sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:826
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 4, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
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!
The past isn’t set in stone. Now’s your chance to change it!
Overall rating
4
/
5
224 of 367 found this review helpful
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO LOCATE “REMEDIES” FOR BOTH THE PAST AND THE PRESENT
PostedJanuary 9, 2016
sunnyglow
fromAfter playing the demo of this game, I am experiencing hunger pangs for some “Little Debby” cakes to eat with my pitcher of lemonade, compliments of Debby. On second thought, I better skip the lemonade!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
As an agent of H.E.L.P., enter a labyrinth of time to locate a fellow agent, Peter, who is missing and altering history. Engaged to “Little Debby,” a seemingly sick invalid, valiant Peter is off to cure his “sweet cupcake” by searching throughout history for three artifacts to save her life. This game will appeal to some on this site; however it does not interest me. I feel it is a slow paced game, lacking the quality of games from other developers.
I my opinion, the graphics are poorly designed and seem to be a combination of several different styles with some characters looking realistic, and others looking cartoon-like. Although I opted to have the “sparkles” removed from the HOP scenes, I had “sparkles” appear on one of the HOP scenes in the demo. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes in this game; however, I felt the HOP scenes were better designed than the puzzles.
Most of the puzzles in the demo are easy with a couple which are moderately difficult. These puzzles consist of moving tiles puzzles, switching puzzles, manual dexterity puzzles, and sliding tiles puzzles.
I felt that two of the puzzles in the demo were poorly designed. (A) “For the birds.” One of these puzzles involves catching birds. You must collect a specific amount for each of three birds. You use a net to catch the birds by clicking on the net as the birds appear. I found this puzzle a trifle boring. There is absolutely no skill involved in this puzzle. (B) “Blurry hot mess.” In yet another puzzle you must move a series of figurines into correct position according to the pictures on a game board. However, the pictures appeared so blurry on my computer screen, I could not ascertain which figurine went with the pictures portrayed.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes were few in the demo, but I felt they were better designed than the puzzles. They include two multiple-step ones. The styles of HOP scenes include silhouette, cryptic clues, lists of items, and morphing objects. I felt that the HOP scene with morphing objects was rather well-done.
EXTRAS: Collectibles include 15 statues, 18 artifacts and 41 puzzle pieces. All the collectibles are easy to locate within the scenes. There are 39 achievements in the game. You also may replay 12 mini-games and 19 HOP scenes. You have the option to take a personality quiz which I felt was slightly bizarre and completely out of place in this game. What the personality quiz has to do with this particular game is beyond me. There are morphing objects in at least one HOP scene.
What is Peter’s “true love,” Debby up to? Is she really as sick as she claims? The maid feels she is faking it, but is she just a malicious gossip? Travel back in time to three time periods (Ancient Rome, The Middle Ages, and The Renaissance) to catch up with Peter, to rid these historical periods of the anachronisms perpetrated by him, and discover the history and true intent of Peter’s fiancée.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hints and Skips 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips 15 to 90 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the start of the game
Time Device which is a watch to slow down time
39 Achievements
Collect 41 puzzle pieces
Collect 15 statues
Collect 18 artifacts
Morphing objects
Personality quiz to determine your personality. This seemed so out-of-place in this game
Strategy guide
Usual wallpaper, artwork, music, replay of 12 mini-games and 19 HOP scenes
Map is given to you at the start of the game
Time Device which is a watch to slow down time
39 Achievements
Collect 41 puzzle pieces
Collect 15 statues
Collect 18 artifacts
Morphing objects
Personality quiz to determine your personality. This seemed so out-of-place in this game
Strategy guide
Usual wallpaper, artwork, music, replay of 12 mini-games and 19 HOP scenes
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES:
HOP SCENES: There are 13 HOP scenes in the game. You have the option to play a Match 3 game instead.
A. Multiple step. (1) Silhouette. Collect a number of silhouetted items – not just one of the items. (2) Cryptic clues.
B. List of items to locate
C. Multiple step. (1) Collect morphing objects followed by (2) Silhouette items – 3 of each kind
D. List of items to locate
A. Multiple step. (1) Silhouette. Collect a number of silhouetted items – not just one of the items. (2) Cryptic clues.
B. List of items to locate
C. Multiple step. (1) Collect morphing objects followed by (2) Silhouette items – 3 of each kind
D. List of items to locate
MINI-GAMES: There are 23 mini-games in the puzzle
A. Switching puzzle. Place pictures into their proper location on a wall. EASY
B. Moving tiles. Move figurines into the correct location based on clues on a game board. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Manual dexterity game. - Grab letters flying out of a vortex to spell a phrase EASY
D. Manual dexterity game. Catch a number of birds of three different colors according to a number on a colored medallion. EASY
E. Multiple step puzzle. 3 Sliding tiles puzzles. First locate pieces of each of 3 maps in 3 different settings. After locating all the pieces you will have a different sliding tiles puzzle to perform in order to piece each map together. INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY AS YOU PROCEED
F. Moving Tiles puzzle. Rotate colored tokens to match a pattern on a picture
A. Switching puzzle. Place pictures into their proper location on a wall. EASY
B. Moving tiles. Move figurines into the correct location based on clues on a game board. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Manual dexterity game. - Grab letters flying out of a vortex to spell a phrase EASY
D. Manual dexterity game. Catch a number of birds of three different colors according to a number on a colored medallion. EASY
E. Multiple step puzzle. 3 Sliding tiles puzzles. First locate pieces of each of 3 maps in 3 different settings. After locating all the pieces you will have a different sliding tiles puzzle to perform in order to piece each map together. INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY AS YOU PROCEED
F. Moving Tiles puzzle. Rotate colored tokens to match a pattern on a picture
I recommend this game!
Hidden Expedition: The Fountain of Youth Collector's Edition
There’s more to this restoration project than meets the eye.
Overall rating
5
/
5
238 of 380 found this review helpful
PACK YOUR PARACHUTE AND “JUMP INTO” AN ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE GAME
PostedJanuary 7, 2016
sunnyglow
fromThis game has gotten me into the mood to find that Fountain of Youth, create my own skin care line, find a “mature” Hollywood star as its spokesperson and finally “erase the lines of time” by selling it through a late-night infomercial.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON 3 CHAPTERS OF 6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
Pack your parachute and get ready to “jump into” an action packed adventure set in Sri Lanka! Shady businessman, Dario Aturnin has received clearance to “restore” the Sigiriya Temple. However, his team is really searching for a plaque to locate the Fountain of Youth. What a GREAT GAME from this developer! It has a suspenseful, action-packed storyline. There are three collectibles, including fact cards which provide some history lessons as you continue to play this game. This game is puzzle-intense and HOP lite. The graphics are well-crafted and realistic as usual for this developer. Get ready! With three H.E.L.P. agents kidnapped and agents of Aturnin destroying a World Heritage site, you need to hit the ground running in this game. The possession of the Fountain of Youth in the wrong hands could cause havoc on the world!
The best part of the game are the numerous amount of puzzles. All are well-designed and vary in both style and difficulty. What a delightful assortment of them. In the demo there are maze puzzles, manual dexterity puzzles, moving tiles puzzles, Simon Says puzzles, matching puzzles, a multiple-step puzzle and a Rube-Goldberg super puzzle! There are easy puzzles and some which are moderately difficult. My favorite puzzles were the maze puzzles, which are fairly easy but entertaining. I also enjoyed the super puzzle at the end of the demo.
The HOP scenes are few in the demo but include lists of items, silhouette items, replacement items, and a FROG scene. The scenes are interactive and puzzle-like. There are quite a few collectibles including 21 fact cards, 41 signs, and 17 morphing objects which are not all placed in the HOP scenes. You also 13 Achievements you can aspire to.
AFTER THE DEMO: Chapter 3 continues your quest. It also continues with an excellent array of both HOP scenes and puzzles. There more HOP scenes than puzzles in this chapter. There are four more HOP scenes which include silhouette scenes, list of items to locate and a FROG scene. My favorite was an awesome HOP scene which has you search for silhouette items in three books. Quite unique! There are three puzzles, two of which I found moderately difficult. They include two sliding tiles puzzles (one which is a mini-puzzle) and a matching puzzle which is slightly difficult.
I love the educational aspect of this game and would highly recommend it for the school aged fish as well as the adults in learning historical facts including those about Magellan and a temple in Sri Lanka.. I knew nothing about the temple and found the fact cards entertaining.
LEVELS: Easy, Medium, Hard, Custom There is an option for random clicking in HOP scenes
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
Collect 20 fact cards. Learn facts about the temple, Magellan, and other historical facts
Collect 41 signs
17 Morphing objects
13 Achievements
Strategy guide – 47 pages
Usual video, pictures, music, and replay of HOP scenes and puzzles
Map is provided as you play the game
Collect 20 fact cards. Learn facts about the temple, Magellan, and other historical facts
Collect 41 signs
17 Morphing objects
13 Achievements
Strategy guide – 47 pages
Usual video, pictures, music, and replay of HOP scenes and puzzles
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES
HOP SCENES:
A. (1) List of items and one silhouette which open up (2) replacement items which, upon replacement in the scene open up (3) a mini-puzzle
B. (1) Silhouette items. As you locate silhouette items, you receive pieces of grille work for a birdcage
C. FROG scene. Locate fragments of items to create an inventory item.
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. Silhouette items. Each item interacts with the scene in some way. There is a mini-puzzle
E. List of items to locate
F. FROG scene to create an inventory item
G. VERY AWESOME SCENE. Locate silhouette items in 3 books. Unique and creative
A. (1) List of items and one silhouette which open up (2) replacement items which, upon replacement in the scene open up (3) a mini-puzzle
B. (1) Silhouette items. As you locate silhouette items, you receive pieces of grille work for a birdcage
C. FROG scene. Locate fragments of items to create an inventory item.
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. Silhouette items. Each item interacts with the scene in some way. There is a mini-puzzle
E. List of items to locate
F. FROG scene to create an inventory item
G. VERY AWESOME SCENE. Locate silhouette items in 3 books. Unique and creative
MINI-GAMES: There are a series of mini-puzzles involved with the inventory items. They are also listed
A. Maze puzzle. KAPOW! Slide a “fist” through a maze collecting lights of energy along the way to increase your strength. If you collect all of them, you can PUNCH out your enemy. EASY
B. Mini-puzzle. Mathematical puzzle. Set three numbers of a briefcase to the proper numbers in order to open it.
C. Mini-puzzle. Manual dexterity puzzle. Move three dots until they align. EASY
D. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move a string of green and purple chains to their proper locations. Using logical thinking you will need to move three other chains out of the way to get these two chains to their proper locations MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Mini-puzzle. Manual dexterity puzzle. Focus a stone in a slingshot to hit a bullseye EASY
F. Maze puzzle. Using a written code, rotate arrow buttons to create a path from start to finish so that all arrows are used. EASY
G. Mini-puzzle. Simon Says. Repeat a light sequence to open a box. EASY
H. Mini-puzzle. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate circular tiles and press in buttons to recreate a picture and open a box. EASY
I. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols on candles. The symbols DO NOT remain on the candles. You must memorize where the symbols are located EASY
J. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Spot the difference puzzle. Locate the differences between a photo and the actual scene. (2) Mathematical puzzle. Arrange numbers in numerical order. BOTH ARE EASY
K. Goldberg-Rube puzzle. (Super puzzle). You are able to skip parts of the puzzle or the whole thing. They range from EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT. There are seven puzzles to complete. I am omitting the puzzle details as this may give you an answer as to the sequence of the puzzles which is something you are to figure as part of the puzzle. However I am able to inform you that they include a sequential puzzle, a maze puzzle, a mathematical puzzle, a manual dexterity puzzle, a pipe puzzle, a map puzzle, and a moving tiles puzzle (and these are not in order)
L. Mini-puzzle. Matching. For four tokens, place them in the correct location.
AFTER THE DEMO:
M. Mini-puzzle. Sliding tiles puzzle. Move tiles into the proper positions to open a door. EASY
N. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate marbles to recreate an image on a piece of paper. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
O. Matching puzzle. Rotate disks to match up shapes on a middle disk to create a door key. 2X EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT
A. Maze puzzle. KAPOW! Slide a “fist” through a maze collecting lights of energy along the way to increase your strength. If you collect all of them, you can PUNCH out your enemy. EASY
B. Mini-puzzle. Mathematical puzzle. Set three numbers of a briefcase to the proper numbers in order to open it.
C. Mini-puzzle. Manual dexterity puzzle. Move three dots until they align. EASY
D. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move a string of green and purple chains to their proper locations. Using logical thinking you will need to move three other chains out of the way to get these two chains to their proper locations MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Mini-puzzle. Manual dexterity puzzle. Focus a stone in a slingshot to hit a bullseye EASY
F. Maze puzzle. Using a written code, rotate arrow buttons to create a path from start to finish so that all arrows are used. EASY
G. Mini-puzzle. Simon Says. Repeat a light sequence to open a box. EASY
H. Mini-puzzle. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate circular tiles and press in buttons to recreate a picture and open a box. EASY
I. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols on candles. The symbols DO NOT remain on the candles. You must memorize where the symbols are located EASY
J. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Spot the difference puzzle. Locate the differences between a photo and the actual scene. (2) Mathematical puzzle. Arrange numbers in numerical order. BOTH ARE EASY
K. Goldberg-Rube puzzle. (Super puzzle). You are able to skip parts of the puzzle or the whole thing. They range from EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT. There are seven puzzles to complete. I am omitting the puzzle details as this may give you an answer as to the sequence of the puzzles which is something you are to figure as part of the puzzle. However I am able to inform you that they include a sequential puzzle, a maze puzzle, a mathematical puzzle, a manual dexterity puzzle, a pipe puzzle, a map puzzle, and a moving tiles puzzle (and these are not in order)
L. Mini-puzzle. Matching. For four tokens, place them in the correct location.
AFTER THE DEMO:
M. Mini-puzzle. Sliding tiles puzzle. Move tiles into the proper positions to open a door. EASY
N. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate marbles to recreate an image on a piece of paper. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
O. Matching puzzle. Rotate disks to match up shapes on a middle disk to create a door key. 2X EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
Join our penguin on a journey to the parallel universe of mosaic puzzles!
Overall rating
5
/
5
81 of 152 found this review helpful
A “QUANTUM” LEAP INTO THE WORLD OF GRIDDLERS WHERE THE “MECHANICS” OF THIS GAME HAVE NO “PARALLEL!”
PostedJanuary 6, 2016
sunnyglow
fromIf I enter a parallel universe, would an altered version of myself have a new “mechanically altered” set of mosaic puzzles to play? If valid, then I would never need to purchase another game! How awesome is that?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Happy “Three Kings Day!” Playing so many mosaic games, our penguin has found a way to enter an alternate universe. Entering this parallel universe with our penguin, one would expect that the “quantum mechanics” of this game should vary slightly from previous games. However, that is not the case. The game mechanics of this game are the same as in the other games from this developer, but don’t tell our penguin! He has returned with another Mosaic game (AKA O’Ekaki, Griddlers, Paint-by-Numbers, Pic-a-Pix, Nonograms or whatever you call them) puzzle game. A BIG THANK you to BFG for a game in one of my favorite genres.
I LOVE these games and this developer is the BEST creator of them in this universe of reality. This penguin must have been stuck in a parallel universe as we have not had a game from this developer in quite some time. This makes a nice holiday present for those who celebrate the festival of “The Three Kings.”
HOW TO PLAY:
This is variety of a Sudoku puzzle. In this puzzle, create pictures by filling in squares in a grid. The grids in this game will vary in number from 10 x 10 to 20 x 20.
Each side of the grid will have numbers for each line of squares indicating the amount of squares which are to be filled in for that line of squares. Squares are filled in where the squares intersect between the two sets of numbers on each side.
• Levels: Casual and Advanced. The advanced screen begins with a 10 x 15 grid. The casual version will begin with a simplistic 10 x 10 grid and has a tutorial as well.
• Colors: The game has three (3) colored screens which can be switched at any time while playing the puzzle.
• Autofill: There is autofill so you do not have to fill in the unused boxes. However, you can use your mouse to right click “X’s” for unused spaces.
• Hints: Hints are given as you proceed and are based on the difficulty of the puzzle and how well you perform in solving the grid
• Number of Levels and Puzzles: There are 100 puzzles – 20 levels with 5 puzzles per level in the game.
• Aids: You have a pickax as an aid in the game
• Awards: There are 3 trophies: a gold trophy for no mistakes, a silver trophy for 1 mistake, and a bronze trophy for two mistakes. If you make 3 mistakes, you must start the game over again.
• Collectibles. When you complete one level of 5 puzzles, you receive an item to place in your garden with the “portal” to another world.
I highly recommend this game if you like Sudoku games or any type of mathematical puzzle.
I recommend this game!
Sable Maze: Soul Catcher Collector's Edition
After 20 years, you're ready to make peace with your brother's disappearance. But the spirit world has other plans for you... Welcome to the other side!
Overall rating
5
/
5
191 of 302 found this review helpful
AN A”MAZE”ING ADVENTURE! CONJURING UP SOME “SPIRITS” TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR.
PostedDecember 31, 2015
sunnyglow
fromHappy New Year to everyone out there in the Pond and to the staff at BFG! Hope this game raises some good "spirits" for you
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After 20 years, you, as Alex, return to Sullivan River to commemorate the disappearance of your brother. Lately, your brother has been contacting you through your dreams. Is he dead or simply missing trapped in a maze in the "Afterlife?" I LOVE this game. I will definitely purchase this ghostly delight. BFG is getting the New Year off to a good start by conjuring up some “spirits” to celebrate the New Year. This game is an “a-maze-ing” delight. The graphics are beautifully created and create a creepy depiction of the “Afterlife.” There are more puzzles than HOP scenes and this game is a puzzler’s delight!
I feel that the puzzles are the best part of the game. In the demo there is a nice selection of easy and moderately difficult puzzles. The puzzles include variations of moving tile puzzles, assembly puzzles, sliding tiles puzzles, and assembly puzzles. I especially liked the maze puzzles in the demo. Some of the puzzles are ghoulishly difficult. Throughout the game I believe you must recreate a shattered rune to battle ghouls from the afterlife.
The HOP puzzles are very well-done as well. You have the ability to play a Match-3 game instead. The demo included two multiple-step scenes in which you locate a specific number of two items which unlocks a list of items to locate. One of the HOP scenes is interactive and you must not only locate the items but use them in the scene to proceed. This scene also included a mini-puzzle as well. There is a story-book scene in which you must locate and replace items back into the scene. Also in the demo there are two silhouette scenes.
The extras include locating jigsaw pieces to use in jigsaw puzzles and 10 statuettes of the characters in the game. There are 37 achievements. As you traverse the maze looking for your brother, you will meet ghosts of the "Afterlife" who will help you in your quest. However, you will also find yourself battling an entity which is trying to prevent you from locating your brother.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints and Skips – 1 to 100 seconds
Hints and Skips – 1 to 100 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
37 Achievements
Collect puzzles pieces to create jigsaw puzzles
Collect 10 statuettes of the characters
Strategy guide
Usual wallpaper, artwork, music, and developer’s diary
Map is provided as you play the game
37 Achievements
Collect puzzles pieces to create jigsaw puzzles
Collect 10 statuettes of the characters
Strategy guide
Usual wallpaper, artwork, music, and developer’s diary
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 scene. (1) Locate a specific number of two different items - flashlights and canteens, which unlocks (2) a list of items to locate
B. List of items to locate. You must interact with items in the scene in order to proceed. There is also a mini-puzzle (switching puzzles) in the scene.
C. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 8 picture pieces.
D. Silhouette items to locate.
E. Multiple step scene. (1) Locate a specific number of two different items - medical symbols and magnifying glasses, which unlocks (2) a list of items to locate
F. Storybook sequence. Silhouette and replacement. Locate and replace items back into the scene to tell the story of what happened at the camp.
B. List of items to locate. You must interact with items in the scene in order to proceed. There is also a mini-puzzle (switching puzzles) in the scene.
C. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 8 picture pieces.
D. Silhouette items to locate.
E. Multiple step scene. (1) Locate a specific number of two different items - medical symbols and magnifying glasses, which unlocks (2) a list of items to locate
F. Storybook sequence. Silhouette and replacement. Locate and replace items back into the scene to tell the story of what happened at the camp.
PUZZLES:
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to create a picture. Moving one tile affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
B. Matching puzzle. Create your map. Select between three tiles to complete the picture of the map of the maze. After choosing the correct piece place it into the correct column and location within that column. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and center a shattered image of a rune until it is recreated. EASY
D. Sliding tiles puzzle. Move colored tiles into slots of the same color. EASY
E. Moving tiles puzzle. Move and swap skulls to create a symbolic design. EASY
F. Sequencing puzzle. Press tiles to raise them. Moving one raises others. All tiles must be raised. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Assembly puzzle. Repair a net by placing string of various sizes into the correct positions on the net. You receive 3 each of short, medium and long pieces. EASY
H. Checkers puzzle. On a rose bush, remove all roses except one by jumping over them to remove them until only one remains. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I. Maze puzzle. Move a knob on a chain from one end of a maze to the other. What makes this slightly difficult is that you need to press buttons to open up passages. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
J. Maze puzzle. Move four tokens to the center of a maze. Moving one affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
B. Matching puzzle. Create your map. Select between three tiles to complete the picture of the map of the maze. After choosing the correct piece place it into the correct column and location within that column. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and center a shattered image of a rune until it is recreated. EASY
D. Sliding tiles puzzle. Move colored tiles into slots of the same color. EASY
E. Moving tiles puzzle. Move and swap skulls to create a symbolic design. EASY
F. Sequencing puzzle. Press tiles to raise them. Moving one raises others. All tiles must be raised. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Assembly puzzle. Repair a net by placing string of various sizes into the correct positions on the net. You receive 3 each of short, medium and long pieces. EASY
H. Checkers puzzle. On a rose bush, remove all roses except one by jumping over them to remove them until only one remains. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I. Maze puzzle. Move a knob on a chain from one end of a maze to the other. What makes this slightly difficult is that you need to press buttons to open up passages. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
J. Maze puzzle. Move four tokens to the center of a maze. Moving one affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
When an age spell drains your vitality, will you save your family?
Overall rating
2
/
5
23 of 50 found this review helpful
BAH! A HO-HUM-BUG CHRISTMAS!
PostedDecember 26, 2015
sunnyglow
fromRadiant from a happy “sunny” vacation, suddenly I find this game which has cast me into a spell of a “witchy” mood. What happened to cheery holiday games for Christmas? Bah humbug!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
It is big brother Jack is to the rescue of little sister Nikki in yet another “ad nauseum” episode of the eternal legacy of witches and their nefarious tricks. This time “hottie witch” Cassandra has kidnapped your clueless sister. As with this game you are aging by the minute and need to fast. I LOATHE this game. First, with all the witchcraft and demonic elements in this game, I hardly consider this an appropriate game for the Christmas season. Second, I hate the nasal-toned helper ferret (a bewitched girl named Bertha), which is thrown into the game for its gimmicky “cutesy” appeal. Her nasal pitched voice drove me crazy while playing the long demo. The ferret is used three times in the demo and performs idiotic stunts such as floating on a modified mini air blimp powered by a balloon to reach an inventory item and putting an ionized bowl on her head to provide a light source. Just dreadful!
This could have been an excellent game minus the absurd, complicated storyline and the helper. This story seems to become longer and more complicated as this series continues. There are way too many characters in this story – so many that I had trouble keeping track of all of them. The game does provide a storybook for you to read to help you keep up with this complicated mess. In this game, we join middle-aged Lynn and Edward, now both professors, trying to appear super intelligent with newly sprouted glasses. Thankfully, we were spared the “precious moments” of the “baby” years with their daughter, another aspiring witch. Yes, this series just keeps conjuring up more and more witches to add to the brew. At least three new witches have joined the coven.
The HOP scenes were decent and multiple-step. You have the option to play a Match game in lieu of the HOP scene. There were an even amount of HOP scenes and puzzles. Most of the HOP scenes are multiple-step ones. They include some story-book sequences in which you locate and replace items back into the scenes. In this game you really need the story-book sequences just to figure out what is going on. They include lists of items, silhouette, and replacing of items back into the scene. They are interactive and puzzle-like. I thought the HOP scenes were the best part of the game.
Most of the puzzles are extremely easy and somewhat varied. They include variations of sliding tiles puzzles, gear puzzles, maze puzzles, pipe puzzles, painting puzzles, matching puzzles, and Pac-man puzzles. There are 36 puzzles pieces to collect to complete jigsaw puzzles and 34 morphing objects.
Everyone has differing tastes in games. I see that many have been mesmerized by this game and have fallen under its spell. Personally, I am tired of the rehashed characters and gimmicky helpers thrown into this developer’s games. Helpers should be used only if they are an integral part of the game, which this helper is not. I was hoping for a wonderful Christmas surprise upon my return – kind of a sweet little Christmas present from good old BFG. Well – it is a surprise – coal for my Christmas stocking which can never light up any warmth in my heart for either this game or the series.
Hopefully this series will end. However, this seems doubtful with the glowing reviews for this game.
LEVELS: Casual, Normal, Hard, Custom
Hints 10 to 35 seconds Skips 10 to 50 seconds
There is a hidden object penalty
Hints 10 to 35 seconds Skips 10 to 50 seconds
There is a hidden object penalty
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided as you play the game
12 Achievements
Collect 36 puzzle pieces
34 Morphing objects:
Strategy guide - PAGES
Usual wallpaper, art gallery, screensavers, soundtrack
12 Achievements
Collect 36 puzzle pieces
34 Morphing objects:
Strategy guide - PAGES
Usual wallpaper, art gallery, screensavers, soundtrack
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WHO JUST CANNOT WAIT TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN THIS DREADFUL GAME.
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a Matching game.
A. Mini-HOP scene. Silhouette items and replacement. Locate items from the scene which are instantaneously replaced within a picture.
B. Multiple-step. Story-book sequence. (1) Silhouette. Search for four similar items which opens up to (2) List of items to locate which opens up (3) Replacement items. After locating the listed items, you receive four parts of an item to be replaced back into the scene
C. Multiple-step. (1) Silhouette items which open up (2) items used within the scene which opens up (3) list of items to locate
D. Replacement. Locate items from the scenes which are instantaneously replaced within a picture.
E. List of items to locate. Uncovering HOP items releases items to add to a potion.
F. Silhouette. (1) Collect silhouetted thistles. (2) Find four silhouetted items.
A. Mini-HOP scene. Silhouette items and replacement. Locate items from the scene which are instantaneously replaced within a picture.
B. Multiple-step. Story-book sequence. (1) Silhouette. Search for four similar items which opens up to (2) List of items to locate which opens up (3) Replacement items. After locating the listed items, you receive four parts of an item to be replaced back into the scene
C. Multiple-step. (1) Silhouette items which open up (2) items used within the scene which opens up (3) list of items to locate
D. Replacement. Locate items from the scenes which are instantaneously replaced within a picture.
E. List of items to locate. Uncovering HOP items releases items to add to a potion.
F. Silhouette. (1) Collect silhouetted thistles. (2) Find four silhouetted items.
PUZZLES: All are extremely easy! No excess brain power needed here.
A. Variation of a gear puzzle. Place gears in sequence to open a box. EASY
B. Variation of a maze game. Place amber pieces on a board containing arrows which will destroy all skeleton tokens on the board. You are to clear the board of all skeleton pieces. 2X EASY
C. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Move tiles to recreate a picture. EASY
D. Storybook. (1). Place four items back into a storybook scene. 2X EASY
E. Variation of a maze/pipes puzzle. Move Jack back to Cassandra’s house by picking up keys along a path. You must set up the path by moving pipe pieces and avoiding “thorns” which are situated throughout the various paths. EASY
F. Paint by Number. Paint a picture according to a model. EASY
G. Variation of a Pac-Man/manual dexterity game. Guide an energy ball so that it “eats up” all the “dark energy” balls without eating up itself. The energy ball elongates as it collects dark energy. EASY
A. Variation of a gear puzzle. Place gears in sequence to open a box. EASY
B. Variation of a maze game. Place amber pieces on a board containing arrows which will destroy all skeleton tokens on the board. You are to clear the board of all skeleton pieces. 2X EASY
C. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Move tiles to recreate a picture. EASY
D. Storybook. (1). Place four items back into a storybook scene. 2X EASY
E. Variation of a maze/pipes puzzle. Move Jack back to Cassandra’s house by picking up keys along a path. You must set up the path by moving pipe pieces and avoiding “thorns” which are situated throughout the various paths. EASY
F. Paint by Number. Paint a picture according to a model. EASY
G. Variation of a Pac-Man/manual dexterity game. Guide an energy ball so that it “eats up” all the “dark energy” balls without eating up itself. The energy ball elongates as it collects dark energy. EASY
I don't recommend this game.
Your long-lost relatives are excited to welcome you to the family… or are they?
Overall rating
5
/
5
229 of 319 found this review helpful
TICK TOCK. TIME TO PLAY - I’VE BEEN AWAITING THIS GAME FOR FOREVER AND A DAY.
PostedDecember 17, 2015
sunnyglow
from“Dying” to meet the Ward family? You are invited to attend the Ward annual Christmas party. Travel with the Ghost of Christmas past and get into the “spirit” by frolicking with each member of the family in some death defying games.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON TWO CHAPTERS OUT OF 7 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER.
Welcome to the “Psycho” Ward family reunion, where your dearly departed murderous relatives Patrick, Abigail, Claude, Norman and Lisbeth are anxiously awaiting your arrival. I LOVE this game and have been awaiting its arrival. This developer has given us another “killer” game. The graphics are phenomenal, exquisitely portraying the decaying family mansion and those of the twisted family members occupying its deserted corridors. Be forewarned! The story is creepy and this reunion will pit you against the ghosts of the Ward family.
There are more puzzles than HOP scenes; however the HOP scenes, as well as the inventory are puzzle-like with mini-puzzles within both. There is the option to play a theme-related Match-3 game instead. Most of the HOP scenes are multiple-step with two or three different scenes. The scenes include looking for a specific number of one item, silhouette, replacement of items back into the scene, and morphing objects. Throughout the HOP scenes, there are mini-puzzles. I particularly enjoyed one of the scenes in the demo which requires sequenced moves in which you must locate the items in a particular order. Once locating an item you must then use it within the scene in order to proceed in locating the next item.
The mini-games vary in difficulty; most are easy in the demo; however the last puzzle of the demo is moderately difficult. The ones in the demo include variations of matching puzzles, sequencing puzzles, moving tiles puzzles, mathematical puzzles, and switching puzzles. There is one multiple-step puzzle in the demo which requires you to solve two successive puzzles.
The extras include 42 (easy to locate) wooden horses and 20 morphing objects to collect, 7 characters from the game to unlock, 14 achievements, replay of 18 HOP scenes and 20 puzzles, and a souvenir room for the 16 souvenirs you collect in the game.
AFTER THE DEMO: After the demo, the game has a chapter devoted to each of the various characters in the game. I was able to play into and finish chapter two. This is a long game. The HOP scenes are similar to the first chapter and involve lists of items to locate. The puzzles are numerous but relatively easy including variations of a switch puzzle, moving tiles, puzzle, mathematical puzzle and assembly puzzle.
This game is as finely tuned as a watch. You should not only watching your back but also watching the time. You will find many twists and turns in your quest to “beat the clock” and to escape the mansion unharmed. It seems a “black-eyed” child is somehow involved in all of this drama. If you liked the Ravenhearst saga, you will love this game. The Dalimars must be kissing cousins to this family.
LEVELS: Easy, Medium, Hard, Custom. You can opt to have a penalty 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
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
14 Achievements
Collect 42 wooden horses
Collect 16 souvenirs
Unlock 7 characters from the game
20 Morphing objects:
Strategy guide - 44 pages
Replay 18 HOP scenes and 20 puzzles
Usual music art, souvenir room, wallpaper
14 Achievements
Collect 42 wooden horses
Collect 16 souvenirs
Unlock 7 characters from the game
20 Morphing objects:
Strategy guide - 44 pages
Replay 18 HOP scenes and 20 puzzles
Usual music art, souvenir room, wallpaper
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES:
A. Multi-step. (1) Location of 5 of each of two items – balls and alarm clocks. (2). List of items to locate.
B. Silhouette, followed by cryptic clue to get an inventory item.
C. Multi-step. (1) Locate 5 Morphing objects. (2) Silhouette items.
D. Silhouette. Locate items and then replace them back into the scene. Interact with the items in the scene to uncover other items. There is a mini-puzzle within this scene as well – a variation of a jigsaw puzzle – placing tiles into the correct location.
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Multiple-step. (1) List of items to locate (2) Cryptic clue to receive the inventory item
F. Multiple step. (1) Locate a specific number of two items. (2) List of items to locate
A. Multi-step. (1) Location of 5 of each of two items – balls and alarm clocks. (2). List of items to locate.
B. Silhouette, followed by cryptic clue to get an inventory item.
C. Multi-step. (1) Locate 5 Morphing objects. (2) Silhouette items.
D. Silhouette. Locate items and then replace them back into the scene. Interact with the items in the scene to uncover other items. There is a mini-puzzle within this scene as well – a variation of a jigsaw puzzle – placing tiles into the correct location.
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Multiple-step. (1) List of items to locate (2) Cryptic clue to receive the inventory item
F. Multiple step. (1) Locate a specific number of two items. (2) List of items to locate
PUZZLES: You can play a theme-related Match 3 game instead.
A. Variation of a matching puzzle. Match up symbols on a bell chime with those in a picture, EASY
B. Variation of a matching puzzle. Match up wings on gargoyles according to those in a picture. EASY
C. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Create 3 pictures by moving tiles into the proper location. EASY
D. Variation of a sequencing puzzle. Move arrows sequentially to open a terrarium. EASY
E. Multi-step puzzle. (1) Variation of a matching puzzle. Match up descriptions on plates with markings on moths. (2) Variation of a mathematical puzzle. Each moth is assigned a number or a numerical sign. Perform the mathematical equations and turn tumblers until you get the correct answer EASY
F. Variation of a switch puzzle. Based on color and astrological sign, move signs so that they are in the correct location by sign and color. EASY
G. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Choose hands on a clock and move them with dials so that the hands are in the right quadrant of the clock matching up with a picture in that quadrant. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. Multiple-step puzzle. (1 ) Variation of a switch puzzle. Move four token which match the center token into an inner ring with four slots. EASY (2) Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move tokens into the correct locations. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I. Variation of an assembly puzzle. (1) Mathematical puzzle. Figure out the correct amount of liquid to add by mathematical calculations. EASY (2) Sequential puzzle. Place the ingredients in correct order to create chemical fertilizer for plants. EASY
J. Manual dexterity puzzle. Move a ball into the center of a bullseye to collect tears. EASY
A. Variation of a matching puzzle. Match up symbols on a bell chime with those in a picture, EASY
B. Variation of a matching puzzle. Match up wings on gargoyles according to those in a picture. EASY
C. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Create 3 pictures by moving tiles into the proper location. EASY
D. Variation of a sequencing puzzle. Move arrows sequentially to open a terrarium. EASY
E. Multi-step puzzle. (1) Variation of a matching puzzle. Match up descriptions on plates with markings on moths. (2) Variation of a mathematical puzzle. Each moth is assigned a number or a numerical sign. Perform the mathematical equations and turn tumblers until you get the correct answer EASY
F. Variation of a switch puzzle. Based on color and astrological sign, move signs so that they are in the correct location by sign and color. EASY
G. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Choose hands on a clock and move them with dials so that the hands are in the right quadrant of the clock matching up with a picture in that quadrant. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. Multiple-step puzzle. (1 ) Variation of a switch puzzle. Move four token which match the center token into an inner ring with four slots. EASY (2) Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move tokens into the correct locations. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I. Variation of an assembly puzzle. (1) Mathematical puzzle. Figure out the correct amount of liquid to add by mathematical calculations. EASY (2) Sequential puzzle. Place the ingredients in correct order to create chemical fertilizer for plants. EASY
J. Manual dexterity puzzle. Move a ball into the center of a bullseye to collect tears. EASY
AND A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE AT BFG, EIPIX, AND ALL THE PLAYERS OUT THERE IN THE BFG POND!!!
I recommend this game!