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:
Can you solve a ghostly mystery to escape a film?
Overall rating
5
/
5
119 of 221 found this review helpful
GALLOP THROUGH THE OLD WEST IN A BRAND-NEW SERIES
PostedSeptember 9, 2021
sunnyglow
fromIn this game, for a “Fistful of Dollars, of even a “Few Dollars More,” “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” among us can start our own saloon.
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: 48 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
Howdy Partner! Saddle up and prepare ride through Old West in pursuit of some outlaws, a bunch of no good, ornery varmints! I loved this game! This game reminds me of the old spaghetti Westerns of the past. This game is no different in its layout from the other games from this developer. However, what made this one exciting to me was the departure from the usual settings. It was refreshing to see a game set in the Old West instead of some “schmaltzy” fairytale or metropolitan setting with some monster, witch, or evildoer involved in nefarious deeds. It was nice to see honest-to-goodness outlaws battling it out with the town’s sheriff.
This is a fantastic start to a new series from Domini Games. This game is like a breath of fresh air –desert air. As in all their games, there are three (3) collectibles – morphing items of the Old West, wanted posters, and dollars used to purchase item to outfit a saloon. The game had a good pace, chock full of activities throughout. I found the graphics indicative of the Old West. I loved the Clint Eastwood spaghetti Western look of the serape-draped bad guys. However, although there may be gold and silver mines in “dem dar” hills; I don’t think I have ever seen a diamond mine in the West! I found all the collectibles easy to locate.
STRATEGY GUIDE ERRORS: Oh no! Not again! There are screenshots missing for the collectibles in the strategy guide. Eight (8) screenshots for pictures E and F are missing. The four screenshots for G are out of place within the guide as well. Nevertheless, I found all the collectibles easy to locate so that was not a major problem. However, I wish this developer or a staff member from BFG would proofread their strategy guide before releasing the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 36 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing Wild West items and 15 wanted posters
• Collect 70 dollars to purchase items to outfit a saloon
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 36 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing Wild West items and 15 wanted posters
• Collect 70 dollars to purchase items to outfit a saloon
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: This is a prequel. Join Sean Ross, the father of the heroine in the main game, Sally Ross, as he battles a misguided outlaw who at first only wanted to steal to care for his father, but afterward, developed a taste for violence. Now you must stop this varmint and deliver him to the sheriff. I loved this chapter as well and found it a nice addition to the main game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. I found these activities equal in quality to the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. They are similar to those from other games including standard lists of items and silhouette. There is a matching scene, a couple of search-and-replace scenes, and a rebus scene. There is a Match-3 game which can be played instead. My favorite scene was a beautiful silhouette scene in which the player searches for crystals in a mine. .
MINI-GAMES: Domini is the puzzlemeister for HOPA games and this game is another example of their excellence in puzzle creation. There are twenty-five (25) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the mini-games have the option to be played either in an easy version for an easy play or in a hard version for those who want more challenge within their gameplay. As in their other games, the level of difficulty can be set in the menu; however it can be changed while playing the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MNI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Mix ingredients according to a given recipe. The easy version has 4 ingredients to create and use; the hard version has 5 ingredients with a more complex recipe to follow
B. E/H., Sequence puzzle. Press numbers on a 5 x 5 grid (25 numbers) according to a given number code. The harder version has more numbers to press.
C. E/H. Map puzzle. Choose between one of 3 paths at the right moment to lead you through the path without being caught by the bandits within the grid. The easy version has 3 banditos and the hard has 4.
D. E/H. Connection/Gear puzzle. Connect like colored gears within a grid so none of the connections overlap. The easy version has fewer gears than the hard version.
E. E/H. Domino puzzle. Place all dominoes into a grid so that ends which abut match each other. The harder version has more dominoes to place.
F. E/H. Gear puzzle. Move a gear along a track until it reaches the other end of a maze. The hard version has sections of the maze which move either creating new paths or blocking a path.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H Bullseye puzzle. Align circles using sliders to throw a grappling hook. The hard version has 4 circles to align and the easy has 3.
H. E/H. Picture puzzle. Place pieces into position to restore the image of a horse. The easy version allows the player to place the pieces individually in any location. The hard version requires placing them sequentially.
I. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move two horses down a path avoiding obstacles in your path. The hard version has more obstacles to avoid. You must move two riders at once without running into obstacles.
B. E/H., Sequence puzzle. Press numbers on a 5 x 5 grid (25 numbers) according to a given number code. The harder version has more numbers to press.
C. E/H. Map puzzle. Choose between one of 3 paths at the right moment to lead you through the path without being caught by the bandits within the grid. The easy version has 3 banditos and the hard has 4.
D. E/H. Connection/Gear puzzle. Connect like colored gears within a grid so none of the connections overlap. The easy version has fewer gears than the hard version.
E. E/H. Domino puzzle. Place all dominoes into a grid so that ends which abut match each other. The harder version has more dominoes to place.
F. E/H. Gear puzzle. Move a gear along a track until it reaches the other end of a maze. The hard version has sections of the maze which move either creating new paths or blocking a path.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H Bullseye puzzle. Align circles using sliders to throw a grappling hook. The hard version has 4 circles to align and the easy has 3.
H. E/H. Picture puzzle. Place pieces into position to restore the image of a horse. The easy version allows the player to place the pieces individually in any location. The hard version requires placing them sequentially.
I. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move two horses down a path avoiding obstacles in your path. The hard version has more obstacles to avoid. You must move two riders at once without running into obstacles.
I recommend this game!
Players beware… you’re in for a scare in the exciting Goosebumps video game, a point and click prequel to the major motion picture!
Overall rating
1
/
5
43 of 120 found this review helpful
THE ONLY THING SCARY ABOUT THIS GAME IS TRYING TO PLAY IT!
PostedSeptember 5, 2021
sunnyglow
fromRun! Run away! A true monster which will give you goosebumps is here - this game! This nightmare game will ruin your day. Do not pick it up, pay for it nor spend any time with it!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
REVIEW IS BASED ON THE DEMO (BECAUSE GAMES THIS BAD SHOULD PAY PEOPLE TO PLAY THEM)
Want to play a scary game? If so, trying to navigate through this clunky adventure game should give you quite a fright . This albatross is a monstrous nightmare to navigate. I bravely stuck it out a long as I could in trying to navigate the game. I battled against items which seemed stuck within the scene and had a difficult time getting the inventory items to work.
Clicking here, there and everywhere, this dated clunker finally got me into the school (to find a piece of paper on the floor and cell phone) and then to the parking lot. From there, I went through the woods to try to get home, running around clicking and clicking everything to figure out what I needed and then clicking even more to view the items as well. Finally I gave up! This little monster scared me and I left.
The game is very slow with a lot of chatter throughout. I got tired of all the narration and description within every scene.
The game does not have an automatic save feature, which has been a gaming feature for at least ten years. Better save your game because I don't think you would want to go through the agony of restarting this game.
The game does not have an automatic save feature, which has been a gaming feature for at least ten years. Better save your game because I don't think you would want to go through the agony of restarting this game.
This game is dated, and was dated when it appeared six years ago, in 2015. It was a vehicle from Scholastic magazine to promote reading of the "Goosebump" book series. The audience for this game are "tweens." However, I cannot imagine any "tween" who would play this game nowadays.
Where on earth BFG got this game is beyond me! This is probably one of the worst games I have ever attempted to play. My rating would be zero stars if that was option was available.
I don't recommend this game.
The twin detectives are back on the case!
Overall rating
5
/
5
116 of 222 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH SPARKS MY POWER OF LOVE FOR HOPA GAMES
PostedSeptember 2, 2021
sunnyglow
fromElectricity is generated between two people by the power of love. However, as time passes, for some, that power will wane and flicker causing the lights to go out between them.
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: 52 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
OPINION: Join the twin detectives, Eleanor, and Randall Jones, as they investigate another case in the second fantastic game within this series! Their filial love will be put to the test by a madman who will prove that the “power of love” is a force which can be used for many purposes. Play both detectives in a tag team effort to thwart a madman who is playing a game of cat-and-mouse with them. I like the concept alternating between these twin detectives, as it provides variety which keeps the game from becoming tedious and boring. The pace is excellent with a great story and many activities to keep a player entertained.
The format is the same as in every one of Domini’s games. There are three collectibles. They are morphing ritual items, items belonging to a ghost named Patricia, and coins used to purchase items for a boudoir. However, unlike other games from this developer, I did find some of those collectibles difficult to locate. I thought the game was creatively designed and well-illustrated. For once, the strategy guide is error-free and well-written. I could not find anything I disliked about this game. It is not the best game this developer has created; however, it is an enjoyable game which should appeal to detective game lovers!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing ritual items and 14 of things belonging to a ghost named Patricia
• Collect 89 coins to purchase items for a boudoir
• 29 Cutscenes
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing ritual items and 14 of things belonging to a ghost named Patricia
• Collect 89 coins to purchase items for a boudoir
• 29 Cutscenes
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Play Eleanor minus her twin brother as she investigates the drowning of boy at a lake. A spirit is unleased from the lake due to this boy’s drowning, a drowning which is the deemed to be the result of foul play. Investigate this boy’s family and uncover some unsavory family secrets which led to his death. I found this chapter a nice addition to the game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games. I like the fact this chapter has a story unrelated to that from the main game. I wish more developers would stop tying the bonus chapter in some way to the main game. For me, it is like having a second game to play. I found this an excellent chapter and worthy of the collector’s edition designation.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They include the usual lists of items and silhouette scenes. There are a couple of storybook scenes, searching for items highlighted in a narrative. There is a spot-the-differences scene, scenes in which fragments from the scene must be located. There are searches for twelve (12) instances of the same item such as newspapers within one scene. They are all highly interactive and well-designed. As in other games from this developer, a Match-3 game can be played instead.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. As in other games from this developer, the difficulty of the puzzles can be set in the menu. Most of the puzzles can be played in either an easy mode for an easy-breezy game or in a hard mode for those who want a more challenging game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place tools into a box so all fit without overlapping. The hard version requires rotating the tools to make them fit.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Pace connectors with prongs on the ends into a grid so all are used and all connect. The easy version has 12 connectors, and the hard version has 14 to connect.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Cut a jumble of wires in the proper order to remove them with the top wire cut before those under it. The easy version has less wires to cut than the hard version.
D. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Click musical notes in the proper sequence according to given clues The order is given on beads around the neck of a doll. In the easy version the beads with symbols are posted in sequential order. In the hard version, arrows indicate the order of the sequence.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. E/H. Maze puzzle. Push crates to their designated slots on a grid. Use arrows to move feet to push the crates forward. The easy version has 3 crates to move; the hard version has 4.
F. E/H. In the easy version, adjust sliders on a radio to adjust the frequency of sine waves so they align with each other. In the hard version, the player will need to use a dial to adjust the height as well
G. Lock puzzle. Using fingerprints on a safe, figure out the code to open a safe.
H. E/H. Connection puzzle. Rotate pipe segments so they connect with each other to lead water out through 3 outlets. The hard version has more segments to rotate.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Pace connectors with prongs on the ends into a grid so all are used and all connect. The easy version has 12 connectors, and the hard version has 14 to connect.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Cut a jumble of wires in the proper order to remove them with the top wire cut before those under it. The easy version has less wires to cut than the hard version.
D. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Click musical notes in the proper sequence according to given clues The order is given on beads around the neck of a doll. In the easy version the beads with symbols are posted in sequential order. In the hard version, arrows indicate the order of the sequence.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. E/H. Maze puzzle. Push crates to their designated slots on a grid. Use arrows to move feet to push the crates forward. The easy version has 3 crates to move; the hard version has 4.
F. E/H. In the easy version, adjust sliders on a radio to adjust the frequency of sine waves so they align with each other. In the hard version, the player will need to use a dial to adjust the height as well
G. Lock puzzle. Using fingerprints on a safe, figure out the code to open a safe.
H. E/H. Connection puzzle. Rotate pipe segments so they connect with each other to lead water out through 3 outlets. The hard version has more segments to rotate.
I recommend this game!
Can you keep the fairest woman in Taleville from paying the ultimate price?
Overall rating
5
/
5
121 of 194 found this review helpful
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL - SHOW ME A GAME WHICH HAS IT ALL
PostedAugust 26, 2021
sunnyglow
fromMirror, mirror on the wall – who is the fairest of them all? It is a pity that mirrors only reflect the outer beauty and not the inner beauty of a person.
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
8 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 56 pages (My Time: 6 Hours of Magic)
8 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 56 pages (My Time: 6 Hours of Magic)
OPINON: Join Fairy Godmother on another adventure set in the beautiful fairytale kingdom of Taleville. Many of the classic fairytale characters reside in this series, some with alter egos not revealed in their classic fairytales! And as in past games, our Fairy Godmother uncovers more problems with this less-than-perfect idyllic realm. This game reveals the seamier side of pretty princesses out to gain the affection of Prince Oliver.
To me, this is one of the best games from this series, and one which should become a classic. The story is excellent with a storyline which has some twists, deviating from the normal fairytale scenario. Another goody two -shoes princess uncovers her conniving witchy alter ego! It is filled with a hodgepodge of fairytale characters and items from many tales. There is an assortment of amulets, potions, spells to help you stop one of your misguided goddaughters. I found the pace excellent with plenty of activities to keep a player occupied. The graphics for this game are fairytale beautiful.
There are three collectibles as in most of this developer’s games. The collectibles are wedding favors and morphing witch items. I found most easy to locate. Collect gems to purchase items for a laboratory to create potions and spells. The helper in this game is a magic wand used to provide needed assistance in a crisis. Throughout the game, sparkly crystals are collected to charge the wand. I found the strategy guide well-written. I discovered only one error in the game – two of the screenshots for the collectibles section were reversed and the final pictures were not colored. However, this did not deter from my enjoyment of this game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 wedding favors and 15 morphing witch’s items
• Collect 70 gems to purchase items for a magic laboratory
• Magic Wand to use when magic is the only way to solve a problem. Collect sparkles to activate it.
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 wedding favors and 15 morphing witch’s items
• Collect 70 gems to purchase items for a magic laboratory
• Magic Wand to use when magic is the only way to solve a problem. Collect sparkles to activate it.
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another game. Play Prince Oliver from the main game. Ever popular with the pretty princesses of his kingdom, he is plagued with yet another misguided girl who desires his affection. Help him get rid of this nuisance with the help of his friend, Dog. It is a long chapter and although the story is similar as the one from the main game, I feel it is well-written. There are eight (8) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. I found the activities along with the pace excellent. To me, this chapter is a welcome addition to this collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. There is also one mini-HOP scene with six times to be located toward the end of the game. They are varied and well-designed. The scenes are interactive as well. They include a variety of styles including the standard lists of items and silhouette scenes. There are also searches for items which are then replaced back within the scene in the correct location. There are matching scenes and spot-the-differences scenes. My favorite is a puzzle-like one in which dinner items are placed on guest’s plates according to given instructions. It seemed more like a logic puzzle than a HOP scene. I, for one, would love to see more of this type of HOP scene.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-three (33) mini-games, nineteen (19) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the puzzles have the option to be played in either an easy or hard mode. The difficulty for the puzzles is set in the menu at the beginning of the game; however, this difficulty can be changed while playing the puzzles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 33 MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy - H = Hard)
A. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place fruit into a bowl so all fit without overlapping. The harder version requires rotating the fruit to fit
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Switch stones with path segments painted upon them so that paths are created to connect 4 animals on the left of the grid with their matches on the right. The hard version will only allow switches between adjacent stones.
C. E/H, Maze puzzle. Move a key on the left through a circular maze – rotating the inner circle to change the path segments until the key reaches its destination on the right.
D. Sequence puzzle. Press on buttons with fingerprints upon them, in the proper order, to open a hidden cache
E. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Press on symbols in the proper order mimicking what is played on a piano. The hard version has more keys on the piano
F. Bullseye puzzle. Click on a slider as it goes up-and-down a scale when it becomes level with a fish at the side. The harder version has the slider moving faster.
G. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place boards into position on a dock so all pieces are interconnected without spaces between them and without overlapping. The harder version has more difficult pieces to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Matching puzzle. Uncover and match up food beneath covered dishes. . In the hard version the dishes move after each move.
I. E/H. Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch circles with images upon them until the right image appears to create a picture within a book. The hard version has more circles to disclose.
J. E/H. Logic puzzle. Place flower seed packets in pots according to given clues. Hard version has more packets to place.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Switch stones with path segments painted upon them so that paths are created to connect 4 animals on the left of the grid with their matches on the right. The hard version will only allow switches between adjacent stones.
C. E/H, Maze puzzle. Move a key on the left through a circular maze – rotating the inner circle to change the path segments until the key reaches its destination on the right.
D. Sequence puzzle. Press on buttons with fingerprints upon them, in the proper order, to open a hidden cache
E. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Press on symbols in the proper order mimicking what is played on a piano. The hard version has more keys on the piano
F. Bullseye puzzle. Click on a slider as it goes up-and-down a scale when it becomes level with a fish at the side. The harder version has the slider moving faster.
G. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place boards into position on a dock so all pieces are interconnected without spaces between them and without overlapping. The harder version has more difficult pieces to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Matching puzzle. Uncover and match up food beneath covered dishes. . In the hard version the dishes move after each move.
I. E/H. Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch circles with images upon them until the right image appears to create a picture within a book. The hard version has more circles to disclose.
J. E/H. Logic puzzle. Place flower seed packets in pots according to given clues. Hard version has more packets to place.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop the frost curse from destroying your home in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
140 of 241 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH LEFT ME COLD
PostedAugust 12, 2021
sunnyglow
fromAnother case of family drama and mayhem within a royal family.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
8 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages (My Time – Frozen in time for 6 long Hours)
8 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages (My Time – Frozen in time for 6 long Hours)
OPINION: Suffering from the summer heat? Enjoy a respite from the heat in Arcadia where the ruler of the Northern Kingdom, Nordon, is trying to turn the entire kingdom into one huge icicle! What a change from this developer’s past games! The cold air must have affected this game itself, as I found the pace slowed down as I played into it. Toward the end of the game, I was checking the strategy guide to see how much longer the game would last. The game has a decent story; however, the story is too simplistic for a game this long. The player trudges along from one location to another searching for an amulet to destroy. It seemed as if this search would never end. Toward the end of the game, I wanted to enter this frozen kingdom and zap the evildoer myself just to end it.
MORE ERRORS IN THE STRATEGY GUIDE. The collectibles are morphing statues, herbs, and gems which I found easy to locate. The gems are exchanged for items to fill an aquarium upon completion of the game. I found an error in the strategy guide concerning the collectibles. The screenshots for the collectibles for letter “F” are missing. “F” does not exist within the guide. After that omission, the screenshots are jumbled, with the letters out of sequence. There is no excuse for this omission and not the first time this type of error has appeared in the strategy guide for this developer’s games. This could have been prevented by proofreading.
MORE ERRORS IN THE STRATEGY GUIDE. The collectibles are morphing statues, herbs, and gems which I found easy to locate. The gems are exchanged for items to fill an aquarium upon completion of the game. I found an error in the strategy guide concerning the collectibles. The screenshots for the collectibles for letter “F” are missing. “F” does not exist within the guide. After that omission, the screenshots are jumbled, with the letters out of sequence. There is no excuse for this omission and not the first time this type of error has appeared in the strategy guide for this developer’s games. This could have been prevented by proofreading.
VERDICT: With so few developers left producing this type of game, I hate to disparage this developer. It is a mediocre game which I feel has a lot of filler and lacks the creative design of their other games. However, they may have been under pressure to finish this game. I did not care for the story and found the game somewhat boring. It is still much better than many games from other developers. I recommend this game with the proviso it is not of the same quality as others from this developer. This developer is still my favorite one for this genre of game. Everyone is allowed a "lemon" once-in-awhile and I feel this game does not come close to the quality in many of their other games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 15 herbs and 15 morphing statuettes
• Collect 70 gems to purchase items for an aquarium
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 15 herbs and 15 morphing statuettes
• Collect 70 gems to purchase items for an aquarium
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: I could not determine if this story was a sequel or a prequel. Play Captain Martin from the main game as he tries to stop a knight, Heidmar, from destroying Arcadia with ice, as an act of revenge due to the death of his father. Again, the player will romp around Arcadia, running to-and-fro searching for a way to stop him from icing the kingdom. To me, it is the same story as the main chapter, just with different characters. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. Most of the puzzles do not have the option to be played in an easy or hard mode. Personally, I was shocked at the poor quality demonstrated in this bonus chapter.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also several mini-HOP scenes in which six or seven items are to be found within a scene. As in all their games, there is a variety of styles of scenes. In addition to the standard lists of items and silhouette scenes, there are story scenes with highlighted items to be found in a storybook format. There are also matching scenes, rebus clues, search and replace scenes, and one scene in which items are replaced back within the proper position within the scene. The scenes are decent but not as creatively designed in many of their other games. As in their other games, a Match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-three mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Many of the mini-games an be played in either an easy mode or in a hard mode. However, unlike other games from this developer, more than half the mini-games do not have this option. Most of the puzzles are ones seen in previous games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy – H = Hard)
A. Switch puzzle. Switch 7 hexagons, each one having a symbol on each of their 6 sides, so that the symbols match up on the sides where the hexagons meet.
B. E/H Assembly puzzle. Place fragments into position to create an image of a flame. The hard version has more pieces and they must be rotated before placing them within the grid.
C. Checkers puzzle. Jump over orange gems within a grid until only one remains.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze in the dark to reach the other side of a cave. The hard version has more twists and turns and a harder maze to traverse.
E. Paint by Number. In this case, paint by symbols. Click on the correct two symbols on paint vials which, when combined, match up with those on an emblem which needs to be painted.
F. Switch/Connection puzzle. Switch statues of knights so all are holding hands.
G. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move a key through a circular maze to the center of the maze while avoiding rocks within its path. The easy version has fewer rocks as stoppers than the hard version.
BONUS CHAPTER”
H. E/H. Lock puzzle. On a circular grid move a series of lock picks to connect with their matching slots on an inner circular grid. The easy version moves the outer circle one space clockwise or counterclockwise. The hard version has the outer circle move 3 spaces clockwise and 2 spaces counterclockwise.
I. Sequence puzzle. Press piano keys in sequence as per a given script with arrows. All keys on the keyboard are to be touched once.
J. Connection puzzle. Melt all snowflakes within a grid by moving 3 flames strategically so that all are melted within the grid. The flames will dissolve all flakes in a line until it runs out of flakes or hits a boundary.
B. E/H Assembly puzzle. Place fragments into position to create an image of a flame. The hard version has more pieces and they must be rotated before placing them within the grid.
C. Checkers puzzle. Jump over orange gems within a grid until only one remains.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze in the dark to reach the other side of a cave. The hard version has more twists and turns and a harder maze to traverse.
E. Paint by Number. In this case, paint by symbols. Click on the correct two symbols on paint vials which, when combined, match up with those on an emblem which needs to be painted.
F. Switch/Connection puzzle. Switch statues of knights so all are holding hands.
G. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move a key through a circular maze to the center of the maze while avoiding rocks within its path. The easy version has fewer rocks as stoppers than the hard version.
BONUS CHAPTER”
H. E/H. Lock puzzle. On a circular grid move a series of lock picks to connect with their matching slots on an inner circular grid. The easy version moves the outer circle one space clockwise or counterclockwise. The hard version has the outer circle move 3 spaces clockwise and 2 spaces counterclockwise.
I. Sequence puzzle. Press piano keys in sequence as per a given script with arrows. All keys on the keyboard are to be touched once.
J. Connection puzzle. Melt all snowflakes within a grid by moving 3 flames strategically so that all are melted within the grid. The flames will dissolve all flakes in a line until it runs out of flakes or hits a boundary.
I don't recommend this game.
Complete more than 400 challenging Sudoku levels across 3 different difficulty levels!
Overall rating
5
/
5
60 of 85 found this review helpful
PLAYING THE NUMBERS GAME
PostedAugust 8, 2021
sunnyglow
fromThere seems to be two main types of people in the world: crosswords and sudokus – Rebecca McKinsey
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OPINON: Now where should I put that 8? Oh no! I have two 3's in this row. That is what you will be saying to yourself as you play this numbers game. While scratching your head trying to figure out where to place the numbers from 1 through 9 within a grid, enjoy listening to some calming island music which may allay some of the frustration you may endure figuring out the numerical sequence of these puzzles. There is no story behind this game – just grids to fill in with numbers, all set to Caribbean music.
I love sudoku games; however, they are few and far between. Most that I play are in puzzle magazines. This is another stellar game from a developer who has a wide repertoire of games he produces. And he is a nice guy as well as being a fantastic game designer. As a member of the Pond Friends forum, he visits often, providing information on his upcoming games as well as providing help with problems we may encounter within his games. So, although I don't write reviews for daily games, I feel it necessary to praise a well-crafted game by a gifted game designer.
MECHANICS: Statistically, this game will not appeal to everyone! It is a numbers game and its appeal rests with those who enjoy logic and/or math—oriented games.
*450 levels of sudoku
*150 Brick style puzzles
*Difficulty levels – easy, medium, and hard
* 2 varieties of puzzles – standard sudoku and brick.
*Background music – Caribbean music.
* Hint Button but no skip button
*150 Brick style puzzles
*Difficulty levels – easy, medium, and hard
* 2 varieties of puzzles – standard sudoku and brick.
*Background music – Caribbean music.
* Hint Button but no skip button
HOW TO PLAY: STANDARD SODUKU. All these games follow a sequence. Place the numbers from 1 through 9 within the grid consisting of nine (9) 3 x 3 squares (3 per row and 3 per column) so that each square has every number from 1 through 9 and that each row and column has each number as well. Numbers cannot be repeated in a square, row, or column.
BRICK. . It is a variation of sudoku, in which the numbers from 1 through 9 must be placed into the squares so that each row and column has each number between 1 through 9. Each brick consists of 2 squares and must have one even and one odd number. Each row and column must contain all numbers from 1 through 9 with none repeated within a row nor column
.
HISTORY: Sudoku has a curious history. It did not originate in Japan as many believe. The 18th century Swiss mathematician Leonhard Eulu apparently developed the concept of a “Latin square,” ,where a number in a grid appears only once, across, up and down. Dell Magazine in the United States began publishing in the 1970s what is now known as Sudoku. It was developed by an independent puzzle maker, Howard Games.
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HISTORY: Sudoku has a curious history. It did not originate in Japan as many believe. The 18th century Swiss mathematician Leonhard Eulu apparently developed the concept of a “Latin square,” ,where a number in a grid appears only once, across, up and down. Dell Magazine in the United States began publishing in the 1970s what is now known as Sudoku. It was developed by an independent puzzle maker, Howard Games.
FINAL NOTE: Although it won’t appeal to everyone, we aficionados, hope to see more of these puzzle games in the future.
I recommend this game!
A distraught husband makes a desperate deal to save his wife!
Overall rating
5
/
5
111 of 208 found this review helpful
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
PostedAugust 5, 2021
sunnyglow
fromI wish I may! I wish I might! Just keep all lamps out of sight
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
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages. My Time - 5 Hours
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages. My Time - 5 Hours
OPINION: Wish you had a nice easy breezy game to play – one with a great story– one filled with lots of activities? Your wish will be granted with this newest monster fest. Although I have never cared for this series, I found this game better than the earlier ones within the series. It is a short game. I completed the entire game in five (5) hours, playing and completing most of the puzzles. Nevertheless, this is a quality action-packed game. For me, I prefer a quality game over a boring long one.
There are two collectibles, jigsaw pieces and cards containing witty sayings and commonsense advice. As in other games from this developer, the jigsaw pieces are used to complete four puzzles upon completion of the game. However, for an added twist, in this game, the jigsaw pieces must be rotated to be positioned correctly into the puzzles. There is an expedition room which allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve missing collectibles. As in their other games, this developer has a secret room which provides for more item searches within the game scenes. These searches are timed unlike those in the main game with more items added with each search. I found the graphics appealing.
WHY 5 STARS? I am awarding 5 stars to this game for the vast improvement in this series. I found this game well-crafted with a much better story and better activities as well. However, compared against other developers, I would give this game 4 stars. This is a decent, but not outstanding game. Judging it against earlier games in this series, this game, to me, is a vast improvement.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 48 puzzle pieces for 4 jigsaw puzzles to be solved upon completion of the game.
• Collect 12 cards.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 14 mini-games
• Secret Room in which the player returns to the game scenes to search for additional items.
• Expedition Room available upon completion of the game. Player can return to game scenes to recover missing collectibles.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 48 puzzle pieces for 4 jigsaw puzzles to be solved upon completion of the game.
• Collect 12 cards.
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 14 mini-games
• Secret Room in which the player returns to the game scenes to search for additional items.
• Expedition Room available upon completion of the game. Player can return to game scenes to recover missing collectibles.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Join lovebirds and paranormal investigators, Sarah, and Robert, as they search for ghosts in the chapel from the main game. When Robert wishes to have the roar of a lion and the speed of a snake – he gets his wish – he becomes a chimera. Playing Sarah, you must now save him through a ritual. I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek humor within this chapter. However, I was not completely awestruck by the activities. I feel the puzzles and HOP scenes were much better in the main game than in this chapter. There are five (5) HOP scenes, one mini-HOP scene and six (5) mini-games. Continue to collect the collectibles within this chapter.
HOP SCENES: There are sixteen (16) HOP scenes, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are a few mini-HOP scenes in which a small number of items (usually six) are to be located. There are standard lists of items, storybook scenes with items highlighted, and silhouette scenes. Some of the more unusual searches include a rebus scene and a search-and-replace scene in which the player locates items and places them in the proper location within the scene. Some of the scenes I felt were creatively designed including searching for items on a genie’s back. However, there is one scene in which I found the items impossible to locate. The items to be located are placed on dream catchers. I could not make out most of the items on the dreamcatchers.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games. I found most of the puzzles easy to solve with only a couple which were of middle difficulty. They are varied, and variations of ones seen in other games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MIN-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Assembly puzzle. Rotate scarabs on a grid so that lines protruding from each one matches the formation on a given diagram
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide snake tokens up and down so they align with their matching color on the left side of the grid.
C. Assembly/Switch puzzle. Switch the halves of 9 cards so that each one is complete and each set of 3 cards are related in some way to 3 given images.
D. Assembly puzzle. Rotate two dials, one containing the bottom half and one containing the top half of a set of masks. Rotate until an image of a mask which is formed - matching one given at the top of the screen.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Checkers puzzle. Move tokens by jumping over each other until only one remains. 3X. Increases in difficulty.
F. Map puzzle. Move a car through a road avoiding obstacles within its path. You have 5 lives before restarting the puzzle.
G. Maze puzzle. Move a ball through a maze to its exit on the bottom of the maze.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide snake tokens up and down so they align with their matching color on the left side of the grid.
C. Assembly/Switch puzzle. Switch the halves of 9 cards so that each one is complete and each set of 3 cards are related in some way to 3 given images.
D. Assembly puzzle. Rotate two dials, one containing the bottom half and one containing the top half of a set of masks. Rotate until an image of a mask which is formed - matching one given at the top of the screen.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Checkers puzzle. Move tokens by jumping over each other until only one remains. 3X. Increases in difficulty.
F. Map puzzle. Move a car through a road avoiding obstacles within its path. You have 5 lives before restarting the puzzle.
G. Maze puzzle. Move a ball through a maze to its exit on the bottom of the maze.
I recommend this game!
Find and collect adorable cats as you visit incredible places all over the world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
75 of 120 found this review helpful
AN “A-MEW-SING” ADVENTURE SET IN THE WORLD OF CATS
PostedJuly 31, 2021
sunnyglow
fromAs any cat owner knows, cats are “purr-snickety.” In the world of cats, be it a Siamese, Burmese, Russian blue or American bobtail, you don’t adopt a cat - the cat adopts you.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
OPINION: Cat aficionados! If you have been adopted by a cat or just love these “purry” creatures, you will love this “paw-some” game. It is chock-full of felines. I usually do not like retro-HOP games; however, the world of felines mewed out to me. This is light-hearted game, one to enjoy just for the fun of it. The game is an easy play, suitable for all members of the family.
I loved searching different locations from around the world for cats and creating picture puzzles of - cats! Hundreds of cats will be available for your “a-mews-ment” within this game. The player can earn points which can be used to adopt – even more cats. I enjoyed the game; however, this is one best savored by playing only a few scenes at a time. It is a well-crafted game; however, the repetitive nature of this game could prove boring if played for too long at a time.. This is a great game for those who enjoy straight HOP searches and/or adore cats! I also felt that it would be a good time use some material to write a review from my “cat-alogue” of feline puns.
MECHANICS: The game has eighteen worldwide destinations, each with 3 scenes. Each worldwide location contains 3 scenes reflective of its culture. The bonus section (for those who purchase the collector’s edition) has six more scenes from around the world. Each scene has the following gaming sequence:
1. HOP SCENE/LIST OF ITEMS. The player locates objects from a list of items split between two scenes. The player can go back-and -forth between those two scenes until all items are collected. Clicking upon each scene zooms in to provide a close-up view of the scene. Six (6) cats are collected within the scene.
2. SPOT THE DIFFENCES. The player must find 12 differences between two pictures. Three cats are collected as well.
3. PICTURE PUZZLE. There is a variety of picture puzzles which, when completed, create an image of a – cat or cats! The puzzles are variations of jigsaw puzzles. From the puzzles I played, my favorite was the one with Maneki Neko Lucky cats. Twenty- four of these must be placed within their proper slots on a grid to complete the picture.
There are 216 points collected throughout the game which are used to adopt cats. As you collect points throughout the game, you can purchase more cats and choose one to accompany you as your own cat helper. There are twenty-one (21) cat inspired wallpapers. The player has a choice in music selections to listen to throughout the game. As a bonus attraction, the player can see pictures of this developer’s own cats.
FINAL NOTE: It would be a “cat-astrophe” for you and your cat if you did not at least demo this game. Take this opportunity to spend some quality time with your little furball. The moment I started this game, my own “purry” pet “cat-apaulted” onto the top of my desk chair to help me play this game. My Mr. Grumpy did give me some “paws” when he seemed to recognize some of his feline friends in the game!
I recommend this game!
Only you can restore balance and save the Meridiem worlds!
Overall rating
4
/
5
118 of 181 found this review helpful
CELEBRATE THE DESCENT OF THE STAR GODDESS
PostedJuly 29, 2021
sunnyglow
fromThe Order of the Guardian’s helper owl wishes to remind you: Give a hoot! Don’t pollute!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: Jettison between the four worlds of the constellation Meridiem in celebration of the centennial return of the Star Goddess. In this sci-fi fantasy game, you must help the goddess by locating twinkles, (one located in each of three worlds), to spark her fading heart. The player will move from world to another in search of those twinkles. The worlds include one whose inhabitants are divided by two cities, one controlled by magic, and a final polluted one which is inhabited by robots and humans.
I liked, but did not love, this game. It is a decent game; however, I did not find it of the same quality as games from other developers. It is an easy play, one which can be enjoyed by all age groups. I liked the beginning of the game but felt the pace dragged after the demo. There are fewer activities as the game progresses. I did enjoy the potpourri of different themes throughout the game. There is a different one for each world. There are elements of fantasy with the magic of the world of Blossom mixed with the sci-fi element of robotics in the world of Iron.
The collectibles are stars and butterflies. There is a sidebar on the left side of the screen which indicates how many collectibles are within the scenes and how many are remaining to be located. I found the stars easy to locate; however, I had difficulty locating the butterflies. To me, many of the butterflies did not look like butterflies which made it extremely difficult to locate them. I needed to contact the strategy guide at times to find them. If a player cannot locate them all, upon completion of the game, he/she can return to the scenes to search for them. The collected butterflies need to be assembled, after which, the player can read details about them There is an extra hidden puzzle at the end of the game. It is a checkers puzzle in which the player must remove more pieces on the board than his opponent, the computer. There is a choice to play this game in a hard or casual mode.
HELPER OWL: The game comes equipped with a helper owl which sits at the side of the screen, used to reach high places. I dislike helpers in games, especially ones which make no logical sense as to their purpose. Luckily, this owl is not used much in the game and sits quietly at the side of the screen. At least he does not hoot; he just flaps his wings as he ascends to point to an inventory item.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 44 stars and 20 butterflies
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper owl which helps retrieves items from high places.
• Hidden checkers-styled puzzle made available at the end of the game. Casual and Hard options.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 44 stars and 20 butterflies
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Helper owl which helps retrieves items from high places.
• Hidden checkers-styled puzzle made available at the end of the game. Casual and Hard options.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel set in the Iron World from the main game. Investigate the problem of pollution on this world with Elula Wul. She suffers from asthma as did her parents and now wants a better world for her children. Science has made the citizens of this world forget about the sacrifice of the Star Goddess and now she wishes to see a spiritual awakening in the world in which she lives. Continue to collect the collectibles. I found this a decent chapter, but, somewhat slow paced with few activities. It only has two HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games.
HOP SCENES: There sixteen (16) HOP scenes and a few mini-HOP scenes searching for six objects. A Match-3 game can be played instead of the scene. I found the scenes varied and creatively designed. They include silhouette, lists of items, storybook, matching, and searches for items which are then returned and used within the scene. There is one spot-the-differences scene and a silhouette scene with sliders which are used to match an item with its silhouette before removing it. Most of the scenes have multiple scenes in which to locate items. One of the most creative scenes for me was one with a diorama which rotated.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-five (25) mini-games, only twelve (12) of which can be replayed. As I have stated previously, I wish the developers would allow the players to replay more mini-games upon completion of the game. The ones in this game are variations of ones seen in other games. I found most of the puzzles easy. There are a few which are of middle-difficulty and none which I found challenging.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Tracing puzzle. Trace designs to defeat an evildoer. 3X
B. Assembly puzzle. Choose the correct 3 symbols, which, when combined, create a given design. 3X
C. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image
D. Connection puzzle. On a grid, connect pairs of like colored squares so that all are connected, and lines do not cross
E. Map puzzle. Places arrows in the proper sequence so that a bus ends up at its destination point. There are places where the bus must stop and where it should not stop.
F. Logic puzzle. Place colored balls into colored boxes according to given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots on an anvil so that all paths are connected
H. Switch puzzle. Switch 9 pieces on a grid to restore an image 3X
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings until all the sums of each segment’s dots equal the numbers surrounding the circular grid.
B. Assembly puzzle. Choose the correct 3 symbols, which, when combined, create a given design. 3X
C. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image
D. Connection puzzle. On a grid, connect pairs of like colored squares so that all are connected, and lines do not cross
E. Map puzzle. Places arrows in the proper sequence so that a bus ends up at its destination point. There are places where the bus must stop and where it should not stop.
F. Logic puzzle. Place colored balls into colored boxes according to given clues.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots on an anvil so that all paths are connected
H. Switch puzzle. Switch 9 pieces on a grid to restore an image 3X
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings until all the sums of each segment’s dots equal the numbers surrounding the circular grid.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a dangerous Order from bringing back the dead?
Overall rating
5
/
5
115 of 191 found this review helpful
PUBLISH OR PERISH? THE HORROR OF WRITER’S BLOCK!
PostedJuly 22, 2021
sunnyglow
fromPublish or perish? This game explores some of the dangers involved with suffering from writer’s block and not getting your material to your publisher on time! Even worse - Beware getting ideas from your agent!
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: 45 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages
Publish or perish? That may be the dilemma which awaits you as a best-selling author in search of a story for a new horror novel. Researching information for this novel may find you putting your life in danger! As you investigate, you will also uncover some hidden secrets as well.
Domini has created an exciting new series delving into lesser-known urban legends. This first entry is a witchy brew, a magical concoction filled with a nice selection of thematic HOP scenes and puzzles set within a story of an Order of Witches. This an evil crew is searching for immortality in a most horrendous way. However, in their quest to resurrect their fellow witches, they create their own nemesis, the Crimson Shadow. This poor entrapped soul, captured in film (within a camera) is out to settle the score with these hags! As a best-selling author suffering from writer’s block, you are off to investigate this legend for your next book.
I loved playing this game. The game is a carbon copy in the setup from their previous games. I found this story somewhat dark in content. To me, it does have an unsettling, creepy flavor to it. It is fast paced with plenty of activities to keep a player engaged. As in their other games, there are three collectibles. I found all easy to locate. Two of these are morphing ritual items and books, each which alternate between scenes. The books collected are all horror novels. I found the descriptions of both the novels and the ritual items amusing. The other collectibles are dollar bills which are used to purchase items for a writer’s desk. This game is a puzzle-lover’s delight; however, a few of the HOP scenes are some of the best ones I have played recently.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing ritual items and 15 books. Alternate between scenes
• Collect 70 - dollar bills to purchase items for a writer’s desk.
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing ritual items and 15 books. Alternate between scenes
• Collect 70 - dollar bills to purchase items for a writer’s desk.
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 19 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is prequel which sets the background for story behind the main game. Play Deborah Spellman. After your parents died, you were raised by your grandmother, a member of the Order of Witches. Your childhood was a nightmare, one you wish to forget. However, when your grandmother dies, you are mentioned in her will and return to the Spellman manor upon the request of your sister, LIliith. I found this a long chapter and worthy of the collector’s edition designation. There are five (5) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games. I found the quality consistent with that of the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes; all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Although Domini is best known for their puzzles, their games have fantastic HOP scenes. There is a wide variety of styles of scenes. All the scenes are interactive. I am always astounded at the creative genius behind some of these scenes. Each game has a scene which has some new element or flourish to it. There are the usual lists of items, silhouette, matching, and storybook formats. In this game, there is a unique scene which has cutouts which are placed over the items within the scene. For those who do not wish to play a HOP scene, there is a Match-3 game which can be played instead.
MNI-GAMES. There twenty-six (26) mini-games, nineteen (18) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the puzzles are offered in two levels of difficulty which can be set in the menu. The easy version of the puzzles allows for an easy play while those who want a little more challenge will find some of the hard puzzles difficult. Although the level of difficulty is set in the menu. It can be changed while playing the puzzle.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Lock/Sequence puzzle. Figure out the code for a safe and enter the numbers in the proper order by looking at fingerprints visible through talcum powder. The easy version has 4 numbers and the hard has 5. Numbers will light up if in the proper sequence.
B. Map puzzle. On a grid using numbered directional arrows, move a car through a grid to its destination. 3 scenes.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect a key with all locks within a grid by moving the key within rows and columns in an unbroken line. The easy version has 14 locks to connect; the hard version has 16.
D. E/H. Connection/Matching puzzle. Push dials on the top and bottom of a picture which produce lines which must match up. Once a match of lines is made, the dials will disappear. The easy version has 14 dials – 7 on the top and 7 on the bottom while the hard version has 20 - 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom
E. E/H. Sequence. Puzzle. Remove vines in sequence with the top one being removed first. The hard version has more vines to remove
F. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Rotate symbols to create runes as shown on a piece of paper. The easy version has 3 to create and the hard has 4.
G. E/H. Weights and Balances puzzle. Place 6 bottles on pedestals according to their weight with the heaviest on #1 and the lightest on #6. Use a balance scale to compare their weights.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H, Gear puzzle. Place gears into a grid so all connect. The harder version has more gears to place.
I. E/H. Matching. Press keys on a piano which match up to those on a piece of sheet music. The hard version has the keys upside down.
J. E/H. Lead an orange token and a blue token to their appropriate slots on a map. You must alternate moves between the tokens to open gates to allow the tokens to proceed along the paths provided.
B. Map puzzle. On a grid using numbered directional arrows, move a car through a grid to its destination. 3 scenes.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect a key with all locks within a grid by moving the key within rows and columns in an unbroken line. The easy version has 14 locks to connect; the hard version has 16.
D. E/H. Connection/Matching puzzle. Push dials on the top and bottom of a picture which produce lines which must match up. Once a match of lines is made, the dials will disappear. The easy version has 14 dials – 7 on the top and 7 on the bottom while the hard version has 20 - 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom
E. E/H. Sequence. Puzzle. Remove vines in sequence with the top one being removed first. The hard version has more vines to remove
F. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Rotate symbols to create runes as shown on a piece of paper. The easy version has 3 to create and the hard has 4.
G. E/H. Weights and Balances puzzle. Place 6 bottles on pedestals according to their weight with the heaviest on #1 and the lightest on #6. Use a balance scale to compare their weights.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H, Gear puzzle. Place gears into a grid so all connect. The harder version has more gears to place.
I. E/H. Matching. Press keys on a piano which match up to those on a piece of sheet music. The hard version has the keys upside down.
J. E/H. Lead an orange token and a blue token to their appropriate slots on a map. You must alternate moves between the tokens to open gates to allow the tokens to proceed along the paths provided.
I recommend this game!