sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:821
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 27, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you reach your new family in time for Christmas?
Overall rating
5
/
5
179 of 275 found this review helpful
ALL “DOLLED UP” FOR CHRISTMAS
PostedDecember 10, 2020
sunnyglow
fromDolls are precious reflections of joyous light, whose only hope is to delight " quote by Gayle Wray, famous dollmaker.
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: 49 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 pages
STORY: Play Bell Doll, an adorable, big-eyed doll attired in a flared dress who is the cherished Christmas present desired by a girl named Frances. However, Frances may not get her prized gift. As Bell, you fell out of Santa’s bag of toys and now are off on a journey to find your way to Frances’ home to greet her Christmas morning. However, a misguided elf named Terrence is determined to keep you from reaching Frances. The journey will be fraught with danger with Terrence in hot pursuit, but you will get some help from some broken toys. Enjoy a wondrous, beautiful Christmas adventure in this game!
OPINION: Grab some eggnog and some of Santa’s cookies and get ready to enjoy another fantastic holiday game! What a bright, festive game! This is another Christmas game decked out in holiday attire with ornament laden Christmas trees, bright lights, elves, and toys galore! For me, this is one of the best games from Domini this year. I loved listening to the Christmas background music and singing along. This is a great game for the entire family. The story, the joyful music, the beautiful Christmas graphics, and the creatively designed HOP scenes and mini-games make this game a classic.
The stories are well-written in both the main game and in the bonus chapter. Both stories emphasize the hope and joy of the holidays. The game has a good pace with plenty of activities to keep a player occupied – all set in a beautiful Christmas environment. Collect presents, Christmas treats from around the world, and coins to purchase items to deck out the town square. I found most easy to locate.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 15 presents and 15 Christmas treats from around the world
• Collect 88 coins to purchase items for the town square.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• 40 achievements.
• Collect 15 presents and 15 Christmas treats from around the world
• Collect 88 coins to purchase items for the town square.
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Help two toymakers, Carlos and Mrs. Tolevare, patch up their differences and renew their friendship. Envious of Carlos, Mrs. Tolevare has put an enchantment on Carlos. Now you must try to release this enchantment while repairing the relationship between the two. This is a nice addition to the game. The chapter has six (6) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. The HOP scenes and mini-games are creatively designed. One of the HOP scenes involves locating items on a pop-up Christmas card and another requires searching for items and then placing them back into the proper location. This chapter is well-worth the price of the Collector’s Edition.
HOP SCENES. There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Domini is better known for their puzzles; however, hands down, these HOP scenes are some of the best I have played this year. They are thematic and include a wide array of styles. They include lists of items, including one scene in which you make some yummy Christmas cookies. There are silhouette scenes, rebus clues, spot-the-differences, items listed on letters to Santa and scenes in which items are located based on their pattern or from small piece of the object.
MINI-GAMES. There are twenty-six (26) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the puzzles have the option to be played in an easy mode for those who want an easy breezy game or in a hard mode for those who want a little more challenge in their games. Most are thematic reflecting the Christmas theme.
GETTING ALL DOLLED UP FOR CHRISTMAS WITH SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H Singing Elsa Doll. Switch puzzle. Switch piano keys so that all are placed correctly on a sheet of music. In the hard version keys can only be switched with those next to them
B. E/H. Barbie Rainbow Lights Doll. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored lights on a grid without crossing over other connections. The hard version has one more set of lights to connect
C. E/H. China Doll. Mathematical puzzle. Place tokens on an abacus so each row and column contain the number of tokens as indicated on the sides and bottom of the grid.
D. E/H. Cabbage Patch doll. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces onto a birdhouse grid so that all pieces fit without any gaps. The easy version has less pieces to fit into the grid.
E. E/H. Raggedy Ann Doll. Maze puzzle. Move on a floor avoiding broken floorboards. If you land on a broken floorboard you must restart. The easy version has less options on which floorboards to walk on.
F. E/H. Bobble Head Doll. Assembly puzzle Copy a given 3-D image by adding and removing blocks on the grid until it matches the given image. The easy version has a less complex design to copy
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H. Santa Claus Doll. Map puzzle. In the hard version – plot a path for a sleigh by plotting a course placing arrows into position. Press start to reach a house while avoiding hidden obstacles in your path. In the easy version just move a sleigh one square at a time.
H. E/H. Paper Doll. Move arrows up and down to change a doll’s appearance to match that of a given diagram.
I. E/H. Matryoshka Dolls. Assembly puzzle. Using gemstones, create an image matching that on a given diagram. The easy version has a more simplistic design to copy
B. E/H. Barbie Rainbow Lights Doll. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored lights on a grid without crossing over other connections. The hard version has one more set of lights to connect
C. E/H. China Doll. Mathematical puzzle. Place tokens on an abacus so each row and column contain the number of tokens as indicated on the sides and bottom of the grid.
D. E/H. Cabbage Patch doll. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces onto a birdhouse grid so that all pieces fit without any gaps. The easy version has less pieces to fit into the grid.
E. E/H. Raggedy Ann Doll. Maze puzzle. Move on a floor avoiding broken floorboards. If you land on a broken floorboard you must restart. The easy version has less options on which floorboards to walk on.
F. E/H. Bobble Head Doll. Assembly puzzle Copy a given 3-D image by adding and removing blocks on the grid until it matches the given image. The easy version has a less complex design to copy
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H. Santa Claus Doll. Map puzzle. In the hard version – plot a path for a sleigh by plotting a course placing arrows into position. Press start to reach a house while avoiding hidden obstacles in your path. In the easy version just move a sleigh one square at a time.
H. E/H. Paper Doll. Move arrows up and down to change a doll’s appearance to match that of a given diagram.
I. E/H. Matryoshka Dolls. Assembly puzzle. Using gemstones, create an image matching that on a given diagram. The easy version has a more simplistic design to copy
I recommend this game!
Can you bring back magic and rescue your mom in time for Christmas?
Overall rating
5
/
5
183 of 273 found this review helpful
SINGING THE PRAISES OF ANOTHER FANTASTIC HOLIDAY GAME IN THIS SERIES
PostedDecember 3, 2020
sunnyglow
from“Deck the Halls!” “Christmas Time is Here Again!”and…. “Here Comes Santa Claus” (let us all beware!) Last year “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” (Santa please take care!)
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: 35 pages (My Time: 7 Hours plus one hour singing Christmas carols)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages (My Time: 7 Hours plus one hour singing Christmas carols)
STORY: Enjoy a festive, fun-filled adventure into the Christmas forest as you play Inga, a young girl in search of her mother who has disappeared. A misguided, evil sorceress is behind her disappearance. A magical snow globe will allow your mother to communicate with you and lead you to her location. In your journey you will face trials and difficulties. However, you will get some help from Winter and Grandfather Christmas as you try to not only find your mother but save Christmas and this misguided sorceress as well.
OPINION: Grab a hot cup of cocoa, some Christmas cookies, and enjoy another fantastic seasonal game from Elephant Games. This year’s offering is decked out for Christmas with glistening lights, Christmas trees chock full of glitter and ornaments, garland, and sweets of all kind. I love the Christmas games from this developer and this one is no exception. Playing it got me into the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed the musical background, which is Christmas-like. However, I wish the developer had used traditional Christmas carols as they did in the past. I loved to sing along with those background songs. Nevertheless, it is a fun game full of Christmas spirit with a message of redemption. The grinchy, green goblins which pop up periodically, provide a sprinkling of comic relief throughout the game. The graphics are incredibly beautiful. Baked into this game are some incredibly beautiful scenes.
There are three collectibles - morphing presents, puzzle pieces, and characters from the game. I found some of the puzzle pieces difficult to locate. I also found some of the morphing presents difficult to locate as well. Many are cleverly hidden within a pile of other presents in some of the scenes. However, I found the characters easy as mincemeat pie to locate. I always enjoy the secret rooms at the end of the games. Searching the scenes for additional items is fun but can be vexing. Some are well-hidden.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 26 morphing presents, 48 puzzle pieces for 4 jigsaw puzzles, and 12 mascots
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes
• Secret Room. At the end of the game enter the secret room to revisit scenes from the game to search for more items.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 26 morphing presents, 48 puzzle pieces for 4 jigsaw puzzles, and 12 mascots
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes
• Secret Room. At the end of the game enter the secret room to revisit scenes from the game to search for more items.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Welcome to a Catstown Christmas! Poor little kittens are receiving fake presents instead of real ones. You, as a white cat in shining armor, are to the rescue! There is a misguided creature behind the hidden presents. Can you locate him and help recover his Christmas spirit? I loved this chapter. The big-eyed cats in the chapter are beyond adorable. The graphics are in keeping with the Christmas theme. The chapter is a nice length and is another story of redemption of a misguided spirit. There are seven (7) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. To me, it was well-worth the price of a collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: Most are creatively designed with a Christmas motif. There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. There is a variety of types of scenes including silhouette, matching, storybook, and lists of items. There are also some mini-HOP scenes which involve searching for six or seven items. My favorite scene was a scene using sliders to move glass shards into position on a window.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in difficulty from extremely easy to some which I found moderately difficult. However, for the most part, the puzzles are on the easier side making this game a great one for the whole family.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE CHRISTMAS MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Maze puzzle. Move through a forest of Christmas trees by using yarn. Locate the symbols in the scene and click on them. Then, rotate the ball of yarn until it shows you the direction in which to move. 3X
B. “I’m Gonna Lasso Santa Claus” Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so that parts of the rope do not cross each other.
C. “It’ Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” Picture puzzle. Rotate and place glass shards within a stained-glass window to create a picture
D. “Nutcracker Waltz of the Snowflakes” Matching puzzle. Match up snowflakes to remove them. The snowflakes are only partial flakes. Click on them to see the complete snowflake.
E. “Unlock the Holiday Magic” Logic puzzle. Set parts on a key by moving them up and down until they fit a lock. If the segment is correctly placed, it will turn green.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. “Shake Hands with Santa Claus” Connection puzzle. Switch 6 figurines so their hands interconnect.
G. “Christmas Memories” Switch puzzle. The story of a bear’s life. Place tokens in the proper order around a circular grid to tell the life story of a bear.
H. “Blue Christmas” Switch puzzle. Switch blue, green, red, and yellow tokens with connectors on their ends so that all tokens of the same color connect in a smooth line.
B. “I’m Gonna Lasso Santa Claus” Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so that parts of the rope do not cross each other.
C. “It’ Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” Picture puzzle. Rotate and place glass shards within a stained-glass window to create a picture
D. “Nutcracker Waltz of the Snowflakes” Matching puzzle. Match up snowflakes to remove them. The snowflakes are only partial flakes. Click on them to see the complete snowflake.
E. “Unlock the Holiday Magic” Logic puzzle. Set parts on a key by moving them up and down until they fit a lock. If the segment is correctly placed, it will turn green.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. “Shake Hands with Santa Claus” Connection puzzle. Switch 6 figurines so their hands interconnect.
G. “Christmas Memories” Switch puzzle. The story of a bear’s life. Place tokens in the proper order around a circular grid to tell the life story of a bear.
H. “Blue Christmas” Switch puzzle. Switch blue, green, red, and yellow tokens with connectors on their ends so that all tokens of the same color connect in a smooth line.
I recommend this game!
When volcanic eruptions uncover hidden caves in Samoa, you can’t wait to decipher the ancient texts inside! But this educational expedition quickly takes a dangerous turn when someone steals your research! Legend says the Maori hid a powerful artifact, and there’s no telling what damage it could do in the wrong hands! Can you find the artifact and save the world in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
113 of 228 found this review helpful
ENJOY AN ISLAND ADVENTURE IN ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedNovember 19, 2020
sunnyglow
fromFrom the fact cards I discovered why people are “flocking” to New Zealand. There are 9 sheep for every person in that country. That could be “baaad” news if you try to drive the country roads. That could be a wild and “woolly” situation.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
8 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 54 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
8 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 54 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
STORY: Agent! At the invitation of your friend, Macana, you are off on a Polynesian vacation on the island of Forgotten Cloud, off the coast of New Zealand. However, your vacation plans will be dashed when you meet an unscrupulous agent of the Black Market who dupes you into helping her in her quest to locate a valuable relic, the Sun Drop. This artifact brings power and wealth to whoever owns it; however, it comes with a price – death and destruction to the world. Now you and your friend must race against time to locate this artifact before she does.
OPINION: What a fantastic game – a classic! I found this game to be one of the best ones I have played this year. With the pandemic thwarting any vacation plans I had this year, at least for a few hours, I felt I was on vacation on this island paradise. The graphics are incredibly beautiful. For once, Domini left the vivid purple and neon green in their crayon box and brought out soft pastels and bright blues to reflect an island paradise. I found the background music relaxing and soothing. I was completely immersed in this game. In my opinion, Domini is the one to beat in producing this genre of games. They even outdid themselves with this game. Kudos to the “gamemeister!”
This is a long game! However, the time just sped by playing it. The pace of the game is excellent. Once I started, I just wanted to finish it! There are plenty of activities and a change of scenery to keep a player engaged. Collect fact cards, tattoos, and souvenirs of your trip. The fact cards provide trivia about New Zealand. It was nice to see that there were no collectible coins, seashells or any other currency used to exchange for some trinkets to put in a beach bungalow, aquarium, or any other location. I, for one, really liked just collecting the three provided. I found most easy to locate but some were somewhat difficult.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 41 achievements.
• Collect 15 fact disks which give facts about New Zealand, 15 tattoos and 15 souvenirs
• 13 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 41 achievements.
• Collect 15 fact disks which give facts about New Zealand, 15 tattoos and 15 souvenirs
• 13 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 18 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: As an agent of H.E.L.P. you are off on another case, this time to another tropical paradise, Hawaii. The Black Market is planning a heist to steal a Maori tablet which is being transported to the Hawaiian Museum. When you arrive, you see the perpetrator escaping with the tablet. Now you are off to recover it. I found this chapter to be a nice addition to the game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games. I found the quality of activities the same as in the main chapter. Continue to collect all the collectibles in this chapter.
HOP SCENES: Feast your eyes on some incredible eye candy with these scenes! There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes; all can be replayed at the end of the game. They are creatively designed and there are many different styles. The underwater scenes are breathtaking! There are two scenes which I found outstanding. In one, the player locates shells underwater in three different scenes. These three scenes are just incredibly beautiful. In another scene, the player locates symbols with some glistening Maori works of art. Domini is best known for their puzzles; however, the scenes in this game are some of the best I have ever played.
MINI-GAMES: As always, Domini provides more game for the money. This is evident in the mini-games. There are twenty-four (24) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the mini-games can be played in either a “hard” or “easy” mode. This option can be set in the menu but can be changed as well while playing the game. I love this feature. It allows the player to tailor the game to his taste – an easy breezy game for some to a challenging one for others. There is a wide range of puzzles as well.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO (E = Easy; H= Hard)
A. E/H Tangram puzzle. Place pieces to fill in gaps in a bridge so that a full bridge is created with no gaps. The hard version has more pieces to place.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Use fuses to connect matching numbers to create an electrical current between them. The easy version has 4 numbers. The hard version has 6
C. E/H Sequence puzzle. Somewhat like a HOP scene. Search for a specific number of items on a computer screen. In the hard version you must do them in sequence. In the easy version, just locate the number of items requested.
D. Map puzzle. Swim in an ocean grid to reach an exit avoiding dangerous jellyfish in your path. Choose between 3 paths and click on the path at the right moment. 3X
E. Connection puzzle. Connect jellyfish with the number of lines emanating from them which matches the number written on them
F. E/H. Moving tiles puzzle. Move cylinders to display numbers and press on them in sequential order from 1 to 7 in the easy version and 1 to 10 in the hard version.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H Alignment puzzle. Align bars with symbols on them with those at the bottom of the grid so all symbols are lit up at the bottom of the grid. The harder version has more symbols and more bars to align.
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch books so that the hands of the images on the spine have a sphere between them. Hard version has more books to switch
A. E/H Tangram puzzle. Place pieces to fill in gaps in a bridge so that a full bridge is created with no gaps. The hard version has more pieces to place.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Use fuses to connect matching numbers to create an electrical current between them. The easy version has 4 numbers. The hard version has 6
C. E/H Sequence puzzle. Somewhat like a HOP scene. Search for a specific number of items on a computer screen. In the hard version you must do them in sequence. In the easy version, just locate the number of items requested.
D. Map puzzle. Swim in an ocean grid to reach an exit avoiding dangerous jellyfish in your path. Choose between 3 paths and click on the path at the right moment. 3X
E. Connection puzzle. Connect jellyfish with the number of lines emanating from them which matches the number written on them
F. E/H. Moving tiles puzzle. Move cylinders to display numbers and press on them in sequential order from 1 to 7 in the easy version and 1 to 10 in the hard version.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. E/H Alignment puzzle. Align bars with symbols on them with those at the bottom of the grid so all symbols are lit up at the bottom of the grid. The harder version has more symbols and more bars to align.
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch books so that the hands of the images on the spine have a sphere between them. Hard version has more books to switch
I recommend this game!
A paranormal festival is held hostage by a mystery man demanding the truth!
Overall rating
5
/
5
129 of 233 found this review helpful
TRAPPED IN A WEB OF LIES
PostedNovember 12, 2020
sunnyglow
fromWhat kind of spider weaves a web of lies? Perhaps a black widow lying in wait for her next victim.
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: 40 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages
STORY: Will those little white lies get you into trouble? Better watch out! The God of Truth may trap you in those lies and you may never escape. Join Rick Rogers as he tries to save four liars from being trapped for eternity, including his own girlfriend, Rachel. All these liars attended the United Paranormal Fair and have been trapped within the worlds of their lying by the God of Truth. Hopefully, the wit and wisdom from Rick can assuage this by-the-book god.
OPINION: I love this series and found this game the best one in the series to date! If you lie – you eventually get caught, which is what happens in this game. Each liar gets trapped within a web of his lies and Rick must discover the lies to open the portal to their entrapment and battle to free them. There are four (4) stories, and you have a choice in the order in which you deal with two of the characters. The scenes reflect a carnival atmosphere and many of the activities are based on arcade games. I found it a fun, easy/breezy game and feel it is a great game for the whole family. However, some might find the bonus chapter a little unsettling with the creepy clowns and dolls.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 24 morphing objects, 12 statues, 25 puzzle pieces to create a puzzle in the Secret Room
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 15 HOP scenes and 12 Puzzles
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 24 morphing objects, 12 statues, 25 puzzle pieces to create a puzzle in the Secret Room
• 8 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 15 HOP scenes and 12 Puzzles
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Join the characters from the main game as they play “Face Your Fears.” With the throw of the dice, find yourself in a nightmare world of clowns, creepy dolls, dangling roller coasters as you help each of four characters battle their fears. I loved this chapter. I found it a nice addition to the game and worthy of the designation of a collector’s edition. There are four (4) HOP scenes with an additional four (4) mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to locate. There are six (6) puzzles in this chapter which I found thematic.
HOP SCENES: There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes. All can be replayed at the end of the game. I am not a big fan of HOP scenes, but I enjoyed playing these. There are not as many as in other games, but I feel these are stellar and creatively designed. They are mainly lists of items, matching, and silhouette; however, there are creative elements within them which makes each one unique. There are some beautifully illustrated HOP scenes in this game.
PUZZLES: I love the fact this developer calls these “puzzles” and not mini-games. There is no difference to me, and I always wonder why the term “mini-games” is used to describe puzzles. Many of the puzzles have the flair of arcade games at a fair. There are a few which I enjoyed because they are unique and not regurgitated ones seen in many HOPA games. My favorite is the pinball puzzle in which bumpers must be angled correctly for a ball to bounce its way to the exit. It is a fun puzzle and has two parts.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Casual/Hard. Maze puzzle. Create a path to lead Rick through the fair in 9 steps. In the casual mode Rick moves one step at a time and in the hard mode Rick must plot his steps and check if they are correct 2X
B. Shadow play. Choose the correct animal among 16 which is created by the shadow of a mechanical hand. Locate 8 animals.
C. Escape puzzle. Choose a route at the right time to escape guards as you enter a fair.
D. Sequence puzzle. Press on buttons in sequential numerical order by moving the sliders on 3 cylinders back and forth to display numbers through holes within in the cylinder.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Sequence puzzle. Place tokens on plug outlets in the proper order to make a flower grow. Each of the tokens is related to the others and causes some action upon the next one in the sequence.
F. Pinball Puzzle. Move bumpers in a pinball machine to create angles so that when the “Start” button is pressed, a ball bumps off the bumpers and reaches the exit point.
G. Sequence puzzle. Turn on all lights in a round string by pressing on them. Each light affects the others around it, turning them either on or off.
B. Shadow play. Choose the correct animal among 16 which is created by the shadow of a mechanical hand. Locate 8 animals.
C. Escape puzzle. Choose a route at the right time to escape guards as you enter a fair.
D. Sequence puzzle. Press on buttons in sequential numerical order by moving the sliders on 3 cylinders back and forth to display numbers through holes within in the cylinder.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Sequence puzzle. Place tokens on plug outlets in the proper order to make a flower grow. Each of the tokens is related to the others and causes some action upon the next one in the sequence.
F. Pinball Puzzle. Move bumpers in a pinball machine to create angles so that when the “Start” button is pressed, a ball bumps off the bumpers and reaches the exit point.
G. Sequence puzzle. Turn on all lights in a round string by pressing on them. Each light affects the others around it, turning them either on or off.
I recommend this game!
Budapest is under attack as vampires stalk the streets!
Overall rating
5
/
5
126 of 261 found this review helpful
A BLOODY GOOD GAME YOU CAN SINK YOUR FANGS INTO
PostedOctober 29, 2020
sunnyglow
fromHappy Halloween! This game illustrates how sleuthing can get into one’s blood.
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: 42 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
STORY: Detective! Is prophecy being fulfilled? Is a lunar eclipse portending the resurrection of Dracula? Vampire bats have invaded Bucharest creating chaos throughout the city. Vampire hysteria is rampant! The victims are young men in their twenties, found dead with red eyes, seemingly the cause of a vampire bite. After her brother is a victim, a budding detective, Agatha, has asked your help in sleuthing this case. Has Dracula returned or is there an elaborate hoax being perpetrated by an unlikely suspect?
OPINION: This is a “fang-tastic” vampire themed game. It is a nice addition to this week's Halloween games. I enjoyed this detective game with a story which turned out to be nothing what I expected it to be. I found the story behind the game well-written and loved the surprise ending. It is a fast-paced game with beautiful graphics portraying Bucharest of the late 1800’s.
I love the layout of this game. There is a sidebar at the left side of the screen which indicates if there is a collectible within the scene and if it has been located. I wish more developers would provide this feature. There are two collectibles within the game, morphing objects and playing cards. There is one of each in every scene. I found most easy to locate; however, I did find a few well-hidden. At the end of the game, you will use the playing cards to play an additional card game. As you play the game you will make deductions in two formats. In one, the player analyzes a murder scene searching for a list of clues within the scene. In the other, the player is presented with six suspects or items from the game and places them into the blanks of a narrative summarizing the events just witnessed.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 28 cards to play a card game at the end of the game.
• Collect 28 morphing objects, mostly bats.
• 9 wallpapers and 8 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 28 cards to play a card game at the end of the game.
• Collect 28 morphing objects, mostly bats.
• 9 wallpapers and 8 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Agatha, a character from the main game, who has earned her detective stripes. The chauvinistic policeman, Laszlo, now realizes her talent for detective work and has asked her to help him with a case. Monsters have invaded Bucharest and are tearing up the town. These creatures have superhuman strength. Where did these creatures come from and what Frankesteinian nightmare has been unleashed on the city? I liked the story behind the game. There are five (5) mini-games and seven (7) HOP scenes. The scenes are reused as well as some of the HOP scenes in this chapter. One of the mini-games was a repeat of one in the main game. It is a decent; nevertheless, I liked the main game better.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (21) scenes in the game. All can be replayed at the end of the game. Most are lists of items, silhouette, or matching pairs. There is also scene in which items are identified by their pattern or based on a small segment of the item. My favorite is one which involved taking papers with punched out constellations and overlaying them over those on a star globe to remove them from the globe.
MINI-GAMES: This game is a puzzle-lovers dream! There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be played at the end of the game. I found them creatively designed. There is one which can be played in either a “hard” mode or “casual” mode. I wished the developer had provided a few more puzzles with that option. There is a wide variety of different styles of puzzles as well.
MINI-GAMES: This game is a puzzle-lovers dream! There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be played at the end of the game. I found them creatively designed. There is one which can be played in either a “hard” mode or “casual” mode. I wished the developer had provided a few more puzzles with that option. There is a wide variety of different styles of puzzles as well.
SPOILERS: LISTED BELOW ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Rotate 5 cylinders with path segments on them to create a continuous path for each of 3 tokens to reach the other side
B. (Hard/Casual) Maze puzzle. Move through a maze collecting parts to build a ladder. In the hard version the maze is dark, only displaying a small lighted area as you move through the maze. In the easy version the scene is lit up.
C. Matching puzzle. Match up like bats
D. Switch puzzle. Switch masks and clothing on 3 mannequins so each has the appropriate mask and clothing
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Jigsaw puzzle. Rotate and connect pieces together to form a picture of a vampire
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate 3 dials so that the correct number appears through a hole on each of the three dials
G. Math problem. Move a dial on a pressure gauge to a green zone using two valves to move the dial either 3 spaces to the right or 5 spaces to the left.
B. (Hard/Casual) Maze puzzle. Move through a maze collecting parts to build a ladder. In the hard version the maze is dark, only displaying a small lighted area as you move through the maze. In the easy version the scene is lit up.
C. Matching puzzle. Match up like bats
D. Switch puzzle. Switch masks and clothing on 3 mannequins so each has the appropriate mask and clothing
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Jigsaw puzzle. Rotate and connect pieces together to form a picture of a vampire
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate 3 dials so that the correct number appears through a hole on each of the three dials
G. Math problem. Move a dial on a pressure gauge to a green zone using two valves to move the dial either 3 spaces to the right or 5 spaces to the left.
I recommend this game!
A mysterious invitation promises rare treasures but exposes dark secrets!
Overall rating
5
/
5
157 of 251 found this review helpful
A COLLECTOR’S EDITION TO APPEAL TO COLLECTORS EVERYWHERE
PostedOctober 22, 2020
sunnyglow
fromBeing a collector can be dangerous. One of the collectors in this game who collected photographs faced being frozen in a photo. Does that mean the if you are a collector of HOPA games, you could end up as a collectible morphing object in some HOP scene?
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: 36 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My Time: 7 Hours)
OPINION: Are you a collector of creepy HOPA games? You might want to add this surrealistic thriller to your collection. Someone let cat out of the box – in this case, a crazed harlequin named Curioso. Collectors are disappearing and you, as an agent from the Dark Light Detective Agency, have been asked to investigate the disappearances by a mysterious stranger. Attend a private auction where you will learn the stories of three (3) collectors who will stop at nothing to get a prized collectible. They have been drawn to this private showing, all searching for that special collectible. All of you are trapped within an old Gothic mansion, with each collector reliving their secret, tawdry past. The maniacal harlequin, Curioso, will be your guide. At the end, you will decide their fate for their transgressions.
OPINION: Play the game your way! One of the nice features of this game is the ability to tailor it to your own taste. The game has three (3) options of gameplay. The player can choose more mini-games, more HOP scenes, or an equal number of each. Each chapter centers on one of the collectors and at the end, the player chooses between three (3) outcomes for each of them. Nevertheless, I did not find that the choice I made altered the outcome of the game. For me, it was nice to have more puzzles to play and fewer HOP scenes. With its fast pace, gorgeous graphics, and a boxload of extras, this is a fantastic game for the Halloween season.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 48 morphing collectibles and 20 jigsaw pieces for a puzzle played at the end of the game
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Hidden chapter which contains a HOP scene.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 48 morphing collectibles and 20 jigsaw pieces for a puzzle played at the end of the game
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Hidden chapter which contains a HOP scene.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 11 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel entitled, “Story of Woe.” Look into the soul of Curioso and relive his tormented childhood and learn his tragic fate. It is a lengthy chapter and a nice addition to the game. Since I chose to play more mini-games than HOP scenes, I can only indicate the number of each I played. I played eight (8) mini-games and two (2) HOP scenes. I liked the story behind the chapter and feel it is well-worth the price of the collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: Since I played the version which contained more mini-games, I only played thirteen (13) HOP scenes. I found the few I played were creatively designed. I enjoyed the eyeball bending scene in which all the items within the scene morphed. I also loved the search and replace scene set within a storybook setting in which items are located within four (4) scenes and then replaced into another scene. There is a Match-3 game which can be played in lieu of the scenes. The player is timed, and an accuracy percentage is provided for each scene at the end of the game.
MINI-GAMES: I played the version which had more mini-games and was not disappointed. In this version there are twenty-eight (28) mini-games. They vary in difficulty and there are a few mini-games which can be played in an “easy” or “hard” mode. Most are ones seen in other games. There are quite a few picture puzzles in this game; however, there are different styles of those puzzles.
SPOILERS: THERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Picture puzzle. Switch puzzle. Switch blades of a fan to restore an image upon it.
B. Picture puzzle. Slat puzzle. Move slats into position to restore an image
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove colored strings in the proper sequence.
D. E/H Matching puzzle. Uncover and match up fruit on cards
E. Switch puzzle. Switch piano keys with symbols on them as per a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Block puzzle. Move blocks within a grid to create a path for a gold token to reach the end. (2) Move a token on a chain through a maze to its destination
G. Arcade game. Get the parrot. Move a toy crane up-down-and sideways to move a grabber on a toy crane to get the parrot.
H. Assembly puzzle. Locate pieces on a circular grid which, when combined, create the items in the center of the screen
B. Picture puzzle. Slat puzzle. Move slats into position to restore an image
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove colored strings in the proper sequence.
D. E/H Matching puzzle. Uncover and match up fruit on cards
E. Switch puzzle. Switch piano keys with symbols on them as per a given diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Block puzzle. Move blocks within a grid to create a path for a gold token to reach the end. (2) Move a token on a chain through a maze to its destination
G. Arcade game. Get the parrot. Move a toy crane up-down-and sideways to move a grabber on a toy crane to get the parrot.
H. Assembly puzzle. Locate pieces on a circular grid which, when combined, create the items in the center of the screen
I recommend this game!
A Halloween visit with distant relatives becomes more than you bargained for!
Overall rating
5
/
5
127 of 194 found this review helpful
ENJOY A “FANG-TASTIC” HALLOWEEN WITH BLOOD RELATIVES!
PostedOctober 15, 2020
sunnyglow
fromHappy Halloween! Where can you get the vacuum cleaner from this game? While most can pick up those small, docile dust bunnies, this one has the power to suck up whirling dust monsters! (and maybe other monstrosities in life as well)
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: 45 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
STORY: Enjoy a “fangtastic” Halloween with some long-lost blood relatives at a family reunion. Visit your Uncle Pierre and his family as he hosts a Halloween fair in Scratchtown. There is a hidden reason why your long-lost uncle invited you and one which will trap you within their home. Heed a word of advice! Do not venture into the basement in this home! A monstrous family secret is hidden there and lurking behind the scene is someone out for blood!
OPINION: What a Halloween treat! No tricks here. Just a nice game for the whole family to enjoy. It is decked out for Halloween with pumpkins, vampires, witches, ghosts, and candy galore. It is a fast-paced game with a thematic story and plenty of activities to keep the player engaged. Domini always provides more game for the money, providing those little extras most developers do not provide in their games. This one is no exception.
One of my favorite features is the indicator at the top of the inventory bar which alerts the player when a collectible is within a scene. I like this feature and wish more developers offered it within their games. There are some hidden surprises as well. Clicking on items will cause them to move or make sounds. For example, in the bonus chapter, one can pop all the balloons in one of the scenes by clicking on them. This another feature which adds a novel feature to the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 voodoo dolls and 15 potion ingredients
• Collect 83 rings which can be exchanged to purchase items to dress a skeleton residing in a coffin
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 mini-games and 18 HOP scenes at the end of the game
• 38 achievements.
• Collect 15 voodoo dolls and 15 potion ingredients
• Collect 83 rings which can be exchanged to purchase items to dress a skeleton residing in a coffin
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 18 mini-games and 18 HOP scenes at the end of the game
BONUS CHAPTER: There is always someone trying to lure you off your diet! Play Mara, a vampire who is trying to kick her bloodsucking ways. She has been on a blood-free diet for three months with the help of her friend; however, now her obsessive, controlling ex-lover, Lucian is trying to entice her back into her old vampire lifestyle. Since he won’t take no for an answer, she is off to seek help from Pierre Sullivan, the illusionist from the main game. Join Mara as she tries to return to her human form. I found this chapter equal in quality to that of the main game. I found the story amusing and I liked this chapter a little better than the main game. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. It is well-worth the price of the collector’s edition.
HOP SCENES: There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes, and all can be replayed at the end of the game. Most of the scenes are thematic with Halloween items throughout the scenes. They vary in style and are beautifully illustrated. There are the usual lists of items and silhouette scenes. There are also some of my favorites – the search and replace scenes in which the player searches for items and then returns them to the scene to interact with the scene. There are also those scenes in which items are located based on a small sampling of the item to be removed. Don't want to play a scene? You can opt to play a Match-3 game instead.
MINI-GAMES: Our “puzzlemeisters” have outdone themselves with most puzzles being offered in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games. Eighteen (18) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. The difficulty for the puzzles can be set in the game menu; however, if the puzzles seems to difficult or too easy, the difficulty can be changed while playing the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Mathematical puzzle. Place 3 tokens, a vampire, a werewolf, and a jack-o-lantern on numbered slots on a grid so that the total of the numbers equals 94. Each token multiplies the number upon which it is placed by 1, 2 or 4. The vampire – by 4, werewolf by 2, and the jack-o-lantern by 1. Easy version does not multiply the numbers on the slots
B. E/H. Arcade puzzle. Bop the monsters. Hit all one-eyed monsters to win the game. In the hard version player needs to hit 10 monsters - the easy version, only 8.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Rotate valves in the proper sequence so that all gauges have arrows within a green area. Moving one valve affects the others.
D. E/H/ Strategy puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid, fill in each of 25 squares with symbols so that none are alike in each row, column and the two diagonals within the grid. Easy is a 4 x 4 grid with only 16 squares
E. Assembly puzzle. Move feather pieces on a circular grid so none touch each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H. Maze puzzle. Lead an itsy, bitsy spider through a maze avoiding obstacles within its path. Use a map to help the spider through the maze. The easy version has less obstacles
G. Beat the computer. Collect more green tokens than your opponent’s red ones. Move forward to spaces as designated. If you land next to a red token, it will turn red and vice versa. End up with more of your tokens than your opponent’s.
H. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Arrange cloaked figurines so a magic sphere appears between their hands. The easy version has some of the figurines locked in place. In the hard version, all figurines must be moved.
B. E/H. Arcade puzzle. Bop the monsters. Hit all one-eyed monsters to win the game. In the hard version player needs to hit 10 monsters - the easy version, only 8.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Rotate valves in the proper sequence so that all gauges have arrows within a green area. Moving one valve affects the others.
D. E/H/ Strategy puzzle. On a 5 x 5 grid, fill in each of 25 squares with symbols so that none are alike in each row, column and the two diagonals within the grid. Easy is a 4 x 4 grid with only 16 squares
E. Assembly puzzle. Move feather pieces on a circular grid so none touch each other.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H. Maze puzzle. Lead an itsy, bitsy spider through a maze avoiding obstacles within its path. Use a map to help the spider through the maze. The easy version has less obstacles
G. Beat the computer. Collect more green tokens than your opponent’s red ones. Move forward to spaces as designated. If you land next to a red token, it will turn red and vice versa. End up with more of your tokens than your opponent’s.
H. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Arrange cloaked figurines so a magic sphere appears between their hands. The easy version has some of the figurines locked in place. In the hard version, all figurines must be moved.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your friend escape death's clutches in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
75 of 178 found this review helpful
DON’T GET “HOOD-WINKED” BY THE GRIM REAPER
PostedOctober 8, 2020
sunnyglow
fromHappy Halloween! After dealing with the Grim Reaper in this game, I hope the bus accident survivors can breathe a “scythe of relief.”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 33 pages (My time: 4 hours – short game)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 33 pages (My time: 4 hours – short game)
STORY: Can you avoid your fate? Begin the Halloween season by helping Roy battle The Grim Reaper. He and his friend, Ted, were involved in a bus accident as children. They survived, but now years later, the Reaper is out to claim their souls along with another survivor of that fateful day. Why has the Reaper resurfaced after so many years? The incidents of that fatal day have been resurrected, but for what purpose? Can you beat the Reaper? I hope so! Your life depends upon it!
**OPINION: All decked out in pumpkins, skeletons, and other decorations, this is a nice game to start the Halloween season. I found the game decent but not as good as previous ones within this series. It has a good pace with plenty of activities throughout the game. Nevertheless, I did not care for the story behind this game. To me, the story does not reflect the Halloween spirit. It is more grim than scary or spooky. I found it a short, lackluster game which is a cookie cutter version of other games published throughout the year. Except for the decorations, nothing in the game makes it distinctive to Halloween.
As a final note on this game - there are sections within the game where sound is missing - just deafening silence. At least this is what I experienced on my computer. For me, it did not detract from the game; however, it was obvious there was no soundtrack for a brief period of time.
.
MECHANICS:
.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 11 figurines and 26 morphing objects
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments to complete a picture of the Grim Reaper
• 5 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 puzzles and 13 HOP scenes – within in Archives
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 11 figurines and 26 morphing objects
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments to complete a picture of the Grim Reaper
• 5 Wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 13 puzzles and 13 HOP scenes – within in Archives
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Play the Grim Reaper as he tries to become human. Gertrude, the Patron of Souls has offered him this opportunity. However, he must pass three trials by rescuing three entities who need help. I liked the story from this chapter better than that from the main game. However, I found the activities, especially the mini-games, lacking creativity. Most of the mini-games are extremely easy – a little too easy for my taste. There are two puzzles which I would hardly call puzzles. These two would not even be considered puzzles in other developers’ games. There are three (3) HOP scenes, three (3) mini-HOP scenes involving six (6) items, and five (5) mini-games. It is a lengthy chapter; however, to me, it is not indicative of the quality seen within other bonus chapters from other games.
HOP SCENES: There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also ten (10) mini-HOP scenes which contain six times to be located. They include lists of items, silhouette, matching, and one storybook scene with items listed in highlighted letters. Some of the scenes have a Halloween theme. There is one pattern scene in which items are located by either their pattern or based on a fragment of the item. They are somewhat interactive but rather blasé
MINI-GAMES: There are eighteen (18) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed at the end of game. I feel the mini-games are better constructed than the HOP scenes. Most are thematic, keeping with the Halloween spirit. There are some new mini-games which I have never seen within this developer’s games. There is a variation of a bubble popper game with skeletons used instead of marbles. There is also a slat puzzle which involves moving slats up, down and sideways to create an image.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Bubble Popper game. Using a bow and arrow with a colored skull attached – hit 2 or more moving like-colored skeletons to remove them. Continue until all are removed. All must be removed before the moving line of skulls reaches the exit point.
B. Switch/Assembly puzzle. Switch the parts of 3 skulls so that each piece is positioned with the correct skull.
C. Slat puzzle. Slide slats up, down, and sideways to restore an image.
D. Map puzzle. Press on arrows to plot a course to find a treasure on a map. Most of the directional arrows are given; however, 3 are not and you must decide which direction in which to proceed. If you make a mistake in guessing the direction, you must restart
E. Logic problem. On a 4 x 4 grid with 16 squares, use dividers to segment the grid so that like items are grouped together.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. On a grid with four tokens for each of the four elements of nature, switch the tokens so each element has the proper 4 tokens associated with it.
G. Switch puzzle. According to a given guide, switch 5 bits into the proper location to create a piece of pottery. (To me, this is NOT a puzzle)
H. Matching puzzle. Locate a symbol which matches one which is lit up. (To me, this is NOT a puzzle)
I. Matching puzzle. Match up articles of clothing with each of 5 characters
B. Switch/Assembly puzzle. Switch the parts of 3 skulls so that each piece is positioned with the correct skull.
C. Slat puzzle. Slide slats up, down, and sideways to restore an image.
D. Map puzzle. Press on arrows to plot a course to find a treasure on a map. Most of the directional arrows are given; however, 3 are not and you must decide which direction in which to proceed. If you make a mistake in guessing the direction, you must restart
E. Logic problem. On a 4 x 4 grid with 16 squares, use dividers to segment the grid so that like items are grouped together.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Switch puzzle. On a grid with four tokens for each of the four elements of nature, switch the tokens so each element has the proper 4 tokens associated with it.
G. Switch puzzle. According to a given guide, switch 5 bits into the proper location to create a piece of pottery. (To me, this is NOT a puzzle)
H. Matching puzzle. Locate a symbol which matches one which is lit up. (To me, this is NOT a puzzle)
I. Matching puzzle. Match up articles of clothing with each of 5 characters
**I recommend this game with reservations. It is a decent game but not reflective of the quality one would expect with a seasonal game.
I recommend this game!
Can you and your daughter save your loved one's life in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
99 of 182 found this review helpful
ZIGZAG THROUGH TIME WITH FAMILY DRAMA QUEEN ANNA GRAY
PostedSeptember 24, 2020
sunnyglow
fromRichard Gray, Anna’s Daddy Dearest, is on vacation. Where do the dearly departed go on vacation? Let’s just hope he is having a heavenly time and not stuck in some hellish location.
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: 5 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
STORY: Prepare to go back to the future for more Gray family drama! Play Anna Gray as she zigzags through time to save her sister-in-law, Maureen Black. Maureen, a prominent architect, has seen a newspaper from the future detailing her murder at the tower she is constructing. Anna, with daughter Alice in tow, are off to save Auntie Maureen from her imminent death. Somehow, Maureen’s deceased business associate and love interest, Emmet Egerton, is connected to this potential murder. As a time-hopping detective, can you change the course of events and prevent her murder by changing the past?
OPINION: This is a short but entertaining game. For me it is a question of quality over quantity. It is not as lengthy as many HOP games, but the pace is excellent with decent mini-games and HOP scenes. There are some creatively designed graphics for the HOP scenes and mini-games. Many of the game scenes are beautifully illustrated. Unfortunately, Anna’s Daddy Dearest, Richard, is on vacation and does not appear in this game. For me, Richard Gray adds comic relief to this game series. His ghostly presence was sorely missed. I feel this game might have been better if he was in the game giving Anna his usual unsolicited advice. However, even with his absence, the game stands on its own merit.
The collectibles are morphing objects and picture fragments to create four (4) screensavers. There are collectibles which are either buildings or attractions of the town which, when collected, are placed within a map of the town. I found most easy to locate. There are at least two collectibles for each scene. At the end of the game, open a secret room which provides new items to be located within the scenes of the game. This search is timed. The strategy guide is well-written. As with all other strategy guides, I do wish the visuals were larger but overall, it provides a nice source of information for the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 23 achievements.
• Collect 26 morphing objects and 12 collectibles
• Collect 48 picture fragments for 4 screensavers
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Secret room entered at the end of the game to search for new items within the scenes. It is timed.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• 23 achievements.
• Collect 26 morphing objects and 12 collectibles
• Collect 48 picture fragments for 4 screensavers
• 5 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Secret room entered at the end of the game to search for new items within the scenes. It is timed.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Enjoy more family drama as you deal with an ancestral feud between the Egertons and the Blacks. Play Maureen Black, the new bride of Emmett Egerton. Upon entering the Egerton estate, the ghost of Duke Charles Egerton bars you from entering. One of your ancestors started a feud with this ghost. Now you must try to end it and return this ghost to the afterlife. This is a long chapter. There are seven (7) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes. There are also three (3) mini-HOP scenes. I found the story excellent and the gameplay consistent with the main game. It is a worthy addition to this game.
HOP SCENES: There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes, thirteen (13) of which and be replayed at the end of the game. There are also seven (7) mini-HOP scenes with a small number (six or seven) of items to be located. Most of the scenes are either a lists of items to be located or silhouette scenes. There are a few other variety of scenes including matching and variations of the search-and-replace scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-one (21) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed. They vary in design. Most of the mini-games are easy; however, there are several which have three parts with each part increasing in difficulty. Most of these puzzles have appeared in other games; however, this developer put some new twists into some of them.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Match 3 puzzle. A new variation. Remove all tokens from a board by adding matching ones from the sides to create links of 3 or more to be removed.
B. Ye Olde Checkers puzzle. Switch the positions of 6 tokens -3 on each side by either moving one space or jumping over another token until all the 3 on the right are on the left and vice versa.
C. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored glass shards without recrossing lines. 3X Increases in difficulty
D. Switch puzzle. Switch 3 cars so each one arrives in either first, second, or third position as per given instructions. Press a button to test your results.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch items within a house so each is placed within the hands of the proper character. Items can only be placed within a character’s hands if the hands are empty.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Slide tiles on a circular grid until all tokens are within their proper slots.
G. Matching puzzle. Using 2 clock hands on a circular grid, use the hands to point to matching pairs.
H. Paint-by-number/Math puzzle. An interesting approach to the paint-by-number puzzle. Using 3 brushes A, B, C, and paints -use the correct brush to paint a picture. Paints are numbered and must be combined to equal the number listed on the picture segments.
B. Ye Olde Checkers puzzle. Switch the positions of 6 tokens -3 on each side by either moving one space or jumping over another token until all the 3 on the right are on the left and vice versa.
C. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored glass shards without recrossing lines. 3X Increases in difficulty
D. Switch puzzle. Switch 3 cars so each one arrives in either first, second, or third position as per given instructions. Press a button to test your results.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch items within a house so each is placed within the hands of the proper character. Items can only be placed within a character’s hands if the hands are empty.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Slide tiles on a circular grid until all tokens are within their proper slots.
G. Matching puzzle. Using 2 clock hands on a circular grid, use the hands to point to matching pairs.
H. Paint-by-number/Math puzzle. An interesting approach to the paint-by-number puzzle. Using 3 brushes A, B, C, and paints -use the correct brush to paint a picture. Paints are numbered and must be combined to equal the number listed on the picture segments.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your world from magical beings bent on its destruction?
Overall rating
5
/
5
143 of 238 found this review helpful
ENJOY THE MAGIC OF THE HILLS OF IRELAND
PostedSeptember 17, 2020
sunnyglow
fromWith all the amulets and lucky charms – this is one game which I found magically delicious!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My time: 7 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages (My time: 7 hours)
STORY: Enjoy the magic of Ireland as you and your sister, Catherine, head off to locate your missing grandfather. After Catherine receives an amulet from him after years of his absence, she begins to experience haunting dreams about him. Now she wants to discover why she is having those dreams and how they are related to your missing grandfather. Discover facts about your roots as you uncover a hidden kingdom inhabited by the Seeds. These purveyors of magic are hidden within the hills of the countryside. Learn the history of this race and its connection to your family.
OPINION: This is a long game and one which is beautifully illustrated. It has the flavor of Ireland with shamrocks, wearin’ of the green, and even an Irish setter. This is a puzzle-heavy and HOP-lite game. Nevertheless, I found it an easy play, a little too easy for my taste. However, it is one which can be played by the entire family. Adults and children alike will love the Irish setter. He is a helper throughout the game, digging up items needed in the game. He is not used excessively, only five (5) times within the game and does not appear in the bonus chapter at all. Locate beads for a gimmicky magical amulet Every time a bead is located, you will hear more information about the history surrounding the game and search for five (5) runes using the amulet. There is a sidebar on the left which indicates how many collectibles are within the scene and if they all have been collected. This is one feature I wish more developers would include in their games.
Collect elves (which look surprisingly like fairies to me) and an assortment of collectibles. There are two of each per scene. The fairies are easier to locate as the game progresses. As you collect the elves, you “purchase” five (5) elves housed within the collectibles section under “extras.” If you collect them all you can play additional HOP scenes. The other collectibles are not defined - they vary within each scene and I just clicked on what I thought might be a collectible to locate them.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 52 collectibles
• Collect 52 elves to uncover 5 elves
• 26 scenes. There are two of each collectible in each scene
• 10 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Get a magical amulet and collect beads to charge it.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games
• Play additional HOP scenes within the section containing the collectible elves if all are collected
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 52 collectibles
• Collect 52 elves to uncover 5 elves
• 26 scenes. There are two of each collectible in each scene
• 10 wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Get a magical amulet and collect beads to charge it.
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 Mini-games
• Play additional HOP scenes within the section containing the collectible elves if all are collected
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. In the sequel, play Catherine as she tries to learn more about her family history. In this chapter, she searches for her grandmother, who has not been seen for years within the World of Seeds. The King of Seeds is facing a rebellion by some of his subjects, and you must help restore order to the kingdom, hopefully with the help of your grandmother. Be careful! Not everyone is as they seem. Be prepared for some surprises. It is a long chapter and worth the price of a collector’s edition. There are eleven (11) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes. I found both equal in quality and style to those from the main game.
HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. Most are either lists of items or silhouette. They are interactive and most require some manipulation of the scene to remove an item. There are also some storybook scenes, matching, and a couple of search-and-replace scenes. There are many mini-HOP scenes searching for a small number of items.
MINI-GAMES: There are thirty-five (35) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed. Again, I wish this developer, and all others as well, would provide more puzzles to be replayed. I found the mini-games easy, a little too easy for my taste. I did not find any which were even moderately difficult. There is one which can be played in either a casual or hard setting in the demo. However, there are also activities which are puzzle-like such as jigsaw puzzles which are not identified as such within the game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Slide five chess pieces to their corresponding places on a pentagon
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles with path pieces on them to create a path for a ball to move from top left to top right of the grid.
C. Matching puzzle. Match up like orbs 2X
D. Map puzzle. Place 9 markers with numerical arrows on a grid so they create a path for you to move from start to finish, landing exactly on the ending point. All markers must be used.
E. Maze puzzle. Go through a fog-filled maze in the dark locating items to help get through the maze.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Sequence puzzle. Lead 5 fireflies to same colored flowers in the correct sequence avoiding a spider at the top of the screen. Moving one firefly affects the others’ movements.
G. Matching puzzle. Match up images under leaves
H. Matching. Uncover matching symbols under orbs
I. Beat the computer. Match 3. Connect your colored tokens to remove them. Upon removal you will fill up your tubes. If you have no matches, then connect those of your opponent. Your tubes will lose liquid as well. Fill up your tubes before the evildoer does.
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles with path pieces on them to create a path for a ball to move from top left to top right of the grid.
C. Matching puzzle. Match up like orbs 2X
D. Map puzzle. Place 9 markers with numerical arrows on a grid so they create a path for you to move from start to finish, landing exactly on the ending point. All markers must be used.
E. Maze puzzle. Go through a fog-filled maze in the dark locating items to help get through the maze.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Sequence puzzle. Lead 5 fireflies to same colored flowers in the correct sequence avoiding a spider at the top of the screen. Moving one firefly affects the others’ movements.
G. Matching puzzle. Match up images under leaves
H. Matching. Uncover matching symbols under orbs
I. Beat the computer. Match 3. Connect your colored tokens to remove them. Upon removal you will fill up your tubes. If you have no matches, then connect those of your opponent. Your tubes will lose liquid as well. Fill up your tubes before the evildoer does.
I recommend this game!