sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:821
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 27, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you save the kingdom from a crystal curse?
Overall rating
5
/
5
107 of 212 found this review helpful
CINDERELLA EXPOSED: UNCOVER THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE SLIPPER
PostedJanuary 30, 2020
sunnyglow
fromFamily drama and sibling rivalry? These two tales of fairytale families take family drama and sibling rivalry to a whole new level.
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: 47 pages (My time: 6 hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My time: 6 hours)
OPINION: Ever wondered about the validity of the Cinderella story? Enter the Crystal Kingdom to uncover the real story behind the legend. Enjoy a twisted tale of revenge as you play Jannet Carell, a visitor to the kingdom who must save it from a sorceress. The saying “if the shoe fits, wear it,” does not apply in this tale. In this case if the shoe doesn’t fit – find a way to make it fit.
What a magical delight! The fairy godmothers at 4Friends have cast their magic on an old fairy tale, giving it a fresh new look. I found this game to be one of their best games to date. It is long, fast paced, and creatively designed. The game is beautifully illustrated. It is fairy tale come to life!
Collect mice and morphing objects. There are two mice and one morphing object within each scene. The mice are transparent and blend into the scene, making them somewhat difficult to locate. There is a sidebar on the left to indicate how many collectibles are within the scene. The mice collected are exchanged for seven (7) members of a whimsical mouse band. There is a helper, a gimmicky clock named Celeste, who is the keeper of Crystal Kingdom legends. When you give her a tear from one of the game’s characters, she narrates the history of the kingdom.
Collect mice and morphing objects. There are two mice and one morphing object within each scene. The mice are transparent and blend into the scene, making them somewhat difficult to locate. There is a sidebar on the left to indicate how many collectibles are within the scene. The mice collected are exchanged for seven (7) members of a whimsical mouse band. There is a helper, a gimmicky clock named Celeste, who is the keeper of Crystal Kingdom legends. When you give her a tear from one of the game’s characters, she narrates the history of the kingdom.
There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes with several mini-HOP scenes. Eighteen (18) can be replayed at the end of the game. There is wide range of styles. There are some multiple-step ones as well. The scenes are very interactive, requiring a great deal of interaction with the scene before items can be found and removed. There are lists of items, matching, silhouette, rebus clues, spot-the-differences, and search-and-replace scenes.
There are thirty-eight (38) mini-games. Nineteen (19) can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in style and difficulty. I found most to be of middle difficulty. Although not designated as puzzles, there are also many puzzle-like activities throughout the game. Most are very easy; however, if needed, solutions can be found by either using the hint button or referring to the strategy guide. There is Match-3 puzzle played throughout the game when a tear is needed from one of the game’s characters to give to the clock. There are five (5) instances of this mini-game within the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 58 mice to obtain 7 members of a mouse band.
• Collect 29 morphing objects
• 8 Wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky magic clock. Feed it tears throughout the game to activate it. Gives you background information about the story and provides an anti-magic sphere to clear away evil magic.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) mini-games
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 58 mice to obtain 7 members of a mouse band.
• Collect 29 morphing objects
• 8 Wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky magic clock. Feed it tears throughout the game to activate it. Gives you background information about the story and provides an anti-magic sphere to clear away evil magic.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Go back forty (40) years and learn the history of the Fairy Godmother and a vengeful case of sibling rivalry. It is a long chapter and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. Continue collecting the collectibles. There are twelve (12) mini-games and seven (7) HOP scenes. Both are creatively designed, some beautifully illustrated. There is a whimsical matching puzzle in this chapter. Mice hiding within pumpkins pop out and must be matched to be removed. Another creative matching puzzle is one in which a slingshot is used to hit bats which match up with each other.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more like tokens to remove them. Remove a specific number of 2 tokens in 10 to 15 moves
B. Moving tiles. Slide tokens surrounding a prince and a princess so that each one is next to the person it relates to.
C. Checkers puzzle. Using 2 pickaxe tokens, jump over crystal tokens to remove them.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings to restore an image of Cinderella
E. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots to match that of a given diagram. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Matching puzzle. Find matching mice hidden within pumpkins. Just adorable.
G. Connection puzzle. On a hexagonal grid with spaces, use a snail to remove moss from all the spaces, moving one space at a time. Clear off all moss without retracing steps.
H. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces of armor into position by rotating a central piece, a lion, and clicking the pieces until all fit onto the lion.
B. Moving tiles. Slide tokens surrounding a prince and a princess so that each one is next to the person it relates to.
C. Checkers puzzle. Using 2 pickaxe tokens, jump over crystal tokens to remove them.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings to restore an image of Cinderella
E. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots to match that of a given diagram. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Matching puzzle. Find matching mice hidden within pumpkins. Just adorable.
G. Connection puzzle. On a hexagonal grid with spaces, use a snail to remove moss from all the spaces, moving one space at a time. Clear off all moss without retracing steps.
H. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces of armor into position by rotating a central piece, a lion, and clicking the pieces until all fit onto the lion.
I recommend this game!
The search for a missing art critic uncovers an otherworldly web of lies!
Overall rating
4
/
5
71 of 121 found this review helpful
A GAME TO KEEP YOU “A-MUSE-D”
PostedJanuary 23, 2020
sunnyglow
fromSuffering from the painful symptoms of writer’s block? Get relief by opening a bottle of “Muse Energy,” now made available through this game. Helps restore your old creative self!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:39 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:39 pages
OPINION: Awaken your muse! You are off to Italy to investigate a photography exhibition. Play Nathaniel, a supernatural detective off on another adventure, this time involving the disappearance of several art critics. A group of muses are involved in these mysterious disappearances and it is up to you to locate the culprit. Hopefully your investigation will lead to a picture-perfect solution.
This is a great game for the entire family. Although less than picture-perfect, it is a decent play. It is a short game; nevertheless, I enjoyed playing it. It has a good pace with some creatively designed HOP scenes and mini-games. However, there are not very many of either one. Nevertheless, I would rather play a quality short game than one which is long, drawn out, and boring. The story is a tale of a group of muses who use special artifacts to provide some “muse power” in battling an evildoer in their midst. You receive a gimmicky tattoo on your arm which allows you to use your supernatural powers to investigate this case. However, this device is not used often in the game. The only complaint I have concerning the game are the graphics, which are somewhat dated.
This is a great game for the entire family. Although less than picture-perfect, it is a decent play. It is a short game; nevertheless, I enjoyed playing it. It has a good pace with some creatively designed HOP scenes and mini-games. However, there are not very many of either one. Nevertheless, I would rather play a quality short game than one which is long, drawn out, and boring. The story is a tale of a group of muses who use special artifacts to provide some “muse power” in battling an evildoer in their midst. You receive a gimmicky tattoo on your arm which allows you to use your supernatural powers to investigate this case. However, this device is not used often in the game. The only complaint I have concerning the game are the graphics, which are somewhat dated.
The collectibles are morphing objects, pictures, and paint pallets. Most are easy to locate. The paint pallets are exchanged to purchase paints to color a picture available at the end of the game. Most are easy to locate. You must also collect all the pictures to play a final HOP scene at the end of the game.
There are fourteen (14) HOP scenes along with several mini-HOP scenes which require searches for 5 or 6 items. They vary in style including lists of items, silhouette scenes, search and replace scenes, storybook scenes, and matching scenes. They are interactive. My favorite scene is one in which the player must locate four (4) each of three (3) landmarks on a map, some which require some interaction within the scene. At the end of the game you can view your time and accuracy for each HOP scene.I feel this is a nice touch.
There are twenty-six (26) mini-games, eleven of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Since the game deals with art, there are several picture puzzles within the game.The puzzles vary in difficulty; however, I found most easy or of moderate difficulty.
MECHANICS:
There are twenty-six (26) mini-games, eleven of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Since the game deals with art, there are several picture puzzles within the game.The puzzles vary in difficulty; however, I found most easy or of moderate difficulty.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 42 art palettes to purchase paints to color a final picture
• Collect 54 photos and morphing objects. Collect all to open an additional HOP scene
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• You can view the amount of time played and accuracy in the HOP scenes at the end of the game.
• Gimmicky tattoo on your arm to rev up psychic powers
• Replay 11 mini-games and 11 HOP scenes
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 42 art palettes to purchase paints to color a final picture
• Collect 54 photos and morphing objects. Collect all to open an additional HOP scene
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• You can view the amount of time played and accuracy in the HOP scenes at the end of the game.
• Gimmicky tattoo on your arm to rev up psychic powers
• Replay 11 mini-games and 11 HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: I found the story within the bonus chapter excellent, especially for children. It is another story. Play Alonso Ricci from the main story. You are offered a job as an art teacher. Help a young muse, a girl whose interests and abilities lie in another direction than those from other students in her school. I found this an excellent addition to the game. The story is well-written. Continue collecting the collectibles from the main game. My only complaint is the repetitious mini-game which involves using a paint brush to locate “traces” within a scene. It is used several times within the chapter and requires nothing more than clicking on some gray areas within the scene. It is more of a HOP scene than a mini-game. This mini-game seemed like filler to me.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Map puzzle.Multiple step. (1) Lead a car to its destination by pressing arrows at the appropriate time . If you make a mistake you begin anew. (2) Press stop and start buttons to move your car through traffic while avoiding a collision.
B. Sequence puzzle. Press on 4 lock pieces in the correct order to open a lock to a door.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate picture parts then use arrows to align them into position to restore an image.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect dots on a phone as per a given pattern to open it.
E. Checkers puzzle. Have tokens jump over each other until only one remains.
F. On a 9 x 7 grid, create a path to lead a token from one end to the other. You must pass though all squares within the grid once and only once. Each square has footprints which indicate the direction you will move. Lighted squares have footprints which can be changed to alter the direction.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match up people with an image associated with their profession by switching wires
H. Origami puzzle. Fold paper to create a continuous path to a destination
I. Maze puzzle. Move a diver up-and-down through a maze in an aquarium to reach a chest
B. Sequence puzzle. Press on 4 lock pieces in the correct order to open a lock to a door.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate picture parts then use arrows to align them into position to restore an image.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect dots on a phone as per a given pattern to open it.
E. Checkers puzzle. Have tokens jump over each other until only one remains.
F. On a 9 x 7 grid, create a path to lead a token from one end to the other. You must pass though all squares within the grid once and only once. Each square has footprints which indicate the direction you will move. Lighted squares have footprints which can be changed to alter the direction.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match up people with an image associated with their profession by switching wires
H. Origami puzzle. Fold paper to create a continuous path to a destination
I. Maze puzzle. Move a diver up-and-down through a maze in an aquarium to reach a chest
An otherworldly adventure in the heart of the Big Apple!
Overall rating
5
/
5
107 of 244 found this review helpful
ANOTHER SUCCESS FROM THE TITAN OF HOP GAMES!
PostedJanuary 16, 2020
sunnyglow
fromHopefully the evildoer from this game will learn a lesson others throughout history have learned - Never awaken a sleeping giant!
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: 40 pages (My time: 6 hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My time: 6 hours)
MAIN GAME: Detective! Your next mission takes you to the Big Apple (New York City) to help safeguard the “Chalk of Fate.” This powerful artifact created the secret cities which loom beneath the surface of the mega-cities of the world. After it is stolen, you must track down the culprit behind the theft and discover this evildoer’s plans for the relic. Intrigue and surprises await as you battle an unlikely culprit who is out to awaken the Titans of old.
This is another superb game within this series. Domini Games always provides more game for the money, providing extras no other developer provides, including the ability to play the game in a relaxed mode or in one which is a little more challenging. Most of the mini-games can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode which should satisfy most players. Domini Games is my favorite developer and this game is another example of gaming excellence!
The story is well-written. It is a fast-paced game taking the player from New York City to the Alps in a quest to recover an ancient artifact. There are plenty of activities to keep the player engaged. There are three collectibles – morphing statues, pictures, and coins to purchase items for a gift shop. I found all easy to locate within the scenes. As in all their games, there is an indicator on the inventory bar which blinks when there is a collectible within the scene. This is a nice touch I wish more developers would employ within their games.
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes. All of them can be replayed. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. The scenes vary in style with some which are very creatively designed. Many of the HOP scenes contain from two to three scenes which must be switched to locate all the items. There are some with morphing objects. One of my favorites from this game involves a scene with a globe in which items which represent various countries must be placed in the proper location on this globe. The globe alternates between two sides of the world.
There are twenty-three (23) mini-games. There are some fantastic mini-games within this game; however, only thirteen (13) can be replayed. I wish more of these mini-games were available to be replayed at the end of the game. Some are somewhat difficult in the “hard” mode and I, for one, would love to go back and play them without having to replay the entire game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Sakir has again engaged you, detective, to help retrieve an artifact, this time from his friend, Almerra. Save her from an evildoer, Ingvar, who wants this artifact to free his girlfriend, Olivia. It is a long chapter and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games within the chapter. There are a couple of creatively designed HOP scenes. My favorite is one in which involves a search for animals by changing scenes using orbs of the sun, the moon, and a star.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 65 coins to purchase items for a gift shop
• Collect 15 pictures and 15 morphing statuettes
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music and 27 cutscenes
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 65 coins to purchase items for a gift shop
• Collect 15 pictures and 15 morphing statuettes
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music and 27 cutscenes
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H= Hard)
A. E/H Switch puzzle. On a grid, switch arrow buttons so that a path is created to lead a balloon to its destination while avoiding obstacles within its path.
B. E/H Assembly puzzle. Rotate 5 pairs of tumblers so when each pair is combined, the combination of symbols on each one creates symbols on a given diagram. The easy version has the player only rotating each of five tumblers until the correct symbol appears.
C. E/H Connection puzzle. Rotate pipes in a water system to create a path for a magnet to reach a key. In the hard version, moving one pipe piece affects the others.
D. E/H Connection puzzle. Connect lines between tokens with numbers on them so that each token has the same number of lines emanating from it as the number listed on the token.. The easy version has less tokens to connect
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. E/H Connection puzzle. Rotate 5 rings on a cryptex to create paths for 3 hooks to reach their matching slots on the other end. Each hook will go through individually.
F. E/H Map puzzle. Move a token to an exit point by using directional arrows and setting the number of spaces to move it via a number wheel.
B. E/H Assembly puzzle. Rotate 5 pairs of tumblers so when each pair is combined, the combination of symbols on each one creates symbols on a given diagram. The easy version has the player only rotating each of five tumblers until the correct symbol appears.
C. E/H Connection puzzle. Rotate pipes in a water system to create a path for a magnet to reach a key. In the hard version, moving one pipe piece affects the others.
D. E/H Connection puzzle. Connect lines between tokens with numbers on them so that each token has the same number of lines emanating from it as the number listed on the token.. The easy version has less tokens to connect
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. E/H Connection puzzle. Rotate 5 rings on a cryptex to create paths for 3 hooks to reach their matching slots on the other end. Each hook will go through individually.
F. E/H Map puzzle. Move a token to an exit point by using directional arrows and setting the number of spaces to move it via a number wheel.
I recommend this game!
A vacation to India becomes a legendary adventure in the animal kingdom!
Overall rating
5
/
5
102 of 183 found this review helpful
A BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE TO INDIA – A FANTASTIC START TO THE NEW YEAR
PostedJanuary 2, 2020
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Domini Games! This game is a perfect example of master craftmanship in game design. To me, they are the developer to beat in HOP games.
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: 50 pages (My time: 10 hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages (My time: 10 hours)
OPINION: Can humans and animals live in peace? This exciting new adventure whisks the player to India to answer that question. Explore a world where animals rule their perspective kingdoms with a human, Princess Manu, as their leader. After hearing the prophecy of his untimely death at the hands of a human, Jagan, king of the tigers, asks the nefarious snake prophet, Mokhan, to help him reverse his fate. As a Seeker on vacation, you are drawn through a portal by a mischievous monkey, Harish, to battle these evildoers and restore peace to the animal world and between animals and humans.
What a fabulous game – one that is a beautiful tribute to India. Set in an exotic location, this game has breathtaking graphics. The artwork alone is worth the price of the game. The stories from both the main game and bonus chapter are based on fables from India with animals assuming human qualities. It is a very long game – the longest one I have played in some time. Despite its length, the game is action—packed with plenty of activities to keep a player engaged. Zip through several animal kingdoms, all beautifully illustrated. This game is one not to miss and fantastic start to the new year.
The framework for the game is the same as in past games from this developer. Domini always provides more game for the money. As in all their games, there is an indicator on the inventory bar which indicates when a collectible is within a scene. This is a nice touch which makes it easy for the player to see if all collectibles have been collected within the scene. The collectibles from this game are morphing animal figurines and animal plates. Butterflies are collected to exchange for items to place within a tree house at the end of the game. I found the collectibles easy to locate.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes. All can be replayed at the end of the game. As in other games from this developer, a Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. There is variety of different styles of scenes. There are the usual list of items and silhouette scenes. However, there are also some which are unique to Domini Games. There is a scene in which the player identifies differences between two scenes. There is also a scene in which items are identified by either a small section or pattern from the object. There are also scenes with rebus clues and one in which the player searches for two objects, which, when combined, relate to the item listed.
There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games. Twenty (20) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. Domini designs its puzzles to be appealing to both those who want an easy breezy game and those who want a little more challenge. Most of the puzzles can be played in either an easy or hard variation. Those mini-games which do not have the two levels of difficulty are easy for most players. Most of the mini-games reflect the theme of the game. There is a new mini-game which I have never seen before in any HOP game. The player must place items within a box divided into four partitions so that when the box is folded, none of the items overlap each other.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 animal plates and 15 morphing animal figurines
• Collect 70 butterflies to exchange for items for a tree house
• 20 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 30 mini-games
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 animal plates and 15 morphing animal figurines
• Collect 70 butterflies to exchange for items for a tree house
• 20 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 30 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Princess Manu as she battles the elephant, Sunil, a misguided ancient out to destroy the peace which exists between the humans and animals. It is a long chapter with an exciting story. To me, it is well worth the collector’s edition designation. There are six (6) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. Collectibles continue to be collected within this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy, H = Hard)
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy, H = Hard)
A. E/H. Queens 8 puzzle. On a chessboard place 8 elephants so they are not within the same row, column nor aligned diagonally with another elephant
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect sandbags with numbers on them so that each connects with other sandbags based on the number upon them. Easy version has less bags to connect.
C. E/H. Rope puzzle. Maneuver snakes within a grid so they don’t overlap each other.
D. Map puzzle. Ride a dolphin to Crocodile Island while avoiding obstacles in your path. Use arrows at the sides to maneuver the dolphin
E. E/H. Paint puzzle. Choose a section and paint it matching as given on a given diagram. The easy version has some segments already painted
F. E/H Maze puzzle. Move two keys to their respective slots on the right side of the screen. In the hard version you will need to work with both keys to open passageways for the keys to pass. In the easy version use two levers at the side to maneuver each key to their proper spot.
G. Matching puzzle. Going through the Monkey Temple, click on 3 symbols on a circular grid which appear on the walls of each scene. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch sides for moon and sun tokens by sliding them into position.
I. E/H Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into a circular grid to restore an image. Rotate the circle to get the pieces to fit. The easy version has less pieces.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect sandbags with numbers on them so that each connects with other sandbags based on the number upon them. Easy version has less bags to connect.
C. E/H. Rope puzzle. Maneuver snakes within a grid so they don’t overlap each other.
D. Map puzzle. Ride a dolphin to Crocodile Island while avoiding obstacles in your path. Use arrows at the sides to maneuver the dolphin
E. E/H. Paint puzzle. Choose a section and paint it matching as given on a given diagram. The easy version has some segments already painted
F. E/H Maze puzzle. Move two keys to their respective slots on the right side of the screen. In the hard version you will need to work with both keys to open passageways for the keys to pass. In the easy version use two levers at the side to maneuver each key to their proper spot.
G. Matching puzzle. Going through the Monkey Temple, click on 3 symbols on a circular grid which appear on the walls of each scene. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch sides for moon and sun tokens by sliding them into position.
I. E/H Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into a circular grid to restore an image. Rotate the circle to get the pieces to fit. The easy version has less pieces.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your hometown from the entity that killed your family?
Overall rating
5
/
5
89 of 193 found this review helpful
BRING BACK MEMORIES AT A HOMETOWN REUNION
PostedDecember 28, 2019
sunnyglow
fromElf on the Shelf. I wished I had taken Elf with me in the main game. Toward the end of the game, I discovered he could have gotten an item from the top of a shelf faster if I had not shelved him..
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
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 4-1/2 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 4-1/2 Hours)
OPINION: Detective! As a member of the Mystery Trackers, you have been assigned to return to your hometown of Watch Hill to investigate an epidemic which decimated the town fifteen years earlier. Stop an entity, the Mimic, who has re-emerged, threatening the town once again. This trip down memory lane will also disclose information concerning your parents and brother Will.
This is a short game. I played the entire game in under five (5) hours. The sci-fi story is excellent with a cleverly written script. The story from the bonus chapter cleverly intertwines with that from the main story. It should appeal to all Elf fans and/or those who love this series. I found this a fast-paced game with a variety of activities. The collectibles are lighthouses, puzzle pieces and morphing objects. The lighthouses practically jump out from the screen, but I found some of the picture fragments and morphing objects a little difficult to locate.
To Elf or not to Elf: that is the question! Using Elf as a helper is an option within the main game, but not in the bonus chapter. Dressed in a très chic hazmat suit, Elf will help retrieve needed items throughout the main game. If not used, he departs ears down, sitting forlorn at the pier. However, if his services are not used, the player will pay for it. Toward the end of the game, an item must be retrieved on the top of a bookshelf. Without Elf, the player will need to resort to other measures. Dark Elf must be used in the bonus chapter. He is used six (6) times within the bonus chapter, a little excessive to me.
There are an even number of mini-games and HOP scenes. There are twenty-one (21) of each. There is an option to replay thirteen (13) of each at the end of the game. They are cleverly hidden within the secret archives room. I was not impressed with the HOP scenes. Most of the HOP scenes are standard lists of items and silhouette. Most are not very interactive. There some of the scenes which only have six (6) items to locate within the scene. I found most somewhat boring; however, there are some which use multiple scenes in various formats for the searches.
In my opinion, the mini-games are better constructed. There are some creatively designed puzzles. I particularly enjoyed the maze puzzles. There are four (4) of these within the game. I have seen an increase of the ratio of HOP scenes to mini-games in recent HOP games from this developer and others as well. Personally, I would prefer to see more mini-games and less HOP scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 12 lighthouses
• Collect 28 morphing objects
• Collect 34 picture fragments for 3 screensavers
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Helper Elf (You have the option to choose his help or not in the main game)
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-puzzles hidden in the secret archives room.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 12 lighthouses
• Collect 28 morphing objects
• Collect 34 picture fragments for 3 screensavers
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Helper Elf (You have the option to choose his help or not in the main game)
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-puzzles hidden in the secret archives room.
BONUS CHAPTER: The events of this chapter happen simultaneously with those of the main game. Go to the dark side! Play your dark alter ego, a detective for the Dark Trackers from an alternate reality. At the request of your boss, you are off on a mission to retrieve the Mimic. Your sidekick, Dark Elf will accompany you throughout the chapter – you have no choice. I found this chapter to be an excellent addition to the game. There are six (6) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Connect all pipes to fix a fountain.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to create an image
C. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze to the back of a lighthouse. Pick up needed objects while avoiding obstacles and gargoyles in your path.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect 3 sets of wires on 3 different rings to light up 9 lights. Use valves to rotate the 3 rings.
E. Maze puzzle. Plot a path through a maze by using directional buttons to set your path. Once finished, you will proceed. if you made an error you will return to the beginning of the maze.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Create a vaccine following given instructions
G. Jigsaw puzzle. Place picture pieces into position to create 6 pictures.
H. 2-part maze puzzle. (1) Lead Dark Elf through a maze, opening doors to continue his way down the path (2) Rotate railroad tracks to create a path for Elf to reach the train station.
I. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze within 27 moves
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to create an image
C. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze to the back of a lighthouse. Pick up needed objects while avoiding obstacles and gargoyles in your path.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect 3 sets of wires on 3 different rings to light up 9 lights. Use valves to rotate the 3 rings.
E. Maze puzzle. Plot a path through a maze by using directional buttons to set your path. Once finished, you will proceed. if you made an error you will return to the beginning of the maze.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Create a vaccine following given instructions
G. Jigsaw puzzle. Place picture pieces into position to create 6 pictures.
H. 2-part maze puzzle. (1) Lead Dark Elf through a maze, opening doors to continue his way down the path (2) Rotate railroad tracks to create a path for Elf to reach the train station.
I. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze within 27 moves
I recommend this game!
Can you save the city from nature’s destructive forces in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
74 of 186 found this review helpful
“HOP” AROUND THE CITY FROM ONE SCENE TO ANOTHER
PostedDecember 21, 2019
sunnyglow
fromParaphrasing a statement by the scientist, Edward Neville in the game: “You have the toxin, you know what to do.” I have this game and know what to do - delete it!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 24 pages (My time: too much invested in this game)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 24 pages (My time: too much invested in this game)
OPINION: Be prepared for the invasion of the body snatching plants! Play an agent from the League of Light called in by the mayor to save his city from a plant invasion, one instigated by a creature out for revenge against humans. With the help of a scientist, Edward Neville, and fellow agent, Jonas Thorn, you are off to save a city from a creeping menace.
This game has a unique design. It is composed of successive HOP scenes. Upon starting the game, you receive a map of the city. For each location you visit, you play a HOP scene. Upon completion of the scene, receive a flower or flowers, the essence of which is collected in a vial. After collecting a designated number of them, you return to a lab and use them to prepare a toxin to destroy man-eating plants. Your aim is to find the ultimate toxin to eliminate the controlling entity behind the plants.
This game is designed for HOP game lovers who enjoy searching for items within scenes. There are fifty (50) scenes within the main game. Many of the items are well-hidden and provide some challenge to those who enjoy this type of game. The scenes within the first half of the game are creatively designed. The scenes are interactive, with most containing from one to three puzzles. The developer should have ended the game at this point! However, this developer decided to add filler to what could have been a fantastic game.
The second half of the game, to me, is tedious and boring. The game degenerates into a series of straight lists of items with no interactivity nor creative design. There are instances where the player will play six or seven straight searches in a row. Each of the scenes are cookie cutter variations of each other. With more scenes added, the map became confusing as to where to go for the next step of the game. After playing so many boring, repetitive HOP Scenes, my mind began to numb. Perhaps those zombie plants jumped out of the screen and invaded my mind as well.
There are thirty-eight (38) mini-games in the main game. They are excellent and the best part of the game. Most are within the HOP scenes themselves. There is a repetitive puzzle used throughout the game. After you locate enough flowers to fill the vial on the left side of the screen, you return to the lab to create a toxin. This activity has a repetitive connection puzzle in which atoms are connected without any open ends exposed. There are eleven (11) within the game. There is a magnificent Rube-Goldberg gear puzzle involving a with five (5) parts.
There is only one collectible, owls. Unlike other games, the owls are found within the HOP scenes. There is a gimmicky vial on the inventory bar in which to collect the essence of flowers. There is no provision to replay any of the HOP scenes nor the mini-games; however, there is a jigsaw puzzle which can be played at the end of the game.
MECHANICS:
• 3 levels of play including a customized version.
• 6 achievements – each with 3 parts plus 1 achievement for watching credits
• Collect 32 owls
• 24 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Jigsaw puzzle to complete at the end of the game
• 3 levels of play including a customized version.
• 6 achievements – each with 3 parts plus 1 achievement for watching credits
• Collect 32 owls
• 24 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Jigsaw puzzle to complete at the end of the game
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Edward Neville, the scientist from the main game. Go back to the time when the plants began invading the city. You have been contacted by Agent Jonas Thorn to help develop a toxin to stop this invasion. There are no collectibles in this chapter. I did not play the bonus chapter in its entirety. I found it as boring as the last half of the main gram. With a mind numbed by the constant onslaught of one list of items after another, I decided to stop the endless search for items.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles in a 4 x4 grid to restore an image of an octopus.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tokens along paths so that each token is sitting on a slot with a matching image.
C. Chess puzzle. Move a knight in the typical L-shaped move until it has landed on all spaces on a small chess board.
D. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram pieces into the grid so that none remain and all fit within it.
E. *Toxin puzzle. (Used 11 times in the game). Connection puzzle. Connect molecules to they create a molecular structure without any lose ends – one cohesive structure. Same-colored molecules cannot connect with each other.
F. Rube Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Assembly puzzle. Install seven valves to control gears
(2) Sequence puzzle. Turn the valves in the proper sequence
(3) Connection puzzle. Connect all wires in complete closed circuit
(4) Matching puzzle. Match up buttons on the grid
(5) Match-3 removal puzzle. Match up three or more of the same-colored lights to remove them. None must remain at the end
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tokens along paths so that each token is sitting on a slot with a matching image.
C. Chess puzzle. Move a knight in the typical L-shaped move until it has landed on all spaces on a small chess board.
D. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram pieces into the grid so that none remain and all fit within it.
E. *Toxin puzzle. (Used 11 times in the game). Connection puzzle. Connect molecules to they create a molecular structure without any lose ends – one cohesive structure. Same-colored molecules cannot connect with each other.
F. Rube Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Assembly puzzle. Install seven valves to control gears
(2) Sequence puzzle. Turn the valves in the proper sequence
(3) Connection puzzle. Connect all wires in complete closed circuit
(4) Matching puzzle. Match up buttons on the grid
(5) Match-3 removal puzzle. Match up three or more of the same-colored lights to remove them. None must remain at the end
I don't recommend this game.
A fortune is on the line in a mansion full of supernatural secrets!
Overall rating
3
/
5
81 of 229 found this review helpful
WHODUNIT? WHO CARES?
PostedDecember 19, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThe case of the missing chimeras! Where are all the chimeras? Even they boycotted this game! There are few and most are MIA for the most part and I don’t blame them!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
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)
OPINION: Detective! After receiving a letter from Gordon Carrington, you are off to the Carrington Estate to investigate the disappearance of his father, Edgar, and the butler, Bernard. In this lackluster case, uncover the chicanery and greed tied to the disappearances. Romp around the estate searching for evidence as you uncover what happened to both Gordon’s father and the butler. Uncover a magic scroll which will hoist you through a portal into a realm of riches, those craved by one or more of the suspects.
Lost that magic feeling? Throughout the game the player consults a magic scroll to open portal to a land of riches. It is too bad that same magic scroll did not provide some gaming magic to the game itself. This is a short, lackluster game lacking any creative design. I became bored playing some parts of the game. This game is not indicative of the quality of most of the games produced by this developer. It seems to have been hastily assembled. Where are the chimeras? Unlike past games in this series, there are few chimeras in this game. There are a few of them popping up from time-to-time; however, for the most part, the game is a detective story centered around greedy, unscrupulous evildoers.
Ho-hum! There are twenty (20) boring HOP scenes. You can replay thirteen (13) of them. Most are straight lists of items and silhouette scenes. I found most with little or no interactivity. There are a few storybook scenes with items listed in highlighted letters. There is also one spot-the-differences scene. It seems the latest rage for developers is to provide puzzles and scenes in which two symbols are chosen which, when combined, create a more complex symbol. There are several of these within the game. I feel this type of scene is now hackneyed and overused in this game.
There are twenty (20) mini-games. You can replay thirteen (13) of them. Most of them are easy – a little too easy for my taste. Most of the puzzles are variations of ones seen in other games. Déjà vu? One of the puzzles, a switch puzzle, is the same one I played in another recent game. It is a puzzle in which lock pieces are switched between two columns, so they mesh when combined.
There are three (3) collectibles; puzzle pieces to create four (4) pictures, morphing objects, and cards. I found most easy to locate. I wish Elephant Games would provide a sidebar indicating the number of collectibles within each scene and if all have been located. Other developers provide this feature and it is a nice touch. As in most of this developer’s games, there is a secret room unlocked at the end of the game in which the player returns to the scenes to locate an increasing number of new items placed within the scenes. You are timed in this activity.
There are three (3) collectibles; puzzle pieces to create four (4) pictures, morphing objects, and cards. I found most easy to locate. I wish Elephant Games would provide a sidebar indicating the number of collectibles within each scene and if all have been located. Other developers provide this feature and it is a nice touch. As in most of this developer’s games, there is a secret room unlocked at the end of the game in which the player returns to the scenes to locate an increasing number of new items placed within the scenes. You are timed in this activity.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 26 achievements.
• Collect 48 puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles (12 each)
• Collect 25 morphing objects
• Collect 12 cards
• 12 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 13 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes
• Secret room in which to locate an increasing number of items by returning to game scenes. You are timed
• 26 achievements.
• Collect 48 puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles (12 each)
• Collect 25 morphing objects
• Collect 12 cards
• 12 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 13 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes
• Secret room in which to locate an increasing number of items by returning to game scenes. You are timed
BONUS CHAPTER: Bah Humbug! It is a sequel. Return to the Carrington Estate to attend a Christmas party – well almost. Like Ebeneezer Scrooge, first you must suffer through the tale of a ghost from the past. Strange bumps and noises have required your assistance in handling the ghost of a crazed scientist, a former resident of the mansion. There are an equal number of HOP scenes and puzzles – six (6) of each. It felt as if the Christmas elements were thrown in so it could add a dash of holiday spirit. This chapter has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas except for the beginning scene. The only Christmas spirit in this game is the ghost. I found the HOP scenes as boring as the in the main chapter and some of the mini-games ridiculously easy.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Rotating maze puzzle. Rotate a circular maze using gears at the side to move a metal ball to the center of the grid.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide flower tokens along paths to their proper position on a grid. They must match he image of the flower beneath them
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 14 lock pieces distributed between two columns so that each piece meshes with the one next to it. Déjà vu?
D. Matching puzzle. Match up keys to remove them from a keyring.
E. Assembly puzzle. Position clock hands on a clock so each hand points at a different number on the clock.
F. Assembly puzzle. Choose two symbols on a shield which, when combined, create a symbol on another shield.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tokens so that three different colored paths are formed by connecting links.
H. Switch puzzle. On a grid, separate skulls by shape and colored eyes. Organize them as per direction at the bottom of the grid.
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings divided into 3 sections, each with a part of an animal until they all position to produce the image of an owl.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide flower tokens along paths to their proper position on a grid. They must match he image of the flower beneath them
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 14 lock pieces distributed between two columns so that each piece meshes with the one next to it. Déjà vu?
D. Matching puzzle. Match up keys to remove them from a keyring.
E. Assembly puzzle. Position clock hands on a clock so each hand points at a different number on the clock.
F. Assembly puzzle. Choose two symbols on a shield which, when combined, create a symbol on another shield.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tokens so that three different colored paths are formed by connecting links.
H. Switch puzzle. On a grid, separate skulls by shape and colored eyes. Organize them as per direction at the bottom of the grid.
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings divided into 3 sections, each with a part of an animal until they all position to produce the image of an owl.
I don't recommend this game.
Who will save Fairytale land when Dame Gothel threatens to end Christmas forever?
Overall rating
5
/
5
132 of 276 found this review helpful
ENOY CHRISTMAS IN FAIRYTALE LAND
PostedDecember 12, 2019
sunnyglow
fromBack at you Domini Games! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well! ! All the best to a fantastic developer whose games always provide me with a great deal of gaming enjoyment.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME (My time: 8 hours – this is a long game)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages
OPINION: Enjoy a holiday romp through Fairytale Land as you, the daughter of Wilhelm Grimm, battle the evil Dame Gothel, Rapunzel’s stepmother. Open a portal to a kingdom filled with fairytale characters from the Grimm fairytales. This game should get you in the holiday mood. It is all decked out for Christmas, decorated with Christmas trees, shiny decorations and bright lights throughout. Encounter a host of fairytale characters from the Grimm fairytales as all of you battle to keep Christmas from being eliminated and fairytales rewritten by one OF their most famous villains – one who is out for revenge.
Domini Games is my favorite developer and this game is another shining example of their commitment to excellence in gaming! This is a superb game! It is beautifully illustrated and one which should appeal to adults and children alike. This developer always provides more game for the money and this game is no exception. It is a long game, one which took me eight (8) hours to complete. There are more mini-games and HOP scenes than witnessed in most HOP games. Most of those mini-games can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode which is not an option in most other HOP games. Chapters are indicated which is a nice touch. It makes it easier to locate help within the strategy guide.
There are three (3) collectibles - morphing Christmas trees, constellations, and gingerbread stars. The gingerbread stars can be exchanged for items to decorate a home upon the completion of the game. An indicator on the inventory bar lights up when a collectible is within a scene. You receive a gimmicky mirror which allows you to contact your father throughout the game. I dislike gimmicks and this is one element of the game which I feel was unnecessary and detracted from the enjoyment of the game a little.
There are thirty-two (32) mini-games. Half of these, sixteen (16), can be replayed upon the completion of the game. The choice in difficulty for most puzzles makes this game enjoyable for both those want an easy breezy game and those who want more challenge. I found the puzzles to be variations of those seen in other games. My only complaint is that I wish more of the mini-games could be replayed instead of the HOP scenes.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes. All can be replayed upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes are varied and highly interactive. An optional Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. Returning are some of my favorites such as those with rebus clues, cryptic clues, and those silhouette scenes with sliders.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Forty (40) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) Christmas trees
• Collect fifteen (15) constellations
• Collect eighty-eight (88) gingerbread stars to purchase items for you home.
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky Enchanted mirror which is used to communicate with your father.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and sixteen (16) mini-games
• Forty (40) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) Christmas trees
• Collect fifteen (15) constellations
• Collect eighty-eight (88) gingerbread stars to purchase items for you home.
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky Enchanted mirror which is used to communicate with your father.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and sixteen (16) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. You are back on the case, this time dealing with Mother Holle’s vengeful older sister, Hedge Witch. This malcontent wants the key to Christmas World. When Mother Holley will not give it to her, she turns her sister into a mouse. Now she is off to collect all the gems to create the key from the guardians – Brave Little Tailor, Snow White, and the Frog Prince. Stop her before she destroys Christmas. This is a long chapter. There are ten (10 mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. It is a welcome addition to this game and well-worth a collector’s edition designation. As an additional treat, at the end you can choose one of three (3) endings to the chapter. I found this a nice touch.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy; H=Hard)
A. E/H Connection puzzle. Connect buttons of the same color using thread without crossing lines with threads of a different color. Harder version has more twisted and longer paths.
B. Paint by number puzzle. Use four vials of paint to paint a picture using paths within the picture to create a flow of paint.
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Choose parts from the bottom of an hourglass which, when combined, create two symbols at the top.
D. E/H Assembly puzzle. Using levers, adjust pieces of a fractured mirror so that they fit together to restore the mirror.
E. Connection puzzle. Maneuver straps on a harness for a reindeer so that each section is connected to its proper location. In the hard version, moving one strap affects the others.
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so that the segments do not cross each other.
G. Maze puzzle. Move a flounder to the center of a circular maze. However, you must collect 3 stars before you hit the center.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Picture puzzle. Slide pieces into position to restore an image of 3 clocks. Easy version has only one clock
I. E/H Matching puzzle. Uncover cards to match them Easy version has less cards
J. Switch puzzle. Switch stones so that their shadows create the shadow for one large stone.
K. Matching puzzle. Like a HOP scene. Using a magic compass, locate the zodiac signs in scene in order to get the direction in which to travel.
L. Logic puzzle. Place snowflakes on a grid by (1) positioning them according to the numbers on the grid so each number has that number of snowflakes surrounding it and (2) positioning them so that each numbered row has that exact number of flakes within it as well.
B. Paint by number puzzle. Use four vials of paint to paint a picture using paths within the picture to create a flow of paint.
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Choose parts from the bottom of an hourglass which, when combined, create two symbols at the top.
D. E/H Assembly puzzle. Using levers, adjust pieces of a fractured mirror so that they fit together to restore the mirror.
E. Connection puzzle. Maneuver straps on a harness for a reindeer so that each section is connected to its proper location. In the hard version, moving one strap affects the others.
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so that the segments do not cross each other.
G. Maze puzzle. Move a flounder to the center of a circular maze. However, you must collect 3 stars before you hit the center.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Picture puzzle. Slide pieces into position to restore an image of 3 clocks. Easy version has only one clock
I. E/H Matching puzzle. Uncover cards to match them Easy version has less cards
J. Switch puzzle. Switch stones so that their shadows create the shadow for one large stone.
K. Matching puzzle. Like a HOP scene. Using a magic compass, locate the zodiac signs in scene in order to get the direction in which to travel.
L. Logic puzzle. Place snowflakes on a grid by (1) positioning them according to the numbers on the grid so each number has that number of snowflakes surrounding it and (2) positioning them so that each numbered row has that exact number of flakes within it as well.
I recommend this game!
Can you help the train’s passengers save their holidays in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
134 of 275 found this review helpful
ALL ABOARD! DEPART ON A MAGICAL JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS
PostedDecember 5, 2019
sunnyglow
fromCelebrating the 12 days of 'Cat’mas” by playing the bonus chapter. It is just “purr-fect.” It is "clawsome" to discover that the Big Cat has finally made his way to the Big Fish.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages (My time: 5 hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages (My time: 5 hours)
All aboard! Depart on a magical, journey to Christmas on a train stopping at three (3) destinations, all having tales related to misdeeds from Christmases past. These three (3) heartfelt tales are narrated by a magical stranger, the Storyteller. To atone for any wrongdoing, the Storyteller demands his errant passengers listen to these tales. Now you, as Greta, along with your brother Hansel, must enter these three tales to change the past. However, all your attempts to rectify the past must be accomplished by midnight or you both will remain forever on the train!
What a delightful game! It glistens with Christmas magic and overflows with an abundance of Christmas regalia. The graphics are incredibly beautiful. They encapsulate the spirit of Christmas. The HOP scenes and puzzles are thematic, each one having some Yuletide elements within them. The background music is Christmas-like; however, it is not composed of well-known carols as in previous games from this series. Personally, I would have preferred well-known Christmas carols as background music. To me, this would have enhanced the Christmas spirit of the game.
There are two helpers within the game, a mouse in the main game and a squirrel in the bonus chapter. Both are used to retrieve items within the game. They are not used very often. The mouse is used eight (8) times and the squirrel three (3) times. They also add a whimsical element to the game. The collectibles are morphing objects, puzzles pieces, and characters from the game. I found most easy to locate. You can replay some of the HOP scenes and mini-games. There is a secret room opened at the end in which to search for more items within the scenes of the game.
There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes and twenty-three (23) mini-games. I found the HOP scenes laden with Christmas goodies. For me, they are the best part of the game. There are several my favorites - interactive ones in which the player must search for items and then return them to the scene to interact with it in some way. There is a deal of creative design within the scenes. In one scene, once items on a list are located, they are used to decorate a cake. In yet another, the player searches for boards and screws to create a case in which a list of Christmas items are placed.
The mini-games also reflect the Christmas theme. One puzzle is a domino game which has Christmas – themed dominoes which are placed on a gingerbread house grid. A connection puzzles uses snow-flake shaped gears to be connected to each other. Most use Christmas related items.
MECHANICS:
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-three (23) achievements.
• Collect forty-eight (48) puzzle pieces to play four (4) jigsaw puzzles playable at the end of the game
• Collect twenty-five (25) morphing objects
• Collect twelve (12) characters from the game
• Twelve (12) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Helper mouse – your brother. Used eight (8) 8 times in the game
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
• Secret Room played at the end of the game. Locate additional items within the game scenes.
• Twenty-three (23) achievements.
• Collect forty-eight (48) puzzle pieces to play four (4) jigsaw puzzles playable at the end of the game
• Collect twenty-five (25) morphing objects
• Collect twelve (12) characters from the game
• Twelve (12) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Helper mouse – your brother. Used eight (8) 8 times in the game
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
• Secret Room played at the end of the game. Locate additional items within the game scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another moral tale. Join the detective duo, Mr. Catlock Catts and his sidekick Mr. Squirrel, as they crack a case involving one big cat. In Catstown, a large feline is crushing buildings and has caused stars to fall from the skies. Now you must confront this misguided feline and replace the stars within the skies. I loved this chapter. It is a whimsical delight with adorable cats throughout. There are six (6) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. To me, this chapter was better than the main game. It is well worth the price of a collector’s edition game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO (12 DAYS OF ‘CAT’MAS)
1. Kitten in a Christmas tree. Connection puzzle. Connect snowflake-shaped gears in a chain from the bottom left to the top right of the grid.
2. Scratching posts. Matching puzzle. Match up snowflakes with lines to link them in order to remove them. 2X. Last game has obstacles to avoid.
3. Balls of yarn. Domino puzzle using Christmas symbols for the ends. Arrange dominoes so they match on the ends. Place within a gingerbread house shaped grid.
4. Litter boxes. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles up-and-down and sideways to restore a Christmas image.
5. Golden Fish. Sequence puzzle. Place circular picture segments in the proper sequence so create a trail so that each picture circle ends up at its proper location on a picture.
BONUS CHAPTER
6. Laser lights. Connection puzzle. Remove all tokens from a board except one by clicking on them to knock others off the board. Continue removing tokens until only one remains.
7. Toy mice. Switch puzzle. Switch the parts of musical notes so that a melody is created. The two note parts should mesh.
8. Catnip treats. Connection puzzle. Connect stars with lines based on the number of dots on each star. Each star should have connecting lines equal to the dots upon its bloom.
2. Scratching posts. Matching puzzle. Match up snowflakes with lines to link them in order to remove them. 2X. Last game has obstacles to avoid.
3. Balls of yarn. Domino puzzle using Christmas symbols for the ends. Arrange dominoes so they match on the ends. Place within a gingerbread house shaped grid.
4. Litter boxes. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles up-and-down and sideways to restore a Christmas image.
5. Golden Fish. Sequence puzzle. Place circular picture segments in the proper sequence so create a trail so that each picture circle ends up at its proper location on a picture.
BONUS CHAPTER
6. Laser lights. Connection puzzle. Remove all tokens from a board except one by clicking on them to knock others off the board. Continue removing tokens until only one remains.
7. Toy mice. Switch puzzle. Switch the parts of musical notes so that a melody is created. The two note parts should mesh.
8. Catnip treats. Connection puzzle. Connect stars with lines based on the number of dots on each star. Each star should have connecting lines equal to the dots upon its bloom.
9 to 12 disappeared! And as a "purr-fect" way to end - say goodbye to the partridge in a pear tree!
I recommend this game!
A visit to Manchester Asylum takes a dangerous turn into madness!
Overall rating
5
/
5
142 of 288 found this review helpful
A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT FOR EIPIX – ONE OF THE BEST MCF GAMES TO DATE
PostedNovember 26, 2019
sunnyglow
fromSeeing black? It may be a black day for turkeys on Thanksgiving; however, what a great way to start off a week which includes Black Friday. Hopefully the crowning achievement of this game will see this developer in the black.
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: 49 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 pages
Ahoy mateys! Get on board and be prepared to battle the ghost of the cursed pirate, Phineas Crown. Begin the adventure at the Manchester Asylum where the incoherent ramblings and drawings of an anonymous patient have caused concern. Is her bizarre behavior related to one of your previous cases? The cursed pirate, Crown, will lead you and the inhabitants and staff of the asylum to his former residence, the Crown Estate. What evil plan does this black-hearted pirate have in store for you all? Ramble through the secret rooms and passages of his estate to learn about his past, his plans and how to thwart him in his efforts.
This is fantastic addition to this series. Although not the best game within the series, it is better than most of the recent ones. It is a great game for those who love tales about pirates or seafaring adventures. The chapters are designated within the game, a nice touch which makes it easier to access the strategy guide when necessary. The game is puzzle intense. I loved rummaging through the Crown Estate. The manor itself is one large puzzle filled with secrets rooms and passageways.
Most of the game is action-packed. However, I do have a small complaint about the last chapter. I feel the pace slows somewhat. I attribute this to the lack of activities, back-and-forth movement between scenes and the repetitious HOP scenes with boring lists of items. There are eight (8) sequential scenes with lists of items. This chapter, to me, is significantly different in quality from the previous ones.
There are two collectibles, morphing objects and crabs. Most of the scenes have collectibles and there are two within each scene. I found most easy to locate. At the end of the game, collect souvenirs. Souvenirs can only be collected if all the collectibles have been located throughout the game. Nevertheless, the player can return to the scenes to locate the collectibles if they are missed.
There are two collectibles, morphing objects and crabs. Most of the scenes have collectibles and there are two within each scene. I found most easy to locate. At the end of the game, collect souvenirs. Souvenirs can only be collected if all the collectibles have been located throughout the game. Nevertheless, the player can return to the scenes to locate the collectibles if they are missed.
There are thirty (30) puzzles within the game; nineteen (19) can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in difficulty. There are four (4) Rube Goldberg puzzles – each of these I counted as one large puzzle consisting of several mini-puzzles. Each of the puzzles within the Rube-Goldberg puzzle can be skipped individually, allowing the player to play the subsequent puzzles if he/she has difficulty with any of the mini-puzzles. Nevertheless, I found most of the mini-puzzles within the Rube-Goldberg puzzle easy.
There are twenty (20) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. The ones in the beginning of the game are better designed than those at the end. There are some creatively designed scenes within the game. My favorite scenes include a beautifully designed one with star constellations and another with cryptic clues within the bonus chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect forty-two (42) morphing objects
• Collect forty-two (42) crabs
• Collect twenty (20) souvenirs at the end of the game. You must have all the collectibles to access the souvenirs
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay nineteen (19) puzzles and twenty (20) HOP scenes
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect forty-two (42) morphing objects
• Collect forty-two (42) crabs
• Collect twenty (20) souvenirs at the end of the game. You must have all the collectibles to access the souvenirs
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay nineteen (19) puzzles and twenty (20) HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. You are off to the Louisiana bayous. Momma Aimee, a voodoo specialist, has contacted you. Researching the life of the pirate, Phineas Crown, she found that he stored fragments of his soul within ordinary items. With her death, you must now locate twelve (12) of these items to break an evil curse. With the help of a little voodoo, can you break the curse? I loved this chapter. I found this chapter and the story behind it better than that of the main game. It is worthy of a collector’s edition designation. The chapter includes eight (8) puzzles and three (3) HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Follow the barking dog. Connection puzzle. (1) Connect dots within four (4) grids without retracing your steps. Each figure increases in difficulty 4X
B. Assembly puzzle. Using arrows at the top and side of a 5 x 5 grid, move rows and columns so that the images match up with the one given at the right side of each row.
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in the proper sequential order.
D. Matching puzzle. Look through a telescope and find objects listed on a given map.
E. Voodoo magic. Sequence puzzle. Stick the voodoo doll with pins in the proper sequence.
F. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Switch puzzle. Switch shark’s teeth so the teeth on the top and bottom mesh with each other.
(2) Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 4 rings so a pattern is formed to match a given one.
(3) Sequence puzzle. Remove all tiles on a fish while removing those tiles with symbols on them in sequential order.
(4) Rotating tiles puzzle. Same as #2
(5) Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to restore an image of an eel.
(6) Rotating rings puzzle. Same as #2
(7) Connection puzzle. Press suction cups on the tentacles of an octopus to create a path through chains. All chains must be visited without retracing steps.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching Puzzle. Cut off buttons on a cloth so that none remain. Match up 2 or more buttons either vertically, horizontally or diagonally.
H. Match-3 game. Release skulls on a wall by matching 3 or more like tokens to remove each skull.
B. Assembly puzzle. Using arrows at the top and side of a 5 x 5 grid, move rows and columns so that the images match up with the one given at the right side of each row.
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in the proper sequential order.
D. Matching puzzle. Look through a telescope and find objects listed on a given map.
E. Voodoo magic. Sequence puzzle. Stick the voodoo doll with pins in the proper sequence.
F. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Switch puzzle. Switch shark’s teeth so the teeth on the top and bottom mesh with each other.
(2) Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 4 rings so a pattern is formed to match a given one.
(3) Sequence puzzle. Remove all tiles on a fish while removing those tiles with symbols on them in sequential order.
(4) Rotating tiles puzzle. Same as #2
(5) Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to restore an image of an eel.
(6) Rotating rings puzzle. Same as #2
(7) Connection puzzle. Press suction cups on the tentacles of an octopus to create a path through chains. All chains must be visited without retracing steps.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching Puzzle. Cut off buttons on a cloth so that none remain. Match up 2 or more buttons either vertically, horizontally or diagonally.
H. Match-3 game. Release skulls on a wall by matching 3 or more like tokens to remove each skull.
I recommend this game!