sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:810
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:February 18, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Overall rating
5
/
5
FAN_TAS_IC WO_D GA_E
PostedFebruary 18, 2025
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Welcome to the world of lexicology, a land dedicated to words! This game will not appeal to everyone; however, for those who love crossword puzzles and other word games, this is a fantastic find.
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What makes this game unique are the extras not seen in other word games. There are stunning graphics. I love seeing Spring come-to-live by visiting the Spring Garden and Spring Gallery. There are also bonus games which can be played.
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What makes this game unique are the extras not seen in other word games. There are stunning graphics. I love seeing Spring come-to-live by visiting the Spring Garden and Spring Gallery. There are also bonus games which can be played.
MECHANICS: The player must add letters to a crossword style grid to create words. Letters are provided and all the letters must be used. There are three levels of play. Collect stars and points throughout the game and with enough points, the player can play a bonus Cross Roads game. In this bonus game, geometric shapes are placed in rows and columns so no row or column has a duplicate color nor figure. There are twenty-one (21) musical selections to choose from. I found the musical selections very relaxing.
I love the games produced by Mixo Games. They are innovative with incredibly beautiful graphics. This developer is not only talented but very nice as well. They frequent our forum, Pond Friends, and interact with our members. Usually ,I only play HOPA games from this gaming site; however, the incredibly beautiful games from this developer are ones I truly enjoy as well.
I am looking forward to a sequel to this game!
I recommend this game!
Can your choices help Beatrice find her happily ever after?
Overall rating
2
/
5
TEDIOUS AND BORING
PostedJanuary 17, 2025
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I was very disappointed in this game. To me, this game is a hybrid between the usual HOPA game and HOP game. The format is different from other HOPA games I have played. The game became tedious for me after playing consecutive HOP scenes followed by some simplistic mini-game. In the beginning there was a nice variety of HOP scenes; however, toward the end there were only consistent lists of items. I found the scenes were very dark which made it difficult to locate the items and the collectibles. I found the story very confusing and illogical as well. I am hoping we will not see our beloved HOPA games devolve into this type of simplistic game.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you unravel the mystery of a murder at the Riverview Lux Apartments?
Overall rating
1
/
5
IT HAPPENED HERE! THE CASE OF THE FROZEN GAME!
PostedJanuary 3, 2025
sunnyglow
fromDangling by a thread after playing a rope puzzle, hoping Elephant will provide a patch to unfreeze the game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I wondered why this game was not featured as a Collector’s Edition game. This fact bothered me from the instant I saw this game posted. Why would Elephant produce a game without a strategy guide nor any collectibles? Why would they not produce a beta for this game to get their customers’ input on this game? To say the least, this was somewhat baffling for a developer who prides themselves on cleverly hidden collectibles. Certainly, both Elephant and BFG would like the extra income as well from the game being a collector’s edition.
The sleuth in me propelled me to investigate. I bought this game curious to see why it was never made into a Collector’s Edition game. I did enjoy the game as it progressed, although it was slow getting into the heart of the story. Initially I thought that was the reason.
The format is the same as in Elephant’s other games. Emily Smith, a podcast host, returns to investigate why a local restaurant owner was killed in one of the apartments rented out by her friend, Miranda. In the middle of the game, the pace stepped up and I was enjoying figuring out who the killer was. Then suddenly, after untangling a rope in the classic rope puzzle, it happened! It happened here in this game – it froze up! Nothing I could do would allow me to continue in this game. Now I will never know who the killer is. He may still be lurking in the apartment complex for all I know!
Does that explain the mystery of the missing Collector’s Edition designation for this game? I do not know. I only know I was left dangling by a rope puzzle unable to complete the game. Sadly, I could not even finish preparing pepper spray to spray at the evildoer. It is a good game, Elephant. I only hope you will provide a patch so all of us who are left dangling by a rope can finish the game and discover what really happened in that apartment complex.
This game may work for others who play this game. If you can end the game, please do not tell us the ending. But if this not a fluke, then hopefully we will someday find out Ted Scott’s killer, if he was killed. This game was starting to have many twists and turns and was hoping to see how the plot thickened. This has the potential to be a great game. It just needs to be completed. Hopefully, it happens!
I don't recommend this game.
Stop a vicious cult and save the city from ancient horrors!
Overall rating
4
/
5
HAVE A HARPY NEW YEAR IN ATHENS!
PostedDecember 31, 2024
sunnyglow
fromHarpy New Year! Grab a harpy and come fly away to Athens for the new year. And may time fly by while playing this game! Hopefully faster than it did for me!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter (listed as chapter 4) – Strategy Guide: 63 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter (listed as chapter 4) – Strategy Guide: 63 pages
STORY: Harpy New Year! For the holidays, travel to Greece where the New Argonauts are at war with the Mythos (mythological creatures). This group is on a quest to vanquish the Harpies. The Harpies have been attacking humans and the Ministry of Mysteries, headed by Pan, are investigating the situation. Why are the usually docile Harpies attacking people? Join Elijah Reid, a warlock detective, as he investigates what is behind the Harpy attacks and why the New Argonauts are trying to annihilate all Harpies. Accompanying the detective is Jacob Gwediche. Appearing out of nowhere, who is this man, and can he be trusted? There is a lot of intrigue, deceit and surprises in store as you play this game! Hopefully time will just fly by as you play this game!
ANALYSIS: Grab some popcorn, drinks and be prepared for a long journey. Like Odysseus, be prepared for one which will take you through a series of plot twists and turns throughout the Olympian countryside. This is a long game, almost as long as Odysseus’ Aegean journey. By the end of the second chapter, I was ready for the game to end. I felt like a Cyclops keeping my eye on the story while trying to fend off boredom along with the harpies. Domini has first rate games; however, lately, they are getting longer and, for me, too lengthy. The problem with games this long is that the story falls apart and the game becomes tedious. It has a lot of filler. A game should have a decent story which moves the game along at a good pace. After all aspects of the crisis have been dealt with, it should end. To me, this game which, to me, was exciting to play in the beginning, became boring as more characters and subplots were added.
The format of the game is the same as in other Domini games. The activities are magnificent, almost Herculean in nature. Collect morphing birds and Grecian urns. Collect amulets (which look like treble clefs) which can be exchanged for musical instruments within the boudoir upon completing the game. The collectibles are easy to locate. You cannot miss the urns and birds – they are huge. I experienced no technical difficulties as in some of Domini’s previous games. The graphics are beautiful. The pace slows down due to the lengthiness of the game. Some parts of the game seemed like filler to pad the game. I did not care for the background music and eventually turned it off.
This is a puzzle- intense game. There are only sixteen (16) HOP scenes within the entire game. All can be replayed upon completion of the game. All the scenes are repeated with a new search genre Domini has provided a nice variety of search methods. There are lists of items, silhouette, rebus clues, fragment scenes, search and replace, narrative, reverse matching, and spot-the differences. There are fifty-four (54) puzzles within the game. Most of the puzzles have the choice to be played in either a hard version or easy version. The puzzles are the best part of the game and well-crafted. Most of the puzzles, even in the easy mode, are more difficult than those from other developers’ games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing birds and 10 Grecian urns (fancy word for vase)
• Collect 70 amulets to exchange for musical instruments in the boudoir
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 50 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing birds and 10 Grecian urns (fancy word for vase)
• Collect 70 amulets to exchange for musical instruments in the boudoir
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 50 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: Play Elijah in this chapter. The Golden Fleece has been stolen and Chiron, a centaur, has requested your help in recovering it. The Argonauts return in this chapter. There is a reason why they want this fleece. Discover who the new leader of the New Argonauts and ascertain why he is after the fleece. This is a long chapter with four (4) HOP scenes and fourteen (14) mini-games. I feel this is a nice addition to the game, but again, feel like the chapter started to become tedious due to the length. Again, more filler was added to the end to make the game seem longer. There were four (4) puzzles which I could have sworn were ending the game but every time I thought it was ending, another puzzle popped up. Took forever to defeat the baddies in this chapter.
SHOULD I PLAY OR STAY AWAY? If you like Greek mythology, you may like this game. If you like puzzle-intense games and want challenging puzzles, you will love this game. I liked this game but did not love it. In a nutshell, I believe the story is good, the activities are creatively designed, and if you like puzzles, you get a lot of entertainment for the price. However, if you don’t like puzzles and want more HOP scenes this may not be the game for you. My only complaint is that the game dragged on and when the player feels the game is ending, the developer throws in more filler to keep it going.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE JUST A FEW SAMPLES FROM THE 54 MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME:
A. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place sections of pipe to connect two valves together - one at each end of the grid. The hard version has a more difficult path to create.
B. E/H. Bar puzzle. Remove bars and release them through slots on a telescope. The hard version has one more bar to remove.
C. E/H. Matching puzzle. Restore a statue by gluing it together. Place the glue strips onto the statue in the proper location. The easy version has 10 strips and the hard 12.
D. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze in the dark until reaching the exit.
E. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect flags on a globe so all are connected by threads. The hard version has more flags to connect.
F. E/H. Paint puzzle. Paint a picture by blending colors together and filling in the area. The hard version requires combining more than one color.
G. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Move up a wall while avoiding obstacles in your path. The hard version has more obstacles to overcome
H. E/H. Timed puzzle. Catch 50 ounces of fish, with the larger fish weighing more than the smaller ones. The easy version gives you 40 seconds and the hard version 30 to get the required fish.
I. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Copy a dot sequence for symbols on a lock code to open it. The hard version has one more symbol dot sequence to copy.
J. E/H. Logic puzzle. Place items into the proper location according to given instructions. Moving one affects the others. The easy version has 5 and the hard has 6.
BONUS CHAPTER:
K. E/H. Switch puzzle Switch fireflies so all are centered on a flower which matches their color. The easy version has 4 flowers to cover and the hard has 6.
L. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Color segments of a stained-glass window so no adjoining segments are the same color The hard section adds another section to paint.
M. E/H. Moving tiles puzzle. Place rings on a skeletal hand. Position the rings so as they rotate, they end up in the proper position on the finger. The hard version has more rings to place.
N. Connection puzzle. Connect skulls on a grid to remove them so none remain.
B. E/H. Bar puzzle. Remove bars and release them through slots on a telescope. The hard version has one more bar to remove.
C. E/H. Matching puzzle. Restore a statue by gluing it together. Place the glue strips onto the statue in the proper location. The easy version has 10 strips and the hard 12.
D. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze in the dark until reaching the exit.
E. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect flags on a globe so all are connected by threads. The hard version has more flags to connect.
F. E/H. Paint puzzle. Paint a picture by blending colors together and filling in the area. The hard version requires combining more than one color.
G. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Move up a wall while avoiding obstacles in your path. The hard version has more obstacles to overcome
H. E/H. Timed puzzle. Catch 50 ounces of fish, with the larger fish weighing more than the smaller ones. The easy version gives you 40 seconds and the hard version 30 to get the required fish.
I. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Copy a dot sequence for symbols on a lock code to open it. The hard version has one more symbol dot sequence to copy.
J. E/H. Logic puzzle. Place items into the proper location according to given instructions. Moving one affects the others. The easy version has 5 and the hard has 6.
BONUS CHAPTER:
K. E/H. Switch puzzle Switch fireflies so all are centered on a flower which matches their color. The easy version has 4 flowers to cover and the hard has 6.
L. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Color segments of a stained-glass window so no adjoining segments are the same color The hard section adds another section to paint.
M. E/H. Moving tiles puzzle. Place rings on a skeletal hand. Position the rings so as they rotate, they end up in the proper position on the finger. The hard version has more rings to place.
N. Connection puzzle. Connect skulls on a grid to remove them so none remain.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a dangerous spirit haunted by unrequited love in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
RICK ROGERS COMBS THROUGH THE FACTS IN ANOTHER HEARTFELT CASE
PostedDecember 26, 2024
sunnyglow
fromHeartthrob Rick Rogers returns with his wit and humor. Good to see him taking a case on his own.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages
STORY: Rick Rogers, paranormal investigator, returns on new case. Rick is off to Corrigan College at the request of one of the professors, Chris Stines. The ghostly presence of a fellow colleague, Lillian Foster, has risen from the grave to torment him. She was obsessed with him, wanted a romantic relationship, one which was not reciprocated. However, at the time of death in a car accident, she was engaged to another man. As an archaeologist, Lillian changed dramatically after an expedition investigating the tomb of Chia, the Moon Goddess. She returned with a valuable artifact, a comb. Could this be a factor in her obsessiveness toward Stines? What is the story behind this artifact? Could this relic be related to her hauntings, or is something else involved?
ANALYSIS: Rick Rogers is back! His humor and wit made playing this game more enjoyable. I had several good laughs while playing this game. It was hard to believe that a “hottie” archaeologist would stalk and be obsessed with the dowdy professor in this game. That fact alone was hilarious. My favorite scene was seeing ghostly Lillian dragging her “beloved” by the hair through a portal! I was expecting a plot twist, but that did not happen. The storyline is great, the graphics are phenomenal; however, the activities are not that great. I would say this was a great game for children but the content, especially in the bonus chapter, is not appropriate for the small tykes out there.
The game is very short with few activities. There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes and twenty-one (21) puzzles. Fourteen (14) of each can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also many mini-HOP scenes which require locating six (6) items. I was very disappointed with the HOP scenes and puzzles. The scenes are mainly lists of items. However, there are replacement, matching, rebus clues, and narrative. The scenes are short and, to me, not creatively designed. They seem to have been hastily created without thought of design or creative style.
The puzzles are boringly easy and most require few steps to solve. To me, connecting light beams on four gemstones or rotating picture fragments to complete a picture are not puzzles. It is difficult for me to justify paying a collector’s edition price for a game which is one-third the size of those from other developers with a few activities and puzzles which are hardly puzzles. The collectibles are Mesoamerican statues and puzzle fragments. The fragments appear as all-seeing eyes in the game. Both are easy to locate within the scenes. However, in one scene it was difficult to differentiate the collector statues from those from the scenery in a Mesoamerican pyramid.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 10 achievements.
• Collect 26 puzzle fragments, all seeing eyes, to complete a jigsaw puzzle with the Secret Room
• Collect 12 statues of the game characters
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 14 puzzles
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 10 achievements.
• Collect 26 puzzle fragments, all seeing eyes, to complete a jigsaw puzzle with the Secret Room
• Collect 12 statues of the game characters
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 14 puzzles
BONUS CHAPTER: Dowdy Rachel Cowell returns along with two of her team, Daemon and Mia. They are off to a Vegas type environment at the request of casino owner, Gary Sheldon. People are winning huge jackpots at his casino; however, after leaving the facility – they experience misfortune, accidents and even death. Sheldon believes there is some supernatural force at play. Even Mia, one of Rachel’s team experiences misfortune after winning at the casino. Discover the cause of these maladies. I did not care for the story; however, the activities are better in the bonus chapter. There are six (6) HOP scenes and six (6) puzzles. I do hope Elephant will rid itself of frumpy Rachel and her crew. For me, I would have rather seen more of Rick Rogers and a little more levity within this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Matching puzzle. Match smoke segments to a maze of smoke to remove the smoke.
B. Connection puzzle. Lead a car down a maze of streets. After moving through a circle within the grid the street changes direction. Restart if stuck with no way to continue.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch parts of 6 amulets so all parts match the color of the heart in the center of each token.
D. Matching puzzle. Rotate the leaves of 5 flowers, each with different colored petals, so that petals which abut each other are the same color.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Alignment puzzle. Use dials and knobs to adjust a picture so all parts mesh. 3X
F. Matching puzzle. Find all pairs under clouds
G. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of posters until all are in their proper positions
B. Connection puzzle. Lead a car down a maze of streets. After moving through a circle within the grid the street changes direction. Restart if stuck with no way to continue.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch parts of 6 amulets so all parts match the color of the heart in the center of each token.
D. Matching puzzle. Rotate the leaves of 5 flowers, each with different colored petals, so that petals which abut each other are the same color.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Alignment puzzle. Use dials and knobs to adjust a picture so all parts mesh. 3X
F. Matching puzzle. Find all pairs under clouds
G. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of posters until all are in their proper positions
FINAL WORD: I awarded 4 stars for this game for the story and the return of the character of Rick Rogers. However, it is getting more difficult to purchase Elephant games when other developers provide twice the length of their games, and three times the activities. The puzzles (mini-games) are also more detailed. Some of the developers now offer two versions of their puzzles, one easy and the other more challenging. I would suggest BFG start selling these games at the regular price or maybe a few dollars more. They games are not the quality to generate the price charged for other developers’ CE games.
I recommend this game!
Investigate bizarre mysteries by finding clues and solving puzzles!
Overall rating
5
/
5
ENJOY THREE SLEUTH WORTHY CASES
PostedDecember 19, 2024
sunnyglow
fromHoping Five-BN will give the “hottie” Detective John Woodbray his own series.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters, - Game Strategy Guide: 89 pages
3 Chapters, - Game Strategy Guide: 89 pages
CHAPTER SYNOPSIS: Play Mystery Detective, John Woodbray. As a recent graduate from the university, you are off on your first three (3) cases. Each chapter takes the player into a new case.
Chapter 1. Tthe villagers of Easttown are being terrified by demon dogs. The local cleric believes the mystical happenings around the area along with the demon dogs are the result of the land being cursed. Travel throughout Easttown and discover the true reason behind all these mystical occurrences.
Chapter 2. The second case involves a woman who believes her son was murdered by a local businessman. The police believe it was suicide; however, could there be evidence he was murdered?
Chapter 3. The third case involves the death of a miner. It appears the death was an accident; however, the manager of the mine believes it was foul play. Discover the death was an accident or murder and how other mining accidents of are tied to this victim.
ANALYSIS: This is another exceptional game for Five-BN. Hopefully, this game is the beginning of a new series. I love this developer’s games and to me this game is a hybrid between an adventure game and a HOPA game. The game is more of an adventure game with a few HOP scenes tossed into the mix. If you do not like puzzle intense games, you will probably not like this game. It is also a little more challenging than most HOPA games. However, the stories from this game are sleuth worthy and, to me, better than in most HOPA detective games.
I feel the pace is excellent. Each chapter presents a new case. I feel this provides variety within the game and also allows the player to stop playing the game without feeling they will forget important information. I always like games with different stories throughout. The graphics are excellent. The pace is excellent with plenty of activities.
The collectibles vary within each chapter. There are three collectibles within each chapter. Collect forty-nine (49) morphing chalices which are within all the chapters. The other collectibles are records, watches, chess pieces, anchors, hard hats, and fans.
Chapter 1: Collect morphing chalices, 9 records and 9 watches
Chapter 2: Collect morphing chalices, 7 coins and 15 metal roses
Chapter 3: Collect morphing chalices, 9 records and 9 watches
Chapter 2: Collect morphing chalices, 7 coins and 15 metal roses
Chapter 3: Collect morphing chalices, 9 records and 9 watches
There are only ten (10) HOP scenes within the entire game. The game is puzzle intense. The mini-games are somewhat challenging and most are thematic, relating to the story in some way. Each chapter contains fourteen (14) puzzles. There is no bonus chapter, instead there are bonus puzzles to play. The HOP scenes include lists of items, searches for one item, search-and-replace items, and silhouette,
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 9 records, 9 watches, 8 chess pieces, 8 anchors, 7 hard hats, 8 fans
• Collect 49 morphing chalices
• Replay 28 mini-games and 9 puzzles
• Bonus mini-games which provide 20 sliding tiles puzzles in which you move tiles to appropriate slots along the sides of the grid.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 9 records, 9 watches, 8 chess pieces, 8 anchors, 7 hard hats, 8 fans
• Collect 49 morphing chalices
• Replay 28 mini-games and 9 puzzles
• Bonus mini-games which provide 20 sliding tiles puzzles in which you move tiles to appropriate slots along the sides of the grid.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES FROM THE 3 CHAPTERS:
CHAPTER 1:
A. Sequence puzzle. Move liquid from four containers to a larger one in the middle by pressing on valves to move the liquid. Go back-and-forth between the containers until all the liquid is in the middle container.
B. Sequence puzzle. Open all books on a grid. Opening one either opens or closes those next to it.
C. Math puzzle. Switch books with numbers on them on 3 shelves so the total of the numbers on the books equal the value given at the bottom of each of 3 sections on 3 shelves.
D. Assembly puzzle. Using given symbols choose the three needed to create each of 7 symbolic designs.
E. Matching. On a constellation locate two halves which, when combined create a complete constellation. Find all shown on a sheet of paper.
CHAPTER 2:
F. Book puzzle. Push in books in the proper order as per clues within the scene to open a scene to a hidden safe
G. Switch puzzle. Place segments of a star next to each other so that the sides of each part of the segment matches the one next to it. Switch them around until all are placed properly.
H. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide bars with flowers on them, up -down and sideways so that each row has flowers of the same color
I. Assembly puzzle. Place roses on two grids with openings for the roses so when the two plates merge, all the slots will have a metal rose in them.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a round grid to restore an image
CHAPTER 3:
K. Tangram puzzle. Place tokens into position on a grid so all are used, all fit and none overlap each other.
L. Mathematical puzzle. Calculate the mathematical sequence to provide the numbers to open a safe.
M. Maze/Strategy puzzle. Choose the correct paths to get to he place of death, collecting items along the way
N. Book Sequence puzzle. Switch books so all are in sequential numerical order.
O. Mathematical puzzle. Use 20 numbers on a grid to create equations – adding and multiplying to get the 10 numbers at the sides of the grid. All numbers must be used.
A. Sequence puzzle. Move liquid from four containers to a larger one in the middle by pressing on valves to move the liquid. Go back-and-forth between the containers until all the liquid is in the middle container.
B. Sequence puzzle. Open all books on a grid. Opening one either opens or closes those next to it.
C. Math puzzle. Switch books with numbers on them on 3 shelves so the total of the numbers on the books equal the value given at the bottom of each of 3 sections on 3 shelves.
D. Assembly puzzle. Using given symbols choose the three needed to create each of 7 symbolic designs.
E. Matching. On a constellation locate two halves which, when combined create a complete constellation. Find all shown on a sheet of paper.
CHAPTER 2:
F. Book puzzle. Push in books in the proper order as per clues within the scene to open a scene to a hidden safe
G. Switch puzzle. Place segments of a star next to each other so that the sides of each part of the segment matches the one next to it. Switch them around until all are placed properly.
H. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide bars with flowers on them, up -down and sideways so that each row has flowers of the same color
I. Assembly puzzle. Place roses on two grids with openings for the roses so when the two plates merge, all the slots will have a metal rose in them.
J. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a round grid to restore an image
CHAPTER 3:
K. Tangram puzzle. Place tokens into position on a grid so all are used, all fit and none overlap each other.
L. Mathematical puzzle. Calculate the mathematical sequence to provide the numbers to open a safe.
M. Maze/Strategy puzzle. Choose the correct paths to get to he place of death, collecting items along the way
N. Book Sequence puzzle. Switch books so all are in sequential numerical order.
O. Mathematical puzzle. Use 20 numbers on a grid to create equations – adding and multiplying to get the 10 numbers at the sides of the grid. All numbers must be used.
I recommend this game!
There’s life behind a toy’s eyes if you’re really looking.
Overall rating
5
/
5
ELEPHANT INVENTS A NEW NUTCRACKER
PostedDecember 12, 2024
sunnyglow
fromLightening things up! A big thank you to Elephant for providing a brightness control at the beginning of the game. Hopefully, other developers will follow suit.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages
STORY: Welcome to the world of the Nutcracker. This fractured Prussian folk tale has been revamped, with some of its characters appearing within a new story. Play Clara, a young, budding inventor. Unexpectedly, she brings home a broken nutcracker, one she hopes to repair and gift to her father. This toy houses Prince Arthur who has been transformed into a nutcracker by the evil Mouse Queen, Mouserinks. After being repaired, Prince Arthur asks for her help to transform him back into his former self. With the help of the prince’s family amulet and fellow inventor Thomas Drosselmeyer, traverse to another world to battle this evildoer to restore the nutcracker prince’s kingdom.
ASSESSMENT: It would not be Christmas without the annual Elephant Christmas game. Although this is not their best game of the series, I did feel it was a good game. First, I would like to thank Elephant for allowing players to adjust the brightness of the screen. This has always been an issue for me with not only games from Elephant but other developers as well. Some of the scenes are so dark that you cannot see the items. Hopefully other developers will add this feature to their games.
This is a game which can be played by the entire family. The format is the same as with all Elephant’s other games. The story is decent and is an excellent one for young girls as it promotes women in science. It is a short game; however, length is not as important as content and pace. The pace is excellent. For me, I was engaged throughout the game and did not feel it bogged down as it progressed.
The graphics are superb and truly encapsulate the Christmas spirit. There are two collectibles, mouse figures and picture fragments which are featured as snowflakes. A jigsaw puzzle can be played with the puzzle fragments upon completion of the game. Missing collectibles can be found by going into the expedition room which allows the player to revisit scenes to find them. However, they are so large it would be hard to miss them in the scenes. The music is not Christmassy as in their other games. I would have liked to have heard more Yuletide carols as in their earlier games; however, the Christmassy graphics make up for that.
There are fourteen (14) HOP scenes and several mini-HOP scenes, featuring six items to be located. There are twenty-two (22) puzzles. Thirteen (13) of each can be replayed upon completion of the game. The scenes are lists of items, silhouette, search and replace, narrative, and pattern. There is a nice variety of puzzles, and both the HOP scenes and puzzles are creatively designed. I found most of the puzzles very easy and most could be played by children as well as adults.
MEFCHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 12 achievements.
• 26 scenes
• Collect 12 mouse figurines
• Collect 26 puzzle fragments shaped like snowflakes to complete a jigsaw puzzle hidden with the secret room
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music selections.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Expedition room allows players to search for collectibles missed in the scenes.
• 12 achievements.
• 26 scenes
• Collect 12 mouse figurines
• Collect 26 puzzle fragments shaped like snowflakes to complete a jigsaw puzzle hidden with the secret room
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music selections.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Expedition room allows players to search for collectibles missed in the scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: Return to Catstown, a location from a previous Christmas game. Play Clara again in this chapter. Captain Purray has asked you and the prince for help in battling a witch, Morgaret La Noir, the Red Moon Witch. Thomas Drosselmeyer holds the key to defeating this witch, but he has been kidnapped. Travel with the prince to Catstown to rid the town of this evildoer. Locate your cohort, Drosselmeyer and find a way to defeat the witch. I found this a nice addition to the game. There are five (5) HOP scenes, one mini-HOP scene, and seven (7) puzzles. To me, the puzzles were more difficult in this chapter. However, both the HOP scenes and puzzles are well-designed.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Sequence puzzle. Move down a brick wall by placing hand and feet symbols onto the proper locations on the wall to descend to the bottom.
B. Jigsaw puzzle. Recreate an image using jigsaw pieces.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a round plate to restore an image.
D. Assembly puzzle. Search for items for 2 knights and place them in the proper location so they match in appearance.
E. Map puzzle. Move Clara from an entrance to an exit avoiding reindeer along the path.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Rotating Tiles puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tiles so that track segments for 3 tracks are connected.
G. Sequence puzzle. Remove cat shaped spokes out of their hinges. Moving one affects the others.
H. Connection puzzle. Lead a sled along paths to musical notes without retracing steps.
I. Origami puzzle. Fold a paper map to create the shortest path.
B. Jigsaw puzzle. Recreate an image using jigsaw pieces.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a round plate to restore an image.
D. Assembly puzzle. Search for items for 2 knights and place them in the proper location so they match in appearance.
E. Map puzzle. Move Clara from an entrance to an exit avoiding reindeer along the path.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Rotating Tiles puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tiles so that track segments for 3 tracks are connected.
G. Sequence puzzle. Remove cat shaped spokes out of their hinges. Moving one affects the others.
H. Connection puzzle. Lead a sled along paths to musical notes without retracing steps.
I. Origami puzzle. Fold a paper map to create the shortest path.
I recommend this game!
Unwrap the gift of holiday fun the whole family can enjoy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
CHRISTMAS IS FINALLY HERE!
PostedDecember 5, 2024
sunnyglow
fromReturning home to Springfield for Christmas! Casual Arts is the Norman Rockwell of HOP games.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Merry Christmas! Christmas at BFG does not begin until Casual Arts releases its new Christmas Wonderland game. If this game does not get you into the Christmas spirit, nothing will! It is chock full of the Christmas spirit of small-town America. Travel to Springfield. This town could be in any state in the USA. There are stickers and car licenses from all over the USA. Many of us look forward to returning to this town for Christmas. It encapsulates Americana at its best. This game is all decked out for Christmas with scenes filled with glistening Christmas trees, yummy cookies, uplifting Christmas music and the warmth of small-town America.
The game follows the same format as their other Christmas games. First play jigsaw puzzle providing a map of Springfield. Then, search the beautiful Christmassy scenes to search for well-hidden objects. Every scene also features the additional items, golden angels and Christmas presents, which are shown at the bottom left of the screen. Throughout the game are a series of puzzles – including their famous thematic word searches and math puzzle to figure out a code, along with several matching puzzles. However, this developer always provides some new elements, such as some new puzzles.
I have not completely played this game. I want to savor every moment of the Christmas spirit from playing this game. The Christmas games from this developer remind me of my own childhood in Ohio. That is nostalgia which should not be rushed but enjoyed throughout the season.
I recommend this game!
Reopen the toy store and win over a grumpy mayor who dismisses Christmas!
Overall rating
5
/
5
SAVE ANOTHER RETAIL GIANT FROM CLOSING STORES DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
PostedDecember 3, 2024
sunnyglow
fromTake a sniff out crime! Rudolf, the red -nosed reindeer has another job besides lighting up the sky. Being nosy, Rudolf has put his talents to good use by moonlighting as a detective. He now uses his nose to sniff out crime and missing people.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 56 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 56 pages
STORY: Bah Humbug! Welcome to Christmasshire, a town devoid of Christmas. Play the son and heir to the chain of Toy Land stores. Your father wants you to succeed him in the family business; however, you must prove yourself worthy. Your task is to visit this small burg to find out why the mayor of the town wants to close the store, turning it into a clothing store. This old humbug has banned all holidays from being celebrated within the town. Once a man with a great deal of holiday spirit, he has turned into an old scrooge. Discover what has happened to your store and the town. With the help of Nicholas and Rudolf the Reindeer, perhaps you can save the town and perhaps, help the mayor resurrect his holiday spirit.
ANALYSIS: What a wonderful game to begin the Christmas season. This game is all decked out for the holidays! It is filled with joyful music, bright lights, and beautiful Christmas scenes chock full of everything related to the Yuletide season. It is full of eye candy to feast upon without gaining a pound. The game is full of Christmas cheer. I loved playing this game and feel it is a major improvement for this developer.
Domini Games listened to the players and it shows with this game. The format for the game is similar, but not quite the same as their other games. People complained about collecting stars and having summaries at the end of each chapter. Domini listened and got rid of this feature. There are no stars given for choosing the right action or comments throughout the game. You are not evaluated for the choices made throughout this game. You won’t have stars in your eyes with this game. I feel this action alone improved the game.
Another improvement with this game is the length. This game is not as long as this developer’s other games. To me, that is a good thing. Some of their games are just too long and become boring and repetitious after a few hours of game play. Less is more sometimes. I feel this is a nice-sized game with plenty of activities but not so long that you become bored. There are two collectibles, morphing Christmas cards and snow globes. I found some difficult to locate; however, for the most part, they are easy to locate. Players can collect golden gears which can be exchanged for items in the boudoir.
This game may not appeal to everyone. It HOP light and puzzle intense. However, I feel there are some of us who want more puzzles than HOP scenes. For those who dislike a lot of puzzles, there are plenty of HOP games consisting of mostly HOP scenes with a few easy puzzles thrown into the mix. The puzzles within this game are easy and what is delightful about DO Games is that the player can play most of the puzzles in either an easy or hard mode.
There are sixteen (16) HOP scenes in the entire game. All can be replayed upon completion of the game. All the HOP scenes are reused a second time, using a completely different style of HOP search. The types of HOP scenes include lists of items, rebus clues, cryptic clues, narrative, fragments, matching and placement of items back into the scene. There are also a few mini-HOP scenes in which the searches are only for five or six items. There are fifty-six (56) puzzles, forty-nine (49) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of them are creatively designed and reflect the Christmas theme.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 Christmas cards and 10 morphing snow globes
• Collect 70 golden gears to exchange for assorted items in the boudoir at the end of the game
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 49 mini-games.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 Christmas cards and 10 morphing snow globes
• Collect 70 golden gears to exchange for assorted items in the boudoir at the end of the game
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 49 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. After contacting your father upon completion of your assignment, he agrees to help you locate the missing person from the main game. Return to the abandoned post office from the first game and search for an address where this person may be living. I feel it is a decent chapter. There are three (3) HOP scenes and nine (9) mini-games. I feel this was a nice addition to the game. The sequel in this game does provide a much happier ending than from the main game and puts a nice final touch for the story behind the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE FIFTY-SIX (56) MINI-GAMES FROM THE GAME.
A. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch snowflakes on colored cords so every snowflake is on a liked-colored cord. The easy version has 4 cords. The hard version has more snowflakes to place on 5 cords.
B. E/H. Map puzzle. Place 8 markers with numbers on them, the number indicate steps to take to reach a destination. Set them up in the right sequence. The hard version has a more detailed map.
C. Assembly puzzle. Create a train track from give sections of track.
D. E/H. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place fragments into position to create an image. The easy version has 5 pieces and the hard 7.
E. E/H. Math Puzzle. Every shield has a numerical value. Place them so the sum of the numbers between them equals the number beneath the pair of them. The easy version has 5 shields and the hard has 6.
F. Ye Olde Fox and Hens puzzle. In this case, move 3 snowmen and 3 elves across a bridge. Ther cannot be more snowmen than elves on the shore when the sled leaves. And the sled cannot move without passengers.
G. Run, Run Rudophr! Map puzzle. Ride a reindeer while avoiding obstacles in your path. You get 3 lives.
H. E/H. Weights and Balances puzzle. Weigh items and arrange them on plates according to a given set of instructions. The hard version has more items to weigh
I. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place axe tokens with prongs jutting from them so they fit into a path. Every token will be used. The easy version has 7 and the hard version has 8.
J. E/H. Using dials on a clock, point each one to a portion of a snowflake, which, when combined, creates one of the snowflakes. The easy version has 4 and the hard version has 5.
BONUS CHAPTER:
K. E/H. Maze puzzle. Go down halls to locate a postal archive while removing obstacles from your path.
L. E/H. Matching puzzle. Match lock parts so they can connect. The easy version has 10 lock pieces to match, and the hard version has 12.
M. E/H. Maze puzzle. Using arrows, set up the sequence of steps to get out of a maze.
N. Match 3 games. Remove paints drops in groups of 3 or more until all are removed.
B. E/H. Map puzzle. Place 8 markers with numbers on them, the number indicate steps to take to reach a destination. Set them up in the right sequence. The hard version has a more detailed map.
C. Assembly puzzle. Create a train track from give sections of track.
D. E/H. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place fragments into position to create an image. The easy version has 5 pieces and the hard 7.
E. E/H. Math Puzzle. Every shield has a numerical value. Place them so the sum of the numbers between them equals the number beneath the pair of them. The easy version has 5 shields and the hard has 6.
F. Ye Olde Fox and Hens puzzle. In this case, move 3 snowmen and 3 elves across a bridge. Ther cannot be more snowmen than elves on the shore when the sled leaves. And the sled cannot move without passengers.
G. Run, Run Rudophr! Map puzzle. Ride a reindeer while avoiding obstacles in your path. You get 3 lives.
H. E/H. Weights and Balances puzzle. Weigh items and arrange them on plates according to a given set of instructions. The hard version has more items to weigh
I. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place axe tokens with prongs jutting from them so they fit into a path. Every token will be used. The easy version has 7 and the hard version has 8.
J. E/H. Using dials on a clock, point each one to a portion of a snowflake, which, when combined, creates one of the snowflakes. The easy version has 4 and the hard version has 5.
BONUS CHAPTER:
K. E/H. Maze puzzle. Go down halls to locate a postal archive while removing obstacles from your path.
L. E/H. Matching puzzle. Match lock parts so they can connect. The easy version has 10 lock pieces to match, and the hard version has 12.
M. E/H. Maze puzzle. Using arrows, set up the sequence of steps to get out of a maze.
N. Match 3 games. Remove paints drops in groups of 3 or more until all are removed.
I recommend this game!
Uncover the identity of a mysterious woman with a message from the past!
Overall rating
5
/
5
MEET A NEW ARCHNEMESIS WHICH INCORPORATES THE BODY AND SOUL OF PURE EVIL
PostedNovember 26, 2024
sunnyglow
fromOnly in videogames! Where else can one find pop up cans along with pop up snakes in 1911?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
STORY: Welcome back Master Detective! Enter a new chapter in the series along with a new arch nemesis. This evildoer is one who truly incorporates the body and soul of the series. This person is more sinister than the Dalimar clan. Even worse, this villain may be harder to track in future games.
Your new assignment takes you to the Bishop residence where Agnes Bishop, an elderly woman, is experiencing strange events. She asks for your help when she begins to experience ghostly events. Go beneath the surface of the Bishop mansion and uncover what evil lurks beneath it. You will be playing a cat and mouse game with the evildoer, entering a rat’s maze of doors with the evildoer taunting you along the way. However, who is the cat and who is the mouse? To give more information about the story would ruin the game for those who have not played it. Suffice it to say, this is a fantastic game, and to me, one of the best in the series.
ANALYSIS: I loved playing this game. This game should appeal to those who love sci-fi or games which are a little more challenging. The game follows the same format as other GrandMA games. I found the story for the main game and the bonus chapter excellent and well-written. Most of the activities involve science or mechanics. Most puzzles involve machine assembly, robotics, and chemical formulations. The collectibles are morphing watchers and puzzles pieces. I found them well-hidden. I had to use the strategy guide for help in finding some of them. The puzzles pieces are white and blend in well within the scenes.
There are twenty-six (26) mini-games. Three of those are meta games (AKA Rube-Goldberg puzzles) which have several mini-puzzles within one larger puzzle. I feel the puzzles are creatively designed as are the sixteen (16) HOP scenes. There are also several mini-HOP scenes in which the player searches for five or six items. After the game the player can replay 15 HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games. The HOP scenes are varied, interactive, and challenging . They include lists of items, silhouette, narrative, fragments, and matching.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements.
• Collect 54 morphing watchers and 20 puzzle jigsaw pieces for a puzzle available at the end of the game
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 15 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements.
• Collect 54 morphing watchers and 20 puzzle jigsaw pieces for a puzzle available at the end of the game
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 15 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER! What a fang-tastic prequel! Enjoy romping through ta jungle filled with snakes! Snakes are popping up all over in this chapter. Personally, I hate snakes (almost a phobia) and it was difficult for me to play this chapter. There is one gasping moment at the beginning! Be prepared! Play Margaret Bellow, who, along with guide Angelica, tromp through the jungles of Central American searching for the Snake Mask. Despite the creepy crawlies slithering around, I loved this game. The graphics are breathtaking. It has a great storyline and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. There are three (3) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games. There are numerous mini-HOP scenes throughout the chapter. To me this is a nice addition to the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle from the 1980’s. Move a mouse through a rat maze collecting food items along the path. The number of each of 3 items is listed at the top. If you collect too many items, you must restart.
B. Connection puzzle. Move through a maze of firefly bugs (or whatever they are) so that each bug is connected without retracing steps. The bugs are place the direction in which the player must move. Move the bugs so that when you press Go a path is created.
C. Stacking puzzle. Collect 6 objects, incorporating them into each other starting with the smallest and moving up to the largest.
D. Rope puzzle. Free a beetle by releasing the light rays holding it
E. Sequence puzzle. Push numbers on cylinders in sequential order from 1 to 10. Move the cylinders up and down to reveal the numbers
F. Meta Puzzle:
(1) Locate all eyes within the scene.
(2) Maze puzzle. Lead a ball through a tube avoiding obstacles in its path
(3) Enter Morse code symbols onto a screen.
(4) Sliding tiles. Slide tiles with picture fragments on them to create an image
(5) Spot the differences: Spot the 4 differences between two pictures
(6) Type in a code based upon the code given for each symbol
(7) Math puzzle. Match up wires with dots on them so that the sum of their dots is the same throughout.
(8) Logic puzzle. Place numbers into rows and columns so that no number appears twice in any row or column.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into position to create a complete form. 2X
H. Connection puzzle. Connect dots so that all are connected and steps are not retraced.
I. Block puzzle Move hands to create a path for two dishes of pomegranates to reach hands within the grid.
J. Sequence puzzle. Switch 5 tokens so they are in the proper order according to given clues.
B. Connection puzzle. Move through a maze of firefly bugs (or whatever they are) so that each bug is connected without retracing steps. The bugs are place the direction in which the player must move. Move the bugs so that when you press Go a path is created.
C. Stacking puzzle. Collect 6 objects, incorporating them into each other starting with the smallest and moving up to the largest.
D. Rope puzzle. Free a beetle by releasing the light rays holding it
E. Sequence puzzle. Push numbers on cylinders in sequential order from 1 to 10. Move the cylinders up and down to reveal the numbers
F. Meta Puzzle:
(1) Locate all eyes within the scene.
(2) Maze puzzle. Lead a ball through a tube avoiding obstacles in its path
(3) Enter Morse code symbols onto a screen.
(4) Sliding tiles. Slide tiles with picture fragments on them to create an image
(5) Spot the differences: Spot the 4 differences between two pictures
(6) Type in a code based upon the code given for each symbol
(7) Math puzzle. Match up wires with dots on them so that the sum of their dots is the same throughout.
(8) Logic puzzle. Place numbers into rows and columns so that no number appears twice in any row or column.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into position to create a complete form. 2X
H. Connection puzzle. Connect dots so that all are connected and steps are not retraced.
I. Block puzzle Move hands to create a path for two dishes of pomegranates to reach hands within the grid.
J. Sequence puzzle. Switch 5 tokens so they are in the proper order according to given clues.
SHOULD I PLAY OR STAY AWAY? To me, this is a must-have, especially if you love this series! To me, this is one of the best games of the series and also for GrandMA Games. Some of the puzzles may seem too mechanical or scientific; however, there are also some excellent HOP scenes and less of those types of puzzles at the beginning and end of the game.
I recommend this game!