pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4726
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 21, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Clear It is back with a new action puzzler! Can you clear each of these cleverly constructed levels?
Overall rating
3
/
5
34 of 37 found this review helpful
SEEMS EXACTLY THE SAME AS CLEAR IT 1-4?
PostedMay 8, 2019
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
*more like a 3.7-star rating*
Completed Clear It Games 1-4
Demo portion on Clear It 5
Completed Clear It Games 1-4
Demo portion on Clear It 5
I have purchased all previous Clear It games using a PCC (punch card coupon) and I completed each game with the exception of this one (I will wait until BPM (bonus punch Monday) They are all decent games, but the features are always the same, the only thing that changes from game to game, is the layout of the playing field. Unfortunately, this isn't a very challenging game, therefore, they do tend to become monotonous, especially for hardcore Match 3 fans.
There are 190 Clear It puzzles available to solve, the first 2 Clear It games only had 150, the 3rd Clear It had a whopping 205 which diminished to 180 on the last or 4th installment, yet they all claim to have 10 hours of gameplay? I love that the next level pops-up the second you finish the prior level, but that's because there is no scoring, thus, no score pop-up window. I also love that there are 6 Profile slots available so that other family members can play too, and there are colored tabs for each profile with challenge levels. For some reason, they didn't offer an Expert Mode on this installment, or at least I couldn't find one, which requires a Match 3 vs. this 2-orb match, which was a bit disappointing.
There's no timer or limited moves, so you take all the time in the world to clear the orbs, which makes this type of game very relaxing, yet addictive. The gameplay itself is simple, but the game itself isn't so simple to master. There is an unlimited number of colored orbs located on all four sides of the board, all you need to do, is select and click on an identical colored orb from one of the sides which will travel in a straight line until it hits another orb (or power-up) If the selected orb hits another identical colored orb or orbs, they are removed. Using a little bit of strategy, however, allows you to destroy several orbs in a single move.
Each level usually has power-ups that only remain briefly, and when hit with an orb, the power-up will be activated. There are Rotation power-ups that shuffle all the orbs, Stars that eliminate several random orbs, Lightning & fireballs that eliminates nearby orbs, Exclamations that eliminates all orbs of the same color, and the numbers1 or 5 that will allow you to choose either 1 or 5 orbs to remove. I have to admit that I loved the sound effects for some of the power-ups, and the background graphics are really good.
Each level is slightly more difficult than the previous level, as more colors are added, and fewer orbs in the desired color along the edges. Sometimes you just have to sacrifice and add a few orbs to the equation, just to get to the orb color you actually need, but because there's no time or moves limit it doesn't count against you.
I was disappointed that the rows and columns didn't highlight the chosen paths and that there weren't any new features or anti-bonuses added (which is why I love Quadrium) It's basically the same game as the others in the series, so for those reasons I deducted stars from my review rating, however, if you are new to this series, it will probably be okay.
CLEAR IT SERIES LIST
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Clear It 1 (April 11-2016) 4.3
2-Clear It 2 (September 6-2017) 4.3
3-Clear It 3 (August 26-2018) 3.7
4-Clear It 4 (November 22-2018) 3.7
5-Clear It 5 (May 8-2019) n/a
2-Clear It 2 (September 6-2017) 4.3
3-Clear It 3 (August 26-2018) 3.7
4-Clear It 4 (November 22-2018) 3.7
5-Clear It 5 (May 8-2019) n/a
by: Itera Labs
I recommend this game!
Unleash the power of the gods on a quest to defeat the lord of the underworld!
Overall rating
3
/
5
48 of 56 found this review helpful
I Love Alawar Games So It Pains Me To Say...
PostedMay 7, 2019
pennmom36
fromDon't give up devs, you're on to something big, it just needs a tune-up with a few minor tweaks, and I'll be anxiously awaiting to fill in all 5 Stars!!!!! ⚘
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I rarely give up on a demo because I don't think it's fair to give an assessment of a game without at least playing the demo, but I gotta tell ya, this one baffled me! Right from the start, it was crammed full of resources and Time Management staple features, but they didn't seem to have a pattern, rhyme or reason to manage them. The game mechanics were slow to respond, just clicking on the menu button alone seemed to hesitate so long that I thought it didn't work. When you replay a level, it doesn't have a skip conversation feature so you just have to click one dialog box after another.
At one point, on the second level, it appeared that all the workers and citizens split the scene and my queued tasks de-queued, un-queued, anti-queued (?) I did a quick scan and I hadn't even built the bridge and there were still several wolves scampering about, huh? I looked up at the taskbar and the time was still ticking down so I started re-queuing everything in a state of confusion, which drained away precious time. I'm thoroughly convinced Hades had something to do with this evil cruelty!
One thing's for sure, the graphics are really, really good (and usually are in Alawar Games) but I was constantly panicking as I searched for things to do. It's hard to describe, but it just drained all the fun factor out and made it seem more like a dreaded chore. I love a good challenge, but I want a challenge based upon strategies, not confusion??
Although the storyline is similar to all of the other Greek God-themed games, I thought it was interesting. When the citizens of Greece begin to stray from worshiping their gods, the gods began to weaken and Mt. Olympus begins to decay. Hades, being an opportunist, decides to seize this golden opportunity with plans to take possession of their unfaithful souls. Hermes, the demi-god, has been chosen to convince the good people of Greece that the gods are worthy and deserving of their worship. Naturally, Hermes hits a few roadblocks on earth that prevent him from spreading the good word.
You can play in a Relaxed untimed mode, Casual, or Hard Difficulty Mode, and there are 27 Trophy Achievements to Earn over 50 Levels. You can earn up to 3 Stars per Level and the levels can be replayed. I liked that the pop-up Score window shows the current score as well as you "best time" There are the usual TM tasks of Collecting food and other resources such as Stone and Gold, and I loved that you plant and harvest Olive Trees for food. There are cracks in the pavement that need to be repaired, bridges to build, and Wolves to chase away with torches lit by the fires of Olympus. There are merchants to buy or trade supplies and banks to get a quick withdrawal during tough times. As you progress, Bonuses become available to help speed workers, renew resource, etc.
This game had great potential, I just think they made it a bit too busy in an attempt to make it something special if that makes sense? Hopefully, whoever created this game, takes these negative reviews as constructive criticism to simply go back to the drawing board and tweak it slightly. I think they are onto something special here, so please devs, don't give up!
Team up with pirates and head out on a treasure-filled solitaire adventure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
66 of 74 found this review helpful
Avast Mates, I'd Rather Be Walking Ye Plank!
PostedMay 7, 2019
pennmom36
fromIf most solitaire fans dislike the "special card only" feature why not add the simple to program option to continue playing after they have been removed? Wouldn't that increase sales? I know I'd buy them if it were an option, and I'd give 'em 5 stars! ⚘
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Aarrr, another Pirate-themed "can't remove all cards" Solitaire game by those yellow-bellied, landlubber scallywags who never change anything but the next number in ye series! Once ye remove all the Special Cards, it's game over, time to walk ye plank to search for Davy Jones' locker mates! Aarrr, Golf Solitaire drives me nutz, if I can't remove all of the cards, what's the point of playing? (I just don't understand why they can't expand the program to give the player the option to continue playing after removing the special cards. I'd rather have to use my points to "continue" playing than pay 2500k for an Undo!)
Tis unfortunate, ye cons outweigh ye pros for me, the only pro feature f'arrr me personally, is that this is a Higher/Lower type of Solitaire, (with a Bowling system of scoring, which is a con for me) There are 12 Pirate-themed card designs to choose from, and 3 face card styles and fonts available. Ye mates can play in Newbie mode which allows f'arrr ye to replay any level 'aarrr Professional which only allows ye to replay the entire 10 pack level.
The cons, the graphics arrr rather bland and really has nothing to do with pirates. The music soon becomes annoying because it's the exact same music from all games by this dev but fortunately, you can turn the music off or at least lower the volume. I will replay a level over and over, until I get a perfect score, I'm totally OCD about it, which is why I don't care for the feature this game offers where you win the hand if you remove all "Special" or plated cards, even if regular cards remain. It annoys me to no end, to have several cards left on the board, but because I removed the last special card, the level ends, "Tis especially harrrd when you arrr on a long chain streak, and you can't complete the record-breaking chain, shiver me timbers.
My final complaint is that there are never any new or exciting features added, ever! If you have played any Solitaire game by this developer, you already know everything there is to offer in this third installment or any future Solitaire games that are released, never is, probably never will be. If you haven't played a Solitaire Game by this developer, there are 20 Locations and each location has 10 Levels, same as always/ In the event you earn a perfect score, the points you earned on that level will be added to the next level, same as always. With the points you earn, you can purchase a whopping 3 Bonus Cards, a Mulligan Undo feature for 2500 points, a Shuffle feature for 8000 points, and a Joker for 5000 points, same as always (and I didn't even have to look at my notes...because nothing changed)
SOLITAIRE LEGEND OF THE PIRATES SERIES LIST
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Solitaire Legend of the Pirates 1 (May 1-2017) 3.0
2-Solitaire Legend of the Pirates 2 (March 14-2018) 1.5
3-Solitaire Legend of the Pirates 3 (May 6-2019) n/a
2-Solitaire Legend of the Pirates 2 (March 14-2018) 1.5
3-Solitaire Legend of the Pirates 3 (May 6-2019) n/a
by: Somer Games
(produced by 8 Floor Games)
(produced by 8 Floor Games)
I don't recommend this game.
Join the Great Shaman in a quest to explore a kaleidoscope of worlds in an exciting match three puzzle adventure.
Overall rating
3
/
5
38 of 44 found this review helpful
CUTE MATCH 3 GAME BUT NOT VERY CHALLENGING
PostedMay 6, 2019
pennmom36
fromI wish the graphics were as amazing as the cutscenes throughout the game :( ⚘
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
In all fairness, I'm not a big fan of Limited Moves Match 3 games, but this one is better than most Limited Moves games. It's not very challenging though because I breezed through about 25-30 levels within the demo and only "failed" one level. (you are given the option to +add 5 additional moves or replay the entire level) You can play in an Easy Mode that is simplified with easy boards to clear, a Normal Mode that is optimized with a balanced difficulty, a Hard Mode for experts and a Zen Mode with no restrictions or time limits, I believe the first game only offered 2 modes, but I thought it offered a timed mode last time?
This is a Limited Moves, Swap type M3 with goals of making matches of a specific amount of specific tiles. You may also have to make matches 1-3 times over gold, blue and teal colored cells, Drop Masks off of the board, or blast through obstacles such as Crates, Crates with Metal Brackets, Chains, Double Chains, Boulders, Boulders with Belts (??) Earth cells, Stone cells, and Gold. Some of the levels have a honeycomb style board, which I actually enjoyed, because of the different perspective or angle to make matches. I would rate this game with 5 stars if it had a Limited Time mode because I really loved the Honeycomb Grids and some of the obstacles (busting thru dirt and stone)
Large matches will give you a Bonus on the board that will detonate when swapped or double-clicked such as:
*Firecrackers: (M4) destroys an adjacent tile.
*Bombs: (M5) destroys a small group of adjacent tiles.
*Dynamite: (M6) destroys a medium-sized group of tiles.
*TNT: (T or L) destroys a large group of tiles.
*Bombs: (M5) destroys a small group of adjacent tiles.
*Dynamite: (M6) destroys a medium-sized group of tiles.
*TNT: (T or L) destroys a large group of tiles.
You will earn a single Star for each level completed, and those Stars allow you to Restore the House and discover all the strange wonders it has to offer. The restorations award you with new Tools or another use of a tool (limited number of uses) The tools are basically the same as the Bonus Power-ups with the exception of a Hammer to destroy a single tile, or a Magnet to collect all of one type of tile.
MUNDUS SERIES LIST
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Impossible Universe (March 19-2018) 4.1
2-Impossible Universe 2 (May 6-1962) n/a
2-Impossible Universe 2 (May 6-1962) n/a
by: Rumbic Games
Help Stella and her friends restore the elven kingdom and drive back it’s terrible foe!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 26 found this review helpful
IF ONLY IT HAD MORE OPTIONS...sigh :(
PostedMay 5, 2019
pennmom36
fromThis would be a 5-Star game if it included difficulty modes! ⚘
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I haven't purchased a Match 3 game from this developer for a while now because they keep offering the same rehashed boards and the same features. I did purchase this game because they have changed a lot of features that make it fun to play. However...they still don't offer a difficulty mode! There's never a Limited Moves or Limited Time option, you seem to get all the time in the world to complete the level goals, which is perfectly fine for casual players, but what about those of us who prefer a real challenge?
This is a Swap type of Match 3 game, where you swap tiles to make Matches of at least 3 identical elements. You must make matches over all of the Gold Cells (and eventually Red cells that turn Gold) and make the required number of matches of each Element shown to the right of the screen. Elements inside of Bubbles, Morph (I think they appear when you make large matches, but I'm not positive) which allows you to pop the bubble when the desired element appears inside the bubble.
There are the usual Obstructions of Chained or Double Chained Tiles that require one or two matches of whichever element is chained, or pesky Spiders that will spin Webs over the tiles if they aren't removed by making matches on or under them. (webbed tiles will remain blocked) Some levels require you to collect Jewelry and Artifacts by dropping them off of the board as you make matches under them.
There are 5 Chapters and each Chapter has 4 Worlds that require you to purchase all 4 Upgrades to the Elven Kingdom to progress to the next Chapter, with the Stars you earn playing the Match 3 levels. They have added a new feature that allows you to purchase Tools and change Aravia's Appearance. These are located in tabs on the Kingdom Upgrade Panel, and they can be purchased with items you earn playing Match 3 levels, such as Gold & Red Cells, Artifacts or Jewelry. Once you purchase the Tools, they become available in the Tools icon of the M3 levels and are recharged by making matches of at least 4 tiles. The larger the match, the quicker the Mana Meter fills.
Here's a list of the available Tools and their function:
*Elven Hammer: destroys a single tile or chain.
*Fairy Bomb: destroys a 2x2 range of tiles.
*Magic Jewel: destroys 5 tiles horizontally.
*Magic Crystal: destroys 5 tiles vertically.
*Elven Blade: destroys an entire horizontal line.
*Elven Arrow: destroys an entire vertical line.
*Cross Bombs: destroys an entire vertical & horizontal line.
*Collector: destroys all of the same tiles.
*Shuffle Star: reshuffles the entire board.
*Magic Shield: destroys 20 random tiles.
*Big Bomb: destroys a 9x9 range of tiles.
*Dragon Spell: destroys a massive range of tiles & gold/red cells.
*Elven Hammer: destroys a single tile or chain.
*Fairy Bomb: destroys a 2x2 range of tiles.
*Magic Jewel: destroys 5 tiles horizontally.
*Magic Crystal: destroys 5 tiles vertically.
*Elven Blade: destroys an entire horizontal line.
*Elven Arrow: destroys an entire vertical line.
*Cross Bombs: destroys an entire vertical & horizontal line.
*Collector: destroys all of the same tiles.
*Shuffle Star: reshuffles the entire board.
*Magic Shield: destroys 20 random tiles.
*Big Bomb: destroys a 9x9 range of tiles.
*Dragon Spell: destroys a massive range of tiles & gold/red cells.
THE ENTHRALLING REALMS SERIES LIST
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Curse of Darkness (August 30-2017) 4.3
2-An Alchemist's Tale (May 28-2018) 3.6
3-Blacksmith's Revenge (January 29-2019) 2.7
4-The Witch And The Elven Princess (May 1-2019) n/a
2-An Alchemist's Tale (May 28-2018) 3.6
3-Blacksmith's Revenge (January 29-2019) 2.7
4-The Witch And The Elven Princess (May 1-2019) n/a
by: e-FunSoft Games
I recommend this game!
Your friend was taken. Are you brave enough to find him?
Overall rating
3
/
5
57 of 76 found this review helpful
DO THE FLUFFS DREAM? DO THEY HAVE SHADOG NIGHTMARES?
PostedMay 5, 2019
pennmom36
fromBung, bung, bung, bung, bung, bung, bung, Mr. Sandman ⚘
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed CE Game 4.5 hours
(including CE Bonus Chapter & all mini-games)
(including CE Bonus Chapter & all mini-games)
Once Upon A Time:
The Children of Mittenwald rested peacefully with dreams of kittens, puppies, and unicorns because the Fluffs (bwahahaha) protected their dreams against the evil Shadogs who created horrifying nightmares. The Sandman rose to power (from what? was he nothing until he was something?) controlling the Shadogs to conquer the Dream Realm. To stop the children of Mittenwalds' recurring nightmares that ensued, a secret order was founded (why Mittenwald was the chosen town & the only town whose children suffered from recurring nightmares, I have no idea) by an alchemist who forged a Scepter and Hedron which defeated the Sandman, or so they thought. Little did they know, the Sandman was still very much in control...
The Children of Mittenwald rested peacefully with dreams of kittens, puppies, and unicorns because the Fluffs (bwahahaha) protected their dreams against the evil Shadogs who created horrifying nightmares. The Sandman rose to power (from what? was he nothing until he was something?) controlling the Shadogs to conquer the Dream Realm. To stop the children of Mittenwalds' recurring nightmares that ensued, a secret order was founded (why Mittenwald was the chosen town & the only town whose children suffered from recurring nightmares, I have no idea) by an alchemist who forged a Scepter and Hedron which defeated the Sandman, or so they thought. Little did they know, the Sandman was still very much in control...
I'm a fan of most Sunward Games, but regretfully, I wasn't a big fan of this game. The story is similar to other "nightmare-related" games (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) but the third Chapter, which makes or breaks a game usually, was way too long and made the storyline confusing because it was all over the place, and most of it seemed to contradict previous discoveries. At the end of Chapter 3, I was rather lost in confusion (quite frankly, I became bored and my attention span began to drift) I couldn't figure out how to end the chapter as far as. "what do I do now" because I just wanted it to end, I clicked the Hint feature which kept telling me to do one specific thing, but no matter where I clicked with what I was supposed to place, it didn't do anything. I checked the Strategy Guide, read the steps, looked at the pictures, yep, said the same thing. Finally, I just went back and checked for a zoom zone that hadn't been closed, and sure enough, there was an item I had to place before the last step would work. I went back to the SG and reread it carefully, and this task is completely omitted, which is why the Hint wouldn't pick it up either!
The Hidden Object Scenes started out with a good variety of styles but after the first 6 or 7, they were just Interactive Listed Item Finds within uninteresting scenes. There are only 11 HOP's (2 in the CE BC) and a few of those scenes were Repeated, a feature I've never been fond of because there's no challenge when you know where every item is located. Besides the Interactive Listed Item Finds, there are Multiples of the Same Object Finds, Interactive-Progressive Silhouetted Shape Finds, Pictured Item Finds, and a handful of smaller Zoom Zone HOP's available.
The Mini-Games range from Easy to Medium difficulty, and this is definitely a puzzle-heavy game with 26 mini-games, and another 7 within the CE Bonus Chapter. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games I enjoyed, there aren't many because I did feel they fell a little short as far as creativity goes:
1-Match photos to their corresponding newspaper articles on a bulletin board.
2-Slide Tetris-shaped pieces to allow the blue L-shaped puzzle piece to fit into the slot at the bottom. ღ
3-Rotate groups of 2 Triangle's to complete the image. ღ ღ
2-Slide Tetris-shaped pieces to allow the blue L-shaped puzzle piece to fit into the slot at the bottom. ღ
3-Rotate groups of 2 Triangle's to complete the image. ღ ღ
The CE Bonus Chapter is an additional fable about the Fluffs (still can't take that seriously) when Something Wicked this Way Comes, and they are whisked away by a hoard of Wicked Wasps, Wow, Whata Weird Whatchamacallit! There are 7 Mini-Games, and 2 Hidden Object Scenes within this average-length chapter. You will pick up the remaining 7 Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces, and 2 Character Dolls as well.
The Collector's Edition version has 18 Wallpapers, 13 Concept Art Pictures, 12 Music Soundtracks, 9 Cutscene Movie Video Cutscenes, 31 Re-playable Mini-Games, 10 Re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 32 Achievements (18 story-based, 14 skill-based) 30 Hidden Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (assembled automatically) 12 Wooden Character Dolls (3-Hans, 3-Agatha, 3-Pamela, 3-Sandman) 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-in Strategy Guide.
ENDLESS FABLES SERIES LIST
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-The Minotaur's Curse (April 10-2016) 4.2
2-Frozen Path (May 14-2017) 3.3
3-Dark Moor (May 13-2018) 3.8
4-Shadow Within (May 5-2019) n/a
2-Frozen Path (May 14-2017) 3.3
3-Dark Moor (May 13-2018) 3.8
4-Shadow Within (May 5-2019) n/a
by: Sunward Games
There is a shadow hanging over New York City and time is running out.
Overall rating
5
/
5
198 of 244 found this review helpful
THIS GAME IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF WHY THIS IS MY #1 FAVORITE DEVELOPER!
PostedMay 4, 2019
pennmom36
fromThe Plague is a bacterium found in rodents and their fleas, the plague of Justinian was an outbreak of the bubonic plague that afflicted the Byzantine Empire & Mediterranean port cities, killing up to 25 million people in its year long reign of terror! ⚘
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Completed Game approximately 6.5 hours
(including the CE Bonus Chapter & all puzzles)
(including the CE Bonus Chapter & all puzzles)
It can go undetected and unnoticed by nearly everyone. It can remain dormant for centuries, it can affect anyone, it often affects everyone. It may be curable, it may be deadly. It may happen anywhere, it may happen everywhere. It could come on strong and disappear quickly, but it could also be apocalyptic and deadly, and it could be intentional. It could be happening right now, running ramped through the streets of New York. It could be The Outbreak that destroys the human population, and the world as we know it...it could, but will it?
Five-BN is my absolute favorite developer, I fell in love with these dev's the second I had to chop my way through a tree to save little Jimmy in the Lost Lands. They have some of the best Computer Generated Graphics around, clearly, their graphics department is top-notched, so much so, that they deserve some well-earned praise, so I "tip my hat" in recognition of your incredible talent, kudos ))) ღ (((
My favorite Five-BN feature, besides the graphics, is the Morphing Objects, and Collectibles. They can be quite elusive at times, but that's how it's supposed to be! There is a Morphing Object in each of the 31 Scene Locations (no morphs within the 10 CE Bonus Chapter Scenes) completing the Morph Collection unlocks an achievement and 20 extra Mini-Games. Each scene also has a Collectible (there are 5 different categories of Collectibles) and for each completed Collectible, you will unlock an Extra Square Puzzle. The Morphs & Collectibles alone make this game very CE worthy, receiving extra games and puzzles is just icing on the cake, not to mention this is a very long game with a lengthy Bonus Chapter!
There are 10 Hidden Object Scenes +3 in the CE Bonus Chapter. Five-BN Games is by far the champion in this department. Most of the HOP's (some include mini-game puzzles) are Interactive~Progressive with either Listed Item Finds or Silhouetted Shapes requiring you to find objects and use that item Interactively to expose the next object and so forth. They are far more challenging and definitely more entertaining than any HOP by any other developer...period! There are also Multiple's of the Same Object Finds, Replacing Inventory Item Finds, and Interactive Listed/Silhouette Item Finds available.
There are 38 Mini-Games +7 within the CE Bonus Chapter,6 of which are within the Hidden Object Scenes. Several puzzles required you to remember clues found earlier, a feature I'd love to see more often because the alternative "sticky note" clue has no challenge whatsoever, which is simply a time-waster! I loved ღ these puzzles, most of them are original, all of them are creative. Here are some of my favorites:
1~Use rotational arrows to guide the steel ball to the center button using gold balls as bumpers. ღ
2~Slide trains along patterned tracks to their color-coded slots x3 challenging layouts. ღღღ
3~Arrange masks so no row or column has the same color or emotion. ღ
4~Use the blue buttons to swap 14 key positions and then rotate the adjacent gem positions according to the clue.ღ
5~Swap numbered buttons so each row equals the sum of 34.ღღ
6~Rotate angles and guide wires through every point x3 boards. ღღღ
7-Arrange square blocks with 4 edge colors to complete a pattern. ღღ
8-Find & use items to navigate rooms w/o being caught before the timer runs out (or you will have to restart) ღღღ
9~Empty all water tanks to the upper right tank by clicking tanks in the correct order. ღ
The Collector's Edition Bonus Chapter winds back the hands of time to discover the origins of The Order, playing as Hank, one of the founding fathers. Several catacombs were discovered during the construction of St. Patrick's Cathedral, and The Order has been investigating what seems to be remanents of a similar organization abandoned two decades ago. The priests became concerned and alerted Hank when the investigative team disappeared two days ago, one of which was Hank's sister. There are 10 scenes within this lengthy CE Bonus Chapter that has 7 Mini-Games, and 3 Hidden Object Scenes. There are no Morphing Objects remaining but you will start a new Collection of The Order Medallions, one in each scene.
2~Slide trains along patterned tracks to their color-coded slots x3 challenging layouts. ღღღ
3~Arrange masks so no row or column has the same color or emotion. ღ
4~Use the blue buttons to swap 14 key positions and then rotate the adjacent gem positions according to the clue.ღ
5~Swap numbered buttons so each row equals the sum of 34.ღღ
6~Rotate angles and guide wires through every point x3 boards. ღღღ
7-Arrange square blocks with 4 edge colors to complete a pattern. ღღ
8-Find & use items to navigate rooms w/o being caught before the timer runs out (or you will have to restart) ღღღ
9~Empty all water tanks to the upper right tank by clicking tanks in the correct order. ღ
The Collector's Edition Bonus Chapter winds back the hands of time to discover the origins of The Order, playing as Hank, one of the founding fathers. Several catacombs were discovered during the construction of St. Patrick's Cathedral, and The Order has been investigating what seems to be remanents of a similar organization abandoned two decades ago. The priests became concerned and alerted Hank when the investigative team disappeared two days ago, one of which was Hank's sister. There are 10 scenes within this lengthy CE Bonus Chapter that has 7 Mini-Games, and 3 Hidden Object Scenes. There are no Morphing Objects remaining but you will start a new Collection of The Order Medallions, one in each scene.
This Collector's Edition version has 11 Wallpapers 15 Concept Art Pictures, 15 Movie Video Cutscenes, 6 Music Soundtracks, 13 Replayable Mini-Games, 22 Achievements, 31 Morphing Objects, 20 Additional Mini-Games (when Morphing Object Collection is Completed) 41 Collectibles in 5 Categories (9 St. Patricks Figurines~6 Vinyl Records~7 Four-leafed Clovers~9 Feathers~Bonus Chapter~10 Medallions of the Order) 5 Bonus Square Tile Puzzles (unlocked with each Completed Collection Category) 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-in Strategy Guide...ps~take lots of vitamin C and if someone sneezes, RUN!
NEW YORK MYSTERIES SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Secrets Of The Mafia (April 19-2014) 4.6
2-High Voltage (June 6-2015) 4.4
3-Lantern Of Souls (April 2-2016) 4.3
4-The Outbreak (May 4-2018) n/a
2-High Voltage (June 6-2015) 4.4
3-Lantern Of Souls (April 2-2016) 4.3
4-The Outbreak (May 4-2018) n/a
By: Five-BN Games (The best developer ever)
I recommend this game!
Can you stop an ancient legend from coming to life?
Overall rating
4
/
5
58 of 66 found this review helpful
A GREAT GAME INDEED
PostedMay 3, 2019
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Completed CE Game 4.5 hours
(including CE Bonus Chapter & all puzzles)
(including CE Bonus Chapter & all puzzles)
Many of the residents in this small Icelandic town believe the Legend of the Volcano, stories passed down for generations. They say the Volcano becomes active every 300 years and threatens to destroy everything and everyone. Only sacrifices by 7 Chosen individuals who have accomplished Great Deeds, will stop the devastation, problem is, one of the chosen is your very own daughter! Great Deed, indeed!
I liked this storyline, I felt it was the perfect length to keep it from becoming long and boring. The only reason I knocked off a star was because of the Glasses Gadget that allows you to see the truth & speak with the animals, and the repetitive Chain Type Match 3 game associated with its use. The good news is, it's only used 5 times (+ 5 Match 3 games that actually weren't horrible)
One of my favorite 4Friends CE features is the amazing way they hide Collector's Edition Collectibles and Morphs. I strongly believe the CE version is money worthy because there are 27 Scene Locations (+8 CE BC) and each scene has 2 Opaque Puffins, and 2 Morphing Objects (with pull out tab to keep track if you prefer) I'm rarely challenged by these hidden gems, but these are so well blended, that I had to stare intently, several times to find them, so well done my Friends!
There are 13 Hidden Object Scenes (+5 CE BC) I wasn't all that impressed with them because every scene is repeated, and they just weren't very creative. There are Interactive Listed Item Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Multiples of the Same Object Finds, and Finding & Replacing Item HOP's and no alternative game option.
There are 21 Mini-Games (+6 CE BC) and they were perfectly fine. Yes, some of them are really easy, but there are plenty of more complex games too. Below are brief descriptions of some of my favorites throughout the game:
1~Swap photo sections to complete each animal in the correct locations.
2~Swap pie-shaped sections to complete animals next to their silhouettes. ღ
3~Navigate through cave tunnels, finding & using objects to overcome obstacles.
4~Follow color-coded wires & select the correct animal in order, using <> buttons to rotate. ღ
5~Place 2 color-coded push pins onto 2 tile images that will form each animal when combined. ღ
6~Place the correct # of connections to each switch, red lights=energy needed, green=energy produced ღღ
7~Create a path extinguish the volcano, every 3 moves will create an eruption.
2~Swap pie-shaped sections to complete animals next to their silhouettes. ღ
3~Navigate through cave tunnels, finding & using objects to overcome obstacles.
4~Follow color-coded wires & select the correct animal in order, using <> buttons to rotate. ღ
5~Place 2 color-coded push pins onto 2 tile images that will form each animal when combined. ღ
6~Place the correct # of connections to each switch, red lights=energy needed, green=energy produced ღღ
7~Create a path extinguish the volcano, every 3 moves will create an eruption.
The Collector's Edition Bonus Chapter takes place shortly after the Main game's timeframe. Officer Zack asks Willows mum for help again, when the Volcano awakens because the archaeologists refused to abandon their digging expedition. There are 6 Mini-Games, and 5 Hidden Object Scenes in the CE Bonus Chapter, and you will find the remaining 16 Opaque Puffins and 16 Morphing Objects, which unlocks the 5th Collectible Puffin.
The Collector's Edition version has 6 Wallpapers (note to 4Friends: can't we enjoy the beautiful scenery you created w/o characters slapped on them?) 16 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks (one of which does seem, Irish, indeed) 3 Screensavers, 27 Movie Video Cutscenes,15 Achievements (12 available in 3 categories) 11 Re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 17 Re-playable Mini-Games, 54 Opaque Hidden Puffins (nicely hidden!) 54 Morphing Objects (excellent challenge!) 5 Collectible Puffins (unlock with 5-10-22-37-54 Puffins collected) 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-in Strategy Guide.
EDGE OF REALITY SERIES LIST
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Ring of Destiny (May 27-2016) 3.6
2-Lethal Predictions (March 5-2017) 3.8
3-Fatal Luck (May 18-2018) 3.5
4-Hunter's Legacy (August 31-2018) 4.2
5-Great Deeds (May 3-2019) n/a
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Ring of Destiny (May 27-2016) 3.6
2-Lethal Predictions (March 5-2017) 3.8
3-Fatal Luck (May 18-2018) 3.5
4-Hunter's Legacy (August 31-2018) 4.2
5-Great Deeds (May 3-2019) n/a
by 4 Friends Games
Whenever heroes gather, villains are sure to follow...
Overall rating
3
/
5
95 of 122 found this review helpful
THE DARKEST NIGHT LEFT ME WITH SO MANY QUESTIONS THAT WENT UNANSWERED
PostedMay 2, 2019
pennmom36
fromThe Pinkerton National Detective Agency, the 1st detective agency founded to protect Lincoln from an assassination attempt. Kate Warne was the 1st female agent hired by Pinkerton she infiltrated gatherings & discovered details of the assassination plot ⚘
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Completed Game 4.5 hours
(including CE Bonus Chapter & all mini-games)
(including CE Bonus Chapter & all mini-games)
The famous paranormal Detectives have joined forces once again to investigate "Operation Darkest Night" Anna Gray from Grim Tales uses her unique Time-Traveling, Time-Freezing abilities to investigate and often change life-altering events. James Blackthorne from Haunted Hotel brings his unique Paranormal investigative skills to the table, and Agent Brown from Mystery Trackers brings all the gadgets and gizmo's needed to solve this paranormal case. Elf has NOT joined this dynamic trio, therefore, an automatic star reduction!...a really big mistake...Anna brought Richard's Skull because that's what Grim Tales is about, so why would not include the 1 feature that's always a part of Mystery Trackers games?...huge mistake!
I have to agree with one of my favorite reviewers who always "calls it as she sees it" I played the entire game, I read every note, but the storyline is as vague as it can be. Portals appear out of nowhere but all of the agents seem to be privy to them even though they just arrived. I have no fear as I eagerly step into the mirror world. Once inside the mirror world, I turn "Dark" why did I turn Dark? How did I turn Dark? All three of the agents are on the same page even though James heads to St. Mary's Orphanage (Grim Tales: Bloody Mary) Agent Brown heads to the Alps to investigate Schneider's Hotel And Spa (Haunted Hotel) and Anna Gray heads to the Blackhill mansion (Mystery Trackers) Wouldn't it make more sense to send the agents to their original investigation locations that they know everything about rather than sending them to an unfamiliar case? I completed the game, yet I have no idea what S.H.R.I.N.E stands for? Why did John create an entire organization just to suck the life force from an innocent person to revive the dead?
Just a few days ago, Elephant Games turned a new leaf and offered a game that avoided all the cliche tasks, and Emblem-placing scenarios, only to borrow them for this game! I tried to keep track of how many times I was burdened with placing an emblem(s) but I lost track after placing 20 sets of Emblems within the first 3 chapters. (actually, my pen ran out of ink, which was another burden)
If you think about an often used HOPA cliche task, I guarantee you, it's used in this game, Bee's swarming a much-needed inventory item (there's no hive, no pollen, thus no reason for the bee's to swarm a horn?) A well that's missing a bucket (and filled with random junk to taint the only water supply?) Locks encrusted with 30+ years of decayed Rust requiring a fresh squeezed lemon or anti-rust spray (works instantly and restores the item to factory specs instantly) Crows, Cats, and various animals viciously protecting a much-needed item that requires a dramatic fright (probably from the horn that's being guarded by a swarm of killer bees) Tweezers to tweeze all of those above-mentioned Emblems out of floorboards and every crack, crevice, nook and/or cranny imaginable. Something thin to open a door latch (how does a shed get locked with a latch from the inside...unless someone is still inside?)
We are blessed with another Device, <sigh> a Mystery Tracker Paranormal Activity Detector, which also downloads paper maps and slips of paper with coordinates written in charcoal by simply placing the papers behind the device, yes, it downloads a map that has been neatly folded (and we all know how much of a pain those maps are to fold) no unfolding necessary...no QR code necessary, no scan or barcode required...the only thing required here is a lot of imagination? Even better, if a part breaks, and always does, it has interchangeable parts, buttons...perfect fit!...battery...perfect fit! Not only can you use parts from any other electrical component, but they work magically without actually being connected electronically! There is a slightly repetitive mini-game to complete using the device to "catch" 8 Paranormal Whisps" but it was only used 3 times and the third mini-game required you to connect the dots without back-tracking. A Mystery Trackers anti-Back-Tracker game lol.
Actually, there are two Devices because Anna Gray has lugged daddy Richard's Skull to work again, but at least we don't have to complete a repetitive mini-game to summon him! There's one scene where they actually show Anna, James, and Agent Brown standing together and Anna has Richard's Skull neatly tucked into the crook of her arm. I don't recall ever seeing Anna actually carry Richard, he just appears in front of us.
There are 10 Hidden Object Scenes and 8 smaller Zoom Zone Hidden Object Scenes requiring you to find 6 objects shown one at a time as a Silhouetted Shape (+7 CE BC) The scenes tend to be a little dark and some of the Silhouetted Shapes are pretty vague but for the most part, the items are well blended. There are only 2 types of Hidden Object Scenes offered, Interactive List Finds, and Silhouetted Shape Finds, and no alternate game offered for non-HOP fans.
There are only 19 Mini-Games (+7 in CE BC) but they are really creative puzzles. The only game I wasn't crazy about was the repetitive "whisp collection" via the Mystery Trackers Paranormal Device, but it was only used a few times. Below are brief descriptions of some of my personal favorites.
1~Move tokens to their color-coded slots using directional arrows to rotate the central path hub.
2~Rotate groups of tokens to place symbols according to the clue shown. ღ
3~Select numbered buttons to move the token in the indicated direction to avoid landing on obstacles.ღღ
4~Find and place track sections & use switches to guide the token through each section. (#1/3 part puzzle) ღ
5~Rotate 4 knobs and select arrows to swap symbols to the correct knobs. (#2/3 part puzzle) ღ
6~Rotate each token to align all color-coded wires. (#3/3 part puzzle) ღღ
7~Connect all dots without retracing paths. ღ
8~Direct tiles correctly from left to right moving vertically or horizontally.
2~Rotate groups of tokens to place symbols according to the clue shown. ღ
3~Select numbered buttons to move the token in the indicated direction to avoid landing on obstacles.ღღ
4~Find and place track sections & use switches to guide the token through each section. (#1/3 part puzzle) ღ
5~Rotate 4 knobs and select arrows to swap symbols to the correct knobs. (#2/3 part puzzle) ღ
6~Rotate each token to align all color-coded wires. (#3/3 part puzzle) ღღ
7~Connect all dots without retracing paths. ღ
8~Direct tiles correctly from left to right moving vertically or horizontally.
The Collector's Edition Bonus Chapter takes place shortly after the main game's timeframe when Nathaniel Prior contacts Agent Shade asking for help after the S.H.R.I.N.E organization is attacked. Anna Gray is unavailable so James and Agent Brown are assigned to the case. In some ways, the BC has a better storyline than the main game, and the length is decent. There are a lot of plot twists that take place over 8 scenes, but to elaborate further would ruin the plot, which someone else has already done, again. There are 7 Mini-Games and 7 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will pick up the remaining 8 Morphing Objects, 3 Morphing Character Statues, and 5 Zoom Zone Picture Fragments which unlocks the 4th and final Screensaver.
This Collector's Edition version has 12 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art Pictures, 4 Screensavers (unlocks with Picture Puzzle Fragments collected) 4 Music Soundtracks, 18 Achievements (some in 3 categories) 12 Replayable Mini-Games, 15 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, a Secret Room (search for Morphing Objects) 14 Morphing Character Figurines, 30 Morphing Objects, 20 Zoom Zone Picture Puzzle Fragments (unlocks 4 Screensavers) 4 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-in Strategy Guide.
DETECTIVES UNITED SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Origins (August 9-2018) 4.4
2-The Darkest Shrine (May 2-2019) n/a
2-The Darkest Shrine (May 2-2019) n/a
by: Elephant Games
Amber is preparing to embark on the journey of a lifetime in Amber’s Airline – 7 Wonders, a brand new time management game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 24 found this review helpful
WOW! THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NO CHALLENGE AND THEREFOR NO FUN FACTOR
PostedMay 1, 2019
pennmom36
fromWhy did they release this game on Mac first with no trial available? ⚘
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I had to laugh when the Tutorial of Amber's Airline: 7 Wonders explained that Customers will leave if they have to wait too long. Hmm, really? Where are they gonna go? They are aboard Snuggford's finest airline mid-flight to Rome, are they gonna eject with a parachute?
Once again, Snuggford has a serious mouse infestation. The brand new first class Airbus with all the latest technology and luxury amendments couldn't find a way to keep Carl and his numerous extended family members from stowing aboard the flight to visit the Colosseum, Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Lost Coty of Petra, and, Christ the Redeemer. Carl Senior the 1st, from Delicious, is joined by Carl the mouse Senior from Fabulous, Carl the mouse Junior from Maggie's Movies, crazy cousin Carl the mouse from The Love Boat, Uncle Carl the mouse from Heart's Medicine, Chef Carl the mouse from Mary Le Chef, Carl the mouse's baby sister Carla from Sally's Salon, and who could forget timid little baby Carl the mouse from Dr. Cares? You won't get a free flight voucher, but you will earn extra points after a brief wack-o-mole-mouse game.
The game mechanics (in case you're still intrigued) is the same as usual but without any of the fun, commitments attached. This is an incredibly easy game to play, basically, if you can point & click, you'll earn 3 stars per level. There are 6 Chapters and each Chapter has 10 levels +challenge levels. You get 5 Profile slots, and you can play in an Easy, Medium or Hard difficulty mode. If you earn 250 points you will earn 1 star, 350 points earn 2 stars, and 550 points earn you 3 stars, at least 1 star is required to progress to the next level.
As customers arrive you click on the customer and then the station they want according to their thought bubbles, and then chose the items they ask for and check them out to complete the transaction. During the destination scenes, you will serve them food items, set them up with sightseeing trips, and various vacation related souvenirs, etc. Some requested items take only a single click, others, such as food items require multi-steps or restocking afterward.
There are several Mini-Games that deal with your speed capabilities rather than actually solving a problem, such as spinning a globe to locate the matching country, which btw has two, can't miss pulsing circles surrounding the correct location. You will earn extra points when you assign customers quickly or multi-task customers, and you can click the Next Customer icon to speed up the next customer's arrival, which also earns you more points. You can also swap 2 customers who are asking for each others station. If you meet all of a customer's demands quickly, they will earn Golden Hearts and they can no longer lose hearts, but to me, it seemed way too easy to accomplish this task.
Diamonds are earned during the levels when you complete side quests, and also within the Bonus Levels. You can customize the Stewardess outfits with diamonds earned. Before the start of each level, you can purchase items in the Shop to help you progress by speeding up characters, or keeping customers happy and patient. You can access Amber's Diary which has 15 Trophy Achievements and shows updated progress as well.
AMBER'S AIRLINE SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-High Hopes (September 19-2018) 3.3
2-7 Wonders (April 24-2019) n/a
2-7 Wonders (April 24-2019) n/a
by: Old Skull Games
I don't recommend this game.