sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:812
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 6, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can the Detectives United team unravel the secrets of Myst Hill in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
THE RETURN OF AN OLD NEMESIS AND DADDY DEAREST
PostedJune 27, 2024
sunnyglow
fromSkullduggery! “Funtastic” to see Richard Gray return from the grave. It has been a long time since we have enjoyed his comic spirit
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages
Join Anna Gray, Dorian Brown and newbie Ewan Florence, as they tackle another case for the Detectives United Agency. Ewan is new to the agency, a member of Gen Z, who brings with him the ability to stop time. He inherited his magical abilities from his noteworthy ancestors. Ewan takes the place of James Blackthorn, who has retired from the agency. Accompanying Anna is her ghostly bad boy father, Richard Gray, who will try to help her as well a harass her along the way. In this case, our crew battles an old enemy, the Four Aces, who were believed to have been vanquished by the Mystery Trackers. Trek to Myst Hill where mystical power is being used to experiment on humans. The Four Aces along with two former crazed foes are taking animal blood and turning humans into half-man, half-animal creatures.
I enjoyed playing this game. As in the other games within this series, each character will take the lead for part of the game. I like this aspect of the game as it provides a faster pace to the game. It is “funtastic” to see Anna Gray’s father, Richard return. He only appears a few times; however, but he provides some much-needed comic relief. It appears Elephant Games is taking this series into a new direction and this game seems to have laid the groundwork for some new adventures. I, for one, am delighted to see the new changes. They have retired one character, brought back another, and added a new one as well. They have also opened the door to new adventures with newbie Ewan and his cousin Jason.
The game has the same framework as Elephant’s other games. The graphics are of the same quality graphics as well. I did not find any glitches while playing the game. There are puzzle fragments to collect and statues of the game’s characters. The fragments are used to play a jigsaw puzzle available upon completion of the game. If a player misses any collectibles, they can return to each scene via the Expedition Room. The statues are enormous and can’t be missed within the scene. The fragments are portrayed as owls. They are a little better hidden; however, they are still not difficult to locate. Upon completion of the game, the player can enter the Secret Room and use the fragments to play a jigsaw puzzle.
There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes and twenty (20) mini-games. Thirteen (13) of each can be played upon completion of the game. There is even one mini-game which offers the choice of being played in an easy or hard version of the puzzle. This is something new for Elephant. Some of the HOP scenes are what I call “mini-HOP” scenes as they only have five or six items to be located. The puzzles are indicative of those seen in other games. The HOP scenes include lists of items, silhouette, pattern, narrative, and matching.
This is not a long game but to me, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Many times, longish games become very boring and tedious to play. The game is a smooth, easy-play with the just right number of puzzles and HOP scenes. None of the puzzles require a lot of time to solve. They are on the easier side.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements and 29 scenes.
• Collect 29 puzzle pieces (shaped like an owl) and 12 statues of the game characters.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Secret Room houses a jigsaw puzzle played upon completion of the game
• Expedition Room allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve collectibles missed while playing he game.
• Richard Gray, Anna’s father residing in the beyond, joins you to help in the case. As a skull on the inventory bar, he lights up when his advice is needed.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements and 29 scenes.
• Collect 29 puzzle pieces (shaped like an owl) and 12 statues of the game characters.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Secret Room houses a jigsaw puzzle played upon completion of the game
• Expedition Room allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve collectibles missed while playing he game.
• Richard Gray, Anna’s father residing in the beyond, joins you to help in the case. As a skull on the inventory bar, he lights up when his advice is needed.
BONUS CHAPTER: The tag team is off to help newbie, Ewan Florence, when he finds himself framed for the murder of his cousin, Jason. Jason, an archaeologist, was investigating a dark order, Cataclysm. Ewan has never met him; however, discovers that his family were part of the Earth Defenders, a group who used their magic to fight this evil cabal. Go back in time with Anna to relive what happened at the time of the murder and hopefully change the fate for all concerned. I found this a nice addition to the game and believe it set the stage for more adventures related to the Florence family. There are seven (7) HOP scenes, three (3) of which are mini scenes with only a few items to be found. There are six (6) mini-games, one of which can be played in either an easy or hard version.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Float down a snowy slope on an inner tube avoiding obstacles in your path. You have 3 lives
B. Connection puzzle. Select switches and rotate them and complete the circuit so all light bulbs are lit up. Positives connect with negatives.
C. Alignment puzzle. Align two radio waves using 3 knobs at the side of the radio to control the height and width of each sine wave 3X
D. Math puzzle. Switch out fuses with numbers assigned to them so that the sum of each two equal the number posted between them.
E. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place fragments into position on a grid. 2X
F. Sequence puzzle. Place photos in sequential order. 3X
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate lights on a hexagonal shaped grid so all the beams of light beam toward the center of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Map puzzle. Lead a taxi through a map maze to the exit point. The taxis travels until it hits a boundary. Strategize moves to get to the exit point. 2X
I. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Get Dorian through a maze within an office setting up the path he takes by placing arrows in place and then pressing the Go button. 2 Rooms to plot
J. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens with letters on them to create a word to open a cache in the wall.
B. Connection puzzle. Select switches and rotate them and complete the circuit so all light bulbs are lit up. Positives connect with negatives.
C. Alignment puzzle. Align two radio waves using 3 knobs at the side of the radio to control the height and width of each sine wave 3X
D. Math puzzle. Switch out fuses with numbers assigned to them so that the sum of each two equal the number posted between them.
E. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place fragments into position on a grid. 2X
F. Sequence puzzle. Place photos in sequential order. 3X
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate lights on a hexagonal shaped grid so all the beams of light beam toward the center of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Map puzzle. Lead a taxi through a map maze to the exit point. The taxis travels until it hits a boundary. Strategize moves to get to the exit point. 2X
I. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Get Dorian through a maze within an office setting up the path he takes by placing arrows in place and then pressing the Go button. 2 Rooms to plot
J. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens with letters on them to create a word to open a cache in the wall.
I recommend this game!
The strongest brotherhood is forged through difficult trials.
Overall rating
5
/
5
ANOTHER FANTASTIC TRIP TO THE LOST LANDS
PostedJune 13, 2024
sunnyglow
fromWe have telegraphs, telegrams, and telephones. We need teleportation devices like the dolmens from this game! Imagine traveling anywhere in a matter of seconds.
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: 70 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 70 pages
Join Susan Shephard on another adventure through the Lost Lands. In this episode, our heroine, now a grandmother, escorts us to these lands through the magic of a pop-up children’s book instead of trekking through the magical world herself. The story centers on two residents within these lands in their battle against a dark entity. A teenage dwarf, Fulnur Bogro, begins the story by skipping school to work on a science project in his secret lair, hidden within a cave. An explosion opens up a crack in the walls within the cave, uncovering the remains of the ancient kingdom of Khaen-Tum. Investigating this ancient kingdom, he releases a dark, destructive entity, a Muduk, causing chaos throughout the Lost Lands. With the help of Maaron, a student from the Tolvid Magic Academy, these two work to stop this entity from destroying the Lost Lands. Enjoy a trip which allows you to hop into the closest dolmen and magically transport to any place within the Lost Lands.
Be prepared to spend a great deal of time in the Lost Lands. This is a very long game. I purchased this game a few months ago, and it took me two weeks to complete. I loved every minute playing this game and was sad when it ended. It is more of an adventure game than a HOPA game. Rarely do we get games of this quality any longer. I was uncertain if BFG would offer this game since it is somewhat different from previous games. This one is more challenging than other HOPA games and lacks a bonus chapter.
I found this game much better than previous games from this developer. The graphics are much better and not as two-dimensional as other games. However, this game may not appeal to everyone. The puzzles are difficult, and the player will need to write down information such as passcodes or symbols to open locks. There are a lot of doors and locks to open as well. The player will find runes at every turn in the Lost Lands.
The game consists of three chapters. There is no “bonus” chapter. Instead, there is a bonus section which consists of a series of twenty puzzles you can solve after completing the game. There are only ten (10) scenes which I consider HOP scenes. Most of the game is dedicated to puzzles. There are even puzzles within these ten HOP scenes. These scenes involve searching for items used to create something like a pipeline or soul catcher. Nevertheless, throughout the game, the player will need to collect a specified number of an item such as 15 leaves. These items are not in a HOP scene format. They are scattered among several scenes. The items will be placed in the inventory with a number indicating how many of those items you need to locate.
There is an array of collectibles as in this developer’s other games. Every scene has one collectible and one morphing object. I found some difficult to locate. The morphing objects are the easiest to locate because they change appearance at a rapid rate. I believe the other collectibles are difficult to locate because there is a wide variety of them. Most blend in with the scene and I found myself having to familiarize myself with the six (6) types available. However, if a player misses any, the game allows the them to return to the chapter to locate them. This can be done at the end of the game.
There are fifty-eight (58) puzzles within this game, and most are challenging. There are some old chestnuts in the game as well. Some of the puzzles are variations of those seen in many other games. This game took me a long time to play due to the challenging puzzles. There are no second chances in the maze puzzles nor the climbing up the cliff puzzle. If you make a mistake, you must restart them.
I highly recommend this game for puzzle lovers and/or those who love sci-fi fantasy games. To me, this game is worth much more than the collector’s edition price. Many of the adventure games I play cost more than this one and do not have the array of puzzles nor are as long of game as this one. For the entertainment value, this game is a steal.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 19 achievements.
• Collect 7 manuscripts, 8 rune stones, 8 gears, 7 wooden birds, 7 dreamcatchers and 8 knights (If you are missing any of these, at the end you can return to search for them)
• Collect 45 morphing objects
• Replay 30 mini-games and 7 puzzles
• Bonus 20 games and not a bonus chapter
• 19 achievements.
• Collect 7 manuscripts, 8 rune stones, 8 gears, 7 wooden birds, 7 dreamcatchers and 8 knights (If you are missing any of these, at the end you can return to search for them)
• Collect 45 morphing objects
• Replay 30 mini-games and 7 puzzles
• Bonus 20 games and not a bonus chapter
SPOILERS: THESE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES FROM THE 58 PUZZLES WITHIN THIS GAME:
A. Connection puzzle. Rotate 32 squares so that lines on them so all lines are connected.
B. Deduction puzzle. Select 4 seed bags you need to grow flowers for the graves of your ancestors
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings on a cryptex until lines on the rings connect with each other.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter runes into a lock based on those seen previously (Many of this type of puzzle within the game – remember the code or write it down)
E. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars from a window in sequential order to open the window. If you make a mistake, you restart
F. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into a square grid so all fit and there are no spaces remaining.
G. Connection puzzle. Connect all dots producing a given image without retracing steps. (many of this type of puzzle within the game)
H. Strategy puzzle. Climb up a cliff choosing between supports available. Choosing the wrong support restarts the puzzle.
I. Weights and Measure puzzle. Measure the amount of silt necessary to create an ointment using given weights and bowls.
J. Ye Olde Triangle puzzle. Outline all possible triangles within diagram of a star centered within pentagram.
K. Maze puzzle. Ride a trolley down a track avoiding obstacles within the path.
L. Switch puzzle. Ye Old Book Spine puzzle. Switch books to restore images on the spines of the books. Difficult puzzle as there are many books with different images – all facing different directions
M. Assembly puzzle. Switch figurines so they are all holding hands
N. Connection/Assembly puzzle. Move lines of light beams so they recreate 4 animal symbols
B. Deduction puzzle. Select 4 seed bags you need to grow flowers for the graves of your ancestors
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings on a cryptex until lines on the rings connect with each other.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter runes into a lock based on those seen previously (Many of this type of puzzle within the game – remember the code or write it down)
E. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars from a window in sequential order to open the window. If you make a mistake, you restart
F. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into a square grid so all fit and there are no spaces remaining.
G. Connection puzzle. Connect all dots producing a given image without retracing steps. (many of this type of puzzle within the game)
H. Strategy puzzle. Climb up a cliff choosing between supports available. Choosing the wrong support restarts the puzzle.
I. Weights and Measure puzzle. Measure the amount of silt necessary to create an ointment using given weights and bowls.
J. Ye Olde Triangle puzzle. Outline all possible triangles within diagram of a star centered within pentagram.
K. Maze puzzle. Ride a trolley down a track avoiding obstacles within the path.
L. Switch puzzle. Ye Old Book Spine puzzle. Switch books to restore images on the spines of the books. Difficult puzzle as there are many books with different images – all facing different directions
M. Assembly puzzle. Switch figurines so they are all holding hands
N. Connection/Assembly puzzle. Move lines of light beams so they recreate 4 animal symbols
There’s something behind the snowy hill! Or maybe it’s just my imagination...
Overall rating
5
/
5
A FURRY CRYPTID LEAVES A BIG FOOTPRINT IN CANADA
PostedJune 6, 2024
sunnyglow
fromOpen Borders. Bigfoots are escaping from Canada, seeking asylum in Houston. According to the Texas Bigfoot Conservancy, we have doubled our population of Bigfoots. We have opened our forests to them, handing them sunglasses upon arrival.
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: 65 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 65 pages
BACKGROUND: Welcome to northern Canada! Listen to the winds and the sounds of the forest and you too may hear the cries of Bigfoot. Journey to the small village of Blue Roche which has witnessed increased sightings of these cryptids. Are they appearing due to the increased construction of new homes in the area? At the request of an old university acquaintance, Lionel, trek through the snow-covered mountains and forests of this frozen land as you investigate the existence of this creature. Does Bigfoot exist? This game will provide some answers!
OPINION: What a great game for all those cryptozoologists out there! It appears northern Canada is a good stomping group for those furry, apish creatures. I enjoyed playing this game as I have some interest in cryptids. Houston is home to the Texas Bigfoot Conservancy. There are many enthusiasts and sightings down here in the Big Thicket. Perhaps those cryptoids have started trekking down to Texas to escape the bleak Canadian winters. Are there Bigfoot snowbirds?
I always say there are HOPA games and then there are those from DO Games. Our puzzlemeisters have outdone themselves again! Most of their games are a step above the rest and this one is no exception. If you love playing puzzles, this is the game for you. This is puzzle-intense and HOP light. There are more than twice the number of puzzles compared to HOP scenes in this game. For me, this game is well-worth the price of a collector’s edition. Being able to replay forty (40) mini-games is worth the price in itself.
The format is the same as with their other games. Most of the puzzles are offered in both an easy and hard version. The puzzle difficulty can be set in the menu at the beginning of the game. However, if the puzzle seems too easy or too difficult, the difficulty can be changed while playing the puzzle. There are three collectibles. Collect morphing mystical creature figurines and animal tracks. Also collect scrolls which can be exchanged for expedition items within the boudoir. I found the items easy to locate. You are awarded points for choosing the “right” answer. It is easy to assess which is the preferred answer – a star is posted next to it with the number of stars awarded if it is chosen. Supposedly the answers selected affect the outcome of the game. I found the game easy to play and did not experience any glitches or difficulties. At the end of each chapter, the player is given a synopsis on how well they performed within that chapter.
In the main game, I counted fifty-six (56) mini-games and twenty-one (21) HOP scenes. Upon completion of the game, the player can replay all the HOP scenes and forty (40) mini-games. The HOP scenes include standard lists of items, matching, narrative, silhouette, rebus, replacement, spot-the-difference and fragment scenes. Most of the scenes are reused; however, the HOP style is different the second time it appears within the game. There are quite a few picture puzzles in this game, all presented in a different style. I feel the puzzles, like the game itself, are incredibly well-designed,
ONE ERROR: Unlike many of this developer’s games, I was able to complete the game without any errors. However, there is an error in one of the puzzles. There is an error in the connection puzzle with the Hygeia symbol. Looking at and playing both puzzles, I could see the “hard” puzzle has less items to connect than the “easy” one and the “hard puzzle was also easier to play than the so-called “easy” one. It does not interfere with the enjoyment of the game; however, just informing the developers of this mistake.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing mythical creature figurines and 10 animal footprint casts
• Collect 70 scrolls which can be exchanged for expedition supplies in the boudoir
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 21 HOP scenes and 40 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing mythical creature figurines and 10 animal footprint casts
• Collect 70 scrolls which can be exchanged for expedition supplies in the boudoir
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 21 HOP scenes and 40 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Return to Blue Roche to help Lionel thwart a billionaire developer in his attempt to build a ski resort close to the home of the Bigfoot tribe. With the help of elder Ai Wa of the Bigfoot tribe, help Lionel stop this resort from being built. I thought this chapter was a nice addition to the game. I felt it was a little preachy and stereotypical. It paints a picture of billionaires as corrupt moneygrubbers. The whole game itself tends to preach a message inculcated within the game itself. There are four (4) HOP scenes and one mini-HOP scene. There are sixteen (16) mini-games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE 56 MINI GAMES FROM THE GAME: (E = Easy – H = Hard)
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE 56 MINI GAMES FROM THE GAME: (E = Easy – H = Hard)
A. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect rope knots on a grid until all are connected without returning to any knot twice. The hard version has more knots to connect.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Use a token imprinted with the Hygeia symbol to remove bacteria tokens from a grid. The easy and hard versions are mixed up. The easy should be the hard version with 8 tokens and the easy is the hard with 9.
C. E/H. Timed puzzle. Play notes on a piano before time runs out.
D. Sequence puzzle. Tune a violin by positioning pegs to the proper position so all arrows on dials attached to the pins point to a green dot. Moving one peg affects the others.
E. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place letters of the alphabet in sequential order. Follow lines to boxes where letters are inserted. Trick puzzle. The easy version does not have all the letters of the alphabet – the hard does.
F. E/H. Match 3 Puzzle. Fill up Field 1 before Field 2 fills up with tokens. Remove 3 or more interconnected tokens from the field at a time. The hard version has been programmed to increase the odds that you will lose.
G. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect logs and twigs with lines so all are connected and none overlap. The hard version requires more connections to be made.
H. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Climb up a mountain choosing locations to put your hands and feet. Feet cannot be higher than hands.
I. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Build two paths for you and Lionel to exit a cave. You must place the pieces into the grid so that two pathways emerge.
J. E/H. Ye Ole Beam of Light Puzzle. In this case place coupon tickets on a grid so they light up all squares within the grid by their correct placement. In the hard version, the grid is larger with more coupons to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
K. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Position Bigfoot’s features according to a given diagram. In the hard version moving one part affects the others.
L. Maze puzzle. Lead a muskrat through a maze avoiding bugs in your path. You have 5 lives. If you run into a bug you restart.
M. Strategy puzzle. Place checker pieces on a checkerboard so that each row and column has the correct number of checkers as indicated at the top and bottom of the grid.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Use a token imprinted with the Hygeia symbol to remove bacteria tokens from a grid. The easy and hard versions are mixed up. The easy should be the hard version with 8 tokens and the easy is the hard with 9.
C. E/H. Timed puzzle. Play notes on a piano before time runs out.
D. Sequence puzzle. Tune a violin by positioning pegs to the proper position so all arrows on dials attached to the pins point to a green dot. Moving one peg affects the others.
E. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place letters of the alphabet in sequential order. Follow lines to boxes where letters are inserted. Trick puzzle. The easy version does not have all the letters of the alphabet – the hard does.
F. E/H. Match 3 Puzzle. Fill up Field 1 before Field 2 fills up with tokens. Remove 3 or more interconnected tokens from the field at a time. The hard version has been programmed to increase the odds that you will lose.
G. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect logs and twigs with lines so all are connected and none overlap. The hard version requires more connections to be made.
H. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Climb up a mountain choosing locations to put your hands and feet. Feet cannot be higher than hands.
I. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Build two paths for you and Lionel to exit a cave. You must place the pieces into the grid so that two pathways emerge.
J. E/H. Ye Ole Beam of Light Puzzle. In this case place coupon tickets on a grid so they light up all squares within the grid by their correct placement. In the hard version, the grid is larger with more coupons to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
K. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Position Bigfoot’s features according to a given diagram. In the hard version moving one part affects the others.
L. Maze puzzle. Lead a muskrat through a maze avoiding bugs in your path. You have 5 lives. If you run into a bug you restart.
M. Strategy puzzle. Place checker pieces on a checkerboard so that each row and column has the correct number of checkers as indicated at the top and bottom of the grid.
I recommend this game!
Are you cunning and clever enough to escape from work? Unlock the doors at every level and make your way out!
Overall rating
5
/
5
A FANTASTIC ESCAPE ROOM GAME
PostedMay 27, 2024
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love escape the room games, being my favorite gaming genre. Those from Peaksel are some of the best out there. As others have stated here, I played this game on another gaming site. I would have purchased this game from BFG, but this is not a genre they usually provide.
The game involves searching for inventory items and playing puzzles to escape one room after another within an office environment. The game is a puzzle within itself. The biggest challenge within these games is trying figure out where inventory items are hidden which are needed to proceed within this game.
I hope BFG will carry more escape the room games. I would have waited and played it on this site, but usually this is not a game BFG offers. There are many other escape room games out there. If you love puzzles, you will love this game. The game is not terribly difficult, at least not as difficult as some games from other developers.
I recommend this game!
Rick and Daemon stumble upon a sinister plot at a rock concert!
Overall rating
4
/
5
IT’S ABOUT TIME! RICK ROGERS IS BACK!
PostedMay 23, 2024
sunnyglow
fromWe are not a-muse-d! Where is Rick's comic wit and humor? Did it get left behind in the alternate universe? Perhaps a good-hearted muse will pop up to inspire his comedic self in future games!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages
ASSESSMENT: Studly Rick Rogers is back! Many of us have been waiting for this game! After thirteen (13) years spent in an alternate universe, Rick has returned, restoring the excellence of this series! It is a shame our time traveler could not go back in time to prevent the Grandmaster of BFG gaming from taking the magic of this series (which was Rick) and replacing him with frumpy Rachel and her “team” of clueless misfits. For me, this series is nothing without Rick Rogers. However, I hope they will also reinstate his humorous side as well. Rick was comical in the previous series. He is older now and not as lighthearted. This could be expected since he was hooked up to some machine for his magical ability. However, one of the magical elements of this series was Rick’s sense of humor. Hopefully it will return in the future.
STORY: While celebrating Rick’s return, Daemon (one of the team members) takes Rick to a club to enjoy a rock band. However, this renown band owes its success to the Dark Muse, a muse who exacts a high price for her services. Travel to yet another alternate universe and locate the lair of this monster and defeat her before she becomes all powerful.
OPINION: I loved playing this game. The format is the same as with all other Elephant games. The graphics, especially the Dali inspired surrealistic ones within the bonus chapter, are phenomenal. There are some amazingly beautiful HOP scenes. I would have given this game five (5) stars except for some glitches and the slow pace of the game in several spots. There is a lot traveling back and forth collecting inventory items. Personally, I would rather play more HOP scenes or mini-games than tromping to-and-fro searching from scene to scene gathering inventory items and then using them in another scene. I believe all this inventory collection slowed down the game.
Another major problem with this game is the strategy guide. It was not proofread as the pictures for the collectibles are out- of-sequence. The lettering is even out of sequence. The player will have to search through all the photos to locate each scene. The scenes are grouped together, but they are not lettered properly and sequenced in reverse order. I look at these scenes to see if I have missed any collectibles. Locating the scenes, for me, was a nightmare!
The collectibles are all seeing eyes and figurines of the characters from the game. I found the figurines easy to locate. However, I found the eyes impossible to see in many scenes. Upon completion of the game the twenty-six (26) eyes become puzzle pieces to play a jigsaw puzzle within the Secret Room.
There are a few glitches in this game. In a scene within a cave, I searched for a figurine and an all-seeing eye. I spent at least twenty minutes searching for it – clicking everywhere. I left the scene and returned, and the figurine showed up. Then returning a second time, the eye showed up. The eyes are almost impossible to see in some scenes within this game. The figurines are too large, and the eyes are too small. Hopefully, Elephant will try to remedy this situation in the future. There is an Expedition room which permits the player to return to the scenes to collect missing collectibles. In this game, the player may wish to search for the collectibles after completing the game.
There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes and nine (9) mini-HOP scenes with six items to be located. All thirteen (13) of the HOP scenes can be replayed. They consist of lists of items, silhouette, matching, fragment, and narrative scenes. There is a beautiful scene toward the end of the main game consisting of a wall filled with animated flowers and monsters. There are twenty-four (24) mini-games. Thirteen (13) of these can be replayed. I feel the mini-games are easy.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements.
• Collect 12 game figurines and 26 puzzle pieces (shaped like eyes) for a jigsaw puzzle hidden within a Secret Room
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver, music, and video sequences.
• 26 scenes. If any collectible is missing, the player can return to any scene via the Expedition Room.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements.
• Collect 12 game figurines and 26 puzzle pieces (shaped like eyes) for a jigsaw puzzle hidden within a Secret Room
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver, music, and video sequences.
• 26 scenes. If any collectible is missing, the player can return to any scene via the Expedition Room.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The graphics are surrealistic and beautifully rendered. In this chapter, Rick is having nightmares of his time in the alternate world. Rachel suggests that he along with Daemon engage in some “dream therapy.” By ingesting a little magical therapeutic tea, all three enter Rick’s nightmare world and help him fight the evildoer, Grandmaster. Through coercion, the Grandmaster signed Rick to a very long contract. Now thirteen years later, Rick may be able, through his dreams, end this contractual arrangement. I found this chapter to be a nice addition to the game. There are five (5) HOP scenes with a couple of mini-HOP scenes as well. There are seven (7) mini-games. I like both chapters, but probably like this chapter a little better than the main game. To me, this bonus chapter is worth the price of the collector’s edition.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Alignment puzzle. Align two sine waves by adjusting knobs at the sides of the screen.
B. Strategy puzzle. Press past, present, and future buttons around a clock, so that all the 12 numbers of the clock are lit. Pressing a button moves the dial forward or backward one space either turning on or turning off a light.
C. Strategy/Connection puzzle. Lead a frog to a treat by having him jump sequentially to lily pads, which disappear after he leaves. Get rid of all the lily pads and lead the frog to his treat at the end. No lily pad should remain when he reaches the end. 3X
D. Maze puzzle. Lead Rick to the center of a labyrinth in 46 moves.
E. Jigsaw puzzle. Place fragments into place to restore an image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Create a sleeping potion according to a given recipe.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch description placards of the 6 paranormal detectives so they match with their photos.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a circular image so that each piece is in the proper location.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch squares on a 6 x 4 grid so that an image is created.
B. Strategy puzzle. Press past, present, and future buttons around a clock, so that all the 12 numbers of the clock are lit. Pressing a button moves the dial forward or backward one space either turning on or turning off a light.
C. Strategy/Connection puzzle. Lead a frog to a treat by having him jump sequentially to lily pads, which disappear after he leaves. Get rid of all the lily pads and lead the frog to his treat at the end. No lily pad should remain when he reaches the end. 3X
D. Maze puzzle. Lead Rick to the center of a labyrinth in 46 moves.
E. Jigsaw puzzle. Place fragments into place to restore an image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Create a sleeping potion according to a given recipe.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch description placards of the 6 paranormal detectives so they match with their photos.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a circular image so that each piece is in the proper location.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch squares on a 6 x 4 grid so that an image is created.
I recommend this game!
How deep do the dark waters go?
Overall rating
3
/
5
SAIL SECOND-CLASS IN A MURDER MYSTERY CRUISE
PostedMay 16, 2024
sunnyglow
fromThink your boss is mean? There is not a ghost’s chance the employees of this game’s shipping company are getting a pension plan. As a matter of fact, they won’t even get to retire!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages
STORY: Detective! Get ready to embark upon a cruise! Set sail on the Eris, a replica of the Titanic, from Liverpool, England on September 3, 1917. While crossing the icy waters of the Atlantic, investigate the deaths of the ship’s employees. You have been contacted by Jesse Hewitt to investigate the death of his brother, one of the employees of the Goldship Water Construction Company. The deaths have been deemed as accidental deaths by the police; however, your client believes they were murdered. Get into the spirit of the cruise by hobnobbing with the numerous ghosts on board while uncovering evidence concerning the deaths. While you are sailing through the icy waters of the Atlantic, investigate three suspects who may be involved in foul play.
ANALYSIS: I somewhat enjoyed playing this game. The length of this game is perfect. It is not so long that the player becomes bored while playing it. However, there are a couple of segments of the game which I feel are slow moving and seem like filler to pad the game. The graphics are decent. They reflect the period of the early 1900’s. The story is a psychological expose into the life of a villain and to me, the story is dark and somewhat nonsensical and bizarre. Although I enjoyed playing the game, I did not like the background music, which is a type of jazz. However, this is just a personal preference which can be rectified by turning it off.
MECHANICS: To solve the case, collect three pieces of evidence for three suspects. Also collect evidence concerning your client’s brother as well. All evidence is kept in a folder which lights up when you have a piece to add to the folder. After all evidence has been collected, you should be able to solve this case. Collect forty-eight (48) sea creatures, half of which are morphing and twenty (20) puzzles pieces to play a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game. I found most of the collectibles easy to locate. I feel the puzzle pieces are well hidden in some scenes and the fragments are very small as well. The player can return to the scenes to collect puzzle pieces if any are missed.
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes in the game. All can be replayed upon completion of the game. The player can play a Match-3 game instead of the searching for items. There are also several mini-HOP scenes in which the player searches for five or six items. To me, the HOP scenes are the best part of the game. They are interactive and creatively designed. They include various styles including lists of items and silhouette, fragment, narrative, and search & replace scenes. My favorite scenes are the search and replace ones which are numerous in this game. There are twenty-three (23) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. In my opinion, most of the puzzles are easy. However, there are some which can be played in either an easy or hard version of the puzzle. There is a unique maze puzzle within the game in which the player can switch rooms to get through a ship.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 20 jigsaw pieces to complete a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game.
• Collect 48 sea creatures - two per scene – one which is morphing.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Folder to collect 3 pieces of evidence for each of 3 suspects and the victim.
• Replay 12 mini-games and 17 HOP scenes.
• Extra bonus HOP scene in which you search and replace items into newspaper articles after the game is completed.
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 20 jigsaw pieces to complete a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game.
• Collect 48 sea creatures - two per scene – one which is morphing.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Folder to collect 3 pieces of evidence for each of 3 suspects and the victim.
• Replay 12 mini-games and 17 HOP scenes.
• Extra bonus HOP scene in which you search and replace items into newspaper articles after the game is completed.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Thomas, a character from the main game. Discover how he became a personal assistant to Horace Goldship, owner of ship building company from the main game. The chapter involves Thomas performing six tasks for a baker and for Goldship. I found this chapter somewhat repetitious. Continue to collect the collectibles throughout this chapter. There are three (3) HOP scenes along with a couple of mini-HOP scenes. There are five (5) mini-games. I found the chapter somewhat tedious and boring, but it does fulfill all the requirements for a bonus chapter. Again, this is just a personal preference. I prefer more action than this chapter provided.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Move a figurine through a ship in which rooms can be swapped. You can also move between rooms with stairs of the same color.
B. Gear puzzle. Rotate 6 gears so that paths imprinted on the gears connect with each other.
C. Block puzzle. Move a ship across a grid moving blocks out of the way to create a path.
D. Battleship. Sink all the enemy ships before your opponent destroys your cannons. As with battleship, click on cells on the grid to expose ships.
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles on a grid so that a picture is formed.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 statues so they match in theme with the token above them.
G. Maze puzzle. Lead a ship through iceberg infested waters avoiding obstacles in its path.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Sleight of hand. After putting a marble under a cup watch a boy rotate the cups and the find which cup holds the marble. 3X increases in difficulty.
I. Sequence puzzle. Press lock pins in the proper order to unlock a door.
J. Strategy puzzle. Place figurines into position on a 6 x 3 grid so no two are in the same row or column.
A. Maze puzzle. Move a figurine through a ship in which rooms can be swapped. You can also move between rooms with stairs of the same color.
B. Gear puzzle. Rotate 6 gears so that paths imprinted on the gears connect with each other.
C. Block puzzle. Move a ship across a grid moving blocks out of the way to create a path.
D. Battleship. Sink all the enemy ships before your opponent destroys your cannons. As with battleship, click on cells on the grid to expose ships.
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles on a grid so that a picture is formed.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch 5 statues so they match in theme with the token above them.
G. Maze puzzle. Lead a ship through iceberg infested waters avoiding obstacles in its path.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Sleight of hand. After putting a marble under a cup watch a boy rotate the cups and the find which cup holds the marble. 3X increases in difficulty.
I. Sequence puzzle. Press lock pins in the proper order to unlock a door.
J. Strategy puzzle. Place figurines into position on a 6 x 3 grid so no two are in the same row or column.
I recommend this game!
Breathe new life into precious paintings and photographs!
Overall rating
5
/
5
BREATHTAKING GAME FROM A FAN-TASTIC DEVELOPER!
PostedMay 14, 2024
sunnyglow
fromThis developer has "restored" excellence to casual games!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am now a MixoGames fan! In addition to being a Ta Ta fan, I am now a Mixo fan! What a gorgeous game! Usually, I only write reviews for HOPA games. However, there are a few developers which deserve a commendation for other genres of casual games which are exceptional. MixoGames is one of those developers. This game far exceeds games from other developers. In addition, this developer is a nice guy as well, taking time to interact with our forum, Pond Friends.
The graphics are just breathtaking, realistic with voiceovers which have synced mouth movements. The activities are varied with a modified form of jigsaw puzzle (a very cool concept I might add), HOP scenes, and paint-by-number scenes. There are different levels of play and tons of activities to while away the hours.
I would love to see more from this developer. I would love to see a HOP or even a HOPA game from him as well. After seeing the beautiful Polynesian graphics from the Twistingo games, I, for one, would love to see a HOPA game based upon a Polynesian legend. Even a HOP game from this developer would be welcomed, something different than the usual boring fare from BFG’s other mediocre production line developers. I would love to see this developer producing a HOP in the format Matryoshka uses in their HOP games.
I recommend this game!
A legendary ghost ship has returned, and ghostly sailors walk the streets!
Overall rating
5
/
5
TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS WITH SUPER SLEUTH AGATHA
PostedApril 25, 2024
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Friendly Fox for another "phantastic" game. There is not a ghost's of a chance I would miss tulip time in Amsterdam!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
STORY: Detective Agatha returns in another “phantastic” game. This time, our Victorian era super sleuth, is off to Amsterdam to help the city rid itself of chaos created by a ghostly crew. The ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman appears nightly, and its ghostly crew are attacking the local residents. However, this chaos may be caused by more earthly denizens of the city.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 sailing ships and 49 morphing items. If all are collected, a Battleship Game is made available to play upon completion of the game.
• Gimmicky eye symbol on the inventory which indicates when a deduction must be made about the case.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 sailing ships and 49 morphing items. If all are collected, a Battleship Game is made available to play upon completion of the game.
• Gimmicky eye symbol on the inventory which indicates when a deduction must be made about the case.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
ASSESSMENT: I loved this game. Friendly Fox produces some of the best HOPA games out there. There are some beautifully illustrated scenes within this game. Bright, beautiful tulips pop up everywhere, making it the perfect game for Spring here in the States. The game follows the same format as previous games in this series. The inventory bar has an “eye” and throughout the game, the player will click the eye, and, through Agatha, will make observations and deductions concerning the case. After enough evidence has been collected, the player will choose between four (4) pictures, placing them into the narration to summarize the findings up to that point about the case. I feel this is a nice feature of this detective series, because, at least for me, it helps clarify the storyline.
Collect sailing ships and morphing objects. There are two in every scene except for the first scene, which has only one of each. I found some very easy to find and others a little more difficult. I feel the morphing objects are more difficult to locate than the ships, many of which cannot be missed in the scenes. If all the collectibles, are found, a Battle Ship game is provided as extra gameplay.
There are twenty-one (21) HOP scenes, along with a few mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to be found or matched. Nineteen (19) of these can be replayed upon completion of the game. The scenes are highly interactive and vary by design. I love the fact there is a wide variety of HOP scenes. My favorite is one in which items are replaced back within the scene within the proper location instead of searching for them.
There are forty-two (42) mini-games within this game. Only twelve (12) can be replayed upon completion of the game. I do wish this developer, along with others, would provide more of the mini-games to be replayed. The mini-games are exquisite in this game and there are three (3) which can be played in either a casual or hard mode. My favorite puzzle is one which is set in a flower shop in the bonus chapter. The player must fill flower orders for clients. It is not only beautiful, be employs math skills as well. The dollar amount of the order must match up with price of the flowers, wrapping, and ribbon used.
BONUS CHAPTER: Agatha thought her job was complete in Amsterdam – but not quite yet. She returns to help a scientist who is seeing will o’ the wisps and he believes something may be happening to him. Agatha must track down the cause of his malady. This is an excellent additional chapter to the game. The activities are excellent and as previously mentioned the flower shop order puzzle was exquisite. There are eight (8) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Assembly puzzle. Arrange octopus tentacles so that none are touching each other.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch circular puzzles pieces to restore an image 3X
C. Connection puzzle. Connect buttons on nodes within an electrical panel with wires, the number of wires matching the number of buttons on each node.
D. Casual/Hard. Assembly puzzle. Shift colored liquids between test tubes so that each test tube has only one colored liquid within it.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch labels on drawers so each label matches with its contents.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly/Mathematical puzzle. Assemble 6 flower orders according to instructions meeting the monetary and flower requirements.
G. Strategy Puzzle. ON a 4 x 4 grid arrange 16 colored tokens in 4 colors so that there are no two of the same color in each row and column.
H. Logic puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid turn 9 squares to light brown. Clicking on one square affects the colors of the others.
I. Connection puzzle. Repair a rope with knots by placing rope segments in a sequential order so all spots are filled without gaps.
J. Match-3 Game. Fill up your side with colored tokens before your enemy.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch circular puzzles pieces to restore an image 3X
C. Connection puzzle. Connect buttons on nodes within an electrical panel with wires, the number of wires matching the number of buttons on each node.
D. Casual/Hard. Assembly puzzle. Shift colored liquids between test tubes so that each test tube has only one colored liquid within it.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch labels on drawers so each label matches with its contents.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly/Mathematical puzzle. Assemble 6 flower orders according to instructions meeting the monetary and flower requirements.
G. Strategy Puzzle. ON a 4 x 4 grid arrange 16 colored tokens in 4 colors so that there are no two of the same color in each row and column.
H. Logic puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid turn 9 squares to light brown. Clicking on one square affects the colors of the others.
I. Connection puzzle. Repair a rope with knots by placing rope segments in a sequential order so all spots are filled without gaps.
J. Match-3 Game. Fill up your side with colored tokens before your enemy.
I recommend this game!
From smoke and fire, a hero emerges.
Overall rating
5
/
5
NOT A WEE LITTLE COPYCAT GAME – THIS ONE AVIATES BEYOND BORING HOP GAMES!
PostedApril 23, 2024
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Matryoshka. IMHO this is what a HOP game should look like! Hope to see more games like this (let Grandma and Grandpa travel by themselves to Europe) and hope to see less from that boring wee little cat as well.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
GAME BASED ON PLAYING THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS:
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter
SMILING SYNOPSIS! Grinning like a Cheshire cat, let me begin by thanking Matryoshka for creating a beautiful, well-designed puzzle/HOP game. Finally, there is a HOP developer who has invented a HOP game which is exciting to play. I absolutely HATED HOP games – until I played this one. This is one is a hybrid between a HOP and a puzzle game. Instead of visiting the same worldwide locations repeatedly with a suitcase crammed full of junk, this one whisks the player away to an enchanted kingdom, filled with beautiful graphics. I believe this is a sequel, so now going to check out the other games within this series. This is one HOP game which is worth the price of a collector’s edition.
GAMEPLAY: I LOVE this “HOP” game. A lot of work went into creating this game. This game is not for everyone. If you do not enjoy puzzles, or a little more challenging game, you probably won’t like this game. This is more of a puzzle game rather than the typical production line HOP game usually offered on this site. The inventory items are posted at the right side of the screen. However, the player must locate a specific number of them before they can be used. There is a map provided to whisk the player to the various scenes. There is a lot of travelling involved in trying to locate the number of items needed to allow it to be used within one of the scenes. The items are well-hidden within the game. I found the strategy guide helpful, but not easy to follow at times. This would be my only complaint about the game – the strategy guide is rather confusing.
Collect morphing objects and horseshoes throughout the game. Both are well-hidden within the scenes. There are no voiceovers. However, there are musical selections which can be chosen to play in the background. I did not miss the voiceovers within this game. I had the sound turned off while I played it. Voiceovers are not necessary because the whole purpose of the game is to travel through this magical kingdom to reach the castle of the evil witch to defeat her. The player travels by themselves.
STORY: The story is simplistic. The heroine, Jane, is back on the island. A witch has gathered a huge army and has surrounded the castle. The prince has asked you for help. How did the witch get free? She is supposed to be asleep high in the mountains. Playing Jane, you will discover that secret along with the many surprises she has prepared for you.
CHALLENGING PUZZLES: The puzzles within this game are ones I have never seen before. They are variations of similar puzzles within other games; however, they are unique in style and more difficult. The puzzles within the game are different from the same ones recycled from other HOP and HOPA games. For once, it was nice to see puzzles I have never played before.
HOP SCENES: There are some HOP scenes. I played two lists of items and a search for thirty birds in a beautifully designed scene. The HOP scenes I played are interactive. There are also less HOP scenes within this game. The searches concentrate on locating the inventory items rather than playing successive HOP scenes as in other HOP games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of difficulty including one which is customized for you.
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 27 morphing items and 27 horseshoes.
• 8 wallpapers along concept art and a choice of 8 musical selections
• Replay mini-games and HOP scenes.
• Surprisingly, a strategy guide showing where all HOP items are located.
• Four (4) levels of difficulty including one which is customized for you.
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 27 morphing items and 27 horseshoes.
• 8 wallpapers along concept art and a choice of 8 musical selections
• Replay mini-games and HOP scenes.
• Surprisingly, a strategy guide showing where all HOP items are located.
SPOILERS: LISTED BELOW ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES I PLAYED IN THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS OF THE GAME.
A. Tetris puzzle. On a grid move down lines of colored squares. Three or more amassed will be removed. Try to collect 100 squares before the square fills up with lines of colored squares (8 lines per grid). The colored square lines can be also moved back and forth to line up with the grid with many possibilities for matches.
B. Marble puzzle. Click on a moving marble, after which another will appear. Click on any of the moving marbles within the grid until you have 10. If you miss clicking a marble and click the screen instead, you restart.
C. Assembly puzzle. Collect a given number of colored squares within a grid choosing one of 2 configurations. The squares are in 3 different colors.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch picture segments to create a complete image. 3X
E. Match-3 puzzle. Match 3 or more marbles on a grid. Move slats with marbles up and down so the matches occur in the middle of the grid. Moving one slat affects the others. Get 65 matches.
B. Marble puzzle. Click on a moving marble, after which another will appear. Click on any of the moving marbles within the grid until you have 10. If you miss clicking a marble and click the screen instead, you restart.
C. Assembly puzzle. Collect a given number of colored squares within a grid choosing one of 2 configurations. The squares are in 3 different colors.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch picture segments to create a complete image. 3X
E. Match-3 puzzle. Match 3 or more marbles on a grid. Move slats with marbles up and down so the matches occur in the middle of the grid. Moving one slat affects the others. Get 65 matches.
I recommend this game!
Emily’s visit to interview a friend becomes an unexpected crime scene!
Overall rating
4
/
5
IT HAPPENED HERE – ELEPHANT GAMES HAS BREWED UP ANOTHER GREAT GAME IN THE SERIES
PostedApril 18, 2024
sunnyglow
fromStuck in a rat maze! Ugh! Just because a maze is called a “rat maze” does not mean there has to be big, fat, disgusting rats in them. Rats in the maze in this game are bigger than the hallways!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter
BACKGROUND: Join podcaster Emily Smith in her second game in the series. A storm of deceit is brewing for novelist, Jessica Hollingsworth, as she battles health concerns while trying to finish what may be her final novel. Her friend, Emily Smith, has been invited to broadcast a final interview of her life’s work. However, while at Jessica’s residence, Emily discovers there is more to her friend’s illness than meets the eye. Romp around a mansion and help Emily find the clues which may signal some foul play at work.
GAMEPLAY: This game has all the sleuth appeal which any amateur detective could desire. The story behind the game is well-written. Although I had my suspicions as to the culprit, I could not be certain who that was until the end of the game. This game should appeal to silver-haired gamers The main characters are a little older than characters from other games by this developer. I feel this is a nice gesture to appeal to the senior citizens in the audience. It demonstrates that brilliant podcasters and novelists come in all age groups! The graphics are the same as those in other Elephant games. Although this is not my favorite series by Elephant, I found it to be a wonderful game. To me, this is the right length for a HOPA game. It is not boringly long and drawn out nor too short to justify the CE price. The pace is good. I found the activities creatively designed.
Collect an author’s personal effects and puzzle pieces which appear as books within the scenes. The puzzles pieces are used to complete a jigsaw puzzle hidden within a secret room upon completion of the game. An expedition room allows the player to return to the 25 scenes to search for those collectibles missed while playing the game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I feel most of the puzzles are easy. There is one puzzle, a maze puzzle, which has the option to be played in either an easy or hard mode. Some of the mini-games are listed below. As in their other games, Elephant provides many picture puzzles throughout the game. I loved playing the maze puzzles. There are two in the main game and felt both were excellent in design.
There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes in the game. All of these can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also a variety of mini-HOP scenes with six items to locate. The scenes vary in design and include narrative, cryptic clues, fragment, matching, lists of items, and silhouette scenes. My favorite is a scene in which the player must find a specific number of storm damaged items on a map.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 personal effects belonging to an author and 24 puzzle pieces (shaped like books).
• 5 Wallpapers along with a screensaver, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
• Gimmicky camera to take photos of evidence throughout the game.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 personal effects belonging to an author and 24 puzzle pieces (shaped like books).
• 5 Wallpapers along with a screensaver, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
• Gimmicky camera to take photos of evidence throughout the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Enter the book world of novelist, Jessica Hollingsworth. Jessica has asked Emily Smith to solve the mystery behind her new novel. Enter the novel and assume the role of the detective trying to discover if a hotel owner was murdered and who the culprit was behind the murder. I found this a nice addition to the game. There are four (4) HOP scenes and a few mini-HOP scenes as well. There are six (6) mini-games. Continue searching for the collectibles throughout this bonus chapter. For me, I found it worth the price of a collector’s edition game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch items based on color and purpose. Only items of like color or purpose can be switched.
B. Assembly puzzle. Locate items within a scene with birdhouses and place them where they belong within the scene.
C. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze picking up keys to open doors while avoiding disgusting, big fat ugly rats along the way.
D. Sequence puzzle. Arrange typewriter keys to print AUTHOR. The keys will zigzag, switching directions, so they must be entered in the proper order to end up with that word.
E. Logic puzzle. Enter addresses from a map and then remove information as indicated by given hints. End up with the correct address at the end.
F. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Travel hallways in a house by going down two levels of hallways avoiding flames in your path. Select arrows and set up the path and press “Go” to check your answer.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tokens with colored lines on them so that connections are made for all the 3 colored lines from one end of the grid to the other.
H. Assembly puzzle. Choose two symbols, which, when combined, equal one of four on the side of the grid.
I. Picture puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid slide 9 puzzle fragments to recreate a picture.
B. Assembly puzzle. Locate items within a scene with birdhouses and place them where they belong within the scene.
C. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze picking up keys to open doors while avoiding disgusting, big fat ugly rats along the way.
D. Sequence puzzle. Arrange typewriter keys to print AUTHOR. The keys will zigzag, switching directions, so they must be entered in the proper order to end up with that word.
E. Logic puzzle. Enter addresses from a map and then remove information as indicated by given hints. End up with the correct address at the end.
F. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Travel hallways in a house by going down two levels of hallways avoiding flames in your path. Select arrows and set up the path and press “Go” to check your answer.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tokens with colored lines on them so that connections are made for all the 3 colored lines from one end of the grid to the other.
H. Assembly puzzle. Choose two symbols, which, when combined, equal one of four on the side of the grid.
I. Picture puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid slide 9 puzzle fragments to recreate a picture.
I recommend this game!