the scene.
2. SPOT THE DIFFENCES. The player must find 12 differences between two pictures. Three cats are collected as well.
3. PICTURE PUZZLE. There is a variety of picture puzzles which, when completed, create an image of a – cat or cats! The puzzles are variations of jigsaw puzzles. From the puzzles I played, my favorite was the one with Maneki Neko Lucky cats. Twenty- four of these must be placed within their proper slots on a grid to complete the picture.
There are 216 points collected throughout the game which are used to adopt cats. As you collect points throughout the game, you can purchase more cats and choose one to accompany you as your own cat helper. There are twenty-one (21) cat inspired wallpapers. The player has a choice in music selections to listen to throughout the game. As a bonus attraction, the player can see pictures of this developer’s own cats.
FINAL NOTE: It would be a “cat-astrophe” for you and your cat if you did not at least demo this game. Take this opportunity to spend some quality time with your little furball. The moment I started this game, my own “purry” pet “cat-apaulted” onto the top of my desk chair to help me play this game. My Mr. Grumpy did give me some “paws” when he seemed to recognize some of his feline friends in the game!
I recommend this game!
Only you can restore balance and save the Meridiem worlds!
Overall rating
4
/
5
118 of 181 found this review helpful
CELEBRATE THE DESCENT OF THE STAR GODDESS
PostedJuly 29, 2021
sunnyglow
fromThe Order of the Guardian’s helper owl wishes to remind you: Give a hoot! Don’t pollute!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: Jettison between the four worlds of the constellation Meridiem in celebration of the centennial return of the Star Goddess. In this sci-fi fantasy game, you must help the goddess by locating twinkles, (one located in each of three worlds), to spark her fading heart. The player will move from world to another in search of those twinkles. The worlds include one whose inhabitants are divided by two cities, one controlled by magic, and a final polluted one which is inhabited by robots and humans.
I liked, but did not love, this game. It is a decent game; however, I did not find it of the same quality as games from other developers. It is an easy play, one which can be enjoyed by all age groups. I liked the beginning of the game but felt the pace dragged after the demo. There are fewer activities as the game progresses. I did enjoy the potpourri of different themes throughout the game. There is a different one for each world. There are elements of fantasy with the magic of the world of Blossom mixed with the sci-fi element of robotics in the world of Iron.
The collectibles are stars and butterflies. There is a sidebar on the left side of the screen which indicates how many collectibles are within the scenes and how many are remaining to be located. I found the stars easy to locate; however, I had difficulty locating the butterflies. To me, many of the butterflies did not look like butterflies which made it extremely difficult to locate them. I needed to contact the strategy guide at times to find them. If a player cannot locate them all, upon completion of the game, he/she can return to the scenes to search for them. The collected butterflies need to be assembled, after which, the player can read details about them There is an extra hidden puzzle at the end of the game. It is a checkers puzzle in which the player must remove more pieces on the board than his opponent, the computer. There is a choice to play this game in a hard or casual mode.
HELPER OWL: The game comes equipped with a helper owl which sits at the side of the screen, used to reach high places. I dislike helpers in games, especially ones which make no logical sense as to their purpose. Luckily, this owl is not used much in the game and sits quietly at the side of the screen. At least he does not hoot; he just flaps his wings as he ascends to point to an inventory item.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 44 stars and 20 butterflies
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper owl which helps retrieves items from high places.
• Hidden checkers-styled puzzle made available at the end of the game. Casual and Hard options.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 44 stars and 20 butterflies
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper owl which helps retrieves items from high places.
• Hidden checkers-styled puzzle made available at the end of the game. Casual and Hard options.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel set in the Iron World from the main game. Investigate the problem of pollution on this world with Elula Wul. She suffers from asthma as did her parents and now wants a better world for her children. Science has made the citizens of this world forget about the sacrifice of the Star Goddess and now she wishes to see a spiritual awakening in the world in which she lives. Continue to collect the collectibles. I found this a decent chapter, but, somewhat slow paced with few activities. It only has two HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games.
HOP SCENES: There sixteen (16) HOP scenes and a few mini-HOP scenes searching for six objects. A Match-3 game can be played instead of the scene. I found the scenes varied and creatively designed. They include silhouette, lists of items, storybook, matching, and searches for items which are then returned and used within the scene. There is one spot-the-differences scene and a silhouette scene with sliders which are used to match an item with its silhouette before removing it. Most of the scenes have multiple scenes in which to locate items. One of the most creative scenes for me was one with a diorama which rotated.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-five (25) mini-games, only twelve (12) of which can be replayed. As I have stated previously, I wish the developers would allow the players to replay more mini-games upon completion of the game. The ones in this game are variations of ones seen in other games. I found most of the puzzles easy. There are a few which are of middle-difficulty and none which I found challenging.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Tracing puzzle. Trace designs to defeat an evildoer. 3X
B. Assembly puzzle. Choose the correct 3 symbols, which, when combined, create a given design. 3X
C. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image
D. Connection puzzle. On a grid, connect pairs of like colored squares so that all are connected, and lines do not cross
E. Map puzzle. Places arrows in the proper sequence so that a bus ends up at its destination point. There are places where the bus must stop and where it should not stop.
F. Logic puzzle. Place colored balls into colored boxes according to given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots on an anvil so that all paths are connected
H. Switch puzzle. Switch 9 pieces on a grid to restore an image 3X
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings until all the sums of each segment’s dots equal the numbers surrounding the circular grid.
B. Assembly puzzle. Choose the correct 3 symbols, which, when combined, create a given design. 3X
C. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image
D. Connection puzzle. On a grid, connect pairs of like colored squares so that all are connected, and lines do not cross
E. Map puzzle. Places arrows in the proper sequence so that a bus ends up at its destination point. There are places where the bus must stop and where it should not stop.
F. Logic puzzle. Place colored balls into colored boxes according to given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots on an anvil so that all paths are connected
H. Switch puzzle. Switch 9 pieces on a grid to restore an image 3X
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings until all the sums of each segment’s dots equal the numbers surrounding the circular grid.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a dangerous Order from bringing back the dead?
Overall rating
5
/
5
115 of 191 found this review helpful
PUBLISH OR PERISH? THE HORROR OF WRITER’S BLOCK!
PostedJuly 22, 2021
sunnyglow
fromPublish or perish? This game explores some of the dangers involved with suffering from writer’s block and not getting your material to your publisher on time! Even worse - Beware getting ideas from your agent!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages
Publish or perish? That may be the dilemma which awaits you as a best-selling author in search of a story for a new horror novel. Researching information for this novel may find you putting your life in danger! As you investigate, you will also uncover some hidden secrets as well.
Domini has created an exciting new series delving into lesser-known urban legends. This first entry is a witchy brew, a magical concoction filled with a nice selection of thematic HOP scenes and puzzles set within a story of an Order of Witches. This an evil crew is searching for immortality in a most horrendous way. However, in their quest to resurrect their fellow witches, they create their own nemesis, the Crimson Shadow. This poor entrapped soul, captured in film (within a camera) is out to settle the score with these hags! As a best-selling author suffering from writer’s block, you are off to investigate this legend for your next book.
I loved playing this game. The game is a carbon copy in the setup from their previous games. I found this story somewhat dark in content. To me, it does have an unsettling, creepy flavor to it. It is fast paced with plenty of activities to keep a player engaged. As in their other games, there are three collectibles. I found all easy to locate. Two of these are morphing ritual items and books, each which alternate between scenes. The books collected are all horror novels. I found the descriptions of both the novels and the ritual items amusing. The other collectibles are dollar bills which are used to purchase items for a writer’s desk. This game is a puzzle-lover’s delight; however, a few of the HOP scenes are some of the best ones I have played recently.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing ritual items and 15 books. Alternate between scenes
• Collect 70 - dollar bills to purchase items for a writer’s desk.
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing ritual items and 15 books. Alternate between scenes
• Collect 70 - dollar bills to purchase items for a writer’s desk.
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is prequel which sets the background for story behind the main game. Play Deborah Spellman. After your parents died, you were raised by your grandmother, a member of the Order of Witches. Your childhood was a nightmare, one you wish to forget. However, when your grandmother dies, you are mentioned in her will and return to the Spellman manor upon the request of your sister, LIliith. I found this a long chapter and worthy of the collector’s edition designation. There are five (5) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games. I found the quality consistent with that of the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes; all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Although Domini is best known for their puzzles, their games have fantastic HOP scenes. There is a wide variety of styles of scenes. All the scenes are interactive. I am always astounded at the creative genius behind some of these scenes. Each game has a scene which has some new element or flourish to it. There are the usual lists of items, silhouette, matching, and storybook formats. In this game, there is a unique scene which has cutouts which are placed over the items within the scene. For those who do not wish to play a HOP scene, there is a Match-3 game which can be played instead.
MNI-GAMES. There twenty-six (26) mini-games, nineteen (18) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the puzzles are offered in two levels of difficulty which can be set in the menu. The easy version of the puzzles allows for an easy play while those who want a little more challenge will find some of the hard puzzles difficult. Although the level of difficulty is set in the menu. It can be changed while playing the puzzle.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Lock/Sequence puzzle. Figure out the code for a safe and enter the numbers in the proper order by looking at fingerprints visible through talcum powder. The easy version has 4 numbers and the hard has 5. Numbers will light up if in the proper sequence.
B. Map puzzle. On a grid using numbered directional arrows, move a car through a grid to its destination. 3 scenes.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect a key with all locks within a grid by moving the key within rows and columns in an unbroken line. The easy version has 14 locks to connect; the hard version has 16.
D. E/H. Connection/Matching puzzle. Push dials on the top and bottom of a picture which produce lines which must match up. Once a match of lines is made, the dials will disappear. The easy version has 14 dials – 7 on the top and 7 on the bottom while the hard version has 20 - 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom
E. E/H. Sequence. Puzzle. Remove vines in sequence with the top one being removed first. The hard version has more vines to remove
F. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Rotate symbols to create runes as shown on a piece of paper. The easy version has 3 to create and the hard has 4.
G. E/H. Weights and Balances puzzle. Place 6 bottles on pedestals according to their weight with the heaviest on #1 and the lightest on #6. Use a balance scale to compare their weights.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H, Gear puzzle. Place gears into a grid so all connect. The harder version has more gears to place.
I. E/H. Matching. Press keys on a piano which match up to those on a piece of sheet music. The hard version has the keys upside down.
J. E/H. Lead an orange token and a blue token to their appropriate slots on a map. You must alternate moves between the tokens to open gates to allow the tokens to proceed along the paths provided.
B. Map puzzle. On a grid using numbered directional arrows, move a car through a grid to its destination. 3 scenes.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect a key with all locks within a grid by moving the key within rows and columns in an unbroken line. The easy version has 14 locks to connect; the hard version has 16.
D. E/H. Connection/Matching puzzle. Push dials on the top and bottom of a picture which produce lines which must match up. Once a match of lines is made, the dials will disappear. The easy version has 14 dials – 7 on the top and 7 on the bottom while the hard version has 20 - 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom
E. E/H. Sequence. Puzzle. Remove vines in sequence with the top one being removed first. The hard version has more vines to remove
F. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Rotate symbols to create runes as shown on a piece of paper. The easy version has 3 to create and the hard has 4.
G. E/H. Weights and Balances puzzle. Place 6 bottles on pedestals according to their weight with the heaviest on #1 and the lightest on #6. Use a balance scale to compare their weights.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H, Gear puzzle. Place gears into a grid so all connect. The harder version has more gears to place.
I. E/H. Matching. Press keys on a piano which match up to those on a piece of sheet music. The hard version has the keys upside down.
J. E/H. Lead an orange token and a blue token to their appropriate slots on a map. You must alternate moves between the tokens to open gates to allow the tokens to proceed along the paths provided.
I recommend this game!
Help the Walker design the school theater in this colorful, brain-jogging puzzle game for players of all ages.
Overall rating
1
/
5
21 of 39 found this review helpful
ANOTHER BORING KNOCKOFF
PostedJuly 12, 2021
sunnyglow
fromInstead of taking the stage, I hope the Walkers take a hike! This is the second game from this developer in a row. Can we please have some other developers’ games!
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON THE FIRST 6 LEVELS AFTER WHICH I DELETED THE GAME
OPINION: Yawn! What a bore! Another cookie cutter knockoff of a game which does not come close the quality from those of the originator of this game. I bought it, played about 6 levels of the game, and then deleted it. This snoozefest is not worth the bother of playing let along reviewing. The scenes are timed but the player can opt out if desired. I was so delighted I could beat out Bad Rabbit and other famous gamers while playing this game. Guess Bad Rabbit was happy with playing a Bad Game!
LOGISTICS: (Based on the beyond boring 6 levels I played)
*20 Levels with 7 scenes.
* Each level ends with a puzzle – picture puzzle or matching.
*Pairing either two or three items.
*Game can be timed or non-timed. This is set in the menu.
*There are achievements you can earn.
*There is leaderboard in the timed version allowing the player to compare his performance with others playing the game. You may be lucky and beat out Bad Rabbit as well!
* Each level ends with a puzzle – picture puzzle or matching.
*Pairing either two or three items.
*Game can be timed or non-timed. This is set in the menu.
*There are achievements you can earn.
*There is leaderboard in the timed version allowing the player to compare his performance with others playing the game. You may be lucky and beat out Bad Rabbit as well!
WHAT YA GET: Each scene involves matching two to three items set within a clutter format. There are clutter piles in which the items can be moved, moving chains, along with the standard junk scene with items scattered throughout. There is an option to move items in some scenes and not in others.
FINAL PARTING SHOT - ANIMAL HOUSE: I do hope this developer will get rid of this tribe of cartoon animals which are in all their games. Time to come up with some new characters. I post these games to the forum I belong to – just get tired seeing this same animal tribe in EVERY one of their games!
I don't recommend this game.
Can you find an elusive shop to save your long-lost partner?
Overall rating
5
/
5
132 of 194 found this review helpful
ENJOY A SPIRITED TOUR OF A MANOR WHICH COLLECTS GHOSTS
PostedJuly 8, 2021
sunnyglow
fromWorld’s Mysteries! One of the biggest mysteries for me is why Elephant removed Rick Rogers from this game? Maybe he had to disappear because he wanted to collect too many “bitcoins” within his contract for this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 4.5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 4.5 Hours)
OPINION: Are you a ghost hunter? Pack up your spirit box full of ghost hunting supplies as you join a paranormal research team take a ghost tour of a spooky old manor, World’s Mysteries. This is a little fright fest for those who enjoy the paranormal and the occult. It is a dark game, set in a mansion, which welcomes you with the hope to add you to its ghostly collection. The ghost tour is filled with twenty-two (22) well-drawn fright-filled scenes of the manor.
I enjoyed playing this game. For me, this game is much better than many of the Elephant games of late. The game is short. I played the entire game in 4 -1/2 hours; however, I prefer a quality short game over a long voyage into boredom. This game will keep you on your toes! The pace is excellent with a nice assortment of puzzles and HOP scenes. Mum is the word; however!, be prepared for surprise ending!
The collectibles are figurines of characters from the game and all-seeing eyes. The figurines practically jump out at you; however, the eyes are difficult to locate in some scenes. Each eye collected gives the player a puzzle piece for a jigsaw puzzle to be played at the end of the game.
BRING BACK RICK ROGERS! One of my favorite game characters is Rick Rogers. He is not in this game except for a short appearance at the beginning of the game. I enjoy his larger-than-life personality, good looks, and tongue-in-cheek humor. If Elephant is going to replace him with the dowdy, morose Rachel Cowell, and her tribe of young wannabe paranormal detectives, then there is not a ghost’ s chance I will purchase the next game! Elephant removed Elf from Mystery Trackers. Hopefully they are not planning the same for Rick Rogers.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• 22 Scenes
• Collect 12 figurines of the characters.
• Collect 22 eyes to open a secret room containing a jigsaw puzzle to play at the end of the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 12 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes.
• 22 achievements.
• 22 Scenes
• Collect 12 figurines of the characters.
• Collect 22 eyes to open a secret room containing a jigsaw puzzle to play at the end of the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 12 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Rachel as she finds herself back at the haunted estate to deal with some unsettled business with one of the ghosts. Continue collecting the collectibles. There are six (6) HOP scenes plus a mini-HOP scene with six items to locate. There are five (5) mini-games. I found the chapter consistent with the main game. It is a decent chapter and I feel it is worthy of the collector’s edition designation.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-two (22) scenes within the game, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. This includes a couple of mini-HOP scenes with only six items to locate. They are somewhat interactive and consist principally of standard lists of items and silhouette. Instead of a puzzle to fight an angry demon ghost, this developer uses some cleverly designed HOP scenes. I feel that is a nice change of pace. Many of the scenes contain two to three scenes in which to locate items. There are also some storybook scenes with items in highlighted letters to locate. There is one scene with cryptic clues and another in which items are located based on a fragment of the items. There is a matching scene as well.
MINI-GAMES: There are nineteen (19) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in difficulty; however, I found most of the puzzles easy to solve. I found none of the puzzles challenging.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Tracing puzzle. Trace 3 figures.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch musical notes on a sheet of music until all are placed in their proper locations. The notes turn green when placed correctly. Trial and error. No logic involved.
C. Matching puzzle. Macabre puzzle in which the player matches up 2 or more skeletons to remove them from a grid until all are eliminated. 2X
D. Sequence puzzle. Unique puzzle. Move 6 shadows so they match up with their perspective forms on a showcase. Use 6 sets of arrows to move the shadows back-and-forth.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Move bottles with various colored liquids within them until every bottle has liquid of only one color.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a picture to restore the image.
G. Rotating rings. Rotate parts of a globe so that the symbols displayed match up with those on a given diagram.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch musical notes on a sheet of music until all are placed in their proper locations. The notes turn green when placed correctly. Trial and error. No logic involved.
C. Matching puzzle. Macabre puzzle in which the player matches up 2 or more skeletons to remove them from a grid until all are eliminated. 2X
D. Sequence puzzle. Unique puzzle. Move 6 shadows so they match up with their perspective forms on a showcase. Use 6 sets of arrows to move the shadows back-and-forth.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Move bottles with various colored liquids within them until every bottle has liquid of only one color.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a picture to restore the image.
G. Rotating rings. Rotate parts of a globe so that the symbols displayed match up with those on a given diagram.
I recommend this game!
A desperate alliance between worlds hides a secret betrayal!
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 208 found this review helpful
DOMINI OPENS A PORTAL TO A WORLD OF FUN-FILLED FANTASY
PostedJune 24, 2021
sunnyglow
fromSneaky Snake Alert! I am having a “hissy” fit because of the slithering cobra with humongous fangs which just pops up out of nowhere!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 53 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 53 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: Enjoy a beautifully illustrated, magical adventure to other worlds to save them, along with your own, from the treachery of an evildoer. What a fantastic fantasy game! I enjoyed playing this game except for the pop-up snake in one of the scenes. Those fangs woke me up from any lull I was enjoying in this game. Nevertheless, it is an easy play with a good pace. The amazing graphics take you to three beautifully illustrated lands, Aertis, Origin, and Oasis. I love the fantasy elements within this game – just not the sneaky snake. I enjoyed seeing flying fish soar above the clouds in Aertis and the glistening blue roses in Oasis. This is a fantasy lover’s dream game. It is a long game and to me, worth the price of a collector’s edition.
I must admit I am addicted to Domini games! It is always a great week when I know one is being offered. Domini always provides more game for the money and this one is no exception, except for the snake. The collectibles are lizards (thankfully not snakes) which morph into flasks and items from a backpack which belongs to Naomi, a character from the game. Collect jewel-encrusted phoenix feathers which are exchanged for items to outfit a garden. I found all easy to locate. The game has a good number of creatively designed HOP scenes and mini-games. The difficulty level for the mini-games can be set in the menu but can be changed while playing the game. II found no errors within this game nor within the strategy guide.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing flasks and 15 items in Naomi’s backpack.
• Collect 70 feathers to exchange for items to create a garden.
• 21 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing flasks and 15 items in Naomi’s backpack.
• Collect 70 feathers to exchange for items to create a garden.
• 21 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play a lighthouse keeper in 1900 who is whisked into a portal to Source, a magical world ruled by Dorm. His sister, Serena, is out for revenge after being stripped of her title after it was discovered she was engaging in dark sorcery. Now, you must stop her before she usurps the throne from her brother. I found this a nice addition to the game. The graphics and story are of the same quality as the main game. There are seven (7) puzzles and five (5) HOP scenes. The player continues to collect the collectibles in this chapter. I found it a long chapter and a worthy addition to this collector’s edition game.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Although Domini is better known for their puzzles, the scenes in this game are creatively designed and display the same quality as the mini-games. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. Each scene in this game is unique, each slightly different from each other. They consist of standard lists of items, silhouette, matching, storybook, cryptic clues, rebus clues, spot-the differences, and search- and- replace scenes. My favorite scene involves searching for items situated on gears. Once the item is located on each gear, the gear begins to move. At the end, all the gears are moving within the scene.
MINI-GAMES: This is a puzzle-lover’s dream game. There are twenty-six (26) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the puzzles can be played in either an easy version for an easy breezy game or a hard version for more of a challenge. There is a marble popper game/puzzle included in this game and one which I enjoyed.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Move flowers and then their stems to their appropriate slots by moving them back-and-forth using a bar to push the flower and stem into position. The easy version has 4 flowers to place, and the hard version has 6.
B. E/H. Maze puzzle. Choose between 3 paths at the proper moment to go through a meadow while avoiding monsters in your path. 4X. The easy version has only one monster in the first two scenes and then 2 in the final two. The hard version has 2 monsters in the first two scenes and three in the last two scenes.
C. E/H. Mathematical puzzle. Fill a bottle with liquid based on plus and minus numbers on the valves used to fill the bottle. The numbers on the valves when added must equal the number given for each difficulty level. The easy version has a larger number to reach than the hard version.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter a number on a lock based on a given code.
E. E/H. Marble popper puzzle. Shoot colored marbles into a moving line of them trying to match up 3 or more to remove them. Continue to make matches until all marbles are removed before the string of marbles reaches the final exit point. In the easy version, the line is slower.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. E/H. Map puzzle. Follow a set of directions to get out of forest. The harder version has more complex directions.
G. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play lines of notes on a piano. The easy version has 4 lines, and the hard version has 5.
H. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on a grid so they match that on a given diagram. The hard version has more tokens to position.
B. E/H. Maze puzzle. Choose between 3 paths at the proper moment to go through a meadow while avoiding monsters in your path. 4X. The easy version has only one monster in the first two scenes and then 2 in the final two. The hard version has 2 monsters in the first two scenes and three in the last two scenes.
C. E/H. Mathematical puzzle. Fill a bottle with liquid based on plus and minus numbers on the valves used to fill the bottle. The numbers on the valves when added must equal the number given for each difficulty level. The easy version has a larger number to reach than the hard version.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter a number on a lock based on a given code.
E. E/H. Marble popper puzzle. Shoot colored marbles into a moving line of them trying to match up 3 or more to remove them. Continue to make matches until all marbles are removed before the string of marbles reaches the final exit point. In the easy version, the line is slower.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. E/H. Map puzzle. Follow a set of directions to get out of forest. The harder version has more complex directions.
G. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play lines of notes on a piano. The easy version has 4 lines, and the hard version has 5.
H. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on a grid so they match that on a given diagram. The hard version has more tokens to position.
I recommend this game!
Arthurian legends are just stories, but sometimes fiction hides the truth.
Overall rating
5
/
5
177 of 259 found this review helpful
ANOTHER HIDDEN EXPEDITION MASTERPIECE
PostedJune 17, 2021
sunnyglow
fromHurrah! For once, the collectibles did not include coins or tokens to exchange for knights, medieval armaments, or anything else to fill up some room in a museum or castle.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 5 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 5 hours)
OPINION: Enjoy an epic, action-packed adventure researching the authenticity of the Arthurian legends. For me, this is one of the best Hidden Expedition games produced. I commend Domini on a well-written gaming script. I found the stories from both the main chapter and the bonus chapter interesting in their purview of these legends. I am not certain if the facts behind the theories purported in this game are authentic, but they do provide a unique perspective which I have never seen before.
Domini always provides more game for the money and this one is no exception. As in their other games, there are three collectibles – fact disks, shields, and souvenirs. I found most easy to locate within the scenes. At the end of the game, the player can read the fact disks to learn more about the legends and other facts covered in the game. I appreciate this aspect of this series – it is educational as well as entertaining and a great game for players of all ages. I found the graphics creatively designed. I feel it has good pace with a variety of activities. It is an easy play, and I found no errors within the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 31 achievements.
• Collect 15 fact disks, 11 shields, and 15 souvenirs.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 31 achievements.
• Collect 15 fact disks, 11 shields, and 15 souvenirs.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER. It is a sequel. You are off to Wales to authenticate a golden cup which is believed to be part of the Arthurian legend. However, conflict will arise when a fellow H.E.L.P. colleague wants to preserve an item which is cursed. The world may be destroyed if this item is not. I found this chapter a nice addition to the main chapter. However, I was surprised that there are few collectibles to locate within this chapter. Most scenes do not have a collectible. However, there plenty of activities with five (5) HOP scenes and eight (8) puzzles.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They include lists of items, silhouette, matching, rebus clues, spot the differences, and storybook scenes. They are highly interactive. Returning are the scenes with morphing objects. I enjoy watching the items blink within the scenes. As in other games, a Match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes.
My only complaint are the storybook scenes. Most of the scenes involve one or two historical scenes in which to locate the items. However, to me, the relationship between the item to be found and the item itself did not compute logically with me. I could understand a skull for death, but the images for “conquest” and “battle” to me in one of the scenes did not make any sense. To me, a knight, in a scene with many other knights, does not stand out as being associated with either a conquest or a battle.
MINI-GAMES: This is a puzzle lover’s dream game. There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most can be played in either an “easy” mode for an easy breezy game or in a “hard” mode for more of a challenge within the game. There are some creatively designed games. I loved the bridges and ladders puzzle and a connection puzzle involving flags on a globe. Both are unique! There is one puzzle I found somewhat challenging; however, most of the “hard” versions of the puzzles are not terribly difficult.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Position parts of two knights to match those on a given diagram. In the hard version, moving one part of a knight affects those on the other knight.
B. Bridges and ladders puzzle. Using levers, position bridges and ladders on a building to reach the top. As you position them, you will be shown the path you have created.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect flags on a globe as per a given diagram. The hard version has more flags to connect.
D. E/H. Sequence puzzle Move planets to their matching slots on a maze. Planets must be pushed in the proper sequence for all to end up at their proper slots. The hard version has two more planets to move.
E. Lock puzzle. Enter a given code for a lock on a safe.
F. E/H. Matching puzzle. Use a magnifying glass to locate molecules by moving a tablet up, down and sideways. The harder version has more molecules to locate.
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place berries in a box so none overlap. The hard version has more berries to place In the box.
H. Switch/Logic puzzle. Switch shields on the Round Table as per given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Mathematical puzzle. Using buttons to move a latch -3, -4, and +5, spaces on a grid, create an equation of moves so that a latch is removed in 7 moves.
J. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no sections cross.
K. E/H. Battleship. Clear a grid of square tiles except those which conceal traps. There are numbered indicators which help deduce where traps are located.
B. Bridges and ladders puzzle. Using levers, position bridges and ladders on a building to reach the top. As you position them, you will be shown the path you have created.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect flags on a globe as per a given diagram. The hard version has more flags to connect.
D. E/H. Sequence puzzle Move planets to their matching slots on a maze. Planets must be pushed in the proper sequence for all to end up at their proper slots. The hard version has two more planets to move.
E. Lock puzzle. Enter a given code for a lock on a safe.
F. E/H. Matching puzzle. Use a magnifying glass to locate molecules by moving a tablet up, down and sideways. The harder version has more molecules to locate.
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place berries in a box so none overlap. The hard version has more berries to place In the box.
H. Switch/Logic puzzle. Switch shields on the Round Table as per given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Mathematical puzzle. Using buttons to move a latch -3, -4, and +5, spaces on a grid, create an equation of moves so that a latch is removed in 7 moves.
J. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no sections cross.
K. E/H. Battleship. Clear a grid of square tiles except those which conceal traps. There are numbered indicators which help deduce where traps are located.
I recommend this game!
Follow Iselin on an adventure like no other, explore a magical land to stop the witch Aradia, find hidden objects, and solve challenging puzzles.
Overall rating
5
/
5
90 of 142 found this review helpful
A FANTASTIC, “FROG” LADEN GEM SET IN AN ENCHANTED KINGDOM
PostedJune 12, 2021
sunnyglow
fromSeeing this small FROG in a Big Fish Pond put a smile on my face. Ribbit!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME (My Time: 5 Hours)
Ribbit! Remember FROGs (Fragmented objects games)? This game is overrun with them – one “hop-ping” up in every scene! Enjoy an exciting adventure seen through the eyes of a sixteen-year-old, Islelin, as she battles to save her world from an evil witch. This is a basic, no frills HOPA game, and for me, a nostalgic trip back in time to when HOPA games were simpler fare. It is a quality game, and although it is missing all the extras seen in the Collector Edition games, for this game, less is more. Comparing it to those from the major developers is like comparing apples to oranges. This game is not in the same league. However, for the price, it is a little gem, especially for those who miss FROG games.
There are no extras in this game. There is no strategy guide, nor bonus chapter. There are no puzzles to replay (although I wish there were), and no achievements. However, the player has the choice of 4 levels of play. The map is crucial in this game as it informs and transports the player to where there is an action or activity which needs to be performed. I feel that graphics are beautiful, and a great deal of work went into designing this game. It is a nice, no frills HOP game, and to me, it was a joy to play.
There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes within the game. You search for fragments of some inventory item. I found some of those difficult to locate within the scenes. Many are well-hidden. There are eighteen (18) puzzles as well. I feel the puzzles are creatively designed. There is a nice variety of puzzles from easy to difficult. The puzzles in this game are as good as, or better than, those in the collector edition games from some of the major developers.
The best part of the game, for me, was where I began the game. I played the beta for this game and was pleasantly surprised the downloaded game remembered me from the beta. The game started where I left off at the end of the beta. I wish more games from other developers would provide this feature. The one think I dislike is having to replay the beginning of the game (the demo) which I already played as the beta. Nevertheless, anyone can start the game at the beginning. Watch out for your inventory! If you collect too many inventory items, you will be forced to use them before being able to collect any more.
VERIDICT: For the price, this game is a steal. It is a piece of nostalgia for those of us who remember HOPA games without all the “extras.” For FROG lovers, this is must-have! For puzzle-lovers, there are some little gems in this game and at least one which is a nail biter. Seven Sails has done an excellent job with this game and personally, I hope BFG will offer more of their HOPA games in the future.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 18 PUZZLES WITHIN THIS GAME:
A. Coloring/strategy puzzle. Color triangular segments of a large triangle so every color has four squares colored and the shape of those four squares are different from each other.
B. Gear puzzle. Rotate gears so each red mark on a gear is next to a red mark on the grid.
C. Rope puzzle. Adjust candles attached to ropes so none of the ropes cross each other.
D. Weights and balances puzzle. Place weighted bird statues on 5 scales so that all the birds, when placed, are level with each other. Green lights will light up when each bird is placed correctly.
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate 3 rings so that colored roses are next to one of a matching color on the outside of the grid.
F. Chess/Strategy Puzzle. Reverse the positions of 6 tokens (3 on the right and 3 on the bottom of a grid). Clicking on each token provides several positions for it to move on the grid (or zero as well). Move the tokens into different positions until they are reversed from the original layout.
B. Gear puzzle. Rotate gears so each red mark on a gear is next to a red mark on the grid.
C. Rope puzzle. Adjust candles attached to ropes so none of the ropes cross each other.
D. Weights and balances puzzle. Place weighted bird statues on 5 scales so that all the birds, when placed, are level with each other. Green lights will light up when each bird is placed correctly.
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate 3 rings so that colored roses are next to one of a matching color on the outside of the grid.
F. Chess/Strategy Puzzle. Reverse the positions of 6 tokens (3 on the right and 3 on the bottom of a grid). Clicking on each token provides several positions for it to move on the grid (or zero as well). Move the tokens into different positions until they are reversed from the original layout.
I recommend this game!
Can you solve a sinister mystery in time to save your nuptials?
Overall rating
3
/
5
95 of 167 found this review helpful
A SERIES FINALE AND NEW BEGINNINGS
PostedJune 10, 2021
sunnyglow
fromHopefully, the death of this series will open a portal to new ones from this developer.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 23 pages (My Time – 4 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 23 pages (My Time – 4 Hours)
OPINION: All good things must come to an end, including this series. Paranormal detective, James Brown, and significant other, Jessica, are off to new adventures. For me, it is a tired farewell, a game which appears to have been thrown together hurriedly to tie up loose ends. In the finale, James Brown is giving up his bachelor days of investigating the paranormal with one final ghostly fling at the Hotel del Pasado. He, along with his fiancée, Jessica, travel to this hotel to tie the knot. However, a ghostly infestation will need to be cleared out before the couple can say their “I do’s.” And, of course, “until death do us part,” has no meaning to this duo. And although this series has ended, death is just another portal to Brown continuing with the Detectives United series.
This is a short game, one which I found somewhat lackluster, lacking the creativity of the earlier games from the series. The game activities revolve around investigating the hotel to locate items to perform a ritual to rid the hotel of ghosts. There is great deal of running to-and-fro throughout the hotel searching for the ritual and afterward, locating items for that ritual. Although the game is short, I feel it has some instances where it becomes tedious and somewhat boring. There are few HOP scenes and puzzles. And the ones within the game lack any unusual or creative touches to pique my interest. However, the graphics are decent and consistent with those from the other games within the series.
There are two collectibles, picture pieces to create four pictures and morphing photographs of the game characters. I found some easy to locate and a few well-hidden within the scenes. There is a bar on the right side of the screen indicating how many collectibles have been collected. There is an Expedition Room which allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles. It is available upon completion of the game. As in their other games, there is a Secret Room which allows the player to return to the scenes to search for more items. This is timed and the player can earn rewards based on the number of items found and the time required to do so. The Strategy Guide is a complete mess! The scenes are out of sequence, and I wish this developer had placed each scene’s collectibles together. It appears that this guide was not proofread before being released with the game.
VERDICT: This is a decent but not outstanding game. It is a short game which will appeal to those who like easy play games. For me, I found some of the game boring. I do believe that if the developer had provided a few creatively designed puzzles and HOP scenes, it would have been a fantastic game. Since it is the last game in this series, it is worth playing, if for nothing more than to see what happens to James Brown and his bride. It is not a terrible game; however, to me, it is a very poor ending to what was a great series.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 20 puzzle pieces to create 4 pictures.
• Collect 13 morphing photos.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
• Secret Room – Return to the scenes and search for more objects within the scenes. You are timed and can earn rewards.
• Expedition Room – Allows the player to return to the scenes to search for missing collectibles.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 20 puzzle pieces to create 4 pictures.
• Collect 13 morphing photos.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
• Secret Room – Return to the scenes and search for more objects within the scenes. You are timed and can earn rewards.
• Expedition Room – Allows the player to return to the scenes to search for missing collectibles.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play a young ghost who has been left behind at the hotel and is frantically searching for the portal to journey to the afterlife. His only hope rests with James Brown. I found it consistent in quality to the main game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. I found the chapter decent but not outstanding. The quality is consistent to the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I found them nondescript, somewhat boring with little creative design. They lack the interaction seen in their other games. Most the scenes are either standard lists of items or silhouette. There are also five (5) mini-HOP scenes with searches for six (6) items each.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. All have been seen in other games. I found all the puzzles easy and lackluster in design.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 21 MINI-GAMES FROM THE GAME – THESE ARE AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sequence puzzle. Pull keys in the proper sequence to destroy white ghosts with green smoke.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a heart to restore its image.
C. Connection puzzle. Connect gems with each other without retracing steps.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch circular parts of a tree to restore an image of the tree.
E. Assembly puzzle. Press on piano keys to color in squares red and green in a grid so that only two highlighted ones are green, with the color red being removed completely from the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Checkers puzzle. Start with a grasshopper. Jump over the others within a grid until only one remains. 3X
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 4 diamond-shaped emblems on a typewriter, so that each square of the emblems matches a colored bead next to it.
H. Connection puzzle. Connect all gems on a cup while avoiding ghostly obstacles which will break the connection.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a heart to restore its image.
C. Connection puzzle. Connect gems with each other without retracing steps.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch circular parts of a tree to restore an image of the tree.
E. Assembly puzzle. Press on piano keys to color in squares red and green in a grid so that only two highlighted ones are green, with the color red being removed completely from the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Checkers puzzle. Start with a grasshopper. Jump over the others within a grid until only one remains. 3X
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 4 diamond-shaped emblems on a typewriter, so that each square of the emblems matches a colored bead next to it.
H. Connection puzzle. Connect all gems on a cup while avoiding ghostly obstacles which will break the connection.
I recommend this game!
Can you undo Neptune’s deadly curse in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
98 of 150 found this review helpful
CURSES! ANOTHER ISLAND HOLIDAY RUINED
PostedJune 3, 2021
sunnyglow
fromAfter playing this game I would like to know what happened to that “undying love” between King Charles and Ayrine?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My Time: 8 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My Time: 8 Hours)
OPINION: Enjoy a seafaring adventure loosely based upon the Hans Christian Anderson tale of “The Little Mermaid.” I loved the first part of this game. However, as the game progressed, the game became boring to me - mired down in the doldrums of repetitive stories and actions. The actions are the same throughout the main game. Sail from one sea monster to another attempting to return their hideous presence to their former human self. The sequence is the same. Find the monster, locate a magic pearl, give the pearl to Morgana (your storyteller helper), listen to her narrate a tale of woe about the character, play the same Match-3 game, then receive a token to return the monster to its former human self.
Curses! This whole island is cursed, and you will need to not only remove them from five characters but also locate and return an item which has a special significance to that person. By the end of the game, I was saying “Curses! How many more monsters do I need to save?” Yawn! I think this game would have been better if it were shorter or provided a little more variety in the gameplay.
One feature I did enjoy about the game is the side bar on the left which indicates how many collectibles are remaining within the scene. I do wish more developers provided this feature. The collectibles are morphing objects and game characters. Every scene has two of each. I found some were easy to locate; however, I did have problems locating a few of them. However, I enjoy a challenge and I found this a good thing. If the player locates all the characters, a map puzzle is made available to play upon completion of the game. The game has beautiful artwork. The soundtrack is the same one as in most of this developer’s games. I do hope this developer will develop a new theme song for their games.
STORY: Play Amber as she ventures off to celebrate Neptune Day on Sunshine Island with her brother, Adam. After years apart, both are excited at the reunion. This day celebrates the harmonious relationship between the sea dwellers and the inhabitants of the island. However, when the mermaid who forged the truce, Ayrine disappears, her sister mermaids believe she is dead and blame her death on the island’s residents. They have placed a curse upon the residents and since you are not a resident, you are their only hope in stopping this curse. Is Ayrine dead or is she missing? The answer rests with an evil denizen of the ocean, the Sea Witch, who has ensnared the whole island kingdom in her net of deceit.
VERDICT: This is a long game which I feel would be better if it were shorter. I did enjoy the game. I feel it is worth purchasing and playing. There are some fantastic HOP scenes and puzzles. However, to me, it is not outstanding. Sorry, but I do not feel this is worthy of an editor's choice award. There are some good features within this game; however, to me, there is a lot of filler - making the game longer through the same repetitive actions.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements. (Some have 3 parts)
• 26 game scenes.
• Collect 52 morphing objects and 52 characters from the game. Every scene has 2 morphing objects and 2 characters.
• 8 wallpapers and 5 screensavers, along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Morgana a helper sea creature who will help you when you locate and give her a magic pearl.
• Replay 20 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements. (Some have 3 parts)
• 26 game scenes.
• Collect 52 morphing objects and 52 characters from the game. Every scene has 2 morphing objects and 2 characters.
• 8 wallpapers and 5 screensavers, along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Morgana a helper sea creature who will help you when you locate and give her a magic pearl.
• Replay 20 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Adam, Amber’s brother, as he helps Davy Jones save his ship, the Flying Dutchman, from the ghost of Mary Reed, the ship’s former captain. Mary has been cursed by the Sea Witch and you, as Adam, must find a way to allow her to escape this curse. There are six (6) mini-games and nine (9) HOP scenes. I felt the pace dragged a little in this chapter. Nevertheless, with all the activities within this chapter, it is worthy of a collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-eight (28) HOP scenes, twenty (20) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Some of these are what I consider mini-HOP scenes, which are searches for six or less items. I feel the best part of the game are the HOP scenes. They are highly interactive. They include the standard lists of items and silhouette scenes. There are also matching scenes, rebus clues, scenes in which items are to be replaced into the proper place within the scene. There is even a FROG in the bonus chapter! A few scenes have a mini-game within them as well.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-eight (38) mini-games, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There is a variety of different styles, and most are thematic. Some of the puzzles have the option to be played in either an easy or hard mode.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE 38 MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. Match 3 game. Fight a squid (Davy Jones) by filing up your bar with tokens before he does in 20 moves. (Same puzzle is played throughout the game)
B. Connection puzzle. Connect thread points with each other on an embroidery hoop without crossing lines.
C. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no parts intersect with each other.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a pocket watch to restore an image.
E. Checkers puzzle. Move colored gems on a magic wand, jumping over other gems to a free open space until all gems are in their matching slots.
F. Switch puzzle. On a circular grid switch tokens so that they are next to the two symbols which, when combined, create the image on the token.
G. Checkers puzzle. On a grid full of roses, have the roses jump over each other to a free space until only one remains.
BONUS CHAPTER:
A. E/H. Logic puzzle. Place colored fireworks into boxes as per written instructions.
B. Bullseye puzzle. Move 3 sliders into position to knock down a stalactite.
C. Maze puzzle. Find a way through a maze by choosing between 3 doors at each turn using a guide with symbols on it.
B. Connection puzzle. Connect thread points with each other on an embroidery hoop without crossing lines.
C. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no parts intersect with each other.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a pocket watch to restore an image.
E. Checkers puzzle. Move colored gems on a magic wand, jumping over other gems to a free open space until all gems are in their matching slots.
F. Switch puzzle. On a circular grid switch tokens so that they are next to the two symbols which, when combined, create the image on the token.
G. Checkers puzzle. On a grid full of roses, have the roses jump over each other to a free space until only one remains.
BONUS CHAPTER:
A. E/H. Logic puzzle. Place colored fireworks into boxes as per written instructions.
B. Bullseye puzzle. Move 3 sliders into position to knock down a stalactite.
C. Maze puzzle. Find a way through a maze by choosing between 3 doors at each turn using a guide with symbols on it.
I recommend this game!