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:
Can you stop a dangerous order from abusing time for their nefarious plans?
Overall rating
3
/
5
96 of 169 found this review helpful
ZIGZAG THROUGH TIME IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME
PostedMarch 25, 2021
sunnyglow
fromDo you wish you could go back in time to change the past? I wish I could go back and not to waste the money and time playing this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages (My Time: Less Than 5 Hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages (My Time: Less Than 5 Hours)
Zigzag through time with Anna Gray as she battles a secret society, Omen, ran by an evildoer out to annihilate time travelers. It will be a short jaunt, however. As Anna, time will fly by on this time trip – this game is short! I played the entire game completing all activities within less than five (5) hours. This is one of my favorite series. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed by this latest entry.
This game lacks the quality and activities seen in other collector edition games. There are few extras. The collectibles are time related, twelve (12) timepieces and twenty-four (24) screensaver pieces. Many scenes only have one collectible. There are only two screensavers and one wallpaper! There is a secret room which is opened upon completion of the game in which to search for morphing items within the twenty-six (26) scenes of the game. There is also an expedition room which allows the player to return to the rooms to search for collectibles missed while playing the game. Some of the HOP scenes and mini-games can be replayed at the end of the game.
The story behind this game takes a dark turn. Daddy dearest, Richard, does not appear in this game to provide comic relief as in past games. This game is very dark in comparison to others in the series. I believe Elephant made a mistake by going down a dark path and not including Richard as comic relief for this game. Instead, this game goes into some dark history which I found very disturbing. It is difficult to reconcile the fun and loving relationship Anna Gray has with good ole dad after his sordid history is exposed. I found the game has a good pace; however, it is so short it is not difficult to maintain a good pace.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 time pieces and 24 screensaver pieces.
• Secret Room – opened upon completion of the game to search for morphing items within the scenes. You are timed in the search.
• Expedition Room which allows the player to return to the 26 game scenes to search for missing collectibles.
• One wallpaper along with 2 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 14 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 time pieces and 24 screensaver pieces.
• Secret Room – opened upon completion of the game to search for morphing items within the scenes. You are timed in the search.
• Expedition Room which allows the player to return to the 26 game scenes to search for missing collectibles.
• One wallpaper along with 2 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 14 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: Play Aubrey, a character from the main game, as she tries to rescue Anna Gray, trapped within a looking glass. This chapter lacks all the adventure of a Wonderland excursion. It is another short excursion into more of the same as within the main game. There are six (6) HOP scenes –two of which are what I consider mini-HOP scenes, searching for six items. There are also five (5) mini-games. Continue collecting the collectibles within this game. I found the story absurd.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-one (21) HOP scenes within the game with seven (7) of these being mini-HOP scenes in which the player searches for only six items. Thirteen (13) can be replayed upon completion of the game. All of them are either a standard list of items or silhouette along with two mini-HOP scenes with matching items. There is one scene in the demo where items are replaced back within the scenes. I wish there were more creatively designed scenes such as this one. There are some unique scenes for some of the searches such as items on a map and on a wall full of family portraits. However, I found most of the scenes lack creativity and to me, are rather ho-hum and boring.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty (20) mini-games, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They are the best part of this game. One of the mini-games I have never seen before. It is a puzzle which requires placing tiles into position to create a 3-dimensional image.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MNI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a circular maze to create a path for a wire to travel along it to the opposite side of the maze.
B. Sequence puzzle. Slide parts of four tubes to expose numbers; then, press the numbers in ascending order. Numbers are hidden within the tubes and sections of each tube must be slid to expose the numbers.
C. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate three circular dials on a safe so that the arrow on each dial faces north.
D. Connection puzzle. Move connectors on a grid to create a continuous path from the left to the right side of the grid.
E. Stacking puzzle. Arrange and stack tiles onto a grid to recreate a 3-dimensional image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Logic puzzle. Fit all items in a wardrobe onto two grids at the sides so each item is placed and there are no items stacked on top of each other nor any empty spaces.
G. Tangram puzzle. Move tangram pieces from the right side of the screen to the left filling in all spaces and finding a place for all items.
H. Paint puzzle. Paint a portrait of Dorian by matching a numbered brush with a numbered color and touching the palette to fill the color in
B. Sequence puzzle. Slide parts of four tubes to expose numbers; then, press the numbers in ascending order. Numbers are hidden within the tubes and sections of each tube must be slid to expose the numbers.
C. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate three circular dials on a safe so that the arrow on each dial faces north.
D. Connection puzzle. Move connectors on a grid to create a continuous path from the left to the right side of the grid.
E. Stacking puzzle. Arrange and stack tiles onto a grid to recreate a 3-dimensional image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Logic puzzle. Fit all items in a wardrobe onto two grids at the sides so each item is placed and there are no items stacked on top of each other nor any empty spaces.
G. Tangram puzzle. Move tangram pieces from the right side of the screen to the left filling in all spaces and finding a place for all items.
H. Paint puzzle. Paint a portrait of Dorian by matching a numbered brush with a numbered color and touching the palette to fill the color in
**I recommend this game based on the quality of the mini-games.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your hometown from the Headless Horseman?
Overall rating
5
/
5
189 of 311 found this review helpful
TRAVEL TO SLEEPY HOLLOW: A PLACE YOU COULD LOSE YOUR HEAD OVER.
PostedMarch 11, 2021
sunnyglow
fromSpeaking of losing your head, I am trying not to lose mine while trying to solve one of the puzzles within this game!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
STORY: Join childhood sweethearts, Kane and Katrin as they battle The Headless Horseman, a supernatural being who is victimizing the town of Sleepy Hollow. As a former FBI agent from New York, Kane has been asked by childhood friend Katrin for his help in investigating the mystery behind this case. Is this supernatural being controlled by the witches in the area in an act of revenge, or is there another vengeful entity behind these murders?
OPINION: I found this another fantastic game in this series. Domini is my favorite developer and always provides more game for the money. For me, this is one of their better offerings. The story is a loosely based variation of the Washington Irving classic, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” This is another tag team event in which the player will portray both Kane and Katrin as they work together to solve this whodunit.
I found the game an easy play with no errors. This game follows the same format as in this developer’s other games. The graphics are colorful and reflect the atmosphere of 18th century New England. This developer’s trademark colors of vivid purple and neon green are evident throughout the game; however, they are more subtle than in many of their previous games. There are the same number of collectibles (three) as in past games. I found the collectibles easy to locate within most scenes; however, there were some which I found well-hidden. Personally, I do not like collecting coins, stones, or anything else to exchange for items to place in some room or location. I do wish this developer would discontinue this from their games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• 34 Scenes.
• Collect 15 items for a witch’s toolbox, 15 morphing insects, and 70 stones to exchange for items for the Mayor’s Room.
• 15 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
• 38 achievements.
• 34 Scenes.
• Collect 15 items for a witch’s toolbox, 15 morphing insects, and 70 stones to exchange for items for the Mayor’s Room.
• 15 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Katrin from the main game as she battles Ragehild, and evil witch out for revenge. Save Kane before she turns him into the next Headless Horseman! I found this a long chapter and an excellent addition to the game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games within the chapter. The pace is good, and I found both the puzzles and the HOP scenes creatively designed. This is a nice addition to the game and worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) scenes, and all can be replayed at the end of the game. For a developer who is best known for their puzzles, the HOP scenes within this game are creatively designed. There are many different styles besides the standard list of items and silhouette. There are two with rebus clues (each in a different format). There is a spot-the-difference scene, a couple pattern scenes in which items are located based on a small segment of that item, and matching. My favorite is an interactive scene in which items are located sequentially and then used within the scene to further the search. As in their other games, there is a thematic Match-3 game which can be played instead of the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-seven (27) and eighteen (18) can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the puzzles have the option to be played in either an “easy” or a “hard” mode. This option can be set in the menu; however, it can be changed while playing the game. It was a treat for me to see a nonogram puzzle within a HOPA game. Not often do developers use this puzzle within their games. It is one of my favorite genres and enjoyed playing the two provided.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move a key through a circular maze avoiding blocks with directional arrows written upon them. The arrows indicate the direction the block moves. If the key runs into a block, the game must be restarted. The hard version has more blocks within the circular grid.
B. Nonogram puzzle. One of my personal favorites. Enter colors into 2 nonogram grids to create pictures based upon numbers at the side and top of the grid. 2X
C. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch photograph pieces to restore 3 images The hard version has more pieces to place
D. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place gears into a grid so all connect with each other and rotate. The harder version has more gears to place into the grid.
E. Assembly puzzle. Follow a recipe to bake bread.
F. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch the numbers on a clock so the numbers are properly located. The hard version has Roman numerals instead of digits.
G. E/H. Connection puzzle. Rotate squares with pieces of pipe on them to make a connection from a skull to a point on the opposite end.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Connection puzzle. Guide butterflies to a slot of a matching color without being eaten by a big ole spider.
I. Picture puzzles. Create images from 4 difference puzzles, each designed differently.
J. E/H. Checkers Puzzle. Remove all red tokens by jumping over them. The hard version has a 5 x 5 grid. The easy version has a 3 x3 grid.
B. Nonogram puzzle. One of my personal favorites. Enter colors into 2 nonogram grids to create pictures based upon numbers at the side and top of the grid. 2X
C. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch photograph pieces to restore 3 images The hard version has more pieces to place
D. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place gears into a grid so all connect with each other and rotate. The harder version has more gears to place into the grid.
E. Assembly puzzle. Follow a recipe to bake bread.
F. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch the numbers on a clock so the numbers are properly located. The hard version has Roman numerals instead of digits.
G. E/H. Connection puzzle. Rotate squares with pieces of pipe on them to make a connection from a skull to a point on the opposite end.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Connection puzzle. Guide butterflies to a slot of a matching color without being eaten by a big ole spider.
I. Picture puzzles. Create images from 4 difference puzzles, each designed differently.
J. E/H. Checkers Puzzle. Remove all red tokens by jumping over them. The hard version has a 5 x 5 grid. The easy version has a 3 x3 grid.
I recommend this game!
The original Clutter series is back with its most amazing and challenging set of puzzles yet!
Overall rating
5
/
5
95 of 186 found this review helpful
A KILLER GAME FROM THE CLUTTERMEISTER, JOE
PostedMarch 6, 2021
sunnyglow
fromHere’s to you Joe! One the best game designers in the business and one of the nicest as well! Hope to see many more games from you in the future!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
TRIBUTE TO A GAMESMITH: Some of you may be wondering – where’s the collector’s edition game today? Well, this game, along with other games from this developer are collectors and this game is one which can be played repeatedly. Many of us on the Pond Friends Forum have known Joe for years. He is frequent visitor to the forum and some of us have helped beta test his games. His games are in a class of their own, timeless, designed by a master craftsman in the art of puzzle design. Few games demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship of his games. So for those of us who have played his games for years, we are not surprised this gaming company gave Joe (as we know him) a Saturday slot.
MECHANICS This is a “killer” game, one with thousands of puzzles. Returning are the cluttered heaps of items to be matched – all lumped together. All can be played either timed or untimed; however, Joe suggests you at least try to take the challenge by trying to get all the matches in the time required. Items to be matched include some incredibly beautiful butterflies, yummy looking donuts (which might find you trying to eat a few), jewels, buttons, pictures (round and square), children’s plastic figurines, and a variety of other items. Matches can be with like items, smaller with larger of the same item, the same category of item but different shapes, black-and-white, or halves of items to be matched.
There are some new features within this game – one being nerve-racking white cubes, which, after playing for some time, seem to transform into a white blurb. Also new are bright, colorful letters, with many of the games having several letters clumped together. To add a little more challenge to the games, this game has buttons placed within buttons to match. Returning are the slider puzzles and box quotes.
TYPE OF PUZZLES: This is a list of the type of puzzles available. Most have several hundred to over a thousand games.
• Killer Quest: Junk piles with over 1600 puzzles
• Stackers: Some new variations here of cluttered items
• Memory Variations: New puzzle in which two stacks move back and forth out of sight of each other and requires the player to memorize where the matches are located.
• Accordion: One of my favorites. Columns of items move back-and-forth within the scene in which the player must locate the items and match them. The speed can be adjusted.
• Clutter Jong: Mahjong all cluttered up with matching and removing items.
• Old School Quest: Matching in different formats.
• Stockpile: More piles of junk to match.
• Clutter Gaps: Switch pictures of items to match up two halves of items.
• Potpourri: Dizzy yet? Rotating rings of items to match while they whirl around the screen. Speeds increase as puzzles progress
• Picture Quest. Create pictures with slats, switching pieces etc.
• Select and Swap. Switch pieces to create pictures.
• Slider: Move slats up, down, and sideways to create complete pictures.
• Square Jigsaw: A unique puzzle using squares.
• Clutter Picture Variations: Match up round, square, oval shaped pictures.
• Killer Quest: Junk piles with over 1600 puzzles
• Stackers: Some new variations here of cluttered items
• Memory Variations: New puzzle in which two stacks move back and forth out of sight of each other and requires the player to memorize where the matches are located.
• Accordion: One of my favorites. Columns of items move back-and-forth within the scene in which the player must locate the items and match them. The speed can be adjusted.
• Clutter Jong: Mahjong all cluttered up with matching and removing items.
• Old School Quest: Matching in different formats.
• Stockpile: More piles of junk to match.
• Clutter Gaps: Switch pictures of items to match up two halves of items.
• Potpourri: Dizzy yet? Rotating rings of items to match while they whirl around the screen. Speeds increase as puzzles progress
• Picture Quest. Create pictures with slats, switching pieces etc.
• Select and Swap. Switch pieces to create pictures.
• Slider: Move slats up, down, and sideways to create complete pictures.
• Square Jigsaw: A unique puzzle using squares.
• Clutter Picture Variations: Match up round, square, oval shaped pictures.
HISTORY OF PUZZLES: Joe always provides a little history or background information while playing these games. In this game, Joe takes us on a nostalgic journey through his experiences with puzzles. From crossword puzzles to his experiences with a Rubik’s Cube, Joe gives us insight on how he became a “puzzlemeister.” It was a little nostalgic for me as well having cut my teeth on crossword puzzles, the various “Games” magazines through the years and as an aficionada and collector of Will Shortz’s puzzle books.
I do not usually play nor review many non-HOPA games. However, this is one of my favorites. I play one of the puzzles from his games almost daily. They are a great way to take a short break from work. Most of the puzzles (under the time crunch) can be played in a few minutes. However, as the puzzles progress in each section, the time is less, and the puzzles become more difficult. Sometimes, I need to play some of those puzzles several times to get all the items listed. However, to me, well-worth it for the enjoyment of the challenge. For the price, if you love puzzle games, this game is a steal!
I recommend this game!
Can you claim your powers and save your mom in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
152 of 295 found this review helpful
WELCOME TO FAYRON! (UNLESS YOU ARE HUMAN)
PostedMarch 4, 2021
sunnyglow
fromAs you prepare for battle and march through the bonus chapter remember these words - "Keep calm and carry on in Faryon!”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages (My Time: 7.5 Hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages (My Time: 7.5 Hours)
STORY: Welcome to Faryon, a magical kingdom inhabited with a variety of wondrous creatures. Play Diana, whose mother, Ruby, is whisked away to this kingdom and awaits execution. Her crime? She is a human which is considered a loathsome of creature and banned from entering this kingdom. Diana enters this kingdom to locate her mother and free her. During her stay within this magical land, Diana will learn about her past, her connection to this kingdom all while discovering and unleashing extraordinary powers she possesses. She will need those powers as she battles an evildoer named Bane who is out to exact revenge on the inhabitants of the kingdom.
OPINON: This is another great game within the series. I found the story well-written with a good plot. The kingdom of Faryon is beautifully depicted with an assortment of adorable creatures. Nevertheless, I did not care for the story behind the game. This is just a matter of personal preference and has nothing to do with the overall excellence of this game. The story is well-written, and the game has a good pace. Although the setting is a fairytale kingdom, it is less bucolic than warlike. There is a lot action within this game with many battle scenes.
MECHANICS: There are twenty-eight (28) scenes within the game. Each scene has two collectibles – morphing objects and feathers. There are two indicators at the side of the screen which indicate if a collectible has been located. Some of the feathers I found difficult to locate but not the morphing objects. Mad Head has a lot of extras in this game. There are three (3) jigsaw puzzles which can be played at the end of the game along with an ultimate hidden object scene. There is also a Match-3 puzzle playable upon completion of the game as well which allows the player to collect up to 1,000 items. One of the special powers Diana has is “second sight” which allows the player to see hidden items within other items. There is an indicator at the left side of the screen which lights up when the power of “second sight” is needed within a scene.
IN A NUTSHELL:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements (Most with 3 parts).
• 28 scenes.
• Collect 28 feathers and 28 morphing objects.
• Collect 20 morphing objects within the HOP scenes.
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 20 HOP scenes but no mini-games.
• An Ultimate Hidden Object puzzle playable upon completion of the game
• 3 Jigsaw puzzles playable upon completion of the game.
• A Match -3 game playable at the end of the game with 3
levels: easy (200), medium (500) or hard (1,000).
• Second sight ability: allows items to be seen through solid objects.
• 11 achievements (Most with 3 parts).
• 28 scenes.
• Collect 28 feathers and 28 morphing objects.
• Collect 20 morphing objects within the HOP scenes.
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 20 HOP scenes but no mini-games.
• An Ultimate Hidden Object puzzle playable upon completion of the game
• 3 Jigsaw puzzles playable upon completion of the game.
• A Match -3 game playable at the end of the game with 3
levels: easy (200), medium (500) or hard (1,000).
• Second sight ability: allows items to be seen through solid objects.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel but the story behind this chapter provides a historical perspective of the past. Join Neero from the main game as he relays the story of John, his friend, whose traumatic childhood affected his decisions in life. When John discovers the truth of his lineage, he becomes vengeful and it will require Neero and others in the kingdom’s army to stop him. I found this chapter too warlike and militaristic for me. I did not care for the booming sounds, shaking and warlike atmosphere. I could not wait until this chapter was over. For those who love war movies or games, you will probably like this chapter. However, for me, it was over the top. There are five (5) HOP scenes and five (5) minigames. I feel that the HOP scenes and mini-games are creatively designed. I found it worthy of a collector's edition; however, it is just not a style of game which I enjoy.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty (20) HOP scenes all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. There are a few mini-HOP scenes, each one containing six (6) items to be located. Most of the scenes are standard lists of items, silhouette, and matching. There is one storybook scene as well. Each scene has a morphing object within it, some which I had difficulty finding. I found the scenes were creatively designed and very interactive. There are some beautiful scenes within this game, including one which involves searching for celestial objects.
MINI-GAMES. There are thirty-one (31) mini-games. There is a wide variety of styles. My only complaint is that this developer does not provide for a replay for any of the mini-games. Personally, I would rather replay puzzles than HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Fly on the back of a phoenix while avoiding obstacles in your path.
B. Checkers puzzle. Jump over other tokens to place 6 tokens into position at the top of a grid.
C. Picture puzzle. Move pieces into position to create a helmet.
D. Spot the differences puzzle. Usually a HOP scene, locate differences between 2 pictures.
E. Blocking puzzle. On a grid move obstacles in the path of a mouse to block him from escaping the grid.
F. Sleight of hand puzzle. Watch 3 boxes with 3 card symbols hidden under them as they are shuffled. Then, try to find the box which contains the image which matches a given one. 3X
G. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces in the proper place to restore a statue.
H. Assembly puzzle. Place 5 lenses with holes within them on a star-studded sky so every hole on each lens matches up with a star in the sky.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Maze puzzle. Plot a course within a maze to go from the entrance of the maze to the end using arrows at the side of the grid to create your path. There are prevailing winds which affect your movement.
J. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate squares with numbers on each of the four points so that a number pattern matches that of a given diagram
B. Checkers puzzle. Jump over other tokens to place 6 tokens into position at the top of a grid.
C. Picture puzzle. Move pieces into position to create a helmet.
D. Spot the differences puzzle. Usually a HOP scene, locate differences between 2 pictures.
E. Blocking puzzle. On a grid move obstacles in the path of a mouse to block him from escaping the grid.
F. Sleight of hand puzzle. Watch 3 boxes with 3 card symbols hidden under them as they are shuffled. Then, try to find the box which contains the image which matches a given one. 3X
G. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces in the proper place to restore a statue.
H. Assembly puzzle. Place 5 lenses with holes within them on a star-studded sky so every hole on each lens matches up with a star in the sky.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Maze puzzle. Plot a course within a maze to go from the entrance of the maze to the end using arrows at the side of the grid to create your path. There are prevailing winds which affect your movement.
J. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate squares with numbers on each of the four points so that a number pattern matches that of a given diagram
I recommend this game!
In this scholastic escape room puzzler, help Mya to freedom after she’s locked up in school!
Overall rating
5
/
5
127 of 193 found this review helpful
EVER WANTED TO ESCAPE A CLASS DURING SCHOOL? NOW YOU CAN!
PostedMarch 3, 2021
sunnyglow
fromThis game brings back memories of high school. Just wish I would have known some of the methods within this game to escape some of the boring classes I had in days of yore.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wow! what a fantastic surprise! I am an escape room aficionada having spent many an hour with friends at a local one in my area. My buds and I have spent more than a few hours scratching our heads attempting to solve brain-crushing puzzles under a time crunch at this establishment ! Luckily, this game does not have a time element. The player has all the time in the world figure out how to unlock each door in this game.
LOGIC IS THE KEY TO OPENING THE DOORS: This is a puzzle lover’s dream game. This game is based on the logistics of the escape room arcades situated in many cities and towns. In this case the player must escape through one-hundred forty (140) doors within a school, moving from one classroom to another. To escape each room, the player must survey the scene and search for clues on how to unlock the door to leave. The player must interact with the room. Most involve some type of puzzle or searching for a key or items to unlock this door.
The puzzles I played involved matching, searching for lock combinations and collecting items to create something to open the door. There are also scenes which involve shaking items, breaking items and moving or uncovering items to find a key. As you progress in the game, the puzzles become more difficult to solve. However, there are hints given throughout the game to help navigate the scenes.
Do not let the simplistic graphics fool you in this game! This game will require some skills in deduction to see the association of the items within the room and how they can be combined and/or used to unlock each door. There is a full screen and windowed version, and the graphics are drawn so that items which are needed are fully visible and not difficult to see. The player can restart the level if they wish and there is a hint button if the level proves to difficult to solve.
FINAL NOTE: I do not play nor review daily games, being more interested in the HOPA games from this gaming site. However, this genre is one of my favorites and this is one I have been wanting to play for some time. I have not completed the game; however, from the levels I have played, I have not been disappointed and looking forward to playing the remainder of the game. I for one would love to see more of these escape room games on this site and perhaps a F2P one as well,
I recommend this game!
Can you save a family from a deadly presence?
Overall rating
2
/
5
129 of 235 found this review helpful
WELCOME TO AN UNFINISHED DOLLHOUSE
PostedFebruary 25, 2021
sunnyglow
fromGhosted? Stuck at the entrance of Ellington Manor searching for the handle of a saw to complete the bonus chapter. Oh where, or where has that handle gone? Bet that vengeful ghost, Walter, escaped and took it to keep me from entering the asylum.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME (MINUS THE BONUS CHAPTER)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages
STORY: Prepare to battle a ghost out for revenge! As a paranormal investigator, you have been contacted by Miranda Grey, after her husband and house staff have gone missing. All have been replaced by creepy dolls by the ghost of a former beau, Walter, who blames her for his demise. Now you must stop him before he ends up with a dollhouse full of creepy, living dolls - including you!
OPINION: I found this to be a short and mediocre game. To me, it is not as creatively designed as other games from this developer. Even with the inclusion of “hard” puzzles, I found the game to be nonchallenging. It seems as if it were rushed through, published without being proofed. I was not able to finish the bonus chapter due to a glitch within the bonus chapter. There are less activities within this game than in many others by this developer. Nevertheless, from what I played, I found the pace decent with plenty of activities to keep my interest.
The collectibles are keepsakes, morphing souvenirs and coins to purchase items for a dollhouse upon completion of game. There is an indicator on the inventory bar which lights up when a collectible is within a scene. I found most easy to locate. There is a gimmicky camera which is used to show incidents from the past to help narrate the story of the game. It is used in the beginning portion of the game, and then it sits idle for the last half of the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• 35 Scenes.
• Collect 15 keepsakes, 15 morphing souvenirs and 72 coins to purchase items for a dollhouse.
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky camera to take pictures of the paranormal episodes of the past. Used when an area lights up.
• Replay 18 mini-games and 18 HOP scenes.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• 35 Scenes.
• Collect 15 keepsakes, 15 morphing souvenirs and 72 coins to purchase items for a dollhouse.
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky camera to take pictures of the paranormal episodes of the past. Used when an area lights up.
• Replay 18 mini-games and 18 HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Miranda Grey contacts you concerning her father. Since nervous breakdowns seem to run in this family, it appears her father has had one as well. He has been taken to the Ellington Manor and she has not been able to contact him and believes he is in danger. I would have liked to help our lady in distress; however, I was not able to finish the chapter. So, my trek to this institution was for nought and my trip cut short.
GLITCH IN THE BONUS CHAPTER: Have I been ghosted? Oh where, oh where, is that handle for the saw? I looked here, there and everywhere! It must be well-hidden or disappeared because I could not find it. The strategy guide had it pictured on the top of an ornate box on a table, but when I went there, the box was bare and was stuck and looked and looked everywhere! Hence, I could not saw wood to get a board to open a gate. Hopefully, there will be a patch sent so I can enter the asylum and save Miranda’s father from a mad doctor!
HOP SCENES: Since I could not finish the bonus chapter, I cannot state how many scenes there are within the game. However, there are thirteen (13) in the main game. Eighteen (18) scenes can be replayed at the end of the game. They are varied and include standard lists of items, silhouette, rebus clues, search and replace scenes, and a pattern scene. They are decent but do not display the creativity as within other games by this developer. They are somewhat interactive.
MINI GAMES: There are seventeen (17) mini-games in the main chapter. Eighteen (18) can be played upon completion of the game. Most of the min-games have the option to be played in either a “hard” or “easy” mode. However, I found most of the “hard” mini-games to be of average difficulty, and for a few of the mini-games, I found those designated as “hard” to be easy as well. From the mini-games I played, I did not find them as well-designed as in previous games from this developer. To me, the puzzles are for the most part, too easy and non-challenging.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Matching puzzle. Find 4 or more notes on a keyboard which match ones given. The hard version has more notes to find.
B. Sequence puzzle. Move a dial to point to flowers as per a given guide.
C. E/H Move puppets on their stands so they are all situated on a jewel resting upon each of their stands. Moving one puppet affects the other. The harder version involves more movement by the puppets.
D. E/H. Bar puzzle. Move a token from the left to right by moving 4 bars with prongs on them to create openings. There are monkeys within the paths which can prevent the prongs from moving. The harder version has a more complex bar arrangement and more monkeys.
E. E/H. Map puzzle. Choose a path, either 1, 2, or 3, at the right time to lead a taxi through the streets of a town without colliding with a green car within its path. The harder version has a much harder route to traverse. 3X
F. Marble Maze puzzle. Rotate a maze to allow a marble to move through paths to reach a slot at the bottom of the maze.
G. E/H. Rock/Paper/Scissors. Play with a skeleton. In the easy version play 3 times and in the hard version, play 5 times.
H. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate tokens so that each one is next to its twin.
B. Sequence puzzle. Move a dial to point to flowers as per a given guide.
C. E/H Move puppets on their stands so they are all situated on a jewel resting upon each of their stands. Moving one puppet affects the other. The harder version involves more movement by the puppets.
D. E/H. Bar puzzle. Move a token from the left to right by moving 4 bars with prongs on them to create openings. There are monkeys within the paths which can prevent the prongs from moving. The harder version has a more complex bar arrangement and more monkeys.
E. E/H. Map puzzle. Choose a path, either 1, 2, or 3, at the right time to lead a taxi through the streets of a town without colliding with a green car within its path. The harder version has a much harder route to traverse. 3X
F. Marble Maze puzzle. Rotate a maze to allow a marble to move through paths to reach a slot at the bottom of the maze.
G. E/H. Rock/Paper/Scissors. Play with a skeleton. In the easy version play 3 times and in the hard version, play 5 times.
H. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate tokens so that each one is next to its twin.
** I would have given this game 4 stars if not for the glitch in the bonus chapter which prevented me from completing this game.
I don't recommend this game.
A routine flight becomes a perilous adventure as you struggle to survive the dangerous way of life inside the Bermuda Triangle!
Overall rating
5
/
5
136 of 248 found this review helpful
CRASH LAND INTO ONE OF THE BEST GAMES THIS YEAR
PostedFebruary 18, 2021
sunnyglow
fromMagnetized by the charm of the roguish comedic figure, Andrew Collins the 4th, I do hope he gets his own game series.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 56 pages (My Time: 7.5 Hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 56 pages (My Time: 7.5 Hours)
STORY: What secrets lie within the Bermuda Triangle? Find out as you and your professor, Ben, fly into a magnetic storm which whirls you into a kingdom with a conglomeration of islands, ones in the sky in conflict with an island beneath them. Zipline through this game as you try to locate your professor, Ben while trying to find a way to bring peace between the warring factions of the islands and find a way to return to the world you left behind.
OPINION: I loved this game. To me, this is one of the best creatively designed games this year. If I could purchase only one game this year, this would be the one. Zipline through colorful tropical scenes in your pursuit to the mysteries of these islands. The elements of sci-fi are mixed with the bright, colorful images of the tropics. The pace is excellent with many activities to pursue. The collectibles are triangles and morphing objects. Upon completion of the game return to the scenes of the game and locate additional items (treasures) within the scenes. You get your own gear bag containing a knife and a zipline device which allows you to glide from one location to another. This is a must-have game for those who love sci-fi or just love a fantastic, well-designed game with many comedic moments.
ANDREW COLLINS THE 4TH! Adding a splash of humor to the game is the daring, roguish Andrew Collins the 4th. This character provides many humorous moments throughout the game, including bringing his own inventory list which he hands to you. In essence, this larger-than-life character makes the game! He saves the day by swimming through a cave to end up on the title page and pressing the “play” button. I do hope we will see more of his dashing presence in the future. His whimsical nature could lend itself to a whole series along with his beloved “Julie.”
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 43 morphing objects and 27 triangles.
• Collect 26 treasures by returning to the scenes at the end of the game.
• Play a bonus jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game.
• Replay 3 mini-games and 17 HOP scenes.
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Ultimate HOP Scene available upon completion of the game.
• Gear bag with items needed to help in the game.
• 11 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 43 morphing objects and 27 triangles.
• Collect 26 treasures by returning to the scenes at the end of the game.
• Play a bonus jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game.
• Replay 3 mini-games and 17 HOP scenes.
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Ultimate HOP Scene available upon completion of the game.
• Gear bag with items needed to help in the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Andrew Collins the 4th as he steals the Seal keys and ventures off to locate his beloved Julie. Our heartsick rogue has waited three years stranded on an asteroid awaiting the chance to find his true love. Now join him on a humorous jaunt as he “wings” it through the Black Market in his quest. I loved this chapter better than the main game. This is one of the best bonus chapters I have played – if not the best! There are six (6) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes.
HOP SCENES: There are (19) HOP scenes, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Some of the scenes are breathtakingly beautiful and most have a morphing object. Most are standard lists of items, silhouette, and matching. Some of the scenes are challenging. One involves searching for fragments of a spider web within a web which is immense. One of my favorites is locating the image which is not like others within the same scene. There are several scenes within this one activity.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty (30) mini-games, three (3) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in difficulty and style. One of the games can be played in three levels of difficulty. My favorite involved cutie Andrew Collins within an old-school arcade format walking along while avoiding obstacles which cross his path.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MNI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Physics puzzle. Arrange 5 round grooved balls so that a marble transfers from one ball to the other via the open grooves until it reaches its destination on the left.
B. Maze puzzle. Variation of an arcade game. Lead daring Andrew Collins IV through a maze while collecting items he can use to eliminate obstacles in his path.
C. Logic puzzle. Move three keys on three different paths by clicking on them. They must pass through round markers along the way. Each marker can be visited as many times as the number written on it. All markers must be visited as per the number written on them and all keys must land at their destination.
D. Paint puzzle. Paint mushrooms according to a given numeric clue. All paint ampules must be used. Colors must be combined for some of the mushrooms.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Maze puzzle. Help Andrew Collins float up to the sky while avoiding obstacles in his path.
F. Sequence puzzle. Pull shoelaces in the proper sequence.
G. Maze puzzle. Move a ship through a watery maze avoiding attacks.
H. Connection puzzle. Locate the wires on the left and right sides of the screen which match up with each other.
B. Maze puzzle. Variation of an arcade game. Lead daring Andrew Collins IV through a maze while collecting items he can use to eliminate obstacles in his path.
C. Logic puzzle. Move three keys on three different paths by clicking on them. They must pass through round markers along the way. Each marker can be visited as many times as the number written on it. All markers must be visited as per the number written on them and all keys must land at their destination.
D. Paint puzzle. Paint mushrooms according to a given numeric clue. All paint ampules must be used. Colors must be combined for some of the mushrooms.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Maze puzzle. Help Andrew Collins float up to the sky while avoiding obstacles in his path.
F. Sequence puzzle. Pull shoelaces in the proper sequence.
G. Maze puzzle. Move a ship through a watery maze avoiding attacks.
H. Connection puzzle. Locate the wires on the left and right sides of the screen which match up with each other.
I recommend this game!
Mystery and betrayal at Rosings Park darken an alternate version of Jane Austen’s classic!
Overall rating
3
/
5
94 of 171 found this review helpful
I SAY OLD CHAP THIS GAME IS A BLOODY BORE
PostedFebruary 13, 2021
sunnyglow
fromHappy Bloody Valentine’s Day! Staking out vampires with a heart, hoping they will ignore my “bloodshot” eyes and zombified brain from searching for a massive number of items within HOP scenes.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages
STORY: Sink your fangs into a lengthy game, a vampiric adaptation of the novel, “Pride and Prejudice.” As Elizabeth Bennett, you are off to rescue your errant sister, Lydia, who has run off with the rogue, Wickham. Upon arriving at the home of Wickham’s aunt, discover that all the residents are vampires! However, most have not had their bloody first “bite” and can be returned to their human form if they desire. Now with a Red Moon rising, you confront two tasks – battling a Red Witch out to restore her body through your sister and saving those who no longer wish to remain vampires.
OPINION: This is not the normal HOPA game seen on this site. This is a long game with a massive number of HOP scenes. Most of the activities of the game consist of searching for items within the scenes. There are few mini-games for a game this size. After playing a multitude of HOP scenes, the game became monotonous, and snail-paced to me. I feel the game is too lengthy, and it would have been a better game if shortened. I also feel the story is too complex for a game. Our heroine is trying to save her sister and her beloved, Darcy, from becoming vampires all while dealing with some ethereal witch.
OPINION: This is not the normal HOPA game seen on this site. This is a long game with a massive number of HOP scenes. Most of the activities of the game consist of searching for items within the scenes. There are few mini-games for a game this size. After playing a multitude of HOP scenes, the game became monotonous, and snail-paced to me. I feel the game is too lengthy, and it would have been a better game if shortened. I also feel the story is too complex for a game. Our heroine is trying to save her sister and her beloved, Darcy, from becoming vampires all while dealing with some ethereal witch.
There is only one collectible, bats. There is a side bar which indicates how many bats are within a scene and how many have been collected. There are no wallpapers, nor concept art, nor any replay of the HOP scenes nor the mini-games. I found the graphics rather primitive in comparison to those from other developers. I recommend this game for those whole love games with many HOP scenes in which to search for items.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 34 bats
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 34 bats
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Elizabeth Bennett and return to Lady Catherine’s manor for more vampires and bats! Lady Catherine regrets her wish for immortality and wants to regain her humanity. You also want your beau, Darcy, to return to his human self as well. Locate a book, the Gold Scripture Book, which contains a ritual which will allow you to restore vampires back into their human selves. This chapter is a continuation of the main game. The scenes from this game are repeated within this chapter. There are seventeen (17) mini-HOP scenes and eight (8) regular HOP scenes along with eight (8) mini-games. By the time I reached this part of the game, I was more than ready for the game to end.
HOP SCENES: Can’t get enough of searching for items within the scenes of a game? This game is for you! Search away as there are fifteen (15) HOP scenes and forty-one (41) mini-HOP scenes. None of these can be replayed a the end of the game. There are two mini-HOP scenes per each scene of the game. The player must locate 4 or 5 items within the entire scene from the game and place them into a semi-circle. Most of the standard HOP scenes are varied with standard lists of items, silhouettes, and matching. There are a few search-and-replace scenes in which items are found and then used with the scenes. There are a few which I call “storybook,” which require searching for items to provide content about the story.
MINI-GAMES: There are only twenty-five (25) mini-games. There is not an option to replay any of them. I found most ones seen in other games. Most are easy to middle difficulty. I found none challenging.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Ye Olde Lunar Calendar puzzle. Switch puzzle. Switch moon tokens so they are in proper sequence as to waxing and waning cycles of the moon.
B. Connection puzzle Connect all elements within the scene in one continuous link.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles on a 3 x 3 grid to restore an image.
D. Logic puzzle. Within a grid, move lines with blockers on them. Move them right and left to create openings between the blockers so two cylinders can reach the bottom of the grid
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Switch puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid switch tiles to restore an image
F. Switch puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid click on each tile until it discloses the correct image to recreate a picture of a butterfly.
G. Matching puzzle. Fight off bats. Click on each of 3 bats to disclose symbols, then, search for all the missing symbols matching a given one for each bat.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch books to create an image on their spines
I. Sequence puzzle. Press letters in sequence to open a lock.
J. Search puzzle. Find all symbols using a magic sphere.
B. Connection puzzle Connect all elements within the scene in one continuous link.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles on a 3 x 3 grid to restore an image.
D. Logic puzzle. Within a grid, move lines with blockers on them. Move them right and left to create openings between the blockers so two cylinders can reach the bottom of the grid
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Switch puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid switch tiles to restore an image
F. Switch puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid click on each tile until it discloses the correct image to recreate a picture of a butterfly.
G. Matching puzzle. Fight off bats. Click on each of 3 bats to disclose symbols, then, search for all the missing symbols matching a given one for each bat.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch books to create an image on their spines
I. Sequence puzzle. Press letters in sequence to open a lock.
J. Search puzzle. Find all symbols using a magic sphere.
**I recommend this game for those who love HOPA games with a large number of HOP scenes.
I recommend this game!
Mr. Radcliffe's traveling theater hides a terrible secret!
Overall rating
5
/
5
181 of 290 found this review helpful
A GAME TO PUT A LITTLE SPARKLE INTO YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY.
PostedFebruary 11, 2021
sunnyglow
fromHappy Valentine’s Day to our developer! My heart-felt thanks for another fantastic game – one that demonstrates their staff has that sparkle of talent. (Just don’t consider branching out into theater!)
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
STORY: Happy Valentine’s Day! Celebrate with Oliver and Emma, a happily married couple. Adding to their joy is an announcement from Oliver that he has been chosen to play role of the Raven King in a Radcliffe Theater production. This choice role comes with a substantial amount of money, enough for them to purchase their dream home. However, while rehearing the play, Oliver vanishes along with all traces of the theater. Now, as Emma, begin a search for your beloved husband. Learn more about the owner, Radcliffe, the history of the Radcliffe family, and the evil purpose behind each of five (5) theater productions this company is producing.
OPINION: What a fantastic game for Valentine’s Day. In a “game of love,” this one is keeper! For me, it is one of the best games from this developer! It has a good pace provided by a story which journeys to different locations for five different plays, each involving a different character. There is a helper “draggin” dragon who breaks the spells of the cursed script books from each of the plays, but otherwise, just sits quietly on the inventory bar. He is NOT a helper in the standard sense. After breaking each spell in the game, he narrates the background history of the game. The game is beautifully illustrated, some scenes breathtaking. I found no errors while playing this game.
There are two collectibles, dragons, and morphing objects. There are two of each in every scene. I found them easy to locate and it seemed that those hidden dragons got larger as the scenes progressed. I like the fact that this developer provides a bar at the left side of the screen to indicate how many collectibles are remaining to be located within each scene. I wish more developers would provide this feature. At the end of the game, if all the dragons are collected, the player is given an extra game to play. It involves planting 15 edible plants for each of the six dragons in a square plot of land. If any of the collectible dragons are missed, the player can go back to the scene to locate them.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 28 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 52 dragons to exchange for 6 dragon statuettes upon completion of the game.
• Play an extra game if you collect all the dragons.
• Collect 52 morphing objects.
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Gimmicky dragon to destroy evil objects.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 28 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 52 dragons to exchange for 6 dragon statuettes upon completion of the game.
• Play an extra game if you collect all the dragons.
• Collect 52 morphing objects.
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Gimmicky dragon to destroy evil objects.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. After receiving a letter from Sam, who helped you find your husband in the main game, you, as Emma, are off to help him save his daughter. He has found the Crown of the Raven King which supposedly grants wishes. He needs your help to locate it to bring his daughter back to life. I found this an excellent sequel to the main game. Again, the theme of “true love conquering all” is woven into this chapter. There are nine (9) mini-games and eight (8) HOP scenes. There are also a couple of mini-HOP scenes. I found this chapter worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-two (22) scenes within the game, nineteen (19) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also many mini-HOP scenes in which a small number of items are to be located. Most of the scenes are repeated having a second set of items to locate, usually in a different format. After a script book is collected, a mini-HOP game is played in which the player locates six (6) items on a sheet from the book based on a given clue. The scenes are varied and include the standard list of items, silhouette, matching, replacement of items back into the scenes, rebus clues, and one search and replace scene in which items are located and then placed back within the scene. They are highly interactive and I feel they are creatively designed. There are some puzzles and puzzle-like activities within the HOP scenes.
MINI-GAMES: Wow! There are forty-two (42) mini-games. There is a variety of different styles of games with most variations of standard ones seen in other games. There is a variation of a Match-3 game played after each script book is destroyed by the “draggin” dragon. There are three (3) parts and all the items within the grid must be removed. Each scene advances in difficulty as the puzzle is played. There are six (6) of these within the game. There are some mini-games which have the option to be played in either a casual or hard mode. I found this a nice touch and wish more developers would add this option to their games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Match-3 puzzle. A variation in which you must connect 3 or more like tokens in straight lines or diagonally to remove them. Remove all tokens from the board to win. Only a certain sequence will remove all tokens. 3X (Used 6 times in the game)
B. Moving tiles puzzle. Move tokens around two grids, each one containing a person, so that each token matches the person it is next to.
C. Casual/Hard. Maze puzzle. Go through a forest to reach a city. In the hard version the scene is dark, and you must locate the passage by trial and error.
D. Bullseye puzzle. Keep a ball within a red zone on a slider to fly a glider.
E. Paint puzzle. Paint a drawing according to a given guide.
F. Weights and balances puzzle. Using weights, weigh materials so they balance to create a potion.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Casual/Hard. Maze Puzzle. Go through a maze finding keys to open doors as you continue to your destination. The hard version requires journeying through the maze in the dark.
H. Paint picture. Paint a picture by matching paints with numbers on the canvas. Every paint has a number assigned to it.
I. Assembly puzzle. Create raft by placing pieces as indicated.
J. Matching puzzle. Shoot ravens which match each other.
B. Moving tiles puzzle. Move tokens around two grids, each one containing a person, so that each token matches the person it is next to.
C. Casual/Hard. Maze puzzle. Go through a forest to reach a city. In the hard version the scene is dark, and you must locate the passage by trial and error.
D. Bullseye puzzle. Keep a ball within a red zone on a slider to fly a glider.
E. Paint puzzle. Paint a drawing according to a given guide.
F. Weights and balances puzzle. Using weights, weigh materials so they balance to create a potion.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Casual/Hard. Maze Puzzle. Go through a maze finding keys to open doors as you continue to your destination. The hard version requires journeying through the maze in the dark.
H. Paint picture. Paint a picture by matching paints with numbers on the canvas. Every paint has a number assigned to it.
I. Assembly puzzle. Create raft by placing pieces as indicated.
J. Matching puzzle. Shoot ravens which match each other.
I recommend this game!
Your daughter’s uncanny gift draws the attention of a sinister organization!
Overall rating
5
/
5
108 of 233 found this review helpful
HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN HALSEY! FIND THE “KEY” TO THE POWER OF YOUR INNER SELF
PostedFebruary 4, 2021
sunnyglow
fromWant to enjoy the “crystal-clear” waters of Ember Lake? You may believe the waters are clear of crystals, but lurking at the bottom of this lake is a hidden infestation of crystals, lying patiently, waiting for you to discover them.
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)
STORY: Sixteen years ago, your brother found a baby girl along the shores of Ember Lake. He brought her to you to raise. Naming her Halsey, you reared her as your own child and shielded her from the events of that night. Now, her sweet sixteen birthday will be anything but sweet when strange powers awaken within her. Strange events are occurring at this lake and they are connected to Halsey. When she is kidnapped by government agents, you are off to visit your brother to uncover the secrets he has kept hidden from you all these years concerning her. Now you must save her and discover the mystery behind her connection to this lake.
OPINION: Welcome back Mad Head Games! Congratulations to this developer on another fantastic sci-fi thriller – one which displays all the quality elements we love about their games! I have been waiting to play this game and was not disappointed. It is a short game, (probably a little too short), but, it has the same quality elements as most of their other games. The gaming script is well-written. The game is a sci-fi delight with the themes, “it came from outer space” combined with that of “the creature from the black lagoon.” The pace is excellent with a variety of activities to keep a player engaged in the game. The graphics are cartoonish and well-reflect the sci-fi theme of the game.
The collectibles are crystals and morphing objects. I found most easy to locate within the scenes. There are indicators on the inventory bar indicating if there are collectibles within the scene. There are morphing objects in the HOP scenes as well. However, I found locating the morphing objects in the HOP scenes a trifle more difficult. At the end of the game, return to the scenes and search for one treasure in each scene of the game. I found these ridiculously easy to locate – they practically jump out of the scene. I do believe these should have been little better hidden so that finding them is more challenging. Upon the completion of the game, there is super-duper ultimate HOP scene available to play. You search for items behind the doors of three cabinets.
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements, most with 3 parts.
• Collect 28 collectibles (crystals) and 42 morphing objects.
• Collect 27 treasures at the end of the game by each scene.
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 15 HOP scenes.
• Ultimate HOP scene. Silhouette. Search for items in 3 scenes by opening 3 cabinet doors.
• 11 achievements, most with 3 parts.
• Collect 28 collectibles (crystals) and 42 morphing objects.
• Collect 27 treasures at the end of the game by each scene.
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 15 HOP scenes.
• Ultimate HOP scene. Silhouette. Search for items in 3 scenes by opening 3 cabinet doors.
BONUS GAME. Feed me Seymour! It is a sequel. It is the Little Lab of Horrors as you play Halsey, all grown up and a college student. She is horrified when her friend Marc introduces her to a biology professor who brought back a crystal from Ember Lake while on vacation. Now he is feeding it with catastrophic results. When the crystal disappears, a shocked and horrified Halsey, is off to retrieve it before it causes more destruction. This is a short chapter. I played the entire chapter in less than a half hour. The game itself if excellent, but I do feel the chapter is a little too short for a collector’s edition. There are only three HOP scenes and three mini-games. The story is excellent, reminiscent of “The Little Shop of Horrors;” however, it could be a little longer.
HOP SCENES: There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes in the game, all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in style with standard lists of items, silhouettes, matching, and pattern scenes in which items must be found based on a small piece of that time. Each scene has a morphing item within it.
MINI-GAMES: There are eighteen (18) mini-games, none of which can be replayed. They are varied in style and difficulty. I found some extremely easy and others a little more challenging. I feel it is a nice mix of genres and difficulty levels. However, I do wish this developer would provide some of the puzzles to be replayed. I do not want to replay the entire game to replay a puzzle. Personally, I would rather replay a puzzle than a HOP scene.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sequence puzzle. Push buttons to turn on all fans on a grid. The buttons must be clicked in the proper sequence. 3X – each scene increases in difficulty.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on each of 3 rings so that tokens match up with the design on each ring.
C. Picture puzzle. Place pieces of a picture into position to reveal a picture.
D. Mathematical puzzle. Place tokens on a roulette board so that the numbers on which 3 tokens are placed equal to 95.
E. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence of directional arrows on a grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Lock puzzle. Enter a give code of symbols into a circular grid using a dial to point to them, moving the dial 3, 5, or 7 spaces clockwise.
G. Sequence puzzle. Open 5 doors on a computer screen by pressing on them in the proper sequence. Pressing on one set of doors affects the others.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on each of 3 rings so that tokens match up with the design on each ring.
C. Picture puzzle. Place pieces of a picture into position to reveal a picture.
D. Mathematical puzzle. Place tokens on a roulette board so that the numbers on which 3 tokens are placed equal to 95.
E. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence of directional arrows on a grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Lock puzzle. Enter a give code of symbols into a circular grid using a dial to point to them, moving the dial 3, 5, or 7 spaces clockwise.
G. Sequence puzzle. Open 5 doors on a computer screen by pressing on them in the proper sequence. Pressing on one set of doors affects the others.
I recommend this game!