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:
Where Angels Cry: Tears of the Fallen Collector's Edition
Do you have the courage to stop the inquisitor?
Overall rating
3
/
5
144 of 242 found this review helpful
THIS DEMO HAS RECEIVED “EX-COMMUNICATION” FROM MY COMPUTER – SENT TO THE “BOTTOMLESS PIT” OF REMOVED DATA
PostedSeptember 5, 2015
sunnyglow
fromReading books in Medieval Spanish is preferable to the “torture” of searching for items for the “racks” of circular inventory wheels.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Pack your sword, helmet, holy water, crosses, and indulgences and board your mighty steed to travel to Medieval “España.” You, as a Knight Templar, have been sent by the Pope to investigate and confront Inquisitor Augustine who is “muy loco” (AKA - crazy). In his search for a witch, the Wolf Woman Miguela, this Inquisitor is striking fear into the local townsfolk! If he has his way, a “hot” time will be had by all including some “grilling at the stakes.” You need to stop his reign of terror in the Spanish “aldea” (town) of Portonero.
This game returns us to “Days of Old” – the Spanish Inquisition and old-school game construction. I RECOMMEND THIS GAME FOR THOSE WHO LIKE CLASSIC HOP GAMES, searching for a vast quantity of inventory items. Not even the Templars could “build” a solid foundation of reasons why I should purchase this game. This game seems more like an SE instead of a CE. It is lacking many of the items we have come to expect from a CE. The only “saving grace” for this game are the graphics. The graphics are exquisite, realistic and provide an excellent depiction of Spain during the time of the Spanish Inquisition of Cardinal Tomás de Toquemada. However, the excellent graphics are not enough “penance” to save this game from being cast into the pit of a 3-star rating. The HOP scenes lack originality. Most are essentially lists of items to locate. In the demo there were a couple cryptic clues and one silhouette sequence. There are more HOP scenes than mini-games which is regrettable because the mini-games are fairly well-created. There are also those dreaded sparkles on the HOP scenes. At least for me, I could not figure out how to turn them off.
Adding to the misery of cookie cutter HOP scenes and lack of mini-games, this game is also “racked” with the “torture” of the dated “circular wheel” of inventory collection. With so many “circular wheel” items to locate throughout the game, coupled with the lack of creativity in the puzzles and HOP scenes, the game soon became tedious to me. I have not seen the “circular wheel” in a game for years. There is a definite reason why these “wheels” were discontinued in HOP games.
There is the usual array of extras. There are achievements (16 of them). You collect doves (15 of them) and ravens to tell a love story. You also receive information on the amount of time you spend in the game. The game may be better after the demo, but there is absolutely nothing compelling me to continue the crusade in this game. Déjà vu? I guess. This story is very similar to an adventure I played last year – however, that was an excellent game, which sadly, this is not.
MINI-GAMES: In the demo they include a switch puzzle, sliding tile puzzle, timed puzzle, and a tantagram puzzle. I especially liked the tantagram puzzle. More puzzles like this one would have made this a better game. There are 30 mini-games.
HOP SCENES: The regular HOP scenes are basically lists of items to locate. There are more HOP scenes than mini-games.
CIRCULAR WHEEL: As in days of yore, in this game you must locate items throughout the game and return them to designated objects in the game. A wheel fans out when you click on this object giving you silhouettes of items you must search for in the game. After you locate all the items related to this object, you either get an inventory item or solve some problem in the game. In this game, this search is time consuming and spreads out over several scenes.
LEVELS: Novice, Adventure, Challenge, Custom
Hints and Skips Slow, Normal, Fast – There is no time given in seconds for hints and skips, which should be in all CE games
There are 6 Chapters plus a bonus chapter
Hints and Skips Slow, Normal, Fast – There is no time given in seconds for hints and skips, which should be in all CE games
There are 6 Chapters plus a bonus chapter
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided as you play the game
16 Achievements
Collect 15 doves
Collect ravens to tell a story about Portonero
Gives you information on the amount of time you spent, amount of clicks in the HOP scenes, mini- games solved
Strategy guide
Usual Wallpaper, replay of mini-games and HOP scenes, artwork, and music (boogie on down to the Middle Ages) LOL
16 Achievements
Collect 15 doves
Collect ravens to tell a story about Portonero
Gives you information on the amount of time you spent, amount of clicks in the HOP scenes, mini- games solved
Strategy guide
Usual Wallpaper, replay of mini-games and HOP scenes, artwork, and music (boogie on down to the Middle Ages) LOL
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES
HOP SCENES: Most are lists of items to locate. They are somewhat interactive
A. List of items to locate. Has a puzzle type activity at the end to receive more inventory items
B. Silhouette items to locate
C. List of items to locate followed by a cryptic clue to locate an inventory item
D. List of items to locate followed by a cryptic clue to locate an inventory item
E. List of items to locate
A. List of items to locate. Has a puzzle type activity at the end to receive more inventory items
B. Silhouette items to locate
C. List of items to locate followed by a cryptic clue to locate an inventory item
D. List of items to locate followed by a cryptic clue to locate an inventory item
E. List of items to locate
OLD SCHOOL CIRCLE OF ITEMS TO COLLECT. As you locate them, you add them to the circle. Here are the ones JUST IN THE DEMO: 1. Locating pieces to create a Knights Templar armor 2. Locating medical supplies to heal a wound, 3. Locating items to climb a tower 4. Locating items to place a seal on a document 5. Locating items to replace a wheel on a cart 6. Locating items to open a cabinet door. 7. Locating items to open a book 8. Locating items for a bow and arrow 9. Locating Items to get a bowl of soup 10. Locating items to be used to get a sticky wicket. SO TEDIOUS – SO BORING
MINI-GAMES:
A. Switch puzzle positioning crosses from largest to smallest by color. EASY
B. Sliding tile puzzle - move tiles to create a picture. EASY
C. Timed puzzle – A little sword fighting – protect yourself by clicking a medallion when it lands within a shield. EASY
D. Tantagram puzzles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Variation of a matching puzzle – using knights
A. Switch puzzle positioning crosses from largest to smallest by color. EASY
B. Sliding tile puzzle - move tiles to create a picture. EASY
C. Timed puzzle – A little sword fighting – protect yourself by clicking a medallion when it lands within a shield. EASY
D. Tantagram puzzles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Variation of a matching puzzle – using knights
I recommend this game!
Myths of the World: The Whispering Marsh Collector's Edition
The twinkling lights in the marsh look pretty, but they hold a mysterious power. Whatever you do... do not follow them!
Overall rating
5
/
5
150 of 210 found this review helpful
TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE LIGHT - HOW YOU GIVE ME SUCH A FRIGHT
PostedSeptember 3, 2015
sunnyglow
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS OF THE GAME OF 6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
Wunderbar! This is a fantastic “boogieman” myth told gamingly by EIPIX! ONE OF THEIR BEST! The graphics are realistic reflecting the Old World charm of Germany. So beautiful! Most of the HOP scenes are multi-step and “spotlight” this dev’s amazing creativity! There is the option to play Mah Jong instead. The mini-games vary in difficulty and they include some multi-step ones. You acquire a lantern to absorb negative light particles as you “shine some light” on the mystery elements of this game. This game got me into the mood for Oktoberfest (however, I am afraid to have fun because the Lantern Man may be lurking in the shadows! Such a killjoy!) I COULD NOT WAIT UNTIL THIS GAME APPEARED!
You play a County Bounder off to the Kaltdorf Marsh in Germany to investigate the disappearance of some local inhabitants. It seems the Lantern Man is leading his victims “into the light.” You better watch your step or you may become “bogged down” into the watery depths of this game – never to return. Your extras include a lantern which absorbs all the light energy. It needs to be charged along the way with some oil and a connection puzzle which gets more difficult as you get “bogged” down within the game. You collect acorns (42 in total – which are not that easy to see); 16 morphing objects in HOP scenes, you can attain 13 Achievements, and have the ability to replay 18 puzzles and 16 HOP scenes,
HOP SCENES: They are varied and extremely well-done and include rebus clues, lists of items to locate, replacing items back into the scene, silhouette, mini-HOP scenes looking for a specific number of one item, and searching for items to uncover pieces of an inventory item.
MINI-PUZZLES: They vary in difficulty. They include variations of a maze puzzle, sequential puzzle, matching puzzle, pipe puzzle, gear puzzle, manual dexterity puzzle. You also need to charge your lantern by connecting dissimilar symbols in a complete loop without crossing lines. They get more difficult as you continue in the game.
LEVELS: Explorer, Professor, County Bounder, Swamp Dweller
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
There is an option for a penalty for random clicking on the HOP scenes
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
There is an option for a penalty for random clicking on the HOP scenes
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
Lantern which must be created and charged to fight the "lights"
13 Achievements
Collect 42 acorns
Collect souvenirs
Usual extras – Music, Video, Lorebook, Bonus game plus Replay 18 puzzles and 16 HOP scenes
16 Morphing objects in HOP scenes:
Strategy guide –
Map is provided as you play the game
Lantern which must be created and charged to fight the "lights"
13 Achievements
Collect 42 acorns
Collect souvenirs
Usual extras – Music, Video, Lorebook, Bonus game plus Replay 18 puzzles and 16 HOP scenes
16 Morphing objects in HOP scenes:
Strategy guide –
AFTER THE DEMO: The mystery thickens as to “Lantern Man.” This legend is somehow tied to a ship and some gold. However, my lips are sealed and you will need to purchase this outstanding game to find out why. The HOP scenes and puzzles are MUCH BETTER and more creative. In Chapter 3 there are HOP scenes with puzzles within them. There are also some multi-step puzzles as well which are a tad difficult. Such an excellent game! One of their best!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE GAME
HOP SCENES: There is the option to play Mah Jong instead
A. Multi-step HOP scene. List of items to locate followed by rebus clues which need to be solved in order to identify the item to locate. As you identify and remove the items from the scene you uncover gems which, when clicked, appear on a jewelry box. After all gems are located, the box opens to provide an inventory item.
B. Mini HOP scene – locate petals of a flower to complete the flower as an inventory item. Some are well-hidden.
C. Silhouette puzzle locating items in a wood carving – puzzle-like. Locate items and replace them back into the scene in the correct location.
D. Multi-step HOP scene. Locate a specific amount of an item to open up a list of items to locate
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Locate a specific number of items to locate gems for a jewel box which provides an inventory item
F. Multi-step HOP scene. Silhouette items to locate in sequence. Puzzle-like and very well done. Combines puzzles with location of items, including a sliding puzzle. SO CREATIVE AND ONE OF THE BEST HOP SCENES IN THE GAME
A. Multi-step HOP scene. List of items to locate followed by rebus clues which need to be solved in order to identify the item to locate. As you identify and remove the items from the scene you uncover gems which, when clicked, appear on a jewelry box. After all gems are located, the box opens to provide an inventory item.
B. Mini HOP scene – locate petals of a flower to complete the flower as an inventory item. Some are well-hidden.
C. Silhouette puzzle locating items in a wood carving – puzzle-like. Locate items and replace them back into the scene in the correct location.
D. Multi-step HOP scene. Locate a specific amount of an item to open up a list of items to locate
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Locate a specific number of items to locate gems for a jewel box which provides an inventory item
F. Multi-step HOP scene. Silhouette items to locate in sequence. Puzzle-like and very well done. Combines puzzles with location of items, including a sliding puzzle. SO CREATIVE AND ONE OF THE BEST HOP SCENES IN THE GAME
MINI GAMES:
A. Variation of a maze puzzle – pressing arrows and using pen and ink, create a map to town avoiding obstacles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
B. Variation of a sequential puzzle - Press snails in correct sequence to open a cabinet. Moving one affects the movement of the others. EASY
C. Multi-step mini-game Variation of a matching puzzle – uncover pieces of a lantern to match up symbols followed by placing stained glass segments into the lantern so that no two pieces bordering each other have the same color. EXCELLENT PUZZLE, CREATIVE, MODERATELY DIFFICULT
D. Lock pick puzzle. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Variation of a gear puzzle - connect gears with chains to open a gate. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Ready – Aim – Fire. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Align a two marbles to the center of a bullseye to get an inventory item.
H. Multi-step puzzle combined with HOP scenes. 1st Story scene sequence - Locate symbols to complete a story, followed by uncovering and replacing items in the correct position in the scene. 2nd Place tantagram shaped bricks into the correct position to create a wall. 3rd Search for cannon balls and use them by setting up angles to shoot the wall . 4th Locate flames of light and replace into the scene ABSOLUTELY THE BEST MINI-GAME OF THE DEMO. VERY CREATIVE
AFTER THE DEMO:
I. Variation of Simon Says puzzle with shells. EASY
J. Variation of moving tiles puzzle. Move items to their correct slots. MODERATELY DIFFICULT.
K. Multi-step puzzle. 1st. Variation of a matching puzzle. Move tiles to match the parts of a ship 2nd. Variation of a moving tiles game. Move bottles to the correct locations by color and symbol. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
B. Variation of a sequential puzzle - Press snails in correct sequence to open a cabinet. Moving one affects the movement of the others. EASY
C. Multi-step mini-game Variation of a matching puzzle – uncover pieces of a lantern to match up symbols followed by placing stained glass segments into the lantern so that no two pieces bordering each other have the same color. EXCELLENT PUZZLE, CREATIVE, MODERATELY DIFFICULT
D. Lock pick puzzle. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Variation of a gear puzzle - connect gears with chains to open a gate. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Ready – Aim – Fire. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Align a two marbles to the center of a bullseye to get an inventory item.
H. Multi-step puzzle combined with HOP scenes. 1st Story scene sequence - Locate symbols to complete a story, followed by uncovering and replacing items in the correct position in the scene. 2nd Place tantagram shaped bricks into the correct position to create a wall. 3rd Search for cannon balls and use them by setting up angles to shoot the wall . 4th Locate flames of light and replace into the scene ABSOLUTELY THE BEST MINI-GAME OF THE DEMO. VERY CREATIVE
AFTER THE DEMO:
I. Variation of Simon Says puzzle with shells. EASY
J. Variation of moving tiles puzzle. Move items to their correct slots. MODERATELY DIFFICULT.
K. Multi-step puzzle. 1st. Variation of a matching puzzle. Move tiles to match the parts of a ship 2nd. Variation of a moving tiles game. Move bottles to the correct locations by color and symbol. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
Throughout the game you will need to charge the lantern. Charge the lantern by connecting symbols without crossing lines nor connecting the same symbols. EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT. THE DIFFICULTY INCREASES AS YOU PROCEED IN THE GAME
I recommend this game!
Mystery Tales: Alaskan Wild Collector's Edition
Call on the animal spirits to help find your sister.
Overall rating
5
/
5
221 of 331 found this review helpful
DEAR ABBY: HELP! I NEED ADVICE! MY SISTER’S FUTURE MOTHER-IN-LAW IS A “WITCH”
PostedAugust 29, 2015
sunnyglow
fromAlways a bridesmaid – I hope I can ‘stand up” at this wedding without this couple “falling” apart due to the clueless groom’s “witchy” mother.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
North to Alaska you go to visit your recently engaged sister who needs your support in meeting and dealing with her future mother-in-law, (AKA - “witch-in-law”). This mother-in-law is a little “unbalanced” and is brewing up trouble for this bride-to-be and Mother Nature as well! This is a decent low 5-star game. The storyline is well-written; the graphics are cartoon-like with realistic looking characters. The HOP scenes are varied with some multi-step ones and there is the option to play a Match 3 game instead. The mini-games are easy but somewhat innovative and there is one multi-step puzzle in the demo. You have a “snow thermostat” to regulate the amount of snow seen in the game. Very creative. You also receive a magic amulet to change inanimate objects into animals.
You have the usual achievements (22 of them), collectibles (11 figurines), a camera for “shooting” some wildlife (11 photos – which unlock a bubble game), some morphing objects (in HOP scenes) and the ability to replay 16 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games. You can also take a Personality Test to connect with your True Self. There is also some nice eye candy in this game as both the future bride and groom in this game are both “hot” looking bringing a little warmth to a cold climate! LOL
I like - not love this game. I give it the full 5 stars because of the creative aspects of some of the HOP scenes and puzzles. Since I am tired of the “Frozen” winter settings in this summer’s games, this game did not excite me as many others. Paraphrasing Elsa from the movie “Frozen” - “Let it go, Let it go – Get rid of the ice and snow.” Compounding the “blizzard” of winter games – this summer - imagine the “avalanche” of winter games coming this winter! Do you think we can use the “snow thermostat” from this game to turn off the ice and snow in future games?
HOP SCENES: They are varied and contain multi-step ones. In the demo they consist of lists of items to locate, story sequences in which you search for items to place into the proper location in the scenes, silhouette items, morphing objects which open up a list of items to locate
MINI GAMES: To me, this is the weakest part of the game. In the demo, the puzzles are extremely easy. However, the saving grace for me was the creative repackaging of the puzzles. There is also one multi-step puzzle in the demo. They consist of variations of a maze puzzle (one is literally a mouse maze), matching, untangling ropes so that they do not intersect (a puzzle not seen in quite a while), and moving tiles
INVENTORY: Puzzle-like with some mini-puzzles you must play to create an inventory item
LEVELS: Casual Moose, Expert Wolf, Hardcore Grizzly, Wise Owl (Custom)
Hints and Skips 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips 15 to 90 seconds
GRAPHICS: Cartoon-like with brilliant colors and realistic looking characters. YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO ADJUST THE SNOWFALL! YEAH! NONE FOR ME, PLEASE!
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the start of the game
22 Achievements
Collect 11Figurines
Camera – to “shoot” 11 wildlife photos. If you locate all the animals you activate a bubble game
Magical Amulet to help you change inanimate objects to animals
Take a Personality Quiz! Answer questions to determine what kind of person you are
Morphing objects – used in the HOP scenes
Strategy guide
Usual wallpaper, bonus game, replay of HOP scenes and 17 puzzles, music, art
22 Achievements
Collect 11Figurines
Camera – to “shoot” 11 wildlife photos. If you locate all the animals you activate a bubble game
Magical Amulet to help you change inanimate objects to animals
Take a Personality Quiz! Answer questions to determine what kind of person you are
Morphing objects – used in the HOP scenes
Strategy guide
Usual wallpaper, bonus game, replay of HOP scenes and 17 puzzles, music, art
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES:
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a theme-related Match 3 game instead
A. Multi-step HOP scene. A list of a specific number of items to locate followed by a list of items to locate
B. Locate jigsaw pieces of a totem pole to end up with the final product – a totem pole!
C. Story HOP scene. Locate items within the scenes and return them to the proper locations
D. Multi-step HOP scene. List of items to locate followed by silhouette items to create an inventory item
E. Multi-step HOP scene. First locate all morphing objects to unlock a scene with a list of objects in which you must locate a specific number of each object in the scene.
A. Multi-step HOP scene. A list of a specific number of items to locate followed by a list of items to locate
B. Locate jigsaw pieces of a totem pole to end up with the final product – a totem pole!
C. Story HOP scene. Locate items within the scenes and return them to the proper locations
D. Multi-step HOP scene. List of items to locate followed by silhouette items to create an inventory item
E. Multi-step HOP scene. First locate all morphing objects to unlock a scene with a list of objects in which you must locate a specific number of each object in the scene.
MINI-GAMES:
A. Literally a mouse maze. Guide the little critter to the center of a maze EASY
B. Fix a camera by placing pieces in the correct location to “shoot” wildlife (pictures). EXTREMELY EASY
C. Moving tiles jigsaw puzzle. Move tiles to create a picture. Moving one affects the others in the puzzles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
D. Untangle ropes so that none touch each other EASY
E. Multi-step puzzle. Locate 3 colorful jellyfish to remove from a pond followed by a variation of a matching game clicking on the tentacles until they match the color of the jellyfish Do the same for squids and fish VERY CREATIVE AND EASY
F. Variation of matching. Push buttons in a sketch with buttons to open a passage in a statue. EXTREMELY EASY
G. COMBO HOP SCENE AND PUZZLE: The game considers it a puzzle – but I see it as both a puzzle and a HOP scene. Using a viewfinder and rotating the image– locate a group of items EASY
A. Literally a mouse maze. Guide the little critter to the center of a maze EASY
B. Fix a camera by placing pieces in the correct location to “shoot” wildlife (pictures). EXTREMELY EASY
C. Moving tiles jigsaw puzzle. Move tiles to create a picture. Moving one affects the others in the puzzles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
D. Untangle ropes so that none touch each other EASY
E. Multi-step puzzle. Locate 3 colorful jellyfish to remove from a pond followed by a variation of a matching game clicking on the tentacles until they match the color of the jellyfish Do the same for squids and fish VERY CREATIVE AND EASY
F. Variation of matching. Push buttons in a sketch with buttons to open a passage in a statue. EXTREMELY EASY
G. COMBO HOP SCENE AND PUZZLE: The game considers it a puzzle – but I see it as both a puzzle and a HOP scene. Using a viewfinder and rotating the image– locate a group of items EASY
I recommend this game!
Hidden Expedition: Dawn of Prosperity Collector's Edition
A mountain observatory is hiding a big secret!
Overall rating
5
/
5
233 of 315 found this review helpful
WEATHER A STORM OF INTRIGUE AS YOU ENGINEER A PLAN OF ESCAPE IN THIS FANTASTIC SCI-FI THRILLER!
PostedAugust 27, 2015
sunnyglow
fromEngineering a plan to escape a “mountain” of work which I am trying to “tunnel” my way through and wishing I had an IQ of 280
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Quaking with excitement, you, as a detective are going “underground” in this game and “tunnel” your way through a massive security system to investigate a corporate black project involving a least one child engineering protégé being held at an abandoned weather station in Montana by Optimus, City of the Mind. I LOVE this high-tech, sci-fi game. This game reflects the creative genius of EIPIX. There is an equal amount of HOP scene activities and puzzles. The HOP scenes are multi-step and creatively designed. The mini-games vary in difficulty with some multi step ones. The story is intriguing and keeps you guessing as to what is happening at this underground facility.
Earthquakes in Montana? What is going on at this abandoned site? What is behind Optimus, the City of the Mind? Find out what sneaky covert operations are being planned underground by an entrepreneur in this Montana wilderness. Why is a budding engineering genius trying to escape from a life hidden away deep in the clutches of Corporate America? Maybe she is just trying to take a coffee break without being hounded by those corporate bigwigs? With an IQ of 280 (Really?) you think she could figure out how to break out all by herself. LOL I have been awaiting this game to appear and will purchase immediately! WHAT A MIND BENDING SCI-FI THRILLER!
HOP SCENES: Most are multi-step in which you must locate items which open up new screens of items to locate. They are varied and include sentences with objects highlight in BOLD letters, silhouette, replacing items back into scenes.
PUZZLES: Some of the puzzles are multi-step. They are theme based and vary in difficulty. They include variations of matching, moving tiles, manual dexterity, switch puzzle.
LEVELS: Easy, Medium, Hard, and Custom
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
There is an option for penalties on HOP scenes and “glitter” on active areas if you wish
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
There is an option for penalties on HOP scenes and “glitter” on active areas if you wish
INVENTORY: Interactive and puzzle-like
GRAPHICS: Sci-Fi themed. Excellent job in creating a high-tech environment. Good VO’s except for the robot. His British accent sounded out-of-place in the remote ranch country of Montana. He sounded like C3PO from Star Wars!
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided as you play the game
13 Achievements
Collect 20 fact cards about weather
Collect 44 globes
10 Morphing objects: They are throughout the game in the HOP scenes
Strategy guide
Replay of HOP scenes, puzzles along with music, souvenirs, pictures, videos, and bonus game
13 Achievements
Collect 20 fact cards about weather
Collect 44 globes
10 Morphing objects: They are throughout the game in the HOP scenes
Strategy guide
Replay of HOP scenes, puzzles along with music, souvenirs, pictures, videos, and bonus game
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES:
HOP SCENES:
A. Sentence with objects highlighted in BOLD letters You use a telescope as you guide and must adjust it up and down and sidewise to locate the items. VERY TRICKY
B. Theme based silhouette items which are replaced within the scene sequentially to locate an inventory item
C. Silhouette items to search for in a storage bin of a helicopter
D. Silhouette search for a specific amount of two items which interact with the HOP scene which opens up to a list of items to locate opening up to a final silhouette of an inventory item
A. Sentence with objects highlighted in BOLD letters You use a telescope as you guide and must adjust it up and down and sidewise to locate the items. VERY TRICKY
B. Theme based silhouette items which are replaced within the scene sequentially to locate an inventory item
C. Silhouette items to search for in a storage bin of a helicopter
D. Silhouette search for a specific amount of two items which interact with the HOP scene which opens up to a list of items to locate opening up to a final silhouette of an inventory item
MINI-GAMES:
A. Multiple – step mini-game: First, a variation of a matching puzzle. Modulate sound waves to locate the proper frequency for transmission of a message. Second, coordinate the correct top frequency to match the bottom frequency using three knobs on a radio. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
B. Variation of a moving tile puzzle. Move precipitation levels on disks in ascending order from right to left EASY
C. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Ready, Aim, and Shoot your laser to fry a series of motion detection cameras followed by centering a disk to a bullseyes to move forward 3 times in the game
D. Lock pick puzzle using arrows MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Variation of a matching puzzle – match books up according to symbols EASY
F. Another matching puzzle - match up reels EASY
G. Variation of a combination of a switch puzzle and sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to create an image to enter an observatory. You must also switch the tiles into the correct location before rotating them
B. Variation of a moving tile puzzle. Move precipitation levels on disks in ascending order from right to left EASY
C. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Ready, Aim, and Shoot your laser to fry a series of motion detection cameras followed by centering a disk to a bullseyes to move forward 3 times in the game
D. Lock pick puzzle using arrows MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Variation of a matching puzzle – match books up according to symbols EASY
F. Another matching puzzle - match up reels EASY
G. Variation of a combination of a switch puzzle and sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to create an image to enter an observatory. You must also switch the tiles into the correct location before rotating them
I recommend this game!
Haunted Hotel: Phoenix Collector's Edition
Uncover the truth behind the legendary fire that destroyed a university.
Overall rating
5
/
5
273 of 375 found this review helpful
THE CHEMISTRY OF THIS GAME HAS FORMULATED A BURING DESIRE TO PLAY IT
PostedAugust 20, 2015
sunnyglow
fromHaving a gas playing this game! Had a burning desire for fellow chemists to play with me, but they all “Argon.”
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Word, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
6 CHAPTERS AND A BONUS. REVIEW INCLUDES FACTS ABOUT THE NEXT CHAPTER AFTER THE DEMO
What chemistry was behind the burning passion for Dr. Steven Peek in his relationship with Amanda Sate, his job as professor, and the fire at the Stone Spires University? Pachyderm has “formulated” a fantastic game with just the right chemistry - a mix of cartoon-like graphics, a love story with some twists and turns, varied HOP scenes (including mini-HOP scenes), and varied difficulty in puzzles make this a great game!
Burnt to the ground, you as a detective must discover the cause of the fire at the university. Was it an accident in the chemistry lab run by pyrophobic Dr. Peek, arson, a mythical phoenix, or maybe another person hiding in the shadows? I just love to play with chemicals (all day long) and engineer my way through games such as this one
AFTER THE DEMO: The game takes a plot twist in Chapter 3. “I would follow” this game anywhere it may lead, and it soon twists and turns in surprising directions. LOL I felt the puzzles became more complex. There were two which I enjoyed and will replay both - one dealing with setting pressure valves on a boiler and another which I have not seen in quite some time in a game – completely filling in spaces on a wall with items in a room.
HOP SCENES: There is a mixture of mini-HOP scenes mixed in with the full HOP scenes. The mini-HOP scenes require you to locate pieces of an inventory item to complete the item. In the demo, the full HOP scenes consist of lists of items to locate, silhouette, matching.
PUZZLES: They vary in difficulty. Some are easy and in the demo I found two which were little more difficult. YOU CAN RESET THE PUZZLES! There is variety of puzzles which include a physics puzzle (chemistry department won’t like that! LOL), which I especially loved, a maze puzzle, Simon Says puzzle, a jigsaw puzzle, and a manual dexterity puzzle which requires some hand/eye coordination; however, it is very easy. After the demo there are variations of moving tiles puzzles a maze puzzle, and a simplistic maze puzzle.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hints 15 to 90 seconds Skips 15 to 90seconds
Hints 15 to 90 seconds Skips 15 to 90seconds
INVENTORY: It is somewhat interactive and puzzle-like
GRAPHICS: Cartoon-like with decent VO’s.
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game
16 Achievements (From what I could count in the lab where they are kept)
Collect 11 statues of mythical creatures (From what I could count from the room in which they are displayed)
Collect 20 puzzle pieces to complete a stain glass window
21 Morphing objects:
Strategy guide – 53 pages
Wallpaper – screensavers, Art, Music, YOU CAN REPLAY BOTH HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES!
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game
16 Achievements (From what I could count in the lab where they are kept)
Collect 11 statues of mythical creatures (From what I could count from the room in which they are displayed)
Collect 20 puzzle pieces to complete a stain glass window
21 Morphing objects:
Strategy guide – 53 pages
Wallpaper – screensavers, Art, Music, YOU CAN REPLAY BOTH HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES. IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER
HOP SCENES: They are varied and also include some mini-HOP scenes which are simple FROGS in which you must locate 3 to 6 pieces to create an inventory item
A. Mini-HOP scene. Find 3 pieces of electrical tape to use to splice wire instead of duct tape. LOL
B. Full HOP scene. List of items to locate. It is interactive. You must combine items together or search for items to proceed in the scene to get a final inventory item
C. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 3 pieces of a figurine which is used to open a gate.
D. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 3 pieces of chain links to create the chain for a chainsaw.
E. Full HOP scene. Matching. Uncover items to match up pairs of like items to get a final inventory item
F. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 6 pieces of formula to create sulfuric acid.
G. Full HOP scene. Silhouette items to locate to get an inventory item
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. Mini-HOP scene. Find three pieces of clear tape to create a strip of tape
I. Full HOP scenes. List of items to locate to create an inventory item
A. Mini-HOP scene. Find 3 pieces of electrical tape to use to splice wire instead of duct tape. LOL
B. Full HOP scene. List of items to locate. It is interactive. You must combine items together or search for items to proceed in the scene to get a final inventory item
C. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 3 pieces of a figurine which is used to open a gate.
D. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 3 pieces of chain links to create the chain for a chainsaw.
E. Full HOP scene. Matching. Uncover items to match up pairs of like items to get a final inventory item
F. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 6 pieces of formula to create sulfuric acid.
G. Full HOP scene. Silhouette items to locate to get an inventory item
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. Mini-HOP scene. Find three pieces of clear tape to create a strip of tape
I. Full HOP scenes. List of items to locate to create an inventory item
PUZZLES: They vary in difficulty. Some are easy and some are slightly difficulty
A. Variation of a matching puzzle. Place electrical wires into the correct ports. Trial and error. EASY
B. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Put out a fire using a hose. EASY
C. Variation of a jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces back into a picture EXTREMELY EASY
D. Variation of a physics puzzle. Tennis anyone? Using arrows to rotate bumpers, move them into position to create a path to move a ball past a tennis pro. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Variation of Simon Says. Yeah! – Play chemist and create sulfuric acid with a formula. So funny! EASY
F. Variation of a maze puzzle. Receiving a map of the maze, you must memorize it to get through to the other side. MODERATELY DIFFICULTY
AFTER THE DEMO:
G. Variation of moving tiles puzzle. Move slides on a telescope to center a picture on a monitor to get a code to open a box MODERATELY DIFFICULT
H. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move pressure valves on a boiler according to a schematic. So awesome. Moving one affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT AND MY FAVORITE PUZZLE FROM WHAT I HAVE PLAYED
I. Move junk into spaces so that all spaces are filled. MODERATELY DIFFICULT AND ANOTHER FAVORITE
J. Variation if a maze. Using arrows direct a raft down river EASY
A. Variation of a matching puzzle. Place electrical wires into the correct ports. Trial and error. EASY
B. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Put out a fire using a hose. EASY
C. Variation of a jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces back into a picture EXTREMELY EASY
D. Variation of a physics puzzle. Tennis anyone? Using arrows to rotate bumpers, move them into position to create a path to move a ball past a tennis pro. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Variation of Simon Says. Yeah! – Play chemist and create sulfuric acid with a formula. So funny! EASY
F. Variation of a maze puzzle. Receiving a map of the maze, you must memorize it to get through to the other side. MODERATELY DIFFICULTY
AFTER THE DEMO:
G. Variation of moving tiles puzzle. Move slides on a telescope to center a picture on a monitor to get a code to open a box MODERATELY DIFFICULT
H. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move pressure valves on a boiler according to a schematic. So awesome. Moving one affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT AND MY FAVORITE PUZZLE FROM WHAT I HAVE PLAYED
I. Move junk into spaces so that all spaces are filled. MODERATELY DIFFICULT AND ANOTHER FAVORITE
J. Variation if a maze. Using arrows direct a raft down river EASY
I recommend this game!
Magic Griddlers 2
Can you solve the warlock’s puzzles and save the world’s good mages from a tragic fate? Complete 120 new griddlers in Magic Griddlers 2!
Overall rating
4
/
5
41 of 72 found this review helpful
OFF TO “FAIRYTALE LAND” TO CREATE PICTURES WITH NONOGRAMS
PostedAugust 18, 2015
sunnyglow
fromCounting down the hours until I can begin counting spaces to fill in squares in these puzzles
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Brain Teaser, Family
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Yeah! I am very happy to get another one of these games. This variation of Sudoku goes by many names. On this site they are called “griddlers” or “nonograms .” This is a decent game, but not as good as those from another developer on this site. They are grids which are filled in according to the intersection of numbered spaces which are given along the horizontal and vertical sides of a grid. Here are the positive and negative aspects of this game.
Positives:
1. Receive hints
2. Receive the time you take in solving the griddlers
3. Penalties for mistakes and if you misclick too many times and you must start over.
4. Receive coins for correctness and these can be used to purchase hints, rights for mistakes, and refill hints
5. Choose between two levels of difficulty - Adventure and Training
6. Grids range from 5 x 5 to 25 x 25 if it is like previous games.
7. 20 levels of play with many games in each level (I am not certain of the exact amount).
1. Receive hints
2. Receive the time you take in solving the griddlers
3. Penalties for mistakes and if you misclick too many times and you must start over.
4. Receive coins for correctness and these can be used to purchase hints, rights for mistakes, and refill hints
5. Choose between two levels of difficulty - Adventure and Training
6. Grids range from 5 x 5 to 25 x 25 if it is like previous games.
7. 20 levels of play with many games in each level (I am not certain of the exact amount).
Negatives:
1. No autofill. You must place X’s into the unused spaces
2. Restart if you leave the game before completing a level (which is very annoying)
3. One dimensional, one color grids. No multi-color, multi-screen screens
1. No autofill. You must place X’s into the unused spaces
2. Restart if you leave the game before completing a level (which is very annoying)
3. One dimensional, one color grids. No multi-color, multi-screen screens
If you like these games, they are also called “Pic-a-Pix” by “Conceptis Puzzles,” “Paint-by-Number” by “Games” magazine, and O’Ekaki by the Japanese. I used to play these by hand, counting spaces in larger grid and then filling in with a pencil, so any time I can play them on a computer, it is a treat.
I recommend this game!
The Silent Age
Help Joe discover the truth behind humankind's extinction! Can a simple janitor and literally, "the average Joe," save humankind?
Overall rating
5
/
5
47 of 74 found this review helpful
FAR OUT MAN! TRIPPING THROUGH TIME WITH AN AVERAGE JOE TO SAVE THE PLANET
PostedAugust 17, 2015
sunnyglow
fromGrabbing my “tin hat” so no “mind control” agents can gain control of my mind as I traverse through time.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Let’s “disco” back to the 1970’s America, the Nixon era, and into the deep, dark secret vaults of “The Company.” You, as an average Joe, a maintenance man, (having just been promoted to head maintenance man) have the ability to save the world from the brink of extinction. Contacted by a wizened old scientist from 2012, you are told that rascally old “greedsters” (in their 40’s and 50’s – ancient fonts of wisdom) from 2012 are trying to destroy civilization. Gasp! Horror! Using a “solar powered” time machine (so funny), you travel back-and-forth between 1972 and 2012 to save the world. “Far out, man!”
As others have stated, there are no HOP scenes, puzzles, morphing objects nor collectibles – just some good old fashioned adventure game fun. This game contains some satirical humor throughout. It is very easy to play this game as the inventory objects needed almost jump out at you. You also have a “time machine” button to allow you to trip the light fantastic (faster than the speed of light) between time periods.
To me, the humorous aspect of the game is what I enjoyed most. Although you can jump through back-and-forth between 1972 and 2012, there is no “jump” map within the scenes, which, to me became annoying. I played this game principally for the humor. It did tend to get a little “draggy.” You can make your average Joe run a little faster by double clicking your mouse, however.
To me, the humorous aspect of the game is what I enjoyed most. Although you can jump through back-and-forth between 1972 and 2012, there is no “jump” map within the scenes, which, to me became annoying. I played this game principally for the humor. It did tend to get a little “draggy.” You can make your average Joe run a little faster by double clicking your mouse, however.
To me, the only reason I purchased the game was for the tongue-in-cheek humor. (Oh, I also forgot to mention that I also had a golden BFG coupon which had not “timed” out) Joe makes comments throughout the game which are hilarious. This game is satirical in reference to the two eras of the 1970’s and 2012 and, to me, adventure games as well. This game is not for everyone. However, if you have ever played an adventure game (which I love no matter how “old school” they are) or like satirical humor, you will love this game.
I recommend this game!
Dark Realm: Princess of Ice Collector's Edition
A magic bear summons you to help save the neighboring kingdom of Nypha.
Overall rating
5
/
5
268 of 353 found this review helpful
“BEARLY” CONTAINING MY ENTHUSIASM TO GET MY “CLAWS” INTO THIS FANTASTIC GAME
PostedAugust 15, 2015
sunnyglow
from"Clawing" through my closet looking for my battle axe and armor to play this exciting game
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER - BASED ON DEMO PLUS COMPLETE CHAPTER 2
Continuing with “Princess Week” at BFG, we are off to aid a fellow princess in need. Watch temperatures drop in both your kingdom and a neighboring one, where a princess is trapped in an icy tower. You, as a spunky queen, will battle your way to save this princess and your own kingdom from an evil force. I LOVE THIS GAME. YOU WILL BE IN THE BATTLE OF YOUR LIFE MANEUVERINGI THROUGH THIS GAME! This game has a good storyline, a good pace (plenty of activities and battles), some decent HOP scenes, and puzzles. I especially thought the manual dexterity puzzles such as navigating a sled and marble popper game very creative. The graphics and “muzac” are realistic and reminiscent of merry Olde England.
You get some assistance from a bear who has given you a “bear claw,” which, when combined with other items you pick up in the game, gives you power to fight your enemies. As you play this game you will imbibe an element of humor from the characters which adds a touch of comic relief. Battling your way through this game, you will meet a host of obstacles, including some monsters to thwart your progress in getting to the princess. This game will keep you guessing as to who the true force of evil is. Later in the game you will need to go through a maze as well. So exciting!
PUZZLES: There are more puzzles than HOP scenes and most are easy. Most of the puzzles are variations of matching puzzles; however, there are a few manual dexterity puzzles using some eye-hand coordination skills. Some of the puzzles are timed. You receive a “bear claw” which you must use in combination with other items you find the game. You must play a variation of a Match 3 game to infuse it with power. After the demo is a marble popper puzzle and spot the difference puzzle. You will also find yourself “a-maze-d” as you tackle an “amazing” one in this game.
HOP SCENES: There are 19 HOP scenes are few and they include lists of items, silhouettes, sentences with items in BOLD letters in fairy tale sequences, and a few mini-HOP scenes. Some of the HOP scenes are multi-step scenes as well – one of which includes a puzzle.
LEVELS: Frost, Snowfall, Blizzard, Custom Hints and Skips - 15 to 90 seconds
INVENTORY: Interactive and puzzle-like
GRAPHICS: Beautifully done - realistic graphics which are indicative of the Middle Ages or a Fairy Tale kingdom.
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided as you play the game
Claw and items you receive throughout the game which are combined to fight evil
15 Achievements -14 plus an extra achievement for getting all of the 14 achievements
19 Morphing objects
Collect 44 crown symbols
Strategy guide - 47 pages
Wallpapers and ability to replay HOP scenes and puzzles.
Jigsaw in the Bonus game
Claw and items you receive throughout the game which are combined to fight evil
15 Achievements -14 plus an extra achievement for getting all of the 14 achievements
19 Morphing objects
Collect 44 crown symbols
Strategy guide - 47 pages
Wallpapers and ability to replay HOP scenes and puzzles.
Jigsaw in the Bonus game
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLE IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER:
HOP SCENES:
A. MULTI-STEP HOP SCENE: Locate 4 coins - place them into slots on the list bar to open up a list of items to locate – after completing the list of items to locate, you receive 4 medallions to place back into the HOP scene which opens a chest providing you an inventory item
B. List of items to make a potion
C. MULTI-STEP HOP SCENE: Mini HOP scene with silhouette items – a search for keys which opens up to a mini-matching puzzle – match keys to eliminate them leaving only one which becomes an inventory item.
D. Fairy tale HOP scene. Sentences with items to be located in BOLD letters.
E. Silhouette items to create a potion. This is really not a HOP scene –you must search various locations for the items.
AFTER THE DEMO:
F. List of items to locate to find an inventory item
G. Another list of items to locate to find an inventory item
A. MULTI-STEP HOP SCENE: Locate 4 coins - place them into slots on the list bar to open up a list of items to locate – after completing the list of items to locate, you receive 4 medallions to place back into the HOP scene which opens a chest providing you an inventory item
B. List of items to make a potion
C. MULTI-STEP HOP SCENE: Mini HOP scene with silhouette items – a search for keys which opens up to a mini-matching puzzle – match keys to eliminate them leaving only one which becomes an inventory item.
D. Fairy tale HOP scene. Sentences with items to be located in BOLD letters.
E. Silhouette items to create a potion. This is really not a HOP scene –you must search various locations for the items.
AFTER THE DEMO:
F. List of items to locate to find an inventory item
G. Another list of items to locate to find an inventory item
PUZZLES:
THROUGHOUT THE GAME YOU WILL CHARGE A BEAR CLAW COMBINED WITH DIFFERENT ITEMS WHICH REQUIRES: Variation of a Match 3 game to infuse power into a claw bracelet. Using a continuous line, connect symbols. You will need to remove a specific number of those items within in a certain amount of moves to proceed. EASY
A. Variation of a matching puzzle. Open a chest drawer by using the correct symbols. Timed sequence. EASY
B. Variation of a matching puzzle. Choose the correct item from a group of four items to answer questions. Used 5X Choose the correct princess, tower, ice shard. medallion, and beacon EASY
C. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Using your shield as a sled, use right/left arrows to prevent hitting obstacles in your path. If you miss, you will be taken back to the beginning to start over again. EASY
D. Variation of a matching puzzle. Choose the correct answer. Think of something which inspires each of 4 people to get strength to move a bear off of you. EASY IF YOU PAY ATTENTION TO CLUES IN GAME
E. Make a healing potion. EASY - LOCATING THE SUPPLIES TAKES UP MOST OF THE DEMO
F. Variation of a matching puzzle - Match symbols 4 times to fight a battle with some mighty evil dudes!
G. Variation of a moving tile puzzle - align circles to create a path. Moving one affects the movement of the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
H. Target – bull’s eye - puzzle - As you scale a mountain, click on a ball to center it on a green center of a bulls-eye. EASY
I. Variation of a switch puzzle. Locate and replace items back into the scenes of a Fairy Tale Book. EASY
AFTER THE DEMO:
J. Variation of marble popper puzzle to defeat a monster EASY
K. Variation of a matching puzzle – match patterns to destroy ice. As you change one stone- the others change as well. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
L. Variation of a switch puzzle. Locate and replace items back into the scenes of a Fairy Tale Book. EASY
M. Spot the differences to tell a story followed by matching symbols on books EASY
N. Matching puzzle. Match symbols from a map to open a door EASY
O. Matching puzzle. Match a sequence of note to put a guard to sleep. EASY
B. Variation of a matching puzzle. Choose the correct item from a group of four items to answer questions. Used 5X Choose the correct princess, tower, ice shard. medallion, and beacon EASY
C. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Using your shield as a sled, use right/left arrows to prevent hitting obstacles in your path. If you miss, you will be taken back to the beginning to start over again. EASY
D. Variation of a matching puzzle. Choose the correct answer. Think of something which inspires each of 4 people to get strength to move a bear off of you. EASY IF YOU PAY ATTENTION TO CLUES IN GAME
E. Make a healing potion. EASY - LOCATING THE SUPPLIES TAKES UP MOST OF THE DEMO
F. Variation of a matching puzzle - Match symbols 4 times to fight a battle with some mighty evil dudes!
G. Variation of a moving tile puzzle - align circles to create a path. Moving one affects the movement of the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
H. Target – bull’s eye - puzzle - As you scale a mountain, click on a ball to center it on a green center of a bulls-eye. EASY
I. Variation of a switch puzzle. Locate and replace items back into the scenes of a Fairy Tale Book. EASY
AFTER THE DEMO:
J. Variation of marble popper puzzle to defeat a monster EASY
K. Variation of a matching puzzle – match patterns to destroy ice. As you change one stone- the others change as well. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
L. Variation of a switch puzzle. Locate and replace items back into the scenes of a Fairy Tale Book. EASY
M. Spot the differences to tell a story followed by matching symbols on books EASY
N. Matching puzzle. Match symbols from a map to open a door EASY
O. Matching puzzle. Match a sequence of note to put a guard to sleep. EASY
I recommend this game!
Spirits of Mystery: Chains of Promise Collector's Edition
Isa's back to his old tricks, and now he's doing the bidding of an even greater foe.
Overall rating
5
/
5
222 of 309 found this review helpful
A TRIP TO A KINGDOM TO PREVENT A PRINCESS BRIDE FROM BEING TRIPPED UP BY TAKING A TRIP DOWN THE AISLE
PostedAugust 13, 2015
sunnyglow
fromAlways a bridesmaid, hoping to not be asked to be one at this wedding. I believe my escort is a gargoyle!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
BASED ON THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS OF THE GAME – THE GAME HAS 5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
It is a gathering of pretty princesses this week at BFG and we are off to Fairytale Land to attend some royal weddings – or perhaps not! You play a princess to the rescue of Adele, another princess from a neighboring kingdom from a disastrous marriage. It is a sugary sweet fairytale come to life which should appeal to both children and adults. The graphics are beautiful as usual for this dev. There is a nice balance between puzzles and HOP scenes, and the puzzles are varied. Most of the puzzles are easy but in the demo I encountered two which were moderately difficult. If you like fairy tale games, you will love this game. And, of course, this would not be an ERS game without some of their menagerie of animals. In the background you can hear a cat or peacock screeching and the howling of a wolf. Hurry! Your friend is about to up married to an evil wizard under the influence of an evil force out to gain control of her kingdom.
AFTER THE DEMO THE GAME IS BETTER. The HOP scenes are more creative in the actual game and they are puzzle-like and very well done. The puzzles include another checkers style of puzzle which I found enjoyable. I will replay some of the puzzles and HOP scenes. This game has a variety of HOP scenes and puzzles to make it enjoyable to play – even for adults!
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are better in the actual game. They contain some creative elements. They include matching, a fairy tale book relaying the story containing sentences with items in BOLD letters, lists of items to locate, cryptic clues, and replacement of items back into the scenes.
PUZZLES: To me, the puzzles are the most creative part of the game. They are varied with some puzzles which are slightly difficult. They include variations of moving tiles puzzles, Simon Says, and target practice against gargoyles. My favorite was a checker game which uses unicorns in place of checkers. This was slightly more difficult. In the actual game you play a Match 3 game plus another variation of checker puzzle to cover a board which I also enjoyed.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints 5 to 200seconds Skips 5 to 200 seconds
Hints 5 to 200seconds Skips 5 to 200 seconds
INVENTORY: Somewhat interactive and puzzle-like
GRAPHICS: Beautiful with muted colors. The characters are realistic and the story seems like a fairy tale book come-to-life. This dev is best known for their amazing graphics.
EXTRAS:
You receive a mirror which you must recharge with locating gargoyle figures. Use it on red figures of gargoyles to find items you need, to get information, or to open portals.
Map is provided as you play the game
15 Achievements
Collect 24 signatory stamps
Strategy guide - 46 pages including the Bonus chapter
Usual wallpaper, movies, art, screensaver, music and replay of puzzles and HOP scenes
15 Achievements
Collect 24 signatory stamps
Strategy guide - 46 pages including the Bonus chapter
Usual wallpaper, movies, art, screensaver, music and replay of puzzles and HOP scenes
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE:
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are interactive and somewhat puzzle-like. Many of the scenes are reused. However, the scenes are varied throughout the game.
A. Matching. Like Noah's Ark - remove similar items two by two.
B. Story book. Given clues through sentences with words highlighted in BOLD letters as the items to locate
C. List of items to locate finally providing an inventory item
D. List of items to locate to create a potion. You must interact with the items before you can eliminate them from the list.
B. Story book. Given clues through sentences with words highlighted in BOLD letters as the items to locate
C. List of items to locate finally providing an inventory item
D. List of items to locate to create a potion. You must interact with the items before you can eliminate them from the list.
After the demo::
E. List of items
F. Locate items to dress a knight. A little unique
G. Locate a specific number of an item – knights
H. Cryptic sentences with items to be located in BOLD LETTERS
I. Replace item back into the HOP scene. Learn the anatomy of a dragon by replacing his bones!
F. Locate items to dress a knight. A little unique
G. Locate a specific number of an item – knights
H. Cryptic sentences with items to be located in BOLD LETTERS
I. Replace item back into the HOP scene. Learn the anatomy of a dragon by replacing his bones!
PUZZLES: Puzzles vary in difficulty and are well-done
A. Variation of a moving tiles game. Move green gems to designated slots on a board. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
B. Variation of Simon Says puzzle - to open a door Press horses in sequence. EASY
C. Variation of a checkers puzzle using unicorns instead of checkers. Jump over them to remove them from the board. MODERATELY DIFFICULT MY PERSONAL FAVORITE PUZZLE
D. Target practice. As you center a gargoyle in range of a bullseye - push the button and zappo - he is obliterated. Must hit him 3 times to obliterate him. EASY
B. Variation of Simon Says puzzle - to open a door Press horses in sequence. EASY
C. Variation of a checkers puzzle using unicorns instead of checkers. Jump over them to remove them from the board. MODERATELY DIFFICULT MY PERSONAL FAVORITE PUZZLE
D. Target practice. As you center a gargoyle in range of a bullseye - push the button and zappo - he is obliterated. Must hit him 3 times to obliterate him. EASY
After the demo:
E. Variation of Simon Says VERY EASY
F. Match 3 game to help a bean sprout grow. EASY
G. Variation of a moving tiles/chess puzzle. Compete with the computer to move chess pieces so you cover move spaces than the computer does. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
F. Match 3 game to help a bean sprout grow. EASY
G. Variation of a moving tiles/chess puzzle. Compete with the computer to move chess pieces so you cover move spaces than the computer does. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
Mystery Trackers: Winterpoint Tragedy Collector's Edition
Answer a distress call at an arctic research lab where scientists have made a chilling discovery!
Overall rating
3
/
5
183 of 237 found this review helpful
A SCI-FI EXPEDITION INTO GAMING WHICH LEAVES ME COLD
PostedAugust 8, 2015
sunnyglow
fromReading the “book” instead of playing this boring game and hoping for a “freeze” on helper games for a few weeks. Better yet – how about “extinction?”
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a great sci-fi story! You, as a detective, investigate mysterious occurrences happening at an Arctic station devoted to archaeological research. The expedition is investigating an ancient evolutionary branch of shapeshifting humans possessing amazing powers. SADLY, TO ME, THIS AMAZING STORY IS WASTED ON THE SUBSTANDARD QUALITY OF THE PUZZLES AND HOP SCENES OF THIS GAME! The puzzles are ridiculously easy, and the HOP scenes are redundant, lacking creativity. Some gimmicky thermal imaging goggles are used to provide repetitious mini-HOP scenes in search of 4 to 6 symbols which practically jump out at you. The setting, an archaeological dig in the Arctic with a science lab, had the potential for amazing mechanical puzzles and HOP scenes. The quality of the HOP scenes and puzzles of the game do not match this amazing story. You collect morphing objects, figurines, and stars which also practically jump out at you. This game needs some “evolution” and major “shape shifting” for it to merit a 5-star rating.
The only decent part of the game are the graphics and video sequences which are amazing. The helper, Elf, returns for an encore performance as an annoying “helper” barking as he helps you through the game. So annoying! He seems out of place in the frigid climate of the Arctic trying to dig his way through mounds of ice and snow as a rather small, almost furless animal. He takes a substantial amount of time to perform his activities which adds to the boring pace of this game.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are variable consisting of silhouettes, mini HOP scenes searching for the location of a specific amount of one item (which were very easy to locate and only consisted of 4 to 6 items), lists, and matching. Personally, repetitive searching for a small amount of one item in the mini-HOP scenes became boring.
PUZZLES: Although the game has a mechanical theme, the puzzles were ridiculously easy consisting of Simon Says, variations of moving tiles puzzles, rotating rings puzzles, trial and error puzzles. There is only one decent game in the demo - a multi-step puzzle consisting of three different puzzles. There is a major disconnect between the scientific aspect of the story and these puzzles.
LEVELS: Elf, Scientist, Cold Stalker, Detective (AKA Custom)
Hints and Skips - 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips - 15 to 90 seconds
GRAPHICS: The best part of the game. Artistically, they are very beautiful. The videos are also very good. The characters are realistic and the VOs are decent. I wish the mechanics of this game matched the amazing story and the graphics
INVENTORY: Interactive and puzzle-like
EXTRA GOODIES:
Area Scanner - a gimmick to use with HOP scenes providing thermal-imaging
Map - Receive the map as you play the game
Strategy guide
Morphing objects
20 Achievements
Collectibles which are human figures and 40 stars for constellations
Usual wallpaper, artwork, music, and a secret room
Map - Receive the map as you play the game
Strategy guide
Morphing objects
20 Achievements
Collectibles which are human figures and 40 stars for constellations
Usual wallpaper, artwork, music, and a secret room
This game will appeal to some on this site. I hope you enjoy the game. However, this is a game I will NEVER purchase. To me, it has a wonderful storyline which lends to the creation of outstanding HOP scenes and puzzles. To me, it fell short.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE:
HOP SCENES:
A. Silhouette items which result in an inventory item
B. After engaging in a thermal scan of an area - look for 6 lightning symbols to activate the generator to restore power.
C. After engaging in a thermal scan of the area – look for 4 oxygen symbols to activate an oxygen chamber
D. After engaging in a thermal scan of the area – look for 5 lightning symbols to restore the local network
B. Junk piles - searching for items with a flashlight to receive an inventory item
C. Matching pairs
A. Silhouette items which result in an inventory item
B. After engaging in a thermal scan of an area - look for 6 lightning symbols to activate the generator to restore power.
C. After engaging in a thermal scan of the area – look for 4 oxygen symbols to activate an oxygen chamber
D. After engaging in a thermal scan of the area – look for 5 lightning symbols to restore the local network
B. Junk piles - searching for items with a flashlight to receive an inventory item
C. Matching pairs
PUZZLES: Many mechanical aspects to this game. However, the puzzles are ridiculously easy.
A. Variety of Simon Says puzzles including mimicking hand motions to receive wiring instructions to open a door EXTREMELY EASY
B. Variation of a moving tile puzzle. EXTREMELY EASY
C. Variation of a rotating rings puzzle - featuring a star to open a satchel. EXTREMELY EASY
D. Variation of a maze puzzle – locate power blocks to restore energy EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Trial and error puzzles. Press lights in correct sequence by guessing the sequence. EASY
F. Rotating ring puzzle – moving arrows a certain distance to open a safe. EXTREMELY EASY
G. One multiple-step puzzle (combination of several mini puzzles) including a variation of switching puzzle – moving parts of a circuit board to the correct location, followed by a variation of a rotating ring/pipe puzzle to connect disks together, followed by connecting lines without retracing steps. EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT AND THE ONLY PUZZLES I ENJOYED IN THE GAME
H. Variation of Simon Says to unlock a phone by following arrows in the correct sequence. EXTREMELY EASY
B. Variation of a moving tile puzzle. EXTREMELY EASY
C. Variation of a rotating rings puzzle - featuring a star to open a satchel. EXTREMELY EASY
D. Variation of a maze puzzle – locate power blocks to restore energy EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Trial and error puzzles. Press lights in correct sequence by guessing the sequence. EASY
F. Rotating ring puzzle – moving arrows a certain distance to open a safe. EXTREMELY EASY
G. One multiple-step puzzle (combination of several mini puzzles) including a variation of switching puzzle – moving parts of a circuit board to the correct location, followed by a variation of a rotating ring/pipe puzzle to connect disks together, followed by connecting lines without retracing steps. EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT AND THE ONLY PUZZLES I ENJOYED IN THE GAME
H. Variation of Simon Says to unlock a phone by following arrows in the correct sequence. EXTREMELY EASY
WHY A 3 STAR RATING? Seldom do I give a 3-star rating to a CE game. However, to me, this game is a major disappointment from one of the best devs on this site! I took away one and one-half stars for the lack of creativity and innovation in this game in developing the HOP scenes and puzzles. I took another half star away for the inclusion of an unnecessary “helper” who seemed out of place in this story and slowed down the pace of the game.
A slow paced game weighed down by the addition of the helper coupled with extremely easy puzzles and noncreative HOP scenes make this a BORING GAME! The game may get better as it progresses, but there is nothing in this game which compels me to purchase it. The demo was so short, I really have no idea what the actual game is like; however, I do not like what I see from the demo.
I don't recommend this game.