sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:818
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 24, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Whenever heroes gather, villains are sure to follow...
Overall rating
5
/
5
105 of 185 found this review helpful
S.H.R.I.N.E. FOR AGENTS - (Super Heroes’ Resolve Is Never Ending)
PostedMay 2, 2019
sunnyglow
fromLocation - Alternate reality. Owning that “athletic watch” displayed in the bonus chapter, I am searching online for information on how to set the watch so I too can hop back-and-forth between alternate realities.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OPINION: I love this new series.. Family drama queen Anna Gray along with her sidekick father, Richard, are two of my favorite HOP game characters. The story contributes to making this a fantastic game. The story begins with the three detectives given assignments in different locations which eventually weave into one central plot as the game progresses. The variety of locations and activities provide a fast pace and keep the player engaged. Although the game is short with fewer HOP scenes and puzzles than in most games, it is well-designed and kept my interest.
There are twenty-six (26) HOP scenes, nine (9) of which are mini-HOP scenes. The mini-HOP scenes contain between four (4) to eight (8) items which need to be located sequentially, one item at a time. The items are easy to locate within those scenes. The other scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. I was somewhat disappointed in the HOP scenes. There is little creative design demonstrated by these scenes. Most are junkpiles and not very interactive. Nevertheless, the mini-games are excellent. There are twenty (20) of them within the game. They vary in difficulty. There are some multiple-step ones. And although the HOP scenes are less than stellar, the mini-games and story behind this game make up for the lackluster HOP scenes. There are three collectibles which I found easy to locate.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eighteen (18) Achievements.
• Collect thirty (30) morphing objects
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing figurines of the characters
• Collect twenty (20) puzzle pieces creating screensavers
• Twelve (12) wallpapers along with concept art and music
• Replay fifteen (15) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
• Secret room played at the end to search for additional morphing items.
• Eighteen (18) Achievements.
• Collect thirty (30) morphing objects
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing figurines of the characters
• Collect twenty (20) puzzle pieces creating screensavers
• Twelve (12) wallpapers along with concept art and music
• Replay fifteen (15) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
• Secret room played at the end to search for additional morphing items.
OVERVIEW/STORY: Join the 3 super sleuths, Anna Gray, James Blackthorne, and Agent Brown as they tag team to solve another case. This time, the nefarious group S.H.R.I.N.E. is causing havoc. Operation Darkest Night is underway, a nefarious plan orchestrated by the mastermind of this group who will stop at nothing, even defying time and space, to succeed with his plans. Along for the ride is Anna’s ghostly father, Vincent, who, in this game, may wish he had remained in the afterlife.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. S.H.R.I.N.E. has been attacked and the super detectives are back on the case sans Anna Gray. Anna Gray is on vacation – or is she? Mysteriously, she is seen within the chapter, lurking in the background. Discover the story behind “Anna Gray” and her mysterious appearance within this chapter. Also, rescue members of S.H.R.I.N.E. as you travel to another dimension. This is a long chapter. It is decent addition to the game. A surprise announcement is made at the end of this chapter concerning “Anna Gray.” There are six (6) HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games in this chapter. Continue searching for all three collectibles. I found the chapter consistent with the quality of the main game and worthy the collector’s edition designation.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SAMPLES OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. 3-Part Mini-game. Move a car through a maze. (1) Assembly puzzle. Place segments of a track into position to lead a car to its destination. (2) Switch puzzle. Switch 4 geometric shapes on 4 dials so each dial has the same 4 geometric shapes. (3) Connection puzzle. Rotate and connect colored wires, connecting them from one end to the other. If you make any mistakes you must restart- even replaying the puzzles. Excellent mini-game!
B. Paint-by-number. Color segments of a map by matching symbols on each segment with a given guide. Click on the sections of the map until they turn the proper color.
C. Connect-the-dots. Connect all dots within a maze grid without retracing steps.
BONUS CHAPTER
D. 2-part mini-game. (1) Connection puzzle. Connect segments of a mechanism with circuits. (2) Sequence puzzle. Press buttons on the circuits in sequential order to activate a bridge.
E. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze using a flashlight, referring to a map displayed on the screen. The map will remain dark until you uncover paths which will be remain displayed once discovered.
B. Paint-by-number. Color segments of a map by matching symbols on each segment with a given guide. Click on the sections of the map until they turn the proper color.
C. Connect-the-dots. Connect all dots within a maze grid without retracing steps.
BONUS CHAPTER
D. 2-part mini-game. (1) Connection puzzle. Connect segments of a mechanism with circuits. (2) Sequence puzzle. Press buttons on the circuits in sequential order to activate a bridge.
E. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze using a flashlight, referring to a map displayed on the screen. The map will remain dark until you uncover paths which will be remain displayed once discovered.
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the paranormal activity haunting the mall?
Overall rating
5
/
5
106 of 188 found this review helpful
SHOP TILL YOU DROP (OUT OF SIGHT) WITHIN THIS MALL
PostedApril 27, 2019
sunnyglow
fromLocation? At the mall. If I don’t return, it’s probably because I shopped till I dropped – out of sight!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 Pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 Pages
OPINION: I love this series, and this is another fantastic addition to it. Although the main game and bonus game deal with elements of the paranormal; the fright factor is minimal. Nevertheless, there are some creepy moments within the game. The graphics include dimly-lit scenes set in the eerily quiet night-time setting at a mall. Creepy mannequins come to life and pop up unexpectedly adding a scare factor. This is a fast-paced game with plenty of activities set against the backdrop of a well-written story. The story masks the identity of the evildoer until the end.
The main game is rather short; however, the bonus chapter is long. There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes and twenty-three (23) puzzles. There are three (3) collectibles and most are well-hidden within the scenes. The HOP scenes are the usual lists of items, silhouette, storybook, and matching. Most are interactive. I was impressed with one creatively designed HOP scene. This search-and-replace HOP scene is set on a 3-dimensional cube. The cube must be rotated, items located and then returned to the proper location on one of the four scenes constituting the cube. There are some fantastic puzzles within this game. I found none challenging, with most of middle difficulty.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-one (21) achievements
• Collect 12 statuettes of characters in the game.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) eyes to open three (3) additional HOP scenes in the Secret Room
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with a screensaver, concept art, and music selections.
• Replay thirteen (13) puzzles and thirteen (13) HOP scenes
• Twenty-one (21) achievements
• Collect 12 statuettes of characters in the game.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) eyes to open three (3) additional HOP scenes in the Secret Room
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with a screensaver, concept art, and music selections.
• Replay thirteen (13) puzzles and thirteen (13) HOP scenes
OVERVIEW/STORY: Rick Rogers, paranormal detective, returns in another creepy tale. In this case, he is working undercover as a security guard to investigate nighttime paranormal activity at a mall. Security guards are being driven mad after only spending one night at this mall. Mannequins are coming to life along with other inexplicable events. Some evil entity is behind this and will taunt you throughout the game. Shall we play this game? If you do, you better play to win!
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. It is a month since the mall case was closed. More paranormal activity has returned to haunt this mall. Ghosts are everywhere within the mall, being summoned by an artifact., As Rick Rogers, you must find the cause of this ghostly activity and send these souls back to the afterlife. This is a long chapter with six (6) HOP scenes and seven (7) puzzles. In some ways I feel this chapter is better than the main game. I like the heart-wrenching story from this chapter better than the one from the main game. Continue to search for the collectibles within this chapter.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. It is a month since the mall case was closed. More paranormal activity has returned to haunt this mall. Ghosts are everywhere within the mall, being summoned by an artifact., As Rick Rogers, you must find the cause of this ghostly activity and send these souls back to the afterlife. This is a long chapter with six (6) HOP scenes and seven (7) puzzles. In some ways I feel this chapter is better than the main game. I like the heart-wrenching story from this chapter better than the one from the main game. Continue to search for the collectibles within this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Weights and balances puzzle. Place weights on two sides of a scale so each side is balanced with the other.
B. The Eyes Have it! Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide eyes along paths until they are all placed in the proper position as per a given code.
C. Cool Motorcycle Dude! Guide a motorcycle through the streets of a city by using arrows to avoid obstacles in its path. Only 3 collisions are allowed.
D. Matching puzzle. Match up thematically related items by uncovering hexagons with images upon them. If you make a mistake in matching, the previous matches return
E. Assembly puzzle. Make a key according to a given diagram. Use a drill with two different bits to create the indentations. Use arrows to adjust the height of the indentations and to move the drill right or left.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 2 or more like-colored gems to remove them. You must play until you capture the given number for each of 3 colored gems. You only have 17 moves.
G. Assembly puzzle. Move three knobs on a projector to restore an image. Moving one piece of the picture affects the others. Moving the pieces increases or decreases the size. 3X
H. Domino puzzle. Place family-oriented dominoes end-to-end so images match at the ends or with an image above the given domino.
B. The Eyes Have it! Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide eyes along paths until they are all placed in the proper position as per a given code.
C. Cool Motorcycle Dude! Guide a motorcycle through the streets of a city by using arrows to avoid obstacles in its path. Only 3 collisions are allowed.
D. Matching puzzle. Match up thematically related items by uncovering hexagons with images upon them. If you make a mistake in matching, the previous matches return
E. Assembly puzzle. Make a key according to a given diagram. Use a drill with two different bits to create the indentations. Use arrows to adjust the height of the indentations and to move the drill right or left.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 2 or more like-colored gems to remove them. You must play until you capture the given number for each of 3 colored gems. You only have 17 moves.
G. Assembly puzzle. Move three knobs on a projector to restore an image. Moving one piece of the picture affects the others. Moving the pieces increases or decreases the size. 3X
H. Domino puzzle. Place family-oriented dominoes end-to-end so images match at the ends or with an image above the given domino.
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the origins of a dangerous ancient artifact in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
194 of 284 found this review helpful
A HIDDEN EXPEDITION WHICH UNCOVERS AN EXCITING GAME
PostedApril 25, 2019
sunnyglow
fromLocation? Under the sea with mermaid Arielle searching for Roman treasure. Although it is past Easter, I am “egg-specially” interested in locating the eggs from this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 Pages (This is a long game)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 Pages (This is a long game)
OPINION: What a fantastic game! It is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure. This is a long game with a well-written story blending fantasy with historical facts. Travel to various regions of the Mediterranean including Italy, Sicily, Cairo, and France. The game has some breathtaking underwater scenes and some beautiful ones set in Cairo. There are fact cards which provide trivia on a variety of subjects.
The collectible is a turtle which is rather hard to miss in most scenes. There are morphing objects within the HOP scenes. Upon finishing the game, there are souvenirs to be collected within the scenes from the game. My only complaint is the gimmicky tool kit provided and the alignment puzzle which must be played to access the tools within it. Three circles must be aligned using a slider bar before the tool is released. The tools are used often and by the end of the game, I was tired to aligning those three circles to retrieve the needed tool.
There are an equal number of HOP scenes and mini-games. There are twenty (20) HOP scenes and twenty-one (21) mini-games. Most of the HOP scenes are lists of items or silhouette. There are a few multiple-step ones. There is a rebus scene, some storybook scenes, and some matching scenes. The puzzles are variations of ones seen in other games. They range in difficulty and style. I found none challenging – most being of moderate difficulty.
OVERVIEW/STORY: As Dr. Walter, an expert in Roman antiquities, you are called in to investigate a dig site in Pompeii. After discovering an amethyst encrusted trident, venture to various parts of the world to discover its history. Watch your back, however, as a nefarious criminal follows your every step throughout your travels.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirteen (13) achievements (some with 3 parts).
• Collect fact cards providing a potpourri of information concerning various topics
• Collect thirty-nine (39) turtles (Easy to locate) You can return to scenes at the end to search for them if you miss them within the scene.
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing objects within HOP scenes
• Collect twenty-one (21) souvenirs at the end of the game by returning to the scenes. (Some are well-hidden)
• Eight (8) Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Tool kit to help with the excavation. Align three circles before using the items.
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and sixteen (16) mini-games
• Thirteen (13) achievements (some with 3 parts).
• Collect fact cards providing a potpourri of information concerning various topics
• Collect thirty-nine (39) turtles (Easy to locate) You can return to scenes at the end to search for them if you miss them within the scene.
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing objects within HOP scenes
• Collect twenty-one (21) souvenirs at the end of the game by returning to the scenes. (Some are well-hidden)
• Eight (8) Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Tool kit to help with the excavation. Align three circles before using the items.
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and sixteen (16) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: Return to 200 B.C. You, as the Roman emissary, Agrippina, are shipwrecked off the cost of Hispania. You are saved by the commander, Cornelius; however, now this crazed soldier wants to become a god, controlling “Neptune’s children.” As foretold by the gods, you are the only one who can stop him and save the Roman Empire. Continue to collect turtles in this chapter along with the morphing objects. There are four HOP scenes and four (4) mini-games within this chapter. The graphics are incredibly beautiful. I found this an excellent addition to the game.
SPOILERS: THESE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Checkers puzzle. On a grid, switch the locations of two sets of tokens with 7 tokens in each set. Tokens jump over each other to move
B. Sequence puzzle. (Played 3 times in the game). Move 3 prongs of a trident so that all reach the bottom. Moving one affects the others.
C. Matching puzzle. Rotate 5 pentagons with numbers on each side around a center pentagon. The numbers on the center pentagon must match those on each pentagon abutting it.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored sockets by filling in spaces which connect them. Wires cannot cross each other. Each color has a specific number of spaces which can be used to connect them.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. On a grid with five (5) triangles with three pieces for each one, rotate and move the pieces so each triangle has pieces which match up in color There is a middle section, a pentagon which collects and rotates the pieces and in which you must assemble the triangles.
F. Connection puzzle. On a grid, move tokens with triangles on them to create paths so that all the triangles are connected.
G. Rotating tiles puzzle. On a grid rotate squares with path segments on them so that five tokens can move to their appropriate spot at the bottom of the grid as per a given code.
B. Sequence puzzle. (Played 3 times in the game). Move 3 prongs of a trident so that all reach the bottom. Moving one affects the others.
C. Matching puzzle. Rotate 5 pentagons with numbers on each side around a center pentagon. The numbers on the center pentagon must match those on each pentagon abutting it.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored sockets by filling in spaces which connect them. Wires cannot cross each other. Each color has a specific number of spaces which can be used to connect them.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. On a grid with five (5) triangles with three pieces for each one, rotate and move the pieces so each triangle has pieces which match up in color There is a middle section, a pentagon which collects and rotates the pieces and in which you must assemble the triangles.
F. Connection puzzle. On a grid, move tokens with triangles on them to create paths so that all the triangles are connected.
G. Rotating tiles puzzle. On a grid rotate squares with path segments on them so that five tokens can move to their appropriate spot at the bottom of the grid as per a given code.
I recommend this game!
My Brother Rabbit is a beautifully drawn adventure set in a surreal world that mixes reality with a child’s imagination
Overall rating
5
/
5
147 of 221 found this review helpful
A BREATHTAKING FAIRY TALE – AN AWARD-WINNING CLASSIC
PostedApril 20, 2019
sunnyglow
fromCongratulations to Artifex Mundi on an award-winning game! This game demonstrates an excellence in gaming few developers achieve. Hopefully there will be more games like this from this developer’s own studios in the future.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is a classic, a masterpiece! Its story is set in a fairy tale kingdom depicted with breathtaking cartoon-like graphics! The story is a heart touching tale of an older brother dealing with his little sister’s illness. He enters a fantasy world to cope with the fear he feels for his sister. In this world he is a rabbit, carrying his sister from location-to-location attempting to save her life in the only way he, as a child, can envision – in a world of fantasy where the impossible can become possible.
In the world of gaming, the impossible has become the possible for Artifex Mundi as well – a new style of HOP game. This game is what I consider a hybrid – combining the elements from a standard HOP game with those of an adventure game. It is a point-and-click adventure in which it is necessary to examine scenes to uncover necessary items or uncover areas which need to be acted upon. There is NO dialogue – rather actions and puzzles are indicated with visual references. The game itself is one ingenious large puzzle, requiring logic to deduce what actions are necessary to proceed within the game.
There is no strategy guide; however, there is a hint button to help you with the game. You can replay four (4) search and seek HOP scenes which require searching for parts to create four (4) whimsical machines which make noises as parts are added. There are other quasi-HOP searches in which a specific number of an item must be located to proceed in the game. Unlike most HOP games, different scenes must be searched to locate all the items. Some are well-hidden within those scenes. At times the player must complete some puzzle to gain access to them as well.
There are twenty-five (25) puzzles within the game. Most range from easy to medium difficulty. Unfortunately, you cannot replay the puzzles from this game. This is one aspect of this game I wish BFG had provided. The puzzles are thematic, and most are of middle difficulty. However, I found none terribly difficult. Puzzles can be skipped in this version of this game.
One nice feature provided by BFG is a digital copy of the artwork which can be downloaded. There are three (3) wallpapers along with a soulful, melodic soundtrack. I do hope this developer will continue to create more games from their own studios. This game is a perfect example of why they stand out in comparison to other game developers. This is an award-winning game not to be missed!
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SAMPLES OF THE PUZZLES WITHIN THE GAME
A. Connection puzzle. Connect two like colored tokens without crossing lines with other connections between tokens
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate three rings so that 3 different colored critters are situated on their same colored ring.
C. Sequence puzzle. Press on crystals to repeat a given sequence as to when they light up. 3X
D. Matching puzzle. Match up like symbols by clicking on germs to portray the symbols.
E. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture by placing pieces into their proper locations.
F. Pipe puzzle. Connection puzzle. Connect pipes so they allow water to flow from one end to the other.
G. Sequence puzzle. Remove mushrooms from a grid in the proper sequence until all are removed. Moving one affects the others.
H. Gear puzzle. Connect gears within a grid so they mesh with each other.
I. Tangram puzzle. Place irregular pieces into a grid so that all fit and mesh within a grid.
J. Mathematical puzzle. Turn keys on a circular grid by moving 3 spaces clockwise or two spaces counterclockwise until all keys are turned.
K. Connection puzzle. Connect pots with spouts so that the spouts connect to allow fluid to be transferred.
L. Domino puzzle. Place beetles with dots on their backs and fronts so that beetles next to each other match up with the number of dots on either the back or front with the beetle next to it.
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate three rings so that 3 different colored critters are situated on their same colored ring.
C. Sequence puzzle. Press on crystals to repeat a given sequence as to when they light up. 3X
D. Matching puzzle. Match up like symbols by clicking on germs to portray the symbols.
E. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture by placing pieces into their proper locations.
F. Pipe puzzle. Connection puzzle. Connect pipes so they allow water to flow from one end to the other.
G. Sequence puzzle. Remove mushrooms from a grid in the proper sequence until all are removed. Moving one affects the others.
H. Gear puzzle. Connect gears within a grid so they mesh with each other.
I. Tangram puzzle. Place irregular pieces into a grid so that all fit and mesh within a grid.
J. Mathematical puzzle. Turn keys on a circular grid by moving 3 spaces clockwise or two spaces counterclockwise until all keys are turned.
K. Connection puzzle. Connect pots with spouts so that the spouts connect to allow fluid to be transferred.
L. Domino puzzle. Place beetles with dots on their backs and fronts so that beetles next to each other match up with the number of dots on either the back or front with the beetle next to it.
FINAL TRIBUTE TO ARTIFEX MUNDI: In 2013, I played my favorite game by this developer, “Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren’s Call.” I was in awe of that game at the time with its beautiful graphics, wondrous activities, and beautiful storyline. Although now somewhat dated, to me, it is a classic and still one of my favorite games. Now years later, I am experiencing the same awe I felt back then. I do believe this game will become a classic as well. Thank you for reminding me that, although they may be rare, there are still some fantastic games being developed out there in the gaming world!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a mad mayor and his destructive robots?
Overall rating
5
/
5
125 of 213 found this review helpful
ESCAPE IRON ROCK IN A GAME YOU WON’T WANT TO ESCAPE
PostedApril 18, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThis game provides a new method for ice removal which could see an explosion in the use of hair spray. With a lighter and a can of hair spray you can create your own flame thrower, removing not only ice but everything else in the area as well.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 Pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 Pages
OPINION: Although this is not my favorite series from this developer, I found this game one of the better ones within this series. The story behind the game is a sci-fi delight with a twist of suspense. The graphics contain sci-fi elements and there are gadgets galore within this game. I found the game somewhat short, but creatively designed. There is some traveling back-and-forth between scenes; however, it is not excessive. I found the pace decent with plenty of activities. This is a great easy breezy game for those who love this series.
There are an equal number of HOP scenes and mini-games – twenty-two (22) of each. There is a variety of styles for the HOP scenes, but most of the scenes are lists of items and silhouette. Nevertheless, there are matching, storybook, and pattern scenes as well. There are few multiple-step ones with two different styles of scenes. They are somewhat interactive. There are a couple of scenes which I found creatively designed, including one which requires searching for items to build a hairdryer.
The mini-games vary in style, but most are thematic and easy with a few which are moderately difficult. There are some which are multiple-step as well. I enjoyed the puzzles, especially the nonogram (griddler) puzzle, which is not seen in many HOP games.
ELF RETURNS: For those who are dog lovers, Elf returns. Nevertheless, he is used sparingly within the game. He is used to retrieve needed items. I feel this game would stand on its own merit without this gimmicky pooch; however, I know there is a huge fan base for Elf. It is a personal preference; however, I would prefer to see helpers and other gimmicks removed from these games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-three (23) achievements.
• Collect thirty (30) postcard pieces for three (3) postcards
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect twelve (12) gemstones and minerals
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art and music.
• Helper Elf returns to retrieve items.
• Replay thirteen (13) mini-games and fourteen (14) HOP scenes contained in a Secret Room.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-three (23) achievements.
• Collect thirty (30) postcard pieces for three (3) postcards
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect twelve (12) gemstones and minerals
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art and music.
• Helper Elf returns to retrieve items.
• Replay thirteen (13) mini-games and fourteen (14) HOP scenes contained in a Secret Room.
STORY/OVERVIEW: Grab your hard hat as you enter the sparsely populated mining town, Iron Rock. After crash landing your plane, you are off to locate a missing agent. The few inhabitants of this burg possess special abilities provided by the special properties of Eternal Iron. There are hidden secrets in this town and a masked mayor who keeps its inhabitants under surveillance, using robots to imprison them within its borders. Now you must not only locate the missing agent, but also must tackle this mayor and plan your escape.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. As Rachel, a new trainee for the Mystery Trackers, return to Iron Rock. The Dark Trackers have invaded this town and are up to their usual nefarious activities. When your mentor, Agent Shade, becomes injured, it will be up you to save her and stop the Dark Trackers from their dastardly deeds. The chapter is of decent length. There are six (6) HOP scenes and five (5) mini-puzzles. Collectibles continue to be collected within the chapter. However, alas! Elf disappears and is no where to be seen!
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Tracing puzzle. Move a chip on a grid to recreate a mirror image of a given image
B. Multiple step. (1) Mathematical puzzle. Decipher a code based on mathematical principles (2) Logic puzzle. Press on squares on a 4 x 4 grid so that all squares are changed from green to blue. Pressing a square will change the color of the ones in the same row and column as the square (3) Sequence puzzle. Press on lights so all are lit. Lighting one affects the others.
C. Sequence puzzle. On a clock, push on “fingers” which move the clock hand either three spaces clockwise or two spaces counterclockwise to light all numbers on the clock.
D. Nonogram puzzle. Push in numbers on a grid so that the number of squares pushed equals the number listed at the top of the columns and rows.
E. Multiple step. (1) Bullseye. Zap psychic rays with your super-duper psychic ray device. (2) Rope puzzle. Untangle lines so they don’t cross each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Create a path from the town hall to a house by creating a path by clicking arrows. You cannot retrace your steps.
G. Maze puzzle. Plot steps before moving through a set of mazes. Use arrows at the top. There are a specific number of moves to traverse through each maze. 3X
B. Multiple step. (1) Mathematical puzzle. Decipher a code based on mathematical principles (2) Logic puzzle. Press on squares on a 4 x 4 grid so that all squares are changed from green to blue. Pressing a square will change the color of the ones in the same row and column as the square (3) Sequence puzzle. Press on lights so all are lit. Lighting one affects the others.
C. Sequence puzzle. On a clock, push on “fingers” which move the clock hand either three spaces clockwise or two spaces counterclockwise to light all numbers on the clock.
D. Nonogram puzzle. Push in numbers on a grid so that the number of squares pushed equals the number listed at the top of the columns and rows.
E. Multiple step. (1) Bullseye. Zap psychic rays with your super-duper psychic ray device. (2) Rope puzzle. Untangle lines so they don’t cross each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Create a path from the town hall to a house by creating a path by clicking arrows. You cannot retrace your steps.
G. Maze puzzle. Plot steps before moving through a set of mazes. Use arrows at the top. There are a specific number of moves to traverse through each maze. 3X
I recommend this game!
Can you stop an ancient legend from coming to life?
Overall rating
1
/
5
136 of 227 found this review helpful
A GAME WITH THAT (BOW) WOW FACTOR
PostedApril 11, 2019
sunnyglow
fromLocation? An ark. In attempt to win the “Gamer of the Year” award, I am doing my “good deed” by designing and building an ark to pick up all “cutesy” animals and those doggone (an appropriate adjective) animal helpers from this and future HOP games..
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter
OPINION: This is a fantastic game for animal lovers (including dog aficionados) and children. It is an easy breezy game with simplistic puzzles. This game does not appeal to me. There is no “wow factor” (in this case, more of a “bow wow” factor) within the demo to entice me to purchase it. For me, this is the worst game to appear this year. Just dreadful!
I found the demo boring and too mawkish for my taste. The story is absurd, appearing as if the writers stitched various unrelated themes together to create a venue in which to toss in a menagerie of animals. The game is set in Iceland, but the background music seems to have an Irish lilt to it. Oh well! Iceland and Ireland have similar spellings, so why not interchange the music well? The graphics feature many animals and animal images throughout
The extremely easy mini-games, gimmicky glasses, dog helper, and all sorts of animals scurrying about turned me off from playing this game. Since there are only two HOP scenes in the demo, it is hard to ascertain their quality. However, one of those is a junkpile with a list of items and the other is a storybook scene. I found the design of both lacking. Hopefully, there will be better games in the future from this developer. After some time without “game helpers,” I hope this game is not a portend of “cutesy” helpers making a comeback in future HOP games!
OVERVIEW/STORY: Welcome to Iceland! Your daughter Willow has always loved animals. Now, she has been nominated for the Person of the Year award for designing and building an animal shelter. You planned to attend the ceremony; however, upon arrival, you discover her missing and her apartment ransacked. She and others have been kidnapped. Adding to the chaos is the imminent eruption of a local volcano. Could it be these disappearances are somehow tied to this volcano? As an investigative journalist, you are off to rescue your daughter while dealing an ineffective town bureaucracy and hidden secrets involving the disappearances.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect fifty-four (54) birds and morphing objects. There is an indicator bar at the left which indicates how many of the collectibles are within the scene.
• Six (6) Wallpapers and five (5) screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• “Helper” dog to dig holes, act cute and provide that “sigh” factor.
• Portfolio in which to keep evidence.
• Gimmicky glasses with a ruby lens to disclose the truth.
• There is a replay of some of the HOP scenes and mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect fifty-four (54) birds and morphing objects. There is an indicator bar at the left which indicates how many of the collectibles are within the scene.
• Six (6) Wallpapers and five (5) screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• “Helper” dog to dig holes, act cute and provide that “sigh” factor.
• Portfolio in which to keep evidence.
• Gimmicky glasses with a ruby lens to disclose the truth.
• There is a replay of some of the HOP scenes and mini-games
SPOILERS: HERE ARE THE MINI-GAMES FROM THE DEMO:
A. Logic puzzle. On a vending machine, click on items which relate to a given image.
B. Matching puzzle. Choose between photos to answer questions.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 4 pieces on five photos to restore the photos.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of animal medallions so they are restored according to the image of an animal beneath them.
E. Match-3 puzzle. Remove specified tiles from the grid while matching up 3 or more gems of the same color. Play more than one scene. You have a specific number of moves for each scene.
B. Matching puzzle. Choose between photos to answer questions.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 4 pieces on five photos to restore the photos.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of animal medallions so they are restored according to the image of an animal beneath them.
E. Match-3 puzzle. Remove specified tiles from the grid while matching up 3 or more gems of the same color. Play more than one scene. You have a specific number of moves for each scene.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a dangerous game from taking more lives?
Overall rating
5
/
5
135 of 216 found this review helpful
AHOY! POKER PLAYERS WANTED ON THE “DECK” ABOARD THIS SHIP
PostedApril 4, 2019
sunnyglow
fromIt’s in the cards! Domini continues to deal award-winning 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
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages
OVERVIEW: Sail off into a soul-wrenching adventure as you, detective, board a casino ship, the Princess Lolita. Your friend has been invited by the ship’s owner, William Gladstone, with you as her sleuthing companion. Don’t forget to pack your paranormal skills in your suitcase. You are going to need them in this game! Players will ante up more than money playing cards on this voyage. Ahoy! All poker players on deck! – a deck of cards that is.
OPINION: Domini has hit the jackpot with this game! Again, Domini Games has dealt us another winning game flush with those extras that other developers do not provide in their games. The story behind the game is well-written. This is a fast-paced game with top-notch HOP scenes, mini-games, and collectibles. The developer uses different formats for each HOP scene instead of the repetitive lists of items alternated with silhouette scenes used in other developer’s games. The graphics well-depict a casino environment. My only complaint is the overuse of neon green and purple. Perhaps these colors are now a trademark of this developer’s games; however, I would love to see this developer utilize other color schemes within their games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing cards, sixty (60) chips and fifteen (15) cocktails. There is an indicator bar to indicate if there is an item within a scene. Easy to locate
• Chips collected can be used to purchase items for a VIP room
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Choice between “Hard” or "Easy" puzzles in the menu
• Gimmicky phone on the inventory bar which is a hotline to the spirit world.
• Replay fifteen (15) mini-games and eighteen (18) HOP scenes.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing cards, sixty (60) chips and fifteen (15) cocktails. There is an indicator bar to indicate if there is an item within a scene. Easy to locate
• Chips collected can be used to purchase items for a VIP room
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Choice between “Hard” or "Easy" puzzles in the menu
• Gimmicky phone on the inventory bar which is a hotline to the spirit world.
• Replay fifteen (15) mini-games and eighteen (18) HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: This chapter is another story involving your friend, Virginia. While visiting her on the set of a new film, “The Puppet Witch,” a spirit hiding within an old doll is released. This spirit, a puppeteer, is out to cause havoc by trying to resurrect his wife, Greta. Now, using your paranormal abilities, you must stop him. The story is decent; however, I found the theme identical to the one in the main game. There are eight (8) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. Continue searching for collectibles within the chapter. I found the quality equal to that of the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) scenes in the game. They are varied, creatively designed, and interactive. There is a Match-3 puzzle which can be played in lieu of the scene. I love the scenes which have sliders at the top and along the side used to move silhouettes to matching items within the scene. Other scenes include rebus clues, spot-the-differences, storybook, and replacement.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-five (35) mini-games. Most can be played in either a “hard” or “easy” mode. Although this designation can be set in the menu, the difficulty of a puzzle can be changed while playing the puzzle.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch the location of 4 bottles on the left with 4 on the right using a middle grid with paths to move the bottles.
B. Physics puzzle. Adjust the angles of 8 valves regulating steam, to push a ball through a maze.
C. Connection puzzle. Place flowers on a grid so that the petals of the flowers connected with branches are the same.
D. Physical puzzle. Move a car down the road avoiding obstacles within its path using left and right arrows. If you hit anything you start over.
E. Beat the computer. Domino puzzle. Place dominoes on a grid. If your end matches that of your opponent, you capture that domino. Continue until all are used and you have more dominoes than your opponent.
F. Let’s play war! Card puzzle. Play against the computer. Play to win cards from your opponent. Play until one of you gets the most cards.
G. Ye Old Queens 8 Chess Puzzle. Place stars on a grid on a chess-like grid so no star is in the same row or column as another star.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Assembly puzzle. Using a planchette from a Ouija Board, choose symbols which comprise a symbol in the middle of the board. 4X
I. Assembly puzzle. Dress dolls with the proper attire.
J. Matching puzzle. Match up keys with their proper keyhole.
B. Physics puzzle. Adjust the angles of 8 valves regulating steam, to push a ball through a maze.
C. Connection puzzle. Place flowers on a grid so that the petals of the flowers connected with branches are the same.
D. Physical puzzle. Move a car down the road avoiding obstacles within its path using left and right arrows. If you hit anything you start over.
E. Beat the computer. Domino puzzle. Place dominoes on a grid. If your end matches that of your opponent, you capture that domino. Continue until all are used and you have more dominoes than your opponent.
F. Let’s play war! Card puzzle. Play against the computer. Play to win cards from your opponent. Play until one of you gets the most cards.
G. Ye Old Queens 8 Chess Puzzle. Place stars on a grid on a chess-like grid so no star is in the same row or column as another star.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Assembly puzzle. Using a planchette from a Ouija Board, choose symbols which comprise a symbol in the middle of the board. 4X
I. Assembly puzzle. Dress dolls with the proper attire.
J. Matching puzzle. Match up keys with their proper keyhole.
I recommend this game!
Face the legacy of mythical sunken city of Ys!
Overall rating
4
/
5
86 of 152 found this review helpful
SAVE PARIS BEFORE THE POWER GOES OUT!
PostedMarch 30, 2019
sunnyglow
fromTired of the high price of electricity? Instead of power lines, search for ley lines near your home and with an amulet – collect enough power to control the whole world!
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:
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 67 Pages
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 67 Pages
OVERVIEW: As part of the Myth Seekers, you, Amelia, are off to help your friend, Marlene. After discovering an amulet during an expedition, Marlene’s colleague becomes comatose and is returned to the Myth Seekers headquarters in Paris. This amulet contains hidden power and secrets tied to an ancient civilization, Ys. Now you and Marlene are off to learn the history of this sunken kingdom and its rival, Lutetia. Along the way, you will save Paris and the world from an evildoer out to harness this power for personal reasons.
OPINION: The story behind the game is excellent. The demo does not go into much depth concerning the story. There are more characters added and more history disclosed after the demo. The pace is decent although there is a great deal of back-and-forth action between scenes retrieving inventory items. The game is beautifully illustrated with some breathtaking scenes. Despite the number of chapters and lengthy strategy guide, the game is of average length.
MECHANICS:
• There are four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• There are twenty-eight (28) achievements – eighteen (18) for story and ten (10) for skill.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) masks - one per scene (Very large and easy to locate)
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art and cutscenes.
• Replay eight (8) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games
• There are four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• There are twenty-eight (28) achievements – eighteen (18) for story and ten (10) for skill.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) masks - one per scene (Very large and easy to locate)
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art and cutscenes.
• Replay eight (8) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Join a young apprentice baker with a pet ferret, Miffy, as he plans his escape from the island of Ys. Continue collecting the masks in this chapter. There are four (4) mini-games and two (2) HOP scenes in this chapter. The whimsical style of this chapter (with the inclusion of the “cutey” ferret) provides a contrast to the life-and-death struggle from the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are only thirteen (13) HOP scenes in the game. Two of these are questionable as to whether the developer considered them HOP scenes. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette. They are somewhat interactive. There is one FROG scene. A matching puzzle can be played in lieu of the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-one (31) puzzles within the game. They vary in difficulty and style. Most of the puzzles are those seen in other games. However, for the most part, they are creatively designed and thematic to fit the theme of the game. There are some puzzles which involve interacting with pages within a storybook which seemed more like HOP scenes than puzzles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide Druids into position so that the emblems on their torches match the two emblems on both sides of them.
B. Dot-to-dot puzzle. Connect dots on a grid without retracing steps.
C. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate triangular tiles to restore an image.
D. Map puzzle. Follow instructions to lead a ship to its port.
E. Logic puzzle. Choose between 3 musical notes (each of which has a specific number of spaces assigned to it) to move a bird to a space with an amulet. There are only 8 moves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Map puzzle. Move through the streets of a town to a bakery while avoiding wolves.
G. Paint-by-number: In this case, color the icing on a cake according to given directions.
H. Physical puzzle. Navigate through water to shore while avoiding rocks. Use left-and-right arrows to steer the boat.
B. Dot-to-dot puzzle. Connect dots on a grid without retracing steps.
C. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate triangular tiles to restore an image.
D. Map puzzle. Follow instructions to lead a ship to its port.
E. Logic puzzle. Choose between 3 musical notes (each of which has a specific number of spaces assigned to it) to move a bird to a space with an amulet. There are only 8 moves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Map puzzle. Move through the streets of a town to a bakery while avoiding wolves.
G. Paint-by-number: In this case, color the icing on a cake according to given directions.
H. Physical puzzle. Navigate through water to shore while avoiding rocks. Use left-and-right arrows to steer the boat.
I recommend this game!
A series of museum robberies leads to a shocking discovery!
Overall rating
3
/
5
100 of 150 found this review helpful
A NEW GENERATION OF GRAY FAMILY DRAMA
PostedMarch 28, 2019
sunnyglow
fromLocation? Traveling back in time when Elephant provided a variety of creatively designed HOP scenes.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 Pages (It is a short game)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 Pages (It is a short game)
OVERVIEW: Anna Gray is back with more family drama. Anna’s sister, Louisa, needs help in retrieving a valuable artifact, stolen from a local museum. CCTV cameras have not been able to identify the culprits, only that they appear to be in their teens. Using her unique abilities to travel back in time, Anna discovers some shocking family secrets related to this crime. Return to the past with Anna to stop a wayward family member from entering the world of crime.
OPINION: I love this series; however, I was somewhat disappointed by this game. There are some good aspects of this game. The story is well-written with Anna’s ghostly father, Richard returning to provide some comic relief. The graphics are consistent with the previous games.
There are aspects which I feel are not of the same quality as the previous games. The game is shorter. There are fewer activities making the game slow paced in some parts. Unlike previous games, there is a great deal of time filler with back-and-forth movement searching for items in one scene to be used in yet another scene. There are fewer HOP scenes and mini-games, with the HOP scenes lacking variety and creativity.
I recommend this game with reservations. It is one which may appeal to those who like HOP scenes with straight lists of items and/or do not like a game with lot of puzzles. I bought this game and then regretted my decision.
MECHANICS:
• There are four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• There are twenty-two (22) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects and twelve (12) figurines of the characters from the game. Easy to locate
• Collect forty-eight (48) jigsaw pieces which create 3 screensavers. Easy to locate
• There are eight (8) wallpapers along concept art, and music selections
• There is a Secret Room available at the end of the game in which the player searches for morphing objects from the scenes of the game.
• There are Archives which contain 13 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games which can be replayed.
• Richard Gray, Ana’s father, makes an encore appearance providing comic relief and assistance to his daughter in the case.
• There are twenty-two (22) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects and twelve (12) figurines of the characters from the game. Easy to locate
• Collect forty-eight (48) jigsaw pieces which create 3 screensavers. Easy to locate
• There are eight (8) wallpapers along concept art, and music selections
• There is a Secret Room available at the end of the game in which the player searches for morphing objects from the scenes of the game.
• There are Archives which contain 13 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games which can be replayed.
• Richard Gray, Ana’s father, makes an encore appearance providing comic relief and assistance to his daughter in the case.
BONUS CHAPTER: Time for a new generation of Grays to display their talents! Join Jared Gray, who, with his power to create illusions, has found himself in a world of distorted reality. Enter three periods of his life which he must correct in order to return to the real world. Returning in this chapter is Vincent to help Jared. The story is excellent. There is a good pace with the addition of three different stories within the chapter. There are six (6) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. It is consistent in style and content as the main game.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes should appeal to those who love straight searches for items. They lack variety and creative design. There are only twenty-one (21) in the entire game. Most of the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. Search for items within messy junkpiles in drawers, cabinets, cellars, tool boxes, chests or closets. They lack creativity and most are not interactive. Many of the scenes only have a few items to locate. I found them boring. I only found one I enjoyed, a scene in which jewelry items are returned to a jewelry box.
MINI-GAMES: The mini-games are better designed than the HOP scenes. Nevertheless, there are only twenty-four (24) in the entire game. There are few scenes which offer a series of puzzles in a row. They vary in style and difficulty.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
Rube-Goldberg puzzle (3 sequential puzzles – A to C)
A. Jigsaw puzzle. Restore an image by placing the pieces in the proper location.
B. Paint-by-Number puzzle. Paint a picture according to numbers which each represent a color.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch slats of a picture to restore the image.
D. Sequence puzzle. Turn gears to uncover three to four symbols which, when combined, create a picture in the center of the screen. You must turn each gear before seeing the symbol associated with it. The gears must be turned in sequential order or you must start again. 5X
E. 3-Part Map puzzle. Restore a road to save a family from a car accident. (1) Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces back into the proper position. (2) Assembly puzzle. Click on pieces of a road sign until it presents the proper image. (3) Sequence puzzle. Push down barriers to shut down parts of roads which have obstacles. Pushing one affects the others.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. Switch plates to create 3 given keyholes on a diagram.
G. Matching puzzle. Place tokens onto a grid according to a guide – which is upside down!
H. Rotating tiles puzzle. Using four circles, rotate 4 tokens with figures upon them so they align with the same figure on the side of the grid.
A. Jigsaw puzzle. Restore an image by placing the pieces in the proper location.
B. Paint-by-Number puzzle. Paint a picture according to numbers which each represent a color.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch slats of a picture to restore the image.
D. Sequence puzzle. Turn gears to uncover three to four symbols which, when combined, create a picture in the center of the screen. You must turn each gear before seeing the symbol associated with it. The gears must be turned in sequential order or you must start again. 5X
E. 3-Part Map puzzle. Restore a road to save a family from a car accident. (1) Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces back into the proper position. (2) Assembly puzzle. Click on pieces of a road sign until it presents the proper image. (3) Sequence puzzle. Push down barriers to shut down parts of roads which have obstacles. Pushing one affects the others.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. Switch plates to create 3 given keyholes on a diagram.
G. Matching puzzle. Place tokens onto a grid according to a guide – which is upside down!
H. Rotating tiles puzzle. Using four circles, rotate 4 tokens with figures upon them so they align with the same figure on the side of the grid.
I recommend this game!
Can you find out who’s kidnapping jurors before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
143 of 203 found this review helpful
THE RESURRECTION OF AMAX IN A KILLER GAME!
PostedMarch 23, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThis game has revitalized my interest in playing AMAX games. Let’s hope AMAX will never resurrect those animal sounds which are missing from this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME:
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 Pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 Pages
OVERVIEW: Detective! Join forces with Auguste Dupin to solve another case. A hooded evildoer has emerged and is on the prowl. This time, the jurors from the trial of a scientist, Dr. Brian, have been kidnapped. Witnesses believe Dr. Brian himself is involved with these abductions; however, how can that be possible when he was executed? Now, as a juror in the trial, Dupin is a target as well. Help him escape the clutches of the person(s) involved and investigate the motive behind these kidnappings and apprehend the culprit(s).
OPINION: What a fantastic game! I almost did not purchase this game do to the lackluster demo. This game is much better after the demo. This is one of the best games I have played from AMAX in some time. The story is superb. The story in the bonus chapter is even better. The pace is excellent. Instead of time-consuming HOP scenes, this game has many mini-HOP scenes which help maintain a good pace within the game. The game is well-illustrated with beautiful graphics. There are some wonderful puzzles and fantastic HOP scenes within this game. However, all these goodies appear AFTER the demo.
MECHANICS:
• 4 Levels of Play including a customized version.
• 12 Achievements
• Collect twenty-six (26) feathers and twenty-six (26) morphing objects
• Nine (9) Wallpapers and five (5) Screensavers – Casual Art, Music and Movies
• Replay fourteen (14) mini-games and fourteen (14) HOP scenes
• 43 mini-games (10 of these are in the bonus chapter)
• 38 HOP and mini-HOP scenes (12 of these are in the bonus chapter)
• 4 Levels of Play including a customized version.
• 12 Achievements
• Collect twenty-six (26) feathers and twenty-six (26) morphing objects
• Nine (9) Wallpapers and five (5) Screensavers – Casual Art, Music and Movies
• Replay fourteen (14) mini-games and fourteen (14) HOP scenes
• 43 mini-games (10 of these are in the bonus chapter)
• 38 HOP and mini-HOP scenes (12 of these are in the bonus chapter)
BONUS CHAPTER: This is one of the best bonus chapters I have played. The bonus chapter is long and to me, more creatively designed than the main game. It is a prequel with the story set three (3) years before the main story. Brian Marsh is on trial for murder. In a court of law, review the scene of the crime as seen by three (3) witnesses, one of which is Dupin. There is some comic relief provided by the character of Jerome Smith, a soothsayer, along with some whimsical scenes with an adorable cat. There are ten (10) mini-games along with twelve (12) HOP scenes and mini-HOP scenes. There are three puzzles in the bonus chapter which can be played in either a “casual” or “hard” mode. The best puzzles, in my opinion, are in this chapter.
HOP SCENES: Most of the scenes are lists of items. They are somewhat interactive. There are also storybook scenes, silhouette scenes, matching, and a few pattern scenes in which items are removed based on their pattern. My favorite is one in the bonus chapter which contains scenes on three different levels of a cabinet. This scene uses up-and-down arrows to change from scene-to-scene to not only remove items but to also move items to another level to be combined in some way.
PUZZLES: Most of the puzzles are superb. They vary in style and difficulty. There are some extremely easy puzzles as well as a few difficult ones. Most are creatively designed.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE PUZZLES FROM THIS GAME:
A. Sequence puzzle. Strategize moves as you try to light all the lights on a hexagon-shaped grid. Choose between arrows to light all the lights in the direction the arrow points. Continue until all lights are lit or until you are blocked when there are no free cells to light. When arrows disappear, you must start over.
B. Sequence puzzle. Remove 4 horizontal bars by moving vertical bars with openings within them - up-and-down until all the openings center on each bar so it can be removed. Moving one vertical bar affects the others.
C. Assembly puzzle. Place tokens with curved ends into a jewel box so that all tokens are connected. Awesome puzzle.
D. Map puzzle. 2-dimensional puzzle in which you plot a course to reach a destination in six (6) moves while avoiding obstacles in your path. Press start to test your plotted course.
E. Assembly puzzle. Using buttons at the side, move, rotate and increase and decrease the size of segments of the image of a raven until they align with the bird.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Choice between Casual and Hard. Maze puzzle. Plot a path through a honey-combed maze moving from square to another while avoiding evil hooded ghostly specters in your path.
G. Choice between Casual vs. Hard. Matching. Uncover cards and match like cards. If you make a mistake, the cards will move to other locations.
B. Sequence puzzle. Remove 4 horizontal bars by moving vertical bars with openings within them - up-and-down until all the openings center on each bar so it can be removed. Moving one vertical bar affects the others.
C. Assembly puzzle. Place tokens with curved ends into a jewel box so that all tokens are connected. Awesome puzzle.
D. Map puzzle. 2-dimensional puzzle in which you plot a course to reach a destination in six (6) moves while avoiding obstacles in your path. Press start to test your plotted course.
E. Assembly puzzle. Using buttons at the side, move, rotate and increase and decrease the size of segments of the image of a raven until they align with the bird.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Choice between Casual and Hard. Maze puzzle. Plot a path through a honey-combed maze moving from square to another while avoiding evil hooded ghostly specters in your path.
G. Choice between Casual vs. Hard. Matching. Uncover cards and match like cards. If you make a mistake, the cards will move to other locations.
I recommend this game!