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
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Can you save your friends from their family’s tainted past?
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 165 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH WILL WRAP YOU IN ITS TENTACLES
PostedNovember 9, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThe “crowning” glory for this game are the Cecaelia (half human—half octopus) – one of each gender. Very scary indeed! These creatures are “armed” and dangerous and best kept at “arms’ “ length
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages (My time: 7 hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages (My time: 7 hours)
OPINION: Be prepared for a tale of mystery and intrigue. As Detective Rossa Smith, you are off to an island at the bequest of its ruling family, the Livingstones. For forty (40) years, the family has been plagued with inexplicable deaths and murders. Could these deaths be tied to the vengeful ghost of Anna Livingstone, a member of this family who was banished? Like the octopus featured within it, this game will grab you within its tentacles, engaging you in a multitude of activities until the end.
This is another fantastic game from Mad Head. The story is well-written and has been changed somewhat from the beta version. It has an excellent pace with a multitude of well-designed HOP scenes and puzzles. There is a gimmicky seashell which sits at the side of inventory bar. When an item is placed within the shell, it vomits purple ooze which clears to provide needed information about that item and its relevance to the story. There are a few times in which you are given options as to what activity to pursue. However, your choice does not change the outcome of the game.
The collectibles are morphing objects and fish. I found most difficult to locate. The developer has them well-hidden within the scenes. You can replay the HOP scenes but not the puzzles at the end of the game. With so many excellent puzzles, personally, I would rather replay the puzzles than the HOP scenes. Hopefully Mad Head will offer this option in future games. There is an extra HOP scene and jigsaw puzzle provided at the end of the game. All collectibles must be found before playing the extra HOP scene.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-five (25) HOP scenes in the game. Most of them are lists of items and all of them have a morphing object within the scene. There are also several mini-HOP scenes throughout the game with searches for a small number of some item – usually five or six items. There are silhouette scenes along with matching scenes. There are a couple of pattern scenes in which items are located from either a distinct pattern or segment of the item itself. My favorite is a pattern scene in which bolts of cloth are identified by their pattern.
PUZZLES: There are thirty-nine (39) puzzles. They are creatively designed and vary in difficulty. There are some very easy ones as well as some which are somewhat challenging. There are repetitive puzzles throughout the game. One of the puzzles is tied to the use of the gimmicky, vomiting seashell. After placing an item within the shell, a jigsaw puzzle must be solved before giving information about the object. There is also a repetitive storybook puzzle in which items must be located and placed into the proper position within the scene. It is used to give more detail about the story behind the game.
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eleven (11) achievements (some with 3 parts).
• Collect fifty-six (56) morphing items and thirty-two (32) fish
• Four (4) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky magical seashell which vomits out purple ooze when given a sample of something. Investigates and provides needed information about the item
• Ultimate HOP scene (must locate all collectibles to access it)
• Jigsaw puzzle which can be played at the end of the game
• Eleven (11) achievements (some with 3 parts).
• Collect fifty-six (56) morphing items and thirty-two (32) fish
• Four (4) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky magical seashell which vomits out purple ooze when given a sample of something. Investigates and provides needed information about the item
• Ultimate HOP scene (must locate all collectibles to access it)
• Jigsaw puzzle which can be played at the end of the game
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel and another story. Play Lily, a travel agent who is interested in the Livingstone curse. On board a cruise ship, two lovebirds find themselves in trouble when one of them is possessed by an ancient spirit. One member of the couple, Liam, is possessed by this ancient spirit, becoming an octopus. After kidnapping his partner, Mia, both embark on a roller coaster island excursion under the water. There are nine (9) puzzles and six (6) HOP scenes. The story has some humorous elements and is well-worth the collector’s edition designation. Continue to collect the collectibles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. On a grid with 54 squares, connect 6 pairs of like-colored gems with lines. Every square in the grid must be used in the connections.
B. Maze puzzle. Move each of three dolls a different number of squares to fill up every space on a grid with 30 squares.
C. Variation of a domino puzzle. Removal puzzle. Place 15 domino styled pieces (with differing or same flowers on each end) upon a flowered 30 square grid so the board is cleared of all flowers
D. Chess puzzle. On a mini-chess board, maneuver a knight using “L” shaped moves to remove a queen which is next to it. The board provides the optional moves available to you.
E. Storybook puzzle. Search and replace items into their proper position within a book. (Repetitive puzzle within the game)
F. Shell puzzle. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture related to the story (Repetitive puzzle within the game)
G. Moving Tiles/Gear puzzle. Move tiles around a grid (some with gears on them) to create a path for a gear on the left to connect to a gear on the right with connecting gears in between
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Bar removal puzzle. Remove bars by clicking on them and using valves to release them.
I. Connection puzzle. Connect two sets of pipes by rotating segments of them within a grid.
J. Moving tiles puzzle. Move gold tokens from the bottom row to the top row by maneuvering them around three rows of tokens. A token can only be moved to a matching token.
B. Maze puzzle. Move each of three dolls a different number of squares to fill up every space on a grid with 30 squares.
C. Variation of a domino puzzle. Removal puzzle. Place 15 domino styled pieces (with differing or same flowers on each end) upon a flowered 30 square grid so the board is cleared of all flowers
D. Chess puzzle. On a mini-chess board, maneuver a knight using “L” shaped moves to remove a queen which is next to it. The board provides the optional moves available to you.
E. Storybook puzzle. Search and replace items into their proper position within a book. (Repetitive puzzle within the game)
F. Shell puzzle. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture related to the story (Repetitive puzzle within the game)
G. Moving Tiles/Gear puzzle. Move tiles around a grid (some with gears on them) to create a path for a gear on the left to connect to a gear on the right with connecting gears in between
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Bar removal puzzle. Remove bars by clicking on them and using valves to release them.
I. Connection puzzle. Connect two sets of pipes by rotating segments of them within a grid.
J. Moving tiles puzzle. Move gold tokens from the bottom row to the top row by maneuvering them around three rows of tokens. A token can only be moved to a matching token.
Can you save your friend and escape from Acorn Hospital in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
102 of 199 found this review helpful
AN EXICITING NEW LOOK FOR GRANDMA – A FACELIFT IN GAMING DESIGN
PostedNovember 7, 2019
sunnyglow
fromA facelift in design! GrandMA! Kudos on your new look in game design! Smoothing out some of the wrinkles from past games, you have provided some fresh new ideas!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter and Hidden Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: Wow! What a fantastic game! Hands down, this is the best game to date from our sweet GrandMA. To me, it is worth its salt – something you will need plenty of while playing this game! You will be throwing quite a bit of salt at creepy ghostly hands from creatures grasping at you. Travel back in time to the post World War II era. At the bequest of your friend, Cathy, investigate mysterious events happening at the Acorn Hospital, an asylum operated by the crazed doctor, Harry Jules. Investigate his obsessive research involving his wife, Arabella. Lurking behind the scenes is Arabella herself, will provide guidance in dealing with her husband’s insanity.
GrandMA has modernized her look with this game. Some new creative touches have provided a much-needed facelift for their HOP scenes and puzzles. Some fresh new concepts in game design also give this game a fresh new look This developer has provided a choice of actions which result in multiple outcomes for the game. Throughout the game, the player will have between two to three choices in responses or handling a situation. This is one game which I will replay to witness those different outcomes.
The story is well-written. The pace is excellent with plenty of activities to keep the player engaged as he/she snoops around this creepy hospital. The collectibles are herbs, figurines of the characters from the game and morphing objects. I found the figurines and morphing objects easy to locate. However, I found the herbs somewhat difficult to find. They are well-hidden within the rafters of this spooky hospital. It requires some sleuthing to locate some of the collectibles.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty (20) HOP scenes plus eight (8) mini-HOP scenes. My favorite scenes were the interactive scenes in which items are located and then used within the scene to discover other items. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette. The mini-HOP scenes are lists of items – most containing six (6) items to be located. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. There are morphing objects within some of the HOP scenes as well.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-three (23) mini-games. They vary in difficulty. Some of the puzzles have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. My favorite puzzle was playing checkers with a mannequin. I also enjoyed a puzzle in which gas is moved through flasks using 8 stoppers to direct the flow.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect twenty (20) figurines and twenty (20) morphing objects
• Collect 52 healing herbs
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect twenty (20) figurines and twenty (20) morphing objects
• Collect 52 healing herbs
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Return to World War II. Play the doctor, Harry Jules, as he battles a fire engulfing the hospital. Help the doctor try to save his wife, Arabella, and the soldiers residing there, as they try to escape the burning building. There are four (4) HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games. Continue collecting all the collectibles within this chapter. It is of the same quality as the main game and worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
HIDDEN CHAPTER: This little whodunit is NOT to be missed! Just exquisite! Return to 1939 as you sleuth a hospital in search of clues and evidence involved in the death of Dr. Lewis Horton. Uncover clues as you examine the scenes locating evidence to discover who was the mastermind behind his murder. At the end of this chapter, after listening to the statements of all witnesses and examining the evidence, identify the killer and provide the evidence to substantiate your claim. There is no assistance from some fictional detective. You are on your own! However, if you make a mistake and choose the wrong culprit, you can go back and try again. Hopefully we will see more of this type of activity from this developer and others as well.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Facelift in a puzzle! Switch puzzle. Switch puzzles pieces to restore a picture. In this case, the pieces are jigsaw in nature and must be switched with like pieces.
B. King me! Easy/Hard options. Checkers. Play checkers and defeat a mannequin.
C. It’s a gas! Connection puzzle. Awesome puzzle in which you must move gas through flasks using 8 stoppers to direct the flow.
D. Stay within the lines! Connection puzzle. Create connections between matching colored tokens without crossing lines. All cells must be used.
E. Symbolic gesture! Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings so that the symbols on them create the two symbols in the middle of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Put out the fire! Sequence puzzle. Put out a fire by choosing the numbered tokens in sequential order based on the number of connections it has with other tokens. 2X
G. “A-maze-ing!” Maze puzzle. Move a key from the top to the bottom of a maze
H. The nut doesn’t fall far from the tree! Switch puzzle. Slide and rotate pictures of the Acorn family members to create a family tree.
I. TKO! Sequence puzzle. Follow the sequence to knock out Captain Harwell. Fill up your tube before he does with punches. 3X
B. King me! Easy/Hard options. Checkers. Play checkers and defeat a mannequin.
C. It’s a gas! Connection puzzle. Awesome puzzle in which you must move gas through flasks using 8 stoppers to direct the flow.
D. Stay within the lines! Connection puzzle. Create connections between matching colored tokens without crossing lines. All cells must be used.
E. Symbolic gesture! Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings so that the symbols on them create the two symbols in the middle of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Put out the fire! Sequence puzzle. Put out a fire by choosing the numbered tokens in sequential order based on the number of connections it has with other tokens. 2X
G. “A-maze-ing!” Maze puzzle. Move a key from the top to the bottom of a maze
H. The nut doesn’t fall far from the tree! Switch puzzle. Slide and rotate pictures of the Acorn family members to create a family tree.
I. TKO! Sequence puzzle. Follow the sequence to knock out Captain Harwell. Fill up your tube before he does with punches. 3X
I recommend this game!
A family reunion at the Sweet 18 hotel turns into a night of terror!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 75 found this review helpful
CHECK INTO THE SWEET 18 HOTEL FOR A FAMILY REUNION (MINUS THE FAMILY)
PostedOctober 31, 2019
sunnyglow
fromWhat happened to the Blackthorne family? Perhaps they are still waiting until the last minute to book the last room at the cheapest rate. At least it stopped a family squabble around the reception desk as to who got the lowest rate
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My time: 5 hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My time: 5 hours)
OPINION: Welcome to the Blackthorne family reunion! However, where is the family? Join the early arrivals, brothers John and James Blackthorne, as they investigate the reunion site - the dark, spooky Sweet 18 Hotel. Help this brother duo tackle an obsessed, vengeful ghost as you wander the dilapidated halls of this ghost infested haunt.
I found this game a sweet Halloween treat! It provides a spooky atmosphere with dark, abandoned rooms and hallways filled with black wispy ghosts. It is a decent addition to the series. The game consists of the protagonist, John, wandering through the hotel searching for his Uncle Samuel, periodically saving his brother James from some rascally ghost. I enjoyed this ghostly brew, nevertheless, I did feel the pace dragged somewhat toward the end of the game. The lag time I believe may be the result of not enough activities combined with back-and-forth pacing between rooms in search of inventory items.
The collectibles are morphing objects, morphing statues of the game characters, and picture pieces to create four pictures. I found all easy to locate. There is a secret room which is opened at the end of the game. Search for items by returning to scenes from the game. The same item is searched for within more than one scene. Receive achievements for the time it takes to complete the search plus receive a special achievement if no hints are used.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing character figurines
• Collect twenty (20) picture pieces for four (4) pictures
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing character figurines
• Collect twenty (20) picture pieces for four (4) pictures
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
HOP SCENES: There are only fourteen (14) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also some “mini-HOP scenes” with a small number of items to be located. Most are lists of items or silhouette - variations of ones seen in past games. However, there is one which I found rather unique and creatively designed. It is a matching scene in which related items on shards of glass are matched, both relating to an item listed on a list of items.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-five (25) mini-games. To me, they are the best part of the game. There is a nice array of easy as well as more difficult puzzles. Enjoy a blast from the past with a variation of the “Frogger” video arcade game. Also making a comeback from the past is the “River Crossing Puzzle.” This variation uses grim reapers to help people to cross the river (as in the River Styx?).
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Can’t get enough of this haunted hotel? Make a return visit at the bequest of your Uncle Samuel. Uncle Samuel is having nightmares concerning Caroline, a character from the main game. She is asking for his help. Now both of you must confront a ghostly concierge, out for revenge for past events. It is a nice addition to the game and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. There are six (6) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes. I found the mini-games better in this chapter than in the main game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Get into the Halloween spirit! Physics puzzle. Mirror puzzle. Angle mirrors to reflect a beam of light to hit a ghostly spirit
B. Pop a cork. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate wine bottles so that the colored corks on the bottles match a given design.
C. Ribbit! Frogger returns! “Ye olde” arcade puzzle. First cross a field by avoiding ghosts, pumpkins, and skulls. Then leap onto logs to cross a river.
D. Time for Halloween! Mathematical puzzle. Set 3 given times on a clock. Set each of 3 weights on the clock into the proper position. Then, pull a chain to see if the clock has the right time as given. Each weight moves the clock a different number of minutes
E. Vanishing Act! Matching puzzle. Remove all tiles from a grid by moving and matching them. Once they match, they disappear. Rid the grid of all tiles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. The Grim Reaper! “Ye olde River Crossing Puzzle.” Switch the position of people and grim reapers using a boat to transport them across water. A grim reaper cannot be left alone with a person on water or on land (and in life as well!)
G. Staff Meeting! Matching puzzle. Place tags into the right slots to identify people and then their responsibilities as staff of the hotel.
B. Pop a cork. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate wine bottles so that the colored corks on the bottles match a given design.
C. Ribbit! Frogger returns! “Ye olde” arcade puzzle. First cross a field by avoiding ghosts, pumpkins, and skulls. Then leap onto logs to cross a river.
D. Time for Halloween! Mathematical puzzle. Set 3 given times on a clock. Set each of 3 weights on the clock into the proper position. Then, pull a chain to see if the clock has the right time as given. Each weight moves the clock a different number of minutes
E. Vanishing Act! Matching puzzle. Remove all tiles from a grid by moving and matching them. Once they match, they disappear. Rid the grid of all tiles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. The Grim Reaper! “Ye olde River Crossing Puzzle.” Switch the position of people and grim reapers using a boat to transport them across water. A grim reaper cannot be left alone with a person on water or on land (and in life as well!)
G. Staff Meeting! Matching puzzle. Place tags into the right slots to identify people and then their responsibilities as staff of the hotel.
I recommend this game!
Help Emma dig through the poisonous pieces of this family mystery and solve the case! Play Family Mysteries: Poisonous Promises Collector’s Edition!
Overall rating
5
/
5
105 of 210 found this review helpful
FAMILY DRAMA CAN BE MURDER
PostedOctober 26, 2019
sunnyglow
fromJumping the shark? Located on a burning yacht engaged in target practice with sharks jumping out of the water. Could this be another in a long line of reality shows?
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: 50 pages (My time: 6 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages (My time: 6 hours)
OPINION: Planning a Murder Mystery Weekend? Consider this fantastic whodunit! Play a detective off to help her partner solve a murder case, one involving family drama. The story is well-written, full of suspense and surprises as it unfolds the story behind the crime. It is an action-packed adventure filled with numerous activities to be performed within a wide variety of locations.
The game consists of investigating various locations and collecting evidence by taking photos with a cell phone. Analyze these photos by placing them into their proper locations on an evidence board. Assumptions will be made from the evidence and will lead to further sleuthing in other locations. Within most scenes, there are two collectibles, morphing presents and playing cards. One scene has more than two collectibles. They are easy to locate, practically jumping out from the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-four (34) mini-games with eight (8) which can be replayed at the end of the game. Many of the puzzles are physical in nature and provide an action-packed, realistic element to the game. There is one, a variation of a Match-3 game, which is used repeatedly throughout the game, used to battle criminals. There are also several other puzzles involving a physical activity such as scaling up a cliff or escaping danger by sailing a boat past obstacles. Being an aficionada of nonogram (griddler) puzzles, I was delighted this developer included one within this game!
HOP SCENES: There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes with eight (8) which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the scenes are either lists of items or silhouette scenes. Most of the scenes have a morphing object. The scenes are creative in design and interactive. Items in the scenes must be manipulated in some way to uncover the items to be removed.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play a Coast Gard officer off to save the characters from the main game the night of the storm which wrecked their yacht. The quality is equal to that of the main game. I feel the puzzles and HOP scenes are better designed that those of the main game. There are ten (10) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. The player is given the choice between two puzzles to play to navigate a boat. This is something new I have not seen before and feel it is a nice touch. It is a chapter worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-four (24) achievements.
• Collect thirty-two (32) cards
• Collect twenty-nine (29) morphing gifts
• Sixteen (16) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Phone camera to collect evidence
• Replay eight (8) mini-games and eight (8) HOP scenes
• Twenty-four (24) achievements.
• Collect thirty-two (32) cards
• Collect twenty-nine (29) morphing gifts
• Sixteen (16) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Phone camera to collect evidence
• Replay eight (8) mini-games and eight (8) HOP scenes
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Strategy puzzle. Scale up a cliff by choosing the proper holes in which to place support rods If you choose the incorrect hole, you will fall. – and even worse – start over! 3X
B. Nonogram (AKA Griddler) puzzle. Create an image by filing in spaces within a grid according to numbers on the sides of the rows and at the top of the grid.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate triangular shapes to restore an image.
D. Variation of a Match-3 game. Match up 3 or more of your symbols to fill up tubes. If you have no moves, then you must match up those of your opponent. If the tubes are filled up for your opponent, your tubes will empty. (Used several times within the game)
E. Storybook. Like a HOP scene. Search for items in highlighted letters or associated with it. Use items within the scene and interact with them to locate all items. (Used several times within the game)
F. Multiple step. Picture puzzles. (1) Jigsaw puzzle. Place jigsaw pieces into position to restore an image. (2) Switch puzzle. Switch picture fragments to restore an image (3) Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Choice between two puzzles (1) Map puzzle. Maneuver the boat while avoiding obstacles or (2) Connection puzzle. Connect dots in one solid line without retracing steps.
H. Mathematical puzzle. Move a dial two or three spaces clockwise or counterclockwise to land on given symbols in the order in which they are given.
I. Map puzzle. Move a boat 1 space at a time on a grid avoiding storm clouds which can move 2 spaces. Reach the port.
B. Nonogram (AKA Griddler) puzzle. Create an image by filing in spaces within a grid according to numbers on the sides of the rows and at the top of the grid.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate triangular shapes to restore an image.
D. Variation of a Match-3 game. Match up 3 or more of your symbols to fill up tubes. If you have no moves, then you must match up those of your opponent. If the tubes are filled up for your opponent, your tubes will empty. (Used several times within the game)
E. Storybook. Like a HOP scene. Search for items in highlighted letters or associated with it. Use items within the scene and interact with them to locate all items. (Used several times within the game)
F. Multiple step. Picture puzzles. (1) Jigsaw puzzle. Place jigsaw pieces into position to restore an image. (2) Switch puzzle. Switch picture fragments to restore an image (3) Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Choice between two puzzles (1) Map puzzle. Maneuver the boat while avoiding obstacles or (2) Connection puzzle. Connect dots in one solid line without retracing steps.
H. Mathematical puzzle. Move a dial two or three spaces clockwise or counterclockwise to land on given symbols in the order in which they are given.
I. Map puzzle. Move a boat 1 space at a time on a grid avoiding storm clouds which can move 2 spaces. Reach the port.
A trio of masks could bring about an era of nightmares!
Overall rating
5
/
5
115 of 189 found this review helpful
OPEN A PANDORA’S BOX OF SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN!
PostedOctober 24, 2019
sunnyglow
fromWith a father who is the king of the vampires and a mother who is a banshee, does that make the protagonist in this game a “scream queen?”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 6 hours)
7 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 6 hours)
OPINION: Get into the Halloween spirit by donning a mask. Well, perhaps not in this game! Behind the masks are three (3) evil spirits trying to resurrect the Boogeyman. Packed inside this developer’s trick-or-treat bag is a fantastic holiday game to while away the cool autumn nights. This “spookfest” is all dressed up for Halloween replete with ghosts, ghouls, zombies along with some infamous characters from the world of horror. The game is chock full of Halloween items throughout. No tricks from my favorite developer. Playing this game was a definite treat!
This game should appeal to the whole family. It has a good pace with plenty of varied activities. There are three collectibles, all of which I found easy to locate. Collect morphing figurines. Collect sixty (60) coins with which to purchase fourteen (14) items for a trophy room. Collect fifteen (15) pages from the “Book of Monsters.” There are three indicators on the inventory bar which light up when there is a collectible within the scene.
HOP SCENES: The eighteen (18) HOP scenes are thematic – filled with yummy Halloween eye candy. All can be replayed after the game is completed. I found the scenes varied and creatively designed. Every scene contains a different format for locating the items within the scenes. Some of the scenes contain two different scenes in which to search for the items. As in their previous games, the developer provides a Match-3 game to be played in lieu of the scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games. Twenty (20) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. All have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. A great deal of work went into designing this seasonal delight.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play the son of Seymour Olsen. After you gift your wife with the Pandora’s box, it is stolen by a misguided man. He wishes to cure his daughter of her nightmares and fears by using it to summon the Boogeyman. The chapter if of decent length and worth the price of a collector’s edition. There are seven (7) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. Continue to collect the collectibles within the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-three (33) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing figurines
• Collect fifteen (15) pages from the Book of Monsters
• Collect sixty (60) coins to purchase items for a trophy room
• Twenty (20) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and twenty (20) mini-games
• Thirty-three (33) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing figurines
• Collect fifteen (15) pages from the Book of Monsters
• Collect sixty (60) coins to purchase items for a trophy room
• Twenty (20) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and twenty (20) mini-games
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO – ALL HAVE THE OPTION TO BE PLAYED IN AN “EASY” OR “HARD” MODE
A. Don’t get steamed! Maze puzzle. Romp through a maze, turning off all steam valves in your path.
B. Skin and bones! Assembly puzzle. Create a bird out of bones and then add rune stones as per a given diagram. Rotate the bones to fit the diagram and then add the stones.
C. Bridge the gap! Tangram puzzle. Place pieces from a bridge into position to restore the bridge.
D. Fill ‘er up! Strategy puzzle. Fill in all spaces on a hexagonal shaped grid using a token. The token will continue to fill in spaces until it hits the side of the grid or a filled cell. You cannot retrace steps.
E. You old bat! Assembly puzzle. Place vampire teeth into position within a bat’s mouth.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Geared up for Halloween! Gear/Domino puzzle. Place gears on a grid so that symbols on the gears match up with the gears next to them.
G. Moonlight Madness! Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on a circular grid to complete a lunar cycle as per a given diagram.
H. Lift me up! Maze puzzle. An interesting application in which levers are used move an amulet to the top of a vat of water. Move the amulet to areas where there are openings in which to move it to the top.
I. Split personality! Assembly puzzle. Use two dials to point to the two symbols which comprise a larger symbol. Then use another dial to point to the number of that symbol within the grid.
B. Skin and bones! Assembly puzzle. Create a bird out of bones and then add rune stones as per a given diagram. Rotate the bones to fit the diagram and then add the stones.
C. Bridge the gap! Tangram puzzle. Place pieces from a bridge into position to restore the bridge.
D. Fill ‘er up! Strategy puzzle. Fill in all spaces on a hexagonal shaped grid using a token. The token will continue to fill in spaces until it hits the side of the grid or a filled cell. You cannot retrace steps.
E. You old bat! Assembly puzzle. Place vampire teeth into position within a bat’s mouth.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Geared up for Halloween! Gear/Domino puzzle. Place gears on a grid so that symbols on the gears match up with the gears next to them.
G. Moonlight Madness! Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on a circular grid to complete a lunar cycle as per a given diagram.
H. Lift me up! Maze puzzle. An interesting application in which levers are used move an amulet to the top of a vat of water. Move the amulet to areas where there are openings in which to move it to the top.
I. Split personality! Assembly puzzle. Use two dials to point to the two symbols which comprise a larger symbol. Then use another dial to point to the number of that symbol within the grid.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your friends from the Painted World in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
115 of 230 found this review helpful
COLOR ME DISAPPOINTED - A LONG BRUSH WITH BOREDOM
PostedOctober 17, 2019
sunnyglow
fromHope this developer returns Morty the chat cat to the Paint World. Also hope all legal contracts for future games in this series will include a “no cat claws” provision.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:48 pages (My Time: 6 Hours which seemed like forever!)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:48 pages (My Time: 6 Hours which seemed like forever!)
OPINION: Detective! Jump into the world of art, or in this case, the Painted World. Enter a long game, one which will see you hopping from picture to picture in the search for a magic brush. Help a former client locate her missing husband. kidnapped into this world by a misguided, power- hungry madman.
Speaking of misguided, what has happened to this developer? This game does not come close to the excellence seen in their previous ones. I was shocked! Paint me disappointed. Although the game is long, it is devoid of activities. The pace grinds down at the end – snail paced as it crosses the finish line. There is a great deal of filler. In my opinion, some of this game should have been cut. I would rather play a shorter game which has a good pace than one with a lot of time filler. Nevertheless, there are some great features in this game.
There are three thematic collectibles, morphing paintings, stamps, and coins to purchase items for a study. I found them easy to locate. There are three pots of paint which open when there is a collectible within a scene. There is an option to replay some of the HOP scenes and mini-games. However, I wish the developer had offered more of the mini-games to be replayed.
HOP SCENES: There are nineteen (19) of the most creative HOP scenes I have played. For me, the HOP scenes are the best part of the game. Each scene encompasses a new type of HOP scene. I loved playing a new style of HOP scene from this developer in which pictures with holes within them are placed on the scene to create the item to be removed. Quite ingenious! There is a scene with cryptic clues and there is one with rebus clues. There are also the usual lists of items, matching, storybook, search and replace, and silhouette scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games. Most have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. The majority of the mini-games have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. They are well-designed as usual for the developer.
THE CHAT CAT: Help! No! Tell me it isn’t so! Hopefully, this developer is not planning on including “helpers” in their future games. Morty is a purple annoyance with blue and green eyes. He talks throughout the game making snarky remarks. He pounces about, retrieving items, catches mice (in one scene), claws posts, and is a pain in the neck. Unfortunately, from comments within the game, it appears he may be returning for an encore performance in the future. I love cats, have one as a pet -but don’t want to see a cat nor any helper within a HOP game.
BONUS GAME: It is a sequel and another story. Help Scarlett Dubois deal with a ghostly presence at the Modern Museum of Art. For me, this chapter is not as good as the main game. There is time filler in this chapter as in the main tame. There are seven (7) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. In my opinion, these activities are not as good as those in the main game. Continue to collect the collectibles. Morty the cat is your sidekick in this chapter as well . Unfortunately, this chatty cat talks even more in this chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-seven (37) achievements.
• Collect sixty-five (65) coins to purchase items for a study
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing portraits
• Collect fifteen (15) postcards
• Five (5) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• A purple helper cat named Morty with bi-colored eyes.
• Replay fifteen (15) mini-games and eighteen (18) HOP scenes
• Thirty-seven (37) achievements.
• Collect sixty-five (65) coins to purchase items for a study
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing portraits
• Collect fifteen (15) postcards
• Five (5) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• A purple helper cat named Morty with bi-colored eyes.
• Replay fifteen (15) mini-games and eighteen (18) HOP scenes
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SAMPLES OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E/H -Easy, Hard)
A. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch the numbers on a clock so each number is in the proper location. Use arrows at the top (and at the bottom for the easy mode) to switch numbers.
B. E/H Domino puzzle. Place tiles (as in dominoes) into position so that both ends of each domino match the ones abutting it.
C. Multiple step. (1) Paint by Number. Paint sections of a picture by coloring numbered sections matching those on colored pencils. (2) Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces of a picture into position to restore it.
D. E/H Pattern puzzle. Rotate prongs emanating from tiles so they match the pattern given on a diagram.
E. Matching puzzle. Match up tiles until all are removed
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H Moving tokens puzzle. Move 4 colored tokens to their same colored slots using clunky levers. (Found this a little frustrating). Tokens will continue to move until they hit an obstacle.
G. Connection puzzle. On a grid with honeycomb shaped cells, use a dragon to fill in all the squares of the grid. The dragon continues to move in the grid until it hits an obstacle. You cannot return to any cell twice.
B. E/H Domino puzzle. Place tiles (as in dominoes) into position so that both ends of each domino match the ones abutting it.
C. Multiple step. (1) Paint by Number. Paint sections of a picture by coloring numbered sections matching those on colored pencils. (2) Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces of a picture into position to restore it.
D. E/H Pattern puzzle. Rotate prongs emanating from tiles so they match the pattern given on a diagram.
E. Matching puzzle. Match up tiles until all are removed
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H Moving tokens puzzle. Move 4 colored tokens to their same colored slots using clunky levers. (Found this a little frustrating). Tokens will continue to move until they hit an obstacle.
G. Connection puzzle. On a grid with honeycomb shaped cells, use a dragon to fill in all the squares of the grid. The dragon continues to move in the grid until it hits an obstacle. You cannot return to any cell twice.
I don't recommend this game.
A visit to a childhood home uncovers unreal memories!
Overall rating
5
/
5
96 of 201 found this review helpful
A HAUNTING TALE OF TWO CHILDHOOD FRIENDS
PostedOctober 12, 2019
sunnyglow
fromIt is 1980’s week at BFG. Another game reliving the ghosts of the 1980’s. Instead of burning their house down, too bad this family did not boogie oogie on down to town and call the “Ghostbusters.”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
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: 38 pages (My time: 6 1/2 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages (My time: 6 1/2 hours)
OPINION: Return to the 1980’s in a hauntingly beautiful, surrealistic game. Play Danielle, the childhood friend of Joanne. Traumatized by a fire to her childhood home, resulting in the death of her parents, Joanne has asked you to help her sort out her memories. The game revolves around zigzagging through time, visiting five dates in the 1980’s. Using Joanne’s mother’s diary, piece together your relationship with Joanne as a child and discover her parents’ antagonism toward you.
To me, this is a fantastic game for the Halloween season and one of the better ones from this developer. The game has a well-written story, one which weaves a ghostly ambiance from pieces of shattered memories. For the most part, the game has a good pace. Nevertheless, I feel the game becomes tedious in a few places. I believe this is due to the lack of dialogue and back-and-forth activity between scenes.
The collectibles are the usual signs as in all this developer’s games. Souvenirs are collected from the scenes at the end of the game. I found most easy to locate; however, some the souvenirs do require some interaction within the scene to locate them. I believe this is the first time this developer has included a gimmick in a game. You receive a diary in which to change dates; however, it is not used often in the game. I am not fond of gimmicks and hope this is not a new trend for this developer.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes. The player can replay fourteen (14) of them. Most have morphing objects. I found some difficult to locate within the scenes. Most of the scenes are lists of items. Usually I find this very boring; however, most of the scenes are creatively designed. There are some incredibly beautiful scenes in this game. There are also clever devices used in which to locate the items. In one, feathers of a peacock must be switched to combine two halves of an item to be removed. My favorite is a replacement scene in which constellations based on animals are placed in the proper position on a star map.
There are twenty-three (23) puzzles within the game. They vary in style and difficulty. There is some creative design in their makeup as well. An excellent example is a three-dimensional connection puzzle in which flags from countries are connected on a cube. I have problems at times figuring out how to solve some of the puzzles from this developer. For one of the puzzles, to their credit, this developer provides an illustration on how to solve one of the more complex puzzles in this game. Hopefully, we will see more of this from not only this developer but others as well.
BONUS CHAPTER: As Danielle, relive the story of how you arrived at the manor. As you repair and stitch together your torn memories, locate and repair your tattered teddy bear as well. There are five (5) HOP scenes and five (5) puzzles. Three of the puzzles are the same puzzle – a variation of a block puzzle which increases in difficulty. It is a decent chapter and provides more detail to clarify the story from the main game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirteen (13) achievements.
• Collect thirty-four (34) signs
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect twenty (20) souvenirs – collected after the game is completed
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and twenty-one (21) puzzles
• Get a gimmicky diary in which to place dates.
• Thirteen (13) achievements.
• Collect thirty-four (34) signs
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect twenty (20) souvenirs – collected after the game is completed
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and twenty-one (21) puzzles
• Get a gimmicky diary in which to place dates.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Circular jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces located in a circle around a stain-glass picture into position to restore it.
B. Tic-Tac-Toe puzzle. Beat a squirrel by either getting three lady bugs in a row before he does or prevent the squirrel from getting three in a row. In other words try for a scratch game.
C. Connection puzzle. Place 8 batteries onto a grid so that each cell within the grid receives power. Cells turn green when they are connected to the battery.
D. Paint by numbers. Paint a picture by matching up colors with numbers
E. Connection puzzle. Connect flags on a cube according to a diagram. Rotate the cube to connect the flags.
F. Maze puzzle. Navigate a vent system of a house while overcoming obstacles in your path. Use items within the vent system to help you in your quest to get to the end.
G. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so it does not cross itself.
H. Assembly puzzle. Overlap papers with pieces of an image until the create the entire image of a vine
BONUS CHAPTER
I. Block puzzle. Variation of this puzzle. Release red squares inside blocks by moving the blocks until openings allow the red squares to be released. Used 3 times in the bonus chapter. Increases in difficulty
J. Sequence puzzle. Open a bookcase by raising the books in sequential order. The raised books must have a matching symbol with the one raised before it.
B. Tic-Tac-Toe puzzle. Beat a squirrel by either getting three lady bugs in a row before he does or prevent the squirrel from getting three in a row. In other words try for a scratch game.
C. Connection puzzle. Place 8 batteries onto a grid so that each cell within the grid receives power. Cells turn green when they are connected to the battery.
D. Paint by numbers. Paint a picture by matching up colors with numbers
E. Connection puzzle. Connect flags on a cube according to a diagram. Rotate the cube to connect the flags.
F. Maze puzzle. Navigate a vent system of a house while overcoming obstacles in your path. Use items within the vent system to help you in your quest to get to the end.
G. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so it does not cross itself.
H. Assembly puzzle. Overlap papers with pieces of an image until the create the entire image of a vine
BONUS CHAPTER
I. Block puzzle. Variation of this puzzle. Release red squares inside blocks by moving the blocks until openings allow the red squares to be released. Used 3 times in the bonus chapter. Increases in difficulty
J. Sequence puzzle. Open a bookcase by raising the books in sequential order. The raised books must have a matching symbol with the one raised before it.
Four friends are pulled inside a movie where the special effects are all too real!
Overall rating
5
/
5
129 of 217 found this review helpful
A GAME THAT WILL GRAB YOU – RIGHT INTO THE MOVIE SCREEN
PostedOctober 10, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThe ghosts of movies past will haunt and jaunt your memory while playing this game. From slasher films to creature films, this game is a mild fright scare nightmare.
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: 37 pages (My Time: 4 hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My Time: 4 hours)
OPINION: Boo! Happy Halloween! Grab some popcorn and get ready to enjoy a horror movie – one which will grab you – right into the screen! Play Ellie, residing in a small town in Maine. Two years have passed since your friends disappeared into your television, each trapped within a different horror movie. Now, after discovering the tape is still in the VCR, you find yourself transported into the video as well. Enjoy your Halloween in a trio of scary movies, “Terror at Ravenstorm High, “House of Nightmares,” and “The Summer Camp Stalker.”
This game is all decked out for Halloween with pumpkins, ghosts, and other Halloween fare. This is an easy breezy game – one which the whole family can enjoy. It is a short game, but one which should get most into the Halloween spirit. The story is a compilation of bits and pieces of scenes from horror movies of the past. It is not scary, but rather, a nice romp around those movies from the past. You might find yourself finding some of the stories jogging a memory of at least one or two horror movies of the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Trick or treat! The collectibles include not only morphing objects, figurines, and poster pieces, but also, three cupcakes and two black cats to add a little festive spirit to your Halloween trick or treat bag! I found them easy to locate. You can replay some of the HOP scenes and mini-games at the end of the game. They are within the archive room.
There are not many HOP scenes nor puzzles within this game. Nevertheless, the game maintains an active pace, principally because each chapter centers on a different movie. There are only sixteen (16) HOP scenes. There are also seven (7) mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to be located. Most of the scenes are standard lists of items, silhouette, storybook and matching. I found two which I feel are somewhat creatively designed. Both scenes involved combining two to three pieces of some object before it is removed. One of the scenes uses sliders to combine the pieces, and the other uses rotating circles to combine them. There are only twenty-two (22) mini-games and they vary in style. Most are easy; however, there is one in the demo which can be played in either a “casual” or “hard” mode.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-five (25) achievements.
• Collect twelve (12) figurines and twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-five (25) poster pieces for three (3) posters
• Collect three (3) cupcakes and two (2) black cats
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games.
• Twenty-five (25) achievements.
• Collect twelve (12) figurines and twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-five (25) poster pieces for three (3) posters
• Collect three (3) cupcakes and two (2) black cats
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Return to Ravenstorm High School. Play a student doing some detective work along with fellow student, Jessica Holmes. While you attend a Halloween party, a werewolf crashes it –right through the wall. Now you and your cohort must contend with this “party crasher” and other monsters running about in this chapter. A special quill, possessed by the headmaster, holds the answer in solving this case. This is a decent chapter with an equal number of mini-games and HOP scenes. There are six (6) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes along with two (2) mini HOP scenes. Continue collecting the collectibles in this chapter. I feel this chapter is worth the price of a collector’s edition.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SAMPLES OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. One for “The Birds.” (1) Assembly puzzle. Place pictures of birds into position on a given grid. (2). Maze puzzle. Rotate 3 rings so that pieces of a bird are placed in the proper position in the center of the grid.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch plates within a grid so that a keyhole for each of 3 keys is created.
C. Matching puzzle. Manipulate the body parts on two figures so they match those on a given diagram.
D. Maze puzzle. Go between two levels of a maze picking up needed items to traverse through it, arriving at a camp counselor’s office
E. Switch puzzle. Switch flowers on vines so that number on the flower is equal to the thorns on its vine.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. Switch triangular tiles to restore an image. The tiles flip with the tiles next to it.
G. Placement puzzle. Place items into the correct location in a scene. 5 per scene. 3 scenes.
H. Switch puzzle. Place bats into position so that their wings match the 2 bats next to them.
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a map by rotating and placing pieces into position.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch plates within a grid so that a keyhole for each of 3 keys is created.
C. Matching puzzle. Manipulate the body parts on two figures so they match those on a given diagram.
D. Maze puzzle. Go between two levels of a maze picking up needed items to traverse through it, arriving at a camp counselor’s office
E. Switch puzzle. Switch flowers on vines so that number on the flower is equal to the thorns on its vine.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. Switch triangular tiles to restore an image. The tiles flip with the tiles next to it.
G. Placement puzzle. Place items into the correct location in a scene. 5 per scene. 3 scenes.
H. Switch puzzle. Place bats into position so that their wings match the 2 bats next to them.
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a map by rotating and placing pieces into position.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop history from repeating itself before it’s too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
97 of 220 found this review helpful
A BEASTLY GAME WHICH GOT LOST IN THE WOODS
PostedOctober 5, 2019
sunnyglow
fromGlad to see the explorer is out of the woods – free of the difficulties experienced in this journey. Too bad this game did not make it!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 7 hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 7 hours)
As a recent graduate from the Academy of Explorers, you are off on perilous journey into the Arcadian Woods to discover why the dreaded Kinzuls have returned! Combat Lancer, the ruler of the Kinzuls, a bitter, vengeful spirit out to destroy humans. Be prepared for a long adventure in the quest to stop this evildoer.
This developer is my favorite; however, this game is NOT indicative of the quality exhibited in most of their other games. I found the story boring with a great deal of repetitive activities. The developer’s trademark vivid purple and neon green graphics are omnipresent and saturate the gaming scenes. It would be refreshing to see more subtle colors in some parts of the game.
This developer is my favorite; however, this game is NOT indicative of the quality exhibited in most of their other games. I found the story boring with a great deal of repetitive activities. The developer’s trademark vivid purple and neon green graphics are omnipresent and saturate the gaming scenes. It would be refreshing to see more subtle colors in some parts of the game.
Known for their amazing number of well-designed puzzles, I am shocked at the lack of puzzles, and for that matter, the lack of HOP scenes as well. This is a long game, one which is lacking sufficient activities to maintain an active pace. It became a snooze-fest for me. There is too much filler in this game – a long, drug out adventure which seemed as if it would never end.
Have a desire to talk with the animals? This is the game for you! I grew tired of playing an adventure gaming Dr. Doolittle, conversing with an immense array of animals. At one point I was rooting for the evildoer, Lancer to restore his army and end the civilization and the game. There is a great deal of time wasted running to and fro searching for inventory items to be used in yet another scene. Ho hum!
There are only thirty-two (32) mini-games is this massive production. There are only five (5) which have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. That designation can be chosen in the menu, but why bother with so few puzzles having this option? There is a gimmicky artifact which allows the player to communicate with the numerous animals in this game. There are nine (9) puzzles associated with the use of the artifact. The puzzles involve either creating, locating, or matching six (6) symbols. The are all similar, but to the developer’s credit, each puzzle has a different design.
There are only eighteen (18) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. Most are creatively designed. There is a variety of styles as well. They include some unique settings. There are the usual lists of items and silhouette. Some of the scenes are search and replace ones in which items are returned to the scene and interact with the scene to further the search for items. Returning are the scenes in which sliders are used to match up the silhouette of each item with the item itself. There is one with rotating rings in which each half of an item must be matched before the item is removed. There is a spot-the-differences puzzle. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Dragus, a beast tamer, wishes to resurrect his wife from the dead. He has discovered the resurrection artifact which will give him the power to do so; however, it will require the life force of a demigod, the White Griffin. Doing so will have disastrous consequences. Stop him before he destroys the Empire! It is a long chapter. Continue collecting the collectibles. There are eleven (11) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes. I feel both the puzzles and HOP scenes are better than those from the main game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing medallions and fifteen (15) statuettes
• Collect sixty-six (66) phoenix feathers to purchase fifteen (15) items for a laboratory.
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky artifact which allows you to speak with animals
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and fourteen (14) mini-games
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing medallions and fifteen (15) statuettes
• Collect sixty-six (66) phoenix feathers to purchase fifteen (15) items for a laboratory.
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky artifact which allows you to speak with animals
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and fourteen (14) mini-games
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. E/H. Connection puzzle. Move 3 colored liquids into vials (2 vials for each color). Rotate tube connections to allow the flow of the liquid. Also disconnect the tube connections when the liquid is not the same color. Moving one tube piece affects the others.
B. Matching/Sequence puzzle. Start with a skull with a symbol on top and match it. Another symbol will appear and match that with another skull. Continue until all skulls are removed.
C. Maze puzzle. Traverse a maze in a catacomb while avoiding whirling axes.
D. Matching puzzle. Place stars into a constellation in the proper position. 3X
E. Play against the computer – in this case against Lancer. Collect more tokens than your opponent. Click on a token and move it. Landing next to your opponent’s token changes their token’s color to yours and vice versa.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze/Connection puzzle. Using a slider which moves two tokens at a time, move the tokens so that there is a path connecting them with their like tokens within a maze
G. Bullseye puzzle. Shoot matching symbols by rotating 3 rings and shooting the two which match each other. Do this for 4 symbols
H. Switch puzzle. Switch columns with dots on them so they match those on a given diagram
B. Matching/Sequence puzzle. Start with a skull with a symbol on top and match it. Another symbol will appear and match that with another skull. Continue until all skulls are removed.
C. Maze puzzle. Traverse a maze in a catacomb while avoiding whirling axes.
D. Matching puzzle. Place stars into a constellation in the proper position. 3X
E. Play against the computer – in this case against Lancer. Collect more tokens than your opponent. Click on a token and move it. Landing next to your opponent’s token changes their token’s color to yours and vice versa.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Maze/Connection puzzle. Using a slider which moves two tokens at a time, move the tokens so that there is a path connecting them with their like tokens within a maze
G. Bullseye puzzle. Shoot matching symbols by rotating 3 rings and shooting the two which match each other. Do this for 4 symbols
H. Switch puzzle. Switch columns with dots on them so they match those on a given diagram
I don't recommend this game.
When the game worlds collapse, help can only come from one place. The real world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
198 of 295 found this review helpful
A FANTASTIC BEGINNING TO A NEW SERIES
PostedOctober 3, 2019
sunnyglow
fromKudos to this developer for an amazing new series! Violence appears to be on the rise in the gaming world. Like the “Avengers” movies, it takes a team to fend off hooded evildoers nowadays!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 75 pages (My time: 7 hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 75 pages (My time: 7 hours)
OPINION: Welcome to a promising new series! Characters from the other series have united forces to defeat an unlikely culprit from destroying the boundaries between the gaming worlds. Be prepared for a very long game. Zigzag between the worlds and time itself as you battle another hooded evildoer. I was not going to purchase this game due to the presence of the ever-annoying dwarf, St. Germain; however, he quickly departs from this game. For most of the game, the savvy detective, Dupin, assists in the discovery of the culprit and helps you restore order to the gaming worlds.
This game is marked improvement for this developer. A great deal of work went into this game. IThe story is akin to the “Avengers,” a superhero movie franchise in which a band of superheroes band together to fight crime. The graphics are nicely done as usual for this developer. It is a fast-paced game jam-packed with activities.
This game is a puzzle-lover's delight! There are SIXTY-TWO (62) PUZZLES in this game. They vary in style and difficulty, and most are creatively designed. There are a few puzzles which have the option to be played in either a “casual” or “hard” mode. There is one repetitive one used to activate the Staff of Time. There is another repeated puzzle which involves rotating segments of a column until the image of the same animal seen on each segment.
This developer has provided two new puzzles which I have not seen previously. One is a hybrid of a maze puzzle combined with a match-3 puzzle. Clear a path for a horse to navigate a maze by matching 3 or more items which are removed. Another has the player competing against a puppet playing a variation of the “Rock, Scissors, Paper” game. Keep track of the cards both you and the puppet have and try to defeat him with the right card containing a picture of a rock, scissors or paper.
From what I counted, there are thirty (30) HOP scenes. There are also scenes which I designate as “mini-HOP” scenes in which the there is a small number of items to locate. Most of the HOP scenes are lists of items or silhouette. They are interactive and many of the silhouette scenes involve searching for items and then replacing them back into the scene. There are puzzles within some of the HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. As a member of the newly formed group named “The Watchers,” you are contacted by the Puppet Master to battle werewolves from another world. The whole puppet world is in peril as puppets, the guardians of the world, are being slashed and trashed. The chapter is consistent with the main game. However, I was irritated by the excessive howling of wolves in this chapter. It was so pervasive, I debated continuing with the rest of the game. There are thirteen (13) puzzles and twelve (12) HOP scenes. Continue collecting the collectibles. The quality of the game is consistent with the main game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Fourteen (14) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect coins to purchase twelve (12) items in a dungeon.
• Seven (7) wallpapers along with eight (8) screensavers, concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay nineteen (19) mini-games and fourteen (14) HOP scenes
• Fourteen (14) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects
• Collect coins to purchase twelve (12) items in a dungeon.
• Seven (7) wallpapers along with eight (8) screensavers, concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay nineteen (19) mini-games and fourteen (14) HOP scenes
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE SIXTY-TWO (62) MINI-GAMES:
A. Staff of Time puzzle. Matching puzzle. On a grid remove tokens by matching them until only one token remains. The puzzles increase in difficulty as the game progresses. 3X within game.
B. Mathematical puzzle. On 2 bookshelves, place numbered books so the sum of the 2 books on the top shelf and 2 books on the bottom shelf equal a number between them. Place books so each set of 4 books equals the sum provided.
C. Matching puzzle. On a column divided into 3 sections, rotate each section so that all three have the same symbol as that displayed under the column. Rotating one section moves the others as well. 3X within the game.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch colored gears (5 of reach color) behind 5 girls’ portraits so that same colored gears are together and mesh with each other.
E. 3-Ring puzzle. A variation in which 5 rings are placed in ascending order in the middle row of 3 rows. A smaller ring cannot be placed behind a larger one. (Within a HOP scene)
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate triangles on a grid to restore an image.
G. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence of symbols imprinted on the tiles of a turtle’s back.
H. Tangram puzzle. Build a bridge! Place pieces into position so they interlock to create a bridge.
BONUS CHAPTER
I. Assembly puzzle. Move and position the arms on a puppet to match that of a given diagram
J. Switch puzzle. On a grid switch keys – two at a time until they are situated in the proper location by color and design. If you switch the keys on both sides of the grid, the keys will flip sides.
K. Matching puzzle. In this case, locate the unmatched wolf hiding within a bunch of them
L. Maze puzzle. Move a shield through a maze without touching the sides.
B. Mathematical puzzle. On 2 bookshelves, place numbered books so the sum of the 2 books on the top shelf and 2 books on the bottom shelf equal a number between them. Place books so each set of 4 books equals the sum provided.
C. Matching puzzle. On a column divided into 3 sections, rotate each section so that all three have the same symbol as that displayed under the column. Rotating one section moves the others as well. 3X within the game.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch colored gears (5 of reach color) behind 5 girls’ portraits so that same colored gears are together and mesh with each other.
E. 3-Ring puzzle. A variation in which 5 rings are placed in ascending order in the middle row of 3 rows. A smaller ring cannot be placed behind a larger one. (Within a HOP scene)
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate triangles on a grid to restore an image.
G. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence of symbols imprinted on the tiles of a turtle’s back.
H. Tangram puzzle. Build a bridge! Place pieces into position so they interlock to create a bridge.
BONUS CHAPTER
I. Assembly puzzle. Move and position the arms on a puppet to match that of a given diagram
J. Switch puzzle. On a grid switch keys – two at a time until they are situated in the proper location by color and design. If you switch the keys on both sides of the grid, the keys will flip sides.
K. Matching puzzle. In this case, locate the unmatched wolf hiding within a bunch of them
L. Maze puzzle. Move a shield through a maze without touching the sides.