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:
Trust no one when true love is on the line.
Overall rating
5
/
5
MODERN-DAY CINDERELLA DOES NOT NEED TO DROP A SHOE TO FIND HER PRINCE CHARMING
PostedJanuary 13, 2024
sunnyglow
fromIs there magic in this world? Perhaps there is. The magic of this game will restore your childhood dreams of true love and Prince Charming and happily ever after. The End. Oh! Not quite - the future father-in-law is a jerk
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE MAIN GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 57 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 57 pages
Enjoy a modern-day tale of “Cinderella.” Play both Cindy and her prince of a guy, Albert, as they tag team to save her father from her evil sorceress stepmother and her obsessive, stalker stepsister. I enjoyed playing this game. I had no issues playing it as well. This is a long game, especially if you play the extra footage provided. When I finished the main game, I had only played 70% of the game. However, I did play all the extra footage sequences. For me, Domini always provides more gaming pleasure for the money spent. This game is almost as long as many of the adventure games which I play.
The game has the same format as this developer’s other games. Collect morphing shoes and witch hunter weapons. Also collect golden tickets to exchange for musical instruments to outfit the boudoir. The collectibles are not tied to the game. There are no shoes in this game – Cindy does not lose a shoe at the ball so I could not figure out why Domini chose shoes as a collectible. There are no references to musical instruments either. I found the collectibles easy to locate. Throughout the game the player will be given choices as to responses or actions within the game. If the starred response is chosen, the player will be given another room to explore and additional HOP scenes and puzzles within that room. The player will also be given extra points for choosing the additional footage.
There are thirty-one (31) HOP scenes and twenty-nine (29) mini-games within the main game. The HOP scenes are highly interactive and many are puzzle-like, requiring some action to be taken before the item can be removed from the scene. Scenes are reused several times; however, when they are reused – a new variety of search is involved. The scenes include lists of items, silhouette, narrative, replacement, rebus clues, cryptic clues, and fragment scenes.
My only complaint about the HOP scenes is that some of the items are too well-hidden and not easily seen. There were many times I had to click on the hint button because I just could not see the item to be removed. I especially had issues within a scene in which pictures contained items which needed to be removed. The scene was very dark and could not see the items listed within those numerous tiny photos. I did enjoy the HOP scene which dealt with superstitions. I never knew a chicken coming to your door was bad luck. I learned quite a few new omens of misfortune from that scene. I also see that Domini must be a fan of Texas’ famous Whataburger stands. I would recognize those orange striped Styrofoam drink holders anywhere and even got to match them in one HOP scene.
The mini-games are varied and almost all have the choice of being played in either an easy or hard version of the puzzle. Domini never fails to provide thematic mini-games plus change the puzzle genre slightly from game-to-game.
BONUS GAME: It is a sequel. Play Cindy as she and her now fiancé, Albert, are off to prove her worth in joining the Allen family. To marry into the family, you must undertake a trial of kindness and loyalty. You must use an ancient artifact; however finding out about it is also part of the trial. I am still playing this chapter but so far, find it to be of the same caliber as the main game. Collect the remaining collectibles throughout this chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing shoes and 10 witch hunter weapons
• Collect 70 golden tickets which can be traded to outfit a boudoir with musical instruments
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 33 HOP scenes and 26 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing shoes and 10 witch hunter weapons
• Collect 70 golden tickets which can be traded to outfit a boudoir with musical instruments
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 33 HOP scenes and 26 mini-games
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES FROM THE GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Entrap a witch by blocking her escape from the grid. Alternate turns with her landing on spaces within the grid. Every space you land on, blocks her from entering that space. Entrap her so she has no further moves. The hard version has less natural blockages such as trees and stones.
B. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Rotate picture fragments so when a play button is pushed, all pieces connect with each other. The hard version has the pieces rotate twice while the easy has them rotate only once as they are moving into position.
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Lay out a route between two points on a map by changing the scale of the pieces. The hard version requires rotating the pieces of the path as well. 5X
D. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch beads on a dreamcatcher so they are placed with the largest beads at the top. The hard version has a few more beads to place.
E. E/H. Matching puzzle. Match up like token on a clock by uncovering the tokens to reveal a symbol beneath them. The hard version requires matching 3 tokens – the easy only 2
F. E/H. Weights and Balance/Sequence puzzle. Weigh and arrange in sequence the ingredients according to their weight. The hard version has more ingredients to weigh. (B) Add the ingredients into a pot to make a potion according to the sequence of weights given.
G. E/H. Connect 2 like tokens with lines without crossing lines with other matches. The hard version has two more tokens to match up.
H. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place tapestry fragments into position within a tapestry. The hard version requires the pieces to be rotated.
I. E/H. Place ladybugs with dots on their back into columns so that the numbers on the back equal the number within that column. The hard version has more ladybugs and columns.
J. Bullseye puzzle. Choose a path from 3 paths which will prevent your location tracker on your phone from hitting moving chips. Also choose the right moment to release your chip. 2X
K. E/H. Chutes and Ladders puzzle. Travel up a wall by using footbridges and ladders. Use levers to maneuver them. The hard version has more footbridges and ladders to manipulate.
A. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Entrap a witch by blocking her escape from the grid. Alternate turns with her landing on spaces within the grid. Every space you land on, blocks her from entering that space. Entrap her so she has no further moves. The hard version has less natural blockages such as trees and stones.
B. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Rotate picture fragments so when a play button is pushed, all pieces connect with each other. The hard version has the pieces rotate twice while the easy has them rotate only once as they are moving into position.
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Lay out a route between two points on a map by changing the scale of the pieces. The hard version requires rotating the pieces of the path as well. 5X
D. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch beads on a dreamcatcher so they are placed with the largest beads at the top. The hard version has a few more beads to place.
E. E/H. Matching puzzle. Match up like token on a clock by uncovering the tokens to reveal a symbol beneath them. The hard version requires matching 3 tokens – the easy only 2
F. E/H. Weights and Balance/Sequence puzzle. Weigh and arrange in sequence the ingredients according to their weight. The hard version has more ingredients to weigh. (B) Add the ingredients into a pot to make a potion according to the sequence of weights given.
G. E/H. Connect 2 like tokens with lines without crossing lines with other matches. The hard version has two more tokens to match up.
H. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place tapestry fragments into position within a tapestry. The hard version requires the pieces to be rotated.
I. E/H. Place ladybugs with dots on their back into columns so that the numbers on the back equal the number within that column. The hard version has more ladybugs and columns.
J. Bullseye puzzle. Choose a path from 3 paths which will prevent your location tracker on your phone from hitting moving chips. Also choose the right moment to release your chip. 2X
K. E/H. Chutes and Ladders puzzle. Travel up a wall by using footbridges and ladders. Use levers to maneuver them. The hard version has more footbridges and ladders to manipulate.
I recommend this game!
Every reckless decision can turn into a perfectly planned crime.
Overall rating
5
/
5
SOMETHING FISHY IS GOING ON IN THIS GAME – BIG FISH GAMES CASTING OUT ONE OF THEIR BEST HOPA GAMES
PostedJanuary 4, 2024
sunnyglow
fromThis game is further proof why I never want to see myself creating a podcast, being stuck home alone, nor standing in a subway station in the urban sprawl of a big city. Location? Anywhere but there!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE MAIN GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 67 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 67 pages
Senior Detective! You are back in the city to investigate four cases for the National Bureau of Investigation. Each chapter of this game is dedicated to a murder mystery. The writers behind the gaming script have done a spectacular job in providing four murder mysteries which are loosely tied to each other. I found this fete brilliant. This technique is difficult to achieve – so kudos to DO Games for a masterfully executed gaming script! The first chapter, “Killer Popularity” deals with a blogger who may or may not be a serial killer, Is he creating a podcast of the gruesome murder of his next victim? The second chapter, “The Illusion of Safety,” involves a young woman, home alone, with a duo of thieves hired by an unknown evildoer who are searching for a valuable artifact. The third case, “Underground Mystery” involves the murder of the young woman’s father from the second chapter. Something “fishy” is going on in the city, and you, as a Senior Detective, are out to solve these crimes in an outstanding game by our own Big Fish.
I always say there are HOPA games and then there are those from DO Games. Our "puzzlemeisters" have outdone themselves again! Their games are a step above the rest and this one is no exception. This is a long game. I was only able to complete the main game and look forward to completing the bonus chapter. I love this series. What makes this game different from other developers' murder mysteries is the format. This game was originally offered as a series for mobile devices. Personally, I hate playing games on those devices, so have been looking forward to playing it via Big Fish Games. For me, this is DO Games’ best series. It is fast paced. Providing a new story with each chapter maintains that fast pace throughout the game. It prevents the monotony seen in other developers’ games which are centered around some long, drawn-out story.
The format is the same as with the other of this developer’s games. Most of the puzzles are offered in both an easy version and a hard version as well. The puzzle difficulty can be set in the menu at the beginning of the game. However, if the puzzle seems too easy or too difficult, the difficulty can be changed while playing the puzzle. There are three collectibles. Collect snapshots and morphing challenge items. Also collect seventy (70) tickets which can be exchanged for items to outfit a boudoir. I found most easy to locate, although some of the tickets are well-hidden within the scenes. I found the game easy to play and did not experience any glitches or difficulties. Throughout the game you collect points by choosing between two or three dialogue or courses of action. Some of the choices provide additional game footage as well with extra HOP scenes or puzzles.
In the main game, I counted twenty-eight (28) HOP scenes and twenty-eight (28) mini-games. Upon completion of the game, the player can replay thirty -two (32) HOP scenes and twenty-four (24) mini-games. The HOP scenes include standard lists of items, matching scenes, and silhouette scenes. There are also fragment scenes in which the player searches for a part of the scene which matches a given fragment. There are some of my favorites as well – rebus clues and cryptic clues. There are also several spot-the-difference scenes and narrative scenes in which the player searches for items within a scene based on items in highlighted letters within the script. There are also two replacement scenes in which items are given to be placed into the proper location within the scene. Many of the picture puzzles will have three different styles of creating those images from sliders, switching fragments, or rotating pieces around a circle until a picture if formed.
The mini-games are well-designed as usual. The puzzles are fresh and thematic, providing a new twist on the standard ones we see in many other developers’ games. I highly recommend this game. A lot of work went into the development of this game. It is a steal at the price it is offered at on this website. Each chapter is game within itself. This game encapsulates four medium sized HOP games into one larger one.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 35 achievements.
• Collect 10 snapshots and 10 challenge items.
• Collect 70 tickets to exchange for items to outfit a boudoir.
• 15 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 32 HOP scenes and 24 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 35 achievements.
• Collect 10 snapshots and 10 challenge items.
• Collect 70 tickets to exchange for items to outfit a boudoir.
• 15 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 32 HOP scenes and 24 mini-games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES WITHITN THE GAME. (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Connection puzzle. Arrange a diamond shaped grid filled with gemstones (with connectors attached) so it matches that of a given picture. The hard version has a more complex design.
B. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place chips into their proper location on a fan-shaped grid. Moving one chip affects the others. The easy version has 3 and the hard has 4 to place.
C. E/H. Gear/ Sequence puzzle. Move levers to the correct position in sequential order to make all gears turn at the same time. The easy version has 6 and the hard has 8.
D. E/H. Lock/Sequence puzzle. Make a sequence of lock picks so that all of them are placed according to their designated slots. The easy version has 6 lock pins and the hard has 8.
E. Assembly puzzle. Connection puzzle. Connect dots so that the image matches one that is given.
F. E/H. Assembly/Connection puzzle. Assemble a train track to connect to parts of the track using pieces gathered throughout the game. The hard version has fewer hints as to where some pieces are situated than the easy version. Use all pieces of the track given
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Pick up two plugs at a time and place each into a setting and do this until all are within their proper spots. The harder version has more plugs to place.
H. Picture puzzles. (1) Rotate diamond shaped pieces to restore an image. (2) rotate fragments of a picture to restore it (3) Switch picture fragments and then click on the bottom half to combine it with the top half if the fragments are placed properly
I. E/H. Enter a code to open a lock based on a hint. Use buttons to choose the number of steps to proceed around the circular grid.
J. E/H. Position antenna pieces to match drawings. The hard version has more pieces to position.
K. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Assemble an image of the the murderer based upon a description
L. E/H. Strategy. Choose the proper seats to get closer to the perp. Wrong choice and you restart.
B. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place chips into their proper location on a fan-shaped grid. Moving one chip affects the others. The easy version has 3 and the hard has 4 to place.
C. E/H. Gear/ Sequence puzzle. Move levers to the correct position in sequential order to make all gears turn at the same time. The easy version has 6 and the hard has 8.
D. E/H. Lock/Sequence puzzle. Make a sequence of lock picks so that all of them are placed according to their designated slots. The easy version has 6 lock pins and the hard has 8.
E. Assembly puzzle. Connection puzzle. Connect dots so that the image matches one that is given.
F. E/H. Assembly/Connection puzzle. Assemble a train track to connect to parts of the track using pieces gathered throughout the game. The hard version has fewer hints as to where some pieces are situated than the easy version. Use all pieces of the track given
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Pick up two plugs at a time and place each into a setting and do this until all are within their proper spots. The harder version has more plugs to place.
H. Picture puzzles. (1) Rotate diamond shaped pieces to restore an image. (2) rotate fragments of a picture to restore it (3) Switch picture fragments and then click on the bottom half to combine it with the top half if the fragments are placed properly
I. E/H. Enter a code to open a lock based on a hint. Use buttons to choose the number of steps to proceed around the circular grid.
J. E/H. Position antenna pieces to match drawings. The hard version has more pieces to position.
K. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Assemble an image of the the murderer based upon a description
L. E/H. Strategy. Choose the proper seats to get closer to the perp. Wrong choice and you restart.
I recommend this game!
The further you go, the more you believe.
Overall rating
4
/
5
A “TURTLEY” MOVING GAME
PostedDecember 28, 2023
sunnyglow
from“We’re lean, we’re green, and we’re mean.” Taking a slow ride down memory lane to the Turtleverse! The Turtle Nexus will never end!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages
Enjoy a long romp through an alternative universe as DO Games provides another beautifully illustrated addition to the Maze of Realities series. As an expert in locating missing persons, you are off to investigate the disappearance of a professor of technological sciences, Richard and his girlfriend, Lolita. Begin your journey in Egypt where you discover Richard and beloved, Lolita disappeared into a portal to another parallel world. Upon opening the portal, you and your colleague, Emma, find yourself in an alternate world with two kingdoms. One kingdom, the Vortex Realm, is situated upon a rock above a whirlpool. Its existence is in peril. The other kingdom, the Endermite Realm, consists of its residents living on the back of turtles. Locate Richard and Lolita while helping this alternate universe deal with a misguided leader who is stealing turtles for nefarious reasons.
A great deal of work went into the creation of this game. It is a great game for those who love science fiction and/or those who love challenging puzzles and HOP scenes. The graphics are incredibly beautiful. It took me several days to complete this game. It is a long game which was created from a mobile game series. In my opinion, this game is worth the price I paid for it. It has a good story line and is chock full of activities. I buy HOPA games mainly for the puzzles. This game is loaded with puzzles and while many are ones seen before in other games, this developer always provides some new twist in their design. It is becoming harder for me to justify spending the money I paid for this game for other developer’s games which are a third of the length of this game and with activities which lack the quality of this developer’s games. In my opinion, a game such as this one should cost more than the other mediocre HOPA games offered by BFG.
However, this game does have some negative elements. I do feel the game is too lengthy in some parts slows down to a “turtle’s pace.” Too many activities can make a game somewhat tedious and boring. Although I do love all the puzzles and HOP scenes, there are simply too many of them which tended to slow down the pace of the game. As I would like to see more and better puzzles in some developer’s games, this developer should cut out some of them to provide a faster paced game.
The format for the game is consistent as with this developer’s other games. There are three collectibles. Collect morphing herbalist plants and building models. Also collect jars of travel potions which can be exchanged to purchase items within a boudoir. I found some difficult to locate; however, most of the items I believe are easy to find. What I love about this developer’s games is that you can choose the difficulty of the mini-games providing for either a relaxed game or a more challenging one. Most of the mini-games can be played in either an easy or hard version.
From what I counted, there are thirty-six (36) HOP scenes and forty-four (44) mini-games. All the HOP scenes can be replayed upon completion of the game and twenty-four (24) of the mini-games can be replayed as well. There are a variety of HOP scenes. They are puzzle-like and some of them I found challenging. Some of the items were difficult to locate. The varieties include lists of items, silhouette, matching, rebus clues, cryptic clues, spot-the-differences, use of scene fragments, and replacing items within the scene in the proper location. There are some creatively designed HOP scenes. The same can be said of the mini-games. Almost all the mini-games can be played in either an easy or hard version.
BONUS CHAPTER. It is six months after leaving the alternative worlds. You receive a call from the new king of the Vortex Realm, King Gelai, asking for your help with locating the cause of the death of the turtles. You are off to these kingdoms through the portal in Egypt and your investigation will uncover a monstrous reason for the deaths. I found the story behind the chapter well-written. I felt this chapter had a faster pace than the main game. There are nine (9) HOP scenes and eleven (11) mini-games. This is a long chapter and I feel it was worthy addition to a collector’s edition of the game.
VERDICT: This is a great game for those who like a little more challenge in playing a HOPA game. It is a hybrid between a HOP game and a true adventure game. It is a long game and challenging. Even the HOP scenes can be challenging. I would not recommend this game for children nor for anyone who dislikes complicated games. It is a good but not great game. DO Games has some outstanding games but I do not feel this is one of them. It is definitely worth the price of game and to me, for as along as the game is and the number of activities, I feel it is a steal.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE FORTY-FOUR (44) MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME:
A. Map puzzle. Travel through the air in a hot air balloon to a vortex while avoiding obstacles in your path.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect pairs of like weapons so lines do not intersect. The hard version has more pairs to connect.
C. E/H. Switch tokens so that a blooming cycle is created as per given hints. The easy version allows the player to have two extra areas to switch tokens whereas the hard version sees the player only switching tokens only between those next to each other.
D. Logic puzzle. Place 5 figurines into position according to a given note as to where each is to be placed.
E. E/H. Connection puzzle. Create a line of glue over each dot within a frame without retracing steps. The hard version has a more difficult path.
F. Sequence puzzle. Click on 16 squares on a 4 x 4 grid in the proper sequence to restore an image.
G. E/H. Fly a bird to a castle through fog. You will need to go back and forth and up and down and if you stop you may need to retrace your steps. Hard version has a more complicated pathway,
H. E/H. Mathematical puzzle. While creating a potion, turn valves containing numbers which add and subtract from the total until a “0” is formulated.
I. E/H. Place stones into empty spaces on a grid so there are no identical stones in any column nor row. The hard version has more columns and rows.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Checkers puzzle. Jump over wasps until only one remains. The hard version has a more complex grid than the easy one, which is triangular.
K. Connection puzzle. Place strings of colored chips into their like-colored areas on a grid
L. E/H. Map puzzle. Fly a bird across the water avoiding obstacles within your path. The easy version gives you 3 lives and the hard version, 1.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect pairs of like weapons so lines do not intersect. The hard version has more pairs to connect.
C. E/H. Switch tokens so that a blooming cycle is created as per given hints. The easy version allows the player to have two extra areas to switch tokens whereas the hard version sees the player only switching tokens only between those next to each other.
D. Logic puzzle. Place 5 figurines into position according to a given note as to where each is to be placed.
E. E/H. Connection puzzle. Create a line of glue over each dot within a frame without retracing steps. The hard version has a more difficult path.
F. Sequence puzzle. Click on 16 squares on a 4 x 4 grid in the proper sequence to restore an image.
G. E/H. Fly a bird to a castle through fog. You will need to go back and forth and up and down and if you stop you may need to retrace your steps. Hard version has a more complicated pathway,
H. E/H. Mathematical puzzle. While creating a potion, turn valves containing numbers which add and subtract from the total until a “0” is formulated.
I. E/H. Place stones into empty spaces on a grid so there are no identical stones in any column nor row. The hard version has more columns and rows.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Checkers puzzle. Jump over wasps until only one remains. The hard version has a more complex grid than the easy one, which is triangular.
K. Connection puzzle. Place strings of colored chips into their like-colored areas on a grid
L. E/H. Map puzzle. Fly a bird across the water avoiding obstacles within your path. The easy version gives you 3 lives and the hard version, 1.
I recommend this game!
An epic literary adventure awaits!
Overall rating
3
/
5
ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL – RESTORE THE THREE MUSKETEERS!
PostedDecember 21, 2023
sunnyglow
fromLocation: In the Great Library, book traveling down the yellow brick road with fellow book travelers, Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly lion. We’re off to see the “Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
Skill Level:Expert
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
Join Megan Webster, Senior Librarian, on another adventure through the world of books. Someone is trying to rewrite the Dumas classic, “The Three Musketeers.” That evildoer is scratching out the name of Charles D’Artagnan, an aspiring Musketeer from the novel. Answer the question as to who is behind this and why are they doing this. Joining Megan in her pursuit will be her sidekick and friend, Elgin, and Tom Sawyer. Megan will enter the book as Charles D’Artagnan, Help Megan locate the evildoer trying to rewrite the Dumas classic while saving Queen Ann from the dire consequences of a romantic dalliance. Restore the classic to its original content and help D’Artagnan earn the status necessary to become a Musketeer.
I loved the main game and hated the bonus chapter. If I had any knowledge of what the bonus chapter entailed, I would have waited for the standard edition of this game. I would have recommended this game as a family friendly one; however, some of the content is adult fare, especially within the bonus chapter. This is a short game; however, the main game is an excellent, fast-paced whodunit chock full of activities.
The game follows the same format as Elephant’s other games. The graphics are excellent and there are some incredibly beautiful HOP scenes in this game. Collect statues of famous writers and gather puzzle pieces to play a jigsaw puzzle hidden within the Secret Room. If the player misses any of the collectibles, they can search for them in the Expedition Room upon completion of the game. I found the statues easy to locate but thought the puzzles pieces were hard to find, blending well into the scene.
There are twenty-one (21) mini-games and eighteen (18) HOP scenes plus four (4) mini-HOP scenes with six items to locate. I found the mini-games easy, some of them too easy for my taste. The HOP scenes are varied and some of them are creatively designed. I thought the scene which has the player treading through a forest, stopping at each exclamation point to locate objects was very creatively designed. The scenes include lists of items and silhouette items, as well as matching, spot the differences, scene fragments, and one in which items are placed into the correct position within a scene.
BONUS CHAPTER: Prepare to meet Cicero as he gives you a guided tour in the World of Sorrows. I disliked this chapter. I found this chapter depressing, confusing and strange. Snakes? Yep, round up those dark slithering critters hanging around your soul. Bet you never guessed you might have one residing inside your body. Join Elgin as he relives his tragic childhood upon the death of his father. I found the chapter became darker, morose, and confusing toward the end. If you like psychoanalyzing your childhood or lack thereof, then you will love this chapter. However, if you are not into psychobabble, then perhaps just purchase the standard edition of the game. There are five (5) HOP scenes, one mini-HOP scene, and six mini-games. I felt this chapter was tacked onto this game and someone’s attempt at psychoanalysis.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect busts of 12 famous writers.
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments to complete a puzzle upon the completion of the game. The puzzle is hidden within the Secret Room.
• Collectibles which are missed during game play can be collected within the Expedition Room upon completion of the game.
• 5 Wallpapers along with music selections.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 13 Minigames.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect busts of 12 famous writers.
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments to complete a puzzle upon the completion of the game. The puzzle is hidden within the Secret Room.
• Collectibles which are missed during game play can be collected within the Expedition Room upon completion of the game.
• 5 Wallpapers along with music selections.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 13 Minigames.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Map puzzle. Move through a path on a map eliminating obstacles by choosing between 2 items.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch two triangular tiles next to each other until an image is created.
C. Assembly puzzle. On a chessboard, place chess pieces into position on a chessboard as per a given set of instructions.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch 4 colored lights on a star so each light is next to its same-colored area.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Place the 3 family dolls into the proper position to hear a story about Elgin’s childhood. 3X
F. Picture puzzle. Drag fragments onto a picture grid to create a picture. 4X
G. Matching puzzle. Cleanse your energy wave. Match up snakes to those within a scene.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch two triangular tiles next to each other until an image is created.
C. Assembly puzzle. On a chessboard, place chess pieces into position on a chessboard as per a given set of instructions.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch 4 colored lights on a star so each light is next to its same-colored area.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Assembly puzzle. Place the 3 family dolls into the proper position to hear a story about Elgin’s childhood. 3X
F. Picture puzzle. Drag fragments onto a picture grid to create a picture. 4X
G. Matching puzzle. Cleanse your energy wave. Match up snakes to those within a scene.
I recommend this game!
A yuletide hidden-object story packed with Christmas spirit!
Overall rating
5
/
5
A LITTLE ELFIN MAGIC CREATES ANOTHER CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
PostedDecember 7, 2023
sunnyglow
fromLife is tough for elves. They have only two career options. They can make toys, scantily attired in leggings and curled up shoes in the frigid weather of the North Pole, or live in some cramped, hollowed-out tree making cookies for a mega corporation.
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: 32 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 32 pages
Grab a plate of cookies and a hot chocolate and prepare to enjoy another heartwarming Christmas game from Elephant! For me, it is not Christmas until Elephant’s yearly game appears. This game is another beautiful addition to this series. The festive graphics are filled with glistening Christmas trees, snow, elves, cookies, candy, and of course, Santa. In the background there is a festive soundtrack which has Christmas-like music. This is a great game for the whole family. The puzzles might be a little difficult for smaller children; however, they can be skipped if they prove too difficult.
STORY: Christmas is under attack by two misguided broken dolls, Malice and Mischief. These two evildoers are out to destroy Christmas. They have been infected by an evil force intent on destroying the magic of the holiday. Join an apprentice elf, Fizzy, as he tries to stop these dolls from their malice and mischief. A magical hammer can stop these two; however, it is broken and must be repaired. Join Fizzy as he travels throughout the land looking for Santa’s Diary of Adventures to discover how to restore its magic.
MECHANICS: There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) mini-games. Thirteen (13) of each can be replayed upon completion of the game. They can be found in the Archives section of the game. The HOP scenes are highly interactive and reflect the Christmas spirit of the game. There are a variety of different styles for the HOP scenes. They include lists of items, matching scenes, those with rebus clues and cryptic clues, and searches for items within a narrative. There are also several mini-HOP scenes in which the player searches for six items. The mini-games are Christmas-themed and easy to play. Collect twenty-six (26) snowflakes which become puzzle pieces to play a puzzle hidden within a secret room. Collect twelve (12) elf figurines. They are easy to find within the scenes and some are so large – they practically jump out at you!
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 26 Scenes.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 12 elfin figurines.
• Collect 26 snowflakes which turn into puzzle fragments for a puzzle hidden within a secret room.
• 5 Wallpapers along with a screensaver and music selections.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games hidden away in Archives.
• An Expedition Room allows the player to retrieve any missing collectibles from the game.
• 26 Scenes.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 12 elfin figurines.
• Collect 26 snowflakes which turn into puzzle fragments for a puzzle hidden within a secret room.
• 5 Wallpapers along with a screensaver and music selections.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games hidden away in Archives.
• An Expedition Room allows the player to retrieve any missing collectibles from the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Return to Catstown, the location of last year’s game. As the elf, Sugarplum, investigate the kidnapping of Santa’s reindeer. Following the tracks, you find yourself in Catstown. Mayor Meows will help you track down the culprit behind kidnapping the reindeer. An unlikely culprit is involved, and their motive is somewhat unexpected. I found the bonus chapter creatively designed and long as well. To me this chapter was worth the price of a collector’s edition. There are six (6) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes along with one mini-HOP scene.
SANTA’S ELVES WILL EACH SHARE WITH YOU A MINI-GAME FROM THIS GAME.
A. Fizzy. Assembly puzzle. On a chess type board, move green elves to the center of the board and red elves to the outside by using 2 levers to rotate the rows of elves,
B. Perky. Ye olde Fox and Chickens transfer puzzle. In this case, transfer trolls and elves in carriage across a chasm. You cannot leave an elf alone with two trolls and only 2 trolls can be transferred in a carriage per trip. The carriage can only move with someone in it.
C. Sugarplum. Assembly puzzle. Follow a recipe to create a broth/soup. If the player makes an error with assembling the soup, they must restart.
D. Hazelnut. Map puzzle. Lead a reindeer through the air to an elf village avoiding obstacles in your path. The player is given 3 lives.
E. Bluebell. Logic puzzle. Place 6 buildings on a map according to given clues as to their location on the map.
F. Bing. Origami puzzle. Fold a sky map so that the shortest route for a magic shell to reach its target is created.
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Fuzzle: Tangram puzzle. Place items on 3 rows of shelves so all items fit without overlapping each other and all are placed on the shelves, interconnected with each other.
H. Drew: Jigsaw puzzle. Place map fragments into position to create a map.
I. Gingersnap: Strategy puzzle. Create a path on a map collecting the exact number of items shown on the map until you reach the end point.
J. Trinket: Bullseye puzzle. Using four sliders, adjust four stars so they are all center together upon on a wicked cat.
B. Perky. Ye olde Fox and Chickens transfer puzzle. In this case, transfer trolls and elves in carriage across a chasm. You cannot leave an elf alone with two trolls and only 2 trolls can be transferred in a carriage per trip. The carriage can only move with someone in it.
C. Sugarplum. Assembly puzzle. Follow a recipe to create a broth/soup. If the player makes an error with assembling the soup, they must restart.
D. Hazelnut. Map puzzle. Lead a reindeer through the air to an elf village avoiding obstacles in your path. The player is given 3 lives.
E. Bluebell. Logic puzzle. Place 6 buildings on a map according to given clues as to their location on the map.
F. Bing. Origami puzzle. Fold a sky map so that the shortest route for a magic shell to reach its target is created.
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Fuzzle: Tangram puzzle. Place items on 3 rows of shelves so all items fit without overlapping each other and all are placed on the shelves, interconnected with each other.
H. Drew: Jigsaw puzzle. Place map fragments into position to create a map.
I. Gingersnap: Strategy puzzle. Create a path on a map collecting the exact number of items shown on the map until you reach the end point.
J. Trinket: Bullseye puzzle. Using four sliders, adjust four stars so they are all center together upon on a wicked cat.
FINAL THOUGHTS: This is a fantastic game for the whole family. I found no errors within the game and felt the pace was excellent. If this game does not get you into the Christmas spirit, nothing will. The puzzles are easy, a little too easy for my taste. However, as a family -oriented game, one would expect the activities to be on the easier side. The collectibles are easily located within the scenes. The game is not as good as earlier ones within this series; however, in my opinion, it is better than last year’s game set in Cat’s Town. I feel the story behind this game better reflects the holiday season.
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the truth behind your uncle’s dangerous past?
Overall rating
3
/
5
CAN SHERLOCK HOLMES’ REPUTATION BE SAVED?
PostedNovember 30, 2023
sunnyglow
fromBesides asking the question if Sherlock Holmes' reputation can be saved, we should also ask: Can Elephant Games' reputation be saved as well?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages
Was Sherlock Holmes a criminal? In this case, help Holmes’ niece, Sharlotte as she ferrets out information to clear her great uncle’s reputation. Some masked evildoer is behind a smear campaign to discredit Sherlock Holmes and it will be up to Sharlotte to discover the truth behind an old case involving her great uncle.
I loved the story behind the game. I thought the stories behind both the main game and bonus chapter were well-written. However, I could find little else to justify this game as a collector’s edition. This is a very short game. Sometimes less is more, but I feel this game is “too short” for the price of a collector’s edition. The redeeming grace of this game are the two stories. The game did keep my interest and never lagged due to filler as with other developers’ games. There are twists and turns throughout the game as to both storylines; however, I figured out what happened to the missing wife in the bonus chapter almost immediately.
The format is the same as with most of Elephant’s games. There are only nine (9) achievements, less than those from the beta version. I was surprised the developer removed many of the achievements. Collect twenty-three (23) puzzle fragments shaped as magnifying glasses. The fragments are used to play a jigsaw puzzle hidden within a secret room upon completion of the game. In addition, collect twelve (12) items associated with both Sherlock and great-niece, Sharlotte throughout the game. I found most easy to locate although a few are well-hidden. I had no issues playing the game. I found the game an easy play. Throughout the game the player will play a deduction puzzle in which four statements must be connected sequentially. I found this very helpful in understanding the direction of the story of the game.
There are only fifteen (15) HOP scenes within the entire game. Thirteen (13) of these can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also numerous mini-HOP scenes in which the player must locate five or six items. The scenes are standard lists of items, silhouette, matching and placement of items into the scene in the proper location. I found little creative design within the HOP scenes. They are standard fare and not very interactive. There are twenty-five (25) puzzles within the game. Thirteen (13) of these can be replayed upon completion of the game. However, seven (7) of these are deduction puzzles. To me, the puzzles lack creative design. All the puzzles are easy, a little too easy for my taste.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 9 achievements.
• Collect 23 puzzle pieces which look like magnifying glasses to play a jigsaw puzzle hidden within a secret room.
• Collect 12 items associated with past cases and both Sherlock and Sharlotte Holmes.
• 5 Wallpapers along with a screen saver and a musical soundtrack.
• Replay 13 puzzles and 13 HOP scenes.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 9 achievements.
• Collect 23 puzzle pieces which look like magnifying glasses to play a jigsaw puzzle hidden within a secret room.
• Collect 12 items associated with past cases and both Sherlock and Sharlotte Holmes.
• 5 Wallpapers along with a screen saver and a musical soundtrack.
• Replay 13 puzzles and 13 HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel in which Sharlotte visits her friend, Olivia. Of course, Sharlotte cannot go anywhere without being involved in a murder mystery. Olivia’s neighbor’s wife is missing. Supposedly she ran off with her lover. However, both girls are somewhat suspicious of his story. With both girls involved in some sleuthing, they will uncover clues as to where his wife went. I enjoyed the story behind the game. There are seven (7) puzzles and four (4) HOP scenes with three (3) mini-HOP scenes.
VERDICT: Although the bonus chapter contains an excellent story which should keep the player interested, to me, I would wait for the SE version or a sale on this CE version. The game is very short even with the bonus chapter. If you enjoy murder mysteries, you may love this game. However, if you enjoy playing puzzles and/or HOP scenes, this game may be somewhat disappointing. It is a decent game; however, not exceptional, and to me, not worth the price I paid for the collector’s edition. It is hard to justify the price when other developers offer thirty to forty puzzles and the same number of HOP scenes per game. Some also offer choices in difficulty of the puzzles. This game has none of these features.
FINAL THOUGHT: I have been very disappointed by the direction this developer’s games have taken. They have removed characters which are fan favorites from their games. It is almost as if Elephant is aiming to snatch defeat from victory. The old saying is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, this is exactly what Elephant has done with most of their series. Bringing in the “team” approach by introducing new, younger characters is not setting well with many of us. The games are shorter and not of the same quality as a few years ago. Hopefully they will return some of their beloved characters such as Rick Rogers and Anna Gray’s father, Richard.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE PUZZLES WITHIN THE GAME:
A. Map puzzle. Move 3 figurines of the game’s characters to their respective spots on a gaming board. They all move together.
B. Jigsaw puzzle. Restore an image by placing puzzle fragments into their proper position. 2X
C. Map puzzle. Move 3 figurines of the game’s characters to their respective spots on a gaming board. They all move together.
D. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tiles – each containing a segment of pipe so all are interconnected with each other.
E. Assembly puzzle. On marionettes, position their body parts as per a given diagram. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Map puzzle. Move Sharlotte to a swamp in the middle of the map, avoiding obstacles within her path. Use arrows to move her figure. You must complete it in 46 moves.
G. Bullseye puzzle. Use two sliders to move a target to the center of each of 3 traps.
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate segments of a picture to restore it.
A. Map puzzle. Move 3 figurines of the game’s characters to their respective spots on a gaming board. They all move together.
B. Jigsaw puzzle. Restore an image by placing puzzle fragments into their proper position. 2X
C. Map puzzle. Move 3 figurines of the game’s characters to their respective spots on a gaming board. They all move together.
D. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tiles – each containing a segment of pipe so all are interconnected with each other.
E. Assembly puzzle. On marionettes, position their body parts as per a given diagram. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Map puzzle. Move Sharlotte to a swamp in the middle of the map, avoiding obstacles within her path. Use arrows to move her figure. You must complete it in 46 moves.
G. Bullseye puzzle. Use two sliders to move a target to the center of each of 3 traps.
H. Picture puzzle. Rotate segments of a picture to restore it.
I recommend this game!
Sometimes, love can bring out the worst.
Overall rating
5
/
5
LOVE IS ABLOOM IN ANOTHER FANTASTIC GAME FROM DOMINI
PostedNovember 16, 2023
sunnyglow
fromAfter playing this game, I have a strong yen to watch “Little Shop of Horrors” again. Hope that carnivorous plant from the film has not escaped into video games.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 pages
In the mood for romance? Saddle up your horse and enter the kingdom of Arandon, where two lovers, Arthur, and Rosalynn, are planning their future together. However, due to an ancient tradition, her father, the king, states that a competition must be held so that her husband is proven a worthy choice, chosen based upon the winner of that competition, not on the man she loves. The competition consists of finding a rare scarlet lily. The competition will not be as easy as Arthur thinks. Treachery lies beneath the surface and this couple will face many trials and tribulations as they prove their love for each other. As you trek through the game, you may get a yen for botany or get the feeling Seymour from “The Little Shop of Horrors” is making a cameo appearance in this game.
I highly recommend this game, especially if you are an aficionado of romance novels. This is a Harlequin romance set in a gaming format. Domini Games is my favorite gaming developer and, to me, the “gamemeister” of HOPA games. It always amazes me how many puzzles they offer within their games. Domini Games always provides more gaming pleasure for the price. This game is no exception. The story behind the game is a nice romantic tale. The graphics are beautiful, and the pace is excellent. It is a long game as well. This game, as with many of their others, is twice as long as those from other developers.
There are three (3) chapters in which each main character (Arthur, Rosalyn, and Nevenna) will be the main character for that chapter. The player will have decisions to make from given dialogues. Decision points will lead the player to one of three possible endings. I believe the proper ones have a star and are awarded points if you choose it. As with their other games, most of the mini-games can be played in either an easy or hard version. There are thirty-eight (38) mini-games, twenty-four (24) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The difficulty of the puzzles can be set in the menu; however, if the puzzle is too difficult, the difficulty can be changed while playing the game. I found the puzzles well-crafted, and I always find some new variations of their puzzles.
There are thirty-six (36) HOP scenes; all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes are very interactive. They include a wide variety of styles besides lists of items and silhouette scenes. There are rebus clues, cryptic clues, searching for items based upon a small fragment from them, spot-the-differences, matching, and placing items back into the scene where they belong.
My only complaint is the concept of serial games. Domini did respond to my inquiry on Facebook as to why they are using this venue for games. They informed me that many of their customers were asking them to develop new concepts in gaming. Personally, I don’t care for serial games; however, at least this one is not a continuation of another game which the player would have to play to understand what the story is about. The game has a beginning and a typical fairytale type ending.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is just another chapter within the story. Play Arthur in his quest to locate a falling star to create a wedding ring for Rosalyn. As he searches for this star, he meets Stellaria, a falling star who is searching for a way to return to the sky and her own kingdom. With the help of other characters from the story, help Stellaria discover why she is stuck on Earth in the first place. Save her from a menacing warlock who wants her power for his own wishes. I found the chapter delightful. It is the same quality as main game. There are nine (9) mini-games and nine (9) HOP scenes. I found the chapter very long but loved the beautiful story behind the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is just another chapter within the story. Play Arthur in his quest to locate a falling star to create a wedding ring for Rosalyn. As he searches for this star, he meets Stellaria, a falling star who is searching for a way to return to the sky and her own kingdom. With the help of other characters from the story, help Stellaria discover why she is stuck on Earth in the first place. Save her from a menacing warlock who wants her power for his own wishes. I found the chapter delightful. It is the same quality as main game. There are nine (9) mini-games and nine (9) HOP scenes. I found the chapter very long but loved the beautiful story behind the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing gifts for the princess and 10 pieces of jousting gear.
• Locate 70 crystals which will enable you to exchange for items for a boudoir.
• Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 36 HOP scenes and 24 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing gifts for the princess and 10 pieces of jousting gear.
• Locate 70 crystals which will enable you to exchange for items for a boudoir.
• Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 36 HOP scenes and 24 mini-games.
SPOILERS: Here are samples of the 38 mini-games within this game. These are some of my favorites.
A. Maze puzzle. Choose between directional arrows to leave a labyrinth.
B. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place colored spores into empty spaces so none are next to those of the same color. The hard version provides the number of each colored spore you must place.
C. E/H. Switch/Assembly puzzle. Switch pieces on two totems until two dwarf totems are formed. The easy version has fewer pieces to switch.
D. E/H. Sequence/Time Ratio puzzle. Open vials based on the rate of the water flow, so the streams of water reach the mill at the same time. The easy version has 3 vials and the hard has 4.
E. E/H. Paint by number. In this case – paint by symbol. The easy version has the symbols identified for each color. In the hard version. Some of the symbols are smudged.
F. E/H. Maze puzzle. Find your way to the throne room collecting items along the way to clean obstacles in your path.
G. E/H. Search puzzle. Using a magnifying glass locate all symbols within a sky image. The hard version has more symbols to locate.
H. E/H. Domino puzzle. Place dominoes into position so that both ends match with the domino next to it. Hard version has more dominoes to place.
A. Maze puzzle. Choose between directional arrows to leave a labyrinth.
B. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place colored spores into empty spaces so none are next to those of the same color. The hard version provides the number of each colored spore you must place.
C. E/H. Switch/Assembly puzzle. Switch pieces on two totems until two dwarf totems are formed. The easy version has fewer pieces to switch.
D. E/H. Sequence/Time Ratio puzzle. Open vials based on the rate of the water flow, so the streams of water reach the mill at the same time. The easy version has 3 vials and the hard has 4.
E. E/H. Paint by number. In this case – paint by symbol. The easy version has the symbols identified for each color. In the hard version. Some of the symbols are smudged.
F. E/H. Maze puzzle. Find your way to the throne room collecting items along the way to clean obstacles in your path.
G. E/H. Search puzzle. Using a magnifying glass locate all symbols within a sky image. The hard version has more symbols to locate.
H. E/H. Domino puzzle. Place dominoes into position so that both ends match with the domino next to it. Hard version has more dominoes to place.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop the rampage at the Halloween party?
Overall rating
5
/
5
GET ON BOARD FOR AN ANNUAL MONSTROUS HALLOWEEN HUNT!
PostedOctober 12, 2023
sunnyglow
fromHappy Halloween! Enjoy but remember to not eat all the Halloween dishes collected in this game. After all, you don’t want to lose that “ghoulish” figure. On second thought, in this game you probably do!
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
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 56 pages
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 56 pages
STORY SYNOPSIS: All aboard! Play the photo editor from Mystic News. Your career is crumbling due to the lack of catchy photos for your magazine. A young woman named Millie invites you to a Halloween party given by Anna Charlestone. You are off to the party, hoping you can capture the essence of Halloween. However, you will find yourself at a party where you will be traveling between the world of the living and the Underworld. Meet Alister Deadstone, a spirit whose yearly visit to this annual Halloween bash provides more tricks than treats! Be wary! Hopefully, he does not trick you! This Halloween Hunt Ritual will see Alister hunting for more than a Halloween costume.
OPINION: Ah! This is my favorite time of year and what better way to celebrate the season than with a game from my favorite genre and from my favorite developer. It resurrected my ghoulish spirit traveling between the real world and the spirit world. This game is all decked out for Halloween, dressed up in orange and black and chuck full of pumpkins, festive lights and, of course lots of monsters, ghosts, and ghouls. If you are not in the spirit of Halloween yet, the imagery from this game should get you into that spirit.
I loved this game and once I began playing it, I could not stop until I finished it. Domini Games always provide more gaming pleasure for the money. A lot of work went into the game. I found the game rather long; however, not as long as previous games. It follows the same format as the other games from this developer. Choices made throughout the game between two dialogues or actions determine the outcome of the game. There are four (4) extra rooms the player can visit for extra activities. They include a dressing room to create a costume, a ghost book library, a train dining car, and Emmett’s bedroom in the bonus chapter. This game is best suited for teens and adults. I feel the content is not appropriate and too difficult for younger children. The collectibles are morphing Halloween party food and masks. Collect tickets throughout the game to exchange for occult items to outfit a boudoir.
HOP SCENES: I counted thirty-two (32) HOP scenes within the game. Some of the HOP scenes are somewhat challenging as well. There is a nice variety of different styles of scenes. Besides the usual standard lists of items and silhouette, there are some of my favorites such as rebus and cryptic clue scenes. One of my favorite scenes from this game involves placing cutouts into a scene over the item to be removed. Some of the scenes are repeated; however, they are offered in a different style. Be warned! I found it difficult of locate some of the items within the scenes. They are well-hidden. I enjoyed the search for those well-hidden items; however, I can understand some people may not.
MECHANICS:
• Age Level: Teens/adults
• Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult. However, some of the easy puzzles are somewhat challenging.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 14 morphing Halloween themed dishes and 15 Halloween masks.
• Collect 70 tickets which can be exchanged to provide occult items for the boudoir.
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 24 mini-games and 31 HOP scenes.
• Age Level: Teens/adults
• Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult. However, some of the easy puzzles are somewhat challenging.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 14 morphing Halloween themed dishes and 15 Halloween masks.
• Collect 70 tickets which can be exchanged to provide occult items for the boudoir.
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 24 mini-games and 31 HOP scenes.
MINI-GAMES: As in most of this developer’s games, most of the puzzles are offered in both an easy version and a hard version. I found some of the easy version of the puzzles slightly difficult as well. From my count, there are thirty-five (35) puzzles within the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. The setting is three (3) years before the setting from the main game. Play Anna Charlestone, a rich pretty socialite from the main game. This chapter explains some of the mysteries surrounding the main game. After visiting her Uncle Henry, she discovers there is more behind her visit than her uncle has told her. Allister Deadstone appears in this game along with her ghostly cousin Emmett. I found this chapter a welcome addition to the main game and answered a few questions I had about Anna. There are ten (10) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. Assembly puzzle. Position hands on a scarecrow so they match blood-stained handprints.
B. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Arrange statues so they are arranged from lightest to heaviest. The easy version has 5 statues and the hard has 6.
C. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Place 4 occult symbols into squares on a grid so that no identical symbols are together. Hard has more squares to fill.
D. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Examine a line of stones and place missing stones from a given inventory of them into the empty spaces based upon the pattern of the stones. The easy version has colored stones; the hard version has symbols.
E. Connection puzzle. Connect pieces of a web with given links so that a spider can eat prey within their cocoons. They can be rotated.
F. Connection puzzle. Connect bottles with lines based on the number of dots on the top of their lids. The lids indicate the number of lines to attach to that bottle.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H. On circular grid, place gears into their proper slots. Rotate the circles until the slots are in the proper position to place the gears.
H. E/H. Connection puzzle. On a grid, connect and remove all squares so none remain. You cannot go over the same cell twice. The hard version has a larger grid of cells to remove.
B. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Arrange statues so they are arranged from lightest to heaviest. The easy version has 5 statues and the hard has 6.
C. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Place 4 occult symbols into squares on a grid so that no identical symbols are together. Hard has more squares to fill.
D. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Examine a line of stones and place missing stones from a given inventory of them into the empty spaces based upon the pattern of the stones. The easy version has colored stones; the hard version has symbols.
E. Connection puzzle. Connect pieces of a web with given links so that a spider can eat prey within their cocoons. They can be rotated.
F. Connection puzzle. Connect bottles with lines based on the number of dots on the top of their lids. The lids indicate the number of lines to attach to that bottle.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H. On circular grid, place gears into their proper slots. Rotate the circles until the slots are in the proper position to place the gears.
H. E/H. Connection puzzle. On a grid, connect and remove all squares so none remain. You cannot go over the same cell twice. The hard version has a larger grid of cells to remove.
I recommend this game!
Gear up for frights with spooky Halloween fun!
Overall rating
1
/
5
ANOTHER BORING ASSEMBLY LINE GAME
PostedSeptember 28, 2023
sunnyglow
fromWish I may, Wish I might - I just wish better games were in sight! Ugh!
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Well I see the assembly line is in full swing at Boomcrap. There is a recent boom at BFG to produce this crap. This developer is cranking them out as fast as humanly possible. I will say this game has a lot of diversity in activites. The player can play many varieties of activities within the game. However,that being said, all those activities are boring cookie cutter variations of each other.
This developer used to produce some decent games. I would love to see them slow down and produce better games. I usually don't even bother to write a review for this type of game; however, I do want to support fellow members of this site. We all just want better games to play.
I don't recommend this game.
All's fair in love and investigation.
Overall rating
5
/
5
ANOTHER SLEUTHING MASTERPIECE FROM DO GAMES
PostedSeptember 9, 2023
sunnyglow
fromEverything is coming up roses with another fantastic game from DO Games!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Detectives! Prepare to enjoy another detective game from one of the best game developers for HOPA games, DO Games. Play a seasoned detective, who, along with a young apprentice detective, investigates a series of murders. This is a very long game. There are four (4) chapters plus a bonus chapter. Each chapter is as long as some games on BFG. I enjoy playing games such as this one because those breaks within the game make it easier to quit and not forget what happened previously when you return to the game. DO Games always provides more gaming pleasure for the money and for the length of the game, it is a steal at the collector’s price.
From the first two chapters I have played, it appears that each chapter is dedicated to a new murder case. The first chapter deals with an evildoer who is trying to escape punishment for a lifetime of crimes. The second case deals with the murders of members of the occult, an exorcist, and a fortune teller. Are the two chapters connected? At this point I am uncertain; however, I am looking forward to completing the entire game to find out.
The format is the same as the other games within this series. Chapters are identified as the player progresses through the game. The collectibles are morphing newspaper articles and flowerpots filled with a variety of flowers. I found most are easy to locate. Collect sixty-five (65) badges which can be exchanged for bouquets of flowers hidden within a boudoir. There are fifteen (15) wallpapers. I am enjoying playing a new story with each chapter. For me, it breaks up the monotony of such a long game. Throughout the game the player receives points. Stars and points are rewarded for choosing the correct choice between two actions or responses. The graphics are good; however, there are not as many scenes as in this developer’s earlier games. However, I am just happy to have a decent HOPA game to play. There are fewer and fewer of these being produced nowadays.
This game is a little more difficult than many other HOPA games. It is jam packed with puzzles and HOP scenes. Most of the puzzles are offered in both an easy and hard option. The HOP scenes are varied and as with their other games, DO Games has a wide variety of styles of HOP games. All the scenes are highly interactive. I found some of the items to be located a little difficult to find; however, for me, that is part of the fun of playing these games. This game is not boring. It will keep a player engaged with each new chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 35 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing newspaper clippings and 10 flowerpots.
• Collect 65 badges used to exchange for bouquets of flowers.
• Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 35 Mini-games and 32 HOP scenes.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 35 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing newspaper clippings and 10 flowerpots.
• Collect 65 badges used to exchange for bouquets of flowers.
• Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 35 Mini-games and 32 HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES FROM THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS:
A. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Adjust flags on a globe so that the position of each one matches the flag beneath it. Moving one flag up-and-down affects the others. The easy version has 5 flags; the hard version has 7 flags.
B. E/H. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more of your colored tokens before your nemesis fills up his grid. You each have tokens of 3 different colors. Tokens can connect either up, down, or diagonally.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Using dials which move either 3 or 4 spaces – clockwise or counterclockwise – choose the correct key outlines for a set of keys. The easy version has 5 keys and the hard has 7.
D. E/H. Gear puzzle. Rotate gears with images on them so that chains connecting gears with each other have the same image appearing in both gears they connect. The easy version has 5 gears and the hard has 6.
E. E/H. Maze puzzle. Rotate a circular grid so that blue marbles end up on indicated slots. The easy version has one blue marble – the hard has two.
F. E/H. Connection puzzle. Create a maze for a mouse by rotating squares on a grid s until a path is formed. In the hard version, rotating one square affects the others.
G. E/H. Matching puzzle. Connect boot prints on a bog until all are connected. The hard version has more boots than the easy version.
B. E/H. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more of your colored tokens before your nemesis fills up his grid. You each have tokens of 3 different colors. Tokens can connect either up, down, or diagonally.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Using dials which move either 3 or 4 spaces – clockwise or counterclockwise – choose the correct key outlines for a set of keys. The easy version has 5 keys and the hard has 7.
D. E/H. Gear puzzle. Rotate gears with images on them so that chains connecting gears with each other have the same image appearing in both gears they connect. The easy version has 5 gears and the hard has 6.
E. E/H. Maze puzzle. Rotate a circular grid so that blue marbles end up on indicated slots. The easy version has one blue marble – the hard has two.
F. E/H. Connection puzzle. Create a maze for a mouse by rotating squares on a grid s until a path is formed. In the hard version, rotating one square affects the others.
G. E/H. Matching puzzle. Connect boot prints on a bog until all are connected. The hard version has more boots than the easy version.
I recommend this game!