sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:812
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 6, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Help stop a killer and keep an important scientific discovery from falling into the wrong hands!
Overall rating
5
/
5
83 of 165 found this review helpful
A SCI-FI GAME WHICH IS A MIND-ALTERING EXPERIENCE
PostedJuly 9, 2020
sunnyglow
fromDoes not taking control of your mind and impulses supposed to make you less of a monster to deal with? Well not in this game!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
Enjoy a sci-fi thriller as you, Nancy Bradford, a behavioral psychologist, continue your parents’ research into the realm of MK Ultra, mind control. After accepting a grant from Neurotech Corporation, find yourself working with the C.I.A. to stop this company from using its research on humans for nefarious purposes. While on a fast-paced adventure, learn more about your parents, how they died, and battle several evildoers throughout the game, thwarting their efforts to destroy the world!
OPINION: I found this a fast-paced, enjoyable game. The story behind the game is excellent with a well-written gaming script. It is somewhat thought provoking, delving into some of the consequences of mind control and altered states. It is a puzzle-lover’s delight, chock full of various types of mini-games. There are over twice as many puzzles as HOP scenes. For me, this was a pure delight to play! This game is another wonderful masterpiece by this developer. This developer does not produce many games, but the ones it produces are exquisite!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 14 figurines and 15 morphing puzzles pieces
• 16 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 8 HOP scenes and 8 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 14 figurines and 15 morphing puzzles pieces
• 16 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 8 HOP scenes and 8 mini-games
There are two collectibles, famous scientists, and morphing puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces are used to play a jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game. However, the puzzle is easy; the pieces jump into place just by clicking on them. There is no work involved in solving this jigsaw puzzle. Where are these collectibles and the jigsaw puzzle located? Somewhat bizarre, they are found in the Achievement section of the menu.
BONUS CHAPTER It is a sequel. It is two weeks after the end of the main game. As Nancy Bradford, try to find an antidote to the mind control serum given to a family member. Return to the research center to see if you can locate this serum. I found the chapter a nice sequel to the main game. Nevertheless, I did feel this chapter was somewhat slower paced than the main game. There are no collectibles within this chapter. There are four (4) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, eight (8) of which can be replayed. Most of the HOP scenes are either a list of items or silhouette scenes. There are a few storybook scenes in which items are found within a text, furthering the story behind the game. Nevertheless, they are creatively designed and interactive. Many of the scenes have morphing objects within them. There is also a game of Monaco which can be played instead of the scenes. It is a variation of a matching game in which two adjacent matching items (in any direction) are removed.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, eight (8) of which can be replayed. Most of the HOP scenes are either a list of items or silhouette scenes. There are a few storybook scenes in which items are found within a text, furthering the story behind the game. Nevertheless, they are creatively designed and interactive. Many of the scenes have morphing objects within them. There is also a game of Monaco which can be played instead of the scenes. It is a variation of a matching game in which two adjacent matching items (in any direction) are removed.
MINI-GAMES: There are forty-one (41) mini-games, only eight (8) of which can be replayed! I found most of them easy. There are only a few which I would categorize as of middle difficulty. There are a couple of multiple-step ones as well. I loved the nonogram puzzle. This is one puzzle I wish more developers would incorporate into their games. There is also an incredibly beautiful puzzle involving butterflies imprinted on a stained-glass window. My only complaint is that I wish more of the mini-games could be replayed at the end of the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sequence puzzle. Press red buttons on a 4 x 3 grid until all buttons turn green. Pressing on a button either lights up or shuts off the others next to it.
B. Mathematical puzzle. Switch numbered fuses on a board so that the sum of two which are connected equals the number situated between them.
C. Sequence puzzle. Choose safe spots on a cliff to ascend it without falling.
D. Spot-the-differences puzzle. Find differences between two pictures
E. Nonogram puzzle. Create a picture by filling in squares based on numbers and spacing at the top and left side of the graph.
F. An incredibly beautiful counting puzzle. Use 5 knobs to display the number of butterflies on a stained-glass window.
G. Connection puzzle. Click on pipes between nodes on a circular grid until a number produced on the nodes between connecting pipes is equal to the number of connections for each node.
H. Sequence puzzle. Repeat the punching fist sequence by an evildoer.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Matching puzzle. Match up tokens displayed on a heart according to their association with each other.
J. Maze puzzle. Move 4 boxes using a forklift to spots within the middle of a grid
K. Search and Replace puzzle. Locate missing objects within a scene placing them where they belong
B. Mathematical puzzle. Switch numbered fuses on a board so that the sum of two which are connected equals the number situated between them.
C. Sequence puzzle. Choose safe spots on a cliff to ascend it without falling.
D. Spot-the-differences puzzle. Find differences between two pictures
E. Nonogram puzzle. Create a picture by filling in squares based on numbers and spacing at the top and left side of the graph.
F. An incredibly beautiful counting puzzle. Use 5 knobs to display the number of butterflies on a stained-glass window.
G. Connection puzzle. Click on pipes between nodes on a circular grid until a number produced on the nodes between connecting pipes is equal to the number of connections for each node.
H. Sequence puzzle. Repeat the punching fist sequence by an evildoer.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Matching puzzle. Match up tokens displayed on a heart according to their association with each other.
J. Maze puzzle. Move 4 boxes using a forklift to spots within the middle of a grid
K. Search and Replace puzzle. Locate missing objects within a scene placing them where they belong
I recommend this game!
An expedition to an Aztec temple awakens a true force of nature!
Overall rating
5
/
5
118 of 220 found this review helpful
ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE INTO THE RAINFOREST – ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedJune 25, 2020
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Domini Games for a well-crafted adventure into the heart of Mexico
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages (My time: 9 Hours)
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages (My time: 9 Hours)
OVERVIEW: Journey to the land of the Aztecs in a stunningly beautiful game! For me, this is one of the best games to date from Domini Games. It is a long game set against the lush graphics of the rain forest. Domini provides more game for the money and this one is no exception. It is less historic than previous games in this series from another developer. It captures the essence of the Aztec culture; however, it contains more fantasy than facts. For me, it was more of an adventure into fantasy than a historical journey into the past. The creative design, the fast pace, the excellent storyline, along with a plethora of activities make this game an epic adventure. A lot of creativity and hard work went into designing this game – and it shows.
STORY: As a newbie H.E.L.P. employee, a linguist specializing in the Aztec language, you are off to Teotihuacan to translate hieroglyphics on the Sun Pyramid. Find yourself engulfed in an adventure when the spirit and power of Coatlicue inhabit the body of the expedition’s leader, Vincent Alvarez. Under this influence, he ventures off on a quest to locate the Moon Sphere which will give him unlimited power. Stop this crazed ecological zealot before he causes havoc for the entire world.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 20 calendar days and 15 Aztec souvenirs
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
•Replay 18 HOP scenes and 23 Mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 20 calendar days and 15 Aztec souvenirs
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
•Replay 18 HOP scenes and 23 Mini-games
There are only two collectibles - souvenirs and Aztec calendar days. I found most of these items well-hidden within the scenes. Most scenes only have one collectible, and some do not have any at all. For me, the graphics are better than in other games from this developer. There is less of the neon green and bright purple usually associated with their games. For me, that is a good thing. And as for the soundtrack - for once, I enjoyed the background music in a game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Vincent Alvarez, the head of the expedition in the main game. After his plane crashes in the rain forest, he is off to investigate a criminal organization, Relic Sales Agency, who pose as H.E.L.P. agents to steal ancient artifacts from the native tribes. Stop this organization from stealing the Vase of Wind from a local tribe, the Wind Talkers. This is a long chapter. I felt the story was action-packed and a chapter which made this game worthy of a collector’s edition. The quality of this chapter is equal to that of the main game. There are nine (9) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. There are some breathtakingly beautiful HOP scenes in this game, displaying all the lushness of the rain forest. They vary in style. A Match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes; however, the scenes are so creatively designed, some you may not want to miss. They include the usual lists of items and silhouette. However, there are matching, storybook scenes searching for highlighted items, replacement of items within a scene and spot the difference scenes. My favorite was a gorgeous scene with a search for flowers within a jungle setting.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-six (36) mini-games. Twenty-three (23) can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are two Rube-Goldberg puzzles within this game. Most of the puzzles have an option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy, H=Hard)
A. E/H Physics puzzle. Place angular pieces into a grid to lead colored balls to their appropriate colored slots at the bottom. Angle them on pegs so they create a path to each slot. Hard version has more balls to place into slots.
B. Rube Goldberg Puzzle:
1. Bulls eye. Transfer a beam of light from one satellite to another until it reaches its destination.
2. Connection puzzle. Connects all dots on a grid without connecting the same dot twice.
3. Connection puzzle. On a grid of balls, find 5 patterns and trace them on the balls. All balls must be connected in some type of pattern. There are 2 of each pattern of balls.
C. E/H Mathematical puzzle. Switch paddles with numbers on them so the two added together equal the number on each chair. Each person in a chair has two paddles with different numbers. Hard version has one more equation to solve.
D. E/H Matching puzzle. Click on parts of a lock (tumblers) changing the design so they match with a given key. Hard version has one more tumbler to match up
E. E/H Physics puzzle. Lead all gems to Coatlicue in the center of a grid- all at the same time. Place blocks on the grid to control the speed. Easier version has less gems to move toward the center
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect blue dots on a fuse without retracing steps.
G. E/H Place shells on stones within a creek so their circles overlap each other.
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate round tiles to restore an image
I. E/H Maze puzzle. Move a chip through a maze in a specific number of moves. Easier version gives you more moves
B. Rube Goldberg Puzzle:
1. Bulls eye. Transfer a beam of light from one satellite to another until it reaches its destination.
2. Connection puzzle. Connects all dots on a grid without connecting the same dot twice.
3. Connection puzzle. On a grid of balls, find 5 patterns and trace them on the balls. All balls must be connected in some type of pattern. There are 2 of each pattern of balls.
C. E/H Mathematical puzzle. Switch paddles with numbers on them so the two added together equal the number on each chair. Each person in a chair has two paddles with different numbers. Hard version has one more equation to solve.
D. E/H Matching puzzle. Click on parts of a lock (tumblers) changing the design so they match with a given key. Hard version has one more tumbler to match up
E. E/H Physics puzzle. Lead all gems to Coatlicue in the center of a grid- all at the same time. Place blocks on the grid to control the speed. Easier version has less gems to move toward the center
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect blue dots on a fuse without retracing steps.
G. E/H Place shells on stones within a creek so their circles overlap each other.
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate round tiles to restore an image
I. E/H Maze puzzle. Move a chip through a maze in a specific number of moves. Easier version gives you more moves
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a deadly evil waiting in an abandoned school?
Overall rating
5
/
5
87 of 149 found this review helpful
CAMP OUT IN A WORLD OF SCARY TALES AND NIGHTMARES IN ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedJune 20, 2020
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Mad Head Games! Playing this game was pure joy! It is not often we get a game of this caliber! This developer does not produce the most games; however, they do produce some of the best. This game is a keeper!
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
Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My Time: 7 fun-filled hours)
Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My Time: 7 fun-filled hours)
Play Sophie along with her friends, Dario and JP, as they travel to a campsite for a fun-filled weekend. However, this sojourn will take a detour, taking them to another reality, a wasteland filled with nightmares, operated by twins. These little monsters feed off the fears of others in this world. This alternate reality is created by your own scary tales. Now each of you will have to survive the worlds created from each other’s stories.
What a fantastic game! Welcome to a land filled with the scary stuff nightmares are made of. This game is filled with creepy dolls, clowns, and black- eyed evil children (in this case, white-eyed twins) A host of monsters abound in this world. The story is well-written, consisting of three tales set against the backdrop of the world of scary stories. This developer has provided some creative touches in this game. There are choices between two actions in dealing with certain situations within the game. Choose the wrong one and you die (but you can replay it!) The player can also play the chapters dealing with the scary tales in any order they wish.
The graphics provide an eerie ambiance to the game. The pace is excellent. The three tales breaks up any monotony in the game. There are also plenty of activities to keep the game exciting. I have become fairly jaded to the scare factor; however, in this game I jumped out of chair in one scene from the abandoned polar station. I was not expecting that scary moment! This game for me, was pure joy to play. This genre will not appeal to everyone; however, if you like creepy, scary stories, this game may send chills up your spine.
There are two collectibles, morphing objects, and the sign for Gemini. There is one of each in every scene. I found most easy to locate; however, some are well-hidden within the scenes. There is an indicator at the bottom of the screen indicating if the collectibles have been found. At the end of the game, there are three jigsaw puzzles and an ultimate HOP scene which can be played. You can replay the HOP scenes but not the mini-games. Again, I loved this game but would have rather replayed the mini-games than the HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Sophie who is now married. When her husband leaves for a short jaunt, she receives a call for help via her radio. She opens the portal to the nightmare world again and is off on another adventure. You must once again battle the twins. Be prepared for a surprise ending as well – one which could be somewhat unsettling for Sophie. This a wonderful addition to the game. There are six (6) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements. (Some with 3 parts)
• Collect 28 morphing objects and 28 Gemini signs. One of each in every scene.
• Collect 19 morphing objects within each of the HOP scenes.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes
• You will receive pictures of all the characters upon completion of the game
• Play 3 jigsaw puzzles and the Ultimate HOP scene upon completion of the game
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 11 achievements. (Some with 3 parts)
• Collect 28 morphing objects and 28 Gemini signs. One of each in every scene.
• Collect 19 morphing objects within each of the HOP scenes.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes
• You will receive pictures of all the characters upon completion of the game
• Play 3 jigsaw puzzles and the Ultimate HOP scene upon completion of the game
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. At the end of the game you can assess the accuracy and time spent in playing each one. They are creatively designed and very interactive. Most of the scenes are lists of items and silhouette; however, there are storybook scenes, replacement of objects within a scene, and searches for a specific number of the same item. All have a morphing object within them. I found some difficult to locate.
There are twenty-eight (28) mini-games. Some are incredibly easy such as entering a number code for a lock; however, there are some challenging ones as well. For the first time, this developer has offered an option to play some mini-games in either an “easy” or “hard mode.
There are twenty-eight (28) mini-games. Some are incredibly easy such as entering a number code for a lock; however, there are some challenging ones as well. For the first time, this developer has offered an option to play some mini-games in either an “easy” or “hard mode.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy; H=Hard)
A. E/H Repeat a sequence of keys given on a piano. 3X
B. Rope puzzle. In this case, move human organs attached to strings so the strings do not overlap
C. Gear puzzle. Place gears into the proper position so they mesh
D. Assembly puzzle. Move three dials to choose 3 designs which, when combined, create a given symbol on a token.
E. Sequence puzzle. Click on the eyes of several skeletons until all are lit up.
F. Maze puzzle. Maneuver through a maze by landing on spots which open and close doors. Figure out the correct order to get through to the other side.
G. Sequence puzzle. Click on buttons in proper sequence to turn off a series of lights on a grid.
H. E/H Shoot to monster. Rotating tiles puzzle. Clear a path for two balls to fall into a circular maze by rotating the four circles in each one.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Assembly puzzle. Move arrows up and down and sideways to combine two images to create a third on a TV screen
J. Moving tiles puzzle. Move six tiles on a 3 x 3 grid so that each row has the same tiles.
K. Matching puzzle. Match up pairs by uncovering cards.
B. Rope puzzle. In this case, move human organs attached to strings so the strings do not overlap
C. Gear puzzle. Place gears into the proper position so they mesh
D. Assembly puzzle. Move three dials to choose 3 designs which, when combined, create a given symbol on a token.
E. Sequence puzzle. Click on the eyes of several skeletons until all are lit up.
F. Maze puzzle. Maneuver through a maze by landing on spots which open and close doors. Figure out the correct order to get through to the other side.
G. Sequence puzzle. Click on buttons in proper sequence to turn off a series of lights on a grid.
H. E/H Shoot to monster. Rotating tiles puzzle. Clear a path for two balls to fall into a circular maze by rotating the four circles in each one.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Assembly puzzle. Move arrows up and down and sideways to combine two images to create a third on a TV screen
J. Moving tiles puzzle. Move six tiles on a 3 x 3 grid so that each row has the same tiles.
K. Matching puzzle. Match up pairs by uncovering cards.
I recommend this game!
A romantic spa getaway hides a terrible secret!
Overall rating
3
/
5
83 of 166 found this review helpful
A SPA HOTEL TO CAPTURE YOUR YOUTH
PostedJune 18, 2020
sunnyglow
fromWhoever said stress, smoking and drinking were the leading causes of premature aging never stayed at this hotel.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
MAIN GAME: Happy Anniversary, James Blackthorn! For your one-year anniversary, you and your girlfriend, Jessica, are off to the Victorian Spa Hotel for a relaxing weekend. You are planning on popping the question; however, you will find this weekend a haunting experience which is far from restful. Upon arrival, Jessica disappears, and you will have to stir up ghosts from the past to discover the secrets of this hotel. Be prepared to battle a misguided ghost who has caused chaos in his quest for immortality.
Once you have checked into this game get prepared to wander aimlessly around this hotel traveling from room-to-room, searching for inventory items. I was ready to check out of this hotel adventure halfway through the game finding myself more bored than scared. I feel the story behind the game is well-written. However, the game lacks the creative touches and activities of the previous games in this series. There are not enough activities to maintain a good pace. Nevertheless, I found the graphics are consistent with the previous games within the series and well-designed.
There are three collectibles. Collect figurines of the characters and morphing objects. Also collect puzzle pieces for four pictures. I found most easy to locate within the scenes. As with most of this developer’s games, there is a secret room which allows the player to return to the game scenes and search for more items.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Josephine Davis, an in resident ghost of the hotel. Learn the story of how she, her beau, Bernard, and the medical staff became trapped within the confines of the hotel. I found this chapter tedious to play, especially after playing the boring main chapter. There are five (5) HOP scenes and three (3) mini-HOP scenes. There are seven (7) mini-games as well. For me, the HOP scenes are better designed than the mini-games in this chapter. I found the mini-games lacking in creative design and most ridiculously easy. These activities seemed to be hastily created and just thrown into the game. To me, this chapter is boring, lacking creativity and not worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements.
• Collect 27 morphing objects, 13 morphing character figurines and 20 picture pieces for 4 pictures.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 Mini-games and 14 HOP scenes
• Secret Room. Go back through the scenes and locate of new items within the scenes.
• 18 achievements.
• Collect 27 morphing objects, 13 morphing character figurines and 20 picture pieces for 4 pictures.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 Mini-games and 14 HOP scenes
• Secret Room. Go back through the scenes and locate of new items within the scenes.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of these are lists of items or silhouette. There are also storybook scenes which narrate the story behind the game. There are six (6) mini-HOP scenes with searches for a small number of silhouette items. I found most of the scenes were cookie cutter variations of each other. There is a lack of variety in most of the HOP scenes.
There are twenty-three (23) puzzles within the game. I feel they are more creatively designed than the HOP scenes in the main game, but the reverse in the bonus chapter. They vary in design and difficulty. I found most of the mini-games in the main game of average difficulty and on the easier side in the bonus chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Beat the computer! Fill up a grid with more of your tokens than those of your opponent. Every move by either of you gains a token on that space. Moving next to your opponent’s token changes their token to yours.
B. Maze puzzle. Move a ball through the inner wall of a safe. Your view of the maze will be blocked by the sides of the safe until you move the ball through that section.
C. Assembly puzzle. Combine two symbols so create at given third symbol.
D. Card game. Play a game of cards against an evildoer. Capture more cards than your opponent. Your cards and his have numbers along the sides. The highest number wins.
E. Picture puzzle. Restore an image of two of the game characters
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Assemble a broken statue by placing pieces into the proper location
G. Ghost Zapper. Catch ghosts. Use a candle to defeat ghostly skulls. Attack them with the candle to make them disappear. Fill up a meter by zapping these ghosts.
H. Matching puzzle. Keep the ghosts out of the garage. Match up symbols on ghosts with those on side panels.
I. Assembly puzzle. Usually this is a HOP scene. Use sliders at the top and along the left side to place items back into the right position within a scene.
B. Maze puzzle. Move a ball through the inner wall of a safe. Your view of the maze will be blocked by the sides of the safe until you move the ball through that section.
C. Assembly puzzle. Combine two symbols so create at given third symbol.
D. Card game. Play a game of cards against an evildoer. Capture more cards than your opponent. Your cards and his have numbers along the sides. The highest number wins.
E. Picture puzzle. Restore an image of two of the game characters
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Assemble a broken statue by placing pieces into the proper location
G. Ghost Zapper. Catch ghosts. Use a candle to defeat ghostly skulls. Attack them with the candle to make them disappear. Fill up a meter by zapping these ghosts.
H. Matching puzzle. Keep the ghosts out of the garage. Match up symbols on ghosts with those on side panels.
I. Assembly puzzle. Usually this is a HOP scene. Use sliders at the top and along the left side to place items back into the right position within a scene.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a new monster brought to life before it's too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 227 found this review helpful
INVASION OF THE CYBORGS
PostedJune 11, 2020
sunnyglow
fromThe Puppet Show Life Cycle of Evolution: Puppets on a string, mechanical puppets, robotic puppets, and now cyborgs.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
Be prepared for the invasion of the cyborgs! When your former professor, Richard Kingston, is kidnapped and imprisoned, he sends a message via his mechanical raven for help. His inventions may have gotten out of control! Save your professor and the city by battling cyborgs under the leadership of one of your professor’s inventions.
I found this one of the best games within this series. AMAX has put a new spin on this series – reinvented it, so to speak. Normally, I do not like the games in this series, most of which are cookie cutter versions of each other. However, I found this game a refreshing change with a more modern theme. I am delighted this developer moved away from puppetry and has delved into robotics. The game has a current, modern feel. The graphics are well-designed and have a more modern look. It is an action-packed game with plenty of activities to provide a good pace throughout.
Nevertheless, I do have a small complaint about this game. I wish this developer would get rid of the barking dogs, baying of wolves and screeching cats. These animal soundtracks are in all their games are for some, like me, are nerve racking. These animals are not even featured in this game, so why were they added? They are out-of-place and irritating.
This is a basic game with few frills. There is only one collectible (robotic animals) and there are only ten (10) within the entire game. There are no morphing objects nor secret room in which to purchase items as with other games from this developer. However, I am delighted! It is refreshing to see that this developer does not have coins as collectibles as in their other games. I hate searching for coins which are used in exchange to purchase items for some room.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 10 mechanical animals invented by Dr. Kingston
• 7 wallpapers and 8 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 mini-games and 15 HOP scenes
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 10 mechanical animals invented by Dr. Kingston
• 7 wallpapers and 8 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 mini-games and 15 HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Detective Howard and return to the period three days before the start of the main game. Mechanical animals have been stolen from Professor Kingston’s laboratory. He has contacted you to search for them. He is concerned they are dangerous and may have fallen into the wrong hands. I found this chapter a nice addition to the game. There are four (4) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. Most of the HOP scenes are lists of items. There is one matching scene. The puzzles include some matching puzzles and a few maze and map puzzles. I found the activities consist with those of the main game and worth a collector’s edition designation.
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes, fifteen (15) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette scenes. However, they are all interactive. They include some of my favorite scenes as well. There are search and replace scenes in which the player locates items and then uses them within the scene. There is a pattern scene in which items are located based on their pattern or from a small segment of the item. Some of the scenes are repeated with a new list of items. There are a few mini-HOP scenes in which the player locates a small number (5 or 6) items or pieces of items.
There are thirty (30) mini-games, fifteen (15) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. I found most of the mini-games easy with a few which I would consider of middle-difficulty. There is a variety of different styles of puzzles. There is one puzzle which is offered in two levels of difficulty – casual and hard. Listed below are some samples of the mini-games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate 4 pieces to restore the image of a spider
B. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze while avoiding cyborgs in your path. Pick up items to help you get through the maze. (Puzzle offered twice in the game)
C. Mathematical puzzle. Move a token through a maze by landing on numbered squares. Every time the token lands on the square it goes down one number. Create a smooth path by landing on each square once and not running out of spaces to move.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch lock pieces so each of two segments mesh.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a key to reach a lock by rotating path segments to create the path.
G. Map puzzle. Set up a route using numbered tokens to arrive at a destination in 7 steps, while avoiding pitfalls along the way.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols hidden under feathers on an eagle until all are matched.
B. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze while avoiding cyborgs in your path. Pick up items to help you get through the maze. (Puzzle offered twice in the game)
C. Mathematical puzzle. Move a token through a maze by landing on numbered squares. Every time the token lands on the square it goes down one number. Create a smooth path by landing on each square once and not running out of spaces to move.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch lock pieces so each of two segments mesh.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a key to reach a lock by rotating path segments to create the path.
G. Map puzzle. Set up a route using numbered tokens to arrive at a destination in 7 steps, while avoiding pitfalls along the way.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols hidden under feathers on an eagle until all are matched.
I recommend this game!
A series of deaths plague a small town, but who or what caused them?
Overall rating
4
/
5
101 of 256 found this review helpful
A TALE OF TWO "HISSING" COUSINS - BASILISK AND COCKATRICE
PostedJune 4, 2020
sunnyglow
fromWho would have known? The basilisk and the cockatrice are kissing or is that “hissing” cousins? Both have serpentine bodies. However, the basilisk has the head of a serpent and the cockatrice has the head of a chicken
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
When your sister receives an invitation to visit Serpent Hill, she sends you in her place. As an expert in cryptozoology you jump at the chance visit areas which have chimeric creatures. Upon arrival, you learn from the sheriff, Amber, that people are dying from some unknown cause. Is it a curse as townspeople believe? Help the sheriff locate the cause of these unfortunate deaths while learning about the connection between a basilisk and these untimely deaths.
This is a short game. It has all the quality elements of an Elephant game, but it is only four (4) chapters long (with the bonus chapter). Personally, I would rather have a short quality game than one which has boring activities and a slow pace. I found the story excellent in the main game; however, I was not as impressed with the one in the bonus chapter. The pace in the main game is excellent with plenty of activities including creatively designed mini-games and HOP scenes.
The collectibles are morphing objects and postcards. There is a morphing object in every scene. Also collect picture fragments to play four (4) jigsaw puzzles at the end of the game. I found most easy to locate. At the end of the game I was missing one picture fragment, which is very frustrating because I cannot complete one jigsaw puzzle without replaying the entire game. I wish Elephant would allow the player to return to the scenes to find any missing jigsaw pieces to complete the puzzles. There is also a secret room at the end of the game in which to search for more items hidden within the scenes of the game. You are timed in this activity
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 48 picture fragments to play 4 jigsaw puzzles at the end of the game
• Collect 26 morphing objects and 12 cards
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Secret room. Return to the game scenes to locate a specific number of items within a specific time.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 48 picture fragments to play 4 jigsaw puzzles at the end of the game
• Collect 26 morphing objects and 12 cards
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Secret room. Return to the game scenes to locate a specific number of items within a specific time.
There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes with eight (8) mini-HOP games with searches for either six (6) items or matching six pairs. Most of the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. However, they are creatively designed and interactive. Many of the scenes involved maneuvering objects within the scene to locate the items. There are some matching scenes plus my favorite – pattern scenes which require the player to locate items based on either their pattern or a small segment of the item.
There are only seventeen (17) min-games and all can be replayed. They are well-designed and some have several parts to them, each once increasing in difficulty. For me, this is a wonderful way to provide games so that most of the puzzles can be played in an easier mode and still provide challenge to those looking for it. Also, if a puzzle is too difficult, they player can skip the harder levels and replay them, spending more time in solving them. Kudos Elephant! I do wish more developers would offer this option. One of the puzzles has six (6) levels and the final three (3) puzzles I found difficult.
BONUS CHAPTER: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner! Well that is what you might say after you finish this chapter concerning a big clucking bird, a cockatrice. Sheriff Amber has asked for your help when people are turning to stone as the result of this foul fowl. Battle this bird to return the town to normal. I did not care for this chapter. I found the story ridiculous and found the pace slow. It is HOP heavy and puzzle lite. There are seven (7) HOP scenes with three (3) mini-Hop scenes, each with six items to locate. There are five (5) mini-games. The puzzles in the chapter are ridiculously easy and to me, it seems as if this chapter was produced hastily without thought to the quality of the content.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MIN-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MIN-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots and plot a path through a forest according to given clues
B. Connection puzzle Connect all lights throughout a grid by turning the beams of light to the correct direction. 3X
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place hexagonal pieces into a honeycomb grid to recreate an image of a basilisk
D. Maze puzzle. Move two tokens at the same time from the bottom to the top simultaneously. When there are blockers in the path, the tokens must pass over them at the same time.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces to restore a bird
F. Switch Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch circular pieces to restore a picture
G. Connection puzzle. On a shield connect symbols so that all squares are visited once
B. Connection puzzle Connect all lights throughout a grid by turning the beams of light to the correct direction. 3X
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place hexagonal pieces into a honeycomb grid to recreate an image of a basilisk
D. Maze puzzle. Move two tokens at the same time from the bottom to the top simultaneously. When there are blockers in the path, the tokens must pass over them at the same time.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces to restore a bird
F. Switch Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch circular pieces to restore a picture
G. Connection puzzle. On a shield connect symbols so that all squares are visited once
I recommend this game!
Can you save your dad from a genie bent on revenge?
Overall rating
5
/
5
128 of 249 found this review helpful
PUT THE GENIE BACK IN THE BOTTLE
PostedMay 28, 2020
sunnyglow
fromThis game proves that it is hard to put the genie back in the bottle.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 4 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 4 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
Someone let the genie out of the bottle (in this case a lamp)! As the daughter of the genie, Satur, you must save your father and his brothers from an evildoer out to harness their powers. As you venture into different parts of the game, you will meet your uncles, the light genies, who control the elemental forces of nature. You will also need to battle the black sheep of the family, your uncle, the vengeful Sardonik, a dark genie who is behind the kidnapping of your father. As a half-genie, you will get to prove your worth (and maybe earn your very own lamp) in this adventure!
This is another fantastic game from my favorite developer. Domini always provides more game for the money and this one is no exception. The story is action-packed with plenty of activities to keep the player engaged. Although not as lengthy as previous games from this developer, it is a quality game with a good pace and well-designed puzzles and HOP scenes. Most of the scenes are decked out in the colors Domini is known for – neon green and vivid purple. I wish this developer would diversify their color scheme a little. For me, there is little too much green and purple.
This is a game which should appeal to both adults and children alike. There is a helper dragon named Chakka. He flies around and retrieves inventory items. I hate most “cutesy” helpers in games and this one is no exception. However, this one is only used six (6) times within the game, so he is tolerable. However, I do feel the game would be better without the helper. Nevertheless, the “draggin” dragon may appeal to children who play this game. Collectibles include mushrooms which can be traded in for items to use in a laboratory. Also collect morphing vessels and animal tracks. I found most easy to locate.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 51 mushrooms to use in exchange for 15 items for a laboratory
• Collect 15 morphing vessels, and 15 animal tracks
• 16 wallpapers along with 10 concept art renderings
• 5 music selections, and 20 video sequences
• Helper dragon, Chakka.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 15 min-games
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 51 mushrooms to use in exchange for 15 items for a laboratory
• Collect 15 morphing vessels, and 15 animal tracks
• 16 wallpapers along with 10 concept art renderings
• 5 music selections, and 20 video sequences
• Helper dragon, Chakka.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 15 min-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a story about another misguided genie. When an archaeologist, Xavier, uncovers an hourglass, a genie, Timeikus, is released. This powerful genie of time was put in the hourglass to stop his reign of terror. Wanting to reclaim his power, he is off to search for his lamp and break it. He sends both of you back in time where you will remain unless you can stop him. I found this a nice addition to the main game. It is a long chapter with a good pace and plenty of activities. There are eight (8) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes.
The HOP scenes are exceptionally well-done. There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. What I love about Domini’s HOP scenes is the rich variety of styles. This developer seldom repeats the same style of HOP scene. They include the usual lists of items and silhouette. Others include matching, search-and-replace, spot-the-differences, searching for twelve each of the same item, morphing objects, pattern scenes, and sliders. My favorite are the scenes with sliders in which the player must match up an item with its silhouette using sliders to unite them before removal. The scenes are creatively designed. There is also a Match-3 game which can be played in lieu of the scenes.
There are twenty-three (23) mini-games. Fifteen (15) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. Many of them can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. Listed below are some of the mini-games from the game:
SPOILERS: HERE IS A LIST OF SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy, H=Hard)
A. Maze puzzle. Plot a course through a maze by choosing between paths and turning on levers to open new paths.
B. Logic puzzle. Figure out the correct sequence in which to arrange symbols on a bridge according to given instructions.
C. E/H Matching puzzle. Move a magic lamp to locate hidden symbols then match them up. Hard version has more symbols
D. E/H Bar removal puzzle. Remove 4 horizontal bars from a grid by moving the vertical ones so that an opening within them centers on the bar to create an opening for removal of it. In the hard version, moving one vertical bar affects the others.
E. E/H Block puzzle. Move items which block the way of a cart to move over a bridge. Harder version requires more complex moves in moving objects to create a path.
F. Escape puzzle. Move upon a honeycomb grid to corral the evildoer so he cannot escape.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Measurement puzzle. Use a 9-gram and a 4-gram flask to fill up a 3-gram and a 6- gram flask moving liquid back and forth between the flasks .
H. Switch puzzle. Switch dolls so that all are holding hands
I. Switch puzzle. Switch stars, each with a different number of points, so that all are situated as per a given diagram
J. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a token to reach a lamp at the top of a grid using three path segments to create the path
B. Logic puzzle. Figure out the correct sequence in which to arrange symbols on a bridge according to given instructions.
C. E/H Matching puzzle. Move a magic lamp to locate hidden symbols then match them up. Hard version has more symbols
D. E/H Bar removal puzzle. Remove 4 horizontal bars from a grid by moving the vertical ones so that an opening within them centers on the bar to create an opening for removal of it. In the hard version, moving one vertical bar affects the others.
E. E/H Block puzzle. Move items which block the way of a cart to move over a bridge. Harder version requires more complex moves in moving objects to create a path.
F. Escape puzzle. Move upon a honeycomb grid to corral the evildoer so he cannot escape.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Measurement puzzle. Use a 9-gram and a 4-gram flask to fill up a 3-gram and a 6- gram flask moving liquid back and forth between the flasks .
H. Switch puzzle. Switch dolls so that all are holding hands
I. Switch puzzle. Switch stars, each with a different number of points, so that all are situated as per a given diagram
J. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a token to reach a lamp at the top of a grid using three path segments to create the path
I recommend this game!
An intruder’s puzzling calling-card means certain doom for the Holmes family line!
Overall rating
5
/
5
147 of 301 found this review helpful
GENERATIONAL FAMILY DRAMA
PostedMay 21, 2020
sunnyglow
fromIt just goes to show you that games have educational value. Today I learned a new word to add to my vocabulary - the word “floozy.” Used in a sentence to summarize the bonus chapter – Newsy Susie was a doozy of a floozy.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My Time – 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My Time – 5 Hours)
Join Sharlotte Holmes as she sleuths her way through the second case in this series. Upon wrapping up a case, she returns home to find it burglarized. Other citizens are being targeted by this burglar as well, all receiving five (5) orange seeds and a message to contact Holmes. Someone is out for revenge, but who is it and why? Joining the budding detective on this case is the grandson of John Watson, Oscar. However, unfortunately, our debonair Mr. Watson will be of little help, spending most of this time trying to recuperate from being poisoned by a “doozy of a floozy “in a game set in the 1930’s.
This game is a sleuth lover’s delight. The story behind the game is excellent with an active pace and plenty of activities to keep a player engaged. The game is somewhat short; however, it has all the quality and excellence of other games from this developer. I found the graphics excellent especially in some of the HOP scenes. There is some subtle humor as well to break up the intensity of the game.
Some of the collectibles are puzzle pieces to play four jigsaw puzzles. Other collectibles include items related to Sharlotte Holmes, with each one providing information on how it is relevant to Ms. Holmes. There are morphing objects in each scene of the game. I found all easy to locate. However, I wish this developer would provide some type of device to indicate what collectibles are within each scene and if they have been collected. I always find it difficult to know (without looking at the strategy guide) what collectibles are within each scene and if I have collected them all.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 items connected to Sharlotte Holmes
• Collect 26 morphing objects
• Collect 42 picture fragments to create 4 jigsaw puzzles
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 mini-games and 11 HOP scenes at the end of the game which are hidden within the archives
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 items connected to Sharlotte Holmes
• Collect 26 morphing objects
• Collect 42 picture fragments to create 4 jigsaw puzzles
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 12 mini-games and 11 HOP scenes at the end of the game which are hidden within the archives
There are eleven (11) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also seven (7) mini-HOP scenes in which six items are to be located either through a list or through silhouette. Although there are not many HOP scenes, they vary in style. Besides lists of items and silhouette, there is a search and replace scene in which items are discovered and then used to uncover other objects. There is also a placement scene in which items are put into the scene in the proper location.
There are nineteen (19) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. I found them creatively designed and consisting of a variety of those which are easy with those of middle difficulty. Most of the mini-games are thematic, having a nautical theme. There is a new type puzzle in this game. On a grid with sliders and open spaces, move the sliders up, down, and sideways using arrows at the top and sides to uncover three images. Move the sliders until all three images appear.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a case of a runaway bride, one who ends up dead at her own wedding. Sharlotte Holmes is attending a wedding of her friend, Susie. However, when her friend ends up murdered in the hallway of the reception hall, Holmes and the police detective, Gordon Wood, are off to investigate. Who wanted her killed and why? Learn the sad story of this bride and why she was poisoned on the happiest day of her life. This is an excellent addition to the game and worthy the collector’s edition designation. The chapter is long with a good pace. There are six (6) mini-games and (2) HOP scenes and two (2) mini-HOP scenes. To me, the activities are of the same caliber as those in the main game
.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Lead a ship to port using arrows to maneuver it while avoiding obstacles within its path.
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate four disks with indentations to create openings for 4 skeleton keys each created from the spines from sea animals.
C. Origami puzzle. Fold a map so that it shows where it leads.
D. Sequence puzzle. Place cards into sequential position demonstrating how to tie a nautical knot.
E. Assembly puzzle. Place stones into four columns as per a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so not intersect with each other. Switch knots to untangle them
G. Matching puzzle. Place different styles of dowels into place on a grid to create a punch card which matches a given one. The items must be placed upside-down on the grid.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up like items to escape a room.
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate four disks with indentations to create openings for 4 skeleton keys each created from the spines from sea animals.
C. Origami puzzle. Fold a map so that it shows where it leads.
D. Sequence puzzle. Place cards into sequential position demonstrating how to tie a nautical knot.
E. Assembly puzzle. Place stones into four columns as per a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so not intersect with each other. Switch knots to untangle them
G. Matching puzzle. Place different styles of dowels into place on a grid to create a punch card which matches a given one. The items must be placed upside-down on the grid.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up like items to escape a room.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a mysterious monster terrorizing a new amusement park?
Overall rating
5
/
5
91 of 173 found this review helpful
A MONSTROUS ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF EXCITEMENT
PostedMay 16, 2020
sunnyglow
fromIt was a walk in the park playing the Ultimate Puzzle within this game. After practicing social distancing daily, zigzagging down that path was easy. However, I wish there were arrows in real life to push people out of the way when they get too close.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages
The Fright Chasers are back! As one-half of the daring duo, you and your partner, Lisa, are off to an amusement park plagued by an evil force which is turning people into monsters. When two of the park personnel including your own partner, Lisa, are turned into monsters, you are off to investigate. Fight fire with fire as you try to defeat them and at the same time, find a method to return them to their former selves. Enjoy the day at the amusement park!
This is another fantastic game from Mad head, one with an engaging story. It should appeal to adults. I would not recommend this game for children. There is one bloody scene in the bonus chapter which may be unsettling to children, and to some adults as well. Mad Head Games has added some creative touches to this game. The player has the choice in deciding in which order to play three of the chapters. Each of these is dedicated to tackling one of the three monsters. This amusement park has some bright, colorful scenes. These scenes contain some thematic puzzles and HOP scenes. The game is a fast-paced roller coaster ride, entering different parts of this amusement park.
The collectibles are morphing objects and hats. There is one of each in every scene. Each HOP scene has a morphing object as well. I found most easy to locate; however, there are some well-hidden morphing objects within some of the scenes. At the end of the game there is an ultimate HOP scene which displays three different scenes within a chest in which to find three lists of items. There is also an ultimate puzzle which is an extension of one of the puzzles within the game. Practice the art of social distancing (quite the rage now) as you walk through a park, avoiding all people with whom you may come in contact. If you get through the park without running into anyone, you not only solve the puzzle but may also qualify for an award in social distancing.
MECHANICS:
• 5 levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements (each with 3 parts)
• Collect 27 morphing objects and 27 hats
• Collect 17 morphing objects within the HOP scenes.
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Ultimate HOP scene. Collect all morphing objects and collectibles to play it.
• Ultimate puzzle. Extension of a puzzle form the game.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes at the end of the game
• 11 achievements (each with 3 parts)
• Collect 27 morphing objects and 27 hats
• Collect 17 morphing objects within the HOP scenes.
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Ultimate HOP scene. Collect all morphing objects and collectibles to play it.
• Ultimate puzzle. Extension of a puzzle form the game.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes at the end of the game
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. There are some matching scenes as well. I found the HOP scenes beautifully illustrated, but not terribly exciting. I would love to see more variety in the HOP scenes by this developer.
There are twenty-four (24) puzzles within the game. I found the puzzles better designed than the HOP scenes. Most of the puzzles are easy. Unfortunately, this developer does not provide the ability to replay any of the puzzles. Again, I hope in the future, Mad Head will consider this option for those who would like the opportunity to replay the puzzles without having to replay the entire game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Research the story of a cursed chest mentioned in the main game. Your partner, Lisa, is on vacation so you are off to learn more about the story behind the chest. I loved the story behind this chapter, and feel the story is better than that of the main game. It is a long chapter and well-worth the price of a collector’s edition designation. There are five (5) HOP scenes and three (3) puzzles. Be warned that there is an unsettling graphic in this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Connect nodes with wires so that each node has the same number of wires attached to it as the number written upon it.
B. Picture puzzle. Click on segments of a picture turning each segment the same color as that on a given diagram.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 pieces of an image to restore it.
D. Search and replace. Search for items in the wrong position and replace them back into the scene in the proper position.
E. Maze puzzle. Walk through a maze in the dark, using a flashlight to light the way and using special inventory items to help you get through the maze.
F. Tangram puzzle. Place suitcase pieces into a grid so all fit within the grid and there are no open spaces.
G. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored squares on a grid without crossing paths.
H. Social distancing. Take a walk moving arrows right and left to avoid people in your path.
I. Domino Puzzle. Place dominoes on a grid so that ends match up.
J. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles until an image is formed on a 3 x 3 grid.
BONUS CHAPTER
K. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and place pieces of a map into position, creating a complete map.
L. Moving tile puzzle. Move marbles with Roman numerals upon them. Open gates and close them as you move the marbles. Move each one to its proper location on a 3 x 3 grid.
B. Picture puzzle. Click on segments of a picture turning each segment the same color as that on a given diagram.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 pieces of an image to restore it.
D. Search and replace. Search for items in the wrong position and replace them back into the scene in the proper position.
E. Maze puzzle. Walk through a maze in the dark, using a flashlight to light the way and using special inventory items to help you get through the maze.
F. Tangram puzzle. Place suitcase pieces into a grid so all fit within the grid and there are no open spaces.
G. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored squares on a grid without crossing paths.
H. Social distancing. Take a walk moving arrows right and left to avoid people in your path.
I. Domino Puzzle. Place dominoes on a grid so that ends match up.
J. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles until an image is formed on a 3 x 3 grid.
BONUS CHAPTER
K. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and place pieces of a map into position, creating a complete map.
L. Moving tile puzzle. Move marbles with Roman numerals upon them. Open gates and close them as you move the marbles. Move each one to its proper location on a 3 x 3 grid.
I recommend this game!
Return to Rosemount to stop the Ice Queen in this updated classic!
Overall rating
4
/
5
87 of 149 found this review helpful
AN ARCTIC BLAST FROM THE PAST
PostedMay 7, 2020
sunnyglow
fromRemodeling a fixer upper constructed in 2012 (game that is) is hard work. Adding in some new graphics and furnishing it with some new activities and collectibles gives it a fresh new modern look. However, the HOP “junk piles” should have been thrown out!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
It is an Arctic blast from the past in this refurbished game from 2012. The first game in this series has been resurrected, refurbished with new graphics, collectibles, puzzles, and a bonus chapter attached at the end. It should provide a nostalgic journey for long time club members – those who played the original game. Nevertheless, it has somewhat of a fresh look which may appeal to those who did not .
The Ice Queen is back in a fury of flurries as she strikes her vengeance at the town of Rosemount. When your beloved Edward ventures off to Rosemount to research the history of the Ice Queen, you follow him to this frozen kingdom. Once there, you discover the Ice Queen has been released from her prison trying to regain her power, using Edward as her pawn. Learn the history of this misguided queen, those who stopped her previously, and how she was released from her frozen prison. Finally, discover a way to save Edward!
I found this this to be a decent, but not spectacular game. For me it has the same appeal as refurbished houses – it has some modern touches, but underneath, it still has the same foundation of the original game. I do not like fixer uppers, and the same can be said about games. I do believe the developer put a great deal of effort modernizing this game. Nevertheless, underneath all the “improvements,” one can still see the traces of the vintage past.
There are two collectibles, morphing objects, and squirrels. There is an equal number of each one. I found most easy to locate. There is one of each in each scene. If all the squirrels are collected, an additional picture puzzle can be played at the end of the game. The extra puzzle is hidden beneath the squirrels.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 squirrels to trade in for 5 squirrel figurines.
• Extra picture puzzle playable at the end of the game – hiding behind the squirrels
• Collect 49 morphing objects
• 6 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 28 mini-games and 14 HOP scenes
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 squirrels to trade in for 5 squirrel figurines.
• Extra picture puzzle playable at the end of the game – hiding behind the squirrels
• Collect 49 morphing objects
• 6 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 28 mini-games and 14 HOP scenes
There are thirty (30) HOP scenes, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed. Most of the scenes are lists of items. They are those “junk piles” many of us remember from days of yore. They are not thematic – most are filled with a host of odds and ends thrown into the scene. As in days of old, returning are those miniscule items which are difficult to locate. They are interactive. Nevertheless, most of the scenes are reused, returning with a new set items to be located. There are five (5) silhouette scenes which involved searching for three (3) each of three (3) items in a scene of smoky silhouettes. After locating them, a narrative appears providing more detail of the story behind the game.
There are thirty (30) mini-games, twenty-eight (28) of which can be replayed. I found the puzzles of easy to middle difficulty and creatively designed. I am delighted that most of them could be replayed. For once, a developer has listened to some of us who want to replay more of the puzzles within a game. There are many picture puzzles in various forms. There is one I have not seen before in which the player clicks on parts of a picture, changing the appearance of the pieces until a complete picture is created. The extra puzzle at the end of the game is of this variety.
BONUS CHAPTER: The bonus chapter is the completion of the story behind this game. Continue your quest to save Edward, who is now in a trance. In this chapter, discover a sorcerer who grants wishes to humans to gain more power. Learn about the magical properties of blue roses which provide magical power to this evildoer. I found it a decent addition to the game. It is a long chapter and well worth the price of the collector’s edition. There are seven (7) HOP scenes and nine (9) mini-games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Logic puzzle. Switch on lights according to a given pattern. Clicking on one light in the grid will affect those surrounding it – either turning them on or off. Click on the lights until the pattern is replicated.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate picture pieces on triangles to restore a picture.
C. Checkers puzzle. On a grid with red and blue roses, jump over other roses of an alternate color until only one remains. 3X. Puzzles increase in difficulty
D. Switch puzzle. Switch objects within a dollhouse so that the characters are in a room with items associated with them
E. Picture puzzle. Flip tiles on a grid until you restore the image
F. Mathematical puzzle. Figure out the correct sequence of symbols which represent numbers and mathematical calculations to unlock a chest.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match up like roses
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate cylinders with parts of a fish to restore its image. Rotating one cylinder causes others to change as well.
I. Assembly puzzle. Click on portions of a shield to create the sun and the moon.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate picture pieces on triangles to restore a picture.
C. Checkers puzzle. On a grid with red and blue roses, jump over other roses of an alternate color until only one remains. 3X. Puzzles increase in difficulty
D. Switch puzzle. Switch objects within a dollhouse so that the characters are in a room with items associated with them
E. Picture puzzle. Flip tiles on a grid until you restore the image
F. Mathematical puzzle. Figure out the correct sequence of symbols which represent numbers and mathematical calculations to unlock a chest.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match up like roses
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate cylinders with parts of a fish to restore its image. Rotating one cylinder causes others to change as well.
I. Assembly puzzle. Click on portions of a shield to create the sun and the moon.
I recommend this game!