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:
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!
Investigate a series of strange deaths at a mysterious amusement park!
Overall rating
1
/
5
VERY DISAPPOINTED
PostedApril 6, 2024
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I truly wanted to play this game. I am terribly disappointed in BFG for NOT doing the necessary maintenance to assure this game was ready to distribute. This is just unacceptable and not the first time this has happened.
I am NOT reviewing this wonderful gaming company Do Games. I am reviewing the inept practices of this company. I suggest to the management they try to tighten up their ship at this company. There are some lackadaisical attitudes permeating your company. Fix it! I paid full price and am anxiously awaiting the ability to play this game.
Can you save your friend from a sunken town’s curse?
Overall rating
4
/
5
THE RE-EMERGENCE OF THE OLD WEST GHOST TOWN
PostedMarch 28, 2024
sunnyglow
fromThis game gives a new meaning to the term "ghost town."
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages
SUMMARY: Pack up your 6-gun and head out to the Old West to confront an ornery, no good, snake-in-grass ghostly varmint named Ford. Confront Ford and his ghostly gang as he resurrects the ghost town of Greenbush from its watery grave - all for nefarious purposes. Play archaeologist Lisa Cassidy whose childhood friend, Jesse, has requested her help when an amulet he discovers seems to be tied to the resurrection of this town. Along the way, discover hidden truths about Lisa’s ancestry and even about her friend, Jesse. As you dig into the facts behind this forgotten town, you will uncover more mysteries and gaming fun than you bargained for.
ANALYSIS: Those cutesy animal helpers are back! I bet you thought all those gaming helpers retired into the annals of gaming history. They have re-emerged with this game. Coining the phrase “helper,” this developer treats us a real “doge,” a Shiba Inu named Ozzy. He sits in the inventory, used to dig up and retrieve inventory items. Personally, I hate “cutesy” helpers and when he slid off a plank during the game I was hoping he would disappear, but no such luck. On a positive note, he is used less frequently as the game continues, and does not appear in the bonus chapter. If you love game helpers, you will love him, slurpy tongue kisses and all!
ANALYSIS: Those cutesy animal helpers are back! I bet you thought all those gaming helpers retired into the annals of gaming history. They have re-emerged with this game. Coining the phrase “helper,” this developer treats us a real “doge,” a Shiba Inu named Ozzy. He sits in the inventory, used to dig up and retrieve inventory items. Personally, I hate “cutesy” helpers and when he slid off a plank during the game I was hoping he would disappear, but no such luck. On a positive note, he is used less frequently as the game continues, and does not appear in the bonus chapter. If you love game helpers, you will love him, slurpy tongue kisses and all!
I love the story behind the game. I thought it was well-written. The pace and the graphics are excellent. To me, the graphics do not truly depict the Old West; however, the developer did provide some of those old TV Western elements within the game. They even threw in a few snakes throughout – not those indicative of the West, but they were cringe- worthy, nonetheless.
ACTIVITIES: There are forty-three (43) mini-games and eighteen (18) HOP scenes along with numerous mini-HOP scenes in which the player collects six or seven items. All the HOP scenes can be replayed and eleven (11) mini-games can be replayed. There are some nice maze puzzles throughout the game. I feel this developer did an excellent job with the mazes, changing one from the beta to a much better puzzle.
There is a nice array of different styles of HOPA scenes. They include some novel designs for the lists of items, silhouette, matching, fragment, spot-the-difference, and rebus scenes. All are interactive. Most of the mini-games are very easy, some a little too easy for my taste. However, some are repeated and do increase in difficulty. The developer does have a few mini-games having both a casual and hard level. An assembly puzzle is used throughout the game, connecting dots which outline some bandit, after which more history of the ghost town is presented. There are six (6) of these throughout the game, each increasing in difficulty.
Collect forty-eight (48) morphing objects (stars) and forty-eight (48) turtles. If all turtles are collected, extra HOP scenes can be played upon completion of the game. I found all the collectibles were easy to locate. The turtles are very large and hard to miss. The player receives an amulet which is used throughout the game as a device to forward the story of the game. Every time a glowing crystal is added to the humongous amulet, more history of Greenbush is revealed.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 49 turtles and 49 morphing stars.
• 3 Wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper “doge” Ozzy which locates inventory items.
• Gimmicky amulet which provides more information and history about the area. Collect crystals to attach to the amulet to reveal the history of Greenbush.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 11 Mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 49 turtles and 49 morphing stars.
• 3 Wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper “doge” Ozzy which locates inventory items.
• Gimmicky amulet which provides more information and history about the area. Collect crystals to attach to the amulet to reveal the history of Greenbush.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 11 Mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Lisa Cassidy as she leaves Emberton and Greenbush to visit an archaeological site outside of this area. A malevolent spirit, the Creature Master, has escaped his statue and is on the prowl, possessing herds of animals. Find this spirit and imprison him for eternity within his statue. I enjoyed the bonus chapter more than the main game, probably due to the lack of the helper dog. The chapter is long and to me worth the price of a collector’s edition. There are six (6) HOP scenes and a few mini-HOP scenes along with ten (10) mini-games. There are some challenging mini-games in this chapter. I feel the mini-games and HOP scenes are better as well. However, I feel there are too many picture puzzles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Origami puzzle. Fold a map to create a direct path to a pier.
B. Matching/Assembly puzzle. Remove sheets of paper with images on them by matching them until none remain. Then rotate and place the remaining sheets to restore an image of a totem pole.
C. Picture puzzle. Click on triangular tiles until a picture emerges. There are several variations of the pictures on each tile.
D. Maze puzzle. Navigate thought the forest using materials found in the forest.
E. Maze puzzle. Go through rooftops of buildings using makeshift tools found along the way. If a ghost reaches you, you are sent back to the previous screen.
F. Connection puzzle. Restore a net. Select knots in the proper sequence. Pass through each knot only once connecting all within the grid.
G. Assembly Puzzle (Used 6 times throughout the game) Place lines on a figure with dots so all fit and overlap with the dots.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate diamond-shaped pieces to restore an image.
I. Picture puzzle. Click on triangular segments until all the images combine to create a picture.
J. Maze/Strategy puzzle. Using a broken clock with 6 numbers, move a chain through a maze. Choose a number and the chain will move that many steps, backtracking if there are no further spaces to go directly to any opening. Calculate the correct number of steps to reach the end of the maze.
K. Checkers puzzle. Jump over symbols to remove them on a triangular grid. The symbol jumped over should be different than the one jumping. Only one should remain at the end.
B. Matching/Assembly puzzle. Remove sheets of paper with images on them by matching them until none remain. Then rotate and place the remaining sheets to restore an image of a totem pole.
C. Picture puzzle. Click on triangular tiles until a picture emerges. There are several variations of the pictures on each tile.
D. Maze puzzle. Navigate thought the forest using materials found in the forest.
E. Maze puzzle. Go through rooftops of buildings using makeshift tools found along the way. If a ghost reaches you, you are sent back to the previous screen.
F. Connection puzzle. Restore a net. Select knots in the proper sequence. Pass through each knot only once connecting all within the grid.
G. Assembly Puzzle (Used 6 times throughout the game) Place lines on a figure with dots so all fit and overlap with the dots.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate diamond-shaped pieces to restore an image.
I. Picture puzzle. Click on triangular segments until all the images combine to create a picture.
J. Maze/Strategy puzzle. Using a broken clock with 6 numbers, move a chain through a maze. Choose a number and the chain will move that many steps, backtracking if there are no further spaces to go directly to any opening. Calculate the correct number of steps to reach the end of the maze.
K. Checkers puzzle. Jump over symbols to remove them on a triangular grid. The symbol jumped over should be different than the one jumping. Only one should remain at the end.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your beloved Ruby before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
A HOWLING SUCCESS!
PostedMarch 14, 2024
sunnyglow
fromSitting in bed of roses. Not everything is coming up roses for me. Very afraid now! I wonder how many dearly departed Druids are camping out in my rose beds.
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
Wedding bells are ringing for an anxious groom, Roland Morier, and his future bride, Ruby Delille. Both hope their wedding will be a “howling” success! Unfortunately, upon his arrival at his future wife’s home, his bride-to-be is kidnapped by a wolf. There is an old saying that when you marry, you marry into a family. Unfortunately, for Roland, this family comes with a lot of baggage. Join him as he travels across the kingdom searching for his kidnapped bride. Fur will be flying among family members as Roland meets his future in-laws along the way. A nasty Druid, out for revenge will also provide some drama to this family gathering. Both Roland and his future bride, will be in for some familial surprises as well. This is a great game; one you can sink your fangs into.
Remember those wonderful HOPA games of yesteryear? I found this game reminiscent of those games! What a fantastic game and, to me, it truly merits the Editor’s Choice award. I played the beta and looked forward to playing this game. There is a little tongue-in-cheek humor within the game which I truly enjoyed. You even return to Sacred Grove toward the end of the game! The graphics are beautiful as in other Friendly Fox games. The pace is excellent. I loved the story, although it did seem that Roland’s future father-in-law, Paul, simply vanishes at the end of the game. What happened to Paul? Did he escort his beloved daughter down the aisle? Poor forgotten Paul! What a beastly thing to do to the poor guy who raised Ruby – by himself no less!
A lot of work went into creating this game and, for me, it is a classic and worth the price of a collector’s edition. Collect morphing items and flowers. I found some difficult to locate. Unlike other games, the collectibles vary throughout the game which makes it challenging to assess what the collectibles are within each scene.There are two (2) flowers and two (2) collectibles within in each scene. At the end of the game, if all the flowers are collected, the player receives additional connection puzzles – connecting like colored flowers. The amulet contains the spirit Thalia who breaks curses on those who are transformed into animals. Every time Thalia breaks the curse, a match-3 game is played. These match-3 games increase in difficulty as the player progresses through the game.
There are thirty-two (32) mini-games and twenty-two (22) HOP scenes. Some of the mini-games have the option to be played in either a casual or hard version. I loved the puzzles within this game, especially the two maze puzzles. Many other developers have maze puzzles; however, most do not require the player to search for items to defeat obstacles and evildoers in one’s path. The HOP scenes are puzzle-like and creatively designed. There are a variety of different styles including lists of items, silhouette, cryptic clues, fragment scenes, matching and search and replace scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements – some of them have 3 parts.
• Collect 50 flowers. Some are morphing. If all are collected, a series of connection puzzles are made available. These can be played in either a casual or hard mode.
• Collect 50 objects. Some are morphing. The objects vary.
• 6 wallpapers and 6 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
• Gimmicky amulet with a spirit named Thalia who will help you throughout the game.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements – some of them have 3 parts.
• Collect 50 flowers. Some are morphing. If all are collected, a series of connection puzzles are made available. These can be played in either a casual or hard mode.
• Collect 50 objects. Some are morphing. The objects vary.
• 6 wallpapers and 6 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games.
• Gimmicky amulet with a spirit named Thalia who will help you throughout the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Ruby, whose daughter, Margaret, is showing the signs of a familial curse - lycanthropy. Search for a cure with the help of your grandmother to save your daughter from becoming a werewolf. I found the bonus chapter delightful and loved the adorable woodland sprites featured throughout the chapter. There are seven (7) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games. Continue collecting collectibles. I found the chapter worth the price of a collector’s edition game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Matching puzzle. Creatively designed puzzle in which the player clicks on two ladybugs which reveal one-half of a picture. Click on the ladybugs to find matching parts of a picture.
B. Casual/Hard. Maze puzzle. Maneuver through a maze picking up items to help rid obstacles in your path. In the hard version, the maze is dark, and light only appears as you proceed down the path.
C. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image to open a bag.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Position oak leaves correctly on a grid so that when the start button is pushed the leaves will end in the correct position as they amble through the path.
E. Match-3 puzzle. Remove 3 deer from the grid in 15 moves. (Variation of this puzzle is used throughout the game to break a curse)
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Ye Olde Book Switch puzzle. Switch books on a bookcase so the spines create a picture.
G. Ye Olde Block puzzle. Move blocks within a grid to create a path for a red one to move from one end of the grid to the other. 2X Increases in difficulty,
H. Switch puzzle. Switch stars on a crate so that sides which abut each other match in color.
I. Match3 puzzle. Match 3 or more tokens to remove them – clear the entire board of tokens.
B. Casual/Hard. Maze puzzle. Maneuver through a maze picking up items to help rid obstacles in your path. In the hard version, the maze is dark, and light only appears as you proceed down the path.
C. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image to open a bag.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Position oak leaves correctly on a grid so that when the start button is pushed the leaves will end in the correct position as they amble through the path.
E. Match-3 puzzle. Remove 3 deer from the grid in 15 moves. (Variation of this puzzle is used throughout the game to break a curse)
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Ye Olde Book Switch puzzle. Switch books on a bookcase so the spines create a picture.
G. Ye Olde Block puzzle. Move blocks within a grid to create a path for a red one to move from one end of the grid to the other. 2X Increases in difficulty,
H. Switch puzzle. Switch stars on a crate so that sides which abut each other match in color.
I. Match3 puzzle. Match 3 or more tokens to remove them – clear the entire board of tokens.
I recommend this game!
Make your choices. Find your path.
Overall rating
4
/
5
BELLY ON UP TO THE BAR
PostedFebruary 29, 2024
sunnyglow
fromSlithering, Sneaky Snake! For future visits to the bar, please ask Mistress Eve to keep her snake around her neck. Seeing that python-like creature slithering and glaring from the hint bar while wiggling its tongue was somewhat unnerving!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages
Belly up to the Crossroads Bar where the fates of those who have strayed along life’s path can be rewritten. Our bartender, Mistress Eve, returns with her magic quill to rewrite the fate of Taylor Campbell, another wayward soul at the crossroads of his life. As an award-winning journalist, Campbell is traveling to a new job as the head writer for a famous magazine when he encounters the bar. Digging up facts about issues and people and providing the truth about each news item is of the utmost importance. However, his jaunt into the paranormal world of Mistress Eve, may change his perspective on his life and career.
This is one of my favorite series from Elephant. I like this series because each chapter is dedicated to a different story. Each chapter is a morality play, dedicated to rewriting Campbell’s fate and making him a better person. Playing Campbell, the player makes choices throughout the game and gets points for the “right” choices. Campbell will enter the lives of three different people and make choices for them to affect the outcome of their lives and perhaps give guidance for his own life.
The first story, “For the Followers,” deals with a social media influencer who investigates the paranormal. The second story, “Echoes of the Dead,” deals with four people who find themselves in limbo, awaiting to be transported to the afterlife. The third story, “Shadows Behind the Spotlight,” deals with a movie star whose fame has been laced with rumors and gossip. The game has a nice length and a good pace. The graphics are excellent, especially in the first chapter. However, despite being a good game, the activities dwindle toward the end of the main game. The quality and creativity of some of those activities diminish as well. Toward the end of the main chapter, there are less creatively designed HOP scenes and more mini-HOP scenes. The mini-games as well are fewer and lack creativity. The second chapter only has two mini-games.
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also several mini-HOP scenes with five to seven items to be collected. There are sixteen (16) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed at the end of the game as well. The collectibles are puzzle fragments, represented by an “X,” and items related to journalism. A jigsaw puzzle is hidden within a secret room which can be played at the end of the game. Some of the collectibles are well-hidden within the scenes. If the player is missing collectibles, scenes can be revisited within the expedition room to locate them. At the end of each chapter, Mistress Eve evaluates your success in handling the problem within the chapter. You will have to choose between actions and dialogues throughout the game and those choices will assign points as to how well you navigate the situation.
THE CREEP FACTOR: As a “horrorista,” it takes a great deal to creep me out. However, the first chapter has an unexpected skin crawling creepiness to it. Usually, I find BFG games very unscary, almost yawn producing. However, toward the end of the first chapter, the player encounters a villain whose demeanor and voice remind me of the serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Along with the ghosts in this theater, I was slightly freaked out – not completely; however, but somewhat scared. The voice actor behind this character should look to Hollywood for parts in horror films.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements
• Collect 25 puzzle pieces to complete a jigsaw puzzle hidden within the Secret Room.
• Collect 12 items related to journalism.
• 6 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Expedition Room allows the player to return to the 25 scenes to locate missed collectibles.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements
• Collect 25 puzzle pieces to complete a jigsaw puzzle hidden within the Secret Room.
• Collect 12 items related to journalism.
• 6 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Expedition Room allows the player to return to the 25 scenes to locate missed collectibles.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: In this chapter play Mistress Eve. The Trickster is still taunting her, having agreed to work at the bar to show his good intentions. Both of you are transported into the scenes from the third chapter of the main game to deal with the actress from that game. A supernatural being, Moirai, feels that you, as Mistress Eve, should not be rewriting the fates of people – it is upsetting the grand design of humanity. Battle her with the help of the Trickster. However, keep your eye on the Trickster. He is still up to his old tricks per se, and at the end, you may see another side of him than from the previous games. I really enjoyed this chapter more than the main game. I feel the activities are better designed. I love marble popper games and truly enjoyed the one within this chapter. There are four (4) HOP scenes plus a few mini-HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games. I feel this chapter is worth the price of a collector’s edition game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Picture puzzle. Rotate diamond shaped wedges with a fragment of a picture on each side of the diamond until a picture is formed.
B. Strategy puzzle. Climb up stairs avoiding spikes which pop up while ascending. If the player hits a spike, he must start over.
C. Assembly puzzle. Put makeup on following that of a given photo.
D. Rotating tiles puzzle. Press on a lever to change adjectives so two which are next to each other are the opposite in meaning. Changing one will change others as well. Personally, I did not find some the adjectives linked together were opposite in meaning.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Sequence puzzle. Highlight all symbols on a car trunk. Clicking on one square affects the others. Strategize moves so all squares are lit.
F. Marble blaster. Hit colored marbles in sets of two or more to remove them. Remove all marbles before they reach the exit point.
A. Picture puzzle. Rotate diamond shaped wedges with a fragment of a picture on each side of the diamond until a picture is formed.
B. Strategy puzzle. Climb up stairs avoiding spikes which pop up while ascending. If the player hits a spike, he must start over.
C. Assembly puzzle. Put makeup on following that of a given photo.
D. Rotating tiles puzzle. Press on a lever to change adjectives so two which are next to each other are the opposite in meaning. Changing one will change others as well. Personally, I did not find some the adjectives linked together were opposite in meaning.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Sequence puzzle. Highlight all symbols on a car trunk. Clicking on one square affects the others. Strategize moves so all squares are lit.
F. Marble blaster. Hit colored marbles in sets of two or more to remove them. Remove all marbles before they reach the exit point.
I recommend this game!