sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,068
- Reviews Submitted:758
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:September 12, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
There’s something strange lying beyond the Blue Moon...
Overall rating
5
/
5
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON A HOP MASTERPIECE ARISES ON THE HORIZON
PostedSeptember 12, 2024
sunnyglow
fromOnce in a blue moon, a fantastic game arises on the gaming horizon. For all the gaming wolves out there - hope this one will be a howling success.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
STORY: Aloha! Pack some warm clothes and sail away to the island paradise of Lunara! Once in a blue moon (after so many years) this Polynesian island is challenged and faces a test. Under this blue moon, the island has been frozen by an ice storm. Now you must travel throughout the island to locate moonstones which can defrost the icy kingdom. Restore this island paradise to its lush beauty while listening to some soft, soothing Polynesian background music.
ANALYSIS: Kudos to Mixo Games! This is a well-crafted, creatively designed game. This developer paints a beautiful Polynesian picture filled with gorgeous graphics of the island and lifelike images of the game characters. Unlike most games, the game characters have voiceovers which match their mouth movements. The characters seem almost 3-dimensional. The imagery is breathtaking.
Unlike other HOP games, the searches are puzzlelike and can be quite challenging depending on the level played. The format for the game is the same for each chapter of the game. The player plays a series of HOP scenes with puzzles interspersed throughout the scenes. Collect moonstones by playing the HOP scenes which are used to unfreeze new parts of the island
There are three levels of play, casual, normal, and extreme. I believe this allows one player to play a relaxed game while giving other players some challenge. I am playing the normal level and feel it is somewhat challenging in searching for some of the items. I would believe the extreme level would be difficult.
There is a game room which has a variety of different games. The player collects coins which allow additional gameplay in the game room. When the player has enough coins, clicking on a clover takes you to the games. There are several puzzle types within the game. Some of them are within the gameplay and others are in the game room. There is a jigsaw puzzle of the island within the game. Upon completion of each part of the game, the player receives a puzzle fragment to place into the jigsaw puzzle.
PUZZLES WITHIN THE GAME:
A. Block puzzle. One of the puzzles within the game is a block puzzle. The blocks have directional arrows on them and must be removed from the grid. The difficulty increases with each level of the game
B. Mahjong. Tiles are shown at the bottom and the player must remove the tiles on the mahjong grid which correspond to them. More than one can be removed at a time.
C. Marble popper/bingo game. Click on numbers on bingo cards which appear on balls as they snake their way to an exit point. Get all numbers before the balls reach the exist point
D. Pachinko. Pull a handle to drop ball onto a spinning wheel to remove marbles to reach a coin in the center of the circle.
E. Solitaire. Click on a card that is one higher or one lower in rank to remove them from the spread.
F. Slot machine. Try to guess whether the next card will be higher or lower than the last card.
B. Mahjong. Tiles are shown at the bottom and the player must remove the tiles on the mahjong grid which correspond to them. More than one can be removed at a time.
C. Marble popper/bingo game. Click on numbers on bingo cards which appear on balls as they snake their way to an exit point. Get all numbers before the balls reach the exist point
D. Pachinko. Pull a handle to drop ball onto a spinning wheel to remove marbles to reach a coin in the center of the circle.
E. Solitaire. Click on a card that is one higher or one lower in rank to remove them from the spread.
F. Slot machine. Try to guess whether the next card will be higher or lower than the last card.
HOP SCENES: There are many HOP scenes within the game; however, they are puzzle-like. Items to be collected are layered and some items must be found before others on the list can be located. The searches are spread out among several scenes, which, I feel, makes the gameplay more exciting. The clues to the items are colored. Red clues indicate that some action must be completed, and a tool needs to be located to complete it. Green indicates a moon statue or compass symbol which opens a puzzle or a close-up level that must be completed before continuing with the main level. The blue text is a riddle hinting at the object to be located. There are more than one of each item to be located.
DO I PLAY OR STAY AWAY? THUMBS UP on this game! This is a fantastic game for most HOP game lovers and some HOPA game lovers as well. Those who do not like puzzle-like games, may not enjoy this game. However, the casual level should provide an enjoyable easy romp through the island paradise.
FINAL REQUEST: I would love to see this developer create a HOPA game, one based on a Polynesian legend. With a few modifications, this game could be flushed out to create a HOPA game. With the incredibly beautiful graphics displayed in this game, I am certain it would be a sensational hit.
FINAL ALOHA: I hate most HOP games. I don’t relish playing one boring HOP scene after another with some easy puzzle thrown into the mix. There are only a few non-HOP developers I write reviews for. One of these is Casual Arts and the other is Puzzles by Joe. This developer will be my third. This HOP game is unique and merits a review. This developer has shown they are a cut above the others who produce HOP games for BFG. I hope to see more games from this developer and hopefully, will become a main contributor to this gaming site.
I recommend this game!
Join the struggle between hubris and the natural world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
GO UNDERGROUND TO SAVE FAIRY TALE KINGDOMS
PostedSeptember 5, 2024
sunnyglow
fromAlternative energy has found its way into the world of games. A “budding” new source of energy is oozing its way into the elf world. The World Tree is powering elf’s homes and their magamobiles with technomagical tree sap.
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: 65 pages
3 chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 65 pages
STORY: Travel underground for your next adventure, into the magic kingdom of Etheria. After your friend Emma discovers a crack in the earth, you are off to join her in her investigation of this underground kingdom. This kingdom is inhabited by a race of elves who are guardians of Tree of the World. This sacred tree is the source of energy and magic for Etheria and other kingdoms as well. However, it has been infected, its energy and magic are dying and soon the kingdom may perish if it succumbs to this illness. Discover an unexpected source behind the maladies of this kingdom and the neighboring kingdom, Ignia, home of the Draconians. Deal with a “budding” evildoer who wants dominion and unfettered power and is willing to destroy two kingdoms to obtain it.
ANALYSIS: I loved playing this game! The graphics are breathtaking! Our “puzzlemeisters “always provide a well-crafted game; one which provides excellent gaming value for the money. This is a long game, twice as long as those from other developers. It is a puzzle intense and HOP light game. I loved this game; however, this game may not appeal to everyone. It is a great game for those who love puzzle-oriented games, those who love science fiction or fantasy games along with those who are interested in science.
The format is the same as with this developer’s other games. The game can be as challenging as the player wishes, from extremely challenging by playing the hard level of puzzles to a little easier by playing the easy version of the puzzles. Nevertheless, this is not an easy peasy game. Even the HOP scenes require some intense searching at times. You can play additional footage to earn stars You also get stars to making the “right” decision according to the game. The “right” answer is indicated by the number of stars awarded. At the end of each chapter your actions are summarized and the number of stars you received are noted. However, if you hate collecting those stars, you can just ignore the extra footage. The collectibles are morphing world cores and tree flowers. Collect trees sprouts as well to exchange for items to decorate a library.
There are sixty-three (63) mini-games, forty-seven (47) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the puzzles are offered in an easy and hard version. There are only seventeen (17) HOP scenes, sixteen (16) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. A match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes. Each chapter has four to five HOP scenes. Most of the scenes are repeated with another variety of HOP scene provided. There are lists of items, silhouette, fragment, matching, spot-the-differences, and rebus clues. The HOP scenes, especially at the beginning of the game, are incredibly beautiful.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• 23 Scenes
• Collect 10 morphing world cores and 10 tree flowers.
• Collect 70 tree sprouts to exchange for items to decorate a library hidden within the boudoir.
• Collect 48 stars for playing extra scenes or for making the correct decisions in the game
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 47 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• 23 Scenes
• Collect 10 morphing world cores and 10 tree flowers.
• Collect 70 tree sprouts to exchange for items to decorate a library hidden within the boudoir.
• Collect 48 stars for playing extra scenes or for making the correct decisions in the game
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 47 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The leader of Etheria, Geral , requests your assistance with another problem affecting their kingdom. An ancient evil spirit, Magistralix, has been released. He was released when the evildoer from the main chapter tried to create his own world with ancient magic. Now, you, with the help of Flammar from the kingdom of Ignia, work to find a way to stop this spirit from destroying the two kingdoms. This chapter is a nice addition to the game. It is a long chapter, 30% of the game. There are four (4) HOP scenes and fourteen (14) mini-games. The chapter is worthy of a collector’s edition designation for this game.
FINAL NOTE – LOOKIE HERE: Other developers should look at the design of this game. This developer provides an excellent product while conserving money and resources. This is a very long game; however, they only provide 23 scenes within the entire game, including the bonus chapter. However, most players would not even realize there are not many scenes. Most HOP scenes are repeated using another style of search. The voiceovers are strategically placed; however, they are not frequent. Nevertheless, the game is superb demonstrating that this developer uses their resources wisely in creating their games. It is expensive to create these games; however, voiceovers can be slimmed down along with repeating the same HOP scene with another style of search while keeping the activity to fewer scenes within the game.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE MINI-GAMES FROM THE 63 AVAILABLE WITHIN THIS GAME.
A. E/H. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so it matches a given design. The hard version has a more complex design and more rope pieces to untangle
B. Block puzzle. Use arrows to relocate bubbles in a bumblebee’s path so it can reach its destination.
C. E/H. Strategy puzzle. On a grid with mushrooms with 5 dots upon their caps, strategize so that every square within the grid has a dot within it. Pressing on each mushroom indicates its path and how many spaces it can fill in. The hard version has one more mushroom and a larger grid. Each dot will be used on each mushroom.
D. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram style pieces with water drops on the top onto a grid of squares with rot on them so that all the pieces are used, and every square is covered. The hard version has more squares of rot and more tangram shaped pieces.
E. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Set the coordinates to locate a flower by using arrows and buttons within a specified number of moves. There are 3 buttons which can move clockwise or counterclockwise 3, 6 or 7 spaces. The hard version has more coordinates to set.
F. E/H. Pipe puzzle. Adjust pipe segments so that water flows freely through all the pipes. The hard version has more pipes to adjust.
G. Sequence puzzle. Climb down a cliff using hand and feet icons and placing them into locations on the cliff. 5 X
H. Ye Olde Fox and Hens puzzle with an AI twist. Move Draconoid and Technobots from one side of the grid to the other in a railcar. The car cannot be empty and there must not be more Draconoids than Technobots on either side.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch 6 cups so that the level of their liquid matches a line behind it. The easy version has 6 cups and the hard has 8.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch the positions of two cars on a train track. Move both cars onto stations which open barriers within their paths. Move back and forth between the cars. The hard version has more barriers.
K. Physics puzzle. Set valves into position so that water flows through a pump reservoir. The hard version has more valves to set.
B. Block puzzle. Use arrows to relocate bubbles in a bumblebee’s path so it can reach its destination.
C. E/H. Strategy puzzle. On a grid with mushrooms with 5 dots upon their caps, strategize so that every square within the grid has a dot within it. Pressing on each mushroom indicates its path and how many spaces it can fill in. The hard version has one more mushroom and a larger grid. Each dot will be used on each mushroom.
D. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram style pieces with water drops on the top onto a grid of squares with rot on them so that all the pieces are used, and every square is covered. The hard version has more squares of rot and more tangram shaped pieces.
E. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Set the coordinates to locate a flower by using arrows and buttons within a specified number of moves. There are 3 buttons which can move clockwise or counterclockwise 3, 6 or 7 spaces. The hard version has more coordinates to set.
F. E/H. Pipe puzzle. Adjust pipe segments so that water flows freely through all the pipes. The hard version has more pipes to adjust.
G. Sequence puzzle. Climb down a cliff using hand and feet icons and placing them into locations on the cliff. 5 X
H. Ye Olde Fox and Hens puzzle with an AI twist. Move Draconoid and Technobots from one side of the grid to the other in a railcar. The car cannot be empty and there must not be more Draconoids than Technobots on either side.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch 6 cups so that the level of their liquid matches a line behind it. The easy version has 6 cups and the hard has 8.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch the positions of two cars on a train track. Move both cars onto stations which open barriers within their paths. Move back and forth between the cars. The hard version has more barriers.
K. Physics puzzle. Set valves into position so that water flows through a pump reservoir. The hard version has more valves to set.
I recommend this game!
Gear up for frights with spooky Halloween fun!
Overall rating
1
/
5
ANOTHER BORING ASSEMBLY LINE GAME
PostedSeptember 28, 2023
sunnyglow
fromWish I may, Wish I might - I just wish better games were in sight! Ugh!
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Well I see the assembly line is in full swing at Boomcrap. There is a recent boom at BFG to produce this crap. This developer is cranking them out as fast as humanly possible. I will say this game has a lot of diversity in activites. The player can play many varieties of activities within the game. However,that being said, all those activities are boring cookie cutter variations of each other.
This developer used to produce some decent games. I would love to see them slow down and produce better games. I usually don't even bother to write a review for this type of game; however, I do want to support fellow members of this site. We all just want better games to play.
I don't recommend this game.
All's fair in love and investigation.
Overall rating
5
/
5
ANOTHER SLEUTHING MASTERPIECE FROM DO GAMES
PostedSeptember 9, 2023
sunnyglow
fromEverything is coming up roses with another fantastic game from DO Games!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Detectives! Prepare to enjoy another detective game from one of the best game developers for HOPA games, DO Games. Play a seasoned detective, who, along with a young apprentice detective, investigates a series of murders. This is a very long game. There are four (4) chapters plus a bonus chapter. Each chapter is as long as some games on BFG. I enjoy playing games such as this one because those breaks within the game make it easier to quit and not forget what happened previously when you return to the game. DO Games always provides more gaming pleasure for the money and for the length of the game, it is a steal at the collector’s price.
From the first two chapters I have played, it appears that each chapter is dedicated to a new murder case. The first chapter deals with an evildoer who is trying to escape punishment for a lifetime of crimes. The second case deals with the murders of members of the occult, an exorcist, and a fortune teller. Are the two chapters connected? At this point I am uncertain; however, I am looking forward to completing the entire game to find out.
The format is the same as the other games within this series. Chapters are identified as the player progresses through the game. The collectibles are morphing newspaper articles and flowerpots filled with a variety of flowers. I found most are easy to locate. Collect sixty-five (65) badges which can be exchanged for bouquets of flowers hidden within a boudoir. There are fifteen (15) wallpapers. I am enjoying playing a new story with each chapter. For me, it breaks up the monotony of such a long game. Throughout the game the player receives points. Stars and points are rewarded for choosing the correct choice between two actions or responses. The graphics are good; however, there are not as many scenes as in this developer’s earlier games. However, I am just happy to have a decent HOPA game to play. There are fewer and fewer of these being produced nowadays.
This game is a little more difficult than many other HOPA games. It is jam packed with puzzles and HOP scenes. Most of the puzzles are offered in both an easy and hard option. The HOP scenes are varied and as with their other games, DO Games has a wide variety of styles of HOP games. All the scenes are highly interactive. I found some of the items to be located a little difficult to find; however, for me, that is part of the fun of playing these games. This game is not boring. It will keep a player engaged with each new chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 35 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing newspaper clippings and 10 flowerpots.
• Collect 65 badges used to exchange for bouquets of flowers.
• Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 35 Mini-games and 32 HOP scenes.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 35 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing newspaper clippings and 10 flowerpots.
• Collect 65 badges used to exchange for bouquets of flowers.
• Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 35 Mini-games and 32 HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES FROM THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS:
A. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Adjust flags on a globe so that the position of each one matches the flag beneath it. Moving one flag up-and-down affects the others. The easy version has 5 flags; the hard version has 7 flags.
B. E/H. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more of your colored tokens before your nemesis fills up his grid. You each have tokens of 3 different colors. Tokens can connect either up, down, or diagonally.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Using dials which move either 3 or 4 spaces – clockwise or counterclockwise – choose the correct key outlines for a set of keys. The easy version has 5 keys and the hard has 7.
D. E/H. Gear puzzle. Rotate gears with images on them so that chains connecting gears with each other have the same image appearing in both gears they connect. The easy version has 5 gears and the hard has 6.
E. E/H. Maze puzzle. Rotate a circular grid so that blue marbles end up on indicated slots. The easy version has one blue marble – the hard has two.
F. E/H. Connection puzzle. Create a maze for a mouse by rotating squares on a grid s until a path is formed. In the hard version, rotating one square affects the others.
G. E/H. Matching puzzle. Connect boot prints on a bog until all are connected. The hard version has more boots than the easy version.
B. E/H. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more of your colored tokens before your nemesis fills up his grid. You each have tokens of 3 different colors. Tokens can connect either up, down, or diagonally.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Using dials which move either 3 or 4 spaces – clockwise or counterclockwise – choose the correct key outlines for a set of keys. The easy version has 5 keys and the hard has 7.
D. E/H. Gear puzzle. Rotate gears with images on them so that chains connecting gears with each other have the same image appearing in both gears they connect. The easy version has 5 gears and the hard has 6.
E. E/H. Maze puzzle. Rotate a circular grid so that blue marbles end up on indicated slots. The easy version has one blue marble – the hard has two.
F. E/H. Connection puzzle. Create a maze for a mouse by rotating squares on a grid s until a path is formed. In the hard version, rotating one square affects the others.
G. E/H. Matching puzzle. Connect boot prints on a bog until all are connected. The hard version has more boots than the easy version.
I recommend this game!
Can you work with animals to save a local zoo’s celebration?
Overall rating
1
/
5
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ELEPHANT? A BIG KERFUFFLE!
PostedAugust 31, 2023
sunnyglow
fromWish Anna Gray could go back in time and save Elephant Games from producing this kerfuffle.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Elephant - what were you thinking when you created this fiasco? UGH! I am terrified and horrified (well maybe those words are a little overdramatic), that Elephant is going the same route as many other developers and will stop creating HOPA games. I cannot believe that Elephant thought this game would be well-received. This game is modeled after another developer’s successful HOP games. I don’t play that developer’s games, except at Christmas. It does provide a nice beginning to the Yuletide season with its musical background. At least those games are well-formatted and are a little challenging.
This game lacks anything warranting a collector’s edition price. The game has no voice-overs. The HOP scenes are boring – the simplistic puzzles are boring, and the format is boring as well. You lost me Elephant from the first hello to this new series. I dread seeing any more of these games. As others have stated, it is boring, boring, boring! Hopefully you are getting the message.
I sincerely hope BFG is NOT going to have a deluge of HOP games in the future. I am certain I am not the only one who will just give up their membership if this is all they are going to provide in the way of gaming for PC and MAC.
In case the message was lost because of all the verbiage – allow me to define this game in two words:
A BORING KERFUFFLE!
I don't recommend this game.
Face the elements of magic!
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 70 found this review helpful
ANOTHER MASTERPIECE FROM DO GAMES
PostedAugust 17, 2023
sunnyglow
fromLiving through a month of over 100- degree Texas heat, it is refreshing to play a game with lots of snow and ice.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 80 pages
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 80 pages
What a fantastic game! This game is long. I was only able to finish the first three (3) chapters. It will take me several days to complete the entire game. I am savoring every moment as we BFG customers see fewer HOPA games nowadays. Although I have not completed it, I will give my assessment on the first half of this game. This HOPA game, unlike some others offered on this site, is worth the price of a Collector’s Edition game. For members, this game is a steal at the price listed. There are hours of gaming pleasure. Hopefully other developers will look at this serial game. It is a cut above most HOPA games offered lately. I feel DO Games has taken HOPA games in a new direction, and most importantly, in the right direction. Lately, some of the HOPA games offered on this site are short, poorly constructed, and boring.
This game is a hybrid. It is more of an adventure game; however, it has HOP scenes within it. The game is the fourth one within this series. In this episode, the citizens of the kingdom of Thornheim, are off to save their kingdom from eternal cold. This is a serial game with chapters, each one with a new character as the protagonist. The story is well-written. The activities are superb. Enjoy trekking throughout the kingdom casting spells, making potions, and fighting off evildoers. The graphics are breathtaking.
DO Games exceeded themselves with this game. They have always been my favorite developer and this game is truly another masterpiece. The format is the same as in their other games. There are three collectibles. Collect stained glass windows, magical amulets, and sun amulets. The sun amulets are exchanged for plants to place within a greenhouse upon completion of the game. There are decision points given for choosing the right answer to questions throughout the game. However, there is no guesswork involved. The “right” answer has gold star and red gem next to it.
Almost all the puzzles have two versions which can be played in either an easy or hard mode. No other developer offers the number puzzles with two levels of difficulty as DO Games. There are many puzzles within this game and found the ones I played superb. The HOP scenes are varied as well with many different styles of play including lists of items, silhouette, fragment, replacement, and rebus clues to name a few. The usual thematic Match-3 game can be played instead of the HOP scenes. The player can replay nine (9) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games upon completion of the game. With so many superb HOP scenes and mini-games, why are not more of these offered to be replayed? If I have a complaint, this would be my one complaint.
If I were to play only one game this month, this would be the game. Thank you, Do Games, for providing a PC version of this game. I love playing these on a PC as opposed to playing on a mobile device. I cannot wait to play the rest of this game and hope we have more of this type of game in the future.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 pieces of stained glass and 10 magical amulets.
• Collect 70 sun amulets used to outfit a greenhouse with plants.
• 14 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 9 HOP scenes and 8 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 pieces of stained glass and 10 magical amulets.
• Collect 70 sun amulets used to outfit a greenhouse with plants.
• 14 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 9 HOP scenes and 8 mini-games.
A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES OFFERED WITHIN THIS GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Connection puzzle Connect two crystals by placing angular shaped bone pieces into position within a grid to connect them. You must use all bones. The hard version has more bones to connect.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch pieces to restore a note. This requires some strategic thinking as switching the pieces causes them to switch direction.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Get to a red portal by traveling across a grid by using portals. You can jump through portals of the same color. The harder version has more portals. This must be done sequentially to arrive at the final red port.
D. E/H. Chess/strategy puzzle. Move a chess piece into position avoiding 3 cats which move to block your path.
E. E/H. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate chutes so that they are placed in a forward position facing bolts. When all are placed correctly, the bolts will move into the empty chutes. There is a blocker provided to hold one chute in position while the others move. The easy version has 4 chutes; the hard has 8 chutes.
F. E/H. Lock puzzle. Move lock picks up and down to create a path for latches to be removed. The easy version has 2 latches and the hard has 3 latches to remove.
G. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place the gears into position so all are in motion. In this case, the gears are slid into position and not switched as in other games. The hard version has a more difficult setup in which to position the gears.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch pieces to restore a note. This requires some strategic thinking as switching the pieces causes them to switch direction.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Get to a red portal by traveling across a grid by using portals. You can jump through portals of the same color. The harder version has more portals. This must be done sequentially to arrive at the final red port.
D. E/H. Chess/strategy puzzle. Move a chess piece into position avoiding 3 cats which move to block your path.
E. E/H. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate chutes so that they are placed in a forward position facing bolts. When all are placed correctly, the bolts will move into the empty chutes. There is a blocker provided to hold one chute in position while the others move. The easy version has 4 chutes; the hard has 8 chutes.
F. E/H. Lock puzzle. Move lock picks up and down to create a path for latches to be removed. The easy version has 2 latches and the hard has 3 latches to remove.
G. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place the gears into position so all are in motion. In this case, the gears are slid into position and not switched as in other games. The hard version has a more difficult setup in which to position the gears.
I recommend this game!
Find America in the vast beauty of the Great Lakes!
Overall rating
1
/
5
17 of 74 found this review helpful
HOPA LIGHT (ONE I WOULD NEVER SELL TO EVEN MY BEST BUD)
PostedAugust 10, 2023
sunnyglow
fromFormer Buckeye who does not even recognize some of these scenes from the Great Lakes States..
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Ever tried those “lite” drinks? They have some of the flavor of the original drinks, but are missing the gusto, flavor, and sugary goodness of the full calorie rich ones. Same with these HOP games. They lack the story, creativity, and fantastic activities of HOPA games; ones which immerse us into other worlds and satisfy our hunger for a fantastic gaming experience.
I do usually do not review HOP games. I find them boring and a waste of time. CBTX has outlined this game beautifully. I “ditto” everything he outlined in his well-written review. There is no story behind this game. There are a series of HOP scenes followed by some “puzzle.” The puzzles are hardly what one would consider puzzles. Most are a type of picture puzzle.
I played the demo for this game and found it the same as the other HOP games from this developer. Hopefully, BFG will cancel their HOPA Light contract with Boomzap. Personally, I am tired of Boomzap crap being thrust down our throats twice a week or even more. CBX is correct. They are the same game – over-and-over-and-over again. (I could have used the word “repeatedly;” however, it loses some feel of the ho-hum resonance it invokes). All Boomzap games use the same format, only changing the theme of the HOP game. I have seen scenes reused from one game to another, especially within the sequels to those “I Love Finding” games. What I would love finding in the future are less games from this developer and, in general, less games from this genre.
The fact I am taking time from my busy schedule to write a review is to show support for those of us who detest these games. I love playing with my cat. However, I do not love searching for cats, dogs, turtles, birds, fur babies, or any other member of the animal kingdom. This HOP game is the same game as all the others Boomcrap has produced. I grew up in a Great Lakes state; however, I see images within the game which do not even reflect this Midwest area of the country.
There are those who love these HOP games. There is a need to have some games from the genre. However, many of us would prefer to not have a consistent diet of these games, and not two to three per week, especially from the same developer.
I don't recommend this game.
A struggle for the truth in a city of deceit!
Overall rating
5
/
5
159 of 237 found this review helpful
A MAGICAL WORLD AWAITS IN KYIV
PostedAugust 3, 2023
sunnyglow
fromSlava Ukrayini! Friendly Fox. You cover the world in sunflowers with your games and bring happiness to many. You are in my prayers. God bless you all!
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
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages
What a fantastic game! This game definitely deserves the Editor's Choice designation! The game reflects the Ukrainian culture, filled with its legends and native customs. Friendly Fox does not provide many HOPA games; however, the ones they do create are masterpieces. This game is no exception. It is a long game and a nice tribute to this developer’s country. The game is one of the best HOPA games this year and one I would recommend highly. I enjoyed learning about some the Ukrainian legends. A great deal of work went into this game. It is worth the price I paid for it. With all the little extras within the game, I think it should have been priced even higher.
STORY OUTLINE: Detective Agatha is off to Kyiv to investigate fraudulent fortune tellers and astrologers who have been bilking the city residents out of their money. After entering a séance by a renown spiritualist, she discovers that an evil entity, Viy, is being summoned by some local resident. Taras, who asked her to ferret out psychic imposters admits that he and other residents do have paranormal abilities. He himself is a wizard, a molfar. He and others are being attacked by someone with great magical power who is absorbing the magical energy from molfars and other magical beings, turning them into Motanka dolls and leaving ice in their path. Learn the story of the paranormal community, its history and track down who is responsible for trying to resurrect an ancient evil.
I loved the graphics within the game with colorful scenes reflecting the Ukrainian culture. If the player exits the game and reenters it, they will receive little nuggets of information about the Ukraine. The collectibles are Ukraine’s national flower, the sunflower and morphing objects. The sunflowers are huge and easy to locate; however, I found the morphing objects somewhat difficult to find in the scenes. There are forty-nine (49) of each collectible. Upon completion of the game the player is taken to a room with a Motanka doll which can be dressed in different costumes and placed in different backgrounds. I felt this was a nice touch and something a little different than in most HOPA games.
Throughout the game, the player will use the gimmicky all-seeing eye to search for four items within a scene. There are five (5) of these scenes within the game. There is also a scene in which Agatha will make deductions about what transpired in the game by placing four (4) pictures in the proper location on a narrative about the case. I like this feature as it outlines the case in each section played.
There are thirty-four (34) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes are interactive and puzzle-like. There are standard lists of items, silhouette scenes, matching scenes, and fragment scenes. There is a nice variety of mini-games, all creatively designed. There is also a nice assortment of difficulty levels for the puzzles, from extremely easy to challenging. There are a few mini-games which can be played in either a casual version or a hard version. I loved the puzzles within this game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower and 49 morphing items. Once all have been located, you will receive your very own Motanka doll to dress in a variety of costumes and accessories plus be able to change backgrounds for her as well.
• 8 wallpapers along with 5 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• All seeing eye symbol on the inventory bar which lights up when Agatha makes deductions about the case.
• Replay 12 Mini-games and 19 HOP scenes.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower and 49 morphing items. Once all have been located, you will receive your very own Motanka doll to dress in a variety of costumes and accessories plus be able to change backgrounds for her as well.
• 8 wallpapers along with 5 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• All seeing eye symbol on the inventory bar which lights up when Agatha makes deductions about the case.
• Replay 12 Mini-games and 19 HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Before Agatha leaves Kyiv, she receives a letter from a mavka asking her to investigate why her fellow sisters are disappearing. A demon has escaped and with the help of Taras and Stepan from the main game, you must work together to capture it and place it somewhere so it can never escape again. I found this chapter a little confusing. In the beginning I had no idea what this story was about. I also had no idea what a mavka was, but before the end of the bonus chapter, I could figure it out. There are six (6) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. It is a long chapter and provides a little more folklore about the Ukraine.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 34 MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Casual/Hard. Put a puzzle together to complete the image. In the hard version the pieces must be rotated.
B. Casual/Hard. Matching puzzle. Match ink blots on a document to a matching paint color. The hard version has more colors to match.
C. Paint By Number. In this case – paint by symbol. Match up symbols to paints to complete a picture of Marina.
D. Math puzzle. Using an abacus, place the beads into position. Answer the math problem by adding or subtracting beads on the left and putting them into position on the right.
E. Paint puzzle. Paint Pysanka eggs by choosing which pattern goes with each size egg and then adding color. Nice cultural addition to this game.
F. Maze puzzle. Find your way through a forest by locating items to overcome obstacles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Blackjack. Flip 2 to 3 cards that total 21. Cards which do not tally to 21 will flip back to be replayed. All cards must be played, and the player may end up with extra cards which do not tally to 21 at which time the game starts over.
H. Maze puzzle. Move a chain through a maze to open a lock. Select numbers on the lock to move the chain a certain number of steps.
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image.
A. Casual/Hard. Put a puzzle together to complete the image. In the hard version the pieces must be rotated.
B. Casual/Hard. Matching puzzle. Match ink blots on a document to a matching paint color. The hard version has more colors to match.
C. Paint By Number. In this case – paint by symbol. Match up symbols to paints to complete a picture of Marina.
D. Math puzzle. Using an abacus, place the beads into position. Answer the math problem by adding or subtracting beads on the left and putting them into position on the right.
E. Paint puzzle. Paint Pysanka eggs by choosing which pattern goes with each size egg and then adding color. Nice cultural addition to this game.
F. Maze puzzle. Find your way through a forest by locating items to overcome obstacles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Blackjack. Flip 2 to 3 cards that total 21. Cards which do not tally to 21 will flip back to be replayed. All cards must be played, and the player may end up with extra cards which do not tally to 21 at which time the game starts over.
H. Maze puzzle. Move a chain through a maze to open a lock. Select numbers on the lock to move the chain a certain number of steps.
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image.
I recommend this game!
Dive into a cold case of murder and betrayal at a lighthouse!
Overall rating
3
/
5
100 of 161 found this review helpful
A VERY SHORT JAUNT TO A LIGHTHOUSE
PostedJuly 27, 2023
sunnyglow
fromSOS! Help! I am stuck in a lighthouse playing a boring game and cannot get out.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages
Matey! Grab your spyglass and join Emily Smith on her second adventure in this series. Venture to a coastal town where Emily’s friend, Catherine Malcolm, has requested her help in finding her husband’s killer. The police have closed the case, unable to find any suspects in the murder of her husband and a tourist. This case seems to be tied to a lighthouse where Malcom’s husband, Roger, was the keeper. The lighthouse has mysterious secrets with a haunting past and a legend of a treasure hidden somewhere near or within the lighthouse. Hopefully, this newest case will provide enjoyable listening to her podcast audience.
This is a short game. I played the entire game (including all HOP scenes and mini-games) in less than four (4) hours. That time also included the bonus chapter. The story from the main game is well-written. I feel the story is better than the game itself. The format for this game is the same as Elephant’s other games; however, this game is shorter and less creatively designed. Collect puzzle fragments and lighthouse relics. The puzzle fragments are big blobs along the sides of walls. The player will definitely see these blobs. The other collectibles are not that easy to locate. There is a Secret Room in which the puzzle fragments are located to play a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game. An Expedition Room allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles.
Frankly, it is hard to give this game four or five stars when other developers provide games twice as long as this one with more activities and more challenging puzzles as well. After the game Elephant provided a few weeks ago, this one pales in comparison. It appears Elephant is cutting corners, leaving out many of the features they used to provide within a game. This may be a monetary issue, but there are fewer collectibles, fewer mini-games and HOP scenes, and fewer achievements. I cannot recommend this game for the price I paid for it even as a member. I also found it somewhat difficult to purchase this game and download it. I do wish BFG would create an easier format to purchase and download their games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 10 achievements. (2 with 3 parts and one with 5 parts)
• 24 Scenes
• Collect 12 lighthouse relics and 24 puzzle fragments to play a jigsaw puzzle hidden within the Secret Room.
• Expedition Room in which to search for collectibles missed while paying the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver, and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• Gimmicky cell phone to take photos, send text messages and phone people.
• 10 achievements. (2 with 3 parts and one with 5 parts)
• 24 Scenes
• Collect 12 lighthouse relics and 24 puzzle fragments to play a jigsaw puzzle hidden within the Secret Room.
• Expedition Room in which to search for collectibles missed while paying the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver, and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• Gimmicky cell phone to take photos, send text messages and phone people.
BONUS CHAPTER: Emily cannot escape crime even on her wedding day! Go back in time twenty-five (25) years to the day before the wedding of Emily Parker and Sean Smith. When Emily’s friend, Rose, does not arrive to deliver her wedding bouquet, Emily is off to discover what happened to her. Upon arrival at her house, she, of course, finds Rose’s corpse, the victim of murder. Who killed Rose? Was it her freeloading cousin Robert, her Aunt Bethany, a friend named Lisa, or another murderer hiding in the shadows? This whodunit will find Emily scouring the area searching for clues instead of preparing for her wedding. And knowing good ole Emily, she will have the crime solved within twenty-four (24) hours – just in time for her wedding! I found this chapter a little corny. I laughed through most of it as it is so mawkish. Just ridiculous for the most part! There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. There is one mini-HOP scene with six items to be searched for. Sorry, but I found this chapter absurd.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES. There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are several mini-HOP scenes in which six items must be searched for. The scenes are lists of items, silhouette scenes, and fragment scenes in which the player must locate segments of the scene based upon a given small fragment of that scene. There are also a couple of narrative scenes with items to be found in highlighted letters. I found little creative design in these scenes. I absolutely hate scenes in which the player must find four items, and once found, a list of items pops up for a boring search scene. I thought developers stopped creating those scenes. There are three within this game.
There are twenty-one (21) Mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The puzzles lack creative design and many of them are picture puzzles in which a small number of fragments are placed within a grid to create a photo. Most of the picture puzzles have three scenes. These scenes are filler, thrown in to make the game seem longer. A few of the puzzles are decent. I did like some of the puzzles; however, there are not many of them.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch 12 pieces on the footage from a CCTV camera to restore an image.
B. Picture puzzle. Place picture fragments into position to restore 3 photos.
C. Maze puzzle Move Emily to the exit. Select a cell and a space you want to move her to. She can move 2 spaces and the evildoer in the maze can move 2 spaces but can move 3 if he sees her.
D. Logic puzzle. Place 5 gems into position in a straight line according to given clues.
E. Picture puzzle. Switch tiles to restore an image. Only tiles of the same shape can be exchanged. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Logic puzzle. According to clues, place 5 souvenirs in order – all related to cities around the world
G. Picture puzzle. Rearrange fragments to reassemble 3photos.
H. Picture puzzle. Switch picture fragments to restore 3 photos.
I. Map puzzle. Plot a course to move through a map in 6 moves using arrows at the side of the scene. 3 X
J. Logic puzzle. Arrange baskets with different colored halves so that all 12 match according to colors along the 3 rows and 4 columns.
B. Picture puzzle. Place picture fragments into position to restore 3 photos.
C. Maze puzzle Move Emily to the exit. Select a cell and a space you want to move her to. She can move 2 spaces and the evildoer in the maze can move 2 spaces but can move 3 if he sees her.
D. Logic puzzle. Place 5 gems into position in a straight line according to given clues.
E. Picture puzzle. Switch tiles to restore an image. Only tiles of the same shape can be exchanged. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Logic puzzle. According to clues, place 5 souvenirs in order – all related to cities around the world
G. Picture puzzle. Rearrange fragments to reassemble 3photos.
H. Picture puzzle. Switch picture fragments to restore 3 photos.
I. Map puzzle. Plot a course to move through a map in 6 moves using arrows at the side of the scene. 3 X
J. Logic puzzle. Arrange baskets with different colored halves so that all 12 match according to colors along the 3 rows and 4 columns.
I don't recommend this game.
The sea harbors many mysteries not meant for human eyes.
Overall rating
5
/
5
80 of 126 found this review helpful
ANOTHER “PHANTASMIC” GAME FROM DO GAMES
PostedJuly 22, 2023
sunnyglow
fromNot a ghost of a chance I will spend any time in Quietcape with Captain Reed on the loose. He spends every minute in ports looking for any “ghoul” he can call his own.
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
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages
Sail away on a spirit filled adventure, one which will find you on an island filled with ghosts. Your new case as a paranormal detective begins with a call from your friend Ethan, keeper of a lighthouse within a coastal town. Fog has enveloped this village and the fishermen who go out to sea, never return, lost within the misty haze. As you set sail through the murky waters, you and your friend catch sight of a ship, a ghostly galleon which set sail over a half century ago. This ghost-filled ship is headed by an evil captain, Captain Reed, and evildoer who has made several deals with denizens of the world of the paranormal to achieve immorality. He now feeds on the souls of others to keep his ship afloat. When he takes over the body of your friend, Ethan, you will venture to an island where you learn the history of this Captain and try to discover a way to defeat this evildoer.
Domini always provides more gameplay than other developers. This is a lengthy game. I liked the story behind the game and the pace is excellent. This game will not appeal to everyone. However, if you are looking for a game which is more challenging, I would recommend this game. Even the HOP scenes are somewhat difficult. Players will have choices throughout the game which will take them to other locations for extra footage and activities. Extra bonus points will be given to those who venture into those extra locations. Nevertheless, if a player does not wish to play the additional scenes, they can be skipped. There are four extra scenes within the game.
The framework of the game is the same as that of their other games. There are three collectibles. Collect morphing sea instruments and seashells. Also collect starfish which can be exchanged to purchase items to outfit a mayor’s desk. The player has a choice of playing an easy or hard version for most of the puzzles. The difficulty of the puzzles can be set in the menu; however, it can be changed as well while playing the puzzles. You also get a gimmicky camera to take photos of ghosts. I have no idea why Domini used this prop. I feel the game would have been better without the camera. To me, it added nothing to the game and could not see the relevance of it within the game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES. You can replay twenty-two (22) HOP scenes and twenty-four (24) mini-games. The HOP scenes are creatively designed with the usual lists of items, matching, narrative, and silhouette. My favorites are those with cryptic and rebus clues. The one thing I enjoy about this developer’s games is that they vary the HOP scenes, so the player does not play the same format for consecutive scenes. In this game, Domini offers a scrambled letters scene in which the player must unscramble the letters of varieties of nuts before locating them within the scene. I believe this is a new type of scene for them. My favorites were a scene with morphing objects within the scene and the scenes in which items are given to be placed into the scenes.
This developer is known for their puzzles. There are more puzzles within their games than any other developer and to me, Domini is the puzzlemeister of this genre of game. They are creatively designed, and I always find a new variation of a puzzle or some new puzzle I have not seen before. I counted over thirty-five (35) puzzles. I did feel some of the puzzles were a little more difficult as well – even in the easy version of those puzzles.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. As a paranormal detective, you are contacted by a mother who has made a deal with the Wish Maker. This deal has caused disastrous consequences for her daughter. Her daughter has been kidnapped by this evil entity. Now you must enter the world of the Wish Maker to rescue her daughter. I liked the story behind the game. The player will discover more information about Captain Reed from the main game as well. There are eight (8) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes with others within the additional scene added to the chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing sea instruments and 15 seashells.
• Collect 70 starfish to exchange for items to place on a desk within the mayor’s office.
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 22 HOP scenes and 24 mini-games.
• Gimmicky camera to take photos of the scenes for paranormal research.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing sea instruments and 15 seashells.
• Collect 70 starfish to exchange for items to place on a desk within the mayor’s office.
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 22 HOP scenes and 24 mini-games.
• Gimmicky camera to take photos of the scenes for paranormal research.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW SAMPLES OF THE PUZZLES WITHIN THE GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play notes on a piano in the proper sequence based on a sheet of music. The hard version is upside down. Try reading music upside down!
B. E/H. Battleship puzzle. Move a ship upon a grid avoiding mines within its path. If you hit a mine, you return to the start. The hard version has more mines.
C. E/H. Map puzzle. Lead the ship through the ocean avoiding rocks and other obstacles within your path. In the easy version you have 3 lives (mistakes) you can make. You have only one in the hard version.
D. Tangram puzzle. Nice variation of this puzzle. Rotate shapes around a sailboat clockwise or counterclockwise. Drop the shapes into the empty slots to create the sailboat.
E. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect crystals with each other. Unite those on one side with those on the other. Upon clicking on them, the stones will emit a line. Connect lines from the stones on crystals on both sides. Easy version has less crystals to connect.
F. E/H. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a globe to restore the continents and oceans where they should be. The harder version has more rings to rotate. Rotating one affects the others.
G. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place gears into position so they connect and rotate. Hard version has more gears to connect.
H. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place gem filled triangles into position so that abutting gems match color. The hard version has more triangles to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch suns and moons – each on one side of the grid so they exchange places. The hard version has one more of each to swap.
J. E/H. Connection puzzle. Using a scythe, cut dry grass so none remain. If you run out of place to cut you must restart. The harder version has more dry grass to remove.
K. Mathematical puzzle. Arrange cards which have numerical values associated with them so that the sum of the two cards equal the total between the numbers.
A. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play notes on a piano in the proper sequence based on a sheet of music. The hard version is upside down. Try reading music upside down!
B. E/H. Battleship puzzle. Move a ship upon a grid avoiding mines within its path. If you hit a mine, you return to the start. The hard version has more mines.
C. E/H. Map puzzle. Lead the ship through the ocean avoiding rocks and other obstacles within your path. In the easy version you have 3 lives (mistakes) you can make. You have only one in the hard version.
D. Tangram puzzle. Nice variation of this puzzle. Rotate shapes around a sailboat clockwise or counterclockwise. Drop the shapes into the empty slots to create the sailboat.
E. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect crystals with each other. Unite those on one side with those on the other. Upon clicking on them, the stones will emit a line. Connect lines from the stones on crystals on both sides. Easy version has less crystals to connect.
F. E/H. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a globe to restore the continents and oceans where they should be. The harder version has more rings to rotate. Rotating one affects the others.
G. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place gears into position so they connect and rotate. Hard version has more gears to connect.
H. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place gem filled triangles into position so that abutting gems match color. The hard version has more triangles to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch suns and moons – each on one side of the grid so they exchange places. The hard version has one more of each to swap.
J. E/H. Connection puzzle. Using a scythe, cut dry grass so none remain. If you run out of place to cut you must restart. The harder version has more dry grass to remove.
K. Mathematical puzzle. Arrange cards which have numerical values associated with them so that the sum of the two cards equal the total between the numbers.
I recommend this game!