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:
Four friends are pulled inside a movie where the special effects are all too real!
Overall rating
5
/
5
129 of 217 found this review helpful
A GAME THAT WILL GRAB YOU – RIGHT INTO THE MOVIE SCREEN
PostedOctober 10, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThe ghosts of movies past will haunt and jaunt your memory while playing this game. From slasher films to creature films, this game is a mild fright scare nightmare.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 4 hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 4 hours)
OPINION: Boo! Happy Halloween! Grab some popcorn and get ready to enjoy a horror movie – one which will grab you – right into the screen! Play Ellie, residing in a small town in Maine. Two years have passed since your friends disappeared into your television, each trapped within a different horror movie. Now, after discovering the tape is still in the VCR, you find yourself transported into the video as well. Enjoy your Halloween in a trio of scary movies, “Terror at Ravenstorm High, “House of Nightmares,” and “The Summer Camp Stalker.”
This game is all decked out for Halloween with pumpkins, ghosts, and other Halloween fare. This is an easy breezy game – one which the whole family can enjoy. It is a short game, but one which should get most into the Halloween spirit. The story is a compilation of bits and pieces of scenes from horror movies of the past. It is not scary, but rather, a nice romp around those movies from the past. You might find yourself finding some of the stories jogging a memory of at least one or two horror movies of the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Trick or treat! The collectibles include not only morphing objects, figurines, and poster pieces, but also, three cupcakes and two black cats to add a little festive spirit to your Halloween trick or treat bag! I found them easy to locate. You can replay some of the HOP scenes and mini-games at the end of the game. They are within the archive room.
There are not many HOP scenes nor puzzles within this game. Nevertheless, the game maintains an active pace, principally because each chapter centers on a different movie. There are only sixteen (16) HOP scenes. There are also seven (7) mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to be located. Most of the scenes are standard lists of items, silhouette, storybook and matching. I found two which I feel are somewhat creatively designed. Both scenes involved combining two to three pieces of some object before it is removed. One of the scenes uses sliders to combine the pieces, and the other uses rotating circles to combine them. There are only twenty-two (22) mini-games and they vary in style. Most are easy; however, there is one in the demo which can be played in either a “casual” or “hard” mode.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-five (25) achievements.
• Collect twelve (12) figurines and twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-five (25) poster pieces for three (3) posters
• Collect three (3) cupcakes and two (2) black cats
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games.
• Twenty-five (25) achievements.
• Collect twelve (12) figurines and twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-five (25) poster pieces for three (3) posters
• Collect three (3) cupcakes and two (2) black cats
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Return to Ravenstorm High School. Play a student doing some detective work along with fellow student, Jessica Holmes. While you attend a Halloween party, a werewolf crashes it –right through the wall. Now you and your cohort must contend with this “party crasher” and other monsters running about in this chapter. A special quill, possessed by the headmaster, holds the answer in solving this case. This is a decent chapter with an equal number of mini-games and HOP scenes. There are six (6) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes along with two (2) mini HOP scenes. Continue collecting the collectibles in this chapter. I feel this chapter is worth the price of a collector’s edition.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SAMPLES OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. One for “The Birds.” (1) Assembly puzzle. Place pictures of birds into position on a given grid. (2). Maze puzzle. Rotate 3 rings so that pieces of a bird are placed in the proper position in the center of the grid.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch plates within a grid so that a keyhole for each of 3 keys is created.
C. Matching puzzle. Manipulate the body parts on two figures so they match those on a given diagram.
D. Maze puzzle. Go between two levels of a maze picking up needed items to traverse through it, arriving at a camp counselor’s office
E. Switch puzzle. Switch flowers on vines so that number on the flower is equal to the thorns on its vine.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. Switch triangular tiles to restore an image. The tiles flip with the tiles next to it.
G. Placement puzzle. Place items into the correct location in a scene. 5 per scene. 3 scenes.
H. Switch puzzle. Place bats into position so that their wings match the 2 bats next to them.
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a map by rotating and placing pieces into position.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch plates within a grid so that a keyhole for each of 3 keys is created.
C. Matching puzzle. Manipulate the body parts on two figures so they match those on a given diagram.
D. Maze puzzle. Go between two levels of a maze picking up needed items to traverse through it, arriving at a camp counselor’s office
E. Switch puzzle. Switch flowers on vines so that number on the flower is equal to the thorns on its vine.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. Switch triangular tiles to restore an image. The tiles flip with the tiles next to it.
G. Placement puzzle. Place items into the correct location in a scene. 5 per scene. 3 scenes.
H. Switch puzzle. Place bats into position so that their wings match the 2 bats next to them.
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a map by rotating and placing pieces into position.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop history from repeating itself before it’s too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
97 of 220 found this review helpful
A BEASTLY GAME WHICH GOT LOST IN THE WOODS
PostedOctober 5, 2019
sunnyglow
fromGlad to see the explorer is out of the woods – free of the difficulties experienced in this journey. Too bad this game did not make it!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 7 hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 7 hours)
As a recent graduate from the Academy of Explorers, you are off on perilous journey into the Arcadian Woods to discover why the dreaded Kinzuls have returned! Combat Lancer, the ruler of the Kinzuls, a bitter, vengeful spirit out to destroy humans. Be prepared for a long adventure in the quest to stop this evildoer.
This developer is my favorite; however, this game is NOT indicative of the quality exhibited in most of their other games. I found the story boring with a great deal of repetitive activities. The developer’s trademark vivid purple and neon green graphics are omnipresent and saturate the gaming scenes. It would be refreshing to see more subtle colors in some parts of the game.
This developer is my favorite; however, this game is NOT indicative of the quality exhibited in most of their other games. I found the story boring with a great deal of repetitive activities. The developer’s trademark vivid purple and neon green graphics are omnipresent and saturate the gaming scenes. It would be refreshing to see more subtle colors in some parts of the game.
Known for their amazing number of well-designed puzzles, I am shocked at the lack of puzzles, and for that matter, the lack of HOP scenes as well. This is a long game, one which is lacking sufficient activities to maintain an active pace. It became a snooze-fest for me. There is too much filler in this game – a long, drug out adventure which seemed as if it would never end.
Have a desire to talk with the animals? This is the game for you! I grew tired of playing an adventure gaming Dr. Doolittle, conversing with an immense array of animals. At one point I was rooting for the evildoer, Lancer to restore his army and end the civilization and the game. There is a great deal of time wasted running to and fro searching for inventory items to be used in yet another scene. Ho hum!
There are only thirty-two (32) mini-games is this massive production. There are only five (5) which have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. That designation can be chosen in the menu, but why bother with so few puzzles having this option? There is a gimmicky artifact which allows the player to communicate with the numerous animals in this game. There are nine (9) puzzles associated with the use of the artifact. The puzzles involve either creating, locating, or matching six (6) symbols. The are all similar, but to the developer’s credit, each puzzle has a different design.
There are only eighteen (18) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. Most are creatively designed. There is a variety of styles as well. They include some unique settings. There are the usual lists of items and silhouette. Some of the scenes are search and replace ones in which items are returned to the scene and interact with the scene to further the search for items. Returning are the scenes in which sliders are used to match up the silhouette of each item with the item itself. There is one with rotating rings in which each half of an item must be matched before the item is removed. There is a spot-the-differences puzzle. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Dragus, a beast tamer, wishes to resurrect his wife from the dead. He has discovered the resurrection artifact which will give him the power to do so; however, it will require the life force of a demigod, the White Griffin. Doing so will have disastrous consequences. Stop him before he destroys the Empire! It is a long chapter. Continue collecting the collectibles. There are eleven (11) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes. I feel both the puzzles and HOP scenes are better than those from the main game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing medallions and fifteen (15) statuettes
• Collect sixty-six (66) phoenix feathers to purchase fifteen (15) items for a laboratory.
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky artifact which allows you to speak with animals
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and fourteen (14) mini-games
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing medallions and fifteen (15) statuettes
• Collect sixty-six (66) phoenix feathers to purchase fifteen (15) items for a laboratory.
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky artifact which allows you to speak with animals
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and fourteen (14) mini-games
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. E/H. Connection puzzle. Move 3 colored liquids into vials (2 vials for each color). Rotate tube connections to allow the flow of the liquid. Also disconnect the tube connections when the liquid is not the same color. Moving one tube piece affects the others.
B. Matching/Sequence puzzle. Start with a skull with a symbol on top and match it. Another symbol will appear and match that with another skull. Continue until all skulls are removed.
C. Maze puzzle. Traverse a maze in a catacomb while avoiding whirling axes.
D. Matching puzzle. Place stars into a constellation in the proper position. 3X
E. Play against the computer – in this case against Lancer. Collect more tokens than your opponent. Click on a token and move it. Landing next to your opponent’s token changes their token’s color to yours and vice versa.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze/Connection puzzle. Using a slider which moves two tokens at a time, move the tokens so that there is a path connecting them with their like tokens within a maze
G. Bullseye puzzle. Shoot matching symbols by rotating 3 rings and shooting the two which match each other. Do this for 4 symbols
H. Switch puzzle. Switch columns with dots on them so they match those on a given diagram
B. Matching/Sequence puzzle. Start with a skull with a symbol on top and match it. Another symbol will appear and match that with another skull. Continue until all skulls are removed.
C. Maze puzzle. Traverse a maze in a catacomb while avoiding whirling axes.
D. Matching puzzle. Place stars into a constellation in the proper position. 3X
E. Play against the computer – in this case against Lancer. Collect more tokens than your opponent. Click on a token and move it. Landing next to your opponent’s token changes their token’s color to yours and vice versa.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze/Connection puzzle. Using a slider which moves two tokens at a time, move the tokens so that there is a path connecting them with their like tokens within a maze
G. Bullseye puzzle. Shoot matching symbols by rotating 3 rings and shooting the two which match each other. Do this for 4 symbols
H. Switch puzzle. Switch columns with dots on them so they match those on a given diagram
I don't recommend this game.
When the game worlds collapse, help can only come from one place. The real world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
198 of 295 found this review helpful
A FANTASTIC BEGINNING TO A NEW SERIES
PostedOctober 3, 2019
sunnyglow
fromKudos to this developer for an amazing new series! Violence appears to be on the rise in the gaming world. Like the “Avengers” movies, it takes a team to fend off hooded evildoers nowadays!
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: 75 pages (My time: 7 hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 75 pages (My time: 7 hours)
OPINION: Welcome to a promising new series! Characters from the other series have united forces to defeat an unlikely culprit from destroying the boundaries between the gaming worlds. Be prepared for a very long game. Zigzag between the worlds and time itself as you battle another hooded evildoer. I was not going to purchase this game due to the presence of the ever-annoying dwarf, St. Germain; however, he quickly departs from this game. For most of the game, the savvy detective, Dupin, assists in the discovery of the culprit and helps you restore order to the gaming worlds.
This game is marked improvement for this developer. A great deal of work went into this game. IThe story is akin to the “Avengers,” a superhero movie franchise in which a band of superheroes band together to fight crime. The graphics are nicely done as usual for this developer. It is a fast-paced game jam-packed with activities.
This game is a puzzle-lover's delight! There are SIXTY-TWO (62) PUZZLES in this game. They vary in style and difficulty, and most are creatively designed. There are a few puzzles which have the option to be played in either a “casual” or “hard” mode. There is one repetitive one used to activate the Staff of Time. There is another repeated puzzle which involves rotating segments of a column until the image of the same animal seen on each segment.
This developer has provided two new puzzles which I have not seen previously. One is a hybrid of a maze puzzle combined with a match-3 puzzle. Clear a path for a horse to navigate a maze by matching 3 or more items which are removed. Another has the player competing against a puppet playing a variation of the “Rock, Scissors, Paper” game. Keep track of the cards both you and the puppet have and try to defeat him with the right card containing a picture of a rock, scissors or paper.
From what I counted, there are thirty (30) HOP scenes. There are also scenes which I designate as “mini-HOP” scenes in which the there is a small number of items to locate. Most of the HOP scenes are lists of items or silhouette. They are interactive and many of the silhouette scenes involve searching for items and then replacing them back into the scene. There are puzzles within some of the HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. As a member of the newly formed group named “The Watchers,” you are contacted by the Puppet Master to battle werewolves from another world. The whole puppet world is in peril as puppets, the guardians of the world, are being slashed and trashed. The chapter is consistent with the main game. However, I was irritated by the excessive howling of wolves in this chapter. It was so pervasive, I debated continuing with the rest of the game. There are thirteen (13) puzzles and twelve (12) HOP scenes. Continue collecting the collectibles. The quality of the game is consistent with the main game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Fourteen (14) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect coins to purchase twelve (12) items in a dungeon.
• Seven (7) wallpapers along with eight (8) screensavers, concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay nineteen (19) mini-games and fourteen (14) HOP scenes
• Fourteen (14) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect coins to purchase twelve (12) items in a dungeon.
• Seven (7) wallpapers along with eight (8) screensavers, concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay nineteen (19) mini-games and fourteen (14) HOP scenes
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE SIXTY-TWO (62) MINI-GAMES:
A. Staff of Time puzzle. Matching puzzle. On a grid remove tokens by matching them until only one token remains. The puzzles increase in difficulty as the game progresses. 3X within game.
B. Mathematical puzzle. On 2 bookshelves, place numbered books so the sum of the 2 books on the top shelf and 2 books on the bottom shelf equal a number between them. Place books so each set of 4 books equals the sum provided.
C. Matching puzzle. On a column divided into 3 sections, rotate each section so that all three have the same symbol as that displayed under the column. Rotating one section moves the others as well. 3X within the game.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch colored gears (5 of reach color) behind 5 girls’ portraits so that same colored gears are together and mesh with each other.
E. 3-Ring puzzle. A variation in which 5 rings are placed in ascending order in the middle row of 3 rows. A smaller ring cannot be placed behind a larger one. (Within a HOP scene)
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate triangles on a grid to restore an image.
G. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence of symbols imprinted on the tiles of a turtle’s back.
H. Tangram puzzle. Build a bridge! Place pieces into position so they interlock to create a bridge.
BONUS CHAPTER
I. Assembly puzzle. Move and position the arms on a puppet to match that of a given diagram
J. Switch puzzle. On a grid switch keys – two at a time until they are situated in the proper location by color and design. If you switch the keys on both sides of the grid, the keys will flip sides.
K. Matching puzzle. In this case, locate the unmatched wolf hiding within a bunch of them
L. Maze puzzle. Move a shield through a maze without touching the sides.
B. Mathematical puzzle. On 2 bookshelves, place numbered books so the sum of the 2 books on the top shelf and 2 books on the bottom shelf equal a number between them. Place books so each set of 4 books equals the sum provided.
C. Matching puzzle. On a column divided into 3 sections, rotate each section so that all three have the same symbol as that displayed under the column. Rotating one section moves the others as well. 3X within the game.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch colored gears (5 of reach color) behind 5 girls’ portraits so that same colored gears are together and mesh with each other.
E. 3-Ring puzzle. A variation in which 5 rings are placed in ascending order in the middle row of 3 rows. A smaller ring cannot be placed behind a larger one. (Within a HOP scene)
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate triangles on a grid to restore an image.
G. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence of symbols imprinted on the tiles of a turtle’s back.
H. Tangram puzzle. Build a bridge! Place pieces into position so they interlock to create a bridge.
BONUS CHAPTER
I. Assembly puzzle. Move and position the arms on a puppet to match that of a given diagram
J. Switch puzzle. On a grid switch keys – two at a time until they are situated in the proper location by color and design. If you switch the keys on both sides of the grid, the keys will flip sides.
K. Matching puzzle. In this case, locate the unmatched wolf hiding within a bunch of them
L. Maze puzzle. Move a shield through a maze without touching the sides.
Can you rescue your brother from an ancient and deadly fate?
Overall rating
5
/
5
87 of 203 found this review helpful
A SCI-FI GAME WHICH IS A MONOLITHIC SUCCESS!
PostedSeptember 28, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThis game is a blast from the past! Relive the 1980’s with the return of the Jedi, disco, big hair, Indiana Jones, and of course, those hooded terraforming, aliens who blast in-and-out of the past!
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: 39 pages (This is a very long game – My time 8 ½ hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages (This is a very long game – My time 8 ½ hours)
OPINION: Get your backpack ready as you travel the world searching for monoliths containing mysterious powers! You will also zigzag through time – first stop – 1980, the setting for the game. This is a long, fast-paced sci-fi thriller! This is one which I believe will become a classic and displays the creative genius of this developer. Being a sci-fi aficionada, I could not stop playing this game until I finished it! It is well worth the price of a collector’s edition, and, to me, one of the best games this year – a classic! There are only three (3) chapters plus a bonus chapter; however, each chapter is very long. The player will travel to several sites around the world investigating monoliths while trying to thwart the self-centered ambitions of an ailing financier.
The story behind the game is excellent. The story delves into ancient alien theories. The graphics are a combination of futuristic sci-fi technology blended with the beautiful backdrop of exotic locations. It is a puzzle-lover’s dream. There are SIXTY-TWO (62) puzzles within this game. They vary in style and difficulty. There is one puzzle which is repeated throughout the game using a gimmicky book of ancient languages to decipher glyphs. There are sixteen (16) of these within the game
I feel the last part of the game is much better designed than the first part. It is almost as if two different teams worked on this game. This is especially noticeable in the twenty (20) HOP scenes within the game. The ones in the last chapter and the bonus chapter are better designed – some incredibly beautiful. The ones in the first two chapters are principally lists of items set in junk piles. Almost all the scenes have morphing objects. My favorite scenes are in the bonus chapter. There is a beautiful matching scene set in a jungle in which animals perched on a tree must be matched. There is also a creatively designed scene in which the player must locate the one image which is not identical to the rest in fifteen (15) scenes – each with over twenty pictures to pore over. I have never seen this type of HOP scene before.
The collectibles are different than the usual swirls in this developer’s games. Besides morphing objects, there are symbols to collect within the scenes. If all collectibles are collected, the player can play an ultimate HOP scene which is another list of items. There is also an ultimate puzzle which is a variation of one of the puzzles within the game. My only complaint is this – with so many puzzles, why doesn’t this developer offer some of the puzzles to be replayed? There is only the option to replay the HOP scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eleven (11) achievements.
• Collect twenty-nine (29) morphing objects within the scenes
• Collect eighteen (18) morphing objects within the HOP scenes.
• Collect twenty-nine (29) symbols
• Ultimate HOP scene which is a list of items. All collectibles must be located to play this scene
• Ultimate puzzle is a variety of one from the game
• Four (4) wallpapers along with concept art and soundtracks
• Gimmicky book with a collection of ancient languages used to decipher texts along the way.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes. No replay of puzzles
• Eleven (11) achievements.
• Collect twenty-nine (29) morphing objects within the scenes
• Collect eighteen (18) morphing objects within the HOP scenes.
• Collect twenty-nine (29) symbols
• Ultimate HOP scene which is a list of items. All collectibles must be located to play this scene
• Ultimate puzzle is a variety of one from the game
• Four (4) wallpapers along with concept art and soundtracks
• Gimmicky book with a collection of ancient languages used to decipher texts along the way.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes. No replay of puzzles
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. It is three years later (1983) and a man in black (AKA government alien chaser) arrives at the home of Jane Black. You, as Jane, are off to Peru and Bolivia with him as he believes the government has found another monolith and the sarcophagus of your strange hooded traveling buddy, Neev. Again, you will battle an evildoer, Abbar, an evil alien obsessed with power. Continue to collect the collectibles. This is a long chapter with thirteen (13) puzzles and four (4) creatively designed HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE 62 PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Alignment puzzle. Move a disk with holes against a starry sky until all the holes contain a star
B. Fight a mighty large spider. Using two buttons at the bottom of a screen, avoid the spider’s attacks by using a shield and then throw darts to defeat the spider.
C. Mathematical puzzle. On five shelves, switch numbered books between the shelves so that the sum of each shelf of books is the same as the others.
**3 consecutive puzzles to deactivate a mechanism
D. Tangram puzzle. A variation in which you receive colored tiles which, after being placed in the grid create tangram pieces. Each tile indicates the direction and number of spaces it fills within the grid. All the tiles must be used to complete the grid.
E. Spot the differences. Locate 10 differences between two scenes.
F. Dodge-em. Use a lever to speed up a bar at the bottom of the screen from being hit. You must avoid 20 falling tiles. (A variation of this puzzle is the Ultimate Puzzle offered at the end of the game)
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more like-colored tiles to remove them within a grid. Strategize your moves so that all tiles are eliminated within the grid.
H. Shooter puzzle. Shoot metal balls from one gear to the other. The gears vary in size and speed as you travel up the wall shooting them from one to another. Rather unique puzzle.
I. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram pieces into 4 grids to create images. All tiles must be used and cover the given design.
B. Fight a mighty large spider. Using two buttons at the bottom of a screen, avoid the spider’s attacks by using a shield and then throw darts to defeat the spider.
C. Mathematical puzzle. On five shelves, switch numbered books between the shelves so that the sum of each shelf of books is the same as the others.
**3 consecutive puzzles to deactivate a mechanism
D. Tangram puzzle. A variation in which you receive colored tiles which, after being placed in the grid create tangram pieces. Each tile indicates the direction and number of spaces it fills within the grid. All the tiles must be used to complete the grid.
E. Spot the differences. Locate 10 differences between two scenes.
F. Dodge-em. Use a lever to speed up a bar at the bottom of the screen from being hit. You must avoid 20 falling tiles. (A variation of this puzzle is the Ultimate Puzzle offered at the end of the game)
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more like-colored tiles to remove them within a grid. Strategize your moves so that all tiles are eliminated within the grid.
H. Shooter puzzle. Shoot metal balls from one gear to the other. The gears vary in size and speed as you travel up the wall shooting them from one to another. Rather unique puzzle.
I. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram pieces into 4 grids to create images. All tiles must be used and cover the given design.
I recommend this game!
Can you save the townspeople from a maniacal specter in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
83 of 167 found this review helpful
HOOKED ON RICK ROGERS AND THIS PARANORMAL SERIES
PostedSeptember 26, 2019
sunnyglow
fromFreddy Krueger has nothing on the Hook Man. This ghostly nightmare on Ashen Valley streets had me “hooked” from the start.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
OPINION: Welcome to Arkansas, Rick Rogers! As a paranormal investigator, be prepared to tour a ghost town as you uncover its history and the legend behind its most notorious resident, Hook Man. I found this a decent game. The story is a haunting tale of a vengeful ghost. It is mildly spooky fare for the fall season. Nevertheless, I feel the past games in this series are better than this one. Although the puzzles and HOP scenes are creatively designed, there are few of either in this game. With so few activities and the monotonous back-and-forth action between scenes, I found this game dragged in some places.
The HOP scenes are the best part of the game. There are not many of them, only twenty (20) in the entire game. There are also two (2) mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to locate. There is a variety of types of scenes. They include lists of items, silhouette, storybook, and matching scenes. There are some spot-the-difference scenes along with pattern scenes. There are some very novel scenes in this game. My favorite is a clever search-and-replace scene in which items within four (4) birdhouses must be located and then placed in the proper location.
The puzzles are fantastic – there are just not many of them. There are only nineteen (19) puzzles in the game, including the bonus chapter. There are multiple step puzzles (2 puzzles presented at one time). I counted them as one complete puzzle. They vary in style and difficulty. Most of the puzzles are easy or of middle difficulty. I found none of them difficult, and all are ones seen in other games. The final puzzle at the end of the bonus chapter is amazing! It involves knights in five (5) different puzzles as you navigate through a sewer. There is also an awesome three (3) part puzzle involving keys in that chapter as well.
The collectibles are morphing objects, voodoo dolls, and eyes. The eyes can be used to open three (3) additional puzzles at the end of the game. The morphing objects are puzzles pieces for a jigsaw puzzle played at the end of the game to create a screensaver.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty (20) achievements.
• Collect twelve (12) voodoo dolls
• Collect twenty-eight (28) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-eight (28) eyes to open bonus content (3 new puzzles)
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with screensaver, concept art, music and video sequences
• Bonus art which includes puzzle pieces for a jigsaw puzzle
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) puzzles
• Twenty (20) achievements.
• Collect twelve (12) voodoo dolls
• Collect twenty-eight (28) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-eight (28) eyes to open bonus content (3 new puzzles)
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with screensaver, concept art, music and video sequences
• Bonus art which includes puzzle pieces for a jigsaw puzzle
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) puzzles
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Return to Ashen Valley at the bequest of a father in search of his missing son. A ghost has possessed the boy and now you must locate him and free him from this ghostly hold. Time will be of the essence in this case in more ways than one! I found the bonus chapter comparable to the main game. I found the story somewhat strange. There are five (5) puzzles and six (6) HOP scenes. To me, it was a decent addition to the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Strategy puzzle. Move two crates to designated areas using a forklift. You must push them to the proper locations and avoid obstacles blocking your path. If you are blocked in obtaining access to the crates, then you must restart.
B. Logic puzzle. According to given clues, place babushka dolls in the proper order. As career-driven dolls, those babushkas have been replaced with appropriate career head gear.
C. Escape Room puzzle. Use the abilities of 3 characters from the game to move all three to the upper level of a house. Each character has from one to 3 skills which they carry with them. You will use all of them and choose between their skills to get through the house.
D. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Matching puzzle. Match up 12 heads with 12 silhouette heads emanating from a ghost. (2) Sequence puzzle. Repeat the sequence of skeletal hands 2X
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Maze puzzle. For three keyholes in the middle of the maze. (1) Choose the correct key which has a path from the keyhole to the key at the top of the maze. (2) Take the key and replicate its design on the bottom right of the screen by having either 1, 2, 3 or 4 notches showing. (3) Place the key into the lock and turn it clockwise and/or counterclockwise the number of times as indicated by given directions
F. Navigate a sewer. Solve puzzles involving knights. (1) Choose the correct knight to open two exits and choose the correct one (2) Sequence puzzle. Click four knights in the proper sequence. Then choose between 3 exits (3) Choose a piece on one of the knights and interact with it Choose between two paths (4) Match up knights with their correct shields Choose between 3 paths (5) Place arrows into proper position and choose between 2 paths
B. Logic puzzle. According to given clues, place babushka dolls in the proper order. As career-driven dolls, those babushkas have been replaced with appropriate career head gear.
C. Escape Room puzzle. Use the abilities of 3 characters from the game to move all three to the upper level of a house. Each character has from one to 3 skills which they carry with them. You will use all of them and choose between their skills to get through the house.
D. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Matching puzzle. Match up 12 heads with 12 silhouette heads emanating from a ghost. (2) Sequence puzzle. Repeat the sequence of skeletal hands 2X
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Maze puzzle. For three keyholes in the middle of the maze. (1) Choose the correct key which has a path from the keyhole to the key at the top of the maze. (2) Take the key and replicate its design on the bottom right of the screen by having either 1, 2, 3 or 4 notches showing. (3) Place the key into the lock and turn it clockwise and/or counterclockwise the number of times as indicated by given directions
F. Navigate a sewer. Solve puzzles involving knights. (1) Choose the correct knight to open two exits and choose the correct one (2) Sequence puzzle. Click four knights in the proper sequence. Then choose between 3 exits (3) Choose a piece on one of the knights and interact with it Choose between two paths (4) Match up knights with their correct shields Choose between 3 paths (5) Place arrows into proper position and choose between 2 paths
I recommend this game!
A journey into the mirror world unleashes a powerful villain!
Overall rating
5
/
5
119 of 197 found this review helpful
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE MALL – WHO IS THE MONSTER HIDING BEHIND THE WALL? ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedSeptember 21, 2019
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Five-BN Games for providing one of the most creatively designed games offered this year.
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: 55 pages (My time: 7 Hours – a long saga)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 55 pages (My time: 7 Hours – a long saga)
OPINION: Be prepared to play a “monstrous” game! This is a very long game and one of the best games I have played this year! Join Alice, on a new adventure as she enters a looking glass – one which releases a venomous monster which she must battle without the aid of fellow travelers, Faraday and Ray. Our brave heroine is up to the challenge in this action-packed adventure.
To me, this is the best game to date from this developer. The story is well-written, based on a Greek mythological monster. I found the graphics more realistic looking than in previous games. The game is creatively designed – one which displays the time and effort which went into its creation. Once I began playing, I found myself totally immersed in this game and could not stop playing until it was finished!
This is my favorite series from this developer and this game is one which should appeal to puzzle lovers and HOP lovers alike. I usually don’t replay a game; however, I am replaying this one this weekend to enjoy the amazing number of puzzles offered! This is one game which is truly worth the price of a collector’s edition.
This is my favorite series from this developer and this game is one which should appeal to puzzle lovers and HOP lovers alike. I usually don’t replay a game; however, I am replaying this one this weekend to enjoy the amazing number of puzzles offered! This is one game which is truly worth the price of a collector’s edition.
The collectibles are morphing objects and an assortment of different items. You must locate all the collectibles to open bonus puzzles at the end of the game. I found most easy to locate. I like the fact that codes are not written down on a sheet of paper and placed in the inventory. The player must either memorize the codes or write them down to remember them when they are used.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are the best I have played this year. They are puzzle-like in design. There are seventeen (17) within the game and extremely interactive. Most of the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. However, once the items are collected, they are used to interact with the scene to locate other items. Some items are well-hidden within the scene. There are puzzles within some the scenes as well. There are some scenes which only require placing items back into their proper position. There are also some which involve searching for a specific number of one item. One of the replacement scenes incorporates four (4) scenes which must be rotated to find the locations for the items. My favorite was one from the bonus chapter which requires rotating rings to create items to be removed.
MINI-GAMES: This game is a puzzle-lover’s delight! There are fifty-one (51) puzzles within this game. They vary in style and difficult. I do wish the developer had provided an option for more of these to be replayed. There are some fantastic puzzles within this game!
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Join Albert from the main game as he formulates a method to restore the stone statues in the meadow. Travel with him to the swamp to visit his former instructor, Teacher Young, who will help him create a formula to resurrect the statues. I found the graphics of the swamp beautifully illustrated. It is a long chapter and well-worth the designation of a collector’s edition. There are three (3) interactive HOP scenes and ten (10) mini-games. The activities, to me, are as good as those of the main game and I feel the HOP scenes are better than some of those in the main game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-two (22) achievements.
• Collect thirty-two (32) morphing objects. Collect all to open 20 levels of a bonus mini-game.
• Collect eight (8) bullfinches, seven (7) apples, eight (8) butterflies, and nine (9) phoenixes.
• Collect twelve (12) tin cans in the bonus chapter to open a bonus puzzle.
• Eleven (11) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay twelve (12) mini-games.
• Twenty-two (22) achievements.
• Collect thirty-two (32) morphing objects. Collect all to open 20 levels of a bonus mini-game.
• Collect eight (8) bullfinches, seven (7) apples, eight (8) butterflies, and nine (9) phoenixes.
• Collect twelve (12) tin cans in the bonus chapter to open a bonus puzzle.
• Eleven (11) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay twelve (12) mini-games.
SPOILERS: There are fifty-one (51) mini-games within this game. Here are a few of my favorites:
A. Paint puzzle. Paint a picture as per a given diagram. Click on four vials of paint to fill in the picture and then remove paint from areas by clicking on them. Go back-and-forth until each area is filled with the correct color.
B. Matching puzzle. For each of 3 animals -, a cat, a bird and a fish - locate 3 tokens on a circular grid which are related to each one. Rotate 3 circles to find the 3 correct tokens.
C. Connect the dots. Make a key by connecting dots as shown in a diagram. There must not be any breaks in the connection of the dots. This puzzle appears 3 times and increases in difficulty
D. Weights and balances puzzle. Distributed weights so both sides of a scale are equal.
E. Logic puzzle. Locate the one animal in each row in a grid full of animals which is not related to the others.
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Move pieces of “bijous” (which means jewelry pieces in French) so that each is with the proper piece of jewelry.
G. Assembly puzzle Move four rows with statue heads left and right so that the heads drop down until they are situated on the correct bodies
H. Sequence puzzle. Pull out spears in sequence. Some spears block other spears. Must be removed in sequential order.
BONUS CHAPTER
I. Matching puzzle. Click on 6 squares to that the petals of the small flowers connected to the squares are the same color.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 gnomes so each one is situated with its proper weapon.
K. Map puzzle. Ride a bird through rocks and poor visibility avoiding obstacles in your path.
L. Maze puzzle. Lead a knob through an ant farm maze to its exit.
B. Matching puzzle. For each of 3 animals -, a cat, a bird and a fish - locate 3 tokens on a circular grid which are related to each one. Rotate 3 circles to find the 3 correct tokens.
C. Connect the dots. Make a key by connecting dots as shown in a diagram. There must not be any breaks in the connection of the dots. This puzzle appears 3 times and increases in difficulty
D. Weights and balances puzzle. Distributed weights so both sides of a scale are equal.
E. Logic puzzle. Locate the one animal in each row in a grid full of animals which is not related to the others.
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Move pieces of “bijous” (which means jewelry pieces in French) so that each is with the proper piece of jewelry.
G. Assembly puzzle Move four rows with statue heads left and right so that the heads drop down until they are situated on the correct bodies
H. Sequence puzzle. Pull out spears in sequence. Some spears block other spears. Must be removed in sequential order.
BONUS CHAPTER
I. Matching puzzle. Click on 6 squares to that the petals of the small flowers connected to the squares are the same color.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 gnomes so each one is situated with its proper weapon.
K. Map puzzle. Ride a bird through rocks and poor visibility avoiding obstacles in your path.
L. Maze puzzle. Lead a knob through an ant farm maze to its exit.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a dangerous curse from destroying the realm?
Overall rating
5
/
5
103 of 207 found this review helpful
“DUCK“ IN-AND-OUT OF DANGER DEALING WITH A CURSE MOST “FOWL.”
PostedSeptember 19, 2019
sunnyglow
fromWith all the “fowl” elements in this game, you will need to “duck” in and out of danger as you confront an evildoer. Save the world before it takes a “swan” dive into darkness. Let’s hope you are not allergic to feathers!
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
10 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My time: 6-1/2 Hours – long game)
10 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My time: 6-1/2 Hours – long game)
OPINION: Welcome to Spain, detective! Save a cursed princess trapped within a painting so she can stop a dark force out to devour the entire world. This is another fantastic game in this beloved series. It is an easy breezy game which should appeal to all ages. It is also a very long game, one which is well-worth the collector’s edition designation. The story is well-written. The game is beautifully illustrated with a gem-like opalescence. I love the fact the chapters are identified throughout the game. With ten (10) chapters within this game, it made it easier to consult the strategy guide when needed.
There are two (2) collectibles. Collect pieces to unlock seven (7) parables – five (5) in the main game and two (2) in the bonus chapter. There are also morphing objects to collect. I found most easy to locate. There is only one style of HOP scene. There are twenty-one (21) FROG scenes. Each one creates a jewel encrusted inventory item to be used within the game. There are an equal number of puzzles – twenty (20) in all. Most of the puzzles are easy and vary in style. All the HOP scenes and puzzles can be replayed after the game is completed.
My only complaint are the lag times within the game. This is a very long game. I feel a game of this size needs more puzzles and HOP scenes than what was offered in this one. Most of the game centers on investigating scenes and searching for inventory items to be used in yet another scene. With only one style of HOP scene (FROG scenes) and long lag times between puzzles, I became somewhat bored toward the end of the game. I do believe this game would be better if it were shorter. Some of the game, as well as the story, felt as if it were tacked on as filler to make the game seem longer.
BONUS GAME: It is a sequel named “The Knight’s Name Taboo.” Play Benno, one of the art students from the main game. After the traumatic events from the main game, the princess is recuperating along with your friend, Siegfried. When the princess goes missing, you and Siegfried go in search of her. When Siegfried is trapped within a painting, you alone must save them both. This is a nice addition to the game. There are five (5) FROG scenes and four (4) puzzles. Continue to collect the collectibles throughout this chapter. To me, this is a nice addition to the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twelve (12) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) pieces to unlock five (5) parables in the main game and
two (2) in the bonus chapter
• Collect twenty-one (21) morphing objects
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay twenty (20) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) puzzles
• Twelve (12) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) pieces to unlock five (5) parables in the main game and
two (2) in the bonus chapter
• Collect twenty-one (21) morphing objects
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay twenty (20) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) puzzles
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch knights on a grid, placing each one into its proper position by color and symbol. Knights can only switch with ones next to them.
B. Logic puzzle. On a grid with red-eyed crows and regular crows, choose lines which separate the red eyed crows from the normal ones.
C. Mosaic puzzle. Place pieces into position on a round portrait to reassemble a picture.
D. Isn’t that just ducky! Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings containing ducklings and black swans so that the nice, sweet ducklings surround the evil dark swans – with all the dark swans in the middle.
E. Strategy puzzle. Lead a crab through a checkboard maze collecting brown and blue mollusks until it reaches its destination at the bottom right of the grid. Clicking on the crab produces arrows. Plot your course so you don’t run out of moves. Each mollusk captured grants additional moves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect all dots on the top of a box. All dots must be connected, and every path covered without retracing steps.
G. Gear puzzle. Switch and connect gears so they mesh with each other.
B. Logic puzzle. On a grid with red-eyed crows and regular crows, choose lines which separate the red eyed crows from the normal ones.
C. Mosaic puzzle. Place pieces into position on a round portrait to reassemble a picture.
D. Isn’t that just ducky! Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings containing ducklings and black swans so that the nice, sweet ducklings surround the evil dark swans – with all the dark swans in the middle.
E. Strategy puzzle. Lead a crab through a checkboard maze collecting brown and blue mollusks until it reaches its destination at the bottom right of the grid. Clicking on the crab produces arrows. Plot your course so you don’t run out of moves. Each mollusk captured grants additional moves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect all dots on the top of a box. All dots must be connected, and every path covered without retracing steps.
G. Gear puzzle. Switch and connect gears so they mesh with each other.
SPOILERS: PARABLES FROM THE GAME:
Main Game: “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Water of Life,” “The Ugly Princess,” “White Swan/Black Swan,” and “The Clan with No Hearts “
Bonus Chapter: “The Swan Knight” and “The Realm of Darkness”
Bonus Chapter: “The Swan Knight” and “The Realm of Darkness”
I recommend this game!
A rock band reunion takes a deadly detour into a nightmare!
Overall rating
2
/
5
122 of 246 found this review helpful
A SHORT TRIP TO DOWNBEAT IN A GAME WHICH IS ANYTHING BUT UPBEAT
PostedSeptember 14, 2019
sunnyglow
fromPerhaps the developer of this game should visit Downbeat as well to absorb some of the creative genius missing from this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages (My time: 3 hours - a very short game)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages (My time: 3 hours - a very short game)
OPINION: As a budding journalist, you are off to interview the members of the legendary rock band, Velvet Whisper, reuniting after twenty (20) years. You are upbeat; however, your jubilant attitude will soon dissipate when you arrive in Downbeat, an alternate reality created out of fragments of the past. Despite the confusing story from the demo, I purchased this game and then regretted my decision. I was shocked at the brevity of this game and the lack of creativity, a trademark of this developer’s games. Nevertheless, this game may appeal to those who like sci-fi games or easy breezy games. Overall, it is a short game with standard straight HOP scenes and simplistic puzzles. To me, this game is NOT worth the price of a collector’s edition game and NOT reflective of the quality of past games from this developer.
In the beginning, I found the story confusing. I suffered my own brain “fog” assessing what was happening in the story behind the game. However, after the demo, the story behind the game became clearer. It is a sci-fi adventure propelling the player into an alternate reality where an evildoer lets a “genie out of the ‘music’ box,” so to speak, causing chaos. The graphics well-depict the music theme behind the game with most puzzles and HOP scenes reflecting that theme as well. The background music is reminiscent of rock from the 60’s and 70’s. There are the usual collectibles – morphing objects and this developer’s trademark swirls. There are morphing objects within most of the HOP scenes as well. I found all easy to locate. There is an error in the strategy guide. There is one morphing object which is not indicated in in picture E of the guide.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are disappointing. There are only seventeen (17) within the entire game. Most are straight lists of items and not interactive. They lack any creative design. By the end of the game, I was bored with playing the HOP scenes, all cookie cutter versions of each other. You can replay all of them if you wish. There are also a few mini-HOP scenes along with some silhouette and storybook scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are only thirteen (13) mini-games in the entire game. Unbelievable! For a collector’s edition I expected more than this paltry number. They are all easy, a little too easy for my taste. I found none which even approached average difficulty. You cannot replay any of the mini-games at the end of the game. This is something I do wish this developer would provide. I would rather replaythe puzzles than those boring HOP scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are only thirteen (13) mini-games in the entire game. Unbelievable! For a collector’s edition I expected more than this paltry number. They are all easy, a little too easy for my taste. I found none which even approached average difficulty. You cannot replay any of the mini-games at the end of the game. This is something I do wish this developer would provide. I would rather replaythe puzzles than those boring HOP scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• Ten (10) achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) collectibles
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects within the scenes
• Collect seventeen (17) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect twenty-seven (27) treasures at the end of the game
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) 17 HOP scenes
• Ten (10) achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) collectibles
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects within the scenes
• Collect seventeen (17) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect twenty-seven (27) treasures at the end of the game
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) 17 HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: Rock on grandma! In this sequel, join aging rock goddess Lisa Ames as she helps her granddaughter break into the music business. When her granddaughter is kidnapped during the recording session, it is grandma to the rescue. Lisa is off on her motorcycle to confront a hooded evildoer. To me this chapter is very short with only two (2) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes. Continue collecting the collectibles. To me, this chapter, as well as the whole game, is not worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Matching puzzle. Using a syringe, melt and remove tumblers so that the inside of the lock is identical to that on a given diagram
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles on grid containing segments of train tracks until all are interconnected. Then lead the train to the designated exit by pressing arrows at the sides to lead it down the proper tracks
C. Sequence puzzle. Figure out the proper sequence to remove boards on the doors of an orphanage.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a mosaic to match that on a given picture
E. Picture puzzle. Place pieces of a Tuba into position on a diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored nodes within a grid. 2 X. Connecting lines may not cross.
G. Assembly puzzle. Boogie on down while defeating the evildoer. Combine two notes or musical symbols to create a given image. 3X
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles on grid containing segments of train tracks until all are interconnected. Then lead the train to the designated exit by pressing arrows at the sides to lead it down the proper tracks
C. Sequence puzzle. Figure out the proper sequence to remove boards on the doors of an orphanage.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a mosaic to match that on a given picture
E. Picture puzzle. Place pieces of a Tuba into position on a diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored nodes within a grid. 2 X. Connecting lines may not cross.
G. Assembly puzzle. Boogie on down while defeating the evildoer. Combine two notes or musical symbols to create a given image. 3X
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save Vienna from a masked Phantom’s wrath?
Overall rating
5
/
5
111 of 243 found this review helpful
WALTZ AROUND VIENNA IN ONE OF THE BEST WHODUNIT GAMES OF THE YEAR!
PostedSeptember 12, 2019
sunnyglow
fromJohann Strauss, the Waltz King, wrote a beautiful waltz, “Tales from the Vienna Woods.” After playing this game, perhaps he should have named it “Tales from the Vienna Neighborhoods” instead.
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:45 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:45 pages
OPINION: What a fantastic whodunit! Enjoy sleuthing through Vienna as you, detective investigate the case of another phantom of the opera. This phantom is threatening the cast and crew of the Vienna Opera House striking fear throughout Vienna. This game is a creative delight filled with exquisite puzzles with creatively designed HOP scenes baked into the mix. It reminds me of the fantastic HOP games from the past. To me, this is the best game from this developer to date.
The gaming script is well-written based loosely on “The Phantom of the Opera” blended with the addition of the historical figure of Viennese Waltz King, Johann Strauss. The game is fast paced with most of the activities centered around collecting data and then analyzing it. The game has an all-seeing eye, placed on the inventory bar. It opens a mini-HOP scene with items used in making deductions concerning the case. There are eleven (11) of these within the game. The player is also given a notebook in which to collect evidence. “There will be justice!” states the Phantom throughout the game. The player will be judge and jury and have the option to choose that justice at the end of the game.
Collect morphing objects and letters of the alphabet. There is a bar at the left side of the screen which indicates how many collectibles are within the scene. The chapters for this game are designated, which is a nice touch and one I wish more developers would employ. It makes it easier to use the strategy guide if one knows what chapter he or she is in while playing the game. There is an additional word puzzle provided at the end of the game.
HOP SCENES: They are the best part of this game. The scenes are some of the most creative ones I have played in some time. There are twenty-three (23) scenes plus a few mini-HOP scenes. They are highly interactive, and many have puzzles within the scenes. They include a wide variety of formats. Some of the scenes include two different styles of searches. There are scenes with rebus clues, matching scenes, replacement scenes plus the usual list of items, storybook, and silhouette. My favorite is a scene in which cut-outs of various items are placed within a scene over an item within the scene to create a new item to be removed. I have never seen this type of HOP scene before. But then again, this is an example of the creative design which went into the development of this game. Some scenes are repeated; however, the searches are different formats.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-five (25) mini-games. They vary in style and difficulty. I found none challenging. Some of the mini-games are repeated within the game. My favorite puzzle is a unique map puzzle which requires the player to formulate the number of spaces to move in order to lead a tram to the Vienna Opera House. It requires some math skills to formulate the steps needed to move through this maze.
MECHANICS:
Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
Twenty-three (23) achievements.
Collect thirty-four (34) morphing objects.
Collect twenty-seven (27) letters of the alphabet
Eleven (11) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
All-seeing eye. Click on it when you want to make deductions about a scene or person.
Briefcase in which to collect evidence throughout the case.
Replay twelve (12) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
Twenty-three (23) achievements.
Collect thirty-four (34) morphing objects.
Collect twenty-seven (27) letters of the alphabet
Eleven (11) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
All-seeing eye. Click on it when you want to make deductions about a scene or person.
Briefcase in which to collect evidence throughout the case.
Replay twelve (12) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER. It is a sequel. Johann Straus has lost his muse. This masked muse is unknown to him and appears just after sunset. Some of his friends believe the muse is a figment of his imagination and he is going insane. Save him from an asylum by searching for the identity of the muse. There are seven (7) mini-games and seven (7) puzzles. Continue collecting all the collectibles. I found the chapter long, of the same quality as the main game, and worthy of the collector’s edition designation.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Move a tram to its exit using arrows to indicate direction and then selecting from a set number of spaces the tram is to move. If it reaches a dead end it will continue going backward and forward until the number of spaces have been met.
B. Within a HOP scene. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on the spine of a book to recreate a design.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate circles to restore an image on a portrait.
D. Switch puzzle. On a 4 x 4 grid which is a wine case, switch bottles so that each bottle is listed in a row with the proper city listed at the side and the proper symbol listed at the top of each column.
E. Map puzzle. Create a route to lead a tram from City Hall to the Opera House by visiting all tram stops along the way.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Move a fox token and a bird token simultaneously. Both must pick up 5 related tokens within the grid at the same time.
G. Within HOP scene. Switch puzzle. Switch blades of a fan to create an image
H. Logic puzzle. Switch pieces on a 3 x 3 grid so the tokens match a given schematic by column and row.
B. Within a HOP scene. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on the spine of a book to recreate a design.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate circles to restore an image on a portrait.
D. Switch puzzle. On a 4 x 4 grid which is a wine case, switch bottles so that each bottle is listed in a row with the proper city listed at the side and the proper symbol listed at the top of each column.
E. Map puzzle. Create a route to lead a tram from City Hall to the Opera House by visiting all tram stops along the way.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Move a fox token and a bird token simultaneously. Both must pick up 5 related tokens within the grid at the same time.
G. Within HOP scene. Switch puzzle. Switch blades of a fan to create an image
H. Logic puzzle. Switch pieces on a 3 x 3 grid so the tokens match a given schematic by column and row.
I recommend this game!
Can you defeat an evil fairy queen to avenge your father?
Overall rating
4
/
5
92 of 175 found this review helpful
SPREAD YOUR WINGS AS YOU FLY INTO THE FACE OF FAMILY DRAMA
PostedSeptember 5, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThe Gray clan (with matriarch Anna and her wayward father, Richard) have nothing in the way of family drama in comparison to this family – a dysfunctional family which is a royal pain!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 6 ½ hours – long game)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 6 ½ hours – long game)
OPINION: As Prince Liam, venture to the Hallowed Kingdom to combat Queen Celeste at the bequest of your mother, Queen Henrietta. As you journey through this kingdom, uncover family secrets and treachery. To me, this is a mediocre game, not of the same quality as the previous ones in the series. I did not care for the story behind the game. The story is rather bizarre. I found it difficult keeping up with all the family ties and drama, especially in the bonus chapter.
The graphics are all decked out in bright purple and neon green, this developer’s signature colors. Purple cats, dragons and other forest creatures abound. Usually this developer’s games are fast paced; however, I found this game snail-paced in some parts. Although this game is better than many developers’ best games, to me it is not in the same league as past games from this developer. The game seems a watered-down version of previous games from this developer. Nevertheless, this developer provides more game for the money than those from other developers.
There are three (3) collectibles – bestiary pages, morphing jewelry, and amulets. There are three (3) indicator lights on the inventory bar to indicate when a collectible is within the scene. The amulets can be used to purchase items for a garden at the end of the game. I found most easy to locate. Play both Prince Liam and Queen Celeste in a tag team effort to battle the true evildoer.
HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in design; however, to me, they are not as creatively designed as those from previous games. There is a variety of different styles of HOP scenes, including the usual lists of items and silhouette. There are storybook scenes, matching scenes, a replacement scene and a spot the difference scene. There is an optional Match-3 game which can be played in lieu of the puzzles.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games. Most can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. Most developers do not offer this option, which I wish was available in more games. They are outstanding and creatively designed. To me, they are the best part of the game. However, I played two (2) mini-games which lacked clarity in the directions on how to solve them. I skipped these puzzles not understanding exactly what I was supposed to do to solve the puzzle.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-nine (39) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) pieces of morphing jewelry
• Collect fifteen (15) Bestiary pages
• Collect seventy (70) amulets
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) HOP scenes and seventeen (17) mini-games
• Tag team approach. Play both Prince Liam and Queen Celeste
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-nine (39) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) pieces of morphing jewelry
• Collect fifteen (15) Bestiary pages
• Collect seventy (70) amulets
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) HOP scenes and seventeen (17) mini-games
• Tag team approach. Play both Prince Liam and Queen Celeste
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Prince Liam is now the proud father of two (2) daughters. Upon the coronation of the youngest, Bethany, the evil sister of Queen Henrietta, Augustina, provides an icy reception, turning the kingdom into a frozen tundra of eternal slumber. Play Bethany’s older sister as you battle this evildoer and attempt to restore the kingdom. It is a long chapter – almost a third the size of the main game. There are ten (10) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. Continue collecting all the collectibles. I feel this chapter is better in some ways than the main chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO: (E= Easy - H-=Hard)
A. Mathematical puzzle. Using a 3-liter and 5-liter bottle, meaure liquid from an 8-liter bottle between these two bottles to get an exact measurement of 4 liters of liquid.
B. Maze puzzle. Using a map, go through a maze choosing the right directions to turn. The map will track your route.
C. Sequence puzzle. On a piano, repeat the sequence of keys given.
D. E/H Paint by number. In this case paint roses according to a given guide.
E. E/H Beat the computer. Fill up a grid with more of your tokens than those of the evildoer. Landing next to the token of your enemy, changes it to your token and vice versa. You can jump over tokens as well.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H Matching puzzle. Match up keys with their appropriate locks. Symbols on both must match.
G. E/H Sequence puzzle. Remove seaweed to allow a fishhook to move across the grid from right to left. If the hook hits seaweed, the puzzle restarts.
H. Mathematical puzzle. On a grid, use arrows to move rows of stars so that each column has the number of stars as indicated at the bottom of the screen.
I. Connection puzzle. Rotate tubes so that all spheres connected to the tubes are connected to a central one.
B. Maze puzzle. Using a map, go through a maze choosing the right directions to turn. The map will track your route.
C. Sequence puzzle. On a piano, repeat the sequence of keys given.
D. E/H Paint by number. In this case paint roses according to a given guide.
E. E/H Beat the computer. Fill up a grid with more of your tokens than those of the evildoer. Landing next to the token of your enemy, changes it to your token and vice versa. You can jump over tokens as well.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H Matching puzzle. Match up keys with their appropriate locks. Symbols on both must match.
G. E/H Sequence puzzle. Remove seaweed to allow a fishhook to move across the grid from right to left. If the hook hits seaweed, the puzzle restarts.
H. Mathematical puzzle. On a grid, use arrows to move rows of stars so that each column has the number of stars as indicated at the bottom of the screen.
I. Connection puzzle. Rotate tubes so that all spheres connected to the tubes are connected to a central one.
I recommend this game!