This contributor's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4730
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:August 3, 2025
- Featured reviews1
Status:
Can you find your husband and escape an otherworldly foe?
Overall rating
5
/
5
182 of 222 found this review helpful
THE ROADS OF THE DEAD ARE OPEN TO THOSE WHO SEEK THEM
PostedMay 12, 2018
Anonymous
fromBECAUSE YOU ARE LISTENING MHG, I AM PLAYING! (and buying of course)
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
After years of searching, Carlos has finally found what he was looking for, and it was right here in Hackamore Bluff this whole time! Now Carlos is missing, so you hop on the first bus to Hackamore Bluff, but you are definitely not welcome here! The townsfolk of Hackamore certainly have skeleton's in their closets, but it's time to call their Bluff All roads seem to lead to the good town doctor, Emily Lynch... but these roads also lead to the dead!
Unfortunately, we have a Talisman Gadget, however, it really isn't used that often (2-3 times in the demo) There is a mini-game associated with it where you memorize and then repeat the sequence of skulls lighting up on a grid after they fade, which adds more cells each time. I love that MHG is finally adding Morphing Objects to each scene, and I really love that they changed the CE Spirals to hidden Skulls! The skulls still have Spirals on their foreheads, but they are very well blended into the scenery...THANK YOU, MHG for listening to your fans!!!
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Listed Item finds, but the scenes are clear and most objects are fairly well hidden. There are some multi-layered HOP's, Silhouetted Shape finds, Multiple Item finds and finding and Replacing items in a story. In this Collector's Edition version, each HOP has a Morphing Object to find, and I will admit that some were a little tricky to spot!
The Mini-Games are in abundance Puzzle-Lovers! (don't worry, there's also plenty of HOP's) Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during and after the demo:
1) Click rapidly to fill the meter.
2) Light buttons shown on the clue, 1 affects others.
3) Move tokens to the slots with matching symbols.
4) Talisman: memorize and repeat sequence after they fade.
5) Select when the balls land in the crosshairs.
6) Select the books according to the clue.
7) Swap books according to the clue.
8) Arrange books to create a complete image on their spines.
9) Slide layers of tiles to create the image.
10) Connect the pairs of yellow symbols.
11) Select squares to enter the correct symbols shown.
12) Swap tiles to assemble the picture.
13) Find and replace items in each scene.
14) Click tiles until a path is completed from end to end.
15) Arrange similar urns on shelves to match clues shown.
16) Slide tiles to form the image.
17) Slide tokens to red dots using bumper tiles as a guide.
18) Connect breakers with the correct number of connections.
2) Light buttons shown on the clue, 1 affects others.
3) Move tokens to the slots with matching symbols.
4) Talisman: memorize and repeat sequence after they fade.
5) Select when the balls land in the crosshairs.
6) Select the books according to the clue.
7) Swap books according to the clue.
8) Arrange books to create a complete image on their spines.
9) Slide layers of tiles to create the image.
10) Connect the pairs of yellow symbols.
11) Select squares to enter the correct symbols shown.
12) Swap tiles to assemble the picture.
13) Find and replace items in each scene.
14) Click tiles until a path is completed from end to end.
15) Arrange similar urns on shelves to match clues shown.
16) Slide tiles to form the image.
17) Slide tokens to red dots using bumper tiles as a guide.
18) Connect breakers with the correct number of connections.
This Collector's Edition version has 4 Wallpapers, 3 Concept Art pictures (before/after slider) 10 Music Soundtracks, 10 Achievements to earn (most with Gold, Silver, Bronze categories) 14 Character Gallery pictures, 21 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes (allows you to search for Morps you may have missed as well) 21 HOP Morphing Objects, 29 Scene Morphing Objects, (YEAH! MHG thanks for adding this feature!) 29 Hidden Skulls with Spirals (YEAH! MHG thanks for the change & the Challenge!) 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy your walk amongst the dead!
RITE OF PASSAGE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-The Perfect Show (June 7-12) 4.5
2-Child of the Forest (May 16-13) 4.7
3-Hide and Seek (June 12-14) 4.6
4-The Lost Tides (May 2-15) 3.7
5-Heart of the Storm (January 16-16) 4.0
6-Deck of Fates (October 27-16) 4.0
7-The Sword and the Fury (September 16-17) 3.8
8-Hackamore Bluff (May 12-2018) n/a
2-Child of the Forest (May 16-13) 4.7
3-Hide and Seek (June 12-14) 4.6
4-The Lost Tides (May 2-15) 3.7
5-Heart of the Storm (January 16-16) 4.0
6-Deck of Fates (October 27-16) 4.0
7-The Sword and the Fury (September 16-17) 3.8
8-Hackamore Bluff (May 12-2018) n/a
by: Mad Head Games
I recommend this game!
Delve into the Morante family’s past to stop a murderer!
Overall rating
2
/
5
38 of 52 found this review helpful
THE DEAD HAVE RISEN TO PUNISH THE LIVING
PostedMay 11, 2018
Anonymous
fromI'm a detective for Scotland Yard and I'm going to roofie the family members with truth serum?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Dark Alleys: Penumbra Motel Collector`s Edition
(134)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Another dream shattered another similar plot that doesn't thicken and is totally predictable. It's hard to tell whether you're playing Grim Facade or DT (censored) game because they look identical, the structures are the same, the characters are the same, the music is the same, the features are the same, the tasks are the same. There are 6 chapters available so that's a lot of time to spend doing the same thing! Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either, is right for you:
Rumor has it that the Morante family sold their souls for their wealth and power, and have been paying the price ever since! Don Raimondo Morante died last night, and his wife, Dora is convinced that his first wife is responsible, but Selena has been dead for over five years! Is this the work of an ancient curse collecting their dues for breaking an agreement, or do the Morante women have a curse up their sleeves?
The graphics are some of the best I've seen in a Grim Facade game, (still the same, but better than previous versions) which seems to have opted for more CG graphics over the muted yellowish hand-drawn graphics of prior games. This is a very puzzle heavy game, which is my personal preference, but sure to disappoint many die-hard HOP fans. There's just something about this game that doesn't float my Queen Victoria yacht, perhaps the meaningless tasks, the repetitiveness, or the slow-moving plot? There are also Conversation Choices, but this feature rarely excites me nowadays, however, if it made a difference in the outcome of the story, that would be a whole different ballgame!
The Collector's Edition version offers 27 Morphing G to F Letters and Collectible Coin Yacht Tokens that allow you to purchase upgrades or repairs to your new-found yacht, Queen Victoria. These coins, however, are different than the regular gold coins you collect throughout the game that are used to purchase items from the boatman, and really these coins aren't collected, they're looted! All Grim Facade games have this feature, and none of the coins are earned honestly, the detective simply pockets any loose change he finds in peoples houses, but since they're rich and cursed as well, I suppose it's all good.
The Hidden Object Scenes are rather scarce, mostly Multiples or Fragment finds, but I did rather enjoy finding words with No, Not or any word ending with n't on several documents, such as don't, won't, wasn't etc. I must also admit that I loved the creativity of the HOP where you had to switch between 3 gravestones to find missing plates and miscellaneous items as well as solve small puzzles. There is no alternative type puzzle offered, and some of the scenes are repeated.
The Mini Games are in abundance, several of which are 2-3 part games, and some are available in a Casual or Hard mode Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
!) Guess the sequence of code given.
2) Place bell fragments into highlighted spaces.
3) Arrange symbols on beam according to clue.
4) Ring bells correctly by selecting bells with partial symbols.
5) Lead boat through the maze avoiding obstacles.
6) Create a path for all 3 waterways by adjusting grooves.
7) Select matching pairs of water lilies that are shown.
8) Use small tokens to toggle gates to clear a path.
9) Drag puzzle strips to complete image.
10) Swap puzzle sections to complete image.
11) Rotate puzzle pieces to complete image.
12) Connect thread to connectors maintaining center intersect
13) Select claws to open, 1 affects others.
14) Remove the bars by choosing non-connected bars.
2) Place bell fragments into highlighted spaces.
3) Arrange symbols on beam according to clue.
4) Ring bells correctly by selecting bells with partial symbols.
5) Lead boat through the maze avoiding obstacles.
6) Create a path for all 3 waterways by adjusting grooves.
7) Select matching pairs of water lilies that are shown.
8) Use small tokens to toggle gates to clear a path.
9) Drag puzzle strips to complete image.
10) Swap puzzle sections to complete image.
11) Rotate puzzle pieces to complete image.
12) Connect thread to connectors maintaining center intersect
13) Select claws to open, 1 affects others.
14) Remove the bars by choosing non-connected bars.
The Collector's Edition version has 12 Wallpapers, 14 Concept Art pictures, 5 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks (I'm still curious to know if anyone downloads these music soundtracks?) 20 Movie Video Cutscenes, 14 re-playable Mini-Games, 14 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Achievements to earn, 27 Morphing G to F Letters (would have been cooler if they were morphing letters that spelled Grim Facade: Broken Sacrament!) 27 Collectible Coin Yacht Tokens that allow you to purchase repairs for your Yacht, Queen Victoria (which supposedly was a yacht you found drifting at sea?) 6 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide.
GRIM FACADE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Mystery of Venice (June 24-2011) 4.2
2-Sinister Obsession (July 5-2012) 4.1
3-Cost of Jealousy (February 28-2013) 4.0
4-A Wealth of Betrayal (April 24-2014) 3.2
5-The Artist and the Pretender (September 18-2014) 3.6
6-Hidden Sins (June 18-2015) 4.2
7-Monster in Disguise (May 19-2016) 4.0
8-The Red Cat (October 22-2016) 3.8
9-A Deadly Dowry (September 23-2017) 3.2
10-The Message (December 28-2017) 3.4
11-Broken Sacrament (April 12-2018) 3.9
2-Sinister Obsession (July 5-2012) 4.1
3-Cost of Jealousy (February 28-2013) 4.0
4-A Wealth of Betrayal (April 24-2014) 3.2
5-The Artist and the Pretender (September 18-2014) 3.6
6-Hidden Sins (June 18-2015) 4.2
7-Monster in Disguise (May 19-2016) 4.0
8-The Red Cat (October 22-2016) 3.8
9-A Deadly Dowry (September 23-2017) 3.2
10-The Message (December 28-2017) 3.4
11-Broken Sacrament (April 12-2018) 3.9
by: Amax Interactive
I don't recommend this game.
Find a way to save your brother and the kingdom from the dwellers of the Tangled Forest!
Overall rating
4
/
5
28 of 32 found this review helpful
I FORGOT WHAT'S IN THE WELL
PostedMay 10, 2018
Anonymous
fromSPOILER ALERT: (___________!) now ya know but let's just keep this between you and I
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
King Raphael has been gone for three years battling Sylvanheir and the Elven warriors he possessed. The dwellers of the Tangled forest are nearly impossible to defeat, and the letters your brother, the King of Pheonix, has been sending home, have indicated a drastic change in his demeanor. Recurring dreams of impending doom may very well be harbingers of something wicked this way comes, and your premonitions are rarely wrong! The Tangled Ones have breached the Kingdoms parameters and the King and his army have not yet arrived. Can a mere Alchemist defend the kingdom until reinforcements arrive, or will the reinforcements be just another force to reckon with?
I've never been a fan of the "Recipe" type gadget that is offered in Lost Grimoires series, mostly because of the repetitiveness of Mini-Games that go along with it. In this case, it's a Chain type M3 with limited moves, which is my least favorite type of Match 3 game. If you enjoy the Recipe and Match 3 games, this will be right up your alley, because this game is much better than the last one offered. This could have been a 5-star game if the "Tangled Ones" weren't walking trees, and the Mini-Games were a tad bit more complex. The lip sync movements don't match what the characters are saying and I'd much rather have no lip sync than poorly synced voices. Speaking of voices, we have yet another child character whose voice is clearly that of an adult trying to sound like a child, another feature I could do without. (aren't there any child voice actors?) Overall, I do like this game, especially given the fact that it's an SE
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Interactive List finds, but there is also Narrative Keyword finds, Multiples, Pictured item finds and simple Listed items with no interactions. Most items can be found without looking at the list, and the scenes tend to be blurry in an attempt to hide the objects. The only one I found to be creative was the Keyword Narrative HOP, which I really enjoyed and wish they had chosen that style throughout the game over the Interactive list finds.
The Mini Games aren't very complex and most are just repetitions of the Match 3 games required to make Alchemy recipes. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Connect 3 or more required elements within limited moves.
2) Move guard tiles to push the enemy tiles to the top red slots
3) Repeat Match 3 game to make another recipe.
4) Shot at objects to capture the Tangled ones.
5) Select lock pins in the correct order to open the lock
6) Select and drag curved axis rods to remove.
7) Use directional arrows to guide your horse from obstacles.
8) Shoot the harpoon when target turns green.
9) Another Match 3 recipe repeat.
10) Slide tiles to the correct slots to create a landscape picture
2) Move guard tiles to push the enemy tiles to the top red slots
3) Repeat Match 3 game to make another recipe.
4) Shot at objects to capture the Tangled ones.
5) Select lock pins in the correct order to open the lock
6) Select and drag curved axis rods to remove.
7) Use directional arrows to guide your horse from obstacles.
8) Shoot the harpoon when target turns green.
9) Another Match 3 recipe repeat.
10) Slide tiles to the correct slots to create a landscape picture
LOST GRIMOIRES GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Version***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Version***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Stolen Kingdom SE (March 6-2017) 4.4
2-Shard of Mystery CE (February 20-2018) 3.5
Shard of Mystery SE (March 14-2018) 3.0
3-The Forgotten Well SE (May 9-2019)
2-Shard of Mystery CE (February 20-2018) 3.5
Shard of Mystery SE (March 14-2018) 3.0
3-The Forgotten Well SE (May 9-2019)
by: World Loom/Artefix Mundi
I recommend this game!
Dream Vacation Solitaire
Play your way around the world, visit five different vacation destinations and more than 30 variations of this classic game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
DREAM VACATION SOLITAIRE
PostedMay 10, 2018
Anonymous
fromWhy aren't these kind of solitaire games offered nowadays?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Ancient Tripeaks II
(4)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I have discovered a few really good solitaire game by casually swimming around the pond! I'm so tired of the same Higher/Lower solitaire games in the Golf type, where you win just by removing the gold cards even though several cards remain on the board! This game has a really good variety of the most popular types of solitaire, with Achievements to earn, beautiful "dream vacation" pictures and pleasant music.
You can choose from 3 different card backgrounds and fonts (there may be more unlocked as you progress) and you can choose to play with or without Bonuses. Each type of solitaire has an instruction pull-up tab, or you can opt for a quick play by play pictorial. There is a Hint button and an Undo button in case you make a move you didn't mean to make or have a better strategy lined up.
In Vacation Mode, you play several hands of a randomly chosen variety of Solitaire, each one different than the last, and you will play the hands in different areas such as Barbados. You will earn Gold, Silver or Bronze Stars for each completed hand, and you can choose to play with or without Bonuses or switch between hands if you'd like. There is a Move Indicator, a Hint feature, and an Undo Feature on the top of the screen for each hand.
The Bonuses fill up as you earn points for placing cards. moving a column, or placing/completing an ascending or descending column. The bonuses can Reveal a Closed Card, Swap a card with one in the Stockpile, Take away a Stockpile card, Take away 2 nearby cards in the Stockpile, or Take away a column of cards in the Stockpile.
There are 25 available Solitaire types, and 5 Mystery Bonus types to unlock as you progress. Here's a list of the Solitaire games available in Dream Vacation Solitaire:
KLONDIKE 1, KLONDIKE 3, BLIND ALLEY, STEPS, AUSTRALIAN, BACKBONE, EIGHT OFF, OLD CLOCK, CRUEL, PYRAMID, PLAIT, SEA TOWERS, SPIDER EASY, FREECELL, PENGUIN, GRANDFATHER, GOLF, SPIKE, SPIDER TARANTULA, SPIDER BLACK, SCORPION, YIN-YANG, BIG FORTY, YUKON, EAST HAVEN (as well as 5 Mystery types to unlock)
I recommend this game!
Can you and your trusted companion escape with your lives?
Overall rating
5
/
5
200 of 227 found this review helpful
LOOKS LIKE I'M THE ODD MAN OUT HERE BUT I LOVED THIS GAME!
PostedMay 10, 2018
Anonymous
fromDoes the female characters voice sound familiar? It's Lani Minella who has done over 365 voices in a 3 1/2 octave range for Video Games, TV, Radio & Film!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
League of Light: Wicked Harvest Collector's Edition
(99)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Would you like to play a game? Too bad detective, this is a game you have no choice to play if you want to get out alive! One minute you're preparing for a case, the next, you're trying to find a way to escape a labyrinth of locked doors, secret passages, hidden doorways, and clues. Someones watching you, but they have no intentions of helping you solve this riddle because it's their sick, twisted little game! This is their game of death, and they merely want to watch you lose everything for their own amusement, good luck, it's your move!
Yes, we have a helper, no you can't opt to leave him behind, and yes he is that creepy little scarecrow with glowing eyes and a huge straw hat and overalls. He's no "Elf" but he isn't used that much so I'm okay with it. (Tom was an option in the last game) I seem to be the only one who liked this game so far, but in my opinion, the story is intriguing and I want to continue playing to learn where the story is heading, so the devs have done their job well. I enjoyed the creative riddle clues, not only within the HOP's and Mini-Games but to an extent, some of the task clues were shown as subtle riddles too. I have always loved searching for the Hidden Owls in League Of Light CE games, and although this game still includes the owls, there is only one per scene and the other games offered two owls per scene, so what's up with that? (another case of Less Is NOT More!)
The Hidden Object Scenes were decent. As you probably know, I'm not a fan of HOP's lately because the items are no longer hidden they just lay out in the open in a huge pile of junk, but these weren't bad. The one I found the most entertaining was finding objects on a bas-relief that matched the description of some very creative riddles! There are no alternate games available, which personally I'd love the option of playing an extra bonus mini-game or jigsaw puzzle instead of a HOP. I'd also like to see the option of playing a HOP instead of the mini-games, that way fans of both genres would be happy.
The Mini-Games are good, and some of them are also "Riddle" based which I thought was super cool! Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Press down all triangles, pressing 1 may affect others.
2) Rotate boards to recreate the correct image.
3) Turn the triangle eyes correctly according to the riddle given.
4) Use directional arrows to avoid obstacles along the path.
2) Rotate boards to recreate the correct image.
3) Turn the triangle eyes correctly according to the riddle given.
4) Use directional arrows to avoid obstacles along the path.
This Collector's Edition version has 22 Wallpapers, 30 Concept Art pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, 9 Achievements with 3 categories each (including the LOL famous achievement of answering questions about the game), 6 Collectible Character Figurines, a Fresco Puzzle to assemble, 24 Hidden Owls, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy the game, it's to die for!
LEAGUE OF LIGHT GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Dark Omens (July 20-2013) 4.5
2-Wicked Harvest (October 9-2014) 4.6
3-Silent Mountain (September 10-2015) 4.4
4-The Gatherer (July 14-2016) 3.9
5-Edge Of Justice (June 8-2017) 3.8
6-The Game (May 10-2018) n/a
2-Wicked Harvest (October 9-2014) 4.6
3-Silent Mountain (September 10-2015) 4.4
4-The Gatherer (July 14-2016) 3.9
5-Edge Of Justice (June 8-2017) 3.8
6-The Game (May 10-2018) n/a
by: Mariaglorum Games
I recommend this game!
Test your vet skills in our newest time management game, Dr. Cares: Amy’s Pet Clinic!
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 33 found this review helpful
I'M NOT CRAZY ABOUT THE MINI-GAMES BUT IT'S A CUTE TIME MANAGEMENT GAME
PostedMay 9, 2018
Anonymous
fromShould everyone be leaving their pets unattended on the tables?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Delicious: Emily's Hopes and Fears Collector's Edition
(49)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a cute Time Management game but it's very similar to the first Dr. Cares game, or any other TM game by this dev. I don't see why they keep adding so many simplistic Mini-Games, which don't involve any real skill and take away from the TM memento in my opinion.
The goal of the game is to serve customers as quickly as possible. Some customers just want to buy a product, others require Veterinary services, as shown in the form of a picture inside a thought bubble, above each customer that enters the shop. Some of those items just require a single click, such as dog food, or treats, other items may require multiple tasks such as clicking on a certain amount of dog bones. Many of the tasks require a small and very simple mini-game, such as attaching color-coded cables, clicking a button rapidly until the pointer reaches the green zone, or holding the mouse until the entire circle fills up, which I don't think have any skills involved.
The faster you are, the better, because customers quickly become less patient. You can use Newton the bird to entertain the pets and people as well, once you have purchased his stand in the upgrades shop. Multi-tasking will earn you extra money, and clicking on good 'ole Carl the Mouse on each level will earn you 100 extra points.
You can purchase upgrades with the cash you earn, in the shop. Items such as new Counters and Vet Tables will make things go faster and keep customers patient, other items can help you earn a higher score increase the customers mood, make clean-up easier or restock supplies faster. You can earn up to 3 stars per level, and any level can be replayed to try for a better score. Diamond levels are optional challenge levels available, that can also be earned by converting coins.
Normally, I would suggest waiting for the Standard Edition to be released, but lately, the TM games haven't been offered in any other version, not even the first game in this series released a Standard Edition version. It is a cute game with 19 Trophies to earn and Challenge levels available, and of course, Emily and Paige make an appearance or two :)
DR. CARES GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Dr. Cares: Pet Rescue 911 (July 11-2017) 3.5
2-Dr. Cares: Amy's Pet Clinic (May 8-2018) n/a
2-Dr. Cares: Amy's Pet Clinic (May 8-2018) n/a
I recommend this game!
Pack your bags and get ready to travel the world while you play through over 100 levels of colorful mosaic puzzle fun.
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 25 found this review helpful
IS LESS MORE?
PostedMay 9, 2018
Anonymous
fromIt's a bird, it's a plane, it's...I don't really know what it is, it doesn't say!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
It hasn't been long since World's Greatest Places Mosaics released the last Griddler puzzle in this series. In the last game there were 3 different types offered and in this fourth game, there are only two different styles offered. That is one of the reason's I fell in love with this series, because they have several Mosaic types offered in each game, and they are creative types at that, so Less is Not More! Did they finally run out of new ideas?
My favorite type is the Shapes Mosaics because, for me, it adds just a little bit more of a challenge and fun, so at least that was one of the versions that remained. Who knows, maybe the other types weren't well received by fans of this genre? It is a tad bit difficult to see the numbers on some of the puzzles because of the background, but I didn't have a whole lot of issues in that department. I also thought the boards could be a little bigger because they jump between sizes from puzzle to puzzle, and some are quite small, and I also wish (like one reviewer mentioned) the pictures were labled so you had comformation of what the picture actually was!
Once again, you can choose the difficulty of the puzzles from several options. Casual mode has no timer, numbers are crossed off one by one and the hint timer recharges quickly. Normal mode has a timer with plenty of time, numbers are still crossed off one by one, and the hint recharges slowly. Expert mode gives you limited time to complete each level, numbers are crossed off only when an entire row has been completed, and the hint recharges very slowly. However, there's also a Custom mode setting that allows you to choose whether or not you want a timer, how long the hint takes to recharge from 30-120 seconds, how many mistakes you are allowed from 1-5, whether you want the numbers crossed off one by one or when an entire row is completed, and whether you want a time bonus.
In this version of World's Greatest Places Mosaics 4, there are only 2 variants offered, Traditional Multi-colored Mosaics, and Shapes, where you are challenged to not only switch between colors but between colors and shapes. The numbers located on each column and row will indicate the shape, for instance, there might be a number 5 that has a circle around the number, indicating that you must switch to the circle shape button, or it may have a square or a hexagon shape around the number.
World's Greatest Places Mosaics, always gives you some interesting facts and pictures about interesting places around the world. I really like how they are able to add new twists to an age-old standard, but only offering 2 variants of Griddlers seem like they are offering less, not more!
World's Greatest Places Mosaics, always gives you some interesting facts and pictures about interesting places around the world. I really like how they are able to add new twists to an age-old standard, but only offering 2 variants of Griddlers seem like they are offering less, not more!
WORLD'S GREATEST PLACES MOSAICS SERIES
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 1 (March 16-2016) 2.8
2-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 2 (September 6-2017) 4.8
3-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 3 (April 26-2018) 3.4
4-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 4 (May 9-2018) n/a
2-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 2 (September 6-2017) 4.8
3-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 3 (April 26-2018) 3.4
4-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 4 (May 9-2018) n/a
WORLD'S GREATEST CITIES MOSAICS SERIES
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 1 (March 7-2016) 3.5
2-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 2 (October 20-2017) 4.6
3-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 3 (December 11-2017) 3.2
4-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 4 (April 4, 2018) 4.6
2-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 2 (October 20-2017) 4.6
3-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 3 (December 11-2017) 3.2
4-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 4 (April 4, 2018) 4.6
WORLD'S GREATEST CITIES/PLACES MAHJONG SERIES
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-World's Greatest Cities Mahjong (January 12-2012) 4.3
1-World's Greatest Places Mahjong (January 17-2012) 4.2
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-World's Greatest Cities Mahjong (January 12-2012) 4.3
1-World's Greatest Places Mahjong (January 17-2012) 4.2
Solve 120 enchanted mosaics! Bring the prince and kingdom back to normal before the final enchanted rose petal falls!
Overall rating
2
/
5
18 of 22 found this review helpful
JUST MORE OF THE SAME
PostedMay 8, 2018
Anonymous
fromAt least the pictures have changed!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
This is yet another Mosaic Puzzle by 8 Floor Games, with the same features as all the other Mosaic puzzle games they offer. If you've played one, you've played them all, because they never change a single feature in any game the release, ever! I will say that I liked these pictures better than the ones offered in Fairytail Mosaics 1: Beauty and the Beast.
There are 6 different Mosaic Worlds and each 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 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! You will earn coins for each completed puzzle and can use the coins to buy extra time or instantly refill the hint feature, you can also unlock other levels and worlds, but it costs a ridiculous amount of coins ranging from 25,000 coins to a whopping 195,000 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. 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.
As I said earlier, these pictures are more appealing than the last one, but if you've bought any of the mosaic puzzles offered by this dev, there's probably no need to buy another. Each time you re-play a puzzle, different pieces are shown at the beginning which is another reason not to need another mosaic puzzle, because each time you play it is different than the last. but Alice's Patchwork and Mosaics Galore are much prettier if you have to choose one over the other.
I don't recommend this game.
Play as both members of the Fletcher family to crack the case!
Overall rating
3
/
5
49 of 75 found this review helpful
TELL ME 'BOUT THE GOOD 'OLE DAYS***like that time you were arrested for murder!
PostedMay 7, 2018
Anonymous
fromWhy are the graphics and items getting so LARGE and drab?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Welcome to Pine Hills, New England Aaron and Mary Fletcher, a quaint little town where everybody knows each other by name. You're just in time for the annual neighborhood party at Mayor William Greenwald's house. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine, and don't forget to don your mustache, this will be the perfect time to meet and greet your new neighbors and tell them a little bit about yourselves. They get to know you fairly well all right! Enjoy your first night's stay at your new home in Pine Hills. Unfortunately, your accommodations will be less than ideal, because the Mayor's wife has just been murdered, and you're the prime suspect!
I had high expectations of this new series entry because of the title alone. It sounded like it would be similar to a tv series called Wayward Pines where the residents of this idyllic town pretended that life here was normal when in reality, they were surrounded by an electrically fortified fence. Anyone who tried to escape was executed in the town square. Because they were so intimidated, they were terrified of breaking the rules, so they acted as if everything was perfect, and wouldn't speak about all the "rules" they were forced to obey.
Unfortunately, Pine Hills is nowhere near that interesting, and I don't understand why this game is any different than a Dead Reckoning game by this same dev. If I had to guess, I think they simply couldn't "imagine" a completely new storyline plot, so they decided to create a new series that they know will sell, just because it's a new game series. You will switch between characters (mom & dad) but this is a feature that was perfected in the (censored) series a long time ago, so this wasn't a feature to get overly excited about.
The graphics are horrible! Once again, the graphics are faded with a whitewashed appearance, everything is huge and lacks detail. It's impossible to make a connection with a game when the graphics are cold and uninviting, they look like the graphics you'd expect from an older "video game console" you just picked up at a garage sale for a buck! As far as a CE worthiness, this game falls short there as well, offering a hidden Present in each scene and Morphs within the HOP's. The presents are impossible to overlook, they are brightly colored (especially in contrast to the dull yellowish colored scenery) and to make it more obvious, they have a huge red bow and ribbon around each present. (what do presents have to do with a murder or anything for that matter? Once again a huge disconnect) I'm sure many will love this who-dun-it mystery, but it just didn't float my boat.
The Hidden Object Scenes vary with just about every type, Interactive List finds, Keywords in Sentences, Multiple Item finds, Silhouetted Shape finds, Replacing items into the scene, and Progressive Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds where you find an item that matches the Silhouetted Shape, and then use that item within the scene Interactively to find the next item. In this CE version, each HOP has a Morphing Object. Some of the HOP's are well done, however, the graphics aren't that impressive and one of the HOP's with keywords didn't make a whole lot of sense as far as related items go.
The Mini-Games aren't bad for the most part, some of which are new or have newish twists. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter in the demo and a few after the demo:
1) Replicate a signal pattern using arrows to change sections.
2) Select when footprints are on a stable section.
3) Move plate to keep balance within the outer circle.
4) Rotate 3 disks to fill the center entirely.
5) Move thru a maze to pick up and use items to progress.
6) Rotate numbered tiles to correct combination slots.
7) Draw a continuous line by selecting gems to match the map
8) Swap plates on the bottom to match the information on top.
9) Guide ball to the top using knobs & arrows to direct airflow.
2) Select when footprints are on a stable section.
3) Move plate to keep balance within the outer circle.
4) Rotate 3 disks to fill the center entirely.
5) Move thru a maze to pick up and use items to progress.
6) Rotate numbered tiles to correct combination slots.
7) Draw a continuous line by selecting gems to match the map
8) Swap plates on the bottom to match the information on top.
9) Guide ball to the top using knobs & arrows to direct airflow.
This Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, (very uninteresting picture choices) 8 Concept Art pictures (simplistac pictures of characters/actors standing or sitting in midair) 5 Music Soundtracks (who cares?) 6 Movie Cutscenes) 15 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, a Secret Room, Mahjong Games (boring) 18 re-playable Min-Games, 33 not-so-hidden Presents, 24 Achievements to earn (most of which are automatically earned just for progressing in the game and doing things you have no choice to do to progress) 15 Morphing Objects (HOP's only!) 4 Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide.
I recommend this game!
Can you save the city from a tattoo artist’s magical ink?
Overall rating
3
/
5
46 of 54 found this review helpful
CHAPTER 2 BORING, CHAPTER 3 BORING, CHAPTER 4 BORING...
PostedMay 7, 2018
Anonymous
fromWhy are the graphics and items getting so LARGE and drab?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I was hoping this game would pick up the pace a bit, but man it's boring! It's the same thing over and over, you progress to a new chapter but you don't progress to any new tasks. You just do the same thing you did in the last scene, zoom into an area of interest, pick up an item that's wedged into a puzzle (wbtw is missing 2 pieces) then you scurry back to exactly one previous scene, place the previously wedged piece, solve a mini-game to open the door, find another wedged piece, go back one scene, place the pieces, pick up another wedged piece...lather, rinse, repeat. The only thing that changes is the shape of the puzzle piece.
The last 4 games I've played, have a Doberman or Rottweiler viciously guarding his turf and won't budge until you give him food or a bone, then, of course, he disappears completely. Doesn't anybody ever provide food for these poor little guys? Can't these devs come up with any other obstacle other than "throwing the dog a bone" or giving a bird something shiny in exchange for that famous puzzle piece inside her nest? Or giving berries to a bird to make them fly away, or a cookie to a raccoon so they'll go inside their den and bring you back a key that somehow you knew they had in the first place? In the end, this is another mediocre game with an awesome storyline that could have been an awesome game, but it's as if they ran out of ideas or didn't think this one through. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either, is right for you:
Rachel was looking forward to meeting Chris at the Red Cape Bar because just next door is her new apartment. Rachel decided to get a brand new tattoo to celebrate the occasion, but little did she know that the tattoo ink was breaking news, and her life would never be the same! Chris Andersen's life is about to be turned upside-down as well when he finds himself knee-deep in a tattoo conspiracy with deadly consequences! The deeper Chris delves into this case, the more he realizes that he already knows too much, the truth is out there, Rachel is out there, but the truth is never what it seems..........
I wish they would have included a few more tasks per scene (and didn't repeat the tasks over and over) because there isn't much to do, a puzzle or HOP here and there, and perhaps picking up or placing an item, is all you get to do. I just think there was a lot of missed opportunities. In the CE version, there are Little Red Riding Hood Signs to find in each scene, but most of them are not very well hidden, in fact, in the third chapter one of them was sitting in the middle of the floor! And of course, the CE also has the famous HOP Morphing Object to find, but that's about it for bling, other than the wallpapers, music, SG normalities.
The Hidden Object Scenes include variations of Listed Items, Multiples of the same Items, (such as 9 Stamps) Riddle Descriptions, Black & White picture finds, Pictures in Color finds, and Silhouetted Shape finds. There isn't a lot of interaction with the items, such as finding and using objects interactively, but I liked the creativity of some of the scenes, such as a TV, or Mail Box slots in an apartment complex. Each of the HOP's has a Morphing Object to find (CE version) and I will admit that some of them are quite tricky to spot!
The Mini Games are for the most part, unique and some are very creative, although I'd prefer them to be a bit more complex and a tad bit longer. I really enjoyed the Fuses puzzle and the Fire Escape puzzle, but just when you get engrossed in the puzzle it ends! Here's a list of brief descriptions that you'll come across in the demo:
1) Move the patterned discs to their matching slots.
2) Swap stones to complete the design.
3) Connect + to - fuses to create a current using slider bars.
4) Point arrows to symbols a specified number of times.
5) Select levers to adjust ladders and bridges to create a path
6) Swap color-coded discs to their matching slots.
2) Swap stones to complete the design.
3) Connect + to - fuses to create a current using slider bars.
4) Point arrows to symbols a specified number of times.
5) Select levers to adjust ladders and bridges to create a path
6) Swap color-coded discs to their matching slots.
The Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 9 Music Soundtracks, 17 re-playable Puzzles, 16 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 24 Collectible Souvenirs, 41 Hidden Little Red Riding Hood Signs, 16 Morphing Objects within the Hidden Object Puzzles, 5 Main Chapters + Bonus Chapter (Three Little Pigs) and a built-in Strategy Guide.
I don't recommend this game.