sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,068
- Reviews Submitted:758
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 12, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you stop the destruction of the Shining World in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
75 of 111 found this review helpful
A LONG NORDIC LEGEND PACKED INTO A SHORT GAME
PostedJuly 13, 2023
sunnyglow
fromLost in the Shining World trying to figure out where the Scalds are located.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
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: 42 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
Skol! Travel to the magical world of Nordic legends, the Shining World. Lovebirds, Astrid and her fiancé, Ulf, venture to a market to sell wool to finance their wedding. However, their nuptials will be delayed when they are involved in an accident and Ulf is transformed into a wolf. The god of mischief, Loki, is responsible for transforming Ulf into a wolf, insisting it was an accident. However, was it truly an accident or did Loki have ulterior motives? Astrid, accompanied by the god Loki, will enter a fantasy realm, the Shining World, to find a way to find a way to transform Ulf back to his human form. If not, Ulf may be key to the prophesized end of the Shining World, a prophecy called Ragnarok.
This is a decent HOPA game. However, I found some of the story too complex for a HOPA game with too many locations and characters within the story. I still cannot figure out if the Alfars were elves or humans. And where are the Skalds located? The pace is decent for most of the game. There are a few places where I felt the game became tedious and dragged down somewhat. To me, it appears extra activities were thrown in to make the game seem longer. Less is more sometimes, and this game has filler which could have been left out. In my opinion getting rid of some of the extras would have made the game flow smoother and made it more enjoyable.
There are two collectibles, animals, and morphing objects. Most scenes have two of each. I found many impossible to locate in some scenes. They are so well-hidden and some I could not find them, even with the help of the strategy guide. I just ended up clicking on the scene until the collectible was discovered. If all of them are collected, a painting puzzle can be played upon completion of the game. I love most of this developer’s games.
For me, this is not their best work. With a rambling storyline coupled with repetitious and tedious activities, this is one I give a lukewarm rating. What this game has to do with polar lights is beyond me. There is no mention of anything related to either the North Pole or the South Pole within this game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES: There are thirty (30) mini-games and thirty-one (31) HOP scenes (from what I counted). Some of scenes are what I consider mini-HOP scenes in which six or seven items are located. Eleven (11) mini-games and seventeen (17) HOP scenes can be played upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes include standard lists of items, matching pairs scenes, fragment scenes, and silhouette scenes. When the wolf amulet is used, a matching HOP game pops up. There are six (6) of these scenes within the game and they progressively become more difficult. As the game progresses, the items must be uncovered and switch places after each turn.
The mini-games are varied. Some have a casual and hard version of the puzzle. However, I did not find any of the puzzles, even in the hard version, very challenging. The puzzles are variations of those seen in other games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 30 achievements with 9 having 3 parts.
• Collect 49 animals to unlock 5 animal figurines upon completion of the game.
• Collect 49 morphing objects.
• 8 wallpapers with 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 11 mini-games and 17 HOP scenes.
• Gimmicky wolf amulet which is used to summon skalds.
• 30 achievements with 9 having 3 parts.
• Collect 49 animals to unlock 5 animal figurines upon completion of the game.
• Collect 49 morphing objects.
• 8 wallpapers with 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 11 mini-games and 17 HOP scenes.
• Gimmicky wolf amulet which is used to summon skalds.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel set 25 years after the end of the main game. Loki’s love interest, Sigyn, has forgotten him along with all his other acquaintances as well. Loki is suffering from the curse of the Skuld. Upon receipt of a letter from Loki, Sigyn remembers him and is off to reunite with him and discover who is causing her and his other friends to forget him. The main players from the main game return in this chapter. The chapter is long with various activities. There are eight (8) mini-games and seven (7) HOP scenes. The collectibles continue being collected within this chapter. I feel this chapter was decent and worthy of a collector’s edition rating.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Switch hexagonal tokens on a grid so they link together.
B. Assembly puzzle. Scroll 3 wooden statues, each divided into 3 parts until they match a given diagram. Moving one segment affects the others.
C. Maze puzzle. Find parts of the castle in the dark and reach the castle through the maze. Also locate all parts of the lock.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a grid so that the left part and right part of the grid match and are symmetrical.
E. Paint by number puzzle using embroidery. Choose colors to embroider based upon symbols on parts of the picture.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Checkers puzzle. Remove hearts situated upon a grid so none remain. Jump over a heart with a heart of a different color to remove it.
G. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image.
B. Assembly puzzle. Scroll 3 wooden statues, each divided into 3 parts until they match a given diagram. Moving one segment affects the others.
C. Maze puzzle. Find parts of the castle in the dark and reach the castle through the maze. Also locate all parts of the lock.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a grid so that the left part and right part of the grid match and are symmetrical.
E. Paint by number puzzle using embroidery. Choose colors to embroider based upon symbols on parts of the picture.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Checkers puzzle. Remove hearts situated upon a grid so none remain. Jump over a heart with a heart of a different color to remove it.
G. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image.
I recommend this game!
A journey to the sea to uncover a mind-altering plan!
Overall rating
5
/
5
96 of 134 found this review helpful
ANOTHER “FISH-TASTIC” GAME
PostedJuly 6, 2023
sunnyglow
fromNow that our siren, Cecilia, is a fish out of water without her tail, she should pursue a new career in show business. With her mesmerizing voice, Cecilia is guaranteed to win “The Voice,” “American Idol,” or both!
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: 35 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages
Enter the enchanted world of the Sea Witch, Marianna, where tiny clouds inhabit the homes and mischievous, fluttering water pixies cause chaos. I loved this game. Marianna is a whiz at potions, spells, and transformations and is in demand to help her fellow villagers and seafolk. In this game, a heartbroken princess, Cassandra, has asked her help to rescue her prince on her wedding day. Marianna must stop a loved crazed siren, Cecilia, from stopping the wedding of Princess Cassandra to her Prince Charming. The prince is under a spell, mesmerized by the voice of the siren. However, with the help of a few potions and spells, you and Marianna should be able to reunite this couple in wedded bliss.
This is another fairy tale delight from Elephant Games. For me, this is the perfect length for a HOPA game. It took me approximately four (4) hours to play this game, including the bonus chapter. Some developers provide longer games which are more complex with more difficult puzzles; however, most of those are just too long for me and seem to take forever to finish. The game is relaxing and easy to play with nonchallenging puzzles and a nice variety of HOP scenes. The graphics are gorgeous as usual for Elephant Games. This might be a great game for the kidlets as well with some adult help. Collect siren cards and puzzle fragments to play a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game. The puzzle is hidden within the Secret Room. The player cannot miss those collectibles, however. They are huge, in my opinion, too large. It will not take any effort to see them within the scenes. However, if playing with children, that may not be a bad thing.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Expedition room which allows the player to return to the scenes and retrieve any missed collectibles.
• Secret Room which contains the jigsaw puzzle to play after the completion of the game.
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments (shaped as a shell) to complete a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game.
• Collect 12 morphing siren cards.
• 8 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Expedition room which allows the player to return to the scenes and retrieve any missed collectibles.
• Secret Room which contains the jigsaw puzzle to play after the completion of the game.
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments (shaped as a shell) to complete a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game.
• Collect 12 morphing siren cards.
• 8 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: Poor Princess Cassandra! Our future drama queen is experiencing yet another difficulty in her upcoming nuptials to the prince - water pixies. As Marianna, you must help her get rid of these tiny nuisances which are causing chaos throughout the castle. With the help of your friend, Alistair, an expert in magic sea creatures, you will try to locate and rid the castle of these tiny pests. I loved this whimsical chapter. It does appear that tiny water pixies can cause a ruckus within a castle. The buzzing pixies are adorable. Discover the reason for their presence at the castle and help Marianna to get them to leave. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. There are also a couple of mini-HOP scenes with six items to be located. I loved the story behind the chapter and feel it is a good addition to the game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES. I counted eighteen (18) HOP scenes, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes include the usual lists of items, matching, and silhouette. There are some fragment scenes in which the player must identify an area within the scene the fragment is from. Some the scenes require you to collect more than one item to remove the item displayed. There are several mini-HOP scenes throughout the game in which six or seven items must be located. I found most enjoyable and the items easy to locate. They are creatively designed with some creatively designed matching scenes. In one scene open bureau drawers to find items to match. In another, items must be uncovered to match to locate matches.
There are nineteen (19) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I found the puzzles easy and creatively designed. As with most of this developer’s games, there are quite a few picture puzzles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings with grooves in them align to create paths for 4 rods to reach the center of the circle.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on two circles to restore an image. There are 3 images to create.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch rings with creatures on them so they align with images associated with the creatures. Each creature is associated with 2 images.
D. Assembly puzzle. Place items on two shelves so all items are on the shelves, with none overlapping each other.
E. Sequence puzzle. On a grid, travel through each square in an unbroken chain so given musical symbols on the squares are activated in the proper order. There are 3 grids to play.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into a square grid so all fit.
G. Tracing puzzle. Trace 4 symbols.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch squares to recreate an image.
I. Mirror puzzle. Move mirrors to a location so that two matching mushrooms connect with each other via light beams.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on two circles to restore an image. There are 3 images to create.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch rings with creatures on them so they align with images associated with the creatures. Each creature is associated with 2 images.
D. Assembly puzzle. Place items on two shelves so all items are on the shelves, with none overlapping each other.
E. Sequence puzzle. On a grid, travel through each square in an unbroken chain so given musical symbols on the squares are activated in the proper order. There are 3 grids to play.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into a square grid so all fit.
G. Tracing puzzle. Trace 4 symbols.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch squares to recreate an image.
I. Mirror puzzle. Move mirrors to a location so that two matching mushrooms connect with each other via light beams.
I recommend this game!
Medium:
Can you navigate three chilling stories and find a new path?
Overall rating
5
/
5
90 of 136 found this review helpful
ANOTHER “PHANTASMIC” GAME FROM ELEPHANT GAMES - ONE OF THE BEST GAMES THIS YEAR
PostedJune 22, 2023
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Elephant Games for another masterpiece. From this game’s second tale I learned that a “ghoul’s” future best “fiend” may be your best friend.
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: 54 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 54 pages
Return to the Crossroads Bar, a place which exists at the corner of nowhere and everywhere. In this “phantasmic” game, join Mistress Eve as she helps a woman, Eden Royer, deal with the grief she is experiencing upon the death of her mother. Play Eden as she crosses the threshold of death in three haunting tales.
This is another superb game from Elephant Games, one which displays a great deal of creativity. I did not find this game scary; however, all three tales deal with ghosts, ghouls, and the afterlife. I feel this game is the best of the series so far. I loved this game and did not suffer a death from boredom nor from any of the ghosts and ghoulies inhabiting it. I believe that having three well-written stories maintained the excellent pace in this game.
There are many choices to make throughout the game. At times, I sat there contemplating the best answer to the situation at hand. The player will have to choose between three (3) answers as they interact with the story characters. Those choices will determine the outcome of each tale. There will also be two or three choices made in the battle scenes as well. How the player deals with a villain in each story will also determine the outcome. If Mistress Eve views you as having learned all the valuable lessons within the game, you win. However, if you fail, you can always replay the game for a higher score.
There are two collectibles within the game, books on mythology and puzzle pieces. The books on mythology describe how the afterlife is viewed within twelve cultures. I found some of the collectibles difficult to locate and had to use the strategy guide to locate some of them. Most are well-hidden within the scenes. If you miss any of the collectibles, you can return to the twenty-four (24) scenes in the Expedition Room. As in most of Elephant’s games, there is a Secret Room which houses a jigsaw puzzle in which you can play with the puzzles pieces you collect within the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements.
• Collect 12 books on the view of death within mythology and 24 puzzle pieces
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• An Expedition room allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles.
• A Secret room contains a jigsaw puzzle in which to place the 24 collected puzzle pieces.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements.
• Collect 12 books on the view of death within mythology and 24 puzzle pieces
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• An Expedition room allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles.
• A Secret room contains a jigsaw puzzle in which to place the 24 collected puzzle pieces.
BONUS CHAPTER: Join Mistress Eve as she rewrites the three tales from the main game with the stroke of her magic quill. A trickster has entered each of those three tales and altered the stories. Now you must help her rewrite them as they were originally written. Cleverly, this chapter returns to each of the original tales and mixes up the stories somewhat. There are six (6) each of mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes. I feel this is a wonderful addition to the game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES: Elephant is doing a much better job in creating exciting puzzles and HOP scenes. I feel they are much more creatively designed. There are twenty-one (21) puzzles within the game, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I found the puzzles superb. None are challenging and there is one which has a choice to be played in either an easy or hard version.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes with a few mini-HOP scenes with six to seven items to be located. There are standard lists of items, silhouette items, matching pairs, narrative scenes with items located in highlighted letters, and one scene with rebus clues. Some scenes have items which are given and are to be returned to the scene in the proper location.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Slat puzzle. Slide slats up, down, and sideways to restore an image on a tablet.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 11 tiles into position to restore an image of ghoul.
C. Maze puzzle. In 46 moves, lead your figure to the center of a maze avoiding traps.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Lead 3 characters out of a maze. In the easy version move the characters throughout the maze. In the hard version you must plot their course before they begin. Avoid obstacles along the route. 2X
E. Match-3 game. Battle the ghost. Fill up your bars by getting more of your colored tokens than the ghost.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate circles within a painting to restore the image.
G. Paint by Number puzzle. In this case – paint by symbol. Paint areas with a symbol the color assigned to that symbol. 2X
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Match-3 or more game. Battle the ghost. Fill up your bars by getting more of your colored tokens than the ghost.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate circles within a painting to restore the image.
K. Sleight of hand. Find the card with Mistress Eve on it as it is placed under one of 3 cups and shuffled.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 11 tiles into position to restore an image of ghoul.
C. Maze puzzle. In 46 moves, lead your figure to the center of a maze avoiding traps.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Lead 3 characters out of a maze. In the easy version move the characters throughout the maze. In the hard version you must plot their course before they begin. Avoid obstacles along the route. 2X
E. Match-3 game. Battle the ghost. Fill up your bars by getting more of your colored tokens than the ghost.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate circles within a painting to restore the image.
G. Paint by Number puzzle. In this case – paint by symbol. Paint areas with a symbol the color assigned to that symbol. 2X
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Match-3 or more game. Battle the ghost. Fill up your bars by getting more of your colored tokens than the ghost.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate circles within a painting to restore the image.
K. Sleight of hand. Find the card with Mistress Eve on it as it is placed under one of 3 cups and shuffled.
I recommend this game!
Sometimes the past returns without warning or permission.
Overall rating
5
/
5
77 of 142 found this review helpful
ANOTHER “PHAN-TASMIC” GAME FROM ELEPHANT GAMES
PostedJune 8, 2023
sunnyglow
fromAt a seaside summer camp dealing with mosquitoes, bees, and a vengeful ghost! Also elated to have another HOPA game to play!
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: 42 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
Join Dana Strange on another haunting adventure! Do ghosts exist? You will find out as you sleuth your way through the Sea Waves Summer Camp. Investigate a ghostly presence who is out to avenge his death from drowning. It is believed that the drowning was no accident, and seemingly, his deceased spirit is haunting fellow lifeguards who he blames for his death. But is that possible? By collecting and analyzing evidence, you, along with Detective Strange will decide whether a disgruntled ghost is causing camp chaos, or if there is a more corporal being behind these disturbances.
What a “phan-tasmic” game! I see a great improvement in the quality of Elephant’s game as of late. I loved the story and could not figure out the facts behind the ghostly attacks until the very end. However, I did have my suspicions about some of the characters. This is a long game which has a terrific storyline. The pace is good due to numerous activities within the game. I did not think the warnings for the “graphic nature” of the game were necessary. I did not find the game scary at all.
As you collect clues, you enter them into a journal and can refer to the journal as Dana makes conclusions about the case. I do like this gaming feature as I found the story did become somewhat complex. Dana evaluates the evidence and makes speculations about the case which helps clarify what is happening within the story. Collect puzzle pieces which are represented as bees and items associated with a sea camp. I found all easy to find. If all are located, a jigsaw puzzle can be played, one which is hidden within Secret room. There are no morphing objects within this game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES: I counted twenty-one (21) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are twenty (20) HOP scenes, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed as well. There are also several mini-HOP scenes in which six items are located. There are a variety of mini-games, most of which are varieties of ones seen in most games. The HOP scenes are somewhat nondescript. There are lists of items, silhouettes, and matching. There are some scenes with a narrative to further the story.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 21 puzzle pieces shaped like bees for a puzzle locked away in the Secret Room.
• Collect 12 sea creatures and items associated with the sea.
• An Expedition Room contains 22 scenes from the game in which to search for missing collectibles.
• 6 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 12 Mini-games.
• Notebook in which to keep notes, observations, and conclusions.
• Eve – your alter ego who helps you with the case.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 21 puzzle pieces shaped like bees for a puzzle locked away in the Secret Room.
• Collect 12 sea creatures and items associated with the sea.
• An Expedition Room contains 22 scenes from the game in which to search for missing collectibles.
• 6 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 12 Mini-games.
• Notebook in which to keep notes, observations, and conclusions.
• Eve – your alter ego who helps you with the case.
BONUS CHAPTER: Accompany Dana Strange, as she jets off to Glasgow, Scotland with her boss. One of her boss’ friends has enlisted their help to investigate strange events happening at an art museum. In this case, Dana must discover who or what is behind these events, including inventory disappearing and reappearing. Continue to collect the collectibles. This is a long chapter and worth the price of the Collector’s Edition of this game. There are seven (7) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes along with a few mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to locate.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Move circles into position so connections are made between them. 3X
B. Alignment puzzle. Align notched dowels with crossbars on an entrance.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch the fragments of 5 pictures so that 5 photographs are restored.
D. Switch/Logic puzzle Move 12 items so that each item is related in some way to the other items in both the row and column. Only those of matching color or purpose can be switched.
E. Sequence puzzle. Remove barbs from barbed wire in sequential order.
F. Bullseye. Use two slider bars to align 2 circles so they shoot a gun.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Switch puzzle. Switch fragments to restore an image.
H. Matching puzzle. Copy 3 given patterns on 3 grids under water. You are timed and only have so much time to complete the pattern.
I. Logic puzzle. Arrange chess pieces according to given instructions.
B. Alignment puzzle. Align notched dowels with crossbars on an entrance.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch the fragments of 5 pictures so that 5 photographs are restored.
D. Switch/Logic puzzle Move 12 items so that each item is related in some way to the other items in both the row and column. Only those of matching color or purpose can be switched.
E. Sequence puzzle. Remove barbs from barbed wire in sequential order.
F. Bullseye. Use two slider bars to align 2 circles so they shoot a gun.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Switch puzzle. Switch fragments to restore an image.
H. Matching puzzle. Copy 3 given patterns on 3 grids under water. You are timed and only have so much time to complete the pattern.
I. Logic puzzle. Arrange chess pieces according to given instructions.
I recommend this game!
Witches only exist in old fairy tales...right?
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 105 found this review helpful
QUALITY FAMILY TIME FOR GRETEL
PostedMay 25, 2023
sunnyglow
fromFrom another world? Looking at an old bracelet from childhood encrusted with fake crystal rhinestones on an elastic band, perhaps I too could end up in another world with a birdbrain as my familiar!
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: 40 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages
There is no place like home! No clicking one’s ruby red slippers here, but an amulet which transports Gretel back home. Join Gretel as she returns home after years of residing upon another world. Her memories may be gone of her former life, but her amulet contains a raven which will help jar her memory as she treks through this game. This is an incredibly beautiful game and one which can be played by the entire family. It is a fairy tale come-to-life. However, there are some minor discrepancies within the storyline and was hoping the game would explain why Hansel thought Gretel was his sister, when obviously this is not the case. Nevertheless, kudos to Friendly Fox for another gorgeous, incredibly well-crafted game.
The game has everything a player would look for in a fairy tale game. There are plenty of activities set against a rather unique story. There are some surprises which await Gretel as she learns about her past. The collectibles are red morphing crystals and tarot cards. If you collect all the collectibles, you can play a card game against one of the witches. I felt the morphing crystals a little hard to locate, but, to me, that is a good thing! However, the collectibles were not so tiny that you could not see them as with some other developers’ games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• achievements.
• Collect 50 jigsaw pieces (tarot cards) and 50 red morphing crystals. If the player collects all, they can play a card game.
• 7 Wallpapers along with 6 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 12 Mini-Games
• Magical amulet to use to battle evildoers
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• achievements.
• Collect 50 jigsaw pieces (tarot cards) and 50 red morphing crystals. If the player collects all, they can play a card game.
• 7 Wallpapers along with 6 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 12 Mini-Games
• Magical amulet to use to battle evildoers
BONUS CHAPTER:
It is a prequel and explains how Greta was zapped into another world as a child. The chapter is lengthy; however, I feel it lagged somewhat and believe this may be to the numerous HOP scenes. I counted only three (3) mini-games and seven (7) HOP scenes. That is hardly an even mix! I am not an aficionada of HOP scenes, preferring to play puzzles instead. After one HOP scene after another, I became somewhat bored. Nevertheless, it is a good addition to the game and if someone likes playing successive HOP scenes, they will probably love this chapter.
It is a prequel and explains how Greta was zapped into another world as a child. The chapter is lengthy; however, I feel it lagged somewhat and believe this may be to the numerous HOP scenes. I counted only three (3) mini-games and seven (7) HOP scenes. That is hardly an even mix! I am not an aficionada of HOP scenes, preferring to play puzzles instead. After one HOP scene after another, I became somewhat bored. Nevertheless, it is a good addition to the game and if someone likes playing successive HOP scenes, they will probably love this chapter.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES: From what I have counted there are fifty (50) mini-games and twenty-two (22) HOP scenes with numerous mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to be located. There is an amulet provided which is used to fight off foes. A puzzle appears when there is some enemy to battle. Friendly Fox did include some puzzles which can be played in either a casual or hard version. None of the mini-games are challenging and the casual versions of the puzzles are easy. Most of the mini-games are variations of may of those seen in the past.
Some of the HOP scenes are cleverly designed. I always love the ones in which the player must open drawers or boxes to find items which are used to open other drawers and boxes. There is one of these within this game. There are the usual standard lists of items which are very interactive and creatively designed. There are matching scenes, silhouette scenes. There is a silhouette scene in which cut-outs are placed on the items to be removed. I always enjoy those as well.
MY VERDICT: This is almost the “perfect” HOP game. Unlike many other times, I agree this game should be give the “Editor’s Choice” designation. For me, the time passed quickly playing this game. It is a long game, and for the money, it is well worth every penny!
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Casual/Hard. Assembly puzzle. Place shards into an amulet in the proper locations. In the hard version the player must rotate the shards.
B. Tracing puzzle. Create an image on a grid which matches a given diagram
C. Casual/Hard. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces of a map into position. The casual version has 3 pieces in place upon starting, in the hard version, the player must start from scratch Pieces stay in place if correctly placed.
D. Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into position to create a shield to protect you from an evildoer. 3X
E. Connection puzzle. Restore a net by moving a rope through the missing segments. You can only go through each knot in the rope once.
F. Climb every mountain! Strategy puzzle. Choose the correct spot among several spots to climb up a hill avoiding weak spots and creepy Texas-style scorpions.
G. Come Fly With Me! (Man, I need to stop listening to Michael Buble while playing) Fly away with me on my broom. Control a broom by using arrows to help you dodge obstacles on your way to save the world in which you are living!
H. Connection puzzle. Connect stones with lines so they all connect with each other and the lines do not cross each other. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Strategy puzzle. Place runes into a grid based upon numbers at the top for each column and side of the grid for each row. 3X
J. Strategy puzzle. Catch the Baddies. On a grid with pentagon shaped squares, entrap a boy and his father by landing on those squares putting up barriers until the are entrapped.
B. Tracing puzzle. Create an image on a grid which matches a given diagram
C. Casual/Hard. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces of a map into position. The casual version has 3 pieces in place upon starting, in the hard version, the player must start from scratch Pieces stay in place if correctly placed.
D. Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into position to create a shield to protect you from an evildoer. 3X
E. Connection puzzle. Restore a net by moving a rope through the missing segments. You can only go through each knot in the rope once.
F. Climb every mountain! Strategy puzzle. Choose the correct spot among several spots to climb up a hill avoiding weak spots and creepy Texas-style scorpions.
G. Come Fly With Me! (Man, I need to stop listening to Michael Buble while playing) Fly away with me on my broom. Control a broom by using arrows to help you dodge obstacles on your way to save the world in which you are living!
H. Connection puzzle. Connect stones with lines so they all connect with each other and the lines do not cross each other. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Strategy puzzle. Place runes into a grid based upon numbers at the top for each column and side of the grid for each row. 3X
J. Strategy puzzle. Catch the Baddies. On a grid with pentagon shaped squares, entrap a boy and his father by landing on those squares putting up barriers until the are entrapped.
I recommend this game!
Something evil is trapped between two worlds.
Overall rating
1
/
5
43 of 67 found this review helpful
WHEN WILL DOMINI RELEASE A GAME WITHOUT GLITCHES?
PostedMay 13, 2023
sunnyglow
fromSitting here waiting for someone to fix the technical issues on this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Got the same error message. This is not a review of the game but a review of the developer.
Domini has started to crank out assembly line games and not taking their time to test them for playability. This is not the first game I could not download nor finish. In almost all their games nowadays, this is a recurring problem.
I played the demo as well and truly wanted to play the entire game as it seemed as if it would be a great game. Love the story behind the game and the activities in the demo were superb as always.
However, all that game excellence is lost when the game has various technical errors.
Slow down!, Domini! Work on producing a game which is playable until the very end. You do not need to produce two to three games monthly.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a cosmic catastrophe from destroying your world?
Overall rating
3
/
5
68 of 93 found this review helpful
WATCH TIME GET DEVOURED BY PLAYING THIS GAME
PostedMay 11, 2023
sunnyglow
fromNow I know why I can't get things done on time or am late somewhere. Glimborg has eaten my time
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Beware the Glimborg as you join the Detectives United on another adventure! This ancient monster has awakened, after lying in wait for eons to devour time from Earth, leaving it desolate and barren. Helping the detective trio will be a teen, Ewan, who is a legacy member of The Secret Order of Time Defenders, founded by his great grandparents. Only Ewan can destroy this monster; however, as the sole surviving member of the Florence family, he will need assistance from the detective trio.
This is a short game; however, it has a good pace. I liked the story behind the game but had a hard time trying to make sense of the storyline. To me, the story is somewhat illogical; however, I play these games for the HOP scenes and puzzles and not for the stories. It is more of a sci-fi thriller than a detective story. However, I could not understand why there is a warning for disturbing material attached to this game. To me, it seems rather tame – nothing disturbing about this game. There is no blood nor gore nor anything even remotely frightening. However, what I do find disturbing is that this developer’s HOPA games are getting shorter and shorter with less activities and extras. This may be a financial decision on their part, but this game is even shorter than the last one offered on this site.
The collectibles are twelve (12) items and twenty-four (24) puzzle pieces which are used to play a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game. There is an Easter egg with the inclusion of the Mystery Trackers dog, Elf, (dressed in a chic yellow sweater) at the beginning of the game. Could this be a hint that another Mystery Trackers game is in the works?
There are some surprises within this game. This developer has been shaking up their game series lately – getting rid of some of their series, starting new game series, getting rid of characters within some of their series, and bringing in new characters. I enjoy seeing change; however, I feel Elephant is eliminating some of their best loved series and best loved characters as well. I believe they wish to make their games more relevant to today’s culture; however, I do believe some of the changes they are making may not be the best. Again, this is only my opinion but truly do miss some of the comic relief from Anna Gray’s father, Richard, and the loss of the debonair Rick Rogers from Paranormal Files. This series is heading in a new direction as well.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 Achievements.
• Collect 24 puzzle pieces and 12 personal items.
• 6 Wallpapers along with a screensaver, concept art, music, and video sequences
• Expedition room in which to return to scenes to retrieve collectibles.
• Replay 8 HOP scenes and 9 puzzles. (Getting less and less of these to replay)
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 Achievements.
• Collect 24 puzzle pieces and 12 personal items.
• 6 Wallpapers along with a screensaver, concept art, music, and video sequences
• Expedition room in which to return to scenes to retrieve collectibles.
• Replay 8 HOP scenes and 9 puzzles. (Getting less and less of these to replay)
BONUS CHAPTER: Get out your yoga mat and help a young teen, Ewan, chant his way to controlling his magic! Ewan from the main chapter accompanies Anna back in time to solve a case of a stolen amulet at a museum. Anna’s ability to freeze time is altered due to young Ewan’s inability to control his magic! Join Ewan as he tries to remedy the situation before Anna ages her way into a nursing home! Ewan’s great grandfather will guide him in meditation as he tries to understand his true magical power. I found this chapter short and boring. There are five (5) HOP scenes and nine (9) puzzles. There is not special about this chapter and I do not feel the content was worthy of a collector’s edition game.
HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES: There are twenty (20) HOP scenes, eight (8) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Several of these only consist of locating six or seven items. They consist of matching, standard lists of items, narrative (relating story content) and silhouette. There is a spot-the-difference scene, two fragment scenes, and a search and replace scene. I only found one which I thought was exceptional. It involves locating fragments within a space map with constellations. There are twenty-five (25) puzzles, nine (9) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The puzzles are easy. I found none challenging. It appears that the developers are providing fewer puzzles and HOP scenes to replay. This is the least I have ever seen in a collector’s edition game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Matching puzzle. Defeat the demon. Fill in 3 bars for your tokens by connecting 3 or more of each one before the demons fills in his 3 bars.
B. Lock puzzle. Assembly puzzle. Press on segments on a key so that their shape matches the tumbler underneath each segment.
C. Sequence puzzle. Click on 5 skulls in the correct sequential order so all their eyes light up and stay lit.
D. Matching puzzle. Match up like images on a grid.
E. Connection puzzle. Create an uninterrupted chain connecting every sphere and symbol in the proper order based on a given guide. If you make a wrong connection, you must restart. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. Move music notes around until all are in the proper location on a piece of music.
G. Matching puzzle. Find matching pairs of yoga positions.
H. Matching puzzle. Match musical notes with those in bubbles.
A. Matching puzzle. Defeat the demon. Fill in 3 bars for your tokens by connecting 3 or more of each one before the demons fills in his 3 bars.
B. Lock puzzle. Assembly puzzle. Press on segments on a key so that their shape matches the tumbler underneath each segment.
C. Sequence puzzle. Click on 5 skulls in the correct sequential order so all their eyes light up and stay lit.
D. Matching puzzle. Match up like images on a grid.
E. Connection puzzle. Create an uninterrupted chain connecting every sphere and symbol in the proper order based on a given guide. If you make a wrong connection, you must restart. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. Move music notes around until all are in the proper location on a piece of music.
G. Matching puzzle. Find matching pairs of yoga positions.
H. Matching puzzle. Match musical notes with those in bubbles.
I recommend this game!
A fun and relaxing hidden-object experience!
Overall rating
1
/
5
16 of 45 found this review helpful
ANOTHER TORTUOUS, BORING FIASCO
PostedMay 4, 2023
sunnyglow
fromMy location? Anywhere but playing this boring, difficult game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I purchased this game. I believe in second chances thinking this HOP game may be better. Sorry, but my opinion remains the same.
This is yet another boring HOP game - the fourth one within two weeks from Boomzap. I tried to play it to its entirety but just could not get through repetitive HOP scenes. For me, this game was a waste of money. This one is even worse than the previous ones from this developer because most of the items are so well-hidden they are almost impossible to locate.
MECHANICS: Just one boring HOP scene after another with notecards describing the origin of some flower or plant. There is one scene after another of locating a list of items (with an inset providing another scene in which to locate ever more items). The extras include searching for one picture and three morphing objects. The picture is easy to locate; however, those morphing objects are not easy to find. I had to wait for over a minute before that “morphing object” appeared. It does not actually morph; instead, it appears and then disappears. Some of the items are so well-hidden, it became painful to even play this game. The player is timed in this game as with previous games; however, it is almost impossible to get a gold star because of the miniscule items within the scenes. Impossible to locate some of them.
The mini-games include even more hidden object scenes – many are divided into two scenes in which to search for even more items. There are some matching scenes. I played a paint scene in which all the player did was move a mouse to go back-and-forth to fill in color on an image of some plant. No creativity here.
CONCLUSION: This game is a cookie cutter game. It is also very similar to those from at least one other developer whose HOP games I do enjoy. However, this game is not from that developer and designed differently. If you are not super-fast, your score also goes down quickly. I did not win one gold star. When a game is this boring and excruciatingly difficult to play, I just give up. I did not play the game to its entirety.
I hope this is not the future in gaming from this company. I realize we will be getting fewer HOPA games; however, these HOP games are horrible. We are getting a steady diet of these from numerous developers.
If BFG is forced to offer these HOP games, at least provide a story or some interesting mini-games. I played an hour into this game and by end of that time, I was half-asleep and tired to searching for miniscule items and playing beyond-boring mini-games.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you solve the riddle of the dancing men in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
141 of 196 found this review helpful
ELEMENTARY: MY DEAR WATSON AND HOLMES STAR IN ANOTHER FANTASTIC GAME!
PostedApril 13, 2023
sunnyglow
fromHappy 20th anniversary Elephant Games! Hopefully we will see many more years of exciting games from your studios!
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: 41 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
What a "sleuth-tastic game! Join Detective Sharlotte Holmes on a case based upon one of her granduncle Sherlock’s cases. Someone has kidnapped blushing bride, Olivia Cubitt, right before her wedding. Everyone who is acquainted with the bride has received strange letters coded with cryptic dancing men. Oscar Watson, her sleuthing cohort, received one of these letters and has asked Sharlotte to help unlock the mystery of the missing bride. Expect some twists and turns in this game as you solve this whodunit. The culprit or culprits will not be as easy to ascertain as in some other games.
I LOVED this game! For me, this is my idea of the perfect game. This game has all the elements I look for within a game. The story behind the game is well-written and kept me engaged. I enjoyed the story – it is a fantastic whodunit! I had my suspicions as to the guilty party behind the kidnapping; however, I was still guessing until the very end of the game as to the culprit. The length is perfect – it is not too long and drawn out nor too short. I play these HOPA games for the puzzles, and there are an ample number of them. The puzzles are interspersed at regular intervals. I found most of them enjoyable to play. None of the puzzles are difficult nor nerve wracking; however, they are not ridiculously easy either.
The collectible puzzles pieces (magnifying glasses) are too large, I must admit; however, the other collectibles which were items identified with Sherlock Holmes cases, are more difficult to locate. I played the game in a little over five (5) hours; however, for a HOPA game, for me this is the perfect length. And one nice thing about this game - I encountered no glitches as I do with some other developers’ games. The Expedition Room allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve any missing collectibles from the twenty-five (25) scenes from the game. The Secret Room contains the jigsaw puzzle in which those puzzle pieces must be placed. I believe most people will have no issues playing the jigsaw puzzle; there is not much effort involved in solving it once you discover the sequence of the pieces around the frame.
HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES: First, I am ecstatic to see a developer call puzzles by their proper name, “puzzles” instead of calling them “mini-games.” I have never understood why that name was assigned to what is a puzzle. There are twenty-six (26) puzzles, thirteen (13) of which can be played upon completion of the game. Some of these puzzles are “deduction puzzles,” in which the player must take the evidence collected and summarize it by placing those summary statements in sequential order. I think that is a great way to summarize a sequence of events within this game. The other puzzles are varied, and I was rather freaked out by the last puzzle in the bonus chapter! I will not go into the details of the puzzle so as to not ruin the story; however, the critter within that puzzle was not one I enjoy seeing - ever! Living in Texas, that is the last thing I want to see anywhere!
The HOP scenes included the usual standard lists of items, silhouette, narrative (items silhouetted within a story), and matching. There is a spot-the-differences scene, and several mini-HOP scenes in which six (6) items must be located. There are sixteen (16) scenes intermixed with numerous mini-HOP scenes. They are interactive. I am not a great fan of playing HOP scenes, but I felt these were decent and enjoyable. My favorite scene was one featuring six (6) adorable dwarfs. Remove the hats from the dwarfs to uncover items to be matched with those under the hats of the other dwarves. Just adorable!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 19 achievements.
• Collect 11 artifacts from old Sherlock Holmes cases and 25 jigsaw puzzle pieces (look like magnifying glasses)
• 6 Wallpapers along with a screensaver, concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 13 puzzles and 13 HOP scenes.
• Expedition room which allows the player to return to the 25 game scenes and search for collectibles not found while playing the game.
• Secret room which contains a jigsaw puzzle in which uses the pieces collected during the game.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 19 achievements.
• Collect 11 artifacts from old Sherlock Holmes cases and 25 jigsaw puzzle pieces (look like magnifying glasses)
• 6 Wallpapers along with a screensaver, concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 13 puzzles and 13 HOP scenes.
• Expedition room which allows the player to return to the 25 game scenes and search for collectibles not found while playing the game.
• Secret room which contains a jigsaw puzzle in which uses the pieces collected during the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: Play Olivia from the main game as she sleuths her way onto a college campus to discover what is causing teachers and students alike to become deathly ill. Olivia’s friend, Elizabeth, asks for her help when she ends up in a hospital with an illness. With no visible family members to help her, Olivia feels the need to help her. However, is it an illness plaguing the campus or is it possible someone is poisoning the staff and students? Along the way, Olivia will get some help from Sharlotte Holmes in this case. I loved the story behind this chapter and probably liked it more than the one from the main game. This chapter has some surprises and again, I could not figure out the culprit(s) until the very end of the game. There are seven (7) puzzles and four (4) HOP scenes with two mini-HOP scenes. I found the ending surprising and was not expecting the true culprit causing all the problems for the college.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sequence puzzle. Move a pendulum right or left 5 times. If correct the weight rises, if not, it returns to its original position. Discover the proper sequence.
B. Sequence puzzle. Turn on all lights surrounding a roulette wheel. Click on 2 arrows to spin the wheel where each arrow will either turn on a light or turn it off if it is lit. One arrow moves one space counterclockwise and the other moves 2 spaces clockwise.
C. Matching puzzle. Switch rings on skeletal bony fingers so that symbols on the rings are connected to matching ones.
D. Logic/Switch puzzle. Switch buildings on a map so they are in the proper location as per given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place pieces of a picture onto a frame to restore it.
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes within a grid.
G. Entrapment puzzle. On a grid, choose squares to close off and entrap a critter, moving it into a basket.
B. Sequence puzzle. Turn on all lights surrounding a roulette wheel. Click on 2 arrows to spin the wheel where each arrow will either turn on a light or turn it off if it is lit. One arrow moves one space counterclockwise and the other moves 2 spaces clockwise.
C. Matching puzzle. Switch rings on skeletal bony fingers so that symbols on the rings are connected to matching ones.
D. Logic/Switch puzzle. Switch buildings on a map so they are in the proper location as per given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place pieces of a picture onto a frame to restore it.
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes within a grid.
G. Entrapment puzzle. On a grid, choose squares to close off and entrap a critter, moving it into a basket.
I recommend this game!
Sometimes there is far more than meets the eye.
Overall rating
5
/
5
88 of 152 found this review helpful
SOLVING THIS CASE WILL BE AS EASY AS ABC
PostedApril 1, 2023
sunnyglow
from“Shepfir:” I love learning new vocabulary words from Domini Games. Never have seen the word “shepfir” before. According to this game, “shepfir” is a fabric used to make “cheapie” clothes, ones that cause a rash. Watch out for the shepfir label!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My time - around 12 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My time - around 12 hours)
Our crime detective turned novelist returns in a second whodunit. Three people have been murdered and the only things the murders have in common is that the victims were killed in alphabetical order. Although the murders seem unconnected, further investigation will disclose hidden ties between all three. An actor, a dress boutique owner, and a businessman are the victims; however, what ties them together? Travel to various locations throughout the city on a lengthy investigation to locate the culprit(s) behind the murders. However, with your experience, detective, solving this case should be as easy as ABC!
This is a lengthy game, one that is as long as many adventure games which I play. This game took me around 12 hours to play, perhaps even longer. It is chock full of activities. Domini Games always provides spectacular games, providing those extras that none of the other developers provide. This game will not appeal to everyone. It is a little more challenging than games from other HOPA game developers, including other Domini games. This is not an “easy breezy” game. I even found some the HOP scenes somewhat challenging. I like the theme of the story but some of the threads do not tie together in this game. I still do not see the connection between the murderer and the actor nor the boutique owner. The actor disappears and is not even mentioned after the second chapter. I am still trying to figure out the connection, but after reading my notes, I still don’t see any. I am also delighted I could play the game without glitches as in some other of this developer’s games. Overall, to me, this is one of Domini’s better games. It does become tedious to play in some parts; however, I play HOPA games for the puzzles, and this one is chock full of them.
The framework of this game is the same as in Domini’s other games. There are three (3) collectibles. There are fifteen (15) morphing pieces of evidence and fifteen (15) miniatures of inventions. There are also seventy (70) brooches to be collected which are used to exchange for items in a boudoir. Returning is the sidebar on the left side which indicates the number of collectibles which have been located plus lights up when one of them is within a scene or in a close up from the scene. The difficulty for the puzzles can be set in the menu; yet can be changed while playing the puzzle if it turns out the puzzle is too easy or too hard. I also love the optional extra footage within the game. The player can play this footage by visiting an extra room with extra puzzles or HOP scenes. However, the player can opt out as well and skip the extras. There are three extra rooms in this game – one is Arnold Adams’ workshop. The second is a bedroom belong to the Willoughby girls and the third is in the bonus chapter which is Fred Jones’ office.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing pieces of evidence and 15 invention miniatures.
• Collect 70 brooches which can be exchanged for items to place within a boudoir.
• 15 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 23 HOP scenes and 21 mini-games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing pieces of evidence and 15 invention miniatures.
• Collect 70 brooches which can be exchanged for items to place within a boudoir.
• 15 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 23 HOP scenes and 21 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Our crime novelist returns on a follow-up to the main game. Fred Jones, from the main game has taken over his father’s fashion house. He has become famous, even outfitting the famous actress, Whitney Winslow. However, this actress is suing him for developing an allergy from the type of material he used in making the dress. Fred vows that he is not the blame for the dress causing the allergy as he ordered only the finest material to create it. It appears someone altered the material used in the dress. Now, you must investigate who is behind this switch. This is a nice sequel to the main game and this chapter is long as well. There are six (6) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games. And although Domini changed Fred’s name from Jones to Johnson in the bonus chapter, this minor error did not decrease the quality of the chapter.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-three (23) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the games. As stated previously, I found some of the scenes puzzle-like and difficult. In many the player must combine an item with some other item within the scene to remove it. Some of the items are also in the dark or hard to see. Some are also well-hidden There is a nice variety of scenes as well including standard lists of items, silhouette, and matching. There are also narrative scenes with highlighted items which add to the storyline of the game. There is a spot-the-differences scene and a couple of search-and-replace scenes in which items are either placed into the scene in the proper location or searched for and then returned to the scene in the right location.
There are thirty-five (35) mini-games, twenty-one (21) of which an be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the puzzles are available to be played in either an easy or hard variation. There is quite a variety of mini-games and some of the hard variations are challenging.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 35 MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME:
A. E/H. Connection puzzle. On a grid, use a water drop as a magnet to connect all flames to it within the grid The hard version has more flames to connect
B. E/H. Cryptic puzzle. Enter a word password into a lock via clues around the safe. Letters in separate grids allude to the letters needed to open the lock. The hard version has more letters to decipher.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch spools of thread so no threads cross each other.
D. E/H. Switch puzzle. On a grid, switch neighboring pieces to recreate an image. The hard version has more pieces to switch.
E. E/H. Physical puzzle. Click on 3 levers when 2 sliders reach a green area on a sliding scale. The slider on the hard version moves faster.
F. E/H. Click on matching bales of hay wrapped in wire. If a match is underneath another bale, it cannot be matched until the bale above it is matched. The hard version has more bales to match.
G. Maze puzzle. Get a chip to the exit while avoiding obstacles. Use arrows and do it in the dark.
H. E/H. Paint by number. In this case, paint by symbol. The easy version provides 6 paints, the hard has only 3 and the player must create the other paints by combining them together.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Rotate and place pieces of a key into position. The easy version allows the player to rotate the fragments. The hard rotates them randomly.
J. Connection puzzle. Place fragments with prongs into slots so that all connect with each other. The easy version has less pieces to connect.
K. E/H. Maze puzzle. Go through the city through alleyways. Look for items which can be used within the maze as well.
B. E/H. Cryptic puzzle. Enter a word password into a lock via clues around the safe. Letters in separate grids allude to the letters needed to open the lock. The hard version has more letters to decipher.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch spools of thread so no threads cross each other.
D. E/H. Switch puzzle. On a grid, switch neighboring pieces to recreate an image. The hard version has more pieces to switch.
E. E/H. Physical puzzle. Click on 3 levers when 2 sliders reach a green area on a sliding scale. The slider on the hard version moves faster.
F. E/H. Click on matching bales of hay wrapped in wire. If a match is underneath another bale, it cannot be matched until the bale above it is matched. The hard version has more bales to match.
G. Maze puzzle. Get a chip to the exit while avoiding obstacles. Use arrows and do it in the dark.
H. E/H. Paint by number. In this case, paint by symbol. The easy version provides 6 paints, the hard has only 3 and the player must create the other paints by combining them together.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Rotate and place pieces of a key into position. The easy version allows the player to rotate the fragments. The hard rotates them randomly.
J. Connection puzzle. Place fragments with prongs into slots so that all connect with each other. The easy version has less pieces to connect.
K. E/H. Maze puzzle. Go through the city through alleyways. Look for items which can be used within the maze as well.
I recommend this game!