sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:812
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 6, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you uncover the Logan Family's terrible secret in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
82 of 161 found this review helpful
A PHANTASMAT GAME WHICH IS A SPECTRE OF ITS FORMER SELF
PostedApril 13, 2017
sunnyglow
fromWelcome to the EIPIX month-long marathon. Where are the games from the other developers?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
OVERVIEW: Beware the ghosts of Logan Castle! As an archaeologist, affiliated with a renowned university, you care off to the castle to investigate the Logan family, their ancestral castle, the loch surrounding the castle, and an ancient family relic in this 4-star game. Upon arriving in Scotland, you are welcomed by a highland fling into the loch surrounding the ancestral estate. When your boat capsizes, you wash up at the shore of the estate. Was your accident truly an accident or were there other forces involved? Like Macbeth, beware those rascally Scottish ghosts! They can be harbingers of doom!
This spook fest should appeal to most gamers, paranormal investigators, ghostbusters, or Scots. The graphics and story are the usual EIPIX fare. There is nothing exceptional about this game; however, it does have a good pace and interesting story. The collectibles are morphing objects. The symbol at the bottom of the screen on the inventory bar swirls around when there is one in the scene. You can play a Match-3 game in lieu of the HOP scenes and you can also replay HOP scenes and puzzles.
Based on the demo, I find this game a mediocre entry into the “Phantasmat” series. I feel it is not as good as others in the series; however, it is still better than many of the current EIPIX games. It could be that since we have been “treated” to so many EIPIX games lately, that the games appear to be cookie cutter variations of each other. There are some creative elements in this game; however, I am tired of playing EIPIX games. Nothing excites me about the game – neither the story (same old repackaged ghost story) nor the repackaged HOP scenes, puzzles, and the Match-3 game to play in lieu of the HOP scenes. The only new element in the game are the collectibles – morphing objects. However, as usual, judge for yourself!
HOP SCENES: The scenes are the usual ones seen in most EIPIX games. They include a couple of multiple-step ones which include a list of items followed by a silhouette sequence. In one scene, you look for morphing objects. And, of course, there is a storybook scene in which you locate items listed in BOLD letters.
PUZZLES. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes. They are modified versions of puzzles we have seen in other games by this developer. There are some easy puzzles including an assembly puzzle to combine symbols to create a larger symbol. There is a Simon Says sequence, a matching puzzle and a jigsaw puzzle as well.
There are some puzzles of middle difficulty. I did not see any challenging puzzles in this game. There is a matching puzzle to create a picture according to a given image. There is a slider puzzle in which you uncover three pictures using four sliders. Returning from a previous game is a puzzle in which you use a telescope to locate items. In this case, you uncover a series of dots and trace the picture associated with the dots. The last puzzle in the demo is a multiple-step one using a skeleton and its teeth.
LEVELS: Easy, Medium, Hard, Custom
Hint: 10 to 120 seconds Skips: 10 to 400 seconds
Hint: 10 to 120 seconds Skips: 10 to 400 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
12 Achievements – Some have 3 parts
Collect 21 Morphing objects – A swirl gyrates when there is one in a scene
Replay 15 HOP scenes and 16 Puzzles
8 Wallpapers, 4 Concept Art, Videos, Music, Souvenir Room
Map is provided as you play the game
12 Achievements – Some have 3 parts
Collect 21 Morphing objects – A swirl gyrates when there is one in a scene
Replay 15 HOP scenes and 16 Puzzles
8 Wallpapers, 4 Concept Art, Videos, Music, Souvenir Room
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a Match-3 game instead
A. Multiple-step. (A) List of items (B) Silhouette
B. Locate 12 morphing objects.
C. Multiple-step. (A). Locate 8 faces of different types. (B). Silhouette.
D. Storybook with items listed in BOLD letters.
A. Multiple-step. (A) List of items (B) Silhouette
B. Locate 12 morphing objects.
C. Multiple-step. (A). Locate 8 faces of different types. (B). Silhouette.
D. Storybook with items listed in BOLD letters.
PUZZLES: (1) Easy (2) Moderate difficulty (3) Difficult
A. Matching puzzle. Using arrows, move tokens to create a picture according to a given diagram. Rating: 2
B. Assembly puzzle. Combine symbols to create 3 larger symbols. Rating: 1
C. Slider puzzle. Slide four sliders until you uncover three pictures listed at the side of a grid. Rating: 2
D. Simon Says. Repeat a sequence of lights on a gargoyle. Rating: 1
E. Location puzzle. Using the controls on a telescope, locate 3 series of dots to uncover an image to transfer to a sheet of paper. Rating: 2
F. Multiple-step puzzle: (1). Sequence puzzle. Turn three wheels to match up with the symbols on a code you got from the last puzzle. Rating: 1 (2). Logic puzzle. Move teeth on a skeleton using a conveyor which can remove up to two teeth at a time. Teeth should be placed under the correct color of silver or gold. Rating: 2
G. Matching puzzle. Turn stones to match up with the symbols in a diary. Rating: 1
H. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide a set of tiles into position to recreate a picture. Move the rows and columns up and down and right and left as a group. Rating: 2
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into correct position to create several creatures. Rating: 1
A. Matching puzzle. Using arrows, move tokens to create a picture according to a given diagram. Rating: 2
B. Assembly puzzle. Combine symbols to create 3 larger symbols. Rating: 1
C. Slider puzzle. Slide four sliders until you uncover three pictures listed at the side of a grid. Rating: 2
D. Simon Says. Repeat a sequence of lights on a gargoyle. Rating: 1
E. Location puzzle. Using the controls on a telescope, locate 3 series of dots to uncover an image to transfer to a sheet of paper. Rating: 2
F. Multiple-step puzzle: (1). Sequence puzzle. Turn three wheels to match up with the symbols on a code you got from the last puzzle. Rating: 1 (2). Logic puzzle. Move teeth on a skeleton using a conveyor which can remove up to two teeth at a time. Teeth should be placed under the correct color of silver or gold. Rating: 2
G. Matching puzzle. Turn stones to match up with the symbols in a diary. Rating: 1
H. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide a set of tiles into position to recreate a picture. Move the rows and columns up and down and right and left as a group. Rating: 2
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into correct position to create several creatures. Rating: 1
I recommend this game!
Only you can save the kingdom from a mysterious disease!
Overall rating
3
/
5
115 of 232 found this review helpful
BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE
PostedApril 6, 2017
sunnyglow
from@Domini. Stop the “tweeting.” Remove canaries and all helpers from games. #StopAnnoyingGameHelpers
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
OVERVIEW: Get ready for a game of wizardry with white magic battling black magic in this 3-star game. Play the role of a certified magician, a Master Healer. In this kingdom, where white magic rules the kingdom under the auspices of Queen Patricia. However, dark forces are working to dethrone her. When a disease breaks out in the kingdom, everyone is affected, slowly turning those infected by the disease into trees. One of the black magicians is behind all this chaos, trying to steal the queen’s medallion to release the black magicians. You will need to be on your magical toes to defeat the evil behind the plot to overthrow Queen Patricia.
This game is designed for all levels of gamers. The inclusion of the “hard” and “easy” versions of the puzzles provides both an easy breezy version of the game and a more challenging one for experienced gamers. I found the story a weird misadventure. The whole concept of people turning into trees is somewhat absurd to me. You are accompanied by a chirpy little birdie as a helper. There are still the numerous assortment of collectibles including the consumption of fourteen (14) cupcakes! Yum! You are also given tokens on the inventory bar to indicate how many collectibles you need to locate per scene. However, even with all the sugary delights by Domini, for me, the game is ruined by the inclusion of the helper. The puzzles are somewhat time consuming and with the addition of the antics of the helper, the pace of the game is slow-paced. Domini is one of my favorite developers – but I truly DISLIKE this game!
HOP SCENES: This game has more HOP scenes than in previous games by this developer. They are creative and include the usual silhouette items, list of items, and replacement of items back within the scene.
PUZZLES: The puzzles are creative. It is evident that Domini put forth a great deal of effort to provide exciting and innovative puzzles. Most of the puzzles are creatively designed. There are quite a few assembly puzzles (including creating potions) and switch puzzles.
BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE: You will receive a Healer Kit to prepare potions to stop people from becoming trees. You will also get a Diagnostic Kit to analyze patients.
A SINGING CANARY IN THE COAL MINE: Hopefully this songbird is not singing a death knell of the stellar games by this developer. What bird brain convinced Domini that their games need a helper? This golden-feathered warbler “tweets” more than a famous golden haired world leader who will remain anonymous. You also get to name your bird. I called mine “Twitter.” This canary in the coal mine suggests that Domini may be gasping for more innovative elements to add to their games. However, Domini should remember that “less is more."
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
35 Achievements – A little excessive?
Collect 15 Artifacts, 10 Busts, and 69 Crystals
Eat 14 cupcakes (comes with a subscription to Weight watchers)
Collect coins to purchase 10 animals.
Healer Kit and Diagnostic Lens
10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art, Music
Map is provided as you play the game
35 Achievements – A little excessive?
Collect 15 Artifacts, 10 Busts, and 69 Crystals
Eat 14 cupcakes (comes with a subscription to Weight watchers)
Collect coins to purchase 10 animals.
Healer Kit and Diagnostic Lens
10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art, Music
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES: You can play a Match-3 game instead.
A. Multiple-step. (A) Locate 4 gems. (B) Storybook with items listed in BOLD letters.
B. Search and replace. Search for items and then use them interacting with the scene. There is a puzzle within this scene.
C. Mini-HOP scene. (A) Silhouette. Locate 6 flowers.
D. Silhouette. Locate items within a picture.
E. Multiple step. (A). Locate 6 labels. (B) Replace the labels onto the bottoms from which they came. (C) Silhouette. Using an herbicide, locate plants to remove.
F. Silhouette. A variation in which you are given a piece of a scene which you must return to the proper location of the scene.
A. Multiple-step. (A) Locate 4 gems. (B) Storybook with items listed in BOLD letters.
B. Search and replace. Search for items and then use them interacting with the scene. There is a puzzle within this scene.
C. Mini-HOP scene. (A) Silhouette. Locate 6 flowers.
D. Silhouette. Locate items within a picture.
E. Multiple step. (A). Locate 6 labels. (B) Replace the labels onto the bottoms from which they came. (C) Silhouette. Using an herbicide, locate plants to remove.
F. Silhouette. A variation in which you are given a piece of a scene which you must return to the proper location of the scene.
PUZZLES: Option between easy and hard settings for most puzzles.
A. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles to restore an emblem on a carriage.
B. Sequence puzzle. Push buttons in the correct order as per a given diagram. to open a drawer.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch portraits on the wall as per their engraved silhouettes in the wall
D. Moving tiles puzzle. Move pills clockwise to recreate given pattern.
E. Search puzzle. Using a diagnostic lens, locate diseased areas on a patient.
F. Variation of a Match-3 puzzle. On a box with a maze-like trail, link up two of the same type of design using a middle button as a link. Proceed until all buttons are gone. Once matched, they will be removed from the scene.
G. Assembly puzzle. Locate items and interact with them to create a potion. Items must be put in the correct position or you will need to begin again.
H. Maze puzzle. Position arrows into place so that every space on a board is covered.
I. Search puzzle. Use a diagnostic lens to locate diseased areas on a patient.
J. Assembly puzzle. Locate items and interact with them to create a potion. Items must be put into the correct position or you will need to restart the puzzle.
K. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate tiles to restore a picture.
L. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens of the 12 signs of the Zodiac into the proper places on the Zodiac.
M. Assembly puzzle. Assembly pieces to create the image of a griffin.
N. Slider puzzle. Slide bars out of the way to move a piece to the center.
A. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles to restore an emblem on a carriage.
B. Sequence puzzle. Push buttons in the correct order as per a given diagram. to open a drawer.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch portraits on the wall as per their engraved silhouettes in the wall
D. Moving tiles puzzle. Move pills clockwise to recreate given pattern.
E. Search puzzle. Using a diagnostic lens, locate diseased areas on a patient.
F. Variation of a Match-3 puzzle. On a box with a maze-like trail, link up two of the same type of design using a middle button as a link. Proceed until all buttons are gone. Once matched, they will be removed from the scene.
G. Assembly puzzle. Locate items and interact with them to create a potion. Items must be put in the correct position or you will need to begin again.
H. Maze puzzle. Position arrows into place so that every space on a board is covered.
I. Search puzzle. Use a diagnostic lens to locate diseased areas on a patient.
J. Assembly puzzle. Locate items and interact with them to create a potion. Items must be put into the correct position or you will need to restart the puzzle.
K. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate tiles to restore a picture.
L. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens of the 12 signs of the Zodiac into the proper places on the Zodiac.
M. Assembly puzzle. Assembly pieces to create the image of a griffin.
N. Slider puzzle. Slide bars out of the way to move a piece to the center.
I recommend this game!
In the midst of a battle for the Academy of Alchemy, a young promising student, Eliana, is sent on a dangerous mission of retrieving three powerful artifacts, the Dragon Crystals.
Overall rating
5
/
5
99 of 183 found this review helpful
A MAGICAL DELIGHT FROM BRAVE GIANT
PostedMarch 25, 2017
sunnyglow
fromA game which has magically inspired it me to dust off my Harry Potter novels hidden under some cobwebs.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
4 Chapters plus a Bonus Chapter
OVERVIEW: Congratulations Eliana Marcius! You are now a full-fledged alchemist! Unfortunately, your first assignment will require you to save the magical world in this 5-star game. The Dragon Lord has resurrected and is using his gargoyles to attack the kingdom. To save the kingdom you need to locate three Dragon Crystals. However, that won’t be easy as they are protected by an evil queen.
Since I don’t play this type of game, I am assessing this game based on the quality of its construction. This game should appeal to beginning and intermediate gamers, children, those who love Harry Potter books and movies, fantasy games, or those who love magic. The story is based on a “Harry Potter” theme with your base of operation the Zora Academy of Alchemy. You will create potions and use an amulet to give you powerful magical abilities. Fight gargoyles, a dragon and a witch as you try to restore the kingdom. The graphics are breathtaking. There are quite a few collectibles including crests, hats, and figurines. There are morphing objects as well.
HELPERS: You do get a helper fairy, Dahlia, from the Fae Realm. She has a high-pitched nasal voice which I found irritating. However, in the demo, she is used infrequently. This is my only complaint about the game. You will also use your graduation present from your mentor, a magic amulet, frequently in the game. Each time you use it you will play a Simon Says puzzle. It will help defeat the evildoers in the game.
HOP SCENES: The are creatively designed. The scenes are lists of items and silhouette in the demo. There is a scene which has the player search for items in a stain glass window (used frequently by another developer in most of their games). In at least one scene there are morphing objects. You can play a matching game in lieu of the scenes.
PUZZLES: The puzzles are easy. I found none which was even slightly difficult. They include several types of matching puzzles. There are several storybook puzzles which are more like HOP scenes than true puzzles. In those puzzles, you search for items while listening to a tale about the kingdom. There are a couple of assembly puzzles in which you create a potion.
PUZZLES: The puzzles are easy. I found none which was even slightly difficult. They include several types of matching puzzles. There are several storybook puzzles which are more like HOP scenes than true puzzles. In those puzzles, you search for items while listening to a tale about the kingdom. There are a couple of assembly puzzles in which you create a potion.
LEVELS: Casual, Advance, Expert, Custom
Hints in HOP scenes: 5 to 50 seconds Hints within the game: 5 to 90 seconds Skips: 5 to 120 seconds
Hints in HOP scenes: 5 to 50 seconds Hints within the game: 5 to 90 seconds Skips: 5 to 120 seconds
EXTRAS:
Strategy Guide: 57 Pages
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
21 Achievements
Collect 42 crests, 16 hats and 8 figurines (ghosts)
Morphing objects
Replay of HOP scenes and Puzzles
6 Wallpapers, 6 Concept Art, Music,
Strategy Guide: 57 Pages
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
21 Achievements
Collect 42 crests, 16 hats and 8 figurines (ghosts)
Morphing objects
Replay of HOP scenes and Puzzles
6 Wallpapers, 6 Concept Art, Music,
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES: You can opt to play a matching game in lieu of the scenes.
A. List of items located on a stain glass window. At least one morphing object in this scene
B. List of items.
C. Silhouette. Interactive and there is a morphing object as well.
A. List of items located on a stain glass window. At least one morphing object in this scene
B. List of items.
C. Silhouette. Interactive and there is a morphing object as well.
PUZZLES: (1) Easy 2) Moderate difficulty (3) Difficult
Amulet puzzle. Every time you need to fight an entity you must charge your amulet by playing a Simon Says game. Follow the sequence of lights on the amulet.
A. Matching. Match up symbols on a door as per directions given. Rating: 1
B. Assembly. Follow directions to create a potion. Rating: 1
C. Matching puzzle. Match up tokens on a large wheel by color and number of flames on the token. Rating: 1
D. Maze puzzle. Move your balloon high into the sky to the Sun while avoiding clouds and eagles in your path. Must do this twice to reach your destination. Rating: 2
E. Matching puzzle. Get Dahlia, the fairy helper to choose the right symbols so that thorns release you. Rating: 1. More of a HOP scene than a puzzle. rating: 1
F. Storybook puzzle. Locate 3 symbols within 4 scenes while hearing the tale of the Dragon King. Rating: 1
G. Assembly puzzle. Assemble items to create a potion. Rating: 1
H. Same as F. Another storybook sequence locating symbols within a scene. Rating: 1
B. Assembly. Follow directions to create a potion. Rating: 1
C. Matching puzzle. Match up tokens on a large wheel by color and number of flames on the token. Rating: 1
D. Maze puzzle. Move your balloon high into the sky to the Sun while avoiding clouds and eagles in your path. Must do this twice to reach your destination. Rating: 2
E. Matching puzzle. Get Dahlia, the fairy helper to choose the right symbols so that thorns release you. Rating: 1. More of a HOP scene than a puzzle. rating: 1
F. Storybook puzzle. Locate 3 symbols within 4 scenes while hearing the tale of the Dragon King. Rating: 1
G. Assembly puzzle. Assemble items to create a potion. Rating: 1
H. Same as F. Another storybook sequence locating symbols within a scene. Rating: 1
I recommend this game!
Can you stop the townspeople from mysteriously aging?
Overall rating
5
/
5
140 of 234 found this review helpful
LIKE THE AGELESS SPHINX – THIS GAME IS A RIDDLE WRAPPED IN A MYSTERY INSIDE AN ENIGMA
PostedMarch 23, 2017
sunnyglow
fromA true masterpiece of gaming for EIPIX. This is a game which will never grow old.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
7 Chapters plus a Bonus Chapter
OVERVIEW: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Scottish town of Dreadmond! Enjoy your stay within this 5-star plus game. Enjoy the dark mysterious ambiance of the Galloway Estate. As you play this game, you may begin to feel a little drained of energy. Take warning! Residing in this game may affect your longevity. Many dark secrets reside in this town all centering on the mysterious Richard Galloway.
Play a game with many twists and turns, with many puzzles to solve before you reach the final curtain. Or is there a final curtain in this sequel? Just remember, by entering this game, you are entering a world where your concepts of time, life, death, and immortality will be questioned. Magnetic anomalies abound and can distort your perception – at least in the demo. What is the story of Richard Galloway? That is for you to discover. This is an automatic purchase. I surveyed the beta and have been looking forward to the actual game!
Kudos to EIPIX! This game is a vast improvement from last year’s game, “The Broken Hour.” The story is excellent – so good, I could see a movie based on this game. I like the puzzling aspect of this game, the various subplots within the game, the pace, and the well-constructed puzzles. The dark, brooding graphics in the stuffy Scottish estate within the small town, add to the ambiance of this game. Death and decay just ooze from this game. The themes of Death and Immortality are well depicted in this game from the symbols, items, puzzles, to the quickly aging people.
HOP SCENES: They are principally lists with puzzles inserted within them. I do feel that if the HOP scenes were varied and included silhouette or matching pairs, etc., it would overkill. The use of simplistic lists of items lends itself to the inclusion of some innovative puzzles. I do like that there are several puzzles incorporated into the HOP scenes. This tends to break up the monotony of just searching for items within a scene.
PUZZLES: I am in awe of the amount and quality of puzzles. More kudos to EIPIX for providing not only quite a variety, but also varying degrees of difficulty in these puzzles.
PLAYING ON THE MOBIUS STRIP. My favorite part of the demo is the interactive gameplay in the first part of the game between three statues – all related to death and immortality. Looking for items, interacting with them and replacing them on the three statues of the Egyptian mummy, the Aztec warrior, and Death itself, is exquisite. This sequence illustrates the creative genius of the EIPIX. I hope to see this type of gameplay in more of their games. This sequence is so creative and well-done.
LEVELS: Casual, Hard, Insane, Custom
Hint: 10 to 120 seconds Skips: 10 to 400 seconds
Hint: 10 to 120 seconds Skips: 10 to 400 seconds
EXTRAS:
Strategy Guide: 42 Pages
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
19 Achievements – Some with 3 parts
Collect 39 jigsaw puzzle pieces
Morphing objects
Quill (feather) used throughout the game
Wallpapers, Concept Art, Screensavers, Music, Videos
Strategy Guide: 42 Pages
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
19 Achievements – Some with 3 parts
Collect 39 jigsaw puzzle pieces
Morphing objects
Quill (feather) used throughout the game
Wallpapers, Concept Art, Screensavers, Music, Videos
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE:
NONE. You should discover this game yourself!
FINAL THOUGHT: Enter at your own risk! This is a game you should enter blind. Half the fun of this game is navigating your way through the maze of puzzles and enigmas never knowing what is around the corner. However, I will give you a little information about the game - It is a masterpiece! Despite all of their faults, no developer on BFG can compare to the production of outstanding classic games as EIPIX - that is, when their heart is in it!
I recommend this game!
Travel with the penguins and solve new pixel art challenges!
Overall rating
5
/
5
30 of 85 found this review helpful
A ROYAL EXPERIENCE FOR THE PENGUINS
PostedMarch 20, 2017
sunnyglow
fromA great way to start the work week. Color me royally happy!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OVERVIEW: What a wonderful 5-star Monday surprise from my favorite dev for this type of game! The adorable Penguin family has returned for another much anticipated visit. This time, Mr. Penguin and Uncle Aaron are off to an ancient castle looking for more colors. A BIG THANK you to BFG for offering a game in one of my favorite genres. This is another excellent game from Match Gems. I have been anxiously awaiting a new game from this developer. I have played every one in the series and this game displays the same excellence as the others in the series.
I LOVE these games and Match Gems is one of the BEST developers for this type of game. This puzzle has many different names (AKA O’Ekaki, Griddlers, Paint-by-Numbers, Pic-a-Pix, Nonograms or whatever you call them); however, no matter the name they are a fun puzzle game.
HOW TO PLAY: This is variety of a Sudoku puzzle. In this puzzle, create pictures by filling in squares in a grid. The grids in this game will vary in size. Each side of the grid will have numbers for each line of squares indicating the number of squares which are to be filled in for that row of squares. Squares are filled in where the squares intersect between the two sets of numbers on each side.
GAME FACTS:
• Levels: Casual and Advanced.
• Colors: The game has up to six colored screens which can be switched at any time while playing the puzzle. There are new colors in this game as well, at least that is what is stated.
• Autofill: There is autofill so you do not have to fill in the unused boxes. However, you can use your mouse to right click “X’s” for unused spaces.
• Hints: Hints are given as you proceed and are based on the difficulty of the puzzle and how well you perform in solving the grid
• Number of Levels and Puzzles: There are 100 puzzles – 20 levels with 5 puzzles per level in the game.
• Aids: You have a pickax as an aid in the game
• Awards: There are 3 trophies: a gold trophy for no mistakes, a silver trophy for 1 mistake, and a bronze trophy for two mistakes. If you make 3 mistakes, you must start the game over again.
• Collectibles. When you complete one level of 5 puzzles, you receive an item to place in your garden.
• Pressing on the sun at the right side of the screen, you can see the figure without the grid. Rather cool! No other developer provides this feature.
• Levels: Casual and Advanced.
• Colors: The game has up to six colored screens which can be switched at any time while playing the puzzle. There are new colors in this game as well, at least that is what is stated.
• Autofill: There is autofill so you do not have to fill in the unused boxes. However, you can use your mouse to right click “X’s” for unused spaces.
• Hints: Hints are given as you proceed and are based on the difficulty of the puzzle and how well you perform in solving the grid
• Number of Levels and Puzzles: There are 100 puzzles – 20 levels with 5 puzzles per level in the game.
• Aids: You have a pickax as an aid in the game
• Awards: There are 3 trophies: a gold trophy for no mistakes, a silver trophy for 1 mistake, and a bronze trophy for two mistakes. If you make 3 mistakes, you must start the game over again.
• Collectibles. When you complete one level of 5 puzzles, you receive an item to place in your garden.
• Pressing on the sun at the right side of the screen, you can see the figure without the grid. Rather cool! No other developer provides this feature.
I highly recommend this game if you like Sudoku games or any type of mathematical puzzle.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a stone-cold monster before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
80 of 160 found this review helpful
ANOTHER BORING EXCURSION INTO THE MYTHS OF EUROPE
PostedMarch 18, 2017
sunnyglow
fromThe basilisk affected me while playing this demo. Playing this game left me “stone cold” and “petrified” that there may be a sequel!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
OVERVIEW: Hey “pumpkin!” Congratulations! You are now a commander – all decked out in shiny armor in this boring cookie cutter 3-star game. Get ready to kick down a few doors and perhaps shatter a few glass ceilings as you, a female commander, take on your first assignment, defeating a shapeshifting basilisk. This is no ordinary shapeshifting lizard, he also petrifies people, turning them into stone. Armed with a supercharged hammer, the Protector, you are off to stop this beast. Act quickly! You only have two days, during a solar eclipse to stop this beast intent on revenge.
This game will appeal to all levels of gamers, those who love European myths and legends, hiking and yodeling through the Alps, and perhaps lizard lovers. The graphics are nicely done as usual for this developer. The story is another assembly line version of a dozen other of this developer’s games. However, the puzzles and HOP scenes are creatively designed.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are the best part of the game. They are well-crafted and include scenes in which you locate items and then interact with them within the scene. There is an impressive story book scene in which you locate items using a potion book as you answer questions about the beast.
PUZZLES: THE EASY: The puzzles vary in design and difficulty. In the demo there are several easy puzzles. There is a matching puzzle involving keys. There are two puzzles which are more HOP scenes than puzzles. There is a storybook scene in which you locate items and place back into the proper position within the scene. There is also a puzzle in which you use a telescope to locate items hinted at within the story.
THE MODERATELY CHALLENGING: For those more experienced gamers, there are two challenging puzzles. One is a maze puzzle in which you must pop up three crowns using worms. You must angle them into position which requires some strategy on your part. The other puzzle is one you must move a wheel from one end to the other. The difficulty here is that although some keys may be numbered as to spaced moved; there are others which are not. You need to figure out the space sequence logically.
THE MODERATELY CHALLENGING: For those more experienced gamers, there are two challenging puzzles. One is a maze puzzle in which you must pop up three crowns using worms. You must angle them into position which requires some strategy on your part. The other puzzle is one you must move a wheel from one end to the other. The difficulty here is that although some keys may be numbered as to spaced moved; there are others which are not. You need to figure out the space sequence logically.
SUMMARY: Ho-hum! Sorry to say I am disappointed at the direction of this series. The series is named “Myths of the World;” however, a more apt name would be “Myths of Europe.” With most of these myths being centered in Europe, they are now becoming cookie cutter versions of each other. It is yet another lackluster werewolf tale – in this case the wolf has been replaced by a basilisk, a were-basilisk no less. Although the graphics, HOP scenes, and puzzles are beautifully created, to me, it is still a boring game.
POTION WEARY! I dislike the weird theme of this game. I also am tired of creating potions in all the games recently. This will be a pass for me. For those love this series – enjoy!
LEVELS: Animal Tracker, Beast Hunter, Monster Expert, Adventure Seeker (Custom)
Hints: 10 to 120 seconds Skips: 10 to 400 seconds
Hints: 10 to 120 seconds Skips: 10 to 400 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
Your helper is a hammer “The Protector” used throughout the game.
27 Achievements
Replay 13 HOP scenes and 23 Puzzles
Collect 39 lizards
8 Wallpapers, 4 Concept Art, Video, Music, Souvenir Room, Skipping Stones game,
Map is provided as you play the game
Your helper is a hammer “The Protector” used throughout the game.
27 Achievements
Replay 13 HOP scenes and 23 Puzzles
Collect 39 lizards
8 Wallpapers, 4 Concept Art, Video, Music, Souvenir Room, Skipping Stones game,
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES:
A. Multiple step. (1) List of items. Locate 3 of each item. (2) Silhouette (3) Replace items back into the scene.
B. List of items. You must match up two items to remove them. Rather unique
C. Storybook. Quite creative. Use a potion book to find the items. You are asked questions as to the description of the beast.
D. Silhouette. Search, replace and interact with the scene. Mini-HOP scene – list of items is within the scene.
A. Multiple step. (1) List of items. Locate 3 of each item. (2) Silhouette (3) Replace items back into the scene.
B. List of items. You must match up two items to remove them. Rather unique
C. Storybook. Quite creative. Use a potion book to find the items. You are asked questions as to the description of the beast.
D. Silhouette. Search, replace and interact with the scene. Mini-HOP scene – list of items is within the scene.
PUZZLES: (1) Easy 2) Moderate difficulty (3) Difficult
When you use “The Protector” hammer you will play a matching game. Match up symbols, followed by a tracing puzzle.
A. Matching/Sequence. Match up keys connected by strings in sequence. Rating: 1
B. Manual dexterity game. Ready, aim, fire. Center a crossbow to fire at the beast. Rating: 1
C. Storybook. Search and replace. Look for misplaced items and return them to the proper location.
D. Maze puzzle. Lead mechanical worms into the proper position through a type of maze to pop up three crowns. Requires some strategical moves Rating: 3
E. Sequence/Logic puzzle. A little toughie in which you must figure out the amount of moves to move a wheel from one end to the other. The difficulty is that some of the keys are not marked as to the spaces. Rating: 3
F. Sequence puzzle. Remove a string from a parcel through a series of holes in the package. They must be pulled in order through the parcel. Rating: 1
G. HOP puzzle. Using a telescope, look for items hinted at In the story. Rating: 1
B. Manual dexterity game. Ready, aim, fire. Center a crossbow to fire at the beast. Rating: 1
C. Storybook. Search and replace. Look for misplaced items and return them to the proper location.
D. Maze puzzle. Lead mechanical worms into the proper position through a type of maze to pop up three crowns. Requires some strategical moves Rating: 3
E. Sequence/Logic puzzle. A little toughie in which you must figure out the amount of moves to move a wheel from one end to the other. The difficulty is that some of the keys are not marked as to the spaces. Rating: 3
F. Sequence puzzle. Remove a string from a parcel through a series of holes in the package. They must be pulled in order through the parcel. Rating: 1
G. HOP puzzle. Using a telescope, look for items hinted at In the story. Rating: 1
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a mystical murderer in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
103 of 175 found this review helpful
GRANDMA HAS DISCOVERED HER DARK SIDE IN A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER!
PostedMarch 16, 2017
sunnyglow
fromThis game gives a whole new meaning to having “skin in the game.” While playing this, you better watch yours!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide 47 Pages
OVERVIEW: GrandMA – what big teeth you have! Big enough to take a big bite out of the horror gaming market. What a great 5-star plus game! I LOVE this game! Play a paranormal detective on the case investigating a case of a serial killer who is targeting a specific type of victim. The murders are occult-based with the victims still clothes but missing their skin. Your immense psychic powers, developed by your mentor, Kephri, will help you in this case. Interact with the hidden world of ritualistic magic, orchestrated by a Master of Dark Arts. Along the way, meet shapeshifters Sorrel and his wife Marjolaine and help them avoid the Hunters.
THE FRIGHT FACTOR! To what degree do you wish to be scared? Our creative GrandMA provides an option never seen in the games on BFG – the ability to choose your level of “fright” You can choose between “Grim” versus “Brighter” while playing this game. Of course, I chose “Grim.” The “Grim” option exposes you to more realism in the dark work of the occult. For the maximum effect – play in a dark room.
What can I say except that the story is a brilliant portrayal of ritualistic serial killings. This game should appeal to everyone except the weak of heart! The graphics well display modern-day Amsterdam. The pace is excellent, keeping you on your toes investigating this case. Your “helper” is a seal at the side of your inventory bar. It allows you to access supernatural powers to see the unseen. You will also collect evidence as you proceed in the game.
HOP SCENES: HOP scenes are a natural fit to detective games, and these are exceptional. They include the usual silhouette and lists of items. In some you locate the items and then replace them back into the scene. There are two which I thought extremely well-crafted. In one you fight a zombie by locating items in silhouette. Ever feel that suffocating feeling while a dance partner hold you too tightly, this game takes it to a whole new level. While a girl is dancing, you switch her from front-to-back searching for items to recreate a VERY LARGE BOA CONSTRICTOR who is acting as her dance partner! You can play a Match-3 game in lieu of the scenes. (Also, making her appearance is a girl in this scene who looks a lot like Jennifer Anniston)
PUZZLES: All the puzzles are easy. They are not as challenging as I would like; however, they are decent and fit into the story. Some of the puzzles include a rather unique matching puzzle which has you matching up clues with cases. Other puzzles include a connection puzzle which involves connecting tokens without crossing wires, a rope puzzle of the same vein, and a matching puzzle which replaced another puzzle in the beta. The beta puzzle was better in my opinion. My favorite puzzle involves placing jacks into a circuit board so that all lights on the board are lit.
FINAL THOUGHT: GrandMA, you are a natural in the production of this type of game. I am astounded at the quality of this game. For your first attempt into the world of the occult, you are a true natural Master Gamer for the Dark Arts! Hope to see more of this type of game from you! A BIG THANK YOU!
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hint: 10 to 90 seconds Skips: 10 to 180 seconds
Hint: 10 to 90 seconds Skips: 10 to 180 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
14 Achievements
Collect 77 symbols
Replay HOP scenes and puzzles
10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art, Music, and Videos
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
14 Achievements
Collect 77 symbols
Replay HOP scenes and puzzles
10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art, Music, and Videos
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES:
A. Multiple-step. (1) Locate 8 symbols (2) Silhouette. (3) List of items
B. Very cool. (1) In a fight scene with a zombie, locate items in silhouette. (2) Locate 6 valves.
C. Silhouette. Locate teeny snakes and replace parts on a snake. Realistic and awesome
B. Very cool. (1) In a fight scene with a zombie, locate items in silhouette. (2) Locate 6 valves.
C. Silhouette. Locate teeny snakes and replace parts on a snake. Realistic and awesome
PUZZLES: (1) Easy 2) Moderate difficulty (3) Difficult (4) Challenging
A. Connection puzzle. Connect 4 like-colored tokens so that lines do not cross with other tokens. Rating: 2
B. Matching: 3 Scenes. First wo scenes - Match up evidence in five cases with the clues provided. Final scene - place clues into the correct packet. Rating: 2
C. Matching: Match up symbols then rotate all gems within the symbols so they light up. Rating: 1
D. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so they do not cross. Rating: 1
E. Manual dexterity puzzle. Ready, aim, shoot! Center a ball within a bullseye to hit a driver with sleeping potion. 3X. Rating: 1
F. Logic puzzle. Select four wires and connect them to jacks on a circuit board to a series of lights at the top of a circuit panel so that all the lights are lit. Rather unusual puzzle. Rating: 2
B. Matching: 3 Scenes. First wo scenes - Match up evidence in five cases with the clues provided. Final scene - place clues into the correct packet. Rating: 2
C. Matching: Match up symbols then rotate all gems within the symbols so they light up. Rating: 1
D. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so they do not cross. Rating: 1
E. Manual dexterity puzzle. Ready, aim, shoot! Center a ball within a bullseye to hit a driver with sleeping potion. 3X. Rating: 1
F. Logic puzzle. Select four wires and connect them to jacks on a circuit board to a series of lights at the top of a circuit panel so that all the lights are lit. Rather unusual puzzle. Rating: 2
I recommend this game!
A mysterious exhibit sends a young woman into a parallel world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
103 of 166 found this review helpful
OPEN A PORTAL TO A WONDERFUL SCI-FI ADVENTURE GAME.
PostedMarch 11, 2017
sunnyglow
fromAre the origins of man tied to another planet? If so, this game is an example of a successful alien immigration plan from one planet to another.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Review based on the Demo
Welcome to The National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City, home of the Sun Stone (Mayan Calendar) in a 5-star adventure game. Although its prophecy for the end of the world in 2012 did not occur, you probably did not know that the Sun Stone is a portal to other dimensions and worlds. As a Mayan researcher, find yourself transported to another world, similar, but not quite the same as the Classic Mayan civilization. In a world with two moons, find yourself on a quest to return home. As you traverse this planet’s Endless River Valley, you will get help from the locals of this alien planet. However, it wouldn’t be a game if there were not some peril in store for you. Some of those local natives are not as friendly as you might like.
What a great sci-fi adventure game! I LOVE this game! This was an automatic purchase for me! This game will appeal to those of us sci-fi and adventure game enthusiasts who have few games offered on the BFG site. The game is old-school in design; however, that is not a bad thing. The graphics are a little dated. However, the story is excellent. This is more of an adventure game than a typical HOP game, with very few HOP scenes. There are quite a few collectibles which are artifacts from the Mayan civilization including morphing objects. You can replay both the HOP scenes and the puzzles.
HOP SCENES: There are only two in the demo and they are the same. They are silhouette in which you locate items and interact with them within the scene.
PUZZLES: The puzzles are of moderate difficulty and are varied in design in the demo. There are several matching puzzles. You will need to match up designs as per given codes. However, in most of these puzzles, the codes are NOT given to you to place in the inventory. You will either need to memorize them or look them up in the guide when needed. Other puzzles include a rather fiendish Simon Says puzzle which requires you to remember a rather long sequence of button pushing. There are also several rotating rings puzzles. They are similar; however, they do vary slightly throughout the game. You need to place gems, marbles, and tokens into proper position in these puzzles and the style for these puzzles vary slightly from one another.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hint: 5 to 90 seconds Skips: 5 to 150 seconds
Hint: 5 to 90 seconds Skips: 5 to 150 seconds
EXTRAS:
Strategy Guide – 45 pages
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
21 Achievements
Replay 18 puzzles and 8 HOP scenes
Collect 8 scrolls, 7 pyramids, 7 deity statues, 8 skulls, 8 stone heads, 12 clay flasks
30 Morphing objects
9 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art, 18 Videos, Music,
Strategy Guide – 45 pages
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
21 Achievements
Replay 18 puzzles and 8 HOP scenes
Collect 8 scrolls, 7 pyramids, 7 deity statues, 8 skulls, 8 stone heads, 12 clay flasks
30 Morphing objects
9 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art, 18 Videos, Music,
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES: In the demo, the two scenes are the same. Silhouette. Search and replace. Locate items, then interact with the scene using those items.
PUZZLES: (1) Easy 2) Moderate difficulty (3) Difficult
A. Matching puzzle. Rotate four dials to produce images as per a code on a temple wall. Rating: 1
B. Marble puzzle. Rotate a wheel containing 3 marbles so that a blue marble reaches a blue slot. Rating: 2
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate three stones to restore images on four pillars. Rating: 2
D. Rotating rings. Rotate three interlocking rings so that all gems interspersed between the rings are situated in the middle ring. Rating: 2
E. Sequence puzzle. Press three buttons in correct order to unlock a mechanical device.
F. Matching puzzle. Rotate three rings to that four balls are situated exactly as indicated in a drawing. Rating: 2
G. Simon Says puzzle. Repeat a sequence using scarabs to open a door. Rating. 2 (a rather long sequence)
H. Moving tiles puzzle. Move four tokens attached to sliders on a wheel so that all tokens are placed into their proper slots on the wheel. Rating: 2
A. Matching puzzle. Rotate four dials to produce images as per a code on a temple wall. Rating: 1
B. Marble puzzle. Rotate a wheel containing 3 marbles so that a blue marble reaches a blue slot. Rating: 2
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate three stones to restore images on four pillars. Rating: 2
D. Rotating rings. Rotate three interlocking rings so that all gems interspersed between the rings are situated in the middle ring. Rating: 2
E. Sequence puzzle. Press three buttons in correct order to unlock a mechanical device.
F. Matching puzzle. Rotate three rings to that four balls are situated exactly as indicated in a drawing. Rating: 2
G. Simon Says puzzle. Repeat a sequence using scarabs to open a door. Rating. 2 (a rather long sequence)
H. Moving tiles puzzle. Move four tokens attached to sliders on a wheel so that all tokens are placed into their proper slots on the wheel. Rating: 2
I recommend this game!
The citizens of Bordeaux are outraged after eight monks are murdered.
Overall rating
5
/
5
103 of 206 found this review helpful
OUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED WITH THIS OUTSTANDING GAME
PostedMarch 9, 2017
sunnyglow
fromFrom the howling of dogs, the mewing of cats, and the neighing of the horses – it “sounds” like we have an ERS game out today!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Welcome back, Agent! Prepare yourself for more murder, mayhem, mystical hocus pocus, and court intrigue in a 5-star plus game. You are off to 16th century Bordeaux, France. Eight monks have disappeared or been murdered and you have been summoned by Abbot Dominic. All the intrigue seems to point to Stephan Astor, a former prisoner, a shapeshifter, and a powerful magus. A true heretic, he was sentenced to death; however, he was pardoned, but why? Spending twenty years in the prison, he is out for revenge! Returning in this game are the Musketeers, the Cardinal, his nasty cat, and, of course, our little dwarf. Now what is that sinister grunting dwarf up to now? Somehow, Stephan is going to have to “deal” with this annoying little man in which a high price will need to be paid.
This game is an improvement from the previous ones in the series. The story is well-written. The pace is excellent and the activities varied to appeal to players of all levels of expertise – from beginning players to expert players. The graphics are consistent with those from previous games. The characters are realistic looking and the scenes are beautiful. There are two collectibles, tokens and morphing objects. The tokens are so large you cannot miss them. The morphing objects are not quite as visible. The HOP scenes and puzzles are amazing! ERS demonstrates they have invested time in creating better HOP scenes and puzzles. This game will be a definite purchase for me.
HOP SCENES: Exquisite! They demonstrate some new creative elements. There is a storybook sequence which has a new design in locating items. There is a scene which has a garden variety of vegetables to locate. There is a search and replace scene involving two scarecrows in which you must locate items and switch scenes back-and-forth interacting with the discovered items within the scene. There is a multiple-step scene and a mini-HOP scene as well.
PUZZLES: There is a variety of them in differing levels of difficulty. There are couple of manual dexterity puzzles. In one you must trace symbols to ring a bell. Have a swinging time in the other puzzle! You must swing back and forth to get a knife. There is a maze puzzle in which you must create a path for your fists to hit four shields. You have a choice between “casual” and “hard” settings for this game. Other puzzles are a sequence puzzle involving your fingers, a switch puzzles involving getting tokens to the correct position, and a sliding tiles puzzle to restore a picture.
FAVORITE PUZZLE: Open and shut case! You never know what you are going to find in a bureau of drawers. In this case, open drawers to locate a portrait. After you place the portrait in the correct location on a wall, another drawer opens. Continue until all drawers are opened and all pictures are on the wall in the proper location. However, also hiding within those drawers are items which, once found, must return to interact with the scene as well. Such a creatively designed puzzle!
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints and Skips: 5 to 200 seconds
Hints and Skips: 5 to 200 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
12 Achievements – You will receive a figurine of a member of European royalty from the 17th Century.
Collect 35 tokens to restore your ancestral estate.
Collect 34 morphing objects
Replay HOP scenes and puzzles
Usual wallpaper, concept art, screensavers, music, and movies
Map is provided as you play the game
12 Achievements – You will receive a figurine of a member of European royalty from the 17th Century.
Collect 35 tokens to restore your ancestral estate.
Collect 34 morphing objects
Replay HOP scenes and puzzles
Usual wallpaper, concept art, screensavers, music, and movies
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES:
A. Multiple step. (1) Silhouette. (2) Silhouette items to collect pieces to create a medallion
B. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 8 iron weights.
C. Storybook sequence. Unique! A unique approach in locating the items. You must locate three of each item.
D. List of items. Time to pick those vegetables! They are a garden variety of vegetables which you must place in a cart. You must locate more than one of the vegetables to remove the item from the list.
E. Search and replace scene. So creative. Interact with two “Musketeer” scarecrows locating items and replacing them in the proper location. What makes it cool is that the images rotate from one side to another after locating and replacing an item.
F. Mini-HOP scene. Matching.
A. Multiple step. (1) Silhouette. (2) Silhouette items to collect pieces to create a medallion
B. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 8 iron weights.
C. Storybook sequence. Unique! A unique approach in locating the items. You must locate three of each item.
D. List of items. Time to pick those vegetables! They are a garden variety of vegetables which you must place in a cart. You must locate more than one of the vegetables to remove the item from the list.
E. Search and replace scene. So creative. Interact with two “Musketeer” scarecrows locating items and replacing them in the proper location. What makes it cool is that the images rotate from one side to another after locating and replacing an item.
F. Mini-HOP scene. Matching.
PUZZLES: (1) Easy (2)) Moderately difficult (3) Difficult
A. Sliding tiles puzzle. Move three rings to create the image of a flower. Rating: 1
B. Manual dexterity puzzle. Trace a symbol to ring a bell. Rating: 1
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 8 tokens on an outer ring so they match up with those on an inner ring. You are limited as to the amount of moves you can make to switch tokens. Rating: 2
D. Sequence. Unlock fingers on two hands by pressing on them so that all fingers are released. Pressing one finger affects the others. Rating: 2
E. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate a row of 5 circles with symbols upon them so they match up with a given code. Rating: 2
F. Interactive puzzle. Beginning with a drawer with a portrait, open the drawer, remove a portrait and place it in the correct location to open yet another drawer. Do this until all drawers are opened. Within the drawers are tools which must interact with the scene. A very cool puzzle. Rating: 2
G. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Have a swinging time! Swing back and forth by pressing arrows to grab a knife. Rating: 2
H. Choice between Casual and Hard. Create a path for each of four fists by moving bars so that each one strikes a shield. You must move the bars up and down to create a path. Moving one affects the others. The hard level involves more strategy in moving the bars.
A. Sliding tiles puzzle. Move three rings to create the image of a flower. Rating: 1
B. Manual dexterity puzzle. Trace a symbol to ring a bell. Rating: 1
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 8 tokens on an outer ring so they match up with those on an inner ring. You are limited as to the amount of moves you can make to switch tokens. Rating: 2
D. Sequence. Unlock fingers on two hands by pressing on them so that all fingers are released. Pressing one finger affects the others. Rating: 2
E. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate a row of 5 circles with symbols upon them so they match up with a given code. Rating: 2
F. Interactive puzzle. Beginning with a drawer with a portrait, open the drawer, remove a portrait and place it in the correct location to open yet another drawer. Do this until all drawers are opened. Within the drawers are tools which must interact with the scene. A very cool puzzle. Rating: 2
G. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Have a swinging time! Swing back and forth by pressing arrows to grab a knife. Rating: 2
H. Choice between Casual and Hard. Create a path for each of four fists by moving bars so that each one strikes a shield. You must move the bars up and down to create a path. Moving one affects the others. The hard level involves more strategy in moving the bars.
I recommend this game!
Discover a lost Slavic legend, where love is greater than death!
Overall rating
4
/
5
63 of 150 found this review helpful
MIRROR, MIRROR IN A CARRIAGE – GUARANTEES ETERNAL MARRIAGE
PostedMarch 7, 2017
sunnyglow
fromTired of the same-old methods to contact your dearly departed? Do séances and Ouija boards leave you cold? Try another medium - Tvardovsky’s Mirror for that one-to-one connection you are looking for.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OVERVIEW: Looking for eternal love – a love which lasts forever? Do the words “Til’ death do us part” make you shiver when you think about the loss of that loved one? Then contact the wizard, Tvardosky in this 4-star SE game! For a few rubles, he will reconnect you with your dearly departed via a magic mirror he keeps in a carriage. This hotline to the afterlife keeps your loved one in limbo (neither dead nor alive) but in constant contact with you for a price much cheaper than Verizon or AT&T.
In this saga, you return as Mary, an auntie-to-the-rescue of your niece, Jenny. When you and your niece engage in some rock climbing, you both find yourself perched on the cliff – dangling between life and death! Through your heroic effort, you save both you and your niece, Jenny, only to have her kidnapped by a centuries old wizard and his henchmen. Lucky Jenny! It seems she is the spitting image of the deranged wizard’s bride who died centuries ago. Now, it is up to you, auntie, to save her before she is used in a ritual.
This game may appeal to beginning gamers, children, those of Slavic descent, or those who like easy-breezy games. However, it does not appeal to me. I got tired of going back-and-forth in the game from place-to-place looking for supplies. That fact, plus creating potions and medicines repetitiously throughout the demo, soon became boring and slowed down the pace of the game. I am shocked by the grainy graphics in some places within this game.
The choices you make in the game will give you alternative endings which is a rather novel concept. Unlike most SE games, you do have two collectibles – imp cards and mirrors. However, there is NO strategy guide. The game may be better after the demo; however, I found nothing to impel me to persevere in the quest to save this poor lass-in-distress. However, I must admit the Slavic music throughout the game was a nice touch.
HOP SCENES: The scenes are principally FROGS and storybook scenes in which you locate items listed in BOLD letters. The FROGS create inventory items. There is also a mini-HOP scene in which you collect herbs to create a medicine.
PUZZLES: The puzzles are easy. In one you remove thorns in sequential order to pass through a gate. Another is a storybook puzzle which is more of a HOP scene than a puzzle. There is a connection puzzle in which you connect like-colored tokens without intersecting lines.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Expert, Custom
Hints and Skips: 10 to 120 seconds HOP Skips – 2 to 240 seconds
Hints and Skips: 10 to 120 seconds HOP Skips – 2 to 240 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
27 Achievements
Replay 17 HOP scenes and 12 puzzles
Collect 20 Mirrors and 14 Imp Cards
7 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art, Music, 14 Cut scenes
Map is provided as you play the game
27 Achievements
Replay 17 HOP scenes and 12 puzzles
Collect 20 Mirrors and 14 Imp Cards
7 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art, Music, 14 Cut scenes
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES:
A. FROG. Create a utility knife. (AKA Swiss Army knife)
B. Mini-HOP game. Collect 18 herbs.
C. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 10 pieces of wormwood.
D. Storybook. Create a potion finding item listed in BOLD letters.
E. FROG. Create a jewel encrusted broach
A. FROG. Create a utility knife. (AKA Swiss Army knife)
B. Mini-HOP game. Collect 18 herbs.
C. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 10 pieces of wormwood.
D. Storybook. Create a potion finding item listed in BOLD letters.
E. FROG. Create a jewel encrusted broach
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Easy (2) Moderately difficult (3) Difficult
A. Sequence puzzle. Remove thorny branches in proper sequence. Rating: 1
B. Storybook sequence. Locate items listed in BOLD letters. This is more of a HOP scene. Rating: 1
C. Connection puzzle. Connect like colored tokens without intersecting lines. 2X Rating: 2
A. Sequence puzzle. Remove thorny branches in proper sequence. Rating: 1
B. Storybook sequence. Locate items listed in BOLD letters. This is more of a HOP scene. Rating: 1
C. Connection puzzle. Connect like colored tokens without intersecting lines. 2X Rating: 2
I recommend this game!