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:
Escape a terrifying hotel with a haunted past.
Overall rating
3
/
5
208 of 244 found this review helpful
PHANTASMAT PHOOEY
PostedFebruary 23, 2019
pennmom36
fromDid you know that the original Phantasmat was the first Polish developed game to reach the #1 slot on BFG? It also won awards for Best Hidden Object Game and was in production for over two years! (it takes time to create a masterpiece!) ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Phantasmat ISN'T supposed to be about a cheesy tree/vine red-eyed creature, Phantasmat is supposed to be about a phenomenon that never lets you leave a certain place, you try and try, but somehow end up right where you started until you begin to think that maybe you are dead! You don't know how you really got there in the first place, and why everyone you meet is behaving erratically. Phantasmat is supposed to be about a person who keeps having phantasmal visions that fill the player in with the necessary background story and eventually helps you come to terms with your new reality. Phantasmat isn't about reading a thousand loose pages of someone's diary conveniently laying around to explain the story! Phantasmat ISN'T supposed to be about an UNORIGINAL creature that doesn't want you to leave, phantasmat is an altered state of being, an alternate state of reality, NOT about things that go bump in the night!!!!
This cheesy, vine creature is utterly ridiculous, laughable, and so been there done that a zillion times. The graphics are horrible, dull, lifeless, unappealing. I can't even say it's a step backward because they had better graphics originally. The "Hidden Signs" are large and easy to spot. The worse thing about this game is that there are only 3 areas of activity per detailess scene, a zoom zone on the left, one on the right and one smack dab in the center. There's no detail to even look at, everything is drab, colorless and boring, no need to pause and take in the beauty of the scenery because there's nothing to look at! The original Phantasmat won a slew of awards (wbtw was by a different dev) and I urge this dev to take a break and play the original game and then go back to the drawing board and create a Phantasmal Phantasmat worthy of its namesake. I have given this game 3 stars for the sole purpose of keeping the series alive so that they can create a game with a storyline as amazing as I know it can be, (you have the resources and the talent, I know it's in there guy, find your Phantasmat!)
The Hidden Object Scenes were utterly horrific. The scenes are colorless shades of copper or blue and hazy. It's hard to tell where one object ends and the next begins because there's no definition, it's clearly in an attempt to make them more challenging, but that is NOT how a Hidden Object Scene should be! Items should be cleverly blended into the scenery
and, not unrecognizable because of poor graphics! The HOP's are usually layered with a few different types including Listed Item Finds, Multiple Object Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Pictured or Sketched Item Finds, Combination Sketches where this plus that equals blank Finds and Morphing Object Finds. In this Collector's Edition version, 19 of the HOP's have a Morphing Object and there is an alternate Bubble Shoot Game available. (one of the achievements requires you to play the alternate Bubble Shoot game at least once)
and, not unrecognizable because of poor graphics! The HOP's are usually layered with a few different types including Listed Item Finds, Multiple Object Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Pictured or Sketched Item Finds, Combination Sketches where this plus that equals blank Finds and Morphing Object Finds. In this Collector's Edition version, 19 of the HOP's have a Morphing Object and there is an alternate Bubble Shoot Game available. (one of the achievements requires you to play the alternate Bubble Shoot game at least once)
The Mini-Games range from super-simplistic to practically mind-boggling, many of which simply have horrible directions. I don't mind mind-boggling as long as they aren't frustrating, in fact, I prefer games that require strategy or at least make you think about what you are doing rather than just solving them by memory because you have encountered that puzzle a million times before. There were very few puzzles offered here that were actually fun to solve unfortunately. They aren't original, they aren't even that creative. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games worth mentioning:
1-Guide footprints through the grid by activating switches and rotating directional arrows.
2-Move each eyeball to their matching slots using bumpers and portals.
3-Guide the ball through the maze using directional arrows and rotating sections of the maze.
4-Position arrow tiles to point to the center by selecting buttons to rotate Locked or Unlocked tiles.
2-Move each eyeball to their matching slots using bumpers and portals.
3-Guide the ball through the maze using directional arrows and rotating sections of the maze.
4-Position arrow tiles to point to the center by selecting buttons to rotate Locked or Unlocked tiles.
The Bonus Chapter delves into the background story of what happened with the Miners who first discovered the "creature" The BC is rather short in my opinion, and includes 5 Mini-Games and 4 Hidden Object Scenes. You will pick up the remaining 8 Antique Clocks or Hidden Signs, and 4 HOP Morphing Objects. Any missed Morphs can be obtained by re-playing the HOP's in the extra's section which also allows you to achieve Gold, Silver or Bronze status and improve accuracy. After completing the BC you can access the Souvenir Room to search for 24 Souvenirs, 1 pers scene.
This Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art Pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, 12 Movie Video Cutscenes, 20 Re-playable Mini-Games, 21 Re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, Re-playable Bubble Shooter Game (the alternate HOP game) 13 Achievements to Earn, 45 Hidden Antique Clocks, 19 Morphing HOP Objects, 24 Souvenirs within the Souvenir Room, 4 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter (miners/creature origins) and a Built-in Strategy Guide.
PHANTASMAT SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Phantasmat (January 7-2011) 4.5
2-Crucible Peak (December 6-2012) 3.8
3-The Endless Night (January 10-2015) 4.0
4-The Dread of Oakville (July 9-2015) 4.2
5-Behind The Mask (December 17-2015) 4.4
6-Town of Lost Hope (April 7-2016) 3.6
7-Reign of Shadows (October 6-2016) 4.3
8-Mournful Loche (April 13-2017) 3.6
9-Insidious Dreams (September 14-2017) 3.8
10-Curse of the Mist (December 23-2017) 3.0
11-Deja Vu (July 7-2018) 2.9
12-Death In Hardcover (October 4-2018) 3.2
13-Remains of Buried Memories (February 23-2019) n/a
2-Crucible Peak (December 6-2012) 3.8
3-The Endless Night (January 10-2015) 4.0
4-The Dread of Oakville (July 9-2015) 4.2
5-Behind The Mask (December 17-2015) 4.4
6-Town of Lost Hope (April 7-2016) 3.6
7-Reign of Shadows (October 6-2016) 4.3
8-Mournful Loche (April 13-2017) 3.6
9-Insidious Dreams (September 14-2017) 3.8
10-Curse of the Mist (December 23-2017) 3.0
11-Deja Vu (July 7-2018) 2.9
12-Death In Hardcover (October 4-2018) 3.2
13-Remains of Buried Memories (February 23-2019) n/a
by: Eipix Entertainment
Get lost in a haunted house that keeps changing!
Overall rating
4
/
5
84 of 104 found this review helpful
WELCOME TO THE INFINITY MOTEL, IT'LL LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON FOR YOU
PostedFebruary 22, 2019
pennmom36
fromEaster Egg= find the Lani Minella voice in every game by this dev? ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Welcome weary traveler to the Infinity Motel, It has been anticipating your arrival! But how could anyone have known you just received a distress call from your friends Bob and Sarah? Your gut feeling tells you to run, everything about this scenario is wrong, but these are your friends and they are inside, and they are in serious danger, it's check-in time! Once the door closes, you quickly begin to realize that The Infinity Motel's sole purpose is to find your deepest fears to use them against you, to drive you completely mad! Finding your friends will become the easy part of this personal nightmare, escaping with your sanity intact is a whole different ballgame.
Unfortunately, there is a Gadget and a Helper and even more unfortunate is that they are one and the same, a tiny Robot. Why? No Escape has such an interesting storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, so much so that you want to keep playing to find out more about this evil, ever-changing infinite house! The "Navigator" could just as easily have communicated with you via a tablet or smartphone and still keep a sci-fi tech ambiance. Sometimes Less is More, and in my opinion, if the storyline was less than stellar, the robot would have tanked this game, but in this case, the storyline, the graphics, and the exceptionally well-hidden Keys (CE version only) were able to support the game as a whole with or without the Robot Helper!
The Hidden Object Scenes are actually very good and are located in interesting scenes. They are varied each time with Interactive Listed Finds, Multiples of the same Item Finds, Pictured Item Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, and Sketched Picture Finds. Two of my favorites was an Interactive-Progressive-Silhouetted Shape Find where you had to find one item that matched the Silhouetted Shape and then use that item within the scene interactively to expose the next object and a Related Picture Pair Find where you had to find two pictures or images on a blackboard that related to the Listed Items shown. This isn't a new concept but I found it to be quite challenging because the images they chose required you really had to think about which items combined would relate to the word. I'm rarely impressed or challenged by HOP's nowadays, so well done @Mariaglorum!
If the Mini-Games were a bit more challenging, I would have given this game 5 Stars. I did enjoy some of them, but I was well into the third chapter by the time I had to actually read the instructions and I was able to complete them on the first attempt! Below are brief instructions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1-Swap tile strips to complete the image.
2-Click to move tiles into place in the correct order on a 4 part puzzle. (loved it!)
3-Scoop fireflies into a jar.
4-Click when lines are within the circle.
5-Guide the girl along every path w/o retracing paths.
6-Drag puzzle sections into the frame.
7-Arrange the trophies according to the labels on the shelf.
2-Click to move tiles into place in the correct order on a 4 part puzzle. (loved it!)
3-Scoop fireflies into a jar.
4-Click when lines are within the circle.
5-Guide the girl along every path w/o retracing paths.
6-Drag puzzle sections into the frame.
7-Arrange the trophies according to the labels on the shelf.
This Collector's Edition version has 16 Wallpapers, 30 Concept Art Pictures, 24 Movie Video Cutscenes, 8 Music Soundtracks, 5 Re-playable Mini-Games (w/limited re-plays) 10 Achievements to Earn, 7 Character Figurine Collectibles, 23 Hidden Keys, 1 Fresco Jigsaw Puzzle (assemble to earn an achievement) 6 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-in Strategy Guide. Enjoy your lengthy stay, IT only gives you one checkout option!
MYSTERY OF THE ANCIENTS SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Lockwood Manor (September 22-2011) 4.2
2-Curse of the Black Water (November 1-2012) 4.5
3-Three Guardians (January 30-2014) 4.5
4-Deadly Cold (February 5-2015) 4.1
5-Mud Water Creek (April 14-2016) 4.2
6-The Sealed And Forgotten (March 2-2017) 4.0
7-Black Dagger (February 15-2018) 4.3
8-No Escape (February 21-2019) n/a
2-Curse of the Black Water (November 1-2012) 4.5
3-Three Guardians (January 30-2014) 4.5
4-Deadly Cold (February 5-2015) 4.1
5-Mud Water Creek (April 14-2016) 4.2
6-The Sealed And Forgotten (March 2-2017) 4.0
7-Black Dagger (February 15-2018) 4.3
8-No Escape (February 21-2019) n/a
by: Mariaglorum Games
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a madman from using puppets to take over the island?
Overall rating
2
/
5
47 of 65 found this review helpful
WELCOME TO SMILE ISLAND...nuff said?
PostedFebruary 22, 2019
pennmom36
fromNo strings attached ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Stranded Dreamscapes: The Prisoner
(30)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Alexander was a Master of his craft. He was able to craft Porcelain Dolls that were so beautiful, so perfect, that they almost looked real. His obsession to make dolls as lifelike as possible cost him nearly everything. Alexander did achieve his goal, the last 5 dolls he created just before his disappearance was absolutely perfect in every way. Absolutely lifelike, so lifelike that many people swore they were real. Did Alexander make the devil a deal in exchange for the ability to create a living, breathing doll? What will happen to the town of Smile Island now that the 5 dolls are on on the loose?
Once again, this is a story about Dolls, fragile porcelain Dolls, not puppets. Perhaps I'm wrong, but it is my understanding that a Puppet must have strings and be controlled by a Puppet Master. wouldn't it be better to create an entirely different series spinoff called DollShow rather than tarnish the good reputation of what was once an amazing series?
The Collector's Edition version has a Morphing Flower in each scene. It also has Collectible Bells with brief descriptions about each of the 15 PuppetShow games in the series. Why Bells? Wouldn't you'd expect a game about Dolls/non-Puppets to have a collectible doll or non-puppet Puppet, a Puppet or non-Puppet from each game? The bottom line here is that this is a short game, each chapter has exactly 5 pages in the SG. (to be honest, the BC is nearly twice as long as any given main chapter) The storyline is boring, predictable from the opening scene, exactly the same as the last several games in the series, and has some of the most worthless tasks, puzzles, and mini-games I've ever seen all rolled up into 1 game, a typical Amax game of late. I will, however, give them credit for the graphics that are always detailed, but I can't say that I was excited about all the howling dogs and screeching cats that are always in the background of all of their games.
The Hidden Object Scenes were blurry at times, poorly lit and mostly they were boring, in fact, they were all Interactive List Items in the first chapter, they really didn't offer a variety until towards the end of chapter 2. I don't mind Listed items, I usually prefer them but the items were either too easily spotted, so the scene was so dark you couldn't see the item, especially when they were tiny objects. Eventually, they do throw in a Fragment Find, a Keyword in Sentence Find and a Replacement Find where you reverse everything by picking up inventory items and placing them logically into the scene.
The Mini-Games were downright insulting, at times they were nothing more than fillers used to make people believe this game wasn't as short, but it is a short game. The game is filled with meaningless matching games and filler tasks, match balloons or match pillows, drag this through a small curved arc, more items to match. They are so easy to solve that you wonder why they even offered them? Almost all of them had pieces that would lock in or light up to say, "yep that's correct" with each piece, or "keep on guessing" Some of the puzzles have a Casual/Hard difficulty option, but most of them don't. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter throughout the game:
1-Drag disk rings to replicate the image shown.
2-Swap fan sections to complete the pattern.
3-Drag flowers along tracks to their highlighted areas.
4-Click on lock tumblers until the numbers match the paper clue. steady, keep steady, so tricky, so complicated, whew
5-Slide tiles until the cutout tiles encase the heart.
6-Repeat the sequence by touching color-coded brain sections.
7-Arrange the mask's so that each pattern is made up of the patterns above it.
8-Swap colored fuses by following lead lines.
9-Chose flames in the correct order.
10-Rearrange gears so that all gears are turning in the correct direction.
2-Swap fan sections to complete the pattern.
3-Drag flowers along tracks to their highlighted areas.
4-Click on lock tumblers until the numbers match the paper clue. steady, keep steady, so tricky, so complicated, whew
5-Slide tiles until the cutout tiles encase the heart.
6-Repeat the sequence by touching color-coded brain sections.
7-Arrange the mask's so that each pattern is made up of the patterns above it.
8-Swap colored fuses by following lead lines.
9-Chose flames in the correct order.
10-Rearrange gears so that all gears are turning in the correct direction.
The Collector's Edition version has 15 Wallpapers (each one has several pictures of each character, I want pics of the scene, not character cover shots??) 9 Concept Art pictures, 6 Screensavers, 8 Movie Video Cutscenes, 4 Music Soundtracks, 11 re-playable Mini-Games, 14 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Achievements to Earn, 26 Morphing Flowers (1 in each scene) 15 Collectible Bells (a bell with descriptions for each of the PuppetShow games in the series) 5 Main Chapters (short chapters) +Bonus Chapter....trouble typing..hands turning into porceeelainnnnn
PUPPET SHOW SERIES LIST
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Mystery of Joyville SE only (October 2-2009) 4.0
2-Souls of the Innocent (June 18-2010) 4.2
3-Lost Town (April 14-2011) 4.2
4-Return to Joyville (May18-2012) 4.3
5-Destiny Undone (April 26-2013) 3.8
6-Lightning Strikes (September 19-2014) 3.3
7-The Price of Immortality (April 12-2015) 4.2
8-The Face of Humanity (February 19-2016) 3.6
9-Her Cruel Collection (October 14-2016) 3.9
10-Bloody Rosie (December 16-2016) 3.5
11-Arrogance Effect (August 20-2017) 3.2
12-Poetic Justice (November 3-2017) 2.4
13-The Curse of Ophelia (March 4-2018) 3.5
14-Faith in the Future (August 10-2018) 2.5
15-Porcelain Smile (February 22-2019 n/a
2-Souls of the Innocent (June 18-2010) 4.2
3-Lost Town (April 14-2011) 4.2
4-Return to Joyville (May18-2012) 4.3
5-Destiny Undone (April 26-2013) 3.8
6-Lightning Strikes (September 19-2014) 3.3
7-The Price of Immortality (April 12-2015) 4.2
8-The Face of Humanity (February 19-2016) 3.6
9-Her Cruel Collection (October 14-2016) 3.9
10-Bloody Rosie (December 16-2016) 3.5
11-Arrogance Effect (August 20-2017) 3.2
12-Poetic Justice (November 3-2017) 2.4
13-The Curse of Ophelia (March 4-2018) 3.5
14-Faith in the Future (August 10-2018) 2.5
15-Porcelain Smile (February 22-2019 n/a
by: Amax Interactive
I don't recommend this game.
When a young man is apparently abducted by spirits at an abandoned movie theater, you rush to investigate. You arrive to find truth to the tales as you encounter specters from the very movies shown in the theater! Can you navigate dangerous films to save the living in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
35 of 46 found this review helpful
ARE THERE ANY ORIGINAL PLOTS OUT THERE?
PostedFebruary 20, 2019
pennmom36
fromLet's all go to the lobby, let's all go to the lobby, let's all go to the lobby..cuz it's way more exciting than this movie-game! ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'm really late submitting this review so I'll skip the "plot" synopsis, however, I would like to point out that back in the day, Mad Head Games was known for their cutting-edge sci-fi plots that were always amazing because of their originality. This plot is neither cutting-edge nor original, it felt as though I was watching an 'old movie rerun" To make matters worse, the had to add a stupid Flashlight Gadget! Come on MHG, you're way better than this!
The Hidden Object Scenes are far and few between, this is definitely a puzzle-heavy game. There are Interactive List Finds, Multiple Object Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pair Finds and Slider types where you align sketched images together using horizontal and vertical slider buttons. Each Hidden Object Scene has a Morphing Object to find and you can pick up missing HOP morphs in the CE extras section.
The Mini-Games seemed rather basic and simplistic to me, most of them can be finished within 3-4 steps. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games offered, to show you how basic they really are:
1-Enter the code shown on lock tumblers.
2-Turn disc rings to create a continuous path for all 4 connections.
3-Stop the ball when it's inside the circle.
4-Select the symbols in the order they light up.
5-Remove 2 plants at a time to uncover matching mushrooms.
6-Make the correct number of connections shown on each tile w/o crossing connections.
7-Rotate puzzles and place together using directional arrows.
2-Turn disc rings to create a continuous path for all 4 connections.
3-Stop the ball when it's inside the circle.
4-Select the symbols in the order they light up.
5-Remove 2 plants at a time to uncover matching mushrooms.
6-Make the correct number of connections shown on each tile w/o crossing connections.
7-Rotate puzzles and place together using directional arrows.
This Collector's Edition version has 4 Wallpapers, 3 Concept Art pictures, 10 Music Soundtracks, 18 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 1 Ultimate Hidden Object Puzzle, 1 Ultimate Puzzle (must complete Collections) 11 Achievements to earn, 18 Hidden Object Scene Morphing Objects, 28 Scene Location Morphing Objects, 28 Collectible Clapboards, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter.
FRIGHT CHASERS SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Dark Exposure (October 21-2017) 3.0
2-Soul Reaper (May 17-2018) 3.1
3-Director's Cut (February 16-2019) n/a
2-Soul Reaper (May 17-2018) 3.1
3-Director's Cut (February 16-2019) n/a
by: Mad Head Games
I don't recommend this game.
Your favorite puzzle-solving ghosts are learning about the ancient art of Alchemy in this match 3 adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
79 of 89 found this review helpful
THOSE CRAZY LITTLE GHOSTS
PostedFebruary 20, 2019
pennmom36
fromArrrg~Why does the game always end seconds prior to beating a difficult level??? ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love this series because it's not for the faint of heart ღ and it requires a great deal of strategy to overcome some of the obstacles as you progress. Don't pass these games up if you don't like difficult M3 games because you can play in a Relaxed Mode or a Limited Moves or Limited Time Mode as well. There is 40 Bonus Match 3 Levels to Unlock under the free play section, and there are Mini-Games available after completing a few levels such as Solitaire (High/Low) Mahjong, Spot The Difference and even Hidden Object Scenes to break up the monotony.
Laruaville is a Match 3 game that's "all about the coins", the level goals are all the same: collect ALL coins to beat the level. There are plenty of obstacles to make the goal more difficult in each level, but overcoming those obstacles only matters if they are preventing you from getting to the coins. There is a vague tutorial given in the beginning that really just points to the targeted goal, and I've read a lot of comments on previous games that complain about this lack of tutorials. On the top left of the screen, there is a Question Mark that will open up a complete Tutorial Book that explains all the features in detail, what the power-ups do, how the obstacles can be overcome, and it even has Tips & Tricks such as the strategy order of what should be done before attempting to go after the next blockage. I have had to resort to this book on several occasions during the last 7 games because as you progress, there's a whole slew of obstacles or coins that seem impossible to get to without doing something specific or creating a specific Power-up.
Coins are collected when you make a Match 3 or more adjacent to them. Large Matches will earn you a power-up on the board, and some of those power-ups are a necessity because some obstacles can only be removed with a power-up. A Match 5 earns you a Small Rocket (you can right-click to rotate it's direction either horizontally or vertically) A Match 6 earns you an Amulet (destroys 15 random tiles) Bombs are located on some levels that will start a chain reaction when you make a match next to it. Cannons that appear on levels can be activated each time you make an adjacent match and making a match adjacent to a Torch will also start a chain reaction as tiles continue to burn as you make matches strategically. (this can backfire if you don't plan your matches)
Coins are collected when you make a Match 3 or more adjacent to them. Large Matches will earn you a power-up on the board, and some of those power-ups are a necessity because some obstacles can only be removed with a power-up. A Match 5 earns you a Small Rocket (you can right-click to rotate it's direction either horizontally or vertically) A Match 6 earns you an Amulet (destroys 15 random tiles) Bombs are located on some levels that will start a chain reaction when you make a match next to it. Cannons that appear on levels can be activated each time you make an adjacent match and making a match adjacent to a Torch will also start a chain reaction as tiles continue to burn as you make matches strategically. (this can backfire if you don't plan your matches)
Some Coins are in half, requiring matches between the halves to clear a path for them to connect. Eventually, there are Sand Coins that require 2 adjacent matches to remove, Frozen Coins that require fire to melt them, Locked Coins that require matches between the locked coin and the Key Coin, Mold Shapes that require Gold Drops to fill the coin, and Vials that need to be filled with Liquid Drops.
There are various Obstacles such as Wooden Crates, Crates with Shields (require matches on unshielded sides to destroy) Flower Petals, Sand Tiles, Fog Patches, Ice Patches, Gem-encrusted Coins, and Chained Tiles. Eventually, you will come across a Da#%ed Coin (can't spell this word on reviews lol) if you collect this coin, or if a power-up takes it out, you will lose the level, but don't worry, you can replay any of the levels.
After completing a few levels you can play a mini-game such as Solitaire, Spot the Difference or a Hidden Object Scene. These are optional and don't provide any benefits as far as I can tell, and there is no penalty for skipping them, but it does help break up the monotony. As you progress, you will unlock re-playable Match 3 levels in the Bonus Section. There's also a Demon Match 3 game available on a split board that requires playing against the Demon as you take turns making matches. You must collect more Coins, and faster than the Demon did on his turn, you can create power-ups and use them, however, using power-ups will count as 2 moves. Enjoy the ghosts of Laruaville!
LARUAVILLE SERIES LIST
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Laruaville 1 (July 30-2013) 4.2
2-Laruaville 2 (March 4-2015) 4.1
3-Laruaville 3 (August 4-2015) 4.4
4-Laruaville 4 (December 14-2015) 4.4
5-Laruaville 5 (October 17-2016) 4.2
6-Laruaville 6 (June 26-2017) 4.0
7-Laruaville 7 (June 6-2018) 4.1
8-Laruaville 8 (February 20-2019) n/a
2-Laruaville 2 (March 4-2015) 4.1
3-Laruaville 3 (August 4-2015) 4.4
4-Laruaville 4 (December 14-2015) 4.4
5-Laruaville 5 (October 17-2016) 4.2
6-Laruaville 6 (June 26-2017) 4.0
7-Laruaville 7 (June 6-2018) 4.1
8-Laruaville 8 (February 20-2019) n/a
by: FRH Games
I recommend this game!
Dive into Alice's Wonderland and solve 100 unique patchwork mosaics with your favorite characters!
Overall rating
2
/
5
60 of 76 found this review helpful
YUP, STILL THE SAME AS LAST TIME~~and the time before that, and the time before that, and...
PostedFebruary 19, 2019
pennmom36
fromSo is the classic iconic Alice in Wonderland Time Traveling to the future or the past? How and where is this scenario depicted in this game? ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Jigsaws Galore
(121)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
They release these games at a break-neck speed, so it comes as no surprise that very little effort went into this game. Everything is the same, it always is and I'm fairly certain it always will be. All they do is change a few graphics, plug in some new and very basic puzzle pictures (that don't even necessarily correspond with the theme) and change the title, most of the time they simply add the number 2 to the old existing title, and voila, they are ready for production!
Once again, there are 5 different Mosaic Locations and each location or world has 20 puzzles available. There is a left-hand mode as well as a Relaxed feature that automatically gives you the Key and points for finishing the game, no matter how long it takes you to finish the puzzle. In the Normal Mode, you will receive one Key for Completing the puzzle, a second Key if you make no Mistakes, and the third Key if you Complete the puzzle within the Allotted Time, which isn't as easy as it sounds because, in my opinion, they are very stingy with the allotted time!
You will earn coins for each completed puzzle and you can use the coins to buy extra time (+30 seconds for 5000 coins) or instantly refill the hint feature (5000 coins) you can also unlock other levels and worlds, but it costs a ridiculous amount of coins ranging from 25,000 coins to a whopping 225,000 coins, and I doubt you could earn that many coins beforehand anyway.
The object of the game is to correctly place available mosaic puzzle pieces located on the right side of the puzzle. (left in the left-hand mode) Some puzzle pieces are already placed on the board as "clues" and more pieces are added until the puzzle is complete. All of this sounds really easy, but when you are trying to place the pieces wicked fast and without making a mistake, it can be mind-blowing. You can replay the puzzle as often as you want to try to earn a better score, but each time the puzzle will reset with different puzzle pieces as clues.
If you've bought any of the mosaic puzzles offered by this dev, there's probably no need to buy another unless you really love the available pictures. As I stated earlier, each time you re-play a puzzle, different pieces are shown at the beginning and because of this, it's just one more reason not to need another one of these mosaic puzzles. There's never any new features added, and the pictures they have chosen just seem to get less and less appealing?
ALICE'S JIGSAW SERIES LIST
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Wonderland Chronicles 1 (April 28-2017) 2.8
2-Wonderland Chronicles 2 (September 26-2017) 1.3
3-Time Travel (February 19-2019) n/a
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Wonderland Chronicles 1 (April 28-2017) 2.8
2-Wonderland Chronicles 2 (September 26-2017) 1.3
3-Time Travel (February 19-2019) n/a
developed by: Somer Games
produced by 8 Floor Games
produced by 8 Floor Games
I don't recommend this game.
Solve nonograms and help the robot Helper to meet his sweetheart!
Overall rating
4
/
5
44 of 50 found this review helpful
HELPER HAS A LADY HELPER TO LOVE
PostedFebruary 18, 2019
pennmom36
fromHer gears are so shiney :) ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Looks like even robots need someone special to love and Helper has found the perfect woman...robot to share Valentine's Day with, after a few minor adjustments and repairs that is!
There are 12 different types of Tiles offered but I always choose the Lego style because it's easy to tell where one tile left off and the other begins, not to mention that it looks really cool once completed. This game allows you to use the System Cursor or a Custom Cursor which if I'm not mistaken, wasn't available on the last Rainbow Mosaics. There are 10 Achievements to earn and the levels are available in the Freeplay section once played in the main game.
Rainbow Mosaics puzzles are always based upon logic and once you complete a puzzle, the completed image is shown and labeled so you'll never have to guess at what the end result is. You can also choose to play in an Expert Mode which only crosses off the numbers once the entire row and column have been correctly filled in, AND the power-ups are disabled.
As you correctly fill in squares, you will earn coins that can be used to purchase Valentine's Day decorations or purchase upgrades for the Power-ups which are hint forms that will increase in the size of coverage with each upgrade. The Eye opens a random right square, Lightning opens up a chosen square with no negative outcome, and the Grid power-up opens a chosen grid area without a negative outcome. The power-ups can be upgraded twice, each upgrade offers a larger area of coverage.
For those of you who have never played this type of game before, don't let it intimidate you. When I first started playing games I passed Mosaic puzzles up because they looked so complicated but they really aren't, and they are extremely addicting, once you start playing, it's hard to stop!
RAINBOW MOSAICS SERIES LIST
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Christmas Lights (December 23-2015) 4.3
2-Treasure Trip (May 9-2016) 4.2
3-Blooming Garden (September 14-2016) 4.6
4-Christmas Lights 2 (December 12-2016) 4.4
5-Love Legend (March 14-2017) 4.6
6-The Forest's Guardian (November 20-2017) 4.6
7-Treasure Trip 2 (February 5-2018) 3.6
8-Strange Things (June 25-2018) 4.4
9-Garden Helper (October 24-2018) 4.8
10-Christmas Helper (December 18-2018) 4.1
11-Helper's Valentine (February 18-2019) n/a
2-Treasure Trip (May 9-2016) 4.2
3-Blooming Garden (September 14-2016) 4.6
4-Christmas Lights 2 (December 12-2016) 4.4
5-Love Legend (March 14-2017) 4.6
6-The Forest's Guardian (November 20-2017) 4.6
7-Treasure Trip 2 (February 5-2018) 3.6
8-Strange Things (June 25-2018) 4.4
9-Garden Helper (October 24-2018) 4.8
10-Christmas Helper (December 18-2018) 4.1
11-Helper's Valentine (February 18-2019) n/a
by: Awigor Games
I recommend this game!
The shapeshifting detective, and hero of Netherfall, is once again called to the capital to help king Robert investigate a series of kidnappings!
Overall rating
3
/
5
66 of 81 found this review helpful
MY QUEEN'S QUEST IS A KING'S QUEST, THINK ANYONE WILL NOTICE?
PostedFebruary 17, 2019
pennmom36
fromShapeshifting of Royal proportions! ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
As a world-renowned Alchemist, the King has requested your services (shouldn't it be King's Quest V?) investigating the Missing Children case. One suspect has already been arrested, but it's highly unlikely he's responsible because he doesn't fit the profile. In fact, no one fits this particular profile because all the evidence collected points to something not human, at least not completely human!
I quickly became bored with this game because not only did the storyline seem to drag on and on, but it was very predictable, I suspected where the plot was heading as soon as I met with the King. Not only did the storyline drag, but the mini-games were the same mini-games for each chapter, you would play the same game every time you entered a portal, the same game to leave the portal and the same types of games during each chapter. There is a Gadget which is a staple feature in this series, a Potion Cube to make Transformation Potions, it too is repetitive and used an average of 2 times per chapter. The good news is that there is a good ratio of Mini-Games to Hidden Object Scenes and the hand-drawn graphics are beautifully illustrated. I did find the Collectibles to be an added bonus in the CE version and the BC is quite lengthy, so if you don't mind repetitive puzzles and recipe puzzles, I'd recommend the CE version over this SE version.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied with Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, and Multiples of the Same Object Finds. Most of the scenes are very interactive requiring moving other objects out of the way or finding and replacing missing parts. Each Hidden Object Scene has a Morphing Object that must be clicked when in the correct Form. There is an alternate Matching Pairs game available where you click on 2 Related Items such as a Broom and a Dustpan.
The Mini-Games are okay but rather easy and very repetitive because you have to complete the same puzzles for each chapter. The puzzle to access each of the portal locations is the same, the puzzle to return to the King is the same each time, and I've never been a fan of recipe puzzles because there's no skill involved and you have to repeat the Potion Cube Recipes 6 different times! Even the puzzles that aren't repeated, only slightly change from chapter to chapter but they are all puzzles that have been offered in other Brave Giant games. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the game
1-Follow the picture diagram to create potion recipes x6.
2-Turn over clouds to find matching symbols, not all symbols have pairs.
3-Rotate & place fragments into highlighted slots each time you enter the portal.
4-Choose the single token that doesn't have any symbols on the beasts tokens.
5-Find and replace misplaced items to progress the story.
6-Slide tokens along the tracks to their correct matching slots.
7-Swap figurines according to the clue shown.
8-Move figure the specified number of squares in the correct direction.
9-Find 3 DNA markers that are located on each slide.
10-Find 6 pairs of related objects.
11-Rotate rings on a disk to recreate the image shown, moving one ring affects others.
12-Arrange the images in chronological order.
13-Turn all flowers purple, selecting one affects others.
14-Find 3 symbols in each scene to progress the story.
15-Drag pawprints through the labyrinth.
2-Turn over clouds to find matching symbols, not all symbols have pairs.
3-Rotate & place fragments into highlighted slots each time you enter the portal.
4-Choose the single token that doesn't have any symbols on the beasts tokens.
5-Find and replace misplaced items to progress the story.
6-Slide tokens along the tracks to their correct matching slots.
7-Swap figurines according to the clue shown.
8-Move figure the specified number of squares in the correct direction.
9-Find 3 DNA markers that are located on each slide.
10-Find 6 pairs of related objects.
11-Rotate rings on a disk to recreate the image shown, moving one ring affects others.
12-Arrange the images in chronological order.
13-Turn all flowers purple, selecting one affects others.
14-Find 3 symbols in each scene to progress the story.
15-Drag pawprints through the labyrinth.
The Collector's Edition version has 6 Wallpapers, 6 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, replayable Movie Video Cutscenes, re-playable Mini-Games, and Hidden Object Scenes, 16 Hidden Magic Wands (with origins) 16 Hidden Puzzle Pieces, 8 Hidden Ghosts (crystal ball to show when a collectible is available purple if available, grey when all collectibles have been found) 21 Achievements to Earn, 4 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter (very long chapters and extremely long BC) and a Built-in Strategy Guide.
QUEEN'S QUEST SERIES LIST
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Standard Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Tower Of Darkness SE only (October 7-2014) 4.1
2-Stories Of Forgotten Past (October 19-2016) 4.5
3-End Of Dawn (April 23-2017) 3.5
4-Sacred Truce (July 17-2018) 4.7
5-Symphony of Death (upcoming) n/a
2-Stories Of Forgotten Past (October 19-2016) 4.5
3-End Of Dawn (April 23-2017) 3.5
4-Sacred Truce (July 17-2018) 4.7
5-Symphony of Death (upcoming) n/a
by: Brave Giant Games
Can you save the city from the dangerous criminal Quasimodo?
Overall rating
3
/
5
43 of 62 found this review helpful
I THINK I FOUND A MATE FOR BERTHA THE TALKING FERRET!
PostedFebruary 16, 2019
pennmom36
fromSlap some green goo on a bandage and place it over his shirt, I'm sure it'll soak through eventually?? ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
They had me until Bertha the talking ferret from a different series made his appearance. Every time I got myself into a little predicament he would show up to hand me a much-needed inventory item before scurrying away. I'm more curious as to where he was keeping these items than the fact that he could talk!
Nothing like a few dead animal carcasses and a live ferret chained up to get you in the mood for the first HO scene right? I wasn't really impressed with the Hidden Object Scenes which were far too simplistic. Finding Items to give to the right person=can't make a mistake it won't let you, taking items off a shelf and placing them into the scene=how could you not know where they go because it's so obvious, and the usual Silhouetted Shape finds, Keywords in Sentence etc. They do give you the option to play a Match 3 game but it's not a very fun Match 3 game.
The Mini-Games are decent and as usual, can be completed in an Easy or Hard Difficulty Mode. Some of the puzzles are quite lengthy and complex which is how I prefer them. Below are brief descriptions of some of my favorites in this game:
1-Outline squares on a grid w/ the correct number of connections.
2-Connect pairs of symbols w/o intersecting lines.
3-Use directional arrows to move bells to matching colored slots.
4-Push tokens to their matching slots using arrows on columns and rows.
5-Select center buttons to rotate tiles and arrow buttons to move tiles between circles.
2-Connect pairs of symbols w/o intersecting lines.
3-Use directional arrows to move bells to matching colored slots.
4-Push tokens to their matching slots using arrows on columns and rows.
5-Select center buttons to rotate tiles and arrow buttons to move tiles between circles.
This Collector's Edition version has 10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 32 Movie Video Cutscenes, 18 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 re-playable Mini-Games, 33 Achievements to earn, 15 Esmeralda's Diary Pages, 15 Tarot Cards, 15 Boudoir Room Dresses to purchase with 70 Collectible Golden Bracelets, Missing Journal Notes to find, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide.
DARK ROMANCE SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Vampire in Love (February 8-2014) 3.9
2-Heart of the Beast (April 23-2015) 3.8
3-The Swan Sonata (October 17-2015) 3.4
4-Kingdom of Death (April 21-2016) 3.9
5-Curse of Bluebeard (October 13-2016) 4.7
6-Romeo and Juliet (February 25-2017) 2.7
7-The Monster Within (September 7-2017) 3.9
8-Winter Lily (January 18-2018) 4.0
9-A Performance to Die For (July 26-2018) 3.8
10-Hunchback Of Notre Dame (February 14-2019) n/a
2-Heart of the Beast (April 23-2015) 3.8
3-The Swan Sonata (October 17-2015) 3.4
4-Kingdom of Death (April 21-2016) 3.9
5-Curse of Bluebeard (October 13-2016) 4.7
6-Romeo and Juliet (February 25-2017) 2.7
7-The Monster Within (September 7-2017) 3.9
8-Winter Lily (January 18-2018) 4.0
9-A Performance to Die For (July 26-2018) 3.8
10-Hunchback Of Notre Dame (February 14-2019) n/a
by: Domini Games
Dark secrets loom in the hidden corners of the human mind, will you dare to find them?
Overall rating
5
/
5
170 of 184 found this review helpful
THIS IS BETTER THAN MOST CE'S!
PostedFebruary 15, 2019
pennmom36
fromNeed Caffeine...must stay awake zzzzz ⛄
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Shtriga: Summer Camp
(35)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Although this plot scenario is similar to another series, it's a fabulous game that has a good storyline that holds your attention, exceptional graphics and really good Hidden Object Scenes. You play the role of a psychiatrist who has the paranormal ability to enter a patient's subconscious mind to help them overcome their inner demons. The problem is, you have become part of Sandra's nightmare and her demons are now your demons and at all costs, you must stay AWAKE!
There are no bells or whistles but none are needed because this game will cleverly draw you into the story and unnecessary distractions simply aren't needed. The Hidden Object Scenes are clear but the objects aren't always easy to find. There are some weird items listed and I will admit, I had no clue what a demijohn was so I guess I learned something today lol. There are Interactive Listed Items and Silhouetted Shape Finds within the demo and I'm looking forward to completing this game because I'm rarely challenged by HOP's nowadays, so well done House of Fables!
The Mini-Games aren't as challenging but the synopsis claims that the puzzles are suitable for all levels of players so I'm assuming they will progress in difficulty as the game progresses. So far they are just Untangling Ropes, clicking to change puzzle fragments, Dragging a nut through a maze kind of puzzles, not bad, just not very challenging so far.
I love HOF and AM, their games never disappoint me. As my title say's, this game is better than most of the big name CE releases offered lately and was a definite purchase for this fan!
I recommend this game!