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:
Nightfall Mysteries: Haunted by the Past
Track down the truth about your grandfather's death!
Overall rating
4
/
5
87 of 95 found this review helpful
A Tragedy in Haven Rock
PostedMarch 24, 2015
pennmom36
fromI gotta go hide a cassette now.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Christine has just learned that her Grandpa, Charles Crenshaw, has passed. Not from a letter, not from an attorney, not even from a distant family. Nope, she read about her Grandpa's passing in the newspaper! If that isn't odd in itself, grandpa was writing a letter to Christine, telling her that he was being followed and he was fearful for his own safety. He signed this letter of desperation simply, Charles, not Grandad or even Grandpa Charles. There are 15 audio tapes hidden around the town, which also seems strange to me. Some of the tapes are recorded by granddad Charles, some recorded by granddad's caregiver, Lily. Who does that, who sit's down, pops in a blank cassette, records a 30 second rundown of another person's behavior, and then hides the cassette in the church, or in another random building for safe keeping?
The hidden Object Scenes are a hodgepodge of variations, interactive silhouetted shapes, requiring you to find items that match the silhouetted shape shown, standard list finds, and finding several items of one kind such as 12 napkins. The most unusual HOP, required you to find items to feed a very hungry hamster, one at a time as indicated by the hamsters "thought bubble". Some of the Hidden Object Scenes are repeated, however, the second time around is usually a different style of HOP. The Mini Games are good, nothing new, but nothing mind boggling either, such as lighting all purple candles and distinguishing all yellow candles (clicking on one candle would affect the results of other candles) Another game required you to swap tiles to create pathways that allow a blue, green and purple gem to travel from the top to the bottom.
The Collectors Edition has 15 Audio Cassette Tapes (also available in this SE) to locate, 46 hidden Masks, an Art Gallery, Wallpaper, Music, Achievements, re-playable Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Greed: Forbidden Experiments
When Julia reaches an abandoned laboratory to rescue her sister, she discovers there is more to this mystery than a mere abduction.
Overall rating
5
/
5
133 of 143 found this review helpful
I Kinda Dig It
PostedMarch 23, 2015
pennmom36
fromHave you ever noticed that all HOS have at least one feather, handcuffs, glasses and a hammer to find, can we choose something different, no acorns, pinecones, snails, apples, and weights either
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game definitely grows on you, and it's the perfect game to start out the week with because it's an easy breezy game that doesn't require a lot of effort to enjoy. The story intrigues me, a young woman receives a frantic phone call from a stranger stating that her missing sister Sophia is alive, but is the victim of cruel experimentations by The Oracle's of Doom! This could very well be a trap, but Julia has been left no choice, she must try to save her sister at any cost. When she arrives at the lab, something even more bizarre occurs, what she thought was just a recurring nightmare, turns out to be real life visions. Has she been here before, are these her memories or is her sister communicating with her somehow? Who are these evil men dressed in black apocalyptic style clothing and what are these experiments for?
Even though this is only a Standard Edition, there are 10 Oracle's Emblems to collect and 9 missing Diary Pages to find, which also gives some insight to Sophie's state of mind during her captivity by the Oracles, and shed's light upon the storyline. I really liked the first Greed (mad scientist) but this is a completely different storyline, and from what I could tell has no bearing on this game. Inventory items are easy to find, and are usually used within the same scene or shortly thereafter, and most tasks are logical so you will probably know exactly where to use an inventory item.
The Hidden Object Scenes are clear, and the objects themselves are easily identifiable, but not every item is easily found. There are good old fashioned list finds with several items requiring some type of interaction, usually just clicking on an object to move it which exposes the object you are looking for. There are also Hidden Object Scenes requiring you to find objects that match a silhouetted shape shown, and dark scenes where you must find listed objects with a flashlight, one of the scenes was repeated, but had a different type of search the second time around. The Mini Games are fairly easy, most of them are the type that when you select one, others are affected such as rotating square tiles to complete an image, when you click on one tile, others move as well, or selecting the correct combination on a lock, when you rotate one dial, others move as well.
There aren't a lot of bells and whistles, but this is a decent game with pretty good graphics, well done voiceovers, entertaining Hidden Object Scenes and clever Mini Games. There are Collectible Oracle Emblems and missing Diary Pages to go along with an interesting story, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Empress of the Deep: The Darkest Secret
Explore beautiful underwater temples! Search for artifacts to uncover the dark secrets of the Evil Empress and her hideous plans.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Empress of the Deep: The Darkest Secret
PostedMarch 22, 2015
pennmom36
fromAnna, Anna, wake up, you've been asleep way too long!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Empress of the Deep was the first Hidden Object Adventure games that I played, and it drew me in hook, line, and sinker. I bought this game when it was first released, and it seemed so awesome in it's heyday. After re-visiting this game, everything about it seems different after all those years. I remember it being difficult and complex, in fact it's a very easy and basic game. I remember the graphics as being very detailed when in reality the graphics are just okay, and in fact are blurry in the HOS's. Don't get me wrong, it is a great game with a really unique story, it's just a different style of game then most.
Anna has been released from a sarcophagus that held her prisoner for a century. She doesn't remember anything, who she is, where she is, or even why she was held captive! All she knows is that the voice of a kind old man named Jacob is encouraging her to seek the truth. That's not the only voice she hears, the voice of a young girl has been taunting her as well, and she is encouraging Anna to question Jacob. One thing's for sure, the entire city is deep beneath the ocean, so how are you going to escape, and who is telling the truth?
When I first played this game, I found one feature invaluable, once you complete all available tasks in a location, a star will appear on the upper left of the screen saying "area complete". Now I realize just how easy this game is, with usually just one inventory item available, and occasionally a HOP or a Mini Game. The map isn't the best either, just a piece of paper with stars showing the locations you have visited. The Hidden Object Scenes can be difficult at times, mostly because the items are blurry, and at times unrecognizable. All HOS are list finds with no interactions available. The Mini Games are really good, many of them requiring you to find clues or combinations first. My favorite game required you to light up 6 connectors along a round tablet, by turning several round tokens with wire connections on the inside, to allow the power source at the center to flow freely along those wire connections. During it's heyday, I would have given this game five stars, but I now realize that this game had some flaws. Still a fantastic story and I really do enjoy playing it, give it a try, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The Secret Order: Beyond Time Collector's Edition
Trapped in the past, Sarah must find a way home.
Overall rating
5
/
5
216 of 248 found this review helpful
Stuck In The Past
PostedMarch 21, 2015
pennmom36
fromI like the griffin better than the mousedog
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Sarah Pennington is a member of The Order of the Griffins, a secret society sworn to protect against the Dragon Clan. She boarded the Royal Griffin, traveling back in time to destroy unstable artifacts at their origin in Aeronhart. Unfortunately the Royal Griffin sank, but there's still hope for the time machine, thanks to Flavius, a local inventor. (and a flux capacitor or two)
I'm not too thrilled with the direction this adventure is heading, the original Secret Order was fantastic and had a really intriguing storyline. The next one added a baby griffin which made the game less credible in my opinion. This time they have given us Nubi, who is neither cute nor intimidating, and looks more like a mouse than a dog. To make matters worse, Nubi "learns" new skills, such as Fetch and then the power to control Lightning. Totally unnecessary, but other than giving him an outfit to begin with, at least I don't have to dress him up or give him a room with luxury items. There are 10 Eagle Masks, 10 Jaguar Masks and 10 Crocodile Masks hidden throughout the game and a bunch of Achievements to earn too.
The Hidden Object Scenes are list finds with several progressive interactions items to solve. There is an optional game of Mahjong available for those who have grown weary of Hidden Object Scenes. The HOS are well done but I thought the graphics could have been better within the scenes. There are a lot of Mini Games, none of which require in depth thinking, such as clearing a path to allow a necklace to be removed at the top of the board in a classic game of "Blocks"
This Collectors Edition has Soundtracks, Achievements, Collectible Masks, Game Art, replayable Mini Games, Wallpapers, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
PuppetShow: The Price of Immortality Collector's Edition
Your friend vanishes after investigating the mysterious Theater of Emotions
Overall rating
5
/
5
166 of 179 found this review helpful
Back On Track
PostedMarch 20, 2015
pennmom36
fromha ha ha ha
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It would seem PuppetShow has gotten the train back on track with The Price of Immortality, bravo! Everyone knows puppets aren't real, they don't experience emotion or pain......unless you live in the town of Immortale that is. Your investigation won't be easy, every journalist who has ever investigated this puppet town has never been heard from since, including your good friend Enrique Torres! This is a dangerous town where good puppets are pitted against evil puppets, hopefully you won't become just another missing journalist!
You will collect several abandoned puppet dolls, one of which will help you every step of your investigation. A Dollhouse icon located next to the inventory bar will allow you to access this feature any time, and each doll can be upgraded with Doll Coins that you find throughout the game. Personally, I found this feature kind of worthless, nevertheless, it's a feature some will love. There are Achievements to earn and some of the inventory items have a magnifying glass above them which indicated that some type of interaction is necessary before that item can be used.
The Hidden Object Scenes were a tad bit disappointing to me, the same scenes are repeated, and I really don't like that. With tasks such as replacing missing doll parts, the HOP's are on the easy side, but there are also good ole fashioned list finds as well. The Mini Games can be played in Casual or Hard modes which is a feature I do like, there are typical puzzles where you rotate pieces to fit in correct spots or even a wicked game of "find the missing girl" as an unlucky patron gets shuffled about by an overgrown puppet under larger than life cups.
This Collectors Edition has replayable HOP's and Mini Games, Wallpapers, Concept Art, Screensavers, Movies, Music, Achievements, Collectible and upgradeable Dolls, a Dollhouse, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy
I recommend this game!
Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget
A newlywed is threatened, and supernatural forces are afoot!
Overall rating
5
/
5
120 of 137 found this review helpful
If Only The Dead Could Talk.....
PostedMarch 20, 2015
pennmom36
fromMon ami
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
......They just might tell you what you want to know! Detective Dupin is doing just that, listening to the ghostly spirit of Lola Saunie. Auguste Dupin hasn't seen Jacque Lumin since they attended the University together, unfortunately, this won't be a social meeting. Jacque desperately needs help unraveling a mystery that only a detective as skilled as Dupin could solve. (and of course you, his top assistant) Solving this case proves quite difficult for Dupin, when the best lead he has just happens to be dead, but that's never stopped us before right?
Jacque's Grandmother gave him a Magic Mirror when he was six years old. Since he no longer has use for this mirror he passes it down to Dupin, which proves to be invaluable in this investigation. Any inventory item that has a green checkmark above it can be used on the Magic Mirror to reveal that items original nature, revealing sources and even codes and combinations. Personally, I thought this feature was ridiculous, why don't we just equip Dupin with some pixie dust while we're at it, it just doesn't belong in this kind of game. You will also receive an official Dark Tales Detective Badge, which will be stored to the left of the inventory bar along with the map and journal.
The Hidden Object Scenes are far and few between, I believe there were only three in the entire demo, consisting of fairly interactive list finds. The Mini Games are very entertaining, smaller puzzles are abundant such as selecting bats in the correct order, turning 3 cylinders to complete a pattern or swapping books until the symbols on the book matched the correct genre symbols on the shelf. There were also longer, more complicated puzzle such as a Mahjong game with barrels where you click on two identical symbols that are free and available, or assembling torn poster pieces, using a rotation button to turn the pieces. Most games are available in Casual or Hard modes.
The Collectors Edition has Morphing Creatures, Achievements, Movies, wallpapers, Concept art, Screensavers, replayable Hidden Object Scenes and Mini Games, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Echoes of the Past: The Castle of Shadows
Restore the royal amulet to break an ancient curse and stop an evil witch from regaining her terrible powers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Echoes of the Past: The Castle of Shadows SE
PostedMarch 20, 2015
pennmom36
fromWhy me?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
When the Royal House Museum invites you to visit their latest exhibition, you jump at the chance to see 19th Century art centered around this cursed Royal Family. Rumor has it, one painting in particular is haunted! Sure enough, a mysterious woman featured in this painting asks for your help once again. The witch has destroyed the family Amulet and scattered it's pieces throughout the kingdom. Can you find all the pieces and lift the Royal Curse, or will you become a mere stone statue and join the Royal family members forever?
This isn't an easy game, I found myself looking at the Strategy Guide on more than one occasion, which is something I don't usually do, so for that reason alone I recommend the Collectors Edition over the Standard Edition. Throughout the kingdom you will see several "ghostly" objects, grey and misty, which are missing objects that need replaced once found. Ghostly spirits will also appear with a dilemma of sorts, once you solve their dilemma, they will reward you with a piece of that all important Amulet.
The Hidden Object Scenes are very well done. The first time you play the HOP, the items are interactive list finds. The second time you revisit that scene, you will replace items found from a different scene back into that scene where they belong. Some of the scenes are repeated a third time with multiples of a single item such as 15 feathers or 15 arrows for example. Each scene contains two mirrors that aren't on the list, which will give you an extra hint for each mirror found, however the hint system is very vague outside if the hidden object scenes. The Mini Games are my favorite part of this series. Almost every puzzle is unique even though this is an older game. My favorite was correctly placing figurines upon two shelves with only scraps of torn images as clues.
The Collectors Edition doesn't have a lot of frills, Wallpapers, Concept Art, a Bonus Chapter and a Built in Strategy. As I stated earlier, this is a difficult game at times, and the fact that I could use the built in Strategy Guide when I got stumped, was invaluable, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Echoes of the Past: The Castle of Shadows Collector's Edition
Restore the royal amulet to break an ancient curse and stop an evil witch from regaining her terrible powers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Echo's of the Past: The Castle of Shadows CE
PostedMarch 19, 2015
pennmom36
fromThat witch sure does like to break things!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Royal House Museum cordially invites you to attend their newest exhibition featuring 19th century art, which includes a fascinating portrait of a mysterious woman who often disappears from the painting! You're no stranger to the Royal House, who seems to have a bond with you, and insists that you solve all problems created by that bitter and relentless witch. Another featured artifact is a beautiful golden Amulet stand, the whereabouts of the Amulet itself is a mystery. Your destination into the past reveals this mystery, that evil witch is at it again! She has broken the Amulet in pieces, scattering the pieces throughout the kingdom. Can you find all the pieces to the Amulet so the Royal spirits can finally rest?
This isn't an easy game, I found myself looking at the Strategy Guide on more than one occasion, which is something I don't usually do, so for that reason alone I recommend the Collectors Edition over the Standard Edition. Throughout the kingdom you will see several "ghostly" objects, grey and misty, which are missing objects that need replaced once found. Ghostly spirits will also appear with a dilemma of sorts, once you solve their dilemma, they will reward you with a piece of that all important Amulet.
The Hidden Object Scenes are very well done. The first time you play the HOP, the items are interactive list finds. The second time you revisit that scene, you will replace items found from a different scene back into that scene where they belong. Some of the scenes are repeated a third time with multiples of a single item such as 15 feathers or 15 arrows for example. Each scene contains two mirrors that aren't on the list, which will give you an extra hint for each mirror found, however the hint system is very vague outside if the hidden object scenes. The Mini Games are my favorite part of this series. Almost every puzzle is unique even though this is an older game. My favorite was correctly placing figurines upon two shelves with only scraps of torn images as clues.
This Collectors Edition doesn't have a lot of frills, Wallpapers, Concept Art, a Bonus Chapter and a Built in Strategy. As I stated earlier, this is a difficult game at times, and the fact that I could use the built in Strategy Guide when I got stumped, was invaluable, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Farm Up
Begin with a small enterprise and develop your farm to create your own economic miracle!
Overall rating
5
/
5
315 of 365 found this review helpful
Down On the Farm
PostedMarch 18, 2015
pennmom36
fromCan't wait to get a cow!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Crazy Time Management game that's impossible not to love! This is how the farm came to be, when your Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather bought a dilapidated farm and used some good ole fashioned elbow grease to transform the farm. You will need to purchase garden plots, place them wherever you want (can be moved anytime) plant the veggies such as radish, lettuce, potatoes and beets, water the gardens, harvest the garden and store the harvest in the barn. The harvest is then sold to earn money which will be used to purchase more upgrades and supplies. You will need to click on people with light bulb icons which means that they are giving you a quest which will reward you with necessary items when you complete the task. Eventually you will upgrade the farm with decorations, walkways and even a house uplift, again you are free to decorate the way you want. There is just so much going on here that you just have to dive right in and learn from your mistakes, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Emily and Patrick set sail for their long-awaited honeymoon! Grab a life preserver and join the adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
154 of 182 found this review helpful
All Aboard Cruise Delicious
PostedMarch 18, 2015
pennmom36
fromNext up, Emily meets Patrick for the first time
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Nothing like a Honeymoon cruise, Emily style! Unfortunately the entire family is along for the ride. Francois will be doing most of the work this time, serving up customers by the pool deck, with suntan lotion, magazines, ice cream, snacks and ice cold fruity drinks. The goal of this Time Management game is to fill the customers orders correctly, serve them, collect their money and clean up the mess....and it's got to be fast in order to keep the customer happy. Francois will also have to find lost items and keep the pool deck spotless. If you move Emily and Patrick to a different location at least twice, you will earn a golden star which unlocks a photo shoot opportunity. There are Collectible Characters that will be unlocked when you have enough Golden Hearts, and if you achieve goals set, you will unlock a memorable moment in the newlyweds photo album.
The money you earn can be used to buy upgrades such as, Luxury Sunbeds, Roman Tiles for the pool, Ornamental Dolphins, and comfy Chairs to keep customers patient and happy. There are items to get bigger tips such as Plants and Panorama Railings, and items that allow Francois to prepare orders more quickly such as a bigger Kitchen Block and Energy Drinks. Occasionally you may need to borrow Jimmy's parrot to entertain guests when things get crazy. Don't forget to collect those cut little mice that pop up out of nowhere, you will get extra points for that as well, enjoy!
I recommend this game!