sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:815
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 25, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
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!
Can you escape an ancient ice spirit before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
NORDIC TREASURE AWAITS IN THIS GAME
PostedFebruary 22, 2024
sunnyglow
from“Just out of view, all over the world, lurk countless unseen fears.” Agreed. On Houston highways lurk drivers who provide “unseen fears.” Many are “out of view,” speedily appearing out of nowhere. You “bump” into unseen fears when least expected.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 29 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 29 pages
Pack up your hiking boots and warm woolies as you venture to Norway accompanied by the dashing supernatural detective, Nathaniel. Go mountain climbing and face blizzards and avalanches. Explore caves in those mountains to uncover an explanation of what force or entity followed your friend Matt back from your trip to Norway. Join forces with Matt’s wife, Rebecca, a woman of Norwegian descendant and a Shaman. Both of you will work together to uncover mysterious forces tied to Nordic gods and Viking treasure. This adventure will be worth your time as you enjoy a fantastic, fast-paced game from our beloved GrandMA.
I enjoyed playing this game. For me, this game is the perfect length. It is reminiscent of those BFG offered years ago. It is filled with excellent mini-games and HOP scenes. The graphics are excellent, and the story is well-written. Although the story involves a Nordic zombie-like creature called the Draugr, I did not find it scary at all. Collect crows which turn into Nordic gods and goddesses upon completion of the game. There are two crows per scene, and one of them is a morphing object. Also collect jigsaw puzzle pieces to play a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game. I found some of the collectibles, especially the jigsaw pieces, difficult to locate. The developer did a good job in hiding some of those collectibles. If you are missing any of the collectibles, you can return to the scenes to locate them upon completing the game.
Detective Nathaniel has a gimmicky tattoo on his arm which glows when it is needed. Personally, I hate gimmicks; however, this tattoo is not used often within the game. The game consists of three chapters. “Cold Adventure” is the main game. “Myths Come True” is the name of the bonus chapter. “Forseti’s Vault” provides an additional HOP scene and jigsaw puzzle which are playable upon completion of the game.
There are twenty-three (23) mini-games, eleven (11) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The mini-games are ones seen in other games; however, the developer has designed them to fit the theme of the game. Some of the mini-games in the demo have the choice to be played in either an easy or hard version; however, this option is not available after the demo. There are fourteen (14) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes are fewer in number and toward the end of the game and all of them are lists of items. However, there is one HOP scene which I have never seen before. It involves items just popping up within the scene. You must be quick to catch them as they appear and disappear quickly. It was nice to see a new variety of HOP scene.
BONUS CHAPTER: This chapter returns to the past. Portray Rebecca’s great, great, grandmother, Agatha, as she rescues mountains climbers and meets the Nordic god, Forseti. This chapter explains how the Draugrs came into existence. I found the graphics better in this chapter than in the main game. There are two HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games. It is a short chapter, but I feel it is worth the price of a collector’s edition. Continue to collect the collectibles within the chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 13 achievements.
• Collect 20 jigsaw fragments to complete a puzzle upon completion of the game.
• Collect 48 crows - 24 regular and 24 morphing (2 within each scene). At the end of the game the crows transform into Nordic gods and goddesses.
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Magical tattoo which gives you supernatural power.
• The final “chapter” provides an extra HOP scene and jigsaw puzzle.
• Replay 11 mini-games and 14 HOP scenes.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 13 achievements.
• Collect 20 jigsaw fragments to complete a puzzle upon completion of the game.
• Collect 48 crows - 24 regular and 24 morphing (2 within each scene). At the end of the game the crows transform into Nordic gods and goddesses.
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Magical tattoo which gives you supernatural power.
• The final “chapter” provides an extra HOP scene and jigsaw puzzle.
• Replay 11 mini-games and 14 HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: THESE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch colored fragments so each piece is placed within a hexagon of the same color.
B. Strategy puzzle. Rotate 5 glasses with a variety of flowering herbs within them so that like herbs are within the same glass.
C. Sequence puzzle. Melt blocks of ice in the proper sequence. If you make an incorrect move, the blocks of ice will return.
D. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to restore an image.
E. Logic puzzle. Lead a character to the end of a path by pushing buttons for steps to be taken while avoiding obstacles within the path. Plot out the path before pushing the button for him to proceed.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Sleight of hands puzzle. Watch a little dragon hide a blue stone under one of 4 goblets. After he shuffles them, decide which goblet has the stone. 3X
G. Checkers puzzle. On a triangular grid, jump over a series of red balls with a green ball on until only one red ball remains.
H. Connection puzzle. Connect lines between gems as per the number posted on each gem.
A. Switch puzzle. Switch colored fragments so each piece is placed within a hexagon of the same color.
B. Strategy puzzle. Rotate 5 glasses with a variety of flowering herbs within them so that like herbs are within the same glass.
C. Sequence puzzle. Melt blocks of ice in the proper sequence. If you make an incorrect move, the blocks of ice will return.
D. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to restore an image.
E. Logic puzzle. Lead a character to the end of a path by pushing buttons for steps to be taken while avoiding obstacles within the path. Plot out the path before pushing the button for him to proceed.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Sleight of hands puzzle. Watch a little dragon hide a blue stone under one of 4 goblets. After he shuffles them, decide which goblet has the stone. 3X
G. Checkers puzzle. On a triangular grid, jump over a series of red balls with a green ball on until only one red ball remains.
H. Connection puzzle. Connect lines between gems as per the number posted on each gem.
I recommend this game!
Can you rescue the Celestial Sisters and restore the flow of time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
FROM DAWN TO DUSK AND NIGHT TO DAY - WHERE DID TIME GO?
PostedFebruary 1, 2024
sunnyglow
fromFrom Dawn to Dusk and Day to Night, there is just not enough time for everything in life!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 29 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 29 pages
Grace from the Order of Guardians returns with a timeless adventure. Help her save time itself. Enter looking glass portals to locate and apprehend the evil sorcerer, Azedum, who has stolen time. An artifact which controls the flow of time has been broken and this magnetic fluctuation has disrupted all worlds and peoples. Each piece of the artifact is hiding one of the four Celestial Sisters (Dawn, Dusk, Night, and Day) who control time. Each is hidden within an alternate world. Enter four (4) for these alternate worlds to locate each sister so that time can be restored. You will be assisted by Grace’s owl and a map which locates each sister and creates a portal to the world in which each sister is located.
I loved this game! It has a fantastic storyline and one which can be played in a few hours. I hate long, drawn out seemingly endless games which contain a lot of filler. This game, to me, it the right length with a pace that kept me engaged until the very end. It was nice to see another fantastic game from this developer. Great HOPA games are few and far between nowadays and this is one I might replay, something I rarely do.
There are four (4) chapters, each one dealing with one of the Celestial Sisters. Use a medallion which opens a map and a portal to take you to the world in which each sister is residing. Each world entered has a story as a backdrop on how time has been disrupted within that world. In my opinion, the new locations within each chapter kept it from becoming boring. With each new chapter, there is a new story tied to a new world. The collectibles are clocks and puzzle pieces. Each scene has two clocks and one of them is morphing. I found the morphing ones a little difficult to locate. The puzzles pieces provide a jigsaw puzzle which can be played upon completion of the game. There is an additional HOP scene hidden within the “Balance” door, which can be played after the main and bonus games are completed.
There are thirty (30) mini-games and fourteen (14) HOP scenes. All the HOP scenes and eleven (11) of the mini-games can be replayed. A Match-3 game can be played instead of the HOP scenes. Most of the HOP scenes are lists of items. Usually, I hate this type of search; however, these scenes are interactive, puzzle-like with most requiring assembly of many of the items to be removed. There are also a few matching scenes, a fragment scene, and a narrative scene. GrandMA provides one puzzle with both a hard and easy version. The puzzles are varied, and some have multiple steps which increase in difficulty. I loved the puzzles and one of them is one I have not seen in a long time. Before entering each portal to a new world, play a connection puzzle which creates a constellation. Each one becomes more difficult with each new world. One of my favorite puzzles (which I have not seen for some time in a game) is one in which marbles within a grid must all be changed so all are the same color. The version in this game is easy. I also liked weigh-and-balances puzzles and was happy to see GrandMA provided two of these within the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a continuation of Chapter 2. Join Celestial Sister Dawn as she tries to stop a contagion which is destroying the plants within an alternate world. I found this chapter a nice addition to the game. There are nine (9) mini-games but only two (2) HOP scenes, both of which are lists of items. I play HOPA games for the puzzles, and was happy to see nine of them, two of which are favorites of mine. However, I was rather surprised at the shortage of HOP scenes. Continue collecting the collectibles. I feel the chapter was worthy enough to make this a collector’s edition game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 48 clocks (half of them are morphing) and 20 puzzle fragments.
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 24 Scenes
• Grace’s owl returns as a helper. He reaches high places for inventory items.
• An extra HOP scene is provided behind the “Balance” door upon completion of the game.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 48 clocks (half of them are morphing) and 20 puzzle fragments.
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 24 Scenes
• Grace’s owl returns as a helper. He reaches high places for inventory items.
• An extra HOP scene is provided behind the “Balance” door upon completion of the game.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE AMAZING PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Weights-and-Balances puzzle. Weigh out liquids and place them into a bowl as per given instructions to make fertilizer.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch bottles in a 3 x 3 grid with 9 slots so that each bottle is in the proper position based upon clues within the scene.
C. Easy/Hard. Tangram puzzle. Place marbles with prongs extending from them into position so all fit within a grid. There should be no blank areas and none of the marbles should be left.
D. Strategy puzzle. Choose the right path from 4 paths available. Then, choose the right time to cross through 3 dark rooms without being caught by a group of 3 evildoers. 3X
E. Riddle Me This puzzle. Choose between 5 images to answer cryptic questions.
F. Assembly Puzzle. One of my favorites. Click on 5 colored buttons to change the color of the marbles on a grid. Keep changing the colors until all the marbles are the same color.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match like plants.
H. Rope puzzle. Untangle wires so that none cross.
I. Connection puzzle. Connect pipes so all are interlinked.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch bottles in a 3 x 3 grid with 9 slots so that each bottle is in the proper position based upon clues within the scene.
C. Easy/Hard. Tangram puzzle. Place marbles with prongs extending from them into position so all fit within a grid. There should be no blank areas and none of the marbles should be left.
D. Strategy puzzle. Choose the right path from 4 paths available. Then, choose the right time to cross through 3 dark rooms without being caught by a group of 3 evildoers. 3X
E. Riddle Me This puzzle. Choose between 5 images to answer cryptic questions.
F. Assembly Puzzle. One of my favorites. Click on 5 colored buttons to change the color of the marbles on a grid. Keep changing the colors until all the marbles are the same color.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match like plants.
H. Rope puzzle. Untangle wires so that none cross.
I. Connection puzzle. Connect pipes so all are interlinked.
I recommend this game!
What if Cinderella’s family wasn’t so evil after all?
Overall rating
5
/
5
THE CINDERELLA SYNDROME: A FAMILY IN CRISIS
PostedJanuary 18, 2024
sunnyglow
fromCinderella: A Family in Crisis. I expect to see this dysfunctional family appear on an episode of Dr. Phil. What is the cause for the conflict within this all-female household?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages
Enjoy another Cinderella story. This one is a cauldron filled with hocus pocus sprinkled with a little psychobabble. Join good-hearted Stepmother Stella as she prepares for a ball being given by the prince. Her stepdaughter, Cinderella, has asked the prince to invite her family to the event. Events turn ugly when Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters are arrested upon entering the castle grounds. Help good-hearted Stella as she investigates why she and her daughters were arrested, all while dealing with her misguided stepdaughter. I found this game intriguing. I loved the story which is a wicked twist on the Cinderella story. However, the game never indicates the inheritance Cinderella received from her father. Did Stepmother Stella ever give it to her? Is Stepmother Stella has "sweet" as she seems?
The graphics are beautiful throughout the game. I did not have issues playing this game. I feel this is a better game than many of the games Elephant has produced lately. It is not a long game; however, I feel the quality of the game makes up for the quantity. There are some incredibly beautiful scenes within this game. I gave this game 5 stars due to the vast improvement in quality within this game as opposed to some of the more recent ones Elephant has offered.
The collectibles are Stepmother Stella’s personal items and jigsaw puzzle pieces which are used to play a jigsaw puzzle hidden within a secret room. I found the collectibles and puzzle pieces easy to locate. The puzzle pieces are represented as fans within the game. Some of them are so large they practically hit you in the face. I found the jigsaw puzzle better designed within this game. In previous games, Elephant has offered a finished picture upon which the fragments are placed. This puzzle is more difficult. There is no picture provided and there are no side edges on any of the fragments to designate the sides of the puzzle. The player must even strategize where the first pieces are to be placed. Kudos to Elephant for making this puzzle more difficult. I always thought the jigsaw puzzles at the end of their games were too easy.
There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes in the game, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are twenty-two (22) puzzles, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also numerous mini-HOP scenes with only six (6) items each. Most of the scenes are interactive and there are a variety of styles of HOP scenes. They include lists of items, silhouette, fragment, narrative, matching, and search and replace. My favorite scene was searching for three to four instances of an item within a floor plan of the castle. There are also some incredibly beautiful scenes involving stained glass windows. The artwork from this game is amazing!
The puzzles are varied. Although there are no options to play a hard or easy version of the puzzles, there are several puzzles which have various levels which increase in difficulty. One of the puzzles was changed from the beta version of the game. Frankly, liked the puzzle in the beta better than the one which replaced it. There are not many puzzles nor HOP scenes; however, the ones within the game are well-crafted.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 of Stepmother Stella’s personal items and 24 puzzle pieces (fans in the game) to complete a jigsaw puzzle in a secret room.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Seach an Expedition room to locate missing collectibles within the 27 scenes in the game.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 of Stepmother Stella’s personal items and 24 puzzle pieces (fans in the game) to complete a jigsaw puzzle in a secret room.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Seach an Expedition room to locate missing collectibles within the 27 scenes in the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Fairy Godmother Camilla as she helps the addle brained king prepare for a charity auction. The paintings to be auctioned are missing and now Camilla must use her magical abilities to locate them. I found this chapter delightful. Traverse the castle searching every nook and cranny for any clues as to where those paintings are located. I felt the pace was excellent. There are four (4) HOP scenes and a few mini-HOP scenes with six (6) items to be located. There are seven (7) puzzles as well. To me, this was a decent addition to the game and really loved the stained-glass HOP scenes within this chapter. There is a paint-by-symbol scene featuring a mandala, which, when colored, is incredibly beautiful.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES APPEARING AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Paint puzzle. Color a picture of the royal family by using a needle and the right colored thread. Each thread has a symbol which matches those on the picture.
B. Match-3 puzzle. Match more of your red tiles than the prince matches his blue ones. Connect 3 or more of the same tokens.
C. Switch puzzle. Restore an image by rotating and switching tiles with each other.
D. Assembly puzzle. Picture puzzle. Move pieces up, down, and clockwise around a circle to create an image based on a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Connection puzzle. Connect dots to recreate given images. 3X Increases in difficulty.
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Move tiles on a 3 x3 grid with 9 squares so each square is in the proper position to create a picture.
G. Paint-by-Number puzzle. Paint a mandala by matching up colors by symbols. Beautiful scene.
H. Switch puzzle. Restore a picture by rotating and switching fragments from the picture.
B. Match-3 puzzle. Match more of your red tiles than the prince matches his blue ones. Connect 3 or more of the same tokens.
C. Switch puzzle. Restore an image by rotating and switching tiles with each other.
D. Assembly puzzle. Picture puzzle. Move pieces up, down, and clockwise around a circle to create an image based on a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Connection puzzle. Connect dots to recreate given images. 3X Increases in difficulty.
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Move tiles on a 3 x3 grid with 9 squares so each square is in the proper position to create a picture.
G. Paint-by-Number puzzle. Paint a mandala by matching up colors by symbols. Beautiful scene.
H. Switch puzzle. Restore a picture by rotating and switching fragments from the picture.
I recommend this game!