sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:815
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 25, 2025
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Can you restore your town's faith in the spirit of Christmas?
Overall rating
4
/
5
89 of 134 found this review helpful
ENJOY SOME HOT COCOA FOR THE SOUL
PostedDecember 1, 2022
sunnyglow
fromSanta was my Uber Driver. In the future instead of the sight of Santa's sleigh on top of our houses, will we be seeing Uber Santas delivering presents instead?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 73 pages My Time: 3 Hours
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 73 pages My Time: 3 Hours
Start the Yuletide season with another heartwarming Christmas game from Elephant. Instead of a sleigh ride, you will be taking a taxi as you play Jacob, a disgruntled young man, disheartened by the lack of Christmas spirit in the modern world. The taxi driver, Nick, will seem familiar to most – a modern day Santa Claus out to help Jacob recover his Christmas spirit. Join Jacob as he helps three dispirited souls in the main chapter and one misguided cat as he helps spread Christmas cheer to each. Grab some hot cocoa, sit by the fire, and enjoy another holiday tradition from Elephant Games.
This is a great game for the entire family. It is one which should get the player into the spirit of the holidays. It is decorated with Christmas items throughout the game. It is a short game. I finished the entire game, including the bonus chapter in a little over three hours. However, this is the perfect size game for younger players. It is not too long with activities which are not too difficult for the younger set. There is light-hearted music throughout the game. The music is festive and sounds “Christmas-y;” however, there are no actual Christmas songs as background music. The music does sound similar, however, to well-known songs. One of the songs sounds like an altered version of “All I Want for Christmas is You.” The music is upbeat and a perfect background for this game.
To me, this is a decent game; however, I do not feel this game is as good as those from previous years. This developer is known for their breathtaking Christmas games. Personally, I did not think the graphics were as awesome as in the past. The scenes lack the multitude of Christmas trees, glistening scenes, and light displays. There are two collectibles, snow globes and puzzle pieces for a jigsaw puzzle which can be played upon completion of the game. The final puzzle is kept within a secret room and requires rotating and placing the twelve (12) pieces into position to complete a picture. I found all the collectibles easy to locate within the scenes. There are not as many collectibles as in prior games and in the bonus chapter, the last scenes within the game do not have any collectibles at all. I did like the story behind the game. However, I loved the whimsical story in the bonus chapter better than that from the main game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 12 puzzle fragments to complete a jigsaw puzzle within a Secret Room
• Collect 12 snow globes
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Expedition room which permits the player to search for missing collectibles
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 12 puzzle fragments to complete a jigsaw puzzle within a Secret Room
• Collect 12 snow globes
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Expedition room which permits the player to search for missing collectibles
BONUS CHAPTER: This chapter is the cat’s meow! To me, this chapter was the best part of the game. Be “a-mew-sed” with a bevy of cats. Play Jacob as he finds himself in a Catstown, inhabited by talking cats. Mayor Meows asks for your help in tracking down a scoundrel who has disrupted Christmas. He has strewn yarn all over the town and stolen the Christmas presents. Locate the misguided scoundrel responsible for ruining Christmas for this feline world. There are six (6) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games. The only collectibles are snow globes and the final scenes within the chapter do not have any collectibles at all. For me, this chapter salvaged the game. In my opinion, it is much better than the main game. This chapter is also longer than those in the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes within the game, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also several mini-HOP scenes in which the player searches for a small number of items (usually six). I was rather disappointed with the HOP scenes. I do believe they could have been better designed. They are filled with many Christmas items; however, they lack creativity. The scenes are standard lists of items, silhouette, matching, and include one slider silhouette scene (in which the silhouette is matched with the actual item to remove it). There is also one story scene in which highlighted items within the text are located within the scene.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-two (22) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. As with other Elephant games, there are many picture puzzles. I feel the puzzles are the best part of this game. There are some creative elements within the puzzles. My favorite mini-game was one from the bonus chapter. It is a maze puzzle which involves moving a ball to the center of a circular maze. However, instead of turning the maze, it requires switching four cats to positions outside the maze to move the maze back and forth to move the ball to the center. I feel that is a clever touch to a commonly used puzzle within HOPA games.
HOP SCENES: There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes within the game, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also several mini-HOP scenes in which the player searches for a small number of items (usually six). I was rather disappointed with the HOP scenes. I do believe they could have been better designed. They are filled with many Christmas items; however, they lack creativity. The scenes are standard lists of items, silhouette, matching, and include one slider silhouette scene (in which the silhouette is matched with the actual item to remove it). There is also one story scene in which highlighted items within the text are located within the scene.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-two (22) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. As with other Elephant games, there are many picture puzzles. I feel the puzzles are the best part of this game. There are some creative elements within the puzzles. My favorite mini-game was one from the bonus chapter. It is a maze puzzle which involves moving a ball to the center of a circular maze. However, instead of turning the maze, it requires switching four cats to positions outside the maze to move the maze back and forth to move the ball to the center. I feel that is a clever touch to a commonly used puzzle within HOPA games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch/Rotate Gear puzzle. Switch and rotate gears with parts of a picture upon them. Rotate them to restore the image of a famous Christmas figure
B. Matching puzzle. Match 2 or more identical snow drifts until none remain. They can only be matched with another in the same row, column, or diagonal line
C. Maze puzzle. Move a snowflake through a maze moving over metal disks to open gateways throughout the maze.
D. Assembly puzzle. Adjust 3 parts of a key so it fits through a lock. After each try, the player will get a green light for each of the 3 parts being adjusted properly.
E. Sleight of hand puzzle. Place a ball under one of 3 cups, shuffle them, then choose the cup with the ball underneath. 3X
F. Assembly puzzle. Create sandwiches using Dad’s infamous sandwich recipe.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Maze puzzle. Switch the positions of 4 cats so that they rotate the maze back and forth to move a ball to the center of the maze. Just adorable!
H. Map puzzle. Get Jacob back to shore. Use green arrows to navigate Jacob through water to get to shore. He moves until something blocks his path.
I. Assembly puzzle. Move body parts of two cat angels to match those given in a diagram.
J. Assembly puzzle. Place gifts into their appropriate slots, attach the proper bow and matching gift tag for each one.
B. Matching puzzle. Match 2 or more identical snow drifts until none remain. They can only be matched with another in the same row, column, or diagonal line
C. Maze puzzle. Move a snowflake through a maze moving over metal disks to open gateways throughout the maze.
D. Assembly puzzle. Adjust 3 parts of a key so it fits through a lock. After each try, the player will get a green light for each of the 3 parts being adjusted properly.
E. Sleight of hand puzzle. Place a ball under one of 3 cups, shuffle them, then choose the cup with the ball underneath. 3X
F. Assembly puzzle. Create sandwiches using Dad’s infamous sandwich recipe.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Maze puzzle. Switch the positions of 4 cats so that they rotate the maze back and forth to move a ball to the center of the maze. Just adorable!
H. Map puzzle. Get Jacob back to shore. Use green arrows to navigate Jacob through water to get to shore. He moves until something blocks his path.
I. Assembly puzzle. Move body parts of two cat angels to match those given in a diagram.
J. Assembly puzzle. Place gifts into their appropriate slots, attach the proper bow and matching gift tag for each one.
SHOULD I PLAY OR STAY AWAY? This is a short game, even with the bonus chapter. If you enjoyed the stories, sparkle, glitz, and spectacular scenes from the previous Christmas games from this developer, this one may disappoint you. I feel it is a decent family game, one the kidlets can play without much adult assistance. The puzzles are easy for the most part. I suggest getting the collector’s edition simply because the bonus chapter has a better story and better activities than the main game. The main game only has ten (10) mini-games and nine (9) HOP scenes. This developer has produced much better Christmas games; however, if there is a sale or you want to get into the Yuletide spirit, this would be a good choice.
I recommend this game!
A ski resort high in the mountains hides a dark past!
Overall rating
4
/
5
104 of 183 found this review helpful
A SHORT TRIP TO A SKI LODGE
PostedNovember 22, 2022
sunnyglow
fromWhoosh! Sleuthed down this ski lodge in record time! Best wishes to GrandMA Studios situated in the Ukraine. You are in my prayers. Best of luck always!
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
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 3 Hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 3 Hours)
Master Detective! Pack up your skis and head out for a short jaunt to Mountain View, a ski resort, in search of a member of the British royal family, Lord Simon Wells. Although the managers of the lodge inform you that Lord Wells and his traveling party have checked out, upon further inspection you realize they are still within the area. It also appears the resort managers may be keeping facts hidden from you as well. This cozy little resort has a monstrous hidden secret, buried deep within its walls. This adventure will see you entering the world of the paranormal and a battle against an evil entity.
This is a very short game. I completed the game, playing all mini-games and HOP scenes in a little over three hours. Although it is a short game, I enjoyed playing it. It is not as good as some of the previous games within this series; however, I thought the story behind the game was well-written and a little different from other games within the series. I like “different,” and it is certainly not a cookie cutter version of previous games. Her Majesty has been replaced by a member of a British detective agency. Considering this developer is situated in the war-torn country of Ukraine, I find it amazing and admirable they provided a quality game such as this one. It may be short; however, I found no problems in playing this game and sometimes, less is more. I would rather play a well-constructed game which is error-free than one which is overladen with activities but has a lot of errors within it, or even worse, one which cannot be completed due to programming errors.
There are two collectibles, puzzles pieces and house details (parts of a house). The puzzles pieces are used to play a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game. The jigsaw puzzle can then be downloaded if the player wishes. I found the jigsaw pieces a little difficult to locate. The house details, in my opinion, are easier to locate. There are two chapters. The main game is entitled “The Last Vacation.” The bonus chapter is entitled “Redemption.”
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces for a jigsaw playable at the end of the game
• Collect 46 house details. Half are morphing objects.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 14 achievements.
• Collect 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces for a jigsaw playable at the end of the game
• Collect 46 house details. Half are morphing objects.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. This chapter provides more detail on events leading to the disappearance of Lord Simon Wells and his traveling party. Play Katie Tyrell, Lord Wells’ friend, as she tries to discover what happened to both Simon and her other friend, Ronald. I found the story did flesh out some detail as to the background of the monster within the story. There are five (5) mini-games, including a three-part Rube Goldberg puzzle. There are four (4) HOP scenes. I did feel the bonus chapter was a nice addition to the game.
HOP SCENES: There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes within the game, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Although there are not as many as in many other of this developer’s games, some of them are creatively designed. Most of the scenes are lists of items. However, they are very interactive and display some creative touches. I loved playing the scene which uses a stained-glass window for the searches. Some circular parts of the window must be rotated to create the items to be removed. Another novel scene uses a ball of rope with knots within it. The knots need to be matched within that ball. There are also silhouette scenes, matching scenes, and scenes in which fragments of the scenes must be located.
MINI-GAMES: There are nineteen (19) mini-games, eleven (11) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are many Rube-Goldberg puzzles in the demo. However, after the demo, there are only two. The puzzles within the demo are much better than those after the demo. However, I do believe this may be due to difficulties this developer may have experienced in trying to complete this game. The ones within the game, however, are decent. I found all the mini-games easy.
MINI-GAMES: There are nineteen (19) mini-games, eleven (11) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are many Rube-Goldberg puzzles in the demo. However, after the demo, there are only two. The puzzles within the demo are much better than those after the demo. However, I do believe this may be due to difficulties this developer may have experienced in trying to complete this game. The ones within the game, however, are decent. I found all the mini-games easy.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Lock puzzle. Rotate tumblers with designs on them in 5 different locations to match those given on 5 pieces of paper
B. Block puzzle. Slide blocks up, down, and sideways to create a path for a key to move from the left to the right ending point to release it.
C. Sequence puzzle. Rotate four valves attached to 4 meters so that the maximum number is shown on each one. Moving each valve affects the others.
D. Checkers puzzle. On a triangular grid, use a green token to jump over red ones until all have turned green.
E. Logic puzzle. Reading newspaper clippings, locate areas on the map where missing people were located. The intersection will indicate the source of the monster’s power.
F. Rube Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Matching puzzle. Rotate blue and yellow gems on a 3 x 3 grid to match a given pattern. 3X
(2) Connection puzzle. Connect green, blue, and orange line segments so they all connect and are attached to a like-colored token on the right side of the grid.
(3) Strategy puzzle. Place pieces with dots on them so they cover a field of dots completely with no dots left uncovered. 3X Increases in difficulty
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Build a bridge across an 8 x 6 grid (48 squares) from start to finish.
H. Maze puzzle. Lead a lock chain through a maze to open a door.
I. Rube-Goldberg Puzzle
(1) Connection puzzle. Move a token through a grid filling in every space and hitting every numbered barrel in numerical order.
(2) Connection puzzle. Connect dots on a grid to match a given image
(3) Assembly puzzle. Slide blocks with pathway segments upon them to create a path for a lock bolt to move from start to finish
B. Block puzzle. Slide blocks up, down, and sideways to create a path for a key to move from the left to the right ending point to release it.
C. Sequence puzzle. Rotate four valves attached to 4 meters so that the maximum number is shown on each one. Moving each valve affects the others.
D. Checkers puzzle. On a triangular grid, use a green token to jump over red ones until all have turned green.
E. Logic puzzle. Reading newspaper clippings, locate areas on the map where missing people were located. The intersection will indicate the source of the monster’s power.
F. Rube Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Matching puzzle. Rotate blue and yellow gems on a 3 x 3 grid to match a given pattern. 3X
(2) Connection puzzle. Connect green, blue, and orange line segments so they all connect and are attached to a like-colored token on the right side of the grid.
(3) Strategy puzzle. Place pieces with dots on them so they cover a field of dots completely with no dots left uncovered. 3X Increases in difficulty
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Build a bridge across an 8 x 6 grid (48 squares) from start to finish.
H. Maze puzzle. Lead a lock chain through a maze to open a door.
I. Rube-Goldberg Puzzle
(1) Connection puzzle. Move a token through a grid filling in every space and hitting every numbered barrel in numerical order.
(2) Connection puzzle. Connect dots on a grid to match a given image
(3) Assembly puzzle. Slide blocks with pathway segments upon them to create a path for a lock bolt to move from start to finish
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a magical artifact from destroying the realms?
Overall rating
5
/
5
73 of 140 found this review helpful
GRANDMA SPINS A MAGICAL TALE IN THIS SEQUEL
PostedNovember 10, 2022
sunnyglow
fromMost Grandmas bake cookies and other treats. However, Felix’s GrandMA cooks up some great HOPA games instead - and even better - they are less fattening as well.
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 32 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 32 pages
Guardian Grace returns in another sequel, this time battling the Nilds, led by their warrior leader, Tarukan. This leader’s quest is to resurrect a dangerous relic, the deadly Spindle of Fate, one which destroyed his own world and one which he plans to resurrect to gain control of other worlds. Upon the request of her uncle, Grace is off, with the help of a magical medallion, to locate the three parts of this artifact before the crazed Tarukan can get his hands on them and reassemble this destructive device. Travel to the three worlds of the White Mountain, Veria (a beautiful ocean kingdom) and a forest kingdom where the Guardians live.
It has been a long time since we have had a HOPA game from this developer. This game is another wonderful well-crafted game within this series. The game has three chapters, one of which is an extra HOPA scene. The story is set in three different locations, providing variety and a good pace. The game has some gorgeous scenes, especially within the kingdom of Veria. This game is an example of why I still love to play HOPA games. The game is a little dated; however, it is a creatively designed one with great HOP scenes and mini-games. There are two collectibles, portal pearls and music sheets. The only thing I disliked about this game was searching for the collectibles. I had problems locating some of the pearls and many of the music sheets. They are very well-hidden, a little too well-hidden! There is a helper owl; however, the owl is only used within the demo and just sits on the inventory bar for the rest of the game.
FINAL THOUGHTS AND RECOMMENDATION: This is a great game if you love old-style HOPA games. This game reminded me of ones from a decade ago. The graphics are a little dated; however, there are some beautiful scenes within this game. The collectibles are somewhat difficult to locate. The game is not as lengthy as some other developers’ games; however, the storyline is good. If you are tired of a constant diet of games from the same three developers, this one might provide a needed change of pace. There are also not as many mini-games and HOP scenes as some other HOPA games; however, the ones within the game are well-crafted. This game is old-school HOPA and that may not be a bad thing after all!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 13 achievements.
• Collect 46 portal pearls (23 of which are morphing) and 23 music sheets.
• 7 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky owl as a helper to fly to places you cannot reach. He is only used within the demo.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 10 mini-games
• A third chapter provides an extra HOP scene
• 13 achievements.
• Collect 46 portal pearls (23 of which are morphing) and 23 music sheets.
• 7 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky owl as a helper to fly to places you cannot reach. He is only used within the demo.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 10 mini-games
• A third chapter provides an extra HOP scene
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play the inventor of the Spindle of Fate, Maestro Rodicas, as the player learns the story of how he created the deadly weapon and his relationship with the Nilds. The bonus chapter is a nice addition to the game as the story provides background on the Nilds’ leader, Tarukan and his relationship to Rodicas. There are seven (7) mini-games and three HOP scenes.
HOP SCENES: There are fourteen (14) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are not many within this game, but they are highly interactive and well-designed. There are two which I felt were pure ingenious. In one, the player searches for buildings in a diorama of a city. This scene also requires searching for pieces of some of the buildings and assembling them before they are removed from the scene. The other one I truly enjoyed playing has the same format. It involves searching for items within 3 scenes and then replacing those items back within the scenes. Most of the scenes are standard lists of items, silhouette scenes, matching scenes, and narrative scenes provide background information about the story.
MIIN-GAMES: There are twenty-five (25) mini-games, ten (10) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are two which can be played in either an easy or hard mode. There is two-part puzzle at the end of the game. The mini-games vary from extremely easy (entering a given code into a lock) to those which are of middle difficulty. I did not find any which are challenging, even in the two which have a hard level of play.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Assembly puzzle Locate 3 symbols which create a larger given symbol. 3 X
B. Map puzzle. Lead a cart through a maze choosing stones with numbers upon them to dictate the number of steps the cart can take. The player must plot out the exact number of steps needed to reach an arrow to change direction or be sent back to the beginning.
C. Easy/Hard. Strategy puzzle. Surround natural elements within a grid with string using a spindle to land on hexagonal spaces. The hard version has one more element within the grid to surround. The boundaries only last for 5 turns.
D. Assembly puzzle. Switch colored sand in 5 bottles using an empty bottle to exchange the sand so each bottle has only one color of sand.
E. Tracing puzzle. Move a ball through an image staying within the lines.
F. Connection puzzle. Ye Olde Mirror Puzzle. Rotate mirrors so that a beam of light passes through and connects all the mirrors within the grid. (There are quite a few mirrors within the puzzle – more than I have seen in this type of puzzle)
G. Two-part Puzzle.
1. Strategy puzzle. Click on hexagons within a grid to add and subtract dots. There are numbers at the sides to indicate how many dots should be in that row or column.
2. Strategy puzzle. Move Tarukan through various portals which alter his appearance. Keep entering the portals until his image matches that at the ending point
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Sequence puzzle. Click on blue petals to cover holes on a 4 x 4 grid with 16 holes. The petals must be clicked in the proper sequential order for all holes to be covered.
I. Matching puzzle. Match 4 pairs of sea creatures
J. Lock puzzle. Enter a code to open a box from a given code.
K. Origami puzzle. Fold a map to create a path to a hut.
B. Map puzzle. Lead a cart through a maze choosing stones with numbers upon them to dictate the number of steps the cart can take. The player must plot out the exact number of steps needed to reach an arrow to change direction or be sent back to the beginning.
C. Easy/Hard. Strategy puzzle. Surround natural elements within a grid with string using a spindle to land on hexagonal spaces. The hard version has one more element within the grid to surround. The boundaries only last for 5 turns.
D. Assembly puzzle. Switch colored sand in 5 bottles using an empty bottle to exchange the sand so each bottle has only one color of sand.
E. Tracing puzzle. Move a ball through an image staying within the lines.
F. Connection puzzle. Ye Olde Mirror Puzzle. Rotate mirrors so that a beam of light passes through and connects all the mirrors within the grid. (There are quite a few mirrors within the puzzle – more than I have seen in this type of puzzle)
G. Two-part Puzzle.
1. Strategy puzzle. Click on hexagons within a grid to add and subtract dots. There are numbers at the sides to indicate how many dots should be in that row or column.
2. Strategy puzzle. Move Tarukan through various portals which alter his appearance. Keep entering the portals until his image matches that at the ending point
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Sequence puzzle. Click on blue petals to cover holes on a 4 x 4 grid with 16 holes. The petals must be clicked in the proper sequential order for all holes to be covered.
I. Matching puzzle. Match 4 pairs of sea creatures
J. Lock puzzle. Enter a code to open a box from a given code.
K. Origami puzzle. Fold a map to create a path to a hut.
I recommend this game!
Can you save literature’s most famous story worlds from ruin?
Overall rating
3
/
5
89 of 137 found this review helpful
AN ABRIDGED VERSION OF A COLLECTOR'S EDITION GAME
PostedOctober 27, 2022
sunnyglow
fromThere are abridged versions of lengthy books. In keeping with the literary spirit of this game, this is an “abridged” version of a Collector’s Edition game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages
Are you a lover of books? Do the stories seem so real that you can almost imagine yourself within the story? If you are a writer, do you enjoy creating worlds for others to share? Then this game may appeal to you. Join Megan Webster, a 23-yearold senior librarian at a town library, as she escapes through a portal to save the worlds within books. Someone is attempting to change the plots within books, causing chaos. The ghost of Charlotte Bronte, author of “Jane Eyre,” has contacted Megan, whom she considers a Wanderer, a person who is so absorbed within a story, the story itself seems reality. Help Megan stop the evildoer from making changes to the worlds of books. As with a good story, the story behind this game has a few twists within the plot itself.
“Brevity is the soul of wit,” but “brevity” should never be a word used to define collector edition games. This game is very short – too short for a collector’s edition game. I played the complete game, including the bonus chapter, in under four (4) hours. That includes playing all the puzzles as well. I also found the game boring. There are not enough activities within the game, and the pace lags in some places.
For a game dealing with the literary arts, I found the storyline confusing as well. The story begins with the book world of “Jane Eyre,” and how an evildoer is plotting to change the plots of this book and others as well. However, the game never explains how the plot is being changed. Toward the end of the game, the story drifts into a story about letter initials. I still do not understand what the initials H.C.I. represent nor the riddle associated with those initials. To me, the story meanders off into different directions and I found it difficult to follow. It is a patchwork of several themes woven into a confusing storyline.
The graphics are decent. There are no breathtaking scenes within the game, but they are well-drawn. The background sound disappears in several locations within the game. Several scenes are within the dead zone, without any background music or sound. These scenes are found between scenes or chapters. This is not one of this developer’s best games. It seemed to me that it was produced quickly without thought to detail or design.
There are two collectibles - morphing photos (which look to me more like books than photos) and puzzle fragments which produce four (4) screensavers at the end of the game. I found most easy to locate. I believe the game would have been better if the player could play four (4) jigsaw puzzles to produce the pictures instead of providing instant screensavers. There is an expedition room which allows the player to return to scenes to search for missing collectibles. There is also a secret room which contains another batch of hidden object scenes to play after the game. Return to the scenes and search for more items. The player can receive achievements for the time spent in locating all the various items within the scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 morphing photos (look more like books)
• Collect 20 puzzle pieces to create 4 screensavers
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
• Expedition Room which allows the player to return to the game scenes to search for missing collectibles
• Secret Room which allows the player to return to the scenes to search for more items within the scenes. This is timed and achievements can be earned based upon the time needed to locate all the items.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 morphing photos (look more like books)
• Collect 20 puzzle pieces to create 4 screensavers
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
• Expedition Room which allows the player to return to the game scenes to search for missing collectibles
• Secret Room which allows the player to return to the scenes to search for more items within the scenes. This is timed and achievements can be earned based upon the time needed to locate all the items.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. A month after saving the day in the world of books, Megan finds chaos at a book exhibition. Lianas, a type of plant, have invaded the town. Characters from books have arrived, summoned by Bertha, a character from the main game. They are being sent throughout the town and must be returned to their book worlds. Bertha is using the amulet Megan used to enter the different book world portals. Megan must now battle this crazed evildoer to retrieve her amulet plus restore the book worlds to their former status. There are five (5) HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games. I found this chapter somewhat boring.
HOP SCENES: There are only sixteen (16) HOP scenes within the entire game, including the bonus chapter. There are also a few, what I call, mini-HOP scenes with a small number (5 or 6) of items to be searched for. Most of the scenes are non-interactive lists of items or silhouette. Although most of the scenes are rather mundane, there are a few creatively designed scenes. These include a scene from the demo in which the player searches for two (2) items associated with a fairytale. There is one in which the player searches for items on a map which moves a character to a castle. There is one scene in which given items are placed into their proper places within the scene. There is one scene with four rings which must be rotate to align two halves of an object to remove it.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty (20) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I feel the mini-games are better designed than the HOP scenes. For me the mini-games are the best part of the game. I found most easy to play.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Rotating tiles puzzle. On a 4 x 4 grid, rotate 16 squares which have 4 angels upon 4 different colored backgrounds so that all 4 of the angels on each colored background are placed together in a square shape.
B. Assembly puzzle. Create tea. Follow a recipe to make tea
C. Tangram puzzle. Place garden equipment into position on a grid so all spaces are filled and none of the tools overlap.
D. Switch puzzle Switch the positions on a maze/grid between 3 blue and 3 white pearls. Use lines within the maze/grid to move the gems.
E. Ye Ole Beam of Light puzzle. Direct a beam of light to pass through 5 lenses. Move the lenses to direct the light.
F. Gear puzzle. Switch and rotate gears on a clock to restore an image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Maze puzzle. Move two horses at the same time through a maze, arriving at apples which match their color – red and green.
H. Sleight of hand puzzle. Choose where the ball is hidden within 3 cups.
I. Assembly puzzle. Create a key to open a gate. Increase in size and move up and down each of the 6 segments of the key and then try it out to see if it works. If correct that part of the key will turn green.
J. Matching puzzle. Climb up a wall by matching pairs of symbols as you ascend. 3X
B. Assembly puzzle. Create tea. Follow a recipe to make tea
C. Tangram puzzle. Place garden equipment into position on a grid so all spaces are filled and none of the tools overlap.
D. Switch puzzle Switch the positions on a maze/grid between 3 blue and 3 white pearls. Use lines within the maze/grid to move the gems.
E. Ye Ole Beam of Light puzzle. Direct a beam of light to pass through 5 lenses. Move the lenses to direct the light.
F. Gear puzzle. Switch and rotate gears on a clock to restore an image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Maze puzzle. Move two horses at the same time through a maze, arriving at apples which match their color – red and green.
H. Sleight of hand puzzle. Choose where the ball is hidden within 3 cups.
I. Assembly puzzle. Create a key to open a gate. Increase in size and move up and down each of the 6 segments of the key and then try it out to see if it works. If correct that part of the key will turn green.
J. Matching puzzle. Climb up a wall by matching pairs of symbols as you ascend. 3X
I recommend this game!
A magical mystery across three of the world's largest cities!
Overall rating
5
/
5
84 of 146 found this review helpful
SLEUTHING THROUGH NEW YORK, PARIS, AND LONDON
PostedOctober 20, 2022
sunnyglow
fromPack your hoop skirts and bustles! Enjoy (out-of) fashion week in New York, Paris, and London as you travel back in time to 1898.
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
Detective Agatha returns in another fantastic “whodunit” game. Return to 1898, to a time when strange events are happening worldwide. Our sleuth, Agatha, will be traveling to New York, Paris and London to stop a crazed maniac from destroying civilization. Along the way our heroine will need to battle fires in New York, seemingly started by a mythical phoenix. Then, Agatha will then travel to Paris battle gargoyle statues which have sprung to life and finally, her sleuthing will take her to London where primates are attacking the denizens of this city. Meet famous names from the past who are entwined in this mystery including Houdini and Dr. Jekyll. To me, this is one of the best games to date from this developer. I love this series and hopefully we will see more episodes from this 19th century sleuth.
To me, this game is top notch. Unlike many HOPA games, this game has a well-written storyline. I could envision the story behind this game being made into an action-packed sci-fi movie. The pace is excellent with many well-crafted puzzles and HOP scenes. The graphics are reflective of the Victorian period with a little Steampunk tossed into the mix.
The format for this game is the same as others from this developer. There are two collectibles, playing cards and morphing items. There are two of each within each scene. I found most easy to locate; however, this developer did a nice job blending some of the cards into the scene making them difficult to locate. Upon completion of the game, if the player collects all the one hundred (100) collectibles, he/she can play a series of card games against the crazed evildoer.
There is book situated on the inventory bar which pops up from time-to-time allowing Agatha to make conclusions about the case. The player places four (4) pictures into slots within a narration about what has happened within the game to that point. There is an all-seeing eye as well on the inventory bar which lights up allowing Agatha to search a scene for evidence in the case.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 50 morphing objects and 50 collectible playing cards Most scenes have two of each. Collect all to play a card game against the villain upon completion of the game.
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Receive a book to make conclusions about the case. Pictures are placed into the blanks within the book to provide some conclusions from those evidence pictures. The book lights up when the player needs to make conclusions about the case.
• All seeing eye which, when clicked, provides evidence for the case
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 50 morphing objects and 50 collectible playing cards Most scenes have two of each. Collect all to play a card game against the villain upon completion of the game.
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Receive a book to make conclusions about the case. Pictures are placed into the blanks within the book to provide some conclusions from those evidence pictures. The book lights up when the player needs to make conclusions about the case.
• All seeing eye which, when clicked, provides evidence for the case
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: Join Lieutenant Liz Brooks from the main game as she investigates a theft within New York City. The priceless Treasure of the Maharaja has disappeared during a charity auction. Most New Yorkers believe the ghost of the Maharaja has placed a curse on the items; however, there may be some chicanery afoot. Discover the story behind the missing items as you join the police detective. Be prepared for a surprise ending! This chapter has another fantastic story, with a culprit I did not expect as the thief. I also found the motive surprising as well. This is a great addition to this game. There are eight (8) HOP scenes and nine (9) mini-games. I loved the HOP scenes set within the zoo. To me, this chapter is worth the additional price of the collector’s edition. This is one game you should purchase as a collector’s edition. The bonus chapter is excellent.
CONCLUSION: I have always enjoyed another’s developer’s game more than those from this developer. However, after playing this game, my opinion has changed. This game is better than those I have played from my favorite develop lately. I see a marked improvement within this game. Hopefully, we will see more games like this one in the future. Congrats Friendly Fox! You have created a game which I would enjoy playing again – a true classic.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-eight (28) HOP scenes, nineteen (19) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also several mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to be located. I truly enjoyed playing the HOP scenes in this game. They are interactive and some of the scenes have mini-games within them. Besides the typical standard lists of items, matching, and silhouette, this game also includes placing items into the proper location with the scene. There are scenes where the player must locate fragments of the scene. I enjoyed the scenes dealing with the zoo where the player must locate a food and then match it with the animal who eats it. Even better, there is a new type of HOP scene I have not seen before. In the same zoo sequence, switch animals, placing them in the correct location to uncover a hilarious rascally racoon! I found this scene winsome and got a chuckle out of the racoon as it hightails it out of the scene.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-eight (38) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The last puzzle can be played in either a casual or hard mode. However, this is the only puzzle which has that option. I found them thematic. Most of the puzzles are easy. I found none which were challenging. There is a new puzzle I have never seen before which involves placing fragments of a letter into position. Unlike the normal switch puzzle for picture puzzles, in this puzzle, the fragments must be placed in the proper sequence as they move in a path to their proper location.
SPOILER ALERT: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Rope puzzle. Switch pictures with strings attached upon them on a bulletin board so that none of the strings cross each other.
B. Sequence puzzle. Place the letters spelling “Agatha” in the proper order on a track which mixes the order of the letters.
C. Weight and balances puzzle. Place weights into each pan so they are equal in weight and stacked from large to small in each tray.
D. Bar removal puzzle. Create a path for a key to go from one end to the other by moving bars out of the way to create the path.
E. Sequence puzzle. Something new and different (Never seen this puzzle before). Place pieces of paper onto a letter which has arrows upon it. Place them onto an initial dot and they will flow as per the arrows upon the page.
F. Tic Tac Toe. Play against a chipmunk. You can win this game, despite it being Tic Tac Toe!
G. Assembly/Sequence puzzle. Create medicine by choosing vials in the proper sequence according to a given diagram to create it.
H. Gear/Matching puzzle. Switch 6 gears – each with 5 symbols on them so that the symbols along the sides of two gears match with each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Switch puzzle. On a 4 x 4 grid with 16 slots, place labeled bottles into the right slots based on the 4 cities of New York, London, Paris, and Vienna along with a flag, drink, food or tourist attraction.
J. Assembly puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid, place jewelry into its proper box based upon the stone and item of jewelry – rings, earrings, and plain stones.
K. Connection puzzle. Rotate 5 cylinders with parts of a path until all connect together
L. Matching puzzle. Match like crates.
B. Sequence puzzle. Place the letters spelling “Agatha” in the proper order on a track which mixes the order of the letters.
C. Weight and balances puzzle. Place weights into each pan so they are equal in weight and stacked from large to small in each tray.
D. Bar removal puzzle. Create a path for a key to go from one end to the other by moving bars out of the way to create the path.
E. Sequence puzzle. Something new and different (Never seen this puzzle before). Place pieces of paper onto a letter which has arrows upon it. Place them onto an initial dot and they will flow as per the arrows upon the page.
F. Tic Tac Toe. Play against a chipmunk. You can win this game, despite it being Tic Tac Toe!
G. Assembly/Sequence puzzle. Create medicine by choosing vials in the proper sequence according to a given diagram to create it.
H. Gear/Matching puzzle. Switch 6 gears – each with 5 symbols on them so that the symbols along the sides of two gears match with each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Switch puzzle. On a 4 x 4 grid with 16 slots, place labeled bottles into the right slots based on the 4 cities of New York, London, Paris, and Vienna along with a flag, drink, food or tourist attraction.
J. Assembly puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid, place jewelry into its proper box based upon the stone and item of jewelry – rings, earrings, and plain stones.
K. Connection puzzle. Rotate 5 cylinders with parts of a path until all connect together
L. Matching puzzle. Match like crates.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your sister from a carnival of monsters?
Overall rating
5
/
5
79 of 156 found this review helpful
BEWARE! MY SISTER IS A MONSTER
PostedOctober 13, 2022
sunnyglow
fromLock your windows and bolt your doors - Monster season’s here once more!
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: 72 pages
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 72 pages
Happy Halloween! A circus has arrived in Seattle and your sister, Annabelle, is begging you to attend the festivities with her. Headlining the circus is the owner, Felix (hopefully not the fishy Felix from BFG), who has guaranteed a very special performance with the actors decked out as monsters. Little do you realize that this circus is hiding some monstrous secrets. After your sister volunteers to be part of the show, the ringmaster, Felix, turns her into a monster and disappears with her. Now with the help of Bella, a permanent resident of this circus, you are off to save your sister. As you search, discover the true evildoer behind this circus.
There are no tricks here, just another wonderful treat from this developer! To get you into the holiday mood, begin your Halloween adventure in this game by carving a jack-o’-lantern. This is another winning game from this developer, one which should become a holiday classic. This is a long game with a great storyline, a good pace, and one which is chock full of activities. The player will get his money’s worth with this game. The story is excellent set in the festive, yet spooky world of the circus. This game is all decked out for Halloween! It is chuck full of jack-o’-lanterns, candy, lights, vampires, ghosts, and of course, monsters throughout. The scenes are beautifully drawn, some almost works of art. If this game does not get you into the Halloween spirit, nothing will! The graphics are festive with Halloween regalia in every scene.
Do Games always provides some little extras within their games. In this game, there are bonus sections which can be played for extra points. They include a Tunnel of Horrors, Roshar’s Room, A Hole in the Wall, and Felix’s Basement Panic Room. The player can choose to play the extra footage or pass it up. While playing these bonus sections, you will be warned if you leave before you have received your extra points. As in this developer’s other games, there are three collectibles which include morphing Halloween items, awards, and circus coupons which can be exchanged to purchase items for a circus tent upon completion of the game. I found the circus coupons easy to locate. However, I did have a little difficulty locating the other collectibles and had to check the strategy guide a few times when I could not locate some of them. However, it is difficult to make everyone happy with the collectibles. If they are too large, then there is no challenge in locating them.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 42 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing Halloween items and 15 awards
• Collect 70 Circus Coupons to exchange for items to deck out a circus tent.
• 15 “Halloween themed” wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 20 mini-games
• 42 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing Halloween items and 15 awards
• Collect 70 Circus Coupons to exchange for items to deck out a circus tent.
• 15 “Halloween themed” wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 20 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another Halloween story. You and your kid sister, Annabelle, are off to a Halloween costume party. As usual, it appears your sister has a penchant for attracting drama into her life. Upon arrival at the event, she introduces you to Elliott, the person who sold her the costume she is wearing. However, Elliott has other plans for your sister. He is a deranged evildoer who was abandoned in the Netherworld and he is now out for revenge against those who left him there! When he kidnaps Annabelle, you will need to save her again from being used as a sacrifice to turn humans into monsters. I found this a nice addition to the game. I did like the story from the main game better, but it is a good chapter. There are five (5) HOP scenes plus a couple of mini-HOP scenes. There are nine (9) mini-games, all of which are creatively designed. It is a nice length and worth the price of a collector’s edition. In fact, the whole game is twice the length as many other developer’s games. Even without the bonus chapter, I would recommend this game which will become one of the holiday classics.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-one (21) HOP scenes, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Some of those are in the bonus rooms. Domini may be best known for their mini-games; however, I love their HOP scenes as well. As in other games, Domini always provides a great variety of different styles of scenes. The scenes are highly interactive, almost puzzle-like themselves. They include the usual standard lists of items and silhouette. My favorite scene was at the beginning. Cards with cutouts are placed back within the scene, using imagery within the scene to create a new picture using the inventory items. There are few rebus scenes and a cryptic clues scene. There are also matching scenes, storybook scenes with items to be found in highlighted letters. There are also scenes where items are placed within the scene in the proper location.
MINI-GAMES: This game contains thirty-eight (38) mini-games, twenty (20) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the mini-games can be played in an easy or hard version. It is evident a lot of work went into designing this game. Most of the mini-games are easy; however, I found a couple which seem a little more difficult than those from their other games. Most of them are thematic. This developer gives a whole new challenge to ye olde “River Crossing Puzzle.” This old chestnut has been around in different variations for many years; however, Domini added a little more difficulty by adding a third party to transport with restrictions on who and who cannot be left alone with the other members. And in keeping with the Halloween spirit, this developer has included some arcade games within the first chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE THIRTY-EIGHT (38) MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Domino/Assembly puzzle. Place domino shaped cutouts on a grid with cutouts matching items on the grid, so that all the grid is covered by the cutouts. The hard version has more items on the grid to be covered.
B. E/H. Arcade game. Gather toys, each of which have points assigned, until you reach 50 points. The puzzle is timed. In the easy version the player gets 60 seconds – in the hard – 50 seconds.
C. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch keys so they fit the locks opposite them. The easy version has 8 keys; the hard version has 10 keys
D. E/H. 2Part puzzle. (1) Simon Says. Repeat a light pattern (2) Connection puzzle. Switch hexagons with a portion of a path upon it. In the hard version, switch hexagons to create paths to connect gems of the same color. In the easy version rotate the hexagons until they form paths connecting like colored gems.
E. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch flags so each is located at the proper location on a globe. Fragments along the side of the screen give hints as to where the flags should be located. In the hard version the fragments must be uncovered to get the clues as to their location.
F. E/H. Ye olde River Crossing Puzzle. Transfer figurines across a bridge in a carriage moving 2 at a time. In both difficulty levels, there are princes and princesses. In the hard version there are also coachmen. On either side of the river there may not be more princes than princesses. In the hard version there cannot be fewer coachmen than princes and princesses on either bank.
G. E/H. Kill the bats! Don’t let the bats get near you! Stop bats from attacking by using a flashlight and zapping them. Shining a flashlight on them removes one of their 3 lives.
H. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into position to create a bridge. The hard version has more pieces to place.
I. Sequence puzzle. Using a piano keyboard, press keys to move cards with notes on them, so they have the same alignment as those on a given musical score. The easy version has 8 notes to place while the hard has 10. The notes do not move in a straight line to their designations
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Move fragments to create Halloween images. The hard version has more fragments and items to create
K. E/H. Match monsters with words associated with them. The easy version has 4 monsters and the hard has 6 monsters. Place each monster behind its matching word.
L. Strategy puzzle. Move a honeycomb to its exit point avoiding bats in the process. The hard version has more bats to battle
B. E/H. Arcade game. Gather toys, each of which have points assigned, until you reach 50 points. The puzzle is timed. In the easy version the player gets 60 seconds – in the hard – 50 seconds.
C. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch keys so they fit the locks opposite them. The easy version has 8 keys; the hard version has 10 keys
D. E/H. 2Part puzzle. (1) Simon Says. Repeat a light pattern (2) Connection puzzle. Switch hexagons with a portion of a path upon it. In the hard version, switch hexagons to create paths to connect gems of the same color. In the easy version rotate the hexagons until they form paths connecting like colored gems.
E. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch flags so each is located at the proper location on a globe. Fragments along the side of the screen give hints as to where the flags should be located. In the hard version the fragments must be uncovered to get the clues as to their location.
F. E/H. Ye olde River Crossing Puzzle. Transfer figurines across a bridge in a carriage moving 2 at a time. In both difficulty levels, there are princes and princesses. In the hard version there are also coachmen. On either side of the river there may not be more princes than princesses. In the hard version there cannot be fewer coachmen than princes and princesses on either bank.
G. E/H. Kill the bats! Don’t let the bats get near you! Stop bats from attacking by using a flashlight and zapping them. Shining a flashlight on them removes one of their 3 lives.
H. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into position to create a bridge. The hard version has more pieces to place.
I. Sequence puzzle. Using a piano keyboard, press keys to move cards with notes on them, so they have the same alignment as those on a given musical score. The easy version has 8 notes to place while the hard has 10. The notes do not move in a straight line to their designations
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Move fragments to create Halloween images. The hard version has more fragments and items to create
K. E/H. Match monsters with words associated with them. The easy version has 4 monsters and the hard has 6 monsters. Place each monster behind its matching word.
L. Strategy puzzle. Move a honeycomb to its exit point avoiding bats in the process. The hard version has more bats to battle
I recommend this game!
Can you stop an ancient evil and escape in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
75 of 151 found this review helpful
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN?
PostedOctober 6, 2022
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages
Searching for some Halloween spirit? You will find plenty of spirits in this developer’s Halloween game. Join mystic Agatha Blake as she battles the Evil Spirit of Halloween! Venture to Adamini Castle, where the owners have negotiated a deal with this demon to keep the castle and surrounding villagers safe from marauders and home invaders. However, the price for this otherworldly security system may be more than the owners bargained for. Spend most of the game searching for and defeating this evil spirit.
Speaking of the “spirit of Halloween” - did I miss something? Isn’t this supposed to be a Halloween game decked out in orange and black - full of fall foliage, jack o’ lanterns, scary ghosts, black cats, and trick or treaters? Loving the fall, (especially Halloween) I look forward to the BFG Halloween games. I was disappointed in this game. To me, this game is not indicative of most of this developer’s previous Halloween fare. The only elements of this game which are in any way related to Halloween is the name of the evil spirit, “The Evil Spirit of Halloween,” and the candy you feed the home spirits, ugly little critters who live within mirrors. If these “home spirits” were residing in my mirrors, I do believe I would call an exterminator. I did not find them endearing; instead. I found them unsettling and “beyond creepy.” I found this a decent game; however, I found this game had little to do with Halloween. I found the story ho-hum and somewhat boring. There is not much of a story behind this game. The totality of the game consists of a lot of running back-and-forth searching for otherworldly spirits. There are not as many activities as experienced in this developer’s past games. It is a dark game - too dark and demonic for my taste. To me, it does not have the Halloween flavor of this developer’s previous games.
Less is more at times, but not in gaming. This game has been downsized. There are only twelve (12) collectibles within the entire game. One of those collectibles I could not locate within the scene and feel it was either not placed within the scene or located in some other location than illustrated in the strategy guide. Most of the scenes have only one collectible – mainly picture fragments. In the past, this developer offered forty-eight (48) fragments to complete four (4) pictures. However, there are only twenty-four (24) fragments to complete two puzzles at the end of the game. They halved the number of collectibles. There are an equal number of HOP scenes and mini-games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 ghostly items from the castle and 24 picture fragments
• 9 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Puzzle room which has two jigsaw puzzles to complete from the collected picture fragments
• Secret Room which allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve missing collectibles
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games hidden within the Archives Room.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 ghostly items from the castle and 24 picture fragments
• 9 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Puzzle room which has two jigsaw puzzles to complete from the collected picture fragments
• Secret Room which allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve missing collectibles
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games hidden within the Archives Room.
BONUS CHAPTER: Play Theresa, the new owner of the Adamini Castle. The town is celebrating her recent inheritance of the estate. She was engaged to roguish Robert; however, he deceived her. His only interest was getting her amulet to resurrect the Evil Spirit of Halloween. He was and still is a marauder and plunderer. Spend the chapter battling the Evil Spirit of Halloween who is trying to break free into the real world. Also battle Robert as he tries to resurrect the evil spirit for his own nefarious purposes. Trek into the otherworld and with the help of your grandmother Rhea and Agatha, the mystic from the main game, stop Robert from releasing this spirit. How much will Theresa be willing to sacrifice to bring peace to her lands? This chapter is a continuation of the main story. To me, it is of the same quality as the main game. There are six (6) HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games. It is a decent chapter, but not certain it is worth the additional price of a collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also three (3) mini-HOP scenes in which six (6) items are to be found. The scenes are interactive. Most of the scenes are standard lists of items and silhouette. There is a matching scene, a scene in which items are placed into their proper locations within the scene, and a search scene to locate items, which are then placed back within the scenes. My favorite scenes were in the bonus chapter. One involved searching for different colored handprints. The other scene I enjoy was one in which the items to be removed floated down a river.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games. All of them are on the easier side. I did not find one puzzle which was even of middle difficulty. There are lots of picture puzzles. I was disappointed in the puzzles. Most are ones we have seen before. Most of the mini-games are related to pictures. There is one scene in which the player views a family tree in the beginning of the game. This was the perfect setting for a puzzle based on the family tree. Instead,guys the developer used the scene for a HOP scene to locate symbols. My favorite mini-game was the Match-3 game in which Amanda battles a home spirit. I thought this puzzle was well-constructed and provided a new twist on a mini-game which is present in many other HOPA games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Picture puzzles (1) Slider puzzle. Slide slats into position to restore an image. (2) Switch puzzle. Place circles into their proper position to restore an image. (3) Switch puzzle. On a 3 x 3 grid switch squares to restore an image.
B. Alignment puzzle. Click on buttons between two pictures to align parts of the two pictures within the slots provided. Moving some parts affect the others.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch arced parts of a picture so that each is within the proper position around a circular picture. The parts move counterclockwise with each switch.
D. Weights and Balance/Assembly puzzle. Create a potion according to given directions. Weigh each item using weights.
E. Matching puzzle. Scale up the wall of a castle by matching hand and foot symbols along the way 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Dot-to-dot. Using chalk, connect dots so it creates a given image.
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 6 rings to restore an image
H. Maze puzzle. Set a course in 14 steps to go through a maze.
B. Alignment puzzle. Click on buttons between two pictures to align parts of the two pictures within the slots provided. Moving some parts affect the others.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch arced parts of a picture so that each is within the proper position around a circular picture. The parts move counterclockwise with each switch.
D. Weights and Balance/Assembly puzzle. Create a potion according to given directions. Weigh each item using weights.
E. Matching puzzle. Scale up the wall of a castle by matching hand and foot symbols along the way 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Dot-to-dot. Using chalk, connect dots so it creates a given image.
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 6 rings to restore an image
H. Maze puzzle. Set a course in 14 steps to go through a maze.
I recommend this game!
Can you solve the mystery of the mansion?
Overall rating
2
/
5
93 of 140 found this review helpful
OPENING THE DOOR TO A NEW STYLE OF GAME
PostedOctober 1, 2022
sunnyglow
fromThis developer opened a door to a new style of game. Hopefully they will shut it and keep it closed forever!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Welcome to a mansion, a place where doors open new worlds for you to explore! Upon the death of your Uncle Rodrique, you are informed that you have inherited his estate, a place where each door opens a new world. Upon arrival at the estate, the butler, Alberto hands you the keys and informs you must visit all the rooms in the estate to learn about your uncle. Don’t worry! The title is deceptive There are not one-hundred rooms to survey – only ten within the main game and four within the bonus chapter. With each new door, open a new world and new challenge.
FORMAT: This game first appeared on mobile devices. The format is the same for each of the ten (10) chapters of the game. Upon entering the door (chapter), the player will be greeted by some character with a problem which he/she needs help with. The locations and theme will vary with each chapter. The themes will include fairies, witches, parallel worlds and crime and detective stories. The detective brother and sister team from the Twin Minds series, Randall and Eleanor, are within this game. The player will play a series of between two to four HOP scenes followed by a mini-game a the end of the chapter.
WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT! This game is not a HOPA game. It is a hybrid, a cross between a HOP game and an escape-the-room game. However, unlike most HOP games, these HOP scenes and mini-games are fashioned the same way as those within this developer’s HOPA games.
The best way to describe this game is to emphasize what is missing within this game. There is no menu to set customer preferences. You cannot choose between easy or hard mini-games. The difficulty must be chosen at the time of playing the mini-game. There are no collectibles, no achievements, no strategy guide, and no replay of the HOP scenes and mini-games. Even worse, there are no voiceovers! The player must read the dialogue within the chapter. I absolutely hated having to read script and some of that script disappeared from the screen before I could finish reading it.
The best way to describe this game is to emphasize what is missing within this game. There is no menu to set customer preferences. You cannot choose between easy or hard mini-games. The difficulty must be chosen at the time of playing the mini-game. There are no collectibles, no achievements, no strategy guide, and no replay of the HOP scenes and mini-games. Even worse, there are no voiceovers! The player must read the dialogue within the chapter. I absolutely hated having to read script and some of that script disappeared from the screen before I could finish reading it.
On the plus side, there is a bonus chapter which has the same layout as the main game. Although there is no “strategy guide,” the game provides solutions to the mini-games as they are being played. The game also provides ten (10) wallpapers.
Some may like this style of game; however, not me. I hope we are not going to see HOPA games devolve into this format. The HOPA scenes and mini-games are of the same quality as within their HOPA games, but there is little activity nor story within this game. Play two to three HOP scenes and then play a mini-game – then repeat the same process for each chapter. Boring! There is no back-and-forth movement between scenes to search for inventory items to use within the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: The butler hands you a letter from one of the characters from the main game. This person is requesting help but does not leave their name. Return to the locations and visit the characters from the main game to discover who needs your help. This chapter is comprised of four (4) doors. The player will encounter characters from main game. This chapter is a carbon copy of the main game. The player will play four (4) HOP Scenes and then will play a mini-game at the end of each door.
SHOULD I PLAY OR STAY AWAY? This is a bare bones game without the frills and little extras found within the HOPA games from this developer. I believe this developer designed this game as an experiment to see how it would be received by its gaming audience. This is a great game for those who love playing HOP scenes with few mini-games. It has the same activities; however, without an engaging story and after playing the same gaming format repeatedly, I became bored. This may appeal to those who love straight HOP games. However, after playing repeated HOP scenes with little to no story to keep me engaged, I could not wait for the game to end.
HOP SCENES: There are fifty-two (52) HOP scenes within the game. For me, the scenes are creatively designed and the best part of the game. Their format is the same as within HOP games. There is a variety of different styles (not all are standard lists of items). What I liked about this game is that many of the HOP scenes require searching for items and then returning them into the scene. There are also standard lists of items, silhouette, spot-the-differences, rebus clues, cryptic clues, matching, and scenes in which fragments of the scene are to be located within the scene. Surprisingly, I remember playing one of the scenes within another game from this developer!
MINI GAMES: There are only eleven (11) mini-games within the entire game. They are variations of other games from this developer. All the mini-games can be played in either a hard or casual mode but the difficulty must be chosen when playing the game. There is no strategy guide; however, solutions to the puzzles are provided with each puzzle.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME: (E = Easy, H = Hard)
A. E//H. Connection puzzle. Rotate pins with prongs emitting from them to create a design matching that on a given diagram. The easy version has a 4 x 4 grid – the hard version as a 5 x 4 grid with more pins
B. E/H. Moving blocks puzzle. Switch positions of a red crystal on the left side of a grid and a green crystal on the right side of the grid. Move blocks to create a path for both. The hard version has a larger grid with more blocks.
C. E/H. Chain puzzle. Move 4 different colored chains of gears into position on a grid. The hard version has a metal block in the center making it more difficult to move the chains into the designated positions.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Choose one of 3 paths at the proper time to prevent bandits from noticing you. The hard version has one more bandit to evade.
E. E/H. Slider puzzle. Rotate candles around a board so that pink candles are on the outside and green are in the inside of the board. Slide the candles as a group using arrows to move them.
F. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Recreate given images on a hexagonal grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Position 4 skeleton hands into slots on the sides of the scene.
H. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place picture frames over their matching silhouettes on a wall to complete a family tree. You must place them on a line in the proper order so each will be where travel to where they belong. The hard version has a more difficult course
B. E/H. Moving blocks puzzle. Switch positions of a red crystal on the left side of a grid and a green crystal on the right side of the grid. Move blocks to create a path for both. The hard version has a larger grid with more blocks.
C. E/H. Chain puzzle. Move 4 different colored chains of gears into position on a grid. The hard version has a metal block in the center making it more difficult to move the chains into the designated positions.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Choose one of 3 paths at the proper time to prevent bandits from noticing you. The hard version has one more bandit to evade.
E. E/H. Slider puzzle. Rotate candles around a board so that pink candles are on the outside and green are in the inside of the board. Slide the candles as a group using arrows to move them.
F. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Recreate given images on a hexagonal grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Position 4 skeleton hands into slots on the sides of the scene.
H. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place picture frames over their matching silhouettes on a wall to complete a family tree. You must place them on a line in the proper order so each will be where travel to where they belong. The hard version has a more difficult course
I don't recommend this game.
Clutter puzzles as you've never seen them before!
Overall rating
5
/
5
40 of 63 found this review helpful
ANOTHER FANTASTIC GAME FROM THE CLUTTERMEISTER, JOE
PostedSeptember 29, 2022
sunnyglow
fromKudos on another great game Joe! Already looking forward to the next one. Just wish I could de-clutter my brain and life as easily as within these puzzles.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Looking for the perfect song? the perfect puzzle challenge? This game is a perfect compilation of puzzles based upon Joe’s biggest hits! This compilation of puzzles is one of Joe’s best games to date. These games are in class of their own, timeless, designed by a master craftsman in the art of puzzle design. Few games demonstrate the quality and craftsmanship of his games. This game is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Joe. Along the way, Joe gives a historical insight into his own life – recollections of puzzle creation through the years plus hundreds of new puzzles in his most popular genres.
MECHANICS This game is filled with thousands of puzzles. Returning are the cluttered heaps of items to be matched – all lumped together. All can be played either timed or untimed; however, Joe suggests you at least try to take the challenge by trying to get all the matches in the time required. Items to be matched includes some incredibly beautiful flowers, yummy looking donuts (which might find you trying to eat a few), jewels, buttons, pictures (round and square), shoes (for shoe lovers out there), and a variety of other items. Matches can be with same items, smaller with large of the same item, the same category of item but different shapes, black-and-white, or halves of items to be matched.
TYPE OF PUZZLES: This is a list of the type of puzzles available. Most have several hundred to over a thousand games.
• Junk piles with over 2000 puzzles
• Matching of 2, 3, or a combination of 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the same items to locate
• Hyper Quest. Dizzying pinwheels and spirals in which items crisscross each other.
• Picture puzzles. Included are sliders, square jigsaws to name a few
• Black and white and colorized items to search along with matching halves of items.
• Clutter Jong: Mahjong all cluttered up matching and removing items.
• Accordion: One of my favorites. Columns of items move back-and-forth within the scene in which the player must locate the items and match them. The speed can be adjusted.
• Slider: Move slats up, down, and sideways to create complete pictures.
• Clutter Pics: Square, Round, Combos – Small, Big, Mirrored and Skewed.
• Box Quotes. Fill in letters to reveal words of wisdom
• Square Jigsaw: A unique jigsaw puzzle using squares
• Matching of 2, 3, or a combination of 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the same items to locate
• Hyper Quest. Dizzying pinwheels and spirals in which items crisscross each other.
• Picture puzzles. Included are sliders, square jigsaws to name a few
• Black and white and colorized items to search along with matching halves of items.
• Clutter Jong: Mahjong all cluttered up matching and removing items.
• Accordion: One of my favorites. Columns of items move back-and-forth within the scene in which the player must locate the items and match them. The speed can be adjusted.
• Slider: Move slats up, down, and sideways to create complete pictures.
• Clutter Pics: Square, Round, Combos – Small, Big, Mirrored and Skewed.
• Box Quotes. Fill in letters to reveal words of wisdom
• Square Jigsaw: A unique jigsaw puzzle using squares
I do not usually play nor review many non-HOPA games. However, this is one of my favorites. I play one of the puzzles from this game almost daily. They are a great way to take a short break from work. Most of the puzzles (under the time crunch) can be played in a few minutes. However, as the puzzles progress in each section, the time is less, and the puzzles become more difficult. Sometimes, I need to play some of those puzzles several times to get all the items listed.
I recommend this game!
Can you guide a tormented gamer through a trio of terrifying challenges?
Overall rating
2
/
5
40 of 86 found this review helpful
A BORING ADVENTURE INTO PSYCHOBABBLE
PostedSeptember 22, 2022
sunnyglow
fromLocation: In a bad place, suffering from Ludophobia, the fear of playing terrible, boring games! This was brought on by playing this one!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Return to the Crossroads Bar at the corner of nowhere and everywhere where Mistress Eve tries to help another lost soul who is struggling with psychological distress. Play Sterling who, after being trapped in a confined space for days, now suffers from panic attacks, insomnia, claustrophobia, and nightmares. As therapy, you will be given three (3) horror games to play. As you play the game, you will be given choices and those choices will determine the outcome of the game. The three horror games are: “Through the Fog” which involves a horror writer looking for inspiration for her next writing assignment. She relives the life of a ghostly witch banned by her village. The next two provide the player with ability to choose which order in which to play them. “Deadly Call” involves a woman whose friend are receiving text messages with videos showing their deaths. Will she be targeted as well? “Horror on the Set” involves an assistant director who is preparing a movie set in which the decorations become real and prove deadly.
After playing this game, I felt truly felt I was in nowhere land. I liked the first game in the series; I was not as impressed with this one. After playing into the game, I started to find it somewhat boring. There are not a lot of activities for a game this size. It is a morality play containing a lot of “psychobabble.” I found several parts of the stories provided within this game somewhat confusing. For me, I would have liked to have been informed that your score in the game was based on the answers you chose throughout the game. This should have been indicated at the beginning. I think the game is too long for the activities within the game. A shorter game I feel would have been better. For a psychological thriller, I found the game not scary at all and could not understand the warning at the beginning of the game. I have seen a lot scarier games than this one from BFG.
There are two collectibles, jigsaw pieces and figurines which represent phobias. I found most easy to locate. The jigsaw pieces are signified by the crossroad sign from the game. At the end of the game, there is a jigsaw puzzle to play within the Secret Room. The jigsaw puzzle consists of merely clicking on the pieces and they just fall into place on the picture. I do believe that it would have been better if the player could place the pieces into a frame to play the puzzle. For each game you receive a card with traits of each main character within the game. They have a ranking from 1 to 10 in various personality traits. I still have no idea what the purpose was for these cards. The Exhibition Room allows the player to return to the scenes to search for missing collectibles. However, the scenes do not indicate if you have collected all the collectibles or not – so to me, this was worthless. I was missing one jigsaw puzzle piece and there was no way for me to know in which scene I missed locating that piece.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 12 achievements. Two have 3 parts and 2 have 5 parts
• Collect 23 puzzle pieces and 12 collectible figurines
• 6 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 24 Scenes
• There is an Expedition Room which allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles
• There is a Secret Room which houses a jigsaw puzzle to solve
• Replay of 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
• 12 achievements. Two have 3 parts and 2 have 5 parts
• Collect 23 puzzle pieces and 12 collectible figurines
• 6 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• 24 Scenes
• There is an Expedition Room which allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles
• There is a Secret Room which houses a jigsaw puzzle to solve
• Replay of 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: Play Mistress Eve who is visited by “The Traveler,” a trickster who does not like that you judge people and toy with their lives. It may be this “trickster” may be part of future games in the series. As Mistress Eve, the player will be given several riddles to solve, all involving characters within more video games. The characters involve a ghost who cannot remember his name nor his identity. Collect his memories and then help him with problems he had with is friend. The second involves another ghost who was banished from his village for his magical powers. Help him with the bitterness he feel for the village banishing him. I found this chapter’s stories and activities very confusing. There are four (4) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games. There are also a few mini-HOP scenes with six or seven items to locate.
HOP SCENES: There are sixteen (16) HOP scenes, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also some mini-HOP scenes in which the player searches for six to seven items within a scene. I do feel the HOP scenes were the best part of the game. Elephant has upped their game in creation of these HOP scenes. Many of the scenes were either the standard list of items or silhouette scenes; however, there were some novel ones as well. All had a storybook scene with items located on pages of a dialogue about the game. I did enjoy the scenes where given items are to be placed into the proper location within the scene. There were a couple of scenes locating fragments of the scenes within the scenes themselves.
MINI-GAMES: There are sixteen (16) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed. In my opinion there are not enough mini-games for a game this size. I found most of the mini-games easy and ones seen in most other HOPA games. There are quite a few maze -type puzzles, perhaps, because the game is supposedly a psychological thriller. There is one Rube-Goldberg puzzle in the bonus chapter with sequential puzzles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Move an angel past demons to get to a crypt at the top of the grid.
B. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze in a hospital The maze will be updated as you travel through the hospital. There is only one way out and you will run into scary things or traps which will decrease your mental state. First aid kits will restore your mental state. If your mental state reaches zero, you lose.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a puzzle so that they restore the image.
D. Connection puzzle. Move Alex, the game character, through points on a maze so every point is visited. You can retrace steps (which is very unusual for this puzzle)
E. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no pieces intersect with each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. On a square board, rotate red imps and grey angels as a group, so that all the imps are in the inside loop and the angels are on the outside loop. Use sliders to move the statues.
G. Mathematical puzzle Switch 4 sets of weights with numbers on them so all the sections have the same total.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up animal eyes with the proper animal.
B. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze in a hospital The maze will be updated as you travel through the hospital. There is only one way out and you will run into scary things or traps which will decrease your mental state. First aid kits will restore your mental state. If your mental state reaches zero, you lose.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a puzzle so that they restore the image.
D. Connection puzzle. Move Alex, the game character, through points on a maze so every point is visited. You can retrace steps (which is very unusual for this puzzle)
E. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so no pieces intersect with each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. On a square board, rotate red imps and grey angels as a group, so that all the imps are in the inside loop and the angels are on the outside loop. Use sliders to move the statues.
G. Mathematical puzzle Switch 4 sets of weights with numbers on them so all the sections have the same total.
H. Matching puzzle. Match up animal eyes with the proper animal.
I don't recommend this game.