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
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you save the inhabitants of Atlantis in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
130 of 243 found this review helpful
BOOK ME A FLIGHT TO THIS LOST WORLD
PostedFebruary 17, 2022
sunnyglow
fromDefying gravity? Aha! Is Gravitational Dust the secret of all those frequent flyers in other lost worlds? It may account for all ‘dem’ witches and monkeys in Oz being airborne along with Peter Pan in Never Neverland.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
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: 9 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages (My Time: 9 Hours)
Always wanted to discover a lost world, perhaps Atlantis? In this game, book a flight to Greenland where a secret entrance within a mountain transports you into a Lost World, a place consisting of parallel worlds of incredible beauty, and one which can only be discovered within the world of gaming. While enjoying the natural beauty of these lands, find a way to save them from a misguided evildoer who may destroy their existence.
Kudos to Domini Games on another gaming masterpiece. What I loved most about this game are the incredibly beautiful scenes depicting the flora and fauna of this lost world. The artwork in this game is exquisite. The illustrations depicting the lush, natural beauty of Arcalium are works of art. Domini produces more game for the money and this one is no exception. It is longer than most of their games. Although it is a long game, it has a good pace with lots of activities including some beautiful and creatively designed HOP scenes and many mini-games, most of which can be played in either an easy or hard version.
This game has the same format as the other Domini games. It has three collectibles - morphing Arcalium flowers and items belonging to the researcher in the game, Harper. Collect pearls which can be exchanged at the end of the game for items to outfit an Atlantean chamber. Domini has some of the collectibles well-hidden; however, most can be readily seen. Most of the mini-games can be played in either an easy version or a hard version. The difficulty can be set in the game’s menu but can be changed if any puzzle seems too hard or too easy. A thematic Match-3 game can be played instead of the HOP scenes. A new feature in this game is the option to choose between two endings. I feel this is a nice touch although I would love to know the alternative ending I did not choose without replaying the entire game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing Arcalium flowers and 15 of Harper’s belongings
• Collect 70 pearls to exchange for items to place in an Atlantean Chamber
• 21 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Alternate endings. Choose between two scenarios on how the game ends.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing Arcalium flowers and 15 of Harper’s belongings
• Collect 70 pearls to exchange for items to place in an Atlantean Chamber
• 21 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Alternate endings. Choose between two scenarios on how the game ends.
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: Let the sunshine in? Not in this chapter! The chapter is set in the Parallel World where a vengeful resident is out to destroy the kingdom by destroying the barrier which protects the kingdom from the sun. Play Saberia, (a character from the main game), a soldier of the kingdom out to save the kingdom from this misguided evildoer. This is long chapter, with five (5) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games. It is a prequel explaining some aspects of the Lost World. It is a long chapter with the same quality of activities as the main game. I found it a nice addition to the game and a worthy addition to make this a collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes in the game, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There is a variety of styles of HOP scenes within the game. They are interactive – many puzzle-like. Besides the typical lists of items and silhouette scenes, there are spot-the-difference scenes and searches for items which are then returned to the scene and used in some way. There are also scenes in which given items are placed into the scenes in the proper location. I found some of the scenes somewhat challenging to play. If you click too many times, a watch appears and halts your search for a few seconds. My favorite is a gorgeous scene in which pieces of plant life are placed within the scene where they belong.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes in the game, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There is a variety of styles of HOP scenes within the game. They are interactive – many puzzle-like. Besides the typical lists of items and silhouette scenes, there are spot-the-difference scenes and searches for items which are then returned to the scene and used in some way. There are also scenes in which given items are placed into the scenes in the proper location. I found some of the scenes somewhat challenging to play. If you click too many times, a watch appears and halts your search for a few seconds. My favorite is a gorgeous scene in which pieces of plant life are placed within the scene where they belong.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-two (32) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the puzzles are offered in both an easy and hard version.
SPOILER: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES WITHIN THE GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. Mirror/lamp puzzle. Move mirrors to redirect rays of light so that each ray shines on a gemstone of a matching color.
B. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place shaped wires into a grid so they fill the entire field leaving no empty spaces. The hard version has a more complex arrangement of wires.
C. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move a newspaper token to the end of a maze using arrow buttons to rotate the token as needed. You must set up the entire route before pressing the start button. The token must match up in direction with the image shown at the stop points along the path. The hard version has a more difficult pathway to traverse.
D. E/H. Paint ball! Using an arcade gun, shoot colors onto a picture as per given symbols representing the colored pellets to shoot. The easy version has 6 colors and hard version requires using and combining 4 colors
E. E/H Maze puzzle. Select colored balls and place them into like-colored slots. The easy version has 4 balls; the hard version has 6.
F. E/H. Stacking puzzle. Place boxes onto a forklift so all fit and are aligned at the top.
G. E/H. Switch puzzle. Click on symbols on a 5 x 5 grid so that no column or row has the same symbol more than once. The hard version has some stationary symbols which cannot be changed.
H. E/H. Maze puzzle. Drive a snowmobile while avoiding obstacles within its path. The hard version has more obstacles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Scale up a wall by landing on designated rocks using handprints and footprints. 3X
J. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place books in order from left to right in numerical order. The hard version has 10 books the easy version has 7.
K. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch colored tokens along paths to connect them with their matching slots. The easy version has one more path than the hard version.
L. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Entrap a dog within a grid using stones. Move one step at a time placing a stone. The dog will then move one step to escape being trapped. The hard version has more stones to place and a bigger grid.
M. E/H. Block puzzle. Move blocks on a grid to create a path for red and blue crystals to exchange places. The hard version has a larger grid and more blocks to maneuver and move out of the way to open a path.
B. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place shaped wires into a grid so they fill the entire field leaving no empty spaces. The hard version has a more complex arrangement of wires.
C. E/H. Maze puzzle. Move a newspaper token to the end of a maze using arrow buttons to rotate the token as needed. You must set up the entire route before pressing the start button. The token must match up in direction with the image shown at the stop points along the path. The hard version has a more difficult pathway to traverse.
D. E/H. Paint ball! Using an arcade gun, shoot colors onto a picture as per given symbols representing the colored pellets to shoot. The easy version has 6 colors and hard version requires using and combining 4 colors
E. E/H Maze puzzle. Select colored balls and place them into like-colored slots. The easy version has 4 balls; the hard version has 6.
F. E/H. Stacking puzzle. Place boxes onto a forklift so all fit and are aligned at the top.
G. E/H. Switch puzzle. Click on symbols on a 5 x 5 grid so that no column or row has the same symbol more than once. The hard version has some stationary symbols which cannot be changed.
H. E/H. Maze puzzle. Drive a snowmobile while avoiding obstacles within its path. The hard version has more obstacles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Scale up a wall by landing on designated rocks using handprints and footprints. 3X
J. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place books in order from left to right in numerical order. The hard version has 10 books the easy version has 7.
K. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch colored tokens along paths to connect them with their matching slots. The easy version has one more path than the hard version.
L. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Entrap a dog within a grid using stones. Move one step at a time placing a stone. The dog will then move one step to escape being trapped. The hard version has more stones to place and a bigger grid.
M. E/H. Block puzzle. Move blocks on a grid to create a path for red and blue crystals to exchange places. The hard version has a larger grid and more blocks to maneuver and move out of the way to open a path.
I recommend this game!
Discover hidden worlds on a journey to solve a captivating mystery!
Overall rating
1
/
5
43 of 66 found this review helpful
WORST GAME EVER
PostedFebruary 13, 2022
sunnyglow
fromHappy Bloody Valentine’s Day. Gee this year I got to take an axe and chop off the head of a fish, watching the severed head flop onto the floor. Then, I watched its blood spew everywhere.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
9 Chapters – No Strategy Guide (My Time – 3 hours)
9 Chapters – No Strategy Guide (My Time – 3 hours)
Like spending time in abandoned dungeons – aimlessly wandering around its dark, dank recesses searching for an escape? Then, you may love this game. Do you like playing easy, boring interactive puzzles? Then, you may love this game! You may; however, I don’t!
Be warned! This game is short and depressing! If you love wandering around dungeons filled with spider webs, water on the floor, skeletons hanging around every corner, stockades with blood dripping off them, then this is the game for you! Enjoy! However, for me, this was a waste of my time and made me ill.
Be prepared to play a short game which has 9 chapters. It may seem as if it will be a long game; however, the joke is on you – it is not! It is definitely nor worth the price of a collector's edition. Each chapter is devoted to one part of the same dungeon. The player just rambles around from one part of the dungeon to the other. The first chapter, I must admit sets the background and opens the dungeon for you to escape. There are no other characters within the game. There is no story. And at the end – you get the pleasant surprise that there will be a Chapter 2 forthcoming. Well NOT for me.
What happened to the storyline promised in the blurb about the game. There is NO STORY! There are no characters. I love adventure games and I love escape rooms as well; however, at least there is some story behind these games and not the same scene recycled throughout the game.
It was bad enough to be bored and depressed within this game. However, I did wake up when I had to take an axe and chop the head off a fish, seeing the head bounce off the fish and then see its blood spewing all over the dungeon floor! Wow! Just gross!
BFG - could you find no other game to offer this Valentine's Day weekend than this piece of garbage? I became ill after seeing that poor decapitated fish. I do believe this game should have some with some warnings:
Warning: Short, Depressing, Boring and Bloody terrible!
I don't recommend this game.
Can a legendary treasure save your family from ruin?
Overall rating
5
/
5
103 of 182 found this review helpful
A MAGICAL VALENTINE’S DAY GAME ADORNED WITH SHAMROCKS
PostedFebruary 10, 2022
sunnyglow
from"Lá fhéile Vailintín sona duit!" Happy Valentine’s Day from Ireland
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
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 39 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
Enjoy a Gaelic Valentine’s Day as you sojourn to Ireland! You won’t be seeing red and pink hearts in this game. This game is” wearin’ of the green” with magical creatures from Irish folklore and shamrocks galore! I enjoyed playing this game. It has a good story, an excellent pace, and is creatively designed. There are some nice extras in this game. For one, the player will be able to choose which order he/she wishes to play two of the chapters. In addition, the player will also get to choose how the game ends. The player again must choose between two possible endings. I must admit, I had hard time deciding how to end this game. I wish I could have seen the other ending; however, I would have had to replay the entire game to do so. Nevertheless, I did like this feature and wish more developers would offer choices like this within their games.
The format is the same as in other Friendly Fox games. There are two collectibles, foxes and morphing objects and each scene has two of each. There is an indicator bar on the left side of the screen which indicates how many collectibles have been located. I found most of the foxes easy to locate; however, some of the morphing objects are well-hidden. Upon completion of the game, if all 50 foxes are located, five (5) additional HOP scenes can be played. They are creatively designed and each one involves searching for twelve (12) of one item within the pages of a book. There is a gimmicky bracelet which sits at the side of the inventory bar and lights up when it must be used to tame five magical creatures encountered within the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 30 achievements (some with 3 parts)
• Collect 50 foxes. If all foxes are found - 5 extra thematic HOP scenes can be played
• Collect 50 morphing objects
• 8 wallpapers along with 8 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky bracelet with a magical fox, a Guardian Spirit, as a protector to help you take on threatening forest creatures and make them become friendly to you.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 15 mini-games
• 30 achievements (some with 3 parts)
• Collect 50 foxes. If all foxes are found - 5 extra thematic HOP scenes can be played
• Collect 50 morphing objects
• 8 wallpapers along with 8 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky bracelet with a magical fox, a Guardian Spirit, as a protector to help you take on threatening forest creatures and make them become friendly to you.
• Replay 19 HOP scenes and 15 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Go back twenty-five (25) years when twins, Glenna (from the main game) and her sister Ita are young. When Ita is kidnapped by a Sidhe, Glenna must enter the world of the Sidhe to rescue her. Discover the reason behind the kidnapping and try to help the kidnapper end a curse. I found this chapter a nice addition to the game. There are seven (7) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games. The story did not turn out as I thought it might; however, it was a great addition to the game.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes, nineteen (19) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also many mini-HOP scenes throughout the game as well. Most of these involve searches for five or six items. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette scenes. There are also scenes in which items are replaced back within the scenes My favorite was a silhouette scene which has cutouts which must be placed over the items to remove them. There are some very creative scenes in this game. They are highly interactive and many contain puzzles within them as well.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes, nineteen (19) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are also many mini-HOP scenes throughout the game as well. Most of these involve searches for five or six items. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette scenes. There are also scenes in which items are replaced back within the scenes My favorite was a silhouette scene which has cutouts which must be placed over the items to remove them. There are some very creative scenes in this game. They are highly interactive and many contain puzzles within them as well.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games, fifteen (15) which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are five (5) puzzles which are activated when the bracelet is used to tame a magical creature. These puzzles increase in difficulty as the game is played. The puzzles require locating the right fragments to restore the image of the magical beast. There is a nice variety of puzzles. Some of the puzzles have both a casual and hard version. My favorite puzzle sequence is an escape puzzle in which the player must escape being underwater while being timed. There is a nice sequence of puzzles involved in this escape. Nice job on this Friendly Fox!
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Escape puzzle.
1. You are given 100 seconds to untie your hands under water.
2. Maze puzzle. Lead two arrow tips to the top of a grid at the same time clicking on arrows at the sides of the grid to move tubes with breaks within them into position so both arrows reach the top at the same time.
3. Sequence puzzle. Absorb air bubbles in the proper sequence from smallest to largest until all are absorbed and only one bubble remains
B. Strategy puzzle. Climb a cliff by avoiding weak spots and caterpillars as you scale up to the top.
C. Rope puzzle. Move lines connecting acorns on a tree so none intersect each other.
D. Bracelet puzzle. (Used 5 times in the game) for the magical creatures. Find the pieces to restore the creature. They increase in difficulty as the game proceeds.
E. Weights and balances puzzle. Place 5 stones into the two pans of a scales to balance the two sides.
F. Physics puzzle. Ye olde Mirror puzzle. Pass a beam of light so that it hits all crystals within a grid with it finally reaching a pot of gold
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Picture puzzle. Rotating rings. Rotate 3 rings to restore an image
H. Picture puzzle. Click on shards until they produce 4 different images
I. Strategy puzzle. Dice game. Create a line of 4 dice before your opponent does. Choose between 3 dice and place it on a matching spot on your side of the board. Discard unneeded dice. The first one to place the fourth dice wins
1. You are given 100 seconds to untie your hands under water.
2. Maze puzzle. Lead two arrow tips to the top of a grid at the same time clicking on arrows at the sides of the grid to move tubes with breaks within them into position so both arrows reach the top at the same time.
3. Sequence puzzle. Absorb air bubbles in the proper sequence from smallest to largest until all are absorbed and only one bubble remains
B. Strategy puzzle. Climb a cliff by avoiding weak spots and caterpillars as you scale up to the top.
C. Rope puzzle. Move lines connecting acorns on a tree so none intersect each other.
D. Bracelet puzzle. (Used 5 times in the game) for the magical creatures. Find the pieces to restore the creature. They increase in difficulty as the game proceeds.
E. Weights and balances puzzle. Place 5 stones into the two pans of a scales to balance the two sides.
F. Physics puzzle. Ye olde Mirror puzzle. Pass a beam of light so that it hits all crystals within a grid with it finally reaching a pot of gold
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Picture puzzle. Rotating rings. Rotate 3 rings to restore an image
H. Picture puzzle. Click on shards until they produce 4 different images
I. Strategy puzzle. Dice game. Create a line of 4 dice before your opponent does. Choose between 3 dice and place it on a matching spot on your side of the board. Discard unneeded dice. The first one to place the fourth dice wins
I recommend this game!
A celebration turns dangerous when someone threatens to reveal the magical world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
103 of 205 found this review helpful
UNMASK A GREAT GAME AT A VENETIAN CARNIVAL
PostedFebruary 3, 2022
sunnyglow
fromEnjoying a flyby Venetian vacation while playing this game. Winging it through the streets of Venice, I find myself battling the attacks of the 130,000 crazed pigeons residing in St. Mark’s Square. Wow! They could have stopped the evildoer in this game!
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
9 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 53 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
9 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 53 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
OPINION: “Congratulazioni” Domini Games on another fantastic, fun-filled game! Enjoy a festive game set in Venice during Carnival! It is a long game replete with colorful scenes reflecting the carnival atmosphere! Watch fireworks light up the Venetian skies throughout the game. This game reflects the beauty of the city during Carnival, and the scenes are chock full of colorful costumes and masks. The game is set to a well-written story, and the game has good pace with an abundance of activities.
This game has the same framework as the other games from this developer. There are three collectibles - Venetian masks, morphing animal figurines, and mask tokens. The scenes alternate between collecting masks and figurines. I found all easy to locate. Domini has finally reached the Goldilocks size for the collectibles, not too small nor not too large – just right! The mask tokens can be exchanged for statues to decorate a studio. There is also an optional thematic Match-3 game which can be played instead of the HOP scenes as in all their games. The menu set up is the same and the difficulty of the mini- games can be set within the menu as well. However, the puzzle difficulty can be changed while playing the puzzle.
MAIN GAME STORY: Journey to Venice to enjoy Carnival with your friend, Ymir, a magical creature who is part of a group of other magical beings called the Others. Play a half-human, half-elf detective. Fireworks will be going off in this chaotic city as a rebellious magical creature defies the rules of the Order of the Others. After hiding in the shadows from humans, this Other wants to spread his wings and enjoy the freedom to display his magical abilities. He is on a vengeful quest, and it is up to you to stop his path of destruction.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 Venetian masks and 15 morphing animal figurines.
• Collect 70 mask tokens used to exchange for statues to deck out a studio.
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 Venetian masks and 15 morphing animal figurines.
• Collect 70 mask tokens used to exchange for statues to deck out a studio.
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The creator of the masks, Yaksu, a character from the main game, has contacted you to help recover a stolen mask, the Mask of Stealth. The mask was created for an ancient ritual and has the power to hide the unique features of the magical races, completely changing their appearance. It was stolen for a reason, but who stole it and for what reason? Again, another rebellion is afoot in the world of the Others. The chapter is long, and I found it a nice addition to the game. The activities are of the same quality as the main game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and nine (9) mini-games. To me, it is a worthy addition to the game, and well-worth the price of a collector's edition.
HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. As always, Domini adds new creative touches to their HOP scenes with each new game. I loved the “Riddle Me This” scene in which items are located based on answering riddles as to their identity. There are some breathtakingly beautiful scenes as well. I loved the one matching swans in a pond. Besides the matching and cryptic clues scenes, there are standard lists of items and silhouette scenes.
MINI-GAMES: Domini is known for being the “puzzlemeisters” of HOPA games. This game is no exception. There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games, most of which can be played in either an easy or hard version.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. It is a charming life for a snake! Sequence puzzle. Play a tune on a flute with 3 holes. Choose the notes to play as per a given clue to charm the snake to sleep. The easy version has 4 notes; the hard version has 5.
B. E/H. Don’t cross wires! Tangram puzzle. Place 8 wires on a circuit board so none cross each other. The hard version has more complex wires to situate.
C. Angels we have heard on high! Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate and switch swords for 5 angels, so each sword fits into the hands of the angel holding it. There are 3 buttons on the right side which indicate the pattern the swords travel.
D. E/H. Mama Mia! DaVinci would love these Cryptexes! Domino/Connection puzzle. Rotate 8 parts on each of two cryptexes with symbols on them so a connection is formed between each pair of connecting symbols on each side. The harder version has more complex symbols to connect and only one solution
E. No gondola ride here! Map puzzle. Use a GPS to find your way through the streets of Venice. Read everything in the scene to get information to answer questions which open gates and doors
F. Bridge the gap! Tangram puzzle. Place board pieces onto a gap in a bridge so all spaces are covered with a board, and none overlap. The hard version has more boards to place.
G. Star in Venice! Assembly puzzle. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate beams of light until they create a 6-pointed star.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Fire Drill. Assembly puzzle. Enter the number to contact the fire department by looking at a guide which has symbols assigned to the numbers on a phone. Move markers to create the design of those symbols The easy version has a 3-digit number and the hard has a 5-digit number
I. E/H. Maria, Maria, how does your garden grow? Sequence puzzle. Move flowers into position on a path in a garden in the proper sequential order according to a given diagram. The easy version has 5 flower pots; the hard version has 6.
J. E/H. Switch from Left to Right! Switch puzzle. Switch 10 tokens – 5 on the right and 5 on the left until each token is next to its match within a grid. The easy version has simple switches between tokens next to it. The hard version switches tokens by looping between 4 tokens.
B. E/H. Don’t cross wires! Tangram puzzle. Place 8 wires on a circuit board so none cross each other. The hard version has more complex wires to situate.
C. Angels we have heard on high! Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate and switch swords for 5 angels, so each sword fits into the hands of the angel holding it. There are 3 buttons on the right side which indicate the pattern the swords travel.
D. E/H. Mama Mia! DaVinci would love these Cryptexes! Domino/Connection puzzle. Rotate 8 parts on each of two cryptexes with symbols on them so a connection is formed between each pair of connecting symbols on each side. The harder version has more complex symbols to connect and only one solution
E. No gondola ride here! Map puzzle. Use a GPS to find your way through the streets of Venice. Read everything in the scene to get information to answer questions which open gates and doors
F. Bridge the gap! Tangram puzzle. Place board pieces onto a gap in a bridge so all spaces are covered with a board, and none overlap. The hard version has more boards to place.
G. Star in Venice! Assembly puzzle. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate beams of light until they create a 6-pointed star.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Fire Drill. Assembly puzzle. Enter the number to contact the fire department by looking at a guide which has symbols assigned to the numbers on a phone. Move markers to create the design of those symbols The easy version has a 3-digit number and the hard has a 5-digit number
I. E/H. Maria, Maria, how does your garden grow? Sequence puzzle. Move flowers into position on a path in a garden in the proper sequential order according to a given diagram. The easy version has 5 flower pots; the hard version has 6.
J. E/H. Switch from Left to Right! Switch puzzle. Switch 10 tokens – 5 on the right and 5 on the left until each token is next to its match within a grid. The easy version has simple switches between tokens next to it. The hard version switches tokens by looping between 4 tokens.
I recommend this game!
Can you defeat the Spirit of Ice and Cold in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
117 of 224 found this review helpful
A GAME TO WARM UP AN ICY, COLD WINTER NIGHT
PostedJanuary 27, 2022
sunnyglow
fromExcuses! Tired of hearing the phrase, “Sorry I can’t go with you” while you, a mere mortal, go off to battle some super-powered evildoer? Handing you some crappy token to “help” you, they excuse themselves as being exhausted, sick, injured or too old.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
Brave the ice and snow as you travel to the kingdom of Wintersea which has been ravaged by the angry Spirit of Ice and Cold, Nega. Nega is out for revenge and her cold rage has driven out Arkanius, the Spirit of Fire who has provided warmth for the kingdom. You, as a novice healer, must stop this avenging spirit.
I was ecstatic to see another game by this developer. Domini Games is my favorite developer and, despite the one error in the strategy guide, they have provided another fantastic game. This is a very long game; however, the time went by quickly playing it, and feel it has a good pace. The game follows the same pattern as Domini’s other games. There are three (3) collectibles, some type of gimmick used within the game, and two levels of difficulty for the mini-games which can be set within the menu of the game.
I enjoyed the game and am always amazed at the creative genius of this developer. This developer always provides more game for the money and this game is no exception. The gimmick is a bestiary which is used to tame monsters and return them to normal animals. There is a puzzle which is played before the bestiary can be used to return the monster to its normal animal self. The bestiary is used six (6) times within the game.
The collectibles are morphing spirit amulets and spellbooks. I found the amulets difficult to locate; however, I found the spellbooks easy to find. There are spheres to collect (within the closeup scenes) which can be exchanged to fill a barn with magical animals.
***OH NO! NOT AGAIN! WHERE ARE THE SCREENSHOTS LABELED “F”? There is only one minor error in this game. The four screenshots for the collectibles labeled “F” are missing. I was able to locate them, however, but I do like to check those screenshots to be assured I am not missing any collectibles. I wish BFG would proof these games before they are released. This is the second week that a game with errors was released.
BONUS GAME: It is a sequel, one month after the end of the main game. The spirit world is in chaos again, as a human, Milena tries to steal the power from the Spirit of Fire, Arkanius. You will again battle another misguided spirit out for revenge. I found this a wonderful addition to the main game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and nine (9) mini-games! No other developer provides the number of activities this developer provides in their bonus chapters. This is a long chapter and worthy every penny of the additional cost of a collector’s edition game.
HOP SCENES: What fantastic HOP scenes! I used to look forward to this developer’s puzzles; however, nowadays, I also look forward to their HOP scenes. They are exquisite and many of them are puzzle-like themselves. Domini provides a variety of different styles of scenes, many with two or three scenes in which to locate items. There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes and all of them can be replayed upon completion of the game. They include the usual standard lists of items and silhouette scenes. However, there are also rebus clues (my favorite), item replacement scenes, matching, and those with highlighted items in a story format. As in their other games, a Match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-four (34) puzzles, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Our “puzzlemeister” has provided another game with outstanding, thematic puzzles. I just love the puzzles within Domini’s games. Most of them are offered in both an easy and hard version. I especially loved the variation of the “Queens 8” puzzle in the bonus chapter. They have tweeked it somewhat, and although I normally can play this puzzle blindfolded (having played it many times), I found this variation challenging. Again, most of the puzzles can be played in either an easy version or a hard version. Domini is truly the best puzzle designer on this gaming site. Truly exquisite puzzles!
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. Switch puzzle. Move snowflakes on the right side of the grid and flames on the left along connecting tracks so that their positions are reversed.
B. E/H. Bestiary Puzzle - Checkers puzzle. Remove all tokens on a board by jumping over them to remove them. The hard version has more tokens to remove
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Choose symbols on rocks, which, when combined, will create a given emblem in the center. The easy version has 2 emblems to create; the hard version has 3 to create, with the symbols located by lamplight.
D. E/H. Slider puzzle. Slide rows of musical notes up/down and sideways until all the same-colored notes are within the same row. The easy version has 3 rows, while the hard version has 4
E. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Rotate blue marbles with pins emanating from them so that a design is created matching that on a given diagram. The hard version has more marbles to rotate within its design.
F. E/H Paint puzzle. Paint 3 parts of a symbols shown in the center of the screen using the 3 primary colors. In the hard version, the 3 primary colors must be combined to create other colors 5X
G. E/H Bestiary Puzzle - Connection puzzle. Make all the symbols on a grid the same. There are 5 symbols used, and it must be done within a specific number of turns. The easy version has colored symbols but the hard does not have any color designated on the symbols. The easy version allows 10 moves and only 6 in the hard version.
H. E/H. Riddle me this. Answer riddles by clicking on the proper item on a shield. The hard version supposedly has harder questions; however, I found no difference in difficulty.
I. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place kitchen utensils on a grid so all are placed, and none overlap each other. The hard version has more items to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch wolves on the left with the lambs on the right. As you move them on the paths, the wolves cannot be next to the lambs. The easy version has 3 of each and the hard version has 4 of each.
K. E/H. Connection puzzle. Place a pin within holes in a map. The pins must connect with each other without returning to the same hole. The hard version has a more difficult pattern for the pins.
L. E/H. Queens 8 puzzle. Place Queens into position on a chess board so no two are in the same row, column nor diagonal. The easy version provides a hint
B. E/H. Bestiary Puzzle - Checkers puzzle. Remove all tokens on a board by jumping over them to remove them. The hard version has more tokens to remove
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Choose symbols on rocks, which, when combined, will create a given emblem in the center. The easy version has 2 emblems to create; the hard version has 3 to create, with the symbols located by lamplight.
D. E/H. Slider puzzle. Slide rows of musical notes up/down and sideways until all the same-colored notes are within the same row. The easy version has 3 rows, while the hard version has 4
E. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Rotate blue marbles with pins emanating from them so that a design is created matching that on a given diagram. The hard version has more marbles to rotate within its design.
F. E/H Paint puzzle. Paint 3 parts of a symbols shown in the center of the screen using the 3 primary colors. In the hard version, the 3 primary colors must be combined to create other colors 5X
G. E/H Bestiary Puzzle - Connection puzzle. Make all the symbols on a grid the same. There are 5 symbols used, and it must be done within a specific number of turns. The easy version has colored symbols but the hard does not have any color designated on the symbols. The easy version allows 10 moves and only 6 in the hard version.
H. E/H. Riddle me this. Answer riddles by clicking on the proper item on a shield. The hard version supposedly has harder questions; however, I found no difference in difficulty.
I. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place kitchen utensils on a grid so all are placed, and none overlap each other. The hard version has more items to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch wolves on the left with the lambs on the right. As you move them on the paths, the wolves cannot be next to the lambs. The easy version has 3 of each and the hard version has 4 of each.
K. E/H. Connection puzzle. Place a pin within holes in a map. The pins must connect with each other without returning to the same hole. The hard version has a more difficult pattern for the pins.
L. E/H. Queens 8 puzzle. Place Queens into position on a chess board so no two are in the same row, column nor diagonal. The easy version provides a hint
***I did not deduct a star for this error because it did not interfere with the ability to play the game. It is within the strategy guide and not within the game itself.
I recommend this game!
The tenacious trio takes on a master of the occult!
Overall rating
2
/
5
126 of 203 found this review helpful
A DIZZYING BACK-AND-FORTH ROLLER COASTER RIDE THROUGH TIME
PostedJanuary 20, 2022
sunnyglow
fromThe Grim Inquirer. Hot flash off the press! After this game, we may have some idea of Anna Gray’s true age. Let us just say she is no longer 25 years old in some scenes. Will she revert to her real age or will she now age gracefully?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 28 pages (My Time: 4.5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 28 pages (My Time: 4.5 Hours)
STORY: Join the three paranormal detectives as they tag team to battle an evil sorceress, Agatha. This evildoer grants wishes to her clients for a price. The terms of her contract can be murder for those who sign it. Zigzag back-and-forth through time as you play each of the three detectives.
HELP ME! I AM LOST IN TIME! Where am I? I am still confused on some aspects of the story behind this game! With each of the three characters moving back-and-forth through different time periods and places, I felt overwhelmed. I found it difficult to keep up with where I was located and the time period I was in. Editor’s choice designation? Sorry, but I found this game one of the worst games I have played this year. In addition to the confusing stories in both the main game and the bonus chapter, I found several errors in the mini-games. The activities are lackluster, most lacking creative design. After the phenomenal game Elephant published a few weeks ago, this one is a surprise – a horrible surprise!
This is a very short, dark game dealing with ritualistic practices of the occult. The collectibles are morphing watches and puzzle pieces. The collectibles are few and far between and many scenes do not have any at all. I found most easy to locate. However, unlike other games, all the collectibles are located within the close-up scenes. There is an Expedition Room which allows the players to return to scenes to retrieve any missing collectibles upon completion of the game. As in many this developer’s games, there is a Secret Room in which the player can return to the scenes to locate more items.
MANY MINI-GAME ERRORS! Two mini-games have their directions switched. A sleight of hand puzzle has its directions switched with a map puzzle which follows it sequentially. One of the puzzles does not even have directions. I figured out the first part of this puzzle – matching skeletal heads to the proper ones emanating from Agatha; however, I could not figure out the second part of the puzzle. Finally, I just gave up and skipped it. Errors like this are unforgiveable. There is no reason that these errors should have not been discovered by the game testers. Unfortunately, we are seeing more errors within these HOPA games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 13 morphing watches and 20 puzzle pieces
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Expedition Room which allows players to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles
• Secret Room in which to locate more items within the scenes. You are timed and can earn awards.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 13 morphing watches and 20 puzzle pieces
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Expedition Room which allows players to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles
• Secret Room in which to locate more items within the scenes. You are timed and can earn awards.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel to the main game. Play the trio of paranormal investigators as they investigate another case of ritualistic magic. The case is like the violin case from the main game. It appears someone is trying to recreate Agatha’s ritual. I found the story in this chapter confusing as well. There are four (4) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. I did feel the activities were somewhat better than the main game.
HOP SCENES: Beyond Boring! I counted fourteen (14) scenes, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. However, one of those is debatable as to whether the developer considered a HOP scene or a mini-HOP scenes with only nine (9) items. There are several mini-HOP scenes, each with a small number of items to be located – usually five or six. All the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette. However, there is one which uses sliders to place pieces of the items on top of the item itself to remove it. Another involves replace items back into the scene. Other than those two, all the rest of to me were repetitious.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-two (22) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Some of the puzzles from this game are the only saving grace for this game. Most the puzzles are well-constructed, although three had issues with directions.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-two (22) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Some of the puzzles from this game are the only saving grace for this game. Most the puzzles are well-constructed, although three had issues with directions.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch picture fragments to restore two pictures.
B. Sleight of hand puzzle. Take a token and put it under a cup. Then a mechanized machine will rotate them. Try to pick the cup with the token under it. 3X (Has the wrong directions)
C. Map puzzle. Set the route for couple to move through the streets of a town. Set up the 5 directions and then the characters will move it see if you are correct. 3X (Has the wrong directions)
D. Rotating tiles. Picture puzzle in which the player rotates triangular pieces of a picture until the picture is formed.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch 15 tokens hanging on 3 bells (5 each bell) until each matches the pattern directly above it.
F. Weights and balances puzzle. Place 3 weights int a the left-hand pan on a set of scales so that the weights equal the weight of the amber in the pan on the right side of the scales
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Weights puzzle. Pour wine into glasses so that the weight in each glass matches that given in a diagram.
H. Rock, Scissors, Paper. Beat a sly skeleton at his own game. Choose between the 3. You need to win 2 out of 3
I. The Evolution of Man Puzzle. Switch puzzle. Switch slides to sequence the evolution of man – from a furry little monkey to a furry-faced modern man. For some out there – this evolution is reversed.
B. Sleight of hand puzzle. Take a token and put it under a cup. Then a mechanized machine will rotate them. Try to pick the cup with the token under it. 3X (Has the wrong directions)
C. Map puzzle. Set the route for couple to move through the streets of a town. Set up the 5 directions and then the characters will move it see if you are correct. 3X (Has the wrong directions)
D. Rotating tiles. Picture puzzle in which the player rotates triangular pieces of a picture until the picture is formed.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch 15 tokens hanging on 3 bells (5 each bell) until each matches the pattern directly above it.
F. Weights and balances puzzle. Place 3 weights int a the left-hand pan on a set of scales so that the weights equal the weight of the amber in the pan on the right side of the scales
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Weights puzzle. Pour wine into glasses so that the weight in each glass matches that given in a diagram.
H. Rock, Scissors, Paper. Beat a sly skeleton at his own game. Choose between the 3. You need to win 2 out of 3
I. The Evolution of Man Puzzle. Switch puzzle. Switch slides to sequence the evolution of man – from a furry little monkey to a furry-faced modern man. For some out there – this evolution is reversed.
**I usually never give a 2-star rating to a game; however, with the errors in this game, I feel it was necessary
I don't recommend this game.
The most challenging and fun Clutter yet!
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 46 found this review helpful
IT’S ABOUT TIME FOR A CLUTTER COLLECTOR’S EDITION GAME!
PostedJanuary 15, 2022
sunnyglow
fromCongrats Joe on another fantastic game. So glad you finally have your own collector’s edition - and about time as well! Congrats to a fellow member of the Pond Friends Forum.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Our clutter “puzzlemeister” is back with another superb game and it’s about time! I love these clutter games and no other gaming developer produces clutter games of the same caliber as this developer. These games are in a league of their own. I am a HOPA aficionada – a rabid pursuer of well-hidden objects and challenging, nail-biting puzzles. However, when I have free time during the day, my number one activity is to engage in playing one or two clutter games.
MECHANICS: As with the other clutter games, this one also has 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, white cubes, letters clumped together, 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. In this game there are scenes with adorable cartoon characters.
New to the game is a 24-page strategy guide to help navigate the game. I, for one, am delighted to see this guide as it explains in detail what the various symbols indicate at the top and sides of the game. There are also three bonus areas with even more puzzles to enjoy. Joe has provided an amusing l story “A Burger and Change,” which gives an insight on Joe’s philosophical evolution in life. I love the new addition of cartoon characters. However, as a shoe aficionada, I did miss the shoe puzzles from the last game. We need more shoes Joe!
New to the game is a 24-page strategy guide to help navigate the game. I, for one, am delighted to see this guide as it explains in detail what the various symbols indicate at the top and sides of the game. There are also three bonus areas with even more puzzles to enjoy. Joe has provided an amusing l story “A Burger and Change,” which gives an insight on Joe’s philosophical evolution in life. I love the new addition of cartoon characters. However, as a shoe aficionada, I did miss the shoe puzzles from the last game. We need more shoes Joe!
TYPE OF PUZZLES: This is a list of the type of puzzles available. Most have several hundred to over a thousand games.
• Box Quotes – Change letters to reveal a quotation which should provide valuable advice as well!
• Spinning Spirals – A roller coaster ride of whirling, swirling items to match which go back and forth at a dizzying pace. It is guaranteed to cause you to cross your eyes or pull your hair out!
• Rotation Madness – Items to match based on the direction in they are oriented.
• Singletons – Under time pressure, locate the items which have no match in a large clutter of similar items – clocks, flowers, and other items which look similar. Another puzzle to drive you crazy!
• Clutter Jong – Kung Fu Mahjong – Clutter-style
• PotPouri – Joe says it all – “It’s like being in a quest without a quest” Basically a huge kitchen sink of clutter
• Clutter Gaps – Switch puzzle in which halves of items within squares (some blurry as well) are matched
• Cartoony Craziness – Ultimate in Clutter craziness in matching items in humongous, exceptionally large clutters. The adorable cartoon characters are new in this game.
• Clutter pics. – Matching up like pictures in squares, hexagons, circles, oblongs – either same shapes or matching like pics in different shapes
• Sliders – Create pictures by sliding slats up-and-down and sideways until a picture is created. Some of these are so skinny they could advertise for a weight loss company
• Picture Quest – picture puzzles plain and simple. Just move pieces and fragments to create a picture
• Box Quotes: Switch letters to create a pithy quotation. Remember said quotation for a better life! Maybe not, but at least Joe tried to inspire you!
• Spinning Spirals – A roller coaster ride of whirling, swirling items to match which go back and forth at a dizzying pace. It is guaranteed to cause you to cross your eyes or pull your hair out!
• Rotation Madness – Items to match based on the direction in they are oriented.
• Singletons – Under time pressure, locate the items which have no match in a large clutter of similar items – clocks, flowers, and other items which look similar. Another puzzle to drive you crazy!
• Clutter Jong – Kung Fu Mahjong – Clutter-style
• PotPouri – Joe says it all – “It’s like being in a quest without a quest” Basically a huge kitchen sink of clutter
• Clutter Gaps – Switch puzzle in which halves of items within squares (some blurry as well) are matched
• Cartoony Craziness – Ultimate in Clutter craziness in matching items in humongous, exceptionally large clutters. The adorable cartoon characters are new in this game.
• Clutter pics. – Matching up like pictures in squares, hexagons, circles, oblongs – either same shapes or matching like pics in different shapes
• Sliders – Create pictures by sliding slats up-and-down and sideways until a picture is created. Some of these are so skinny they could advertise for a weight loss company
• Picture Quest – picture puzzles plain and simple. Just move pieces and fragments to create a picture
• Box Quotes: Switch letters to create a pithy quotation. Remember said quotation for a better life! Maybe not, but at least Joe tried to inspire you!
And finally - thank you Joe for another fantastic game! You can never ever finish these games, but have played a lot of the puzzles within this one. Your fellow members from the Pond Friends Forum are happy for you and most of us cannot wait to see Clutter 13. Hope that number will be lucky for you and will provide a baker's dozen of more amazing puzzles!
I recommend this game!
Can you save Redwood National Park before it’s too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
84 of 148 found this review helpful
GIVE A HOOT DON'T POLLUTE
PostedJanuary 13, 2022
sunnyglow
fromFrom Flora to Fauna! As people change into plants in this game, Amanda Jones changes careers. Beginning the game as prize-winning botanist, by the end of the game she has changed her career to that of a biologist.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 69 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 69 pages
Give a hoot and don’t pollute as you join Amanda Jones’ trek through Redwood Forest. As Amanda, you have been asked to investigate plants which look like humans and contain human DNA. However, as you investigate, you discover this forest is on the brink of ecological disaster. With the help of owl-clad Children of the Forest and a sheriff, search for culprits involved in illegal logging of the majestic sequoias, and poachers stealing the magical animals from the forest. And, hopefully, you can return those vegetative humans back into their human form. And this game proves it is not easy being green! Just ask Kermit the Frog, the human plants in this game, or any ecologist!
This is a fantastic game for HOP lovers, ecologists, and animal lovers! This game has more HOP scenes than mini-games. It is chock full of flora and fauna and the activities are thematic, with trees and animals galore. I did not especially care for this game. The story did not interest me. However, although the story was not to my taste, it is a creatively designed game. There are two collectibles, morphing objects and animals. I found the animals well-hidden in scenes. There are two of each type of collectible in each scene. The animals collected are exchanged for five (5) forest animals and opens an additional HOP scene upon completion of the game. This HOP scene can be replayed with new lists of items each time.
There are two gimmicks in the game, glasses, and Gray the dog. The player receives a pair of glasses which are used upon locating an animal. Using the glasses, the player searches for fragments which combine to create an item which provides a narrative to further the storyline. At the end of the narrative, the player receives an animal power such as falcon vision or bear strength. There are five (5) scenes like this in the game. The other gimmick, Gray the dog, is not used that often. He sits in the inventory and is used to dig up buried items.
There are two gimmicks in the game, glasses, and Gray the dog. The player receives a pair of glasses which are used upon locating an animal. Using the glasses, the player searches for fragments which combine to create an item which provides a narrative to further the storyline. At the end of the narrative, the player receives an animal power such as falcon vision or bear strength. There are five (5) scenes like this in the game. The other gimmick, Gray the dog, is not used that often. He sits in the inventory and is used to dig up buried items.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 52 animals which unlock 5 animals in the forest and another HOP scene which can be played with a series of lists.
• Collect 52 morphing objects.
• 10 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky glasses use with animals you locate throughout the game.
• Helper Gray the Dog – used to dig up inventory items
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini games
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 52 animals which unlock 5 animals in the forest and another HOP scene which can be played with a series of lists.
• Collect 52 morphing objects.
• 10 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Gimmicky glasses use with animals you locate throughout the game.
• Helper Gray the Dog – used to dig up inventory items
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. You, as Amanda Jones, are the new park director. You have restored the beauty of the park. However, a storm is brewing, a typhoon. You must save your Aunt Tina and her group who are unaware of the impending storm. I found this chapter equal in quality to the main game. There are six (6) HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games. I found it a nice addition to the game and provides a nice ending to the game. Continue to collect the collectibles within the chapter.
HOP SCENES: There are nineteen (19) scenes in the game, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The scenes consist of standard lists of items, matching and silhouette. However, there are also scenes in which items are placed into the scene in the proper location and scenes with a narrative containing items in highlighted letters which are to be located in various formats.. I found most blasé and nondescript. They are the same as those found in most games. I did not find any which I would consider exceptional in design.
MINI-GAMES: For me, the best part of this game are the mini-games! There are seventeen (17) mini-puzzles, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Surprisingly, this developer has included more puzzles which can be played in two different levels of difficulty – casual and hard. I am happy to see this developer providing this option for those who want a little more challenge in playing a game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MNI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Casual/ Hard. Assembly puzzle. Move colored liquids between test tubes so that each tube contains liquid of the same color. Transfer liquid between the tubes. There are 2 extra tubes to store liquid in.
B. Alignment puzzle. Using knobs on a monitor, synchronize 3 sine waves on the monitor.
C. Casual/ Hard. Connection puzzle. Light up fuses on a diamond-shaped grid according to the numbers near them. The fuses lit surrounding each number should match the number
D. Casual Hard. Knight Chess Puzzle. Use buttons with directions on them to pass a target through all cells. The movements are the same “L” shaped moves made by a knight in a chess game.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Maze puzzle. Get out of a forest through the limited vision of a telescope, locating items to help you overcome obstacles
F. Checkers puzzle. Exchange the position of 3 red flames on the left and 3 blue flames on the right. Flames can jump over each other to a free space or move to a free space.
B. Alignment puzzle. Using knobs on a monitor, synchronize 3 sine waves on the monitor.
C. Casual/ Hard. Connection puzzle. Light up fuses on a diamond-shaped grid according to the numbers near them. The fuses lit surrounding each number should match the number
D. Casual Hard. Knight Chess Puzzle. Use buttons with directions on them to pass a target through all cells. The movements are the same “L” shaped moves made by a knight in a chess game.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Maze puzzle. Get out of a forest through the limited vision of a telescope, locating items to help you overcome obstacles
F. Checkers puzzle. Exchange the position of 3 red flames on the left and 3 blue flames on the right. Flames can jump over each other to a free space or move to a free space.
I recommend this game!
Two people are in danger and are awaiting you to help them!
Overall rating
4
/
5
109 of 206 found this review helpful
I SEE A BAD MOON ARISING FOR THESE STAR-CROSSED LOVERS
PostedJanuary 6, 2022
sunnyglow
fromSeems like weddings are in store for the couples in this game. Bet this kingdom has some wonderful “furtographers” to capture those special moonlit nights!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I SEE A BAD MOON ARISING FOR THESE STAR-CROSSED LOVERS
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My Time – 7 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My Time – 7 Hours)
Travel to the village of Bamberg, a village nestled in the woods, known for its coven of witches and a legendary werewolf. Join sweethearts, Riviera, a healer-in-training, and her beau, Mark, an alchemist, as they join forces to battle a misguided witch hunter, Gregor, who sees Riviera as a witch-in-training instead. Complications arise when Mark is attacked by a werewolf, finding himself under the curse of the werewolf as well. This is another good game with an decent story which has some twists and turns and surprising evildoers as well.
Play both Mark and Riviera as they tag team, taking turns saving each other in this game. When one finds themselves imprisoned or injured, the other is off to the rescue. Domini provides more game for the money and this one is no exception. This game follows the same pattern as their other games. There are three collectibles, morphing statues of monsters, feathers to add to dreamcatchers, and potions which can be exchanged for items to outfit a witch’s hut. I found most easy to locate. There is an indicator bar at the left side of the screen lights up when an item is within the scene.
It appears Domini is making some improvements to their games. I welcome the fact that Domini now has an arrow which can be clicked to return to the previous scene. The pace is excellent for the most part; however, I did find some parts toward the end dragged. In my opinion, some of the last sections of the game should have been cut. I realize that this developer probably wanted to showcase some HOP scenes and mini-games; however, I do believe the plot became overcomplicated and the game should have ended sooner than it did. To me, it seemed there was a lot of filler, running to-and-fro searching for inventory to use in another location to get yet even more inventory items.
It appears Domini is making some improvements to their games. I welcome the fact that Domini now has an arrow which can be clicked to return to the previous scene. The pace is excellent for the most part; however, I did find some parts toward the end dragged. In my opinion, some of the last sections of the game should have been cut. I realize that this developer probably wanted to showcase some HOP scenes and mini-games; however, I do believe the plot became overcomplicated and the game should have ended sooner than it did. To me, it seemed there was a lot of filler, running to-and-fro searching for inventory to use in another location to get yet even more inventory items.
STRATEGY GUIDE ERROR: For some reason, Domini has occasional problems with the strategy guides for their games. I always check the guide to see if I have all the collectibles. This game is missing the scenes “E” and “F” illustrating the collectibles and the pictures on the last page of the strategy guide are out of order.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing figurines and 15 feathers to decorate dreamcatchers
• Collect 70 potions to exchange for items to outfit a witch’s hut
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing figurines and 15 feathers to decorate dreamcatchers
• Collect 70 potions to exchange for items to outfit a witch’s hut
• 11 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel, years after the main game. After settling down to wedded bliss, Mark and Riviera, have a daughter, Canissa, who is preparing to marry Prince Wolfus. However, on the day of the wedding, Canissa is abducted by a wolf. As Prince Wolfus, you are off to rescue your bride. I found this a decent bonus game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games. There is an incredibly beautiful HOP scene in this chapter, one which features bird nests with a wide array of colorful eggs. To me, this is chapter well-worth the collector’s edition designation.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. A thematic Match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes. Although they are best-known for their puzzles, in my opinion, Domini provides the most creatively designed HOP scenes of all the other vendors. There is a wide variety of different styles, and all are thematic and highly interactive. My favorite scene is one in which three colored lenses provide three different scenes. This scene usually has the player searching for items; however, in this scene, the player must return items back into the scene and determine which scene the item should be located. I found this one somewhat challenging.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-five (25) mini-games, seventeen (17) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. However, one of the puzzles, a map puzzle which has the player choosing paths to take throughout the town contains three additional puzzles within it. As in other games, most of the puzzles can be played in either an easy or hard version.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES FROM THE GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Maze/Gear puzzle. Move an owl along the paths of a maze using gears to change the paths. Some paths may need to be revisited several times The hard version has more gears within the maze.
B. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play a melody on a harp by plucking strings sequentially using hints written in a music book. If correct, you will fill in one musical item on the side of the harp. In the easy version there are 3 to locate and in the hard version there are 5.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. On a stained-glass window, move a bee so it passes through each square once without retracing steps. The hard version requires formulating a more complex path to cover each square
D. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Move funnels into position to allow a stream of sap to flow down a tree trunk and into a container. The easy version has more funnels within the proper position whereas the hard version has them well-jumbled
E. Climb every mountain. Scale up a cliff by moving hand and feet icons to spots on the cliff. 4X
F. Bullseye. Adjust 2 bullseyes so they connect with each other using 3 sliders to adjust them. 3X
G. Matching puzzle. Locate 54 pairs of inedible berries.
H. E/H. Connection puzzle. Move stair steps back and forth so that lines imprinted upon them connect bowls at the bottom with 2 at the top of the grid. The easy version has 3 bowls at the bottom and the hard has 4 at the bottom.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Pull on colored cords up-and-down until each one aligns with a matching, colored circle on the left side of the grid. Moving one cords affects the others. The easy version has 5 cords, and the hard version has 7.
J. E/H. Matching puzzle. Rotate a circular grid on a tree so that gears with cutouts can fit on top of the shapes on the grid. The easy version has 8 of reach and the hard version has 10.
K. Paint by Number. Paint a picture as per a given diagram.
B. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play a melody on a harp by plucking strings sequentially using hints written in a music book. If correct, you will fill in one musical item on the side of the harp. In the easy version there are 3 to locate and in the hard version there are 5.
C. E/H. Connection puzzle. On a stained-glass window, move a bee so it passes through each square once without retracing steps. The hard version requires formulating a more complex path to cover each square
D. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Move funnels into position to allow a stream of sap to flow down a tree trunk and into a container. The easy version has more funnels within the proper position whereas the hard version has them well-jumbled
E. Climb every mountain. Scale up a cliff by moving hand and feet icons to spots on the cliff. 4X
F. Bullseye. Adjust 2 bullseyes so they connect with each other using 3 sliders to adjust them. 3X
G. Matching puzzle. Locate 54 pairs of inedible berries.
H. E/H. Connection puzzle. Move stair steps back and forth so that lines imprinted upon them connect bowls at the bottom with 2 at the top of the grid. The easy version has 3 bowls at the bottom and the hard has 4 at the bottom.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Pull on colored cords up-and-down until each one aligns with a matching, colored circle on the left side of the grid. Moving one cords affects the others. The easy version has 5 cords, and the hard version has 7.
J. E/H. Matching puzzle. Rotate a circular grid on a tree so that gears with cutouts can fit on top of the shapes on the grid. The easy version has 8 of reach and the hard version has 10.
K. Paint by Number. Paint a picture as per a given diagram.
I recommend this game!
A mysterious bartender gives extraordinary guidance to those in need.
Overall rating
5
/
5
101 of 184 found this review helpful
ELEPHANT IS ON THE RIGHT PATH WITH THIS INNOVATIVE NEW SERIES
PostedDecember 30, 2021
sunnyglow
fromIs this game Elephant’s salvation? Hopefully, Elephant will continue down this path, giving the player more choices as to the direction their games will take.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 30 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 30 pages (My Time: 5 Hours)
Feeling you are going down the wrong path in life? Are you finding yourself at a crossroads? Do you need direction as to how to solve dilemmas about your life? You may find salvation at the Crossroads Bar, a place situated between nowhere and everywhere. You hostess will be Mistress Eve, who, with a flick of her quill, will try to rewrite the story of your life without changing your fate.
For me, this is one of the best games Elephant has produced. Hopefully, this is not a one-game series as I would love to see more games forthcoming. I loved playing this game and it is different from anything they have done in the past. It is nice to see Elephant Games move in a new direction and try their hand at something different than detective stories and sugary tales of love and romance. I never replay HOPA games; however, this is one I will replay to increase my score in the game!
The story is well-written. There are three different tales portrayed in a comic book setting. The subject, a social worker who is suffering from erroneous decisions he made in his life, is taken into the world of comics where he must meet three trials to see if he can succeed in redeeming himself and choosing a path to redemption. There are three (3) comic book tales, and the player can play them in any order he chooses. This game reminds me somewhat of the “Creepshow” franchise.
What I enjoy the most in this game is the ability to make choices which influence how the game will proceed. The choices will not significantly change the game framework, but it will change it slightly. At the end of the game, the player is evaluated as to his success. The player is also allowed to return to each of the comic book tales and try to better his score.
There are two collectibles, puzzle pieces and comic books. I found both easy to locate within the game. The puzzles pieces provide a jigsaw puzzle to complete at the end of the game and the comic books provide a narrative concerning Mistress Eve and how she was able to become a source to guide mortals to the right path. I did not find this game scary nor a psychological thriller. To me, it is more of a morality tale of redemption.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 12 achievements. Some with multiple parts
• Collect 24 puzzle pieces and 12 comic books
• 6 wallpapers and screenshots, along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Secret room which contains a jigsaw puzzle to complete upon the end of the game.
• Expedition Room which allows the player to return to scenes and locate missing collectibles
• Archives room which contains 13 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games which can be replayed.
• 12 achievements. Some with multiple parts
• Collect 24 puzzle pieces and 12 comic books
• 6 wallpapers and screenshots, along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Secret room which contains a jigsaw puzzle to complete upon the end of the game.
• Expedition Room which allows the player to return to scenes and locate missing collectibles
• Archives room which contains 13 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games which can be replayed.
BONUS CHAPTER: Mistress Eve’s quill, one which she uses to write stories to rectify the lives of humans, has disappeared. Play this deity of balance as she tries to retrieve this quill which has fallen into the wrong hands of one of the comic world’s denizens. The comic world is in chaos with stories and scenes being switched. The perpetrator is in trouble as well. Help her restore order to the world of comics. This is a nice addition to the game and sets up the next story in the series. (And I do hope there is another game in this series). There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games.
HOP SCENES: It is always difficult for me to define what Elephant considers a HOP scene. Some of their “scenes” consist of no more than searches for six or less items which I call “mini-HOP” scenes. However, I counted sixteen (16) which I consider standard HOP scenes, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. For me, these are some of the best scenes I have seen from Elephant. There are some creatively designed scenes within the game. In one, the player uses binoculars to search for items. Another scene uses cars on a Ferris Wheel which move into position for the player to search for items within them.
MINI-GAMES: There are seventeen (17) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are not as many mini-games as in other games; however, for me, I would rather play a creatively designed game which has a good story and a good pace than one which is heavy laden with puzzles and is boring and slow-paced.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER DEMO: (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER AS THE 3 CHAPTERS CAN BE PLAYED IN ANY ORDER)
A. Maze puzzle. Move a car down a road avoiding trees and obstacles within its path.
B. Escape puzzle. Lead a comic book character out of a grid by moving one space-at-a-time avoiding evil skeletons in her path.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch origami animals so their shadows match up with the stained-glass figures on a window.
BONUS CHAPTER
D. Rotating disks puzzle. Rotate 3 disks to restore an image.
E. Strategy puzzle. On a diamond-shaped grid, press on buttons on the grid to light them up so that the number of lights surrounding each button matches the number next to it.
F. Card game puzzle. Play a card game where both you and the dealer expose your cards at the same time and the higher card wins. Play until your 5 cards of good qualities defeats your opponent’s bad quality cards.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch pipe pieces to restore water flow within a water system.
B. Escape puzzle. Lead a comic book character out of a grid by moving one space-at-a-time avoiding evil skeletons in her path.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch origami animals so their shadows match up with the stained-glass figures on a window.
BONUS CHAPTER
D. Rotating disks puzzle. Rotate 3 disks to restore an image.
E. Strategy puzzle. On a diamond-shaped grid, press on buttons on the grid to light them up so that the number of lights surrounding each button matches the number next to it.
F. Card game puzzle. Play a card game where both you and the dealer expose your cards at the same time and the higher card wins. Play until your 5 cards of good qualities defeats your opponent’s bad quality cards.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch pipe pieces to restore water flow within a water system.
I recommend this game!