sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:814
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 20, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you save familiar stories from an emerging darkness before it’s too late?
Overall rating
1
/
5
THE CASE OF THE MISSING HOPA GAME
PostedMarch 20, 2025
sunnyglow
fromLike Sherlock - off to solve another mystery; however NOT in this game!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Well, Sherlock, what happened to the HOPA Game? Furthermore, what has happened to one of our premiere HOPA developers? I was shocked to see this game. Usually, Friendly Fox creates some of the best HOPA games BFG offers. . As is stated at the beginning of the game, this developer has created something “new.” The developer states they are so excited to provide more HOP scenes than in previous games. There are no voiceovers in this game. However, many of us this is not new. We have seen this type of game before, it is a HOP game. It may be listed as a HOPA game; however, it is just a dressed up HOP game.
I played the demo. It was boring. I could not even finish it. I never review HOP games; however, this one is listed as a HOPA game; thus, I am writing this review. There are no voice-overs – just script for the dialogue. It is “awful” as one of the other reviewers has written. I see Sherlock Holmes makes an appearance in this game. The developer thinks that the addition of many more HOP scenes is a good thing. Hey Sherlock – it seems to me if you add many more HOP scenes with few puzzles and no voiceovers – you are offering a HOP game. It is very sad to me to see this developer descend into the rabbit hole of mediocrity. This is not their best work and if this is an example of future games from them, I will not be purchasing any more from them.
I don't recommend this game.
What does your future hold? The answers are in the cards…
Overall rating
5
/
5
PICK A CARD AND AWAIT YOUR FATE!
PostedMarch 13, 2025
sunnyglow
fromYou never know what’s in the cards regarding your future. However, after playing this game, going to a tarot reader is not in the cards for me!
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
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 64 pages
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 64 pages
Pick a card and find out what the future holds for you. Lucky you! If the future includes this game, you should be delighted. I found the game creatively designed with a good pace and storyline. Play a detective in search of a missing twin at the bequest of her twin sister. Your quest will take you to a fortune teller whose deck of cards reveal more than his clients bargained for.
I loved playing this game. I don’t always agree with some of the games chosen for the editor’s choice award; however, I believe this game merits it. The graphics are surrealistic and incredibly beautiful. The game kept my interest and to me, it is the right length. There are no snail-paced segments which are added as filler to make the game longer. The story behind the game is excellent and the game has a good pace.
My only issue concerning the game are the collectibles. I found the collectibles difficult to locate in some scenes. I needed to check the strategy guide to find some of them. They are well-hidden within the scenes, a little too well hidden.
My only issue concerning the game are the collectibles. I found the collectibles difficult to locate in some scenes. I needed to check the strategy guide to find some of them. They are well-hidden within the scenes, a little too well hidden.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 12 achievements.
• Collect 48 butterflies (half which are morphing) and 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces to play a jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 6 puzzles.
• Extra HOP game playable upon completion of the game.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 12 achievements.
• Collect 48 butterflies (half which are morphing) and 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces to play a jigsaw puzzle at the end of the game.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 6 puzzles.
• Extra HOP game playable upon completion of the game.
There are thirty-four (34) puzzles within the game. However, only six (6) can be replayed upon completion of the game. I thought the puzzles were creatively designed. I especially liked the maze puzzle at the beginning of the game. There is a minor error in the directions for one of the puzzles. There is a puzzle in which the player switches pieces to restore an image. The directions ask the player to rotate the pieces. This developer may have changed the puzzle and forgot to change the directions; nevertheless, it is a small error. Other than that, I found no other issues with the game.
There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes in the game. Some of these are mini-HOP scenes with four to 6 items to be located. You can replay eighteen (18) of these after the game. I feel the scenes are the best part of the game. All are interactive and well-designed. If you like to play HOP scenes, you will love these. The HOP scenes include lists of items, narrative, silhouette, search and replace, searches for twelve of the same item, matching, narrative, fragments, and spot-the-differences.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel – at least I think it is. The protagonist is Maxwell. I thought the game as a prequel explaining how he got into the fortune telling business; however, after playing the chapter, that may not be the case. It is a decent chapter. To me, I do not think the story is as good as the one from the main game. Nevertheless, the activities are creatively designed. There are two (2) HOP scenes and seven (7) puzzles.
FINAL VERDICT: This is one of the best games GrandMA has created. We do not get many games from this developer; however, I feel the developer outdid themselves with this one.. With twice the puzzles in this game in comparison to the HOP scenes, I am surprised at the few puzzles available to be replayed. I would much rather replay puzzles than HOP scenes. Nevertheless, that is a minor issue to me. This is definitely one the best games this year.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a dangerous creature of lore before it’s too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
WEATHER A STORM TO CREATE A RAINBOW
PostedMarch 6, 2025
sunnyglow
fromIt appears this wee kingdom of magical beings needs to weather a lot of storms to create and maintain a rainbow!
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: 46 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 46 pages
Celebrate another magical St. Patrick’s Day with Will and his family of leprechauns. Join Will as he battles another evildoer threatening the kingdom. The Drauberg has arisen from his millennial sleep and is causing havoc and magic mayhem throughout the kingdom. Travel on a dark journey through a beastly forest as Will battles this menace and learns a little more about his leprechaun heritage.
This game is a little pot o’ gold. I feel this is one of the best games Elephant has produced lately. I like this game much better than the others in this series. The graphics celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with rainbows, shamrocks, and lots of green. It is an Irish fairytale come-to-life. It is the perfect length. I played the entire game in five hours and felt I had gotten my money’s worth. The game has an excellent story. I have never heard of a Drauberg. However, until last year, I had never heard of a Clurichaun either. Seems like a lot of nasties in Irish folklore!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 Irish folklore figurines and 24 puzzle fragments (indicated as mushrooms)
• 6 wallpapers, a screensaver, and music selections.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 Irish folklore figurines and 24 puzzle fragments (indicated as mushrooms)
• 6 wallpapers, a screensaver, and music selections.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles
The format for this game is consistent with other of this developer’s games. The HOP scenes and puzzles are much better than in many of Elephant’s other games. There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes. Thirteen (13) can be replayed upon completion of the game. However, some of these scenes consist of only a search for six (6) items. There are a variety of scenes including lists of items, silhouette, rebus clues, matching, narrative, fragments. Returning are HOP scenes with sliders. This type of scene has not been seen in some time. I loved the scene which employs cutouts which are placed over the items to be removed. This style of scene has not been seen in games for some time as well.
There are twenty-two (2) puzzles, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I thought the puzzles were better designed than most of Elephant’s recent games. As with other Elephant games, there are many picture puzzles. I enjoyed the maze puzzle in the bonus chapter which has a slight twist in its construction. The figure moving through the maze continues moving until it hits a boundary. I felt this little twist provided a little variety to the puzzle.
BONUS CHAPTER: A long war between the fairies and the pixies has led to the capture of the fairy queen, Una, and the destruction of the fairy Glade’s rainbow. An injured fairy has asked Will for his help to use his magic to help the fairies and restore order. I found the chapter an excellent addition to the game. There are seven (7) HOP scenes and eight (8) puzzles. It is a nice addition to the game and worth the price of a collector’s edition game.
I recommend this game!
Find the clues to uncover the truth behind a violent murder!
Overall rating
4
/
5
SOMETHING FISHY IS GOING ON IN THIS WHODUNIT
PostedFebruary 27, 2025
sunnyglow
fromStudying “pisciculture.” Wonder if raising fish is any different than raising children or other creatures? At least they are quiet and cause few problems.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages
Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages
Super sleuth Sharlotte Holmes returns to solve another whodunit. This time, the murder involves her cohort in crime solving, Oscar Watson. Watson’s school friend, Howard Kern, is the leading suspect in the murder of a sea captain. However, he insists he is innocent. However, is he truly innocent? Could there be another culprit behind the murder? Investigate clues and be prepared for some surprises while playing this game.
I feel this game is much better than previous games in this series. The game is very short. I completed the game in five (5) hours, including the bonus chapter. However, the story is well-written and kept my interest. In addition, there are more and better activities than in previous games within this series. Personally, I do not care if a game is short if it has a good story and creatively designed activities. For me, I would rather play a shorter game than one which is lengthy and puts me to sleep. There is something new in this game. Elephant has added a slight variation in collectibles. There are three (3) morphing objects which are completely different than the other collectibles.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 26 achievements.
• Collect 13 figurines of the game characters and 3 morphing objects.
• Collect 26 puzzle pieces (shaped like magnifying glasses) for a puzzle played after the game is finished.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 26 achievements.
• Collect 13 figurines of the game characters and 3 morphing objects.
• Collect 26 puzzle pieces (shaped like magnifying glasses) for a puzzle played after the game is finished.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
There are twenty-three (23) puzzles and twenty-one (21) HOP scenes. However, many of the HOP scenes consist of searches for only six items. To me, this is hardly what I call a full HOP scene. Upon completion of the game, thirteen (13) of each can be replayed. There are a nice variety of HOP scenes including lists of items, silhouette, rebus clues, fragments, and narrative. I love Rube-Goldberg puzzles and there is one in the demo. I wish Elephant had added another one of these multi-step puzzles. For those unfamiliar with this style of puzzle – it consists of multiple mini-puzzles which must be solved sequentially. I found the puzzles easy, thematic, and creatively designed.
I only found one problem in the game. One of the maze puzzles is difficult to navigate. It could be my computer; however, I do believe this is a problem with the puzzle itself. It involves moving a sailor figure through a maze. I found it difficult to move this sailor through the maze. I had to jiggle it back-and-forth throughout the maze to get it to the end. Once I reached the treasure chest at the end, I had a difficult time pushing it into the treasure chest to end the puzzle. I thought I might have to “skip” the puzzle; however, after a little coercion, I was able to release it.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The protagonist from the main game, Howard Kern, asks Sharlotte for help in locating a valuable gem missing from his inheritance. I found it a nice sequel to the main game. There are six (6) HOP scenes and five (5) puzzles. I found it a nice addition to the game and worthy of a collector’s edition classification. I did find the ending a little humorous and cringe worthy. The ending is surprising to say the least.
I recommend this game!
Love is blooming, and the world is waiting for you to wander!
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.
.
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.
.
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!