pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4724
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 6, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Sparkle Unleashed
Can you carve a path of light through the darkness in this marble shooting adventure?
Overall rating
5
/
5
120 of 132 found this review helpful
FANTASTIC HD GRAPHICS SPARKLE HAS BEEN UNLEASHED!
PostedApril 25, 2014
pennmom36
fromJust doing my part to help light prevail!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
New York Mysteries: Secrets of the Mafia Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The original Sparkle was already a wonderful marble popping game, but this Sparkle is definitely loose and unleashed with superb high quality graphics and a fast paced moving chain of colorful balls/marbles! This game also comes with a setting to assist with color blindness, having two son's that are color blind I know how frustrating games can be when you can't tell the difference between blue/green and red/orange, so thank you devs, much appreciated. The goal of this game it to match at least three marbles of the same color, and if possible strategically place the marbles so that when you match a set in the middle the marbles on the left and right will then come together and match as well. That sounds confusing so to clarify, if there are two gold marbles in between a red marble on the left and a red marble on the right try to shoot the next two reds, 1 on the left and one on the right so that when you shoot a gold marble in the middle the 4 reds will join together for a chain reaction. Chain reactions give you a bonus icon which will remain on the board temporarily and you need to shoot the icon before it disappears. A new bonus icon will be awarded each time you level up which is usually every 3-4 games. You earn a key to unlock these bonuses such as Frost, which freezes the paths and slows the marbles down to a snails pace for a few seconds. There is a Fireball icon which is used on the next shot and destroys a small group of marbles and Sparks which start at 4 sparks that shoot out and when you get the next power up it gets stronger with 9 sparks and so forth. Each new level throws out multiple marble chains which makes it more difficult to shoot because as the chains wind around the paths they block each other and sometimes the ball hits the wrong chain thus making the chain longer. If the marble chain makes it to the hole at the end it's game over, lights out. I have a game similar to this game, Tumblebugs, on my ipad and play that game on long road trips so I can tell you without a doubt this type of game is 100% addicting. I really can't get over how crisp and colorful the graphics are on this game, you really do need to check it out, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Nightmares from the Deep: Davy Jones
Escape the cold incarceration of Davy Jones' brig and discover the otherworldly origins of his galleon in this thrilling Hidden Object adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
124 of 142 found this review helpful
Salty Sea Devil
PostedApril 25, 2014
pennmom36
fromThe Guardian of Davy Jones memory forgot?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
New York Mysteries: Secrets of the Mafia Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Sea Devil, Davy Jones has returned, riding a giant tidal wave into the museum and hauling you and Cory back to his ship. You escape the brig only to be captured on deck by a bunch of skeleton pirates and here comes Davy Jones again. Unfortunately Cory is tricked into signing a pact and now we're on a rescue mission. After being thrown overboard you manage to make it to shore where the biggest treasure known to mankind is buried. You've been told by pirates who have signed the pact as well that there is no way off the island until your pact has been fulfilled, but then you find a glimmer of hope. You find one of the 12 guardians of Davy Jones memory, there is a way to break the pact, but he doesn't remember, perhaps the other 11 will! Now I will admit that I'm a fan of the Collectors Edition because I happen to love collectibles and morphs, but for the Standard Edition price this is a great value if you can do without the bells and whistles. The graphics are bright and vibrant and there's a ton of skeleton pirates and even a ghost, the cinematics are very professional. There are a mixture of hidden object scenes from interactive list finds, fragmented objects and progressive interactive scenes with mini games built in. You can opt for a nautical themed game of Mahjong as well. There are a bunch of unusual mini games that I haven't seen done before. My favorite one was talking to a pirate first mate's head where he agrees to help you if you get rid of the pirate skulls annoying him directly below him. To accomplish this you must exchange their hats to start a chain reaction of cannons firing, gems directing beams, lightning etc. until all pirated are destroyed and the entire time the first mate is cheering you on. This entire series is so entertaining that it's hard to stop playing so if you have the time, start with the first Nightmares from the Deep and enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Christmas Tales: Fellina's Journey
Find Santa’s magic star and stop the gruesome Icy Elf from ruining Christmas for everyone on the planet in Christmas Tales: Fellina’s Journey!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Christmas Tales: Fellina's Journey
PostedApril 24, 2014
pennmom36
fromWhy did Fellina have a box of blue pills?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
New York Mysteries: Secrets of the Mafia Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Delightful Christmas game designed to be enjoyed by young and old alike, beautiful graphics and magic to warm your heart. The Icy Elf has used black magic to turn Santa into a Clauscicle but never fear for the good elves are here! Santa was able to magically send a letter to the wee helpers sending them a message to find the child with a crystal soul and magic star! Fellina is just that child for she has never misbehaved (what!?) and of course she's willing to save Santa and the planet (why not) The hidden object scenes are adorable and interactive where you have to zoom into boxes and stockings to find more items. This is really enjoyable game that in my opinion will stand the test of time because it's current enough not to get dated and boring, so dust off the snowflakes, grab a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, gather up the youngens and enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Cradle of Rome 2
Become the Emperor of Cradle of Rome 2! Journey through incredible levels, and the exhilarating building of the city of Rome!
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 29 found this review helpful
Cradle of Rome 2
PostedApril 24, 2014
pennmom36
fromTold you there were dreaded skulls!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
New York Mysteries: Secrets of the Mafia Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have played a lot of Match 3 games and none of them can hold a Roman Candle to the Cradle of Rome series. Although the original Cradle of Rome is more challenging, the added features and graphics improvements make this an outstanding contender. The goal is to turn all blue tiles yellow and overcome obstacles such as double marble tiles, chains, double chains, ice blocks and those dreaded skulls that when matched add blue tiles to the board. With the resources and gold you earn you will buy buildings to build the city of Rome and each building comes with bonuses. There is a hammer to remove a single tile of choice, bomb to remove 9 tiles, fireball to remove a column and row, hourglass to add time, lightning to destroy 15 random tiles, super bomb to destroy 25 tiles, mixer to shuffle all tiles and star which removes all similar tiles. If you make a match 5 or more you get a super arrow on the board to destroy tiles in that area. You will earn a new life for every 50,000 points and there are 16 citizens to earn by making a certain amount of resource matches or making 2 match 5's in a row for example. There are 12 trophies to earn for different goals such as earning all citizens or playing all mini games. There is a Tourney mode available at 500,000 points which allows you to play 40 selected levels to earn gold, silver or bronze medals when you beat the best scores from the devs and you get to choose any one bonus to help you. The Blitz mode is my absolute favorite available in Easy, Normal or Hard modes (or all 3) and you earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals. In the Blitz mode you start at level one and continuously play uninterrupted until the timer empties. You keep progressing through the levels, the timer will stay full if you are making matches rapidly but drains if you are hesitating. if you use your bonuses (same bonuses, same levels as earned in main game) the timer fills but you have to match more bonus tiles to refill, super arrows also fill meter up. This is an extremely fast paced game but quite thrilling, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Disharmony Blocks II
Travel to the faraway land of Sundast, where emotions exist as real sentient beings!
Overall rating
5
/
5
83 of 85 found this review helpful
Not A Typical Harmonic Match 3
PostedApril 24, 2014
pennmom36
fromHappy happy joy joy:)
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
New York Mysteries: Secrets of the Mafia Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I never got around to playing the original Disharmony, so I wasn't expecting anything different than the usual Match 3's. Turns out surprisingly that this game has quite the flair and I think it's going to be one of those games that you either love it or hate it. It is confusing when you first start to play mainly because of all the reading required to figure this game out, but one you get the hang of it, it mellows things out a bit. You have three different types of Disharmony, Joy (in my opinion should be harmony) Sorrow and Anger. When you match these blockhead tiles you collect their emotional energy which is used to power up your emotional Outburst spell, which will glow green at the bottom of the screen when ready to use. The goals of each level are shown at the start which are collecting a certain number of each gem or Disharmony block, and this has to be done within the allotted time given. You need to complete the level, have time to spare, and make matches over all gold tiles to earn 3 stars, you can re-play the level if desired. Each time you level up you are awarded with an upgrade and you can also purchase levels of upgrades from the shop with the stars you earn. There is one upgrade you can choose that's unusual, you can make matches diagonally as well as vertically and horizontally.There are mini game levels as well such as flipping cards to make a matching set before the time runs out. There are still the usual blocked tiles in ice etc. but for the most part this one's different which can turn off those of you who fear change, otherwise it's a fast paced change of pace, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Grim Facade: A Wealth of Betrayal Collector's Edition
The city fears the return of the infamous Fire Knight – but is Rosa Ramirez really responsible?
Overall rating
5
/
5
211 of 276 found this review helpful
The Fire Knight Seeks Revenge!
PostedApril 24, 2014
pennmom36
fromDo bulls dig butterflies?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Cadenza: Music, Betrayal and Death Collector's Edition
(236)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Rosa Ramirez has been accused of stealing the sword from the town statue, unleashing the wrath of the Fire Knight himself! You have been hired by Rosa's husband to solve this case and clear her name. The story has been told for three centuries about a man who fell in love, but the woman he fell in love with was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake! This man became cruel and bitter, he studied the black arts until he became the fire knight and wreaked havoc,slaughtering nearly everyone on the town. But with one thrust of a sword the fire knight was swiftly killed and gone for good, or was he....
This game has a very interesting story, the only thing I disliked about this game was the fact that the cinematics don't seem to fill in pieces of the story adequately. There are achievements to earn and an entire room to store them in. You find butterflies (what is up with butterflies lately) throughout the game which can be used to purchase items for the bull, but that makes no sense to me. During the game you will find gold coins which are used to purchase goods from a local shady vendor in a dark alley.
The Hidden Object Scenes are a mixture of just about anything you want from: Finding items that match the simple descriptions, Putting items back into the scene, Finding the correct foods to feed different animals, Finding 12 stringed instruments and even using an eraser to find objects in a book. If you don't like HOS there is a game of mahjong you can opt for. The mini games were available in casual or hard settings within each game which I thought was cool. You had to find the differences between a sketch and a real character by clicking on the differences. There was also games such as finding the coin after thimbles were shuffled around, nothing too difficult, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Christmas Stories: Nutcracker Collector's Edition
A classic Christmas tale tail, with a whole new twist! Help the Nutcracker rescue the princess from the evil Rat King!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Christmas Stories: Nutcracker Collectors Edition
PostedApril 23, 2014
pennmom36
fromWere the rats real at one point too?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
New York Mysteries: Secrets of the Mafia Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have a hard time believing that someone wouldn't absolutely love this game! This is a Christmas tale that takes place after the Royal Ball, a tale of the Nutcracker. The Rat King wanted Princess Mary for his own, but when he sent his army to kidnap her Albert came to her rescue. Much larger and stronger than his entire army the King was left with no other choice but to turn Albert into a Nutcracker and Mary into a porcelain doll! The graphics are so beautiful and the animation is truly suburb. The Collectors Edition has all the extras we've come to expect, Wallpapers, Concept Art, Videos, Screensavers, Tchaikovsky music (truly delightful) and of course a bonus game.
One of the things I love about this game is the abundance of active areas, there are multiple items to collect, things that need fixed or puzzles to do in each and every scene. It's a good thing there's a good map to show active areas and a built in Strategy Guide in case you get stumped. This CE also features a Cat cave (I'll tell you about Fred soon) and 25 collectible dolls. You will be joined by Albert the Nutcracker who helps defeat any rats you come across in his never ending quest to find the love of his life, Mary. A walking, talking (shuffling) lit candle also joins the quest and he is ever so helpful lighting up anything that needs a fire. Then there's Fred, a cat who managed to get himself shackled. After you find a way to free this blue furball, he also wants to join us and help by climbing up trees and chasing away pesky rats!
The hidden object games are unique. First you have to solve a puzzle such as rotating rings, swapping and rotating tiles or a lockpick puzzle which is a puzzle based on deduction. You have to figure out how many times each pin needs to be tapped, if you make a mistake you have to start over. When you complete the puzzle you are rewarded with an interactive list hidden object scene. One of my favorite mini games was where you had to choose different sized weights to place on a catapult. You would need to hit the first red button which would detonate an explosion that would clear the path to the next red button until the castle walls were breached.
This is a game that is entertaining any day of the year so don't wait till Christmas to give this Collectors Edition a try, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Christmas Stories: Nutcracker
A classic Christmas tale tail, with a whole new twist! Help the Nutcracker rescue the princess from the evil Rat King!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Christmas Stories: Nutcracker
PostedApril 23, 2014
pennmom36
fromChristmas in April!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Cadenza: Music, Betrayal and Death Collector's Edition
(236)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
It's Christmas as a kid all over again, they don't make a game any better than this and even though it's almost May, it made me feel like it was December 24. This is a Christmas tale about Princess Mary, the Rat King wanted her for his own so he sends his army out to kidnap her, but Albert comes to her rescue, bigger and stronger, the Rat Kings only choice was to turn Mary into a porcelain doll and Albert into the famous Nutcracker! The graphics are over the top gorgeous, the Christmas decorations, the glistening snow are warm and cozy, but what really impresses me is the animation of the rat army and King.
You are joined right away by Albert the nutcracker who will now be your right hand man when it comes to battling the rat army and anything else he may be able to defeat with his sword I don't think he actually cracks any nuts) You will also rescue a walking, talking, candle which comes in handy when you need something lit and of course Fred. Fred is a cat who somehow managed to get shackled, but his father was know for his rat chasing skills so he will be happy to assist any way possible.
This is one of those games which have a ton of things to do in each scene, although you may not have the inventory item yet, you won't need to look too hard to find an active task area in any scene. The hidden object scenes are unique. First you have to do a puzzle such as using arrows to turn rings, when you turn one ring, others turn as well. When you complete the puzzle, you are rewarded with an HOS, which are interactive list finds. There are several different kinds of puzzles and mini games such as tile swapping and rotating, but one of my favorite mini games was the catapult game. You have to put different weights onto the catapult so the ball would hit red buttons strategically placed on the castle to detonate the bomb which would clear the path for the next red button. This is a game I haven't ever seen before. Whether you opt for the Collectors Edition or the Standard Edition, you are in for a huge treat any day of the year, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Cradle of Rome
Become the Emperor of Rome as you match tiles and build your Empire in this truly original matching game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
139 of 162 found this review helpful
Cradle of Rome
PostedApril 23, 2014
pennmom36
fromAt least there aren't any skulls in this game!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Cradle of Rome
(35)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have played hundreds of match 3 games and none of them can hold a Roman Candle to the Cradle of Rome series. I have purchased every game in this series as soon as they are released and the original game is by far the most challenging and most addicting game. When I say addicting I'm not kidding because everyone I've convinced to play, spend hours playing this game so proceed with caution. The goal is to turn all of the blue cells on the board by making matches on them. You earn bonuses that will help you progress, a Hammer for a single tile, Lightning for destroying several random tiles, a Bomb for a specific group of tiles, Shields for destroying a line of your choosing, a Star for destroying all tiles of any one type and a scarab to mix up all of the tiles. Some tiles are blocked by one chain and even 2 chains as you progress which require several matches to break both chains. As you make enough resources and money you build a Roman city and progress with the times, and each building requires you to do specific tasks in order to earn bonuses quicker and earn valuable resources. If you right click on any of the buildings, you can find out what is required (in Cradle of Rome 2 the tasks are more specific) enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The Beardless Wizard
Guide the dewy-eyed Eugene on an epic quest to save his master!
Overall rating
5
/
5
155 of 171 found this review helpful
He Sure Can Get Into Some Hairy Situations!
PostedApril 23, 2014
pennmom36
fromWill Eugene "learn" how to grow a beard?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
New York Mysteries: Secrets of the Mafia Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After Oyzo kidnaps the Wizard (with the beard) Eugene, the wizards apprentice, sets out on a journey to rescue him. This is a Time Management game with some new and unique features. Whenever you see an exclamation point it's time for Eugene to visit the Wizards Nook to learn new skills and improve those skills. These are skills that will help you finish the game faster such as Eugene's ability to run faster, to produce food or resources instantly, and even adding an extra worker for 20 seconds. You will free the Stone Golem, the Dragon and a Ghost as you progress and you can switch between characters, if you need heavy thing lifted or crushed, Stone Golem is the man for the job. Another cool feature is that some of the levels have an alternate that you can choose to play which is the same level you just played but with different goals and tasks. There are still the usual tasks of gathering food, chopping down trees, repairing bridges, and collecting mana etc. but it's really nice to see something new in the TM games, enjoy!
I recommend this game!