sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:822
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:July 10, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
As an agent of the Alliance, you’ve been given a mission to destroy an ancient artifact known as the Spear of Destiny. In the wrong hands, it could help conquer the world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 17 found this review helpful
A TWENTY-ONE GUN SALUTE TO A GREAT WWII SE GAME
PostedFebruary 12, 2016
sunnyglow
fromA BIG THANK YOU to all of our military, past and present who protect us from harm’s way. And those who are serving in harm’s way – may you return safely home! I salute you!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OVERVIEW: A salute to a wonderful 5-star general SE game! Parachuting into WWII France, you play Agent Walker on a quest to find the Spear of Destiny and its missing gems which activate it. Whoever possesses the spear will have tremendous power. I LOVE this game and it was an automatic purchase for me! This game will probably appeal to those who have an interest in adventure games, the military, or WWII. The graphics are fairly well-done and truly reflect the period. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes.
STORY: Time is of the essence in this game. In an Indiana Jones type game, you will need to locate the spear and its gems before it ends up in the hands of the enemies all while fighting a monster colossus who has been guarding it.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are principally lists of items to locate and silhouette. However, they do vary as to the activities which must be performed in each scene. They are puzzle-like and interactive. There are also morphing objects within the scenes. You have the option to play a Match 3 game instead.
MINI-GAMES: I felt the puzzles were the best part of the game. They range in difficulty and variety. For the most part, the puzzles are easy; however, there are some which are a little difficult. There are some multi-step puzzles as well. They include matching, a physics based puzzle, sequencing puzzles, maze puzzles, matching puzzles, pipe puzzle, navigation puzzle, and jigsaw puzzles. Many of the puzzles are mechanically based.
EXTRAS: The map is given to you at the beginning of the game; however, it is not transportable. The game is lacking a strategy guide. The collectibles include 45 WWII mementos such as uniforms, ships, airplanes, bombs, tanks plus 7 figurines. There are also 17 achievements and 24 morphing objects.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Expert, Custom
Both hints and skips 5 to 120 seconds
Both hints and skips 5 to 120 seconds
FINAL SALUTE TO THE GREATEST GENERATION: This game is a nice tribute to those of the Great Generation (our grandparents, parents, or even some players out there who lived during this time period). This is a wonderful SE game and probably one of the best original SE HOP games we have seen in quite some time.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN THIS GAME
HOP SCENES: You can opt to play a variation of a theme based Match 3 game instead. There are morphing objects in the HOP scenes.
A. List of items to locate. As you locate the items you uncover gems to be framed around an altar
B. Silhouette scene searching for tools
C. Another silhouette searching for tools
D. List of items to locate
E. Silhouette. Items must be found sequentially to interact with the scene. They are interactive and puzzle-like
F. Another list of items to locate
G. Silhouette As you collect items they are used within the scene
H. List of items to locate
A. List of items to locate. As you locate the items you uncover gems to be framed around an altar
B. Silhouette scene searching for tools
C. Another silhouette searching for tools
D. List of items to locate
E. Silhouette. Items must be found sequentially to interact with the scene. They are interactive and puzzle-like
F. Another list of items to locate
G. Silhouette As you collect items they are used within the scene
H. List of items to locate
MINI-GAMES:
A. Sequence puzzle. Press symbols in the correct order to open a cave. EASY
B. Physics puzzle. Press levers to angle mirrors so that light up a room EASY
C. Logic puzzle. Climb up a wall by locating the correct spike for each level in climbing. Choosing the wrong one sends you back to the beginning. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Move a train on a track so you pass through each slot once without retracing your steps. MODERATELY DIFFICULT.
E. Switching puzzle. Try to discover under which cup the marble is located after they have been rotated. 3X. EASY
F. Matching puzzle. Create a false passport according to a code given to you. Choose the appropriate figures by moving arrows. Moving one arrow affects the others. EASY
G. Multi-step puzzle. (1) Matching puzzle. Match up pieces of symbols to create a matching symbol. EASY (2) Matching puzzle. Remove gems by giving them to the correct person along the sides of the scene. EASY (3) Matching puzzle. Replace orbs back onto a colossus by matching colors. EASY
H. Pipe puzzle. Connect wires by rotating pipe pieces to create a path from right to left. EASY
I. Maze puzzle. Maneuver a ship by following a map and using arrows to guide the ship. 3 X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH LEVEL
J. Use a mine detector to locate 5 mines. EASY BUT AWESOME!
K. Gear puzzle to open a door EASY
L. Matching puzzle. Match up constellations in the sky according those which are given to you. EASY
M. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture EASY
A. Sequence puzzle. Press symbols in the correct order to open a cave. EASY
B. Physics puzzle. Press levers to angle mirrors so that light up a room EASY
C. Logic puzzle. Climb up a wall by locating the correct spike for each level in climbing. Choosing the wrong one sends you back to the beginning. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Move a train on a track so you pass through each slot once without retracing your steps. MODERATELY DIFFICULT.
E. Switching puzzle. Try to discover under which cup the marble is located after they have been rotated. 3X. EASY
F. Matching puzzle. Create a false passport according to a code given to you. Choose the appropriate figures by moving arrows. Moving one arrow affects the others. EASY
G. Multi-step puzzle. (1) Matching puzzle. Match up pieces of symbols to create a matching symbol. EASY (2) Matching puzzle. Remove gems by giving them to the correct person along the sides of the scene. EASY (3) Matching puzzle. Replace orbs back onto a colossus by matching colors. EASY
H. Pipe puzzle. Connect wires by rotating pipe pieces to create a path from right to left. EASY
I. Maze puzzle. Maneuver a ship by following a map and using arrows to guide the ship. 3 X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH LEVEL
J. Use a mine detector to locate 5 mines. EASY BUT AWESOME!
K. Gear puzzle to open a door EASY
L. Matching puzzle. Match up constellations in the sky according those which are given to you. EASY
M. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture EASY
I recommend this game!
Your own mind can be your worst enemy.
Overall rating
5
/
5
117 of 211 found this review helpful
CUPID HITS THE MARK IN THIS MESMERIZING GAME
PostedFebruary 11, 2016
sunnyglow
fromHappy Valentine’s Day to all fish at BFG and the Pond. May the day bring you your “heart’s desire.”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON 2 CHAPTERS OUT OF 5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
OVERVIEW: It is Valentine´s week and BFG is entertaining us with a “fractured” love story. We are off to Russia to view a performance by a prima ballerina with a “fractured” personality. Cupid’s arrow hits its mark when this prima ballerina shoots her fiancé in front of a packed house. I am MESMERIZED by this game. The HOP scenes are multiple-step and the puzzles are varied and contain some moderately difficult ones. All are well-crafted and there are more puzzles than HOP scenes. The game has a touch of Russian culture with realistic characters, graphics and music. The developer cleverly uses Russian stacking dolls to present the various levels of the game.
STORY: You, as a hypnotherapist, have been summoned to help Irina because of her strange behavior. She is blacking out and suffering from memory loss. But why? She doesn’t remember shooting her fiancé. You need to discover why this ballerina is acting strangely and blacking out. Could someone be controlling her actions? Can you discover the identity of the puppet master hiding in the background, “pulling her strings?” Being taken away to an asylum, you meet Dr. Tarasov, her psychologist. What is his connection to her problems and is he truly helping her?
PUZZLES: The puzzles range in difficulty and variety. In the demo there are maze puzzles, assembly puzzles, a pipe connection puzzle, a moving tiles puzzle and a logic problem (which is unique in this type of gaming). I felt that the puzzles have improved significantly with the developer providing some new approaches to some old puzzles (such as the maze puzzle in the demo) and a few which are a little more difficult to solve. In Chapter 2, the puzzles include a card game, another maze puzzle, a fiendish mathematical puzzle, and a vexing checkers puzzle.
FAVORITE PUZZLE: My favorite puzzle was the maze puzzle in the demo in which you must drive a car through city streets avoiding obstacles in your way. Most maze puzzles are one-dimensional; however, in this puzzle the maze is created so that you actually witness the obstacles and sights in the streets of the city. The puzzle is not terribly difficult; however, it is very well-crafted and fun to play.
HOP SCENES: As usual for the developer, most of the HOP scenes are multiple-step ones. There is also some mini-HOP scenes are well. The varieties include lists of items to locate, rebus picture clues, cryptic clues. You have the option to play a Match-3 game instead.
LEVELS: Very cool – Russian stacking dolls to introduce each level
Easy, Medium, Hard, Custom
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
Easy, Medium, Hard, Custom
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
Pocket watch to hypnotize people
13 Achievements
Collect 46 Hand bells
Collect 30 souvenirs
Replay 26 puzzles and 15 HOP scenes
Strategy guide - 41 Pages
Usual wallpaper, artwork, screensavers,
Map is provided as you play the game
Pocket watch to hypnotize people
13 Achievements
Collect 46 Hand bells
Collect 30 souvenirs
Replay 26 puzzles and 15 HOP scenes
Strategy guide - 41 Pages
Usual wallpaper, artwork, screensavers,
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a Match-3 game instead.
A. Multiple-step. (1) List of items. (2) Rebus picture clues.
B. Mini-HOP scene – list of items to locate
C. Multiple-step. (1) Locate 5 of each type of item which opens up (2) list of items to locate
D. Cryptic clue to locate 9 of the same type of items related to the clue.
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Multiple step. (1) Rebus clues. (2) Silhouette
F. Multiple step. (1) List of items. (2) Silhouette (3) Cryptic clue for inventory item
G. Multiple step. (1) List of items. (2) Rebus clues (3) Cryptic clue for inventory item
A. Multiple-step. (1) List of items. (2) Rebus picture clues.
B. Mini-HOP scene – list of items to locate
C. Multiple-step. (1) Locate 5 of each type of item which opens up (2) list of items to locate
D. Cryptic clue to locate 9 of the same type of items related to the clue.
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Multiple step. (1) Rebus clues. (2) Silhouette
F. Multiple step. (1) List of items. (2) Silhouette (3) Cryptic clue for inventory item
G. Multiple step. (1) List of items. (2) Rebus clues (3) Cryptic clue for inventory item
PUZZLES:
A. Maze puzzle. Move a cog through a maze by removing obstacles in its way using three colored buttons which change the colors and positions of the obstacles. EASY
B. Assembly puzzle. A tricky little puzzle in which you must rotate 2 cogs with various shapes on them to mesh simultaneously with those on a wheel containing four shapes. Rotating one of the cogs moves the other cog two rotations. 2X MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Connection puzzle. Connect lines from one shape to one or more shapes based on the amount of circles within each shape. The amount of lines leading from the block is equal to the number of circles within the shape. As you play the puzzle, you receive more information on the story. You will perform this function every time you need to hypnotize someone. 3X MODERATELY DIFFICULT
D. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate rings on a cylinder to reveal a picture. EASY
E. Logic puzzle. Press buttons on a cash register to correspond to pictures. Each number corresponds to one picture. It is up to you to figure out how they are related. EASY
F. Matching puzzle. Using a code, open a safe by following instructions for the numbers and directions given to you. EASY
G. Maze puzzle. Drive a car turning to avoid obstacles in the road. The maze provides you with a realistic depiction of the city streets and is not a one-dimensional maze. EASY BUT FUN
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. Card game. Play cards by playing one card higher in number than the one your opponent places on the table. Whoever gets the most cards wins. The cards have numbers on all four sides. EASY
I. Maze puzzle. Guide a marble through a maze rotating the maze until the marble drops out at the bottom of the maze. EASY
J. Mathematical puzzle. Valves control pressure in two or more sensors. Adjust valves until all the sensors turn green. Adjusting one affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
K. Matching puzzle. Using a code, set switches to the correct numbers to open a cabinet. EASY
L. Variation of a checkers puzzle. Remove tokens by jumping over them until only one remains. 3X MODERATELY DIFFICULT
A. Maze puzzle. Move a cog through a maze by removing obstacles in its way using three colored buttons which change the colors and positions of the obstacles. EASY
B. Assembly puzzle. A tricky little puzzle in which you must rotate 2 cogs with various shapes on them to mesh simultaneously with those on a wheel containing four shapes. Rotating one of the cogs moves the other cog two rotations. 2X MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Connection puzzle. Connect lines from one shape to one or more shapes based on the amount of circles within each shape. The amount of lines leading from the block is equal to the number of circles within the shape. As you play the puzzle, you receive more information on the story. You will perform this function every time you need to hypnotize someone. 3X MODERATELY DIFFICULT
D. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate rings on a cylinder to reveal a picture. EASY
E. Logic puzzle. Press buttons on a cash register to correspond to pictures. Each number corresponds to one picture. It is up to you to figure out how they are related. EASY
F. Matching puzzle. Using a code, open a safe by following instructions for the numbers and directions given to you. EASY
G. Maze puzzle. Drive a car turning to avoid obstacles in the road. The maze provides you with a realistic depiction of the city streets and is not a one-dimensional maze. EASY BUT FUN
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. Card game. Play cards by playing one card higher in number than the one your opponent places on the table. Whoever gets the most cards wins. The cards have numbers on all four sides. EASY
I. Maze puzzle. Guide a marble through a maze rotating the maze until the marble drops out at the bottom of the maze. EASY
J. Mathematical puzzle. Valves control pressure in two or more sensors. Adjust valves until all the sensors turn green. Adjusting one affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
K. Matching puzzle. Using a code, set switches to the correct numbers to open a cabinet. EASY
L. Variation of a checkers puzzle. Remove tokens by jumping over them until only one remains. 3X MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
Help Wolf find his children! His wife entrusted to him to look after their cubs, but Wolf fell asleep and the cubs disappeared!
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 60 found this review helpful
A NONOGRAM WHICH IS A HOWLING SUCCESS!
PostedFebruary 8, 2016
sunnyglow
fromI have developed a “wolf” sized appetite for this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A BIG THANK YOU to BFG for offering one of my favorite genres of games. Based on a story of a wolf family, this one should be a howling success for those who like these puzzles a little more difficult. What makes it fiendishly difficult? This game has colors and they are NOT separated into different screens. Instead, you must click on colored buttons at the side of the grid to change the colors before entering them into the grid. Some logic is needed here. Beware! there are NOT always spaces between the colors so this one is a little more difficult than those from some other developers.
This game calls them “Nonograms,” however they are also known as “Griddlers,” “O’Ekaki,” and “Paint by Numbers.” Solve 6 levels with 20 puzzles per level. The grids vary in size. You will receive hints as you play the game. The games I played in the demo had 3 colors per grid. I am not certain if, as you proceed in the game, they add more colors to the grids.
This is one of the more difficult entries we have had for this type of puzzle. To me, this is a must-have for aficionados of this type of puzzle. Be mindful of changing colors as you play this game or you may end up restarting the game many times.
Here are the details of this game and how to play:
• Levels: There are 6 levels with 20 games in each level.
• Tutorial: One is provided and you can refer to it throughout the game
• Colors: Each grid has 3 colors (at least form the demo); however the colors do not have separate screens. This fact alone makes this nonogram a little more difficult to solve. In this game there may be NO spaces between the different colors. There are colored circles you must click in order to enter that particular color into the grid.
• Autofill: There is autofill so you do not have to fill in the unused boxes.
• Hints: Hints are given to you. The amount of hints is undetermined.
• Mistakes: You are allowed 3 mistakes per puzzle. After that, you must restart the puzzle.
• Trophies: You can collect 15 trophies in this game.
I recommend this game!
You're a surgeon. You can handle anything, right?
Overall rating
5
/
5
214 of 513 found this review helpful
A SMASHING SUCCESS: LET’S PLAY “SIREN SAYS” - ALL HANDS AND ARMS (THE TENACLED KIND) ON DECK
PostedFebruary 6, 2016
sunnyglow
fromAfter he has completed this game, I am hiring this behemoth for the extra “hands” and “arms” to help with the cooking and housework.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS OF 6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER.
OVERVIEW: Ahoy mateys! Batten down the hatches and get ready to stem the tide of a Siren’s song of revenge. I LOVE this seafaring voyage into vengeance. The graphics are beautiful, colorful, and capture the nautical theme. This game is “dressed to the nines” with a treasure trove of excellent puzzles and HOP scenes. The game is puzzle-intense and HOP lite. The puzzles are varied and there is a variety of difficult and easy puzzles. The inventory itself is puzzle-like. You may want to keep the music on in this game. The music consists of seafaring ditties to get you into the pirate mood.
You better be keeping a “weather eye open.” There is a tempest brewing in dealing with the Siren and her band of pirates. Can you weather the storm of this vixen? The many “hands” and “arms” of a sea monster make light work of incoming ships. Wishing myself to set sail to a small sun swept Caribbean island, I purchased this game straightaway to play on a bleak, wintry day!
STORY: As a shipwrecked surgeon trapped on the island of Puerto Valiz, you must find a way to stop a vengeful vixen from isolating the island from the outside world. This Siren, hiding behind a mask, has enlisted the services of a giant behemoth to destroy ships as they enter the island. She is also enlisting the aid of a band of pirates as well. How is she able to control this sea monster and have it do her bidding?
AFTER THE DEMO: Zip lining through the jungle, the Caribbean vacation continues as you figure out how to stop the Siren and her madness. You even get serenaded (LOL) with a song. In Chapter 3 there is only one HOP scene which is a FROG. The puzzles include a devious little physics problem along with a rotating rings puzzle and a moving tiles puzzle. I thought the game continued on in the same excellence as the demo.
MINI-GAMES: This game shows a vast improvement in the quality of the puzzles. The puzzles vary in difficulty and variety. The inventory itself has mini-puzzles which you must solve. The puzzles in the demo include sliding tiles puzzles, matching puzzles, manual dexterity puzzles, maze puzzle and mathematical puzzles. In Chapter 3 there is a physics puzzle, rotating rings puzzle, and a moving tiles puzzle.
• Favorite puzzle: Nautical flag puzzle. This tricky little brain teaser involves figuring out the correct message to give an incoming ship, after which, you must manipulate levers and rotate flags into correct position. And, of course, moving one flag affects the others.
• Second favorite puzzle: Fiendish maze puzzle. Lead a ship through a maze by removing obstacles in its way. What makes this difficult is that you must move these obstacles using wheels within the maze.
• Third favorite puzzle. In Chapter 3 there is a fiendish physics puzzle in which you must direct light to three skulls matching the color of the light to the color of the skull.
• Favorite puzzle: Nautical flag puzzle. This tricky little brain teaser involves figuring out the correct message to give an incoming ship, after which, you must manipulate levers and rotate flags into correct position. And, of course, moving one flag affects the others.
• Second favorite puzzle: Fiendish maze puzzle. Lead a ship through a maze by removing obstacles in its way. What makes this difficult is that you must move these obstacles using wheels within the maze.
• Third favorite puzzle. In Chapter 3 there is a fiendish physics puzzle in which you must direct light to three skulls matching the color of the light to the color of the skull.
HOP SCENES: You have the ability to play a theme-based Match-3 game instead.
Most of the HOP scenes are multiple step ones. They are beautifully created and varied including lists of items to locate, silhouette, and cryptic clues. After the demo in Chapter 3, the HOP scene was a FROG.
Most of the HOP scenes are multiple step ones. They are beautifully created and varied including lists of items to locate, silhouette, and cryptic clues. After the demo in Chapter 3, the HOP scene was a FROG.
EXTRAS: As a true seafaring salt, you get your map as you play the game and prove you have your sea legs. The extras include 12 Achievements. The only collectibles are 45 signs and 28 souvenirs. You can replay 15 HOP scenes and 17 Mini-games. There are the usual wallpaper, artwork, music, plus 9 videos. The strategy guide consists of 44 pages
LEVELS: Easy, Medium, Hard, Custom You can choose penalties for random clicking on HOP scenes
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES UP TO AND INCLUDING CHAPTER 3
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a Match 3 game instead.
A. Multiple step. (1) Locate 5 each of pistols and seashell opening up (2) a list of items to locate
B. Mini-HOP scenes with silhouette items to locate
C. Multiple-step. So awesome. Based on a ship. (1) Lists of items to locate. (2) Cryptic clues (3) Matching. Match up the correct 6 signal flags on a display map. EXCELLENT
D. Multiple-step. (1) List of items to locate. (2) Locate a number of a certain item
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. FROG scene. Create a useful item, “me mateys!”
A. Multiple step. (1) Locate 5 each of pistols and seashell opening up (2) a list of items to locate
B. Mini-HOP scenes with silhouette items to locate
C. Multiple-step. So awesome. Based on a ship. (1) Lists of items to locate. (2) Cryptic clues (3) Matching. Match up the correct 6 signal flags on a display map. EXCELLENT
D. Multiple-step. (1) List of items to locate. (2) Locate a number of a certain item
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. FROG scene. Create a useful item, “me mateys!”
PUZZLES:
A. I spy a little fly. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate four rings on a spyglass to create a picture. EASY
B. Out of my way. Manual dexterity puzzle. Navigate a ship by circumventing a sea monster. EASY
C. Pull up roots! Matching puzzle. By pulling up plants by their roots, match up those roots according to a plant guide. EASY
D. Balance it out. Mathematical puzzle. Place weights on a balance to the correct weight in grams. EASY
E. Your ship is a wreck. Matching puzzle. Identify ship wrecks by placing ship tokens on a map according to hints detailed in the Captain’s log.
F. I am a-maze-d. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a ship’s wheel to maneuver through a maze by removing objects in its path. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Run it up the flagpole. Ship flag puzzle. Moving tiles/matching puzzle. Using levers, move flags to match up with a diagram. Moving one affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. The return of the Maya. Sliding rings puzzle. Slide outside rings into position to connect beams of light form the center to the outside of the calendar. EASY
I. Picture me a native. Moving tiles puzzle. Place tiles into correct position to create a picture. EASY
J. You light up my life-less skull. Physics problem. Move buttons to redirect 3 colors of light to reach 3 skulls so that each skull receives the correct color of light. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
A. I spy a little fly. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate four rings on a spyglass to create a picture. EASY
B. Out of my way. Manual dexterity puzzle. Navigate a ship by circumventing a sea monster. EASY
C. Pull up roots! Matching puzzle. By pulling up plants by their roots, match up those roots according to a plant guide. EASY
D. Balance it out. Mathematical puzzle. Place weights on a balance to the correct weight in grams. EASY
E. Your ship is a wreck. Matching puzzle. Identify ship wrecks by placing ship tokens on a map according to hints detailed in the Captain’s log.
F. I am a-maze-d. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a ship’s wheel to maneuver through a maze by removing objects in its path. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Run it up the flagpole. Ship flag puzzle. Moving tiles/matching puzzle. Using levers, move flags to match up with a diagram. Moving one affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. The return of the Maya. Sliding rings puzzle. Slide outside rings into position to connect beams of light form the center to the outside of the calendar. EASY
I. Picture me a native. Moving tiles puzzle. Place tiles into correct position to create a picture. EASY
J. You light up my life-less skull. Physics problem. Move buttons to redirect 3 colors of light to reach 3 skulls so that each skull receives the correct color of light. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
Golems are taking over Glanville, and only you can stop them!
Overall rating
5
/
5
140 of 286 found this review helpful
OUR “CRAFTY” DEVELOPER HAS SCULPTED A GAMING DELIGHT
PostedFebruary 4, 2016
sunnyglow
fromWord has it that Glanville has become the supplier of “claymation” figures such as the “cold-hearted” Mr. Snow Miser and his “hot” brother Mr. Heat Miser for holiday films.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
OVERVIEW: As the Master Detective, you are off to a Glanville where a craftsman is “baking up” some havoc in the form of golems. I LIKE this game. There is a “cutesy” helper in this game used three times in the demo; however, he is cleverly integrated into a super puzzle which you play. This game is a vast improvement for this developer and this “crafty” developer has “baked up” some clever and innovative puzzles for this game. I especially liked the Rube Goldberg (super) puzzle.
The graphics are decent; however, to me, not as good as in some previous games by this developer. Some of the figures in the game appear one-dimensional. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes; however the HOP scenes are creatively done. This game should appeal to all ages including school aged fish.
STORY: '"Tis" a sad tale of Ronald Marlow, a village potter who created a golem of clay. However, during a demonstration, his handiwork came to life and caused fear among the ignorant but honorable town folk. As the local folk tried to destroy the golem, Marlow was killed leaving his terrified daughter an orphan. Now, years later, golems with numbers affixed upon their clay bodies, have returned to Glanville creating havoc in this wee village. As the numbers increase on the bodies of the golems, so do their strength and abilities. You will need to act quickly before the golems completely destroy the entire village.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are varied and well-done. From the demo they include lists of items to locate and a very creative silhouette scene in which you locate items one at a time and then replace an item back into the scene. There is a storybook sequence in which you locate items listed in BOLD letters.
MINI-GAMES: What a vast improvement for this developer. The games are creative, innovative, and the best I have seen from this developer in quite some time. They vary in difficulty with one which is rather difficult.
• FAVORITE GAME: Of course, the Rube-Goldberg (super) puzzle! This puzzle consists of a board game in which you use your helper as the token in the game. How ingenious! As you travel around the game board, you solve some mini-puzzles, one of which is a little difficult.
• CREATIVE NEW GAME: Dot-to-dot. There was a small dot-to-dot puzzle in the inventory. This is a creative use of this puzzle. It would be nice to see other developers use this puzzle in their games. Quite innovative!
• FAVORITE GAME: Of course, the Rube-Goldberg (super) puzzle! This puzzle consists of a board game in which you use your helper as the token in the game. How ingenious! As you travel around the game board, you solve some mini-puzzles, one of which is a little difficult.
• CREATIVE NEW GAME: Dot-to-dot. There was a small dot-to-dot puzzle in the inventory. This is a creative use of this puzzle. It would be nice to see other developers use this puzzle in their games. Quite innovative!
EXTRAS: A map is provided at the beginning of the game. There are achievements; however, I had a difficult time assessing the amount of achievements from the display. Collectibles include 14 statues and 25 morphing objects. There are 15 wallpapers, 5 Sound tracks, and 3 Screensavers. You can also replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 Mini games.
LEVELS: Casual, Detective, Super, Custom
Hints and Skips 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips 15 to 90 seconds
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN THE DEMO:
HOP SCENES:
A. Mini-HOP scene. List of items to locate in a suitcase.
B. Silhouette. After you locate a certain number of items receive a replacement item to be returned into the scene.
C. Multiple step. (1) Light a series of candles to light up a room (2) List of items given to you one at time to locate. After locating each item, you receive a scroll. Upon clicking on the scroll, you release an item to be returned to the proper location within the scene. Replacing the item opens up the next item to be located.
D. Storybook sequence. Locate items written in BOLD letters within the narration of a story.
A. Mini-HOP scene. List of items to locate in a suitcase.
B. Silhouette. After you locate a certain number of items receive a replacement item to be returned into the scene.
C. Multiple step. (1) Light a series of candles to light up a room (2) List of items given to you one at time to locate. After locating each item, you receive a scroll. Upon clicking on the scroll, you release an item to be returned to the proper location within the scene. Replacing the item opens up the next item to be located.
D. Storybook sequence. Locate items written in BOLD letters within the narration of a story.
PUZZLES:
A. A piece of cake! Variation of a matching game. Using a diagram, create the perfect cupcake! EASY
B. A sweet treat! Variation of a matching game. For each of five pictures locate the associated picture from an array of them on a board. If you make a mistake, you must start over again. 3X for each picture EASY
C. Bombs away! Variation of Battle ship. Using golem buttons to locate and eliminate destructive golems on the board. DIFFICULT
D. Once upon a time! Multiple step. Storybook puzzle. Interact with a storybook placing items into the correct location. EASY
E. Put me together! Variation of an assembly puzzle. Choose two tokens to create an item matching an emblem in the middle of a circle. EASY
F. Roll the dice! Rube-Goldberg (super) puzzle. Play a game. Use your golem as the token in the game. Move the amount of steps as designated on the die and do what the cards indicate. The mini-games in no particular order are : (1) Variation of a map puzzle (2) Mini-Hop scene and (3) Jigsaw puzzle. VARY IN DIFFICULTY
G. Bulls-eye! Manual dexterity puzzle. Center a token within a green area to fire an arrow to free a lad hanging on a tower. EASY
A. A piece of cake! Variation of a matching game. Using a diagram, create the perfect cupcake! EASY
B. A sweet treat! Variation of a matching game. For each of five pictures locate the associated picture from an array of them on a board. If you make a mistake, you must start over again. 3X for each picture EASY
C. Bombs away! Variation of Battle ship. Using golem buttons to locate and eliminate destructive golems on the board. DIFFICULT
D. Once upon a time! Multiple step. Storybook puzzle. Interact with a storybook placing items into the correct location. EASY
E. Put me together! Variation of an assembly puzzle. Choose two tokens to create an item matching an emblem in the middle of a circle. EASY
F. Roll the dice! Rube-Goldberg (super) puzzle. Play a game. Use your golem as the token in the game. Move the amount of steps as designated on the die and do what the cards indicate. The mini-games in no particular order are : (1) Variation of a map puzzle (2) Mini-Hop scene and (3) Jigsaw puzzle. VARY IN DIFFICULTY
G. Bulls-eye! Manual dexterity puzzle. Center a token within a green area to fire an arrow to free a lad hanging on a tower. EASY
I recommend this game!
The murders are escalating in the city! Follow the clues to crack the cases and arrest the killers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
62 of 273 found this review helpful
A MYSTERY WITHIN AN ENIGMATIC NONOGRAM GAME AWAITS YOU
PostedFebruary 1, 2016
sunnyglow
fromWhatever you call them - “O’Ekaki,” “mosaics”, “griddlers,” “nonograms,” or “paint-by-number” - these puzzles are a great way to “kill time” and some of them can be “murder” to complete.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A BIG THANK YOU to BFG for offering one of my favorite genres of games. You need to solve a series of mysterious deaths in this superb nonogram puzzle game. (This game calls them "mosaics;" however, they can be called "griddlers," "O’Ekaki," and "paint- by- number" as well). Solve 10 mysteries as you play a series of nonograms.
Having created a few of these myself (by hand no less) I am deeply impressed by the creative and innovative approach to these puzzles by this developer. This is one of the better entries we have had for this type of puzzle. To me, this is a must-have for aficionados of this type of puzzle. And yes, it doesn’t take a lot of sleuthing to realize that this was an IMMEDIATE purchase for me. This is a nice combination of nonograms combined with some mysteries attached.
This puzzle game provides ten (10) mysteries to solve. As you solve the puzzles, you receive clues in solving the murder mystery. Quite ingenious! Some have complained about the colors: however, on my computer they are bright and distinctive.
Here are the details of this game and how to play:
• Levels: Casual and Advanced. Grids will vary for each puzzle.
• Colors: The game has three (3) colored screens for each puzzle
• Autofill: There is autofill so you do not have to fill in the unused boxes.
• Each mystery contains several puzzles to solve. You will need to solve puzzles to get the name of the victim, the age, cause of death, the weapon used, the killer’s gender, the name of the killer, and the motive.
• Hints: Hints are given to you.
• Timed: This puzzle keeps track of the time you use in solving the puzzles
• Mistakes: You are allowed a certain number of mistakes per puzzle. You must restart the puzzle if you exceed the number of mistakes allowed.
• Colors: The game has three (3) colored screens for each puzzle
• Autofill: There is autofill so you do not have to fill in the unused boxes.
• Each mystery contains several puzzles to solve. You will need to solve puzzles to get the name of the victim, the age, cause of death, the weapon used, the killer’s gender, the name of the killer, and the motive.
• Hints: Hints are given to you.
• Timed: This puzzle keeps track of the time you use in solving the puzzles
• Mistakes: You are allowed a certain number of mistakes per puzzle. You must restart the puzzle if you exceed the number of mistakes allowed.
I recommend this game!
Someone's made it their personal vendetta to bring down the Mystery Trackers.
Overall rating
5
/
5
199 of 349 found this review helpful
WILL THE CURTAIN FALL ON THE MASKED AVENGER ?
PostedJanuary 28, 2016
sunnyglow
fromHopefully this will be a curtain call for Elf as well. Looking forward to his final farewell appearance in this game series.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
OVERVIEW: Revenge is the name of game for the Paxton Creek Avenger! Having kidnapped the daughter of the leader of the Mystery Trackers, it is up to you to save the day from this masked madman! This is a well-crafted low 5-star game. The graphics contain vibrant colors which are beautifully rendered. The HOP scenes and the mini-games are creative, innovative and vary in style. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes in this game and although most of the puzzles are easy, they are masterfully done. The developer has also included a delightful super puzzle in this game.
This would have been an automatic purchase for me with the exception of one annoying “extra” performer on the game stage – Elf. His encore performance proved annoying to me. Sorry, but I absolutely HATE this animal (whatever he is). He takes the center stage with his “cutesy” antics and barking five times in the demo. And be warned – this little ankle-biter takes forever to perform his antics and, for me, he frustrated my desire to move on in the game. He is totally unnecessary in this game and does not really fit into the storyline. However, if you enjoy “helpers” in games or enjoy the antics of a furry creature with strange ears, then you might find this an awesome game.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are varied and beautifully created. They fit well into the musical theme of the game. In the demo they include silhouette, replacement items, and lists of items to locate. There are mini-HOP scenes searching for a specific number of one item.
MINI-GAMES: Extremely well done! I love the puzzles. They are varied and include a Rube-Goldberg puzzle (super puzzle). In the demo they include sliding tiles puzzles, a switching puzzle, a sequencing puzzle, rope puzzles, a Simon Says puzzle, spot the difference puzzle, and matching puzzles. In one of the puzzles featured in the demo you have the option to choose between casual and hard versions of the puzzle. There is also one multiple-step puzzle in the demo. Throughout the game you will use the thermal imaging scope which will initiate a puzzle in which you connect symbols without crossing lines. These puzzles increase in difficulty.
EXTRAS: The map is available at the beginning of the game. You receive a gimmicky “thermal imaging scope” which shows you the footprints of the Avenger. There are 21 achievements and 26 morphing objects. You collect musicians and pieces of photos for 3 pictures. There are the usual wallpaper, artwork, music, and strategy guide.
FINAL CURTAIN CALL: Alas! This game has all the elements of an award winning game. The story is excellent, loosely based on the theme of “Phantom of the Opera.” I LOVE the puzzles and innovative HOP scenes in this game; however, the annoyance of the “cutesy” canine helper proved too much for me to purchase this game. It would be unfair for me to give this game 4 stars due to the annoying helper. However, for me, I just could not get into this game with all the antics of the canine helper. It will be a pass for me; however, if you LOVE little canine helpers, you may fancy this game. Enjoy! It is a well-crafted game, just not for me!
LEVELS: Elf, A la mode, Avenger, Detective (Custom)
Hint and Skip times are not designated.
Hint and Skip times are not designated.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES:
A. Silhouette. Locate musical instruments which play a melody as you click on them for removal.
B. Multiple-step. (1) Silhouette. Locate musical symbols. After locating a series of symbols then (2) Replacement of notes back into the scene.
C. Mini-hop scene Locate a specific number of an item.
D. List of items to locate
A. Silhouette. Locate musical instruments which play a melody as you click on them for removal.
B. Multiple-step. (1) Silhouette. Locate musical symbols. After locating a series of symbols then (2) Replacement of notes back into the scene.
C. Mini-hop scene Locate a specific number of an item.
D. List of items to locate
MINI-GAMES:
Throughout the game you must use a thermal imaging scope to detect the “footprints” of the avenger. The puzzle is to connect symbols so that lines do not cross nor are the lines connected to the same image. Increase in difficulty as you play the game.
A. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate three rings to restore the MCF badge. EASY
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate three rings to create symbols to match on a cello case. EASY
C. Choice between Casual and Hard. Sequencing puzzle. Move beads up and down to determine if they are in the correct location. You are given a “green” light if they are correct.
D. Matching. Play notes on a piano based on a piece of music. EASY
E. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Spot the difference puzzle. Locate a brick which is different from the others. 3X EASY (2) Switching puzzle. Assemble and move similar buttons so they are together in 3 groups. EASY
F. Sequencing puzzle. Move the dial of safe until the correct combination is found by hit and miss. EASY
G. Super puzzle which includes a switching puzzle, a few matching puzzles, a sliding tiles puzzle, and a Simon Says puzzle.
A. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate three rings to restore the MCF badge. EASY
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate three rings to create symbols to match on a cello case. EASY
C. Choice between Casual and Hard. Sequencing puzzle. Move beads up and down to determine if they are in the correct location. You are given a “green” light if they are correct.
D. Matching. Play notes on a piano based on a piece of music. EASY
E. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Spot the difference puzzle. Locate a brick which is different from the others. 3X EASY (2) Switching puzzle. Assemble and move similar buttons so they are together in 3 groups. EASY
F. Sequencing puzzle. Move the dial of safe until the correct combination is found by hit and miss. EASY
G. Super puzzle which includes a switching puzzle, a few matching puzzles, a sliding tiles puzzle, and a Simon Says puzzle.
I recommend this game!
PuppetShow: The Face of Humanity Collector's Edition
The mayor's daughter is missing and you must find her!
Overall rating
5
/
5
229 of 348 found this review helpful
WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED, WHO IS THE PUPPET MASTER IN THIS TOWN?
PostedJanuary 21, 2016
sunnyglow
fromMr. Robotic Puppet eyeing my job: Remember – I am the puppet master! If I can turn you on, I can turn you off as well. (Or is that humanly possible any more?)
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON THE DEMO PLUS ½ OF CHAPTER 3 OUT OF 4 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
OVERVIEW OF THE GAME. A DECENT LOW 5-STAR GAME! Artificial intelligence has arrived in the town of Saltsbruk! Puppets are taking over the town including everyone’s job in the salt mines! However, what are the “strings” attached to this deal? To me, this is one of the BETTER games in this series. The story, the graphics, the pace, and the puzzles are all innovative and well-crafted. This developer always has the most beautiful and realistic graphics and this game is no exception. The game has an excellent pace and maintained my interest. There is an equal mix of both HOP scenes and mini-games. My one complaint concerns the HOP scenes. I felt that the HOP scenes were lacking creativity after the demo. Those I played after the demo were simply lists of items to locate. However, I purchase games for the puzzles, and the ones in this game are EXCELLENT!
STORY: As a paranormal investigator, you are off to the “salt mines” in the town of Saltsbruk, to investigate the disappearance of the mayor’s daughter. The town workers are in an uproar as robotic puppets are taking their jobs in the mines. You soon discover a series of accidents, murders, and disappearances happening as well. Are these the cause of man or machine? Who is the puppet master, pulling the strings in this town and what is he or she up to? Are the “robomeisters” David and Hannah of D.H. Wonders, the masterminds behind all the mahem? And who is the red-eyed hooded monster lurking in the shadows?
HOP SCENES: There are only 3 HOP scenes in the demo. They include a silhouette scene, a storybook scene with items listed in BOLD letters and a search for a specific amount of one item. Unfortunately, there is no optional game offered in lieu of the HOP scenes. After the demo, all of the HOP scenes I played were lists of items to locate.
MINI-GAMES. In the demo, two of the puzzles are easy. The other puzzles is moderately difficult. The puzzles are variations of a matching puzzle, a combination moving tiles/maze puzzle, and an assembly puzzle. Only the maze puzzle was slightly difficult. After the demo, most of the puzzles are DIFFICULT. They include variations of a moving tiles puzzle, a maze puzzle, and a pipe puzzle. There is one puzzle which is more of HOP scene than an actual puzzle.
EXTRAS: A map is provided as you play the game. There are 14 achievements, you collect 12 statuettes, and there is the usual wallpaper, artwork, and screensavers. You are able to replay the HOP scenes and the mini-games. The strategy guide has 47 pages.
COMPLAINT: There are two complaints concerning this game. There is a lack of “extra goodies” in this game. There is no game to play in lieu of the HOP scenes. There is only one collectible and there are no morphing objects. In the past, this developer used to offer casual and difficult versions of some of their puzzles. That is not available in this game. However, most of the puzzles are DIFFICULT! I also found the HOP scenes boring! They lack variety in the actual game. All which I played after the demo are simply lists of items and one scene was reused.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
You are able to select your gender and swagger for both sexes choose between
Smart, Brave, or Couth
You are able to select your gender and swagger for both sexes choose between
Smart, Brave, or Couth
Hints and Skips 5 to 200 seconds
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES:
A. Silhouette. Locate silhouetted items on a bulletin board.
B. Storybook sequence. Locate items listed in BOLD letters while listing to a story about the town.
C. Locate 12 of one item.
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. List of items to locate
E. Another list of items to locate
F. And yet another list of items to locate (Revisit the same scene)
G. Locate 12 of one item.
H. And yet another list of items to locate
A. Silhouette. Locate silhouetted items on a bulletin board.
B. Storybook sequence. Locate items listed in BOLD letters while listing to a story about the town.
C. Locate 12 of one item.
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. List of items to locate
E. Another list of items to locate
F. And yet another list of items to locate (Revisit the same scene)
G. Locate 12 of one item.
H. And yet another list of items to locate
PUZZLES:
A. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols on eagle feathers until all are lit. EASY
B. Maze/Moving tiles puzzle. Create a pathway for a tram by moving tiles into their correct locations. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Assembly puzzle. Follow a diagram to repair a mechanical heart by placing ingredients in the correct sequence according to the diagram. EASY
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. Moving tiles/maze puzzle. Move each of three colored tiles through a maze to the correct matching silver slot on a board. DIFFICULT
E. Variation of a matching puzzle/HOP scene. As items are highlighted locate them in a scene. I found this puzzle very similar to a HOP scene. Items are a little difficult to locate MODERATELY DIFFICULT
F. Pipe puzzle. Instead of pipes, connect fuse tiles to dynamite bundles for an explosive effect. 2X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY
G. Maze puzzle. Move two eels to charging stations. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
A. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols on eagle feathers until all are lit. EASY
B. Maze/Moving tiles puzzle. Create a pathway for a tram by moving tiles into their correct locations. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Assembly puzzle. Follow a diagram to repair a mechanical heart by placing ingredients in the correct sequence according to the diagram. EASY
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. Moving tiles/maze puzzle. Move each of three colored tiles through a maze to the correct matching silver slot on a board. DIFFICULT
E. Variation of a matching puzzle/HOP scene. As items are highlighted locate them in a scene. I found this puzzle very similar to a HOP scene. Items are a little difficult to locate MODERATELY DIFFICULT
F. Pipe puzzle. Instead of pipes, connect fuse tiles to dynamite bundles for an explosive effect. 2X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY
G. Maze puzzle. Move two eels to charging stations. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
The past isn’t set in stone. Now’s your chance to change it!
Overall rating
4
/
5
131 of 187 found this review helpful
GET READY FOR AN “ELECTRI-FRY-ING” EXPERIENCE
PostedJanuary 16, 2016
sunnyglow
fromBetter pack a hard hat, some flame resistant clothing and insulated gloves for this assignment!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OVERVIEW OF THE GAME. Grab your protective gear and running shoes to play this game. You are in store for an “electri-fry-ing” experience battling a Storm God who will be throwing a few lightning bolts your way. You better grab some of those bolts of lightning for your shoes as you run back-and-forth between scenes in playing the game. Does lightning strike twice in one week? Well, not for me. After a recent masterpiece, this game DID NOT generate any “sparks” of excitement for me. Why?
A. Lack of creative and innovative HOP scenes and puzzles. The blurb introducing the game states that it has lots of innovative puzzles and HOP scenes. It must be after the demo because I did not encounter any in the demo. My “spark” of interest waned as I played the very short demo which includes only 3 HOP scenes and 4 mini-games. With such a short demo, it is difficult to assess this game. However, I found the HOP scenes nondescript and the puzzles extremely easy in the demo. The story is excellent and so are the graphics; however, the actual “mechanics” of the game are not well designed. Being sensitive to sound, I found the shrill moaning in the game irritating as well.
B. Repetitive scene hopping. I became annoyed with the amount of scene hopping to perform activities. In one particular instance in the demo, you must go back-and-forth five times to open a cellar door. To me, hopping from one scene and back again is a “time filler” to make up for the lack of puzzles and games.
This game will appeal to many subscribers on this site. The best thing is to demo it yourself. This game is one of those games which some will love and yet others, like me, will find not to their liking.
STORY: Responding to a message from your mentor, Professor Mann, you, as Chelsea, parachute into a weather anomaly in which you must battle a malevolent spirit who is generating a storm of trouble for you and the professor. Helping your professor and his assistant Rob fix a “stormcatcher, you will soon find yourself in danger in a game which includes a maleficent spirit behind the storm, a love triangle, and an experiment gone haywire.
HOP SCENES: Like tinkering with machines or spend your time working on inventions? Then you might like this game. In the demo, the limited HOP scenes and puzzles from the demo are mechanically based. The HOP scenes I played include a multiple step on in which you locate item and the reuse them in the scene. The HOP scenes include lists of items, silhouette items to locate, and replacement of items back into the scene. I did not encounter any which were extremely creative or innovative.
MINI-GAMES: Do you enjoy simplistic puzzles? Then you will love this game. I don’t think any of the mini-games will “fry” your brain. For those who like easy puzzles or don’t care for puzzles, you will probably like this game. There are not many puzzles and they are all relatively easy – a tad too easy for my taste. Their theme is mechanical in the demo. The puzzles include a sequencing puzzle, a switching puzzle, a pipe puzzle in which you connect circuitry, and a removal puzzle which contains three screens in which to connect dots to remove them.
EXTRAS: There are 14 achievements and the collectibles are 44 storm clouds and morphing objects. You can replay 17 HOP scenes but I did not see the opportunity to replay any of the puzzles. Your “helper” is your phone which provides a flashlight, camera and clues and objectives. There are the usual wallpaper, artwork and music.
LEVELS: Drizzle, Downpour, Thunderstorm, Custom
Hints and Skips 15 to 90 seconds.
Hints and Skips 15 to 90 seconds.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE FEW HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN THE DEMO:
HOP SCENES:
A. Multiple step puzzle. (1) Silhouette items. Locate a specific number of items according to a silhouette (2) Replace the items back into the scene to reactivate the machine
B. List of items to locate. There are morphing objects within this scene
C. Silhouette items. Actually they are pictures of the items which must be found within the scene and some are replaced back into the scene
A. Multiple step puzzle. (1) Silhouette items. Locate a specific number of items according to a silhouette (2) Replace the items back into the scene to reactivate the machine
B. List of items to locate. There are morphing objects within this scene
C. Silhouette items. Actually they are pictures of the items which must be found within the scene and some are replaced back into the scene
PUZZLES: You can reset the puzzles
A. Sequencing puzzle. By logic, turn on all lights using four knobs. Turning one knobs affects the other lights. EASY
B. Switching puzzle. Switch five folders so that they create a connecting pattern. Lights turn green when they are located in the correct position 2X EASY
C. Pipe puzzle. Rotate tiles containing wires to create a path to complete a circuit. EASY
D. Removal puzzle. Connect colored dots in a continuous line connecting them for removal. 3X INCREASING IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH LEVEL
A. Sequencing puzzle. By logic, turn on all lights using four knobs. Turning one knobs affects the other lights. EASY
B. Switching puzzle. Switch five folders so that they create a connecting pattern. Lights turn green when they are located in the correct position 2X EASY
C. Pipe puzzle. Rotate tiles containing wires to create a path to complete a circuit. EASY
D. Removal puzzle. Connect colored dots in a continuous line connecting them for removal. 3X INCREASING IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH LEVEL
I recommend this game!
You've been summoned to save the Fantastic Worlds from evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
155 of 221 found this review helpful
BRAVO! AN AWARD WINNING GAME TO START THE NEW YEAR
PostedJanuary 14, 2016
sunnyglow
fromIt looks as if our “granny” has gotten a much needed “face lift” and “makeover.” She has provided us a “hot” new look in her games. This game is a keeper!
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
OVERVIEW OF THE GAME: This is a superb game and the first of the award winning games for 2016. This game merits more than 5 shining stars. It is a masterpiece of excellence in gaming! The game is long and it has a good pace. Every scene in the game contains either a HOP scene or a puzzle. The demo has 8 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games! Amazing! I absolutely LOVE this game! This is a puzzler’s delight. This game is definitely a must-have and an automatic purchase for me.
SCRIPT: The story is has the theme of good overcoming evil. You play Grace, who has been again summoned by Queen Clio to restore order to her kingdom which is being plagued by ice elementals. These monsters have been summoned by one of the Architects of the kingdom. He is after the Dark Ruby which will give him incredible power. It is your job, as a Guardian, to discover his identity and to stop him.
GRAPHICS: The graphics are amazing! The array of colors and soft pastels create a wondrous fairy tale environment. The characters are realistic looking and beautifully portrayed.
MINI-GAMES: There are more puzzles than HOP scenes – 19 in total and they range from easy to difficult. You have the ability to reset the puzzles. The puzzles from the demo include sequencing, matching, moving tiles, maze, manual dexterity, rotating tiles, sliding tiles, and assembly puzzles. My favorite puzzle was: “COLOR ME A RAINBOW.” Click on colored pieces of glass until the correct color appears in each of four sections.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are fewer than the puzzles, but are also well-designed. You have the ability to play a Match-3 game instead. The HOP scenes include lists of items to locate, cryptic clues, replacement of items back into the scenes, and silhouette.
BEST PART OF THE GAME. “UP POPS A STORY.” The best part of the entire game was the location and replacement of items within a pop-up story book. You must go back and forth between the pages to locate items, looking under and removing items from the books, and then replacing them back into the book. Absolutely wonderful!
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom Hints and Skips 10 to 500 seconds
EXTRAS: A transportable map is provided at the beginning of the game. The extras include 15 achievements, 65 “eyes” called observers. There is a helper owl; however, he does not slow down the game and is principally used as a “pointer” to areas which are located above you. You locate 3 “gifts.” There is the ability to replay the HOP scenes and mini-games. There are the usual music, movies, and wallpaper. The Strategy Guide has 52 pages.
AFTER THE DEMO: There are so many puzzles and HOP scenes I will only state that the game continues with its excellence after the demo. There are still more puzzles than HOP scenes and all I played were decent.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN THE DEMO:
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a Match-3 game instead
A. Replacement items. Replace items back into the HOP scene.
B. Cryptic clues. Locate items based on “enigmatic” clues.
C. List of items to locate
D. Specific number of one item to locate – glass shards to recreate a mirror
E. BEST PART OF THE GAME Storybook sequence. Silhouette. Locate items and replace them back into the scene in a pop-up book.
F. List of items to locate
G. Mini-HOP scene. List of items to locate in a bird’s nest.
H. Silhouette. Locate items on a bookshelf
A. Replacement items. Replace items back into the HOP scene.
B. Cryptic clues. Locate items based on “enigmatic” clues.
C. List of items to locate
D. Specific number of one item to locate – glass shards to recreate a mirror
E. BEST PART OF THE GAME Storybook sequence. Silhouette. Locate items and replace them back into the scene in a pop-up book.
F. List of items to locate
G. Mini-HOP scene. List of items to locate in a bird’s nest.
H. Silhouette. Locate items on a bookshelf
PUZZLES: You can reset the puzzles.
A. Sequencing puzzle. Press on candles in the correct sequence so they align in the candle holders. EASY
B. Matching. Recreate a pattern on a diagram by sequencing colors in proper order. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Moving tiles puzzle. Recreate two pictures by moving tiles into correct position. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Using a torch, unmelt frozen circle to create a path to open a door. If make a mistake, you must backtrack one move. EASY
E. Manual dexterity puzzle. Defeat a monster by attacking his tentacles 3X. EASY
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to recreate a picture EASY
G. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide a group of portraits into the proper location MODERATELY DIFFICULT
H. Assembly/Jigsaw puzzle. Reassemble a broken mirror by placing its shards into the proper location. EASY
I. Switching puzzle. Create three flowers by rotating them and switching petals until all three flowers are the correct color EASY
J. Using knobs restore a photo by adjusting and placing the pieces into the correct position MODERATELY DIFFICULT
K. Moving tiles puzzle. Move disks on a globe so that appropriate items match up with each continent. EASY
L. Switching puzzle. Move parts of faces on 3 statues to the correct location EASY
M. Matching puzzle. Locate up pieces of symbols to create a group of symbols which will decode an inscription. EASY
N. Matching puzzle. Click on colored pieces of glass until the correct color appears in each of four sections. Clicking on one piece of glass affects the colors of the others around it. MODERATELY DIFFICULT 4X
O. Matching. Match up flowers. EASY
P. Matching puzzle. Locate up pieces of symbols to create a group of symbols which will decode an inscription EASY
Q. Matching puzzle. Move positions of part of 3 owls to match a diagram in order to activate a fountain. EASY
R. Use a reed pipe to enchant snakes to fall asleep. Each of 3 keys on the pipe will affect they snakes differently. EASY
S. Sliding tiles puzzles. Match up 3 parts of a face to create the face of the traitor. Moving one piece affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
A. Sequencing puzzle. Press on candles in the correct sequence so they align in the candle holders. EASY
B. Matching. Recreate a pattern on a diagram by sequencing colors in proper order. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Moving tiles puzzle. Recreate two pictures by moving tiles into correct position. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Using a torch, unmelt frozen circle to create a path to open a door. If make a mistake, you must backtrack one move. EASY
E. Manual dexterity puzzle. Defeat a monster by attacking his tentacles 3X. EASY
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to recreate a picture EASY
G. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide a group of portraits into the proper location MODERATELY DIFFICULT
H. Assembly/Jigsaw puzzle. Reassemble a broken mirror by placing its shards into the proper location. EASY
I. Switching puzzle. Create three flowers by rotating them and switching petals until all three flowers are the correct color EASY
J. Using knobs restore a photo by adjusting and placing the pieces into the correct position MODERATELY DIFFICULT
K. Moving tiles puzzle. Move disks on a globe so that appropriate items match up with each continent. EASY
L. Switching puzzle. Move parts of faces on 3 statues to the correct location EASY
M. Matching puzzle. Locate up pieces of symbols to create a group of symbols which will decode an inscription. EASY
N. Matching puzzle. Click on colored pieces of glass until the correct color appears in each of four sections. Clicking on one piece of glass affects the colors of the others around it. MODERATELY DIFFICULT 4X
O. Matching. Match up flowers. EASY
P. Matching puzzle. Locate up pieces of symbols to create a group of symbols which will decode an inscription EASY
Q. Matching puzzle. Move positions of part of 3 owls to match a diagram in order to activate a fountain. EASY
R. Use a reed pipe to enchant snakes to fall asleep. Each of 3 keys on the pipe will affect they snakes differently. EASY
S. Sliding tiles puzzles. Match up 3 parts of a face to create the face of the traitor. Moving one piece affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!