sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:826
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 4, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A mysterious invitation promises rare treasures but exposes dark secrets!
Overall rating
5
/
5
157 of 251 found this review helpful
A COLLECTOR’S EDITION TO APPEAL TO COLLECTORS EVERYWHERE
PostedOctober 22, 2020
sunnyglow
fromBeing a collector can be dangerous. One of the collectors in this game who collected photographs faced being frozen in a photo. Does that mean the if you are a collector of HOPA games, you could end up as a collectible morphing object in some HOP scene?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
OPINION: Are you a collector of creepy HOPA games? You might want to add this surrealistic thriller to your collection. Someone let cat out of the box – in this case, a crazed harlequin named Curioso. Collectors are disappearing and you, as an agent from the Dark Light Detective Agency, have been asked to investigate the disappearances by a mysterious stranger. Attend a private auction where you will learn the stories of three (3) collectors who will stop at nothing to get a prized collectible. They have been drawn to this private showing, all searching for that special collectible. All of you are trapped within an old Gothic mansion, with each collector reliving their secret, tawdry past. The maniacal harlequin, Curioso, will be your guide. At the end, you will decide their fate for their transgressions.
OPINION: Play the game your way! One of the nice features of this game is the ability to tailor it to your own taste. The game has three (3) options of gameplay. The player can choose more mini-games, more HOP scenes, or an equal number of each. Each chapter centers on one of the collectors and at the end, the player chooses between three (3) outcomes for each of them. Nevertheless, I did not find that the choice I made altered the outcome of the game. For me, it was nice to have more puzzles to play and fewer HOP scenes. With its fast pace, gorgeous graphics, and a boxload of extras, this is a fantastic game for the Halloween season.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 48 morphing collectibles and 20 jigsaw pieces for a puzzle played at the end of the game
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Hidden chapter which contains a HOP scene.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 48 morphing collectibles and 20 jigsaw pieces for a puzzle played at the end of the game
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Hidden chapter which contains a HOP scene.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel entitled, “Story of Woe.” Look into the soul of Curioso and relive his tormented childhood and learn his tragic fate. It is a lengthy chapter and a nice addition to the game. Since I chose to play more mini-games than HOP scenes, I can only indicate the number of each I played. I played eight (8) mini-games and two (2) HOP scenes. I liked the story behind the chapter and feel it is well-worth the price of the collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: Since I played the version which contained more mini-games, I only played thirteen (13) HOP scenes. I found the few I played were creatively designed. I enjoyed the eyeball bending scene in which all the items within the scene morphed. I also loved the search and replace scene set within a storybook setting in which items are located within four (4) scenes and then replaced into another scene. There is a Match-3 game which can be played in lieu of the scenes. The player is timed, and an accuracy percentage is provided for each scene at the end of the game.
MINI-GAMES: I played the version which had more mini-games and was not disappointed. In this version there are twenty-eight (28) mini-games. They vary in difficulty and there are a few mini-games which can be played in an “easy” or “hard” mode. Most are ones seen in other games. There are quite a few picture puzzles in this game; however, there are different styles of those puzzles.
SPOILERS: THERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Picture puzzle. Switch puzzle. Switch blades of a fan to restore an image upon it.
B. Picture puzzle. Slat puzzle. Move slats into position to restore an image
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove colored strings in the proper sequence.
D. E/H Matching puzzle. Uncover and match up fruit on cards
E. Switch puzzle. Switch piano keys with symbols on them as per a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Block puzzle. Move blocks within a grid to create a path for a gold token to reach the end. (2) Move a token on a chain through a maze to its destination
G. Arcade game. Get the parrot. Move a toy crane up-down-and sideways to move a grabber on a toy crane to get the parrot.
H. Assembly puzzle. Locate pieces on a circular grid which, when combined, create the items in the center of the screen
B. Picture puzzle. Slat puzzle. Move slats into position to restore an image
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove colored strings in the proper sequence.
D. E/H Matching puzzle. Uncover and match up fruit on cards
E. Switch puzzle. Switch piano keys with symbols on them as per a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Block puzzle. Move blocks within a grid to create a path for a gold token to reach the end. (2) Move a token on a chain through a maze to its destination
G. Arcade game. Get the parrot. Move a toy crane up-down-and sideways to move a grabber on a toy crane to get the parrot.
H. Assembly puzzle. Locate pieces on a circular grid which, when combined, create the items in the center of the screen
I recommend this game!
A Halloween visit with distant relatives becomes more than you bargained for!
Overall rating
5
/
5
127 of 194 found this review helpful
ENJOY A “FANG-TASTIC” HALLOWEEN WITH BLOOD RELATIVES!
PostedOctober 15, 2020
sunnyglow
fromHappy Halloween! Where can you get the vacuum cleaner from this game? While most can pick up those small, docile dust bunnies, this one has the power to suck up whirling dust monsters! (and maybe other monstrosities in life as well)
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
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: 45 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
STORY: Enjoy a “fangtastic” Halloween with some long-lost blood relatives at a family reunion. Visit your Uncle Pierre and his family as he hosts a Halloween fair in Scratchtown. There is a hidden reason why your long-lost uncle invited you and one which will trap you within their home. Heed a word of advice! Do not venture into the basement in this home! A monstrous family secret is hidden there and lurking behind the scene is someone out for blood!
OPINION: What a Halloween treat! No tricks here. Just a nice game for the whole family to enjoy. It is decked out for Halloween with pumpkins, vampires, witches, ghosts, and candy galore. It is a fast-paced game with a thematic story and plenty of activities to keep the player engaged. Domini always provides more game for the money, providing those little extras most developers do not provide in their games. This one is no exception.
One of my favorite features is the indicator at the top of the inventory bar which alerts the player when a collectible is within a scene. I like this feature and wish more developers offered it within their games. There are some hidden surprises as well. Clicking on items will cause them to move or make sounds. For example, in the bonus chapter, one can pop all the balloons in one of the scenes by clicking on them. This another feature which adds a novel feature to the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 voodoo dolls and 15 potion ingredients
• Collect 83 rings which can be exchanged to purchase items to dress a skeleton residing in a coffin
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 mini-games and 18 HOP scenes at the end of the game
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 voodoo dolls and 15 potion ingredients
• Collect 83 rings which can be exchanged to purchase items to dress a skeleton residing in a coffin
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 mini-games and 18 HOP scenes at the end of the game
BONUS CHAPTER: There is always someone trying to lure you off your diet! Play Mara, a vampire who is trying to kick her bloodsucking ways. She has been on a blood-free diet for three months with the help of her friend; however, now her obsessive, controlling ex-lover, Lucian is trying to entice her back into her old vampire lifestyle. Since he won’t take no for an answer, she is off to seek help from Pierre Sullivan, the illusionist from the main game. Join Mara as she tries to return to her human form. I found this chapter equal in quality to that of the main game. I found the story amusing and I liked this chapter a little better than the main game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. It is well-worth the price of the collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, and all can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the scenes are thematic with Halloween items throughout the scenes. They vary in style and are beautifully illustrated. There are the usual lists of items and silhouette scenes. There are also some of my favorites – the search and replace scenes in which the player searches for items and then returns them to the scene to interact with the scene. There are also those scenes in which items are located based on a small sampling of the item to be removed. Don't want to play a scene? You can opt to play a Match-3 game instead.
MINI-GAMES: Our “puzzlemeisters” have outdone themselves with most puzzles being offered in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games. Eighteen (18) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. The difficulty for the puzzles can be set in the game menu; however, if the puzzles seems to difficult or too easy, the difficulty can be changed while playing the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Mathematical puzzle. Place 3 tokens, a vampire, a werewolf, and a jack-o-lantern on numbered slots on a grid so that the total of the numbers equals 94. Each token multiplies the number upon which it is placed by 1, 2 or 4. The vampire – by 4, werewolf by 2, and the jack-o-lantern by 1. Easy version does not multiply the numbers on the slots
B. E/H. Arcade puzzle. Bop the monsters. Hit all one-eyed monsters to win the game. In the hard version player needs to hit 10 monsters - the easy version, only 8.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Rotate valves in the proper sequence so that all gauges have arrows within a green area. Moving one valve affects the others.
D. E/H/ Strategy puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid, fill in each of 25 squares with symbols so that none are alike in each row, column and the two diagonals within the grid. Easy is a 4 x 4 grid with only 16 squares
E. Assembly puzzle. Move feather pieces on a circular grid so none touch each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H. Maze puzzle. Lead an itsy, bitsy spider through a maze avoiding obstacles within its path. Use a map to help the spider through the maze. The easy version has less obstacles
G. Beat the computer. Collect more green tokens than your opponent’s red ones. Move forward to spaces as designated. If you land next to a red token, it will turn red and vice versa. End up with more of your tokens than your opponent’s.
H. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Arrange cloaked figurines so a magic sphere appears between their hands. The easy version has some of the figurines locked in place. In the hard version, all figurines must be moved.
B. E/H. Arcade puzzle. Bop the monsters. Hit all one-eyed monsters to win the game. In the hard version player needs to hit 10 monsters - the easy version, only 8.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Rotate valves in the proper sequence so that all gauges have arrows within a green area. Moving one valve affects the others.
D. E/H/ Strategy puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid, fill in each of 25 squares with symbols so that none are alike in each row, column and the two diagonals within the grid. Easy is a 4 x 4 grid with only 16 squares
E. Assembly puzzle. Move feather pieces on a circular grid so none touch each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H. Maze puzzle. Lead an itsy, bitsy spider through a maze avoiding obstacles within its path. Use a map to help the spider through the maze. The easy version has less obstacles
G. Beat the computer. Collect more green tokens than your opponent’s red ones. Move forward to spaces as designated. If you land next to a red token, it will turn red and vice versa. End up with more of your tokens than your opponent’s.
H. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Arrange cloaked figurines so a magic sphere appears between their hands. The easy version has some of the figurines locked in place. In the hard version, all figurines must be moved.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your friend escape death's clutches in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
75 of 178 found this review helpful
DON’T GET “HOOD-WINKED” BY THE GRIM REAPER
PostedOctober 8, 2020
sunnyglow
fromHappy Halloween! After dealing with the Grim Reaper in this game, I hope the bus accident survivors can breathe a “scythe of relief.”
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
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 33 pages (My time: 4 hours – short game)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 33 pages (My time: 4 hours – short game)
STORY: Can you avoid your fate? Begin the Halloween season by helping Roy battle The Grim Reaper. He and his friend, Ted, were involved in a bus accident as children. They survived, but now years later, the Reaper is out to claim their souls along with another survivor of that fateful day. Why has the Reaper resurfaced after so many years? The incidents of that fatal day have been resurrected, but for what purpose? Can you beat the Reaper? I hope so! Your life depends upon it!
**OPINION: All decked out in pumpkins, skeletons, and other decorations, this is a nice game to start the Halloween season. I found the game decent but not as good as previous ones within this series. It has a good pace with plenty of activities throughout the game. Nevertheless, I did not care for the story behind this game. To me, the story does not reflect the Halloween spirit. It is more grim than scary or spooky. I found it a short, lackluster game which is a cookie cutter version of other games published throughout the year. Except for the decorations, nothing in the game makes it distinctive to Halloween.
As a final note on this game - there are sections within the game where sound is missing - just deafening silence. At least this is what I experienced on my computer. For me, it did not detract from the game; however, it was obvious there was no soundtrack for a brief period of time.
.
MECHANICS:
.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 11 figurines and 26 morphing objects
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments to complete a picture of the Grim Reaper
• 5 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 puzzles and 13 HOP scenes – within in Archives
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 11 figurines and 26 morphing objects
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments to complete a picture of the Grim Reaper
• 5 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 puzzles and 13 HOP scenes – within in Archives
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Play the Grim Reaper as he tries to become human. Gertrude, the Patron of Souls has offered him this opportunity. However, he must pass three trials by rescuing three entities who need help. I liked the story from this chapter better than that from the main game. However, I found the activities, especially the mini-games, lacking creativity. Most of the mini-games are extremely easy – a little too easy for my taste. There are two puzzles which I would hardly call puzzles. These two would not even be considered puzzles in other developers’ games. There are three (3) HOP scenes, three (3) mini-HOP scenes involving six (6) items, and five (5) mini-games. It is a lengthy chapter; however, to me, it is not indicative of the quality seen within other bonus chapters from other games.
HOP SCENES: There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also ten (10) mini-HOP scenes which contain six times to be located. They include lists of items, silhouette, matching, and one storybook scene with items listed in highlighted letters. Some of the scenes have a Halloween theme. There is one pattern scene in which items are located by either their pattern or based on a fragment of the item. They are somewhat interactive but rather blasé
MINI-GAMES: There are eighteen (18) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed at the end of game. I feel the mini-games are better constructed than the HOP scenes. Most are thematic, keeping with the Halloween spirit. There are some new mini-games which I have never seen within this developer’s games. There is a variation of a bubble popper game with skeletons used instead of marbles. There is also a slat puzzle which involves moving slats up, down and sideways to create an image.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Bubble Popper game. Using a bow and arrow with a colored skull attached – hit 2 or more moving like-colored skeletons to remove them. Continue until all are removed. All must be removed before the moving line of skulls reaches the exit point.
B. Switch/Assembly puzzle. Switch the parts of 3 skulls so that each piece is positioned with the correct skull.
C. Slat puzzle. Slide slats up, down, and sideways to restore an image.
D. Map puzzle. Press on arrows to plot a course to find a treasure on a map. Most of the directional arrows are given; however, 3 are not and you must decide which direction in which to proceed. If you make a mistake in guessing the direction, you must restart
E. Logic problem. On a 4 x 4 grid with 16 squares, use dividers to segment the grid so that like items are grouped together.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. On a grid with four tokens for each of the four elements of nature, switch the tokens so each element has the proper 4 tokens associated with it.
G. Switch puzzle. According to a given guide, switch 5 bits into the proper location to create a piece of pottery. (To me, this is NOT a puzzle)
H. Matching puzzle. Locate a symbol which matches one which is lit up. (To me, this is NOT a puzzle)
I. Matching puzzle. Match up articles of clothing with each of 5 characters
B. Switch/Assembly puzzle. Switch the parts of 3 skulls so that each piece is positioned with the correct skull.
C. Slat puzzle. Slide slats up, down, and sideways to restore an image.
D. Map puzzle. Press on arrows to plot a course to find a treasure on a map. Most of the directional arrows are given; however, 3 are not and you must decide which direction in which to proceed. If you make a mistake in guessing the direction, you must restart
E. Logic problem. On a 4 x 4 grid with 16 squares, use dividers to segment the grid so that like items are grouped together.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. On a grid with four tokens for each of the four elements of nature, switch the tokens so each element has the proper 4 tokens associated with it.
G. Switch puzzle. According to a given guide, switch 5 bits into the proper location to create a piece of pottery. (To me, this is NOT a puzzle)
H. Matching puzzle. Locate a symbol which matches one which is lit up. (To me, this is NOT a puzzle)
I. Matching puzzle. Match up articles of clothing with each of 5 characters
**I recommend this game with reservations. It is a decent game but not reflective of the quality one would expect with a seasonal game.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your daughter save your loved one's life in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
99 of 182 found this review helpful
ZIGZAG THROUGH TIME WITH FAMILY DRAMA QUEEN ANNA GRAY
PostedSeptember 24, 2020
sunnyglow
fromRichard Gray, Anna’s Daddy Dearest, is on vacation. Where do the dearly departed go on vacation? Let’s just hope he is having a heavenly time and not stuck in some hellish location.
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: 37 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
STORY: Prepare to go back to the future for more Gray family drama! Play Anna Gray as she zigzags through time to save her sister-in-law, Maureen Black. Maureen, a prominent architect, has seen a newspaper from the future detailing her murder at the tower she is constructing. Anna, with daughter Alice in tow, are off to save Auntie Maureen from her imminent death. Somehow, Maureen’s deceased business associate and love interest, Emmet Egerton, is connected to this potential murder. As a time-hopping detective, can you change the course of events and prevent her murder by changing the past?
OPINION: This is a short but entertaining game. For me it is a question of quality over quantity. It is not as lengthy as many HOP games, but the pace is excellent with decent mini-games and HOP scenes. There are some creatively designed graphics for the HOP scenes and mini-games. Many of the game scenes are beautifully illustrated. Unfortunately, Anna’s Daddy Dearest, Richard, is on vacation and does not appear in this game. For me, Richard Gray adds comic relief to this game series. His ghostly presence was sorely missed. I feel this game might have been better if he was in the game giving Anna his usual unsolicited advice. However, even with his absence, the game stands on its own merit.
The collectibles are morphing objects and picture fragments to create four (4) screensavers. There are collectibles which are either buildings or attractions of the town which, when collected, are placed within a map of the town. I found most easy to locate. There are at least two collectibles for each scene. At the end of the game, open a secret room which provides new items to be located within the scenes of the game. This search is timed. The strategy guide is well-written. As with all other strategy guides, I do wish the visuals were larger but overall, it provides a nice source of information for the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 23 achievements.
• Collect 26 morphing objects and 12 collectibles
• Collect 48 picture fragments for 4 screensavers
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Secret room entered at the end of the game to search for new items within the scenes. It is timed.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• 23 achievements.
• Collect 26 morphing objects and 12 collectibles
• Collect 48 picture fragments for 4 screensavers
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Secret room entered at the end of the game to search for new items within the scenes. It is timed.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Enjoy more family drama as you deal with an ancestral feud between the Egertons and the Blacks. Play Maureen Black, the new bride of Emmett Egerton. Upon entering the Egerton estate, the ghost of Duke Charles Egerton bars you from entering. One of your ancestors started a feud with this ghost. Now you must try to end it and return this ghost to the afterlife. This is a long chapter. There are seven (7) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes. There are also three (3) mini-HOP scenes. I found the story excellent and the gameplay consistent with the main game. It is a worthy addition to this game.
HOP SCENES: There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes, thirteen (13) of which and be replayed at the end of the game. There are also seven (7) mini-HOP scenes with a small number (six or seven) of items to be located. Most of the scenes are either a lists of items to be located or silhouette scenes. There are a few other variety of scenes including matching and variations of the search-and-replace scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed. They vary in design. Most of the mini-games are easy; however, there are several which have three parts with each part increasing in difficulty. Most of these puzzles have appeared in other games; however, this developer put some new twists into some of them.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Match 3 puzzle. A new variation. Remove all tokens from a board by adding matching ones from the sides to create links of 3 or more to be removed.
B. Ye Olde Checkers puzzle. Switch the positions of 6 tokens -3 on each side by either moving one space or jumping over another token until all the 3 on the right are on the left and vice versa.
C. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored glass shards without recrossing lines. 3X Increases in difficulty
D. Switch puzzle. Switch 3 cars so each one arrives in either first, second, or third position as per given instructions. Press a button to test your results.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch items within a house so each is placed within the hands of the proper character. Items can only be placed within a character’s hands if the hands are empty.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Slide tiles on a circular grid until all tokens are within their proper slots.
G. Matching puzzle. Using 2 clock hands on a circular grid, use the hands to point to matching pairs.
H. Paint-by-number/Math puzzle. An interesting approach to the paint-by-number puzzle. Using 3 brushes A, B, C, and paints -use the correct brush to paint a picture. Paints are numbered and must be combined to equal the number listed on the picture segments.
B. Ye Olde Checkers puzzle. Switch the positions of 6 tokens -3 on each side by either moving one space or jumping over another token until all the 3 on the right are on the left and vice versa.
C. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored glass shards without recrossing lines. 3X Increases in difficulty
D. Switch puzzle. Switch 3 cars so each one arrives in either first, second, or third position as per given instructions. Press a button to test your results.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch items within a house so each is placed within the hands of the proper character. Items can only be placed within a character’s hands if the hands are empty.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Slide tiles on a circular grid until all tokens are within their proper slots.
G. Matching puzzle. Using 2 clock hands on a circular grid, use the hands to point to matching pairs.
H. Paint-by-number/Math puzzle. An interesting approach to the paint-by-number puzzle. Using 3 brushes A, B, C, and paints -use the correct brush to paint a picture. Paints are numbered and must be combined to equal the number listed on the picture segments.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your world from magical beings bent on its destruction?
Overall rating
5
/
5
143 of 238 found this review helpful
ENJOY THE MAGIC OF THE HILLS OF IRELAND
PostedSeptember 17, 2020
sunnyglow
fromWith all the amulets and lucky charms – this is one game which I found magically delicious!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My time: 7 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My time: 7 hours)
STORY: Enjoy the magic of Ireland as you and your sister, Catherine, head off to locate your missing grandfather. After Catherine receives an amulet from him after years of his absence, she begins to experience haunting dreams about him. Now she wants to discover why she is having those dreams and how they are related to your missing grandfather. Discover facts about your roots as you uncover a hidden kingdom inhabited by the Seeds. These purveyors of magic are hidden within the hills of the countryside. Learn the history of this race and its connection to your family.
OPINION: This is a long game and one which is beautifully illustrated. It has the flavor of Ireland with shamrocks, wearin’ of the green, and even an Irish setter. This is a puzzle-heavy and HOP-lite game. Nevertheless, I found it an easy play, a little too easy for my taste. However, it is one which can be played by the entire family. Adults and children alike will love the Irish setter. He is a helper throughout the game, digging up items needed in the game. He is not used excessively, only five (5) times within the game and does not appear in the bonus chapter at all. Locate beads for a gimmicky magical amulet Every time a bead is located, you will hear more information about the history surrounding the game and search for five (5) runes using the amulet. There is a sidebar on the left which indicates how many collectibles are within the scene and if they all have been collected. This is one feature I wish more developers would include in their games.
Collect elves (which look surprisingly like fairies to me) and an assortment of collectibles. There are two of each per scene. The fairies are easier to locate as the game progresses. As you collect the elves, you “purchase” five (5) elves housed within the collectibles section under “extras.” If you collect them all you can play additional HOP scenes. The other collectibles are not defined - they vary within each scene and I just clicked on what I thought might be a collectible to locate them.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 52 collectibles
• Collect 52 elves to uncover 5 elves
• 26 scenes. There are two of each collectible in each scene
• 10 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Get a magical amulet and collect beads to charge it.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games
• Play additional HOP scenes within the section containing the collectible elves if all are collected
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 52 collectibles
• Collect 52 elves to uncover 5 elves
• 26 scenes. There are two of each collectible in each scene
• 10 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Get a magical amulet and collect beads to charge it.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games
• Play additional HOP scenes within the section containing the collectible elves if all are collected
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. In the sequel, play Catherine as she tries to learn more about her family history. In this chapter, she searches for her grandmother, who has not been seen for years within the World of Seeds. The King of Seeds is facing a rebellion by some of his subjects, and you must help restore order to the kingdom, hopefully with the help of your grandmother. Be careful! Not everyone is as they seem. Be prepared for some surprises. It is a long chapter and worth the price of a collector’s edition. There are eleven (11) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes. I found both equal in quality and style to those from the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. Most are either lists of items or silhouette. They are interactive and most require some manipulation of the scene to remove an item. There are also some storybook scenes, matching, and a couple of search-and-replace scenes. There are many mini-HOP scenes searching for a small number of items.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-five (35) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed. Again, I wish this developer, and all others as well, would provide more puzzles to be replayed. I found the mini-games easy, a little too easy for my taste. I did not find any which were even moderately difficult. There is one which can be played in either a casual or hard setting in the demo. However, there are also activities which are puzzle-like such as jigsaw puzzles which are not identified as such within the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Slide five chess pieces to their corresponding places on a pentagon
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles with path pieces on them to create a path for a ball to move from top left to top right of the grid.
C. Matching puzzle. Match up like orbs 2X
D. Map puzzle. Place 9 markers with numerical arrows on a grid so they create a path for you to move from start to finish, landing exactly on the ending point. All markers must be used.
E. Maze puzzle. Go through a fog-filled maze in the dark locating items to help get through the maze.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Sequence puzzle. Lead 5 fireflies to same colored flowers in the correct sequence avoiding a spider at the top of the screen. Moving one firefly affects the others’ movements.
G. Matching puzzle. Match up images under leaves
H. Matching. Uncover matching symbols under orbs
I. Beat the computer. Match 3. Connect your colored tokens to remove them. Upon removal you will fill up your tubes. If you have no matches, then connect those of your opponent. Your tubes will lose liquid as well. Fill up your tubes before the evildoer does.
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles with path pieces on them to create a path for a ball to move from top left to top right of the grid.
C. Matching puzzle. Match up like orbs 2X
D. Map puzzle. Place 9 markers with numerical arrows on a grid so they create a path for you to move from start to finish, landing exactly on the ending point. All markers must be used.
E. Maze puzzle. Go through a fog-filled maze in the dark locating items to help get through the maze.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Sequence puzzle. Lead 5 fireflies to same colored flowers in the correct sequence avoiding a spider at the top of the screen. Moving one firefly affects the others’ movements.
G. Matching puzzle. Match up images under leaves
H. Matching. Uncover matching symbols under orbs
I. Beat the computer. Match 3. Connect your colored tokens to remove them. Upon removal you will fill up your tubes. If you have no matches, then connect those of your opponent. Your tubes will lose liquid as well. Fill up your tubes before the evildoer does.
I recommend this game!
Enjoy many new Clutter variations mixed in with your old favorites for a quest you'll never forget!
Overall rating
5
/
5
24 of 61 found this review helpful
CLUTTERED UP TO THE "XTREME!" ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedSeptember 14, 2020
sunnyglow
fromLocation: Buried under massive heaps of clutter trying to remove all of it in the time allotted.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON THE COMPLETED GAME (If that is possible! – this clutter is endless!)
What a fantastic game! Our "cluttermeister" has outdone himself, crafting another fantastic clutter game with more clutter and more time crunching puzzles. No other developer provides the quality of clutter games like this developer, the originator of this type of game.
This little gem has large variety of puzzles and thousands of them as well. It provides hours of gaming pleasure! The puzzles can be played in either a casual mode which is untimed or in the more challenging timed mode. Blow your mind with massive heaps of clutter which must be removed in specific amount of time. I played the puzzles in the timed mode, having to replay some of the scenes numerous times to remove the clutter in the time allotted.
There are eighteen (18) varieties of puzzles including Mah Jong and sliders. The sliders have been on a diet, I believe. The slats are skinnier, and many of the slider puzzles are nerve racking with slats which are somewhat difficult to match up. There are several types of matching as well. Match up two or three items. This game introduces those fantastic fours, quarter pieces which must be matched up to create a completed item to remove.
The picture puzzles are a new feature. They vary in style and variety with some variations I have never seen before. The box quotes have returned. Get more wit and wisdom from our developer with these pithy sayings.
The scenes are amazing with cats, dogs, smiley faces, hearts, Easter eggs, people, and massive amounts of junk (leftovers I believe from the junkpiles from HOPA games). Some of the scenes are dedicated to just one type of these items and others have all them jumbled together in one large heap of confusion.
For me, this is a game I play in-between HOPA games. It is one game which can be played and replayed numerous times for a short period time or to wile away the hours. It is a must-have for puzzle lovers!
MECHANICS:
• Strategy guide with hints on how to play the various games
• Timed or Untimed versions
• Hints which are earned as you play the game.
• Timed or Untimed versions
• Hints which are earned as you play the game.
VARIATIONS:
Clutter Quest,
Mah Jong
Color variation,
Circles
Sliders
Clutter Picture Variations
Original Clutter
Gap War
Abstract Quest
Clutter Mah Jong
Number Variations
Lines
Square Jigsaws
Fantastic Fours
More Extreme Clutter
Clutter Gaps
Picture Quest
Box Quotes
Joe's Jam
Mah Jong
Color variation,
Circles
Sliders
Clutter Picture Variations
Original Clutter
Gap War
Abstract Quest
Clutter Mah Jong
Number Variations
Lines
Square Jigsaws
Fantastic Fours
More Extreme Clutter
Clutter Gaps
Picture Quest
Box Quotes
Joe's Jam
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover and stop a dangerous menace terrorizing new cadets?
Overall rating
3
/
5
78 of 156 found this review helpful
MONSTROUS PROBLEMS AWAIT YOU AT THIS TRAINING CAMP
PostedSeptember 10, 2020
sunnyglow
fromWhat a great game to begin the school year! It just goes to show you that there will always be a few little “monsters” within any school setting.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
STORY: Detective! Enjoy some nostalgic memories as you return to the Mystery Trackers Training Camp. You were once a student at this camp; however, now you have been asked by one of your fellow students, Shade, to help train new cadets. You will have your work cut out for you as two of the students have discovered secrets within the forest which have caused monstrous consequences for the camp. Relive you own memories as you tie in recent incidents to those from your own past.
OPINION: This is a decent game; however, for me, it is not of the same quality as previous games from this series I feel this game was rushed through without being checked for accuracy nor detail. There are many activities to keep a player engaged for the most part. Nevertheless, I found some parts of the game somewhat tedious with a great deal of back-and-forth activity. I found the story somewhat confusing as well. There are scenes where the detective returns to her own time as a student at the camp. I could not ascertain if she went back in time or was simply reliving memories. Many will be delighted Elf returns as a helper. However, he is an optional helper which is a nice touch for those of us who dislike helpers in games.
The collectibles are morphing objects and puzzle pieces. However, the number of puzzle pieces to be collected do not match up with those shown in the strategy guide. At the end, I was missing two puzzle pieces. The jigsaw puzzle shows twenty-four (24) pieces, but the strategy guide only shows the location for only twenty-two (22). The strategy guide also indicates there are collectibles within the game (marked in red); however, there are none. It seems that the strategy guide was not double-checked for accuracy.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 13 achievements.
• Collect 27 morphing objects and 24 puzzle pieces
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
• Elf as an optional helper
• 13 achievements.
• Collect 27 morphing objects and 24 puzzle pieces
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
• Elf as an optional helper
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Agent Howl, a recruit to the research center mentioned in the main game. When an experiment goes terribly wrong, it will be up to you as this agent to open three lockdown facilities to reach the facility administrator. It is a long chapter and well-worth the price of a collector’s edition. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. I found the mini-games and HOP scenes better in this chapter than in the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are sixteen (16) HOP scenes, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also several mini-HOP scenes, searching for a small number of items. They vary in style and include lists of items, silhouette, spot-the-difference, and storybook in which items to remove are highlighted. There is a scene in which an item is found based on a small section or pattern of that item. My favorite scene was a cleverly designed matching one in which drawers in a cabinet are opened with an item removed to match with its partner in yet another drawer.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-four (24) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. I found most of the mini-games easy with a few which were of middle difficulty. My favorite puzzle was a map puzzle in which the player must go through a forest by creating paths. This is accomplished by locating items to help remove obstacles which block those paths.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sequence puzzle. Place kitchen utensils in the proper order as per given clues
B. Matching puzzle. Using a gun, shoot two identical figures in an arcade game.
C. Maze puzzle. Climb up a tree using arrows to avoid obstacles in your path.
D. Map puzzle. Find your way through a forest by taking paths and locating items which will help clear new paths.
E. Assembly puzzle. Choose runes which, when combined, produce a symbol at the bottom of the screen.
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Using arrows, rotate and slide tiles with symbols on them so they match the ones in the center of the grid. 2X
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Beat the computer. Matching puzzle. Click on a column on a chess board to release checker-like tokens to try to get a row, column, or diagonal of 4 of your tokens before your opponent
H. Switch puzzle. Switch figurines standing on pedestals with two colors on the bottom so those colors match up with colored arrows at the bottom and sides of the grid.
I. Connection puzzle. Place connectors into a grid connecting one end to another so that the lines pass through all cold items while avoiding hot items.
B. Matching puzzle. Using a gun, shoot two identical figures in an arcade game.
C. Maze puzzle. Climb up a tree using arrows to avoid obstacles in your path.
D. Map puzzle. Find your way through a forest by taking paths and locating items which will help clear new paths.
E. Assembly puzzle. Choose runes which, when combined, produce a symbol at the bottom of the screen.
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Using arrows, rotate and slide tiles with symbols on them so they match the ones in the center of the grid. 2X
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Beat the computer. Matching puzzle. Click on a column on a chess board to release checker-like tokens to try to get a row, column, or diagonal of 4 of your tokens before your opponent
H. Switch puzzle. Switch figurines standing on pedestals with two colors on the bottom so those colors match up with colored arrows at the bottom and sides of the grid.
I. Connection puzzle. Place connectors into a grid connecting one end to another so that the lines pass through all cold items while avoiding hot items.
I recommend this game!
Can your love survive the vampire’s curse?
Overall rating
5
/
5
102 of 184 found this review helpful
ETERNAL LOVE TAKES A BITE OUT OF A VAMPIRE’S PLANS
PostedSeptember 3, 2020
sunnyglow
fromLocation? “Staking” out the evil inhabitants residing in the Carpathian Mountains.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 pages
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 pages
STORY: Welcome to Transylvania! Enjoy your stay in the Carpathian Mountains as you help two star-crossed lovers fight an ancient evil. Play the tag team duo, Gabriel Dracula and his fiancée, Sabrina as they try to thwart a vampire, Tamash, and his evil plans. After his mother was bitten by Tamash, Gabriel was born half human and half vampire. Now having reached adulthood, his hidden vampire self is emerging. Tamash’s ambition is to release Gabriel’s vampire self to help fulfill his dastardly plan. However, this couple has other plans on how they plan to spend their eternal bliss! Will their love conquer all and defeat this ancient evil?
OPINION: What a fantastic “horromance!” This Gothic, action-packed thriller is a fantastic addition to this series. It is reminiscent of the Hammer vampire movies from the past. The graphics are creepy and spooky - set in the vampire infested area of Transylvania. It is chock full of bats, garlic, coffins, spider webs, all set in a gloomy castle set high above town in the Carpathian Mountains. It is a lengthy game filled with plenty of activities. With the ability to choose the difficulty level for the puzzles, this game should appeal to both those who want an easy-breezy game as well as those who want more challenge. It is also chock full of collectibles. There are three collectibles with at least two per scene. I found most were easy to locate.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 pieces of jewelry and 15 morphing blood samples
• Collect 70 coins to purchase items for a salon
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequence
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 pieces of jewelry and 15 morphing blood samples
• Collect 70 coins to purchase items for a salon
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequence
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Join Dr. Diana Helsing (character from the main game) as she battles another vampire, Marku. After her mother arrives home with tell-tale bite marks on her neck, Dr. Helsing is off to battle the vampire behind this. I found this a nice addition to the game. The game is worthy of the collector’s edition designation. There are five (5) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games. I found the story behind the game decent. However, I did feel that activities in this chapter were not as creatively designed as those in the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes. All can be replayed at the end of the game. There is a Match-3 game which can be played instead of the searches. There is a nice variety of scenes as well. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette scenes. However, there are matching scenes and storybook scenes as well. They are creatively designed and highly interactive. Most have some creative element which makes them unique. One of the scenes has the player searching for items in a vampire’s coffin. Many have multiple scenes in which to do the searches. Some of the silhouette scenes require rotating disks to combine two halves of an item before it can be removed.
HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes. All can be replayed at the end of the game. There is a Match-3 game which can be played instead of the searches. There is a nice variety of scenes as well. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette scenes. However, there are matching scenes and storybook scenes as well. They are creatively designed and highly interactive. Most have some creative element which makes them unique. One of the scenes has the player searching for items in a vampire’s coffin. Many have multiple scenes in which to do the searches. Some of the silhouette scenes require rotating disks to combine two halves of an item before it can be removed.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. This option can be set within the menu; however, the puzzle difficulty can be changed if the puzzles seem too difficult or too easy. I found most of the puzzles thematic and well-designed.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy; H=Hard)
A. Switch puzzle. Slide two rows of candles – red and blue, so that the candles of each color are bunched together within their designated places
B. E/H Matching puzzle. Match up playing cards. Easy version has less cards to match
C. E/H. Maze puzzle. Ride a horse. Navigate a horse through snowy Transylvania avoiding obstacles in your path. Hard version has more obstacles.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move a key through a maze within a lock. A big-eyed cat will appear as you move in the maze. If the cat sees you move, He will swipe at you and you must restart. Easy version has a lazier cat who does not seem to care.
E. E/H. Matching puzzle. Match up icicles to climb a mountain.
F. E/H Matching puzzle. Choose the correct tools to create a design on a loaf of bread. Easy version has less designs.
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Recreate an image on a grid by coloring in the cells. The easy puzzle has an easier image to recreate.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Strategy puzzle. Trap a racoon. Place bags within a honeycomb grid to enclose and entrap a raccoon.
I. E/H Lock puzzle. Using 3 arrows, move 3, 4, or 6 spaces clockwise or counterclockwise to land on symbols as per a given guide. The easy version has less symbols
J. Connection puzzle. Connect wires to light up all lights on a grid.
K. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Arrange tiles with numbers on them to plot out the number of steps needed to move the character to its destination ending with the exact number of spaces needed. Easy version requires fewer moves.
B. E/H Matching puzzle. Match up playing cards. Easy version has less cards to match
C. E/H. Maze puzzle. Ride a horse. Navigate a horse through snowy Transylvania avoiding obstacles in your path. Hard version has more obstacles.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move a key through a maze within a lock. A big-eyed cat will appear as you move in the maze. If the cat sees you move, He will swipe at you and you must restart. Easy version has a lazier cat who does not seem to care.
E. E/H. Matching puzzle. Match up icicles to climb a mountain.
F. E/H Matching puzzle. Choose the correct tools to create a design on a loaf of bread. Easy version has less designs.
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Recreate an image on a grid by coloring in the cells. The easy puzzle has an easier image to recreate.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Strategy puzzle. Trap a racoon. Place bags within a honeycomb grid to enclose and entrap a raccoon.
I. E/H Lock puzzle. Using 3 arrows, move 3, 4, or 6 spaces clockwise or counterclockwise to land on symbols as per a given guide. The easy version has less symbols
J. Connection puzzle. Connect wires to light up all lights on a grid.
K. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Arrange tiles with numbers on them to plot out the number of steps needed to move the character to its destination ending with the exact number of spaces needed. Easy version requires fewer moves.
I recommend this game!
A small-town murder case hides a revelation that will shake the agency to its core!
Overall rating
5
/
5
153 of 282 found this review helpful
DEATH IS IN THE AIR WHEN A STRANGER COMES TO TOWN
PostedAugust 20, 2020
sunnyglow
fromKudos to our GrandMA for knitting together images from past games into the fabric of this new one – tying them together in a fantastic addition to this series
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My time: 7.5 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My time: 7.5 hours)
Master Detective! Death is in the air as you travel to Darkmoor to investigate a murder of a young man. Death is spreading throughout this town, searching for more victims. According to a young mysterious psychic, everyone is doomed to die, including you. Who is this young girl, an amnesiac who cannot remember anything about her past? As you investigate, you will see characters and other reminders tied to past cases. Hopefully, Death will not find you before you solve the case.
OPINION: This is a long game and a nice addition to the series. I found it vastly different from the other games within this series. This is an easy-breezy game. The mini-games are less difficult and there are less of them as well. There are also less HOP scenes. The story is a variation of a Celtic legend, providing some surprises as to the culprit. The pace is excellent with plenty of activities to keep a player engaged. The graphics are better than in some of the other games in this series. There are some beautiful scenes within the bonus chapter. However! Beware! Snake alert! There is nasty snake which jumps out at you in one of the scenes!
MECHANICS Collect morphing tarot cards. Also collect jigsaw puzzle pieces to complete a puzzle at the end of the game. The morphing cards are related in some way to past Mystery Case Files games and some of the characters are wearing masks to avoid the corona virus. I found this a humorous touch. There are two tarot cards per scene. I found most easy to locate. I like the sidebar on the left side of the screen which indicates how many collectibles are within a scene and how many are left to locate. There are two gimmicks within the game – a energy anomaly device and an energy cube. A puzzle must be played to use the energy anomaly device.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 54 morphing tarot cards and 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky device to destroy energy-based anomalies
• Gimmicky energy cube which you inherit from Aisling as you play the game
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 54 morphing tarot cards and 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky device to destroy energy-based anomalies
• Gimmicky energy cube which you inherit from Aisling as you play the game
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play a character from the main game (to name it will spoil the story) who must regain her power by engaging in three challenges within the Spirit World. I found this a nice addition to the game and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. There are seven (7) mini-games and three (3) HOP scenes. There is one Rube-Goldberg puzzle in this chapter. The graphics are incredibly beautiful, set in a forest.
HOP SCENES: There are sixteen (16) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. There are various mini-HOP scenes in which the player collects five or six items. I found them well-designed and highly interactive. They include the usual lists of items, silhouette scenes, and storybook scenes. There are also replacement scenes in which items are placed within the scene. There is one which has items located by pattern or from a small segment of the item. My favorite is one with cut out cards which must be placed on items within the scene to remove them.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-six (36) mini-games – thirteen (13) of which can be replayed. There are five (5) Rube-Goldberg puzzles with four (4) or five (5) puzzles each. I found the mini-games excellent. There is a wide range of styles. Most are easy but there are a couple which are somewhat challenging. There is one mini-game which has an easy and hard option. That one is in the demo; however, I wish they developer had included more. There are puzzles which must be played when the Energy Anomaly device is used.
SPOILERS: THESE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sleight of hand. A token is placed under a cup. The cups are then shuffled. Identify the cup which has the token underneath it. 3X. Uses 2, 3 and finally 4 cups
B. Sequence/Connection puzzle. Connect the faces of game characters with like slots. They must be placed sequentially. Rotate 4 cylinders with paths on them to create the connection.
C. Energy Anomaly puzzle. Chain link puzzle. Move 3 chains with 5 items each to their appropriate slots on a grid.
D. Domino puzzle. A variation. Rotate crocheted pieces with four flowers on them so flowers of the same color are next to each other.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch strings of colored beads so they match a given diagram
F. Physics puzzle. Place mirrors into a grid filled with Celtic bonfires so all are lit.
G. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
1. Block puzzle. Move lines back and forth between 5 rows to move two girls’ heads so they fall and land on their shoulders
2. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes by moving the pieces around a circular frame
3. Picture puzzle. Maneuver 4 pieces of an image to reassemble the image on the other side of the grid.
4. Maze puzzle. Rotate parts of a grid to get a ball into a hole. Buttons along the sides and bottom manipulate the scene
H. Riddles. Locate items within a scene which answer given riddles
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Connect the Dots. Using a knife – connect all dots without retracing steps.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces to restore an image of an Yggdrasil
B. Sequence/Connection puzzle. Connect the faces of game characters with like slots. They must be placed sequentially. Rotate 4 cylinders with paths on them to create the connection.
C. Energy Anomaly puzzle. Chain link puzzle. Move 3 chains with 5 items each to their appropriate slots on a grid.
D. Domino puzzle. A variation. Rotate crocheted pieces with four flowers on them so flowers of the same color are next to each other.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch strings of colored beads so they match a given diagram
F. Physics puzzle. Place mirrors into a grid filled with Celtic bonfires so all are lit.
G. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
1. Block puzzle. Move lines back and forth between 5 rows to move two girls’ heads so they fall and land on their shoulders
2. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes by moving the pieces around a circular frame
3. Picture puzzle. Maneuver 4 pieces of an image to reassemble the image on the other side of the grid.
4. Maze puzzle. Rotate parts of a grid to get a ball into a hole. Buttons along the sides and bottom manipulate the scene
H. Riddles. Locate items within a scene which answer given riddles
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Connect the Dots. Using a knife – connect all dots without retracing steps.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces to restore an image of an Yggdrasil
I recommend this game!
A geological adventure into a secret world inside our planet!
Overall rating
5
/
5
180 of 276 found this review helpful
GO UNDERGROUND TO UNCOVER A NEW WORLD OF ADVENTURE
PostedAugust 13, 2020
sunnyglow
fromAfter this playing this game, I am going to purchase all my souvenirs at tourist traps! Better than being a tourist trapped by a souvenir!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
As Simon, you are off on your dream vacation with your friend, Olivia. However, this dream will soon become a nightmare when you are hurled underground, to a land which houses three (3) worlds. When Olivia becomes possessed by the power of a crystal from this underground world, her monstrous presence must be dealt with. Battle her possession before a prophesized war erupts between humans from the outer world with the inhabitants of the inner world.
OPINION: This is yet another creatively designed adventure by Domini Games. This is the first game in this series by this developer. It is a matter of personal preference, but I like this developer’s approach to this series better than that of the previous one. It is a fast paced with plenty of activities. This developer always provides more game for the money with more collectibles, HOP scenes, and puzzles than other developers. For me, their games are in a league of their own – pure artistry in gaming. The graphics include their signature neon green and vivid purple, tastefully incorporated into their scenes. There are some incredibly beautiful underwater scenes in the bonus chapter. In my opinion they are truly becoming the top “gamemeister” for Big Fish Games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 15 collectibles for a backpack and 15 morphing birds,
• Collect 70 coins to purchase items for a garden
• 19 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 33 Scenes, 29 mini-games, 18 HOP scenes
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 15 collectibles for a backpack and 15 morphing birds,
• Collect 70 coins to purchase items for a garden
• 19 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 33 Scenes, 29 mini-games, 18 HOP scenes
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Learn the story of Etien from the main game and how he arrived in the world of the Underground. Help him locate a manuscript from a ship for Gibson Vermi, a misguided man with hidden intentions in his quest to find an important relic from the Underground world. I found this a nice addition to the game, making it worthy of the designation of a collector’s edition. There are nine (9) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. I found it equal in quality to the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Although Domini is better known for their puzzles, I find their HOP scenes better than those from most developers. They offer a variety of creatively designed ones. They include the standard lists of items, silhouette, and storybook scenes; however, there are some creative touches incorporated into them. My favorite is the slider silhouette scene in which the player moves sliders at the top and side of the scene to match the silhouette of the item with the item itself before removing it. There is also a scene with rebus clues and two spot-the difference scenes. A Match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: This is a puzzle-lovers delight! There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games, most of which can be played in either a hard or easy mode. This provides a nice game for those who want an easy play, however, it also provides some challenge for those who want that element in their games. Eighteen (18) of the mini-games can be replayed at the end of the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Enter 5 numbers so that no column, row nor connected string has duplicates of the same number
B. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens embedded with musical notes so that all the musical notes symbols surrounding them light up Easy version has less note tokens to switch.
C. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch colored gears within 5 like-colored circles so all mesh. Gears will light up when placed correctly. Easy version has less gears to place.
D. E/H. Queen’s 8 puzzle. In this case, place 5 falcon heads on a board so that none are in alignment with each other either by row, column or diagonally. 3 are already placed. Easy version has only 3 tokens to place
BONUS CHAPTER
E. E/H. Dot-to-Dot puzzle. Recreate a given image by connecting the dots. The easy version has less dots.
F. E/H. Map puzzle. Navigate a submarine through water in the dark avoiding mines and bubbles. You get only 3 lives to do this. In the easy mode there are no lives lost - just avoid bubbles
G. E/H. Map puzzle. Navigate to an exit by moving on a path with squares. Choose to go either 4, 5, 6, 9 or 11 spaces.
H. E/H. Block puzzle. In this case, move cannons blocking the path for a crate to move from one end to the other.
I. Rope puzzle. Maneuver rope so that is covers all dots on a grid without crossing lines.
B. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens embedded with musical notes so that all the musical notes symbols surrounding them light up Easy version has less note tokens to switch.
C. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch colored gears within 5 like-colored circles so all mesh. Gears will light up when placed correctly. Easy version has less gears to place.
D. E/H. Queen’s 8 puzzle. In this case, place 5 falcon heads on a board so that none are in alignment with each other either by row, column or diagonally. 3 are already placed. Easy version has only 3 tokens to place
BONUS CHAPTER
E. E/H. Dot-to-Dot puzzle. Recreate a given image by connecting the dots. The easy version has less dots.
F. E/H. Map puzzle. Navigate a submarine through water in the dark avoiding mines and bubbles. You get only 3 lives to do this. In the easy mode there are no lives lost - just avoid bubbles
G. E/H. Map puzzle. Navigate to an exit by moving on a path with squares. Choose to go either 4, 5, 6, 9 or 11 spaces.
H. E/H. Block puzzle. In this case, move cannons blocking the path for a crate to move from one end to the other.
I. Rope puzzle. Maneuver rope so that is covers all dots on a grid without crossing lines.
I recommend this game!