sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:815
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 25, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you catch a magical culprit behind a string of strange robberies?
Overall rating
5
/
5
116 of 223 found this review helpful
A POT O’ GAMING GOLD
PostedMarch 12, 2020
sunnyglow
from“Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit!” Happy St. Patrick’s Day in Gaelic!
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: 37 pages (My time: 6-1/2 hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My time: 6-1/2 hours)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day Detective! Your services have been requested by the Constable of Dublin to investigate a series of robberies. Residents of the city have reported seeing tiny men dressed in green at each of these robberies. Could some rascally leprechauns be behind these robberies? Are they searching for their pots o' gold? Or is there a mastermind behind the scene? Be prepared! Nothing is as it appears, and a surprise ending awaits!
What a fantastic game, one which should get you into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit! The game is “wearin’ of the green” - all decked out for St. Patrick’s Day. It is filled with shamrocks, leprechauns, Celtic knots, and a host of other Irish symbolism. The Gaelic musical background should get the player in the mood for this festive holiday. It is a fast-paced game with beautiful graphics. I found the story excellent and was completely surprised by the ending. This is a great family game. The puzzles and activities should appeal to all ages. Even the villains are tame fare. They are more misguided than evil.
The collectibles are morphing objects and shamrock coins. I found both easy to locate. There is one of each in every scene. There is a bar displayed at the left side of the screen indicating if the collectibles have been found within the scene. If all the collectibles are found, an extra puzzle is opened at the end of the game. There is an all-seeing eye on the inventory bar. It lights up when you need to investigate evidence. It is followed with a list of items to locate and a narrative indicating how those items are related to the case at hand.
There are an equal number of HOP scenes and mini-games. There are twenty-nine (29) of each. Eleven (11) min-games and ten (10) HOP scenes can be replayed at the end of the game. The puzzles vary in style, with most being on the easier side. There are some creatively designed ones in this game – ones even the younger set might enjoy. The HOP scenes are principally lists of items and silhouette. However, they are highly interactive, with some containing puzzles.
MECHANICS:
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 27 coins and 27 morphing objects. Play an extra game if you get all collectibles
• 7 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• All-seeing eye. It lights up it when deductions are made about the case.
• Replay 11 mini-games and 10 HOP scenes at the end of the game
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 27 coins and 27 morphing objects. Play an extra game if you get all collectibles
• 7 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• All-seeing eye. It lights up it when deductions are made about the case.
• Replay 11 mini-games and 10 HOP scenes at the end of the game
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The Constable of Dublin has again requested your services. A banshee has been seen victimizing the descendants of four families. She appears within their homes and seems to be searching for something from each of these families. Discover the truth about this woman in white and the motives behind this case. I found this chapter a decent addition to the game and worth the price of a collector’s edition. There are three (3) mini-games and ten (10) HOP scenes. My only complaint with the chapter is the excessive number of HOP scenes in comparison to the mini-games. I would have rather played more mini-games than HOP scenes. Nevertheless, they are of the same excellent quality as those within the main game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MIN-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Move two leprechauns through a maze, moving both at the same time until both land on coins in the center of the grid simultaneously
B. Sequence puzzle. Play notes on a piano in sequence as per given instructions
C. Paint puzzle. Paint a picture using clues within the picture for the proper colors to use.
D. Gear puzzle. Switch gears so they intermesh with each other.
E. Switch books so that the colors on their spines match the colors above them on the bookcase
F. Switch puzzle. Switch garments so that each of 5 fairytale figures are dressed in their proper attire.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Maze puzzle. Go through Dublin streets making choices which way to go until reaching the exit.
H. Match 3. Match 3 or more of your 3 assigned colored tokens to fill up 3 tubes. If you run out of moves, you must fill up your opponent’s tubes with his color matches.
B. Sequence puzzle. Play notes on a piano in sequence as per given instructions
C. Paint puzzle. Paint a picture using clues within the picture for the proper colors to use.
D. Gear puzzle. Switch gears so they intermesh with each other.
E. Switch books so that the colors on their spines match the colors above them on the bookcase
F. Switch puzzle. Switch garments so that each of 5 fairytale figures are dressed in their proper attire.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Maze puzzle. Go through Dublin streets making choices which way to go until reaching the exit.
H. Match 3. Match 3 or more of your 3 assigned colored tokens to fill up 3 tubes. If you run out of moves, you must fill up your opponent’s tubes with his color matches.
I recommend this game!
Could you survive a deadly game where your opponent knew your secrets?
Overall rating
3
/
5
83 of 169 found this review helpful
A FORGETFUL MEMORY
PostedMarch 5, 2020
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 38 pages
Welcome to a new series from Mad Head Games! Venture off to New York, the home of police counselor, William Rodgers. As a struggling college student, Rodgers earned money by participating in medical experiments. One of these gave him the ability to briefly enter other people’s minds. Now, he uses that skill to help the police. In this first episode, Rodgers uses his skills to battle an evildoer wanting power at any cost. Unfortunately, that cost involves William Rodgers himself.
This game is a HOP lover’s dream! There are twice as many HOP scenes as mini-games. The story is a well-written sci-fi thriller. However, this game did not produce this euphoria in my mind! I found the game tedious due to the overabundance of the boring repetitious HOP scenes. It had the potential to become a brilliant fast-paced thriller. Unfortunately, to me, it is missing the creative elements to produce such a game.
The collectibles are all-seeing eyes and morphing objects. Every scene has one of each to locate. Most are easy to discover. At the end of the game play Treasure Chest. Return to each of the game scenes and locate yet another item within the scene. All are easy to locate. Upon completion of this activity, the player can then play the Ultimate HOP scene.
The collectibles are all-seeing eyes and morphing objects. Every scene has one of each to locate. Most are easy to discover. At the end of the game play Treasure Chest. Return to each of the game scenes and locate yet another item within the scene. All are easy to locate. Upon completion of this activity, the player can then play the Ultimate HOP scene.
There are thirty-five (35) HOP scenes. Some are mini-HOP scenes. Most have a morphing object. Sixteen (16) can be replayed at the end of the game. Most are silhouette or a list of items with some interactivity There is a repetitive one throughout the game. When Rodgers enters another person’s mind, the player is given a scene within this person’s memory in which to place items back into position to restore that memory.
There are only eighteen (18) mini-games within the game. I was somewhat disappointed at not only the lack of puzzles, but also the lack of difficulty for many of them. Entering a code into a lock is NOT a puzzle! The mini-games cannot be replayed. There were a few which I would like to replay but that option is not available.
MECHANICS:
• 5 levels of play including a customized version.
• 12 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 27 morphing objects and 27 eyes
• 16 morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes
• Treasure chest. Return to all the scenes from the game to locate other items.
• After locating the items in the Treasure Chest, play the Ultimate HOP scene.
• 12 achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect 27 morphing objects and 27 eyes
• 16 morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes
• Treasure chest. Return to all the scenes from the game to locate other items.
• After locating the items in the Treasure Chest, play the Ultimate HOP scene.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Join William Rodgers as he tries to locate two missing interns of the scientist Pierre Mortimer. Mortimer was apprehended for operating an illegal lab to replicate the drugs which led to the mind-bending talent of William Rodgers. Now Mortimer is in a semi-conscious state. His interns are witnesses to his bizarre experiment and may be victims to the drugs themselves. As Rodgers, you are off to save these two victims. This is a very short bonus chapter. I do not feel it is worth the price of a collector’s edition game. There are seven (7) HOP scenes (one of which I consider a mini-HOP scene) and three (3) puzzles. Continue collecting the collectibles. Although I felt the story was excellent, I felt the pace dragged
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE FEW MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Logic puzzle. Freeze bolts on an arm restraint by using liquid nitrogen. You have a specific number of moves to loosen the proper bolts to release the restraint.
B. Matching puzzle. Turn off all lights on a box by connecting two of them without passing over lights of another color.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch flowers on 3 rings so that the flowers on each segment of the 3 rings match up.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter a given code (This is NOT a puzzle)
E. Mathematical puzzle. Create equations whose answers are 3 numbers which open a lock
F. Connection puzzle. Place tokens into position on a grid to create a path from a battery at the top to a light at the bottom.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Rotate arrows on squares so that abutting squares are different colors and the number squares for each color matches with the number given - 1 blue, 2 yellow, 3 red and 4 green
H. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles with openings in them so that the openings outline circular objects within each square
B. Matching puzzle. Turn off all lights on a box by connecting two of them without passing over lights of another color.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch flowers on 3 rings so that the flowers on each segment of the 3 rings match up.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter a given code (This is NOT a puzzle)
E. Mathematical puzzle. Create equations whose answers are 3 numbers which open a lock
F. Connection puzzle. Place tokens into position on a grid to create a path from a battery at the top to a light at the bottom.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Assembly puzzle. Rotate arrows on squares so that abutting squares are different colors and the number squares for each color matches with the number given - 1 blue, 2 yellow, 3 red and 4 green
H. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles with openings in them so that the openings outline circular objects within each square
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save your beloved from a dangerous sculptor’s obsession?
Overall rating
3
/
5
84 of 170 found this review helpful
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! A GAME TO WARM EVEN A STONE-COLD HEART
PostedFebruary 13, 2020
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME (My Time: 5 Hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages
OPINION: Captain! You have been anticipating returning to your Italian village, Genova, to see your beloved, Bella. However, upon arrival, you discover she has disappeared! Her disappearance is tied to a beauty contest sponsored by the renown sculptor, Cesare. Search for Bella as you uncover the stone-cold truth about this misguided sculptor, his obsession with a statue named Gloria, and the secrets of an artifact named Eva. Solve the mystery behind the disappearance of your beloved Bella and others from the village.
With the story, graphics, and musical background, this game exudes romance and eternal love! This is a fantastic game for Valentine’s Day! It is also a HOP lover’s dream with more HOP scenes than mini-games. Nevertheless, there are not many of either within the game. It is a short game; however, it is creatively designed with a well-written story. This game should get the player into the mood for Valentine’s Day. It is an easy play which should appeal to all members of the family.
There are two collectibles, animals and morphing objects. There are fifty-four (54) of each within the game - two of each per scene. There is a sidebar indicating how many of the collectibles are left within the scene to be collected. I found some of the objects difficult to locate. Many of the animals are almost transparent, well-hidden within the scenes. At the end of the game, there is an extra HOP scene which can be played in which the player searches for fragments of various objects. Get help from a gimmicky artifact named Eva who provides the ability to foresee events. It is activated by the tears collected from characters from the game. Play a HOP scene allowing the player to decide his/her next course of action.
There are twenty-seven (27) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) mini-games. There are thirteen (13) of each which can be replayed at the end of the game. The HOP scenes within the main game vary in design and all are highly interactive. There are a few mini-HOP scenes as well. I found most of the HOP scenes creatively designed. I found most of the mini-games easy. Being a puzzle aficionada, my only complaint is that there are few mini-games. It is a decent game; however, for me, I prefer games which are more puzzle intense.
MECHANICS:
• 4 levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 54 animals to exchange for 5 animal statues (2 each per scene)
• Collect 54 morphing objects (2 each per scene)
• A final HOP scene available at the end of the game
• 8 wallpapers and 6 screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky artifact named Eva which provides the ability to foresee events, activated by the tears from the game’s characters.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 54 animals to exchange for 5 animal statues (2 each per scene)
• Collect 54 morphing objects (2 each per scene)
• A final HOP scene available at the end of the game
• 8 wallpapers and 6 screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky artifact named Eva which provides the ability to foresee events, activated by the tears from the game’s characters.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. You are at the Sculptor’s School taking an admittance test to see if you qualify for entrance into the school. Everyone is to sculpt a statue. However, when your gargoyle statue comes to life, you find yourself being branded a criminal. Escape and discover what caused this statue to come to life. The antics of the doe-eyed adorable gargoyle are the saving grace for this chapter. I found it somewhat boring. There are seven (7) HOP scenes and all of them are lists of items. One of the scenes is used twice in succession. There are only four (4) mini-games. It is a long chapter but except for the inclusion of the baby gargoyle, I feel this chapter is not worthy of an editor’s choice designation
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Match-3 game. Remove a specified number of 4 different colored tokens from a grid in only 14 moves.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a grid to restore a map
C. Sequence puzzle. Move 8 snakes so each one is on the same row as its match at the left side of the screen.
D. Matching puzzle. Match up pearls hidden behind shells.
E. Sliding tiles. Move tiles so each one is in its matching colored slot. 4X increases in difficulty
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect like colored stones on a grid without crossing lines. 3X
G. Maze puzzle. Lead 3 balls through a circular maze to the exit in the middle of the circle.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a grid to restore a map
C. Sequence puzzle. Move 8 snakes so each one is on the same row as its match at the left side of the screen.
D. Matching puzzle. Match up pearls hidden behind shells.
E. Sliding tiles. Move tiles so each one is in its matching colored slot. 4X increases in difficulty
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect like colored stones on a grid without crossing lines. 3X
G. Maze puzzle. Lead 3 balls through a circular maze to the exit in the middle of the circle.
I recommend this game!
Detectives United is out of options and working for the villains!
Overall rating
5
/
5
102 of 177 found this review helpful
CRUISING THROUGH TIME
PostedFebruary 6, 2020
sunnyglow
fromAnna’s ghostly father, Richard Gray, is “dying” to sail with the pirates. I bet Anna Gray would be more than willing to accommodate her father by donating his “skull” to create some pirate’s “skull and crossbones.”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
7 Chapters Plus a 3-Part Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
7 Chapters Plus a 3-Part Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 5 Hours)
OPINION: Ahoy mateys! Join the three detectives, Anna Gray, James Blackthorne, and Agent Brown as they board ship for a “dream” cruise – an all-expense paid nightmare provided by the vengeful evildoer, Dark Anna Gray. Zigzag through time as you join each detective searching for three relics sought by this evildoer from a parallel universe. Along for the ride will be Anna’s deceased dear ole dad, Richard, to add a little humor to this otherwise dark game.
For me, this is another fantastic game in this series. It is a short game but one which is creatively designed with an excellent storyline. It is another episode in the battle between the three detectives from Detectives United and their doppelgangers from the Dark Shrine. There is a chapter dedicated to each detective, each set in a different time period (present, future, and ancient past). Each detective is on a quest to locate an artifact at the bequest of the misguided Dark Anna. I found the graphics very dark - a touch of film noir. The dark scenes combined with an eerie musical background provide a somber, chilling atmosphere.
The collectibles include morphing objects, case cards, and puzzle pieces which create four (4) pictures once they are collected. I found some of the case cards difficult to locate; however, I found the puzzle pieces and morphing objects easy to spot within the scenes. There is a secret room at the end of the game which provides the player opportunity to search for new objects within the scenes from the game.
There are fifteen (15) HOP scenes. Thirteen (13) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. Most are lists of items or silhouette; however, they are creatively designed and highly interactive. There are two which were my favorites. One has the player locating constellations on a series of star maps. The other is one in which the player locates fragments of a painting within the painting itself. There are also seven (7) mini-HOP scenes which are similar in design. They are silhouette scenes in which a small number of items (5 to 7) are to be found in sequential order.
There are twenty (20) mini-games. Thirteen (13) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. The first puzzle is a Rube-Goldberg puzzle containing three (3) sequential puzzles. I wish the developer had provided more this type of mini-game. The mini-games vary in difficultly. Some have multiple parts with each part increasing in difficulty.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 18 achievements.
• Collect 30 morphing objects, 14 Case Cards, and 20 puzzle pieces for 4 pictures
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Play all 3 detectives on the case.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Secret Room – Return to the scenes from the game to find additional objects within them
• 18 achievements.
• Collect 30 morphing objects, 14 Case Cards, and 20 puzzle pieces for 4 pictures
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Play all 3 detectives on the case.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Secret Room – Return to the scenes from the game to find additional objects within them
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Join the three detectives as they battle Morpheus, an ancient evil entity from the main game. He wishes to conquer the universe using his hypnotic powers to make slaves out of the inhabitants of other worlds. Having destroyed all the ancient texts which tell how to destroy his power, it is up to the three detectives to find another way to locate that information. It is a long chapter and worthy of the collector’s edition designation. There are four (4) HOP scenes and two (2) mini-HOP scenes. There are also five (5) mini-games. Continue collecting the collectibles within this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Choose one of 3 paths at the right time to avoid guards in your path. 3X Increases in difficulty with one new guard or drone added with each scene.
B. Strategy puzzle. Fill in a grid with more of tokens than your opponent, a ghostly knight. You will be given several choices in which to move. If you land next to your opponent's token(s), you will capture his, turning them into your design.
C. Switch puzzle. Move chess pieces around a chess-like board so their geometric designed bottoms match up with the geometric design on the board.
BONUS CHAPTER:
D. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored gears with each other on a grid without the connections crossing each other. All gears will be visited once
E. Sequence/Alignment puzzle. Align the planets in a straight line on an orrery. Moving one planet affects the others.
F. Painting puzzle. Paint flowers according to a given diagram
B. Strategy puzzle. Fill in a grid with more of tokens than your opponent, a ghostly knight. You will be given several choices in which to move. If you land next to your opponent's token(s), you will capture his, turning them into your design.
C. Switch puzzle. Move chess pieces around a chess-like board so their geometric designed bottoms match up with the geometric design on the board.
BONUS CHAPTER:
D. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored gears with each other on a grid without the connections crossing each other. All gears will be visited once
E. Sequence/Alignment puzzle. Align the planets in a straight line on an orrery. Moving one planet affects the others.
F. Painting puzzle. Paint flowers according to a given diagram
I recommend this game!
Can you save the kingdom from a crystal curse?
Overall rating
5
/
5
107 of 212 found this review helpful
CINDERELLA EXPOSED: UNCOVER THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE SLIPPER
PostedJanuary 30, 2020
sunnyglow
fromFamily drama and sibling rivalry? These two tales of fairytale families take family drama and sibling rivalry to a whole new level.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My time: 6 hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 47 pages (My time: 6 hours)
OPINION: Ever wondered about the validity of the Cinderella story? Enter the Crystal Kingdom to uncover the real story behind the legend. Enjoy a twisted tale of revenge as you play Jannet Carell, a visitor to the kingdom who must save it from a sorceress. The saying “if the shoe fits, wear it,” does not apply in this tale. In this case if the shoe doesn’t fit – find a way to make it fit.
What a magical delight! The fairy godmothers at 4Friends have cast their magic on an old fairy tale, giving it a fresh new look. I found this game to be one of their best games to date. It is long, fast paced, and creatively designed. The game is beautifully illustrated. It is fairy tale come to life!
Collect mice and morphing objects. There are two mice and one morphing object within each scene. The mice are transparent and blend into the scene, making them somewhat difficult to locate. There is a sidebar on the left to indicate how many collectibles are within the scene. The mice collected are exchanged for seven (7) members of a whimsical mouse band. There is a helper, a gimmicky clock named Celeste, who is the keeper of Crystal Kingdom legends. When you give her a tear from one of the game’s characters, she narrates the history of the kingdom.
Collect mice and morphing objects. There are two mice and one morphing object within each scene. The mice are transparent and blend into the scene, making them somewhat difficult to locate. There is a sidebar on the left to indicate how many collectibles are within the scene. The mice collected are exchanged for seven (7) members of a whimsical mouse band. There is a helper, a gimmicky clock named Celeste, who is the keeper of Crystal Kingdom legends. When you give her a tear from one of the game’s characters, she narrates the history of the kingdom.
There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes with several mini-HOP scenes. Eighteen (18) can be replayed at the end of the game. There is wide range of styles. There are some multiple-step ones as well. The scenes are very interactive, requiring a great deal of interaction with the scene before items can be found and removed. There are lists of items, matching, silhouette, rebus clues, spot-the-differences, and search-and-replace scenes.
There are thirty-eight (38) mini-games. Nineteen (19) can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in style and difficulty. I found most to be of middle difficulty. Although not designated as puzzles, there are also many puzzle-like activities throughout the game. Most are very easy; however, if needed, solutions can be found by either using the hint button or referring to the strategy guide. There is Match-3 puzzle played throughout the game when a tear is needed from one of the game’s characters to give to the clock. There are five (5) instances of this mini-game within the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 58 mice to obtain 7 members of a mouse band.
• Collect 29 morphing objects
• 8 Wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky magic clock. Feed it tears throughout the game to activate it. Gives you background information about the story and provides an anti-magic sphere to clear away evil magic.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) mini-games
• 24 achievements.
• Collect 58 mice to obtain 7 members of a mouse band.
• Collect 29 morphing objects
• 8 Wallpapers and 5 screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky magic clock. Feed it tears throughout the game to activate it. Gives you background information about the story and provides an anti-magic sphere to clear away evil magic.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Go back forty (40) years and learn the history of the Fairy Godmother and a vengeful case of sibling rivalry. It is a long chapter and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. Continue collecting the collectibles. There are twelve (12) mini-games and seven (7) HOP scenes. Both are creatively designed, some beautifully illustrated. There is a whimsical matching puzzle in this chapter. Mice hiding within pumpkins pop out and must be matched to be removed. Another creative matching puzzle is one in which a slingshot is used to hit bats which match up with each other.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Match-3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more like tokens to remove them. Remove a specific number of 2 tokens in 10 to 15 moves
B. Moving tiles. Slide tokens surrounding a prince and a princess so that each one is next to the person it relates to.
C. Checkers puzzle. Using 2 pickaxe tokens, jump over crystal tokens to remove them.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings to restore an image of Cinderella
E. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots to match that of a given diagram. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Matching puzzle. Find matching mice hidden within pumpkins. Just adorable.
G. Connection puzzle. On a hexagonal grid with spaces, use a snail to remove moss from all the spaces, moving one space at a time. Clear off all moss without retracing steps.
H. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces of armor into position by rotating a central piece, a lion, and clicking the pieces until all fit onto the lion.
B. Moving tiles. Slide tokens surrounding a prince and a princess so that each one is next to the person it relates to.
C. Checkers puzzle. Using 2 pickaxe tokens, jump over crystal tokens to remove them.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings to restore an image of Cinderella
E. Connection puzzle. Connect the dots to match that of a given diagram. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Matching puzzle. Find matching mice hidden within pumpkins. Just adorable.
G. Connection puzzle. On a hexagonal grid with spaces, use a snail to remove moss from all the spaces, moving one space at a time. Clear off all moss without retracing steps.
H. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces of armor into position by rotating a central piece, a lion, and clicking the pieces until all fit onto the lion.
I recommend this game!
The search for a missing art critic uncovers an otherworldly web of lies!
Overall rating
4
/
5
71 of 121 found this review helpful
A GAME TO KEEP YOU “A-MUSE-D”
PostedJanuary 23, 2020
sunnyglow
fromSuffering from the painful symptoms of writer’s block? Get relief by opening a bottle of “Muse Energy,” now made available through this game. Helps restore your old creative self!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:39 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:39 pages
OPINION: Awaken your muse! You are off to Italy to investigate a photography exhibition. Play Nathaniel, a supernatural detective off on another adventure, this time involving the disappearance of several art critics. A group of muses are involved in these mysterious disappearances and it is up to you to locate the culprit. Hopefully your investigation will lead to a picture-perfect solution.
This is a great game for the entire family. Although less than picture-perfect, it is a decent play. It is a short game; nevertheless, I enjoyed playing it. It has a good pace with some creatively designed HOP scenes and mini-games. However, there are not very many of either one. Nevertheless, I would rather play a quality short game than one which is long, drawn out, and boring. The story is a tale of a group of muses who use special artifacts to provide some “muse power” in battling an evildoer in their midst. You receive a gimmicky tattoo on your arm which allows you to use your supernatural powers to investigate this case. However, this device is not used often in the game. The only complaint I have concerning the game are the graphics, which are somewhat dated.
This is a great game for the entire family. Although less than picture-perfect, it is a decent play. It is a short game; nevertheless, I enjoyed playing it. It has a good pace with some creatively designed HOP scenes and mini-games. However, there are not very many of either one. Nevertheless, I would rather play a quality short game than one which is long, drawn out, and boring. The story is a tale of a group of muses who use special artifacts to provide some “muse power” in battling an evildoer in their midst. You receive a gimmicky tattoo on your arm which allows you to use your supernatural powers to investigate this case. However, this device is not used often in the game. The only complaint I have concerning the game are the graphics, which are somewhat dated.
The collectibles are morphing objects, pictures, and paint pallets. Most are easy to locate. The paint pallets are exchanged to purchase paints to color a picture available at the end of the game. Most are easy to locate. You must also collect all the pictures to play a final HOP scene at the end of the game.
There are fourteen (14) HOP scenes along with several mini-HOP scenes which require searches for 5 or 6 items. They vary in style including lists of items, silhouette scenes, search and replace scenes, storybook scenes, and matching scenes. They are interactive. My favorite scene is one in which the player must locate four (4) each of three (3) landmarks on a map, some which require some interaction within the scene. At the end of the game you can view your time and accuracy for each HOP scene.I feel this is a nice touch.
There are twenty-six (26) mini-games, eleven of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Since the game deals with art, there are several picture puzzles within the game.The puzzles vary in difficulty; however, I found most easy or of moderate difficulty.
MECHANICS:
There are twenty-six (26) mini-games, eleven of which can be replayed at the end of the game. Since the game deals with art, there are several picture puzzles within the game.The puzzles vary in difficulty; however, I found most easy or of moderate difficulty.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 42 art palettes to purchase paints to color a final picture
• Collect 54 photos and morphing objects. Collect all to open an additional HOP scene
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• You can view the amount of time played and accuracy in the HOP scenes at the end of the game.
• Gimmicky tattoo on your arm to rev up psychic powers
• Replay 11 mini-games and 11 HOP scenes
• 15 achievements.
• Collect 42 art palettes to purchase paints to color a final picture
• Collect 54 photos and morphing objects. Collect all to open an additional HOP scene
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• You can view the amount of time played and accuracy in the HOP scenes at the end of the game.
• Gimmicky tattoo on your arm to rev up psychic powers
• Replay 11 mini-games and 11 HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: I found the story within the bonus chapter excellent, especially for children. It is another story. Play Alonso Ricci from the main story. You are offered a job as an art teacher. Help a young muse, a girl whose interests and abilities lie in another direction than those from other students in her school. I found this an excellent addition to the game. The story is well-written. Continue collecting the collectibles from the main game. My only complaint is the repetitious mini-game which involves using a paint brush to locate “traces” within a scene. It is used several times within the chapter and requires nothing more than clicking on some gray areas within the scene. It is more of a HOP scene than a mini-game. This mini-game seemed like filler to me.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Map puzzle.Multiple step. (1) Lead a car to its destination by pressing arrows at the appropriate time . If you make a mistake you begin anew. (2) Press stop and start buttons to move your car through traffic while avoiding a collision.
B. Sequence puzzle. Press on 4 lock pieces in the correct order to open a lock to a door.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate picture parts then use arrows to align them into position to restore an image.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect dots on a phone as per a given pattern to open it.
E. Checkers puzzle. Have tokens jump over each other until only one remains.
F. On a 9 x 7 grid, create a path to lead a token from one end to the other. You must pass though all squares within the grid once and only once. Each square has footprints which indicate the direction you will move. Lighted squares have footprints which can be changed to alter the direction.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match up people with an image associated with their profession by switching wires
H. Origami puzzle. Fold paper to create a continuous path to a destination
I. Maze puzzle. Move a diver up-and-down through a maze in an aquarium to reach a chest
B. Sequence puzzle. Press on 4 lock pieces in the correct order to open a lock to a door.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate picture parts then use arrows to align them into position to restore an image.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect dots on a phone as per a given pattern to open it.
E. Checkers puzzle. Have tokens jump over each other until only one remains.
F. On a 9 x 7 grid, create a path to lead a token from one end to the other. You must pass though all squares within the grid once and only once. Each square has footprints which indicate the direction you will move. Lighted squares have footprints which can be changed to alter the direction.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching puzzle. Match up people with an image associated with their profession by switching wires
H. Origami puzzle. Fold paper to create a continuous path to a destination
I. Maze puzzle. Move a diver up-and-down through a maze in an aquarium to reach a chest
An otherworldly adventure in the heart of the Big Apple!
Overall rating
5
/
5
107 of 244 found this review helpful
ANOTHER SUCCESS FROM THE TITAN OF HOP GAMES!
PostedJanuary 16, 2020
sunnyglow
fromHopefully the evildoer from this game will learn a lesson others throughout history have learned - Never awaken a sleeping giant!
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: 40 pages (My time: 6 hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My time: 6 hours)
MAIN GAME: Detective! Your next mission takes you to the Big Apple (New York City) to help safeguard the “Chalk of Fate.” This powerful artifact created the secret cities which loom beneath the surface of the mega-cities of the world. After it is stolen, you must track down the culprit behind the theft and discover this evildoer’s plans for the relic. Intrigue and surprises await as you battle an unlikely culprit who is out to awaken the Titans of old.
This is another superb game within this series. Domini Games always provides more game for the money, providing extras no other developer provides, including the ability to play the game in a relaxed mode or in one which is a little more challenging. Most of the mini-games can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode which should satisfy most players. Domini Games is my favorite developer and this game is another example of gaming excellence!
The story is well-written. It is a fast-paced game taking the player from New York City to the Alps in a quest to recover an ancient artifact. There are plenty of activities to keep the player engaged. There are three collectibles – morphing statues, pictures, and coins to purchase items for a gift shop. I found all easy to locate within the scenes. As in all their games, there is an indicator on the inventory bar which blinks when there is a collectible within the scene. This is a nice touch I wish more developers would employ within their games.
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes. All of them can be replayed. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. The scenes vary in style with some which are very creatively designed. Many of the HOP scenes contain from two to three scenes which must be switched to locate all the items. There are some with morphing objects. One of my favorites from this game involves a scene with a globe in which items which represent various countries must be placed in the proper location on this globe. The globe alternates between two sides of the world.
There are twenty-three (23) mini-games. There are some fantastic mini-games within this game; however, only thirteen (13) can be replayed. I wish more of these mini-games were available to be replayed at the end of the game. Some are somewhat difficult in the “hard” mode and I, for one, would love to go back and play them without having to replay the entire game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Sakir has again engaged you, detective, to help retrieve an artifact, this time from his friend, Almerra. Save her from an evildoer, Ingvar, who wants this artifact to free his girlfriend, Olivia. It is a long chapter and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games within the chapter. There are a couple of creatively designed HOP scenes. My favorite is one in which involves a search for animals by changing scenes using orbs of the sun, the moon, and a star.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 65 coins to purchase items for a gift shop
• Collect 15 pictures and 15 morphing statuettes
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music and 27 cutscenes
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 65 coins to purchase items for a gift shop
• Collect 15 pictures and 15 morphing statuettes
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music and 27 cutscenes
• Replay 17 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy; H= Hard)
A. E/H Switch puzzle. On a grid, switch arrow buttons so that a path is created to lead a balloon to its destination while avoiding obstacles within its path.
B. E/H Assembly puzzle. Rotate 5 pairs of tumblers so when each pair is combined, the combination of symbols on each one creates symbols on a given diagram. The easy version has the player only rotating each of five tumblers until the correct symbol appears.
C. E/H Connection puzzle. Rotate pipes in a water system to create a path for a magnet to reach a key. In the hard version, moving one pipe piece affects the others.
D. E/H Connection puzzle. Connect lines between tokens with numbers on them so that each token has the same number of lines emanating from it as the number listed on the token.. The easy version has less tokens to connect
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. E/H Connection puzzle. Rotate 5 rings on a cryptex to create paths for 3 hooks to reach their matching slots on the other end. Each hook will go through individually.
F. E/H Map puzzle. Move a token to an exit point by using directional arrows and setting the number of spaces to move it via a number wheel.
B. E/H Assembly puzzle. Rotate 5 pairs of tumblers so when each pair is combined, the combination of symbols on each one creates symbols on a given diagram. The easy version has the player only rotating each of five tumblers until the correct symbol appears.
C. E/H Connection puzzle. Rotate pipes in a water system to create a path for a magnet to reach a key. In the hard version, moving one pipe piece affects the others.
D. E/H Connection puzzle. Connect lines between tokens with numbers on them so that each token has the same number of lines emanating from it as the number listed on the token.. The easy version has less tokens to connect
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. E/H Connection puzzle. Rotate 5 rings on a cryptex to create paths for 3 hooks to reach their matching slots on the other end. Each hook will go through individually.
F. E/H Map puzzle. Move a token to an exit point by using directional arrows and setting the number of spaces to move it via a number wheel.
I recommend this game!
A vacation to India becomes a legendary adventure in the animal kingdom!
Overall rating
5
/
5
102 of 183 found this review helpful
A BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE TO INDIA – A FANTASTIC START TO THE NEW YEAR
PostedJanuary 2, 2020
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Domini Games! This game is a perfect example of master craftmanship in game design. To me, they are the developer to beat in HOP games.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages (My time: 10 hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 50 pages (My time: 10 hours)
OPINION: Can humans and animals live in peace? This exciting new adventure whisks the player to India to answer that question. Explore a world where animals rule their perspective kingdoms with a human, Princess Manu, as their leader. After hearing the prophecy of his untimely death at the hands of a human, Jagan, king of the tigers, asks the nefarious snake prophet, Mokhan, to help him reverse his fate. As a Seeker on vacation, you are drawn through a portal by a mischievous monkey, Harish, to battle these evildoers and restore peace to the animal world and between animals and humans.
What a fabulous game – one that is a beautiful tribute to India. Set in an exotic location, this game has breathtaking graphics. The artwork alone is worth the price of the game. The stories from both the main game and bonus chapter are based on fables from India with animals assuming human qualities. It is a very long game – the longest one I have played in some time. Despite its length, the game is action—packed with plenty of activities to keep a player engaged. Zip through several animal kingdoms, all beautifully illustrated. This game is one not to miss and fantastic start to the new year.
The framework for the game is the same as in past games from this developer. Domini always provides more game for the money. As in all their games, there is an indicator on the inventory bar which indicates when a collectible is within a scene. This is a nice touch which makes it easy for the player to see if all collectibles have been collected within the scene. The collectibles from this game are morphing animal figurines and animal plates. Butterflies are collected to exchange for items to place within a tree house at the end of the game. I found the collectibles easy to locate.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes. All can be replayed at the end of the game. As in other games from this developer, a Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. There is variety of different styles of scenes. There are the usual list of items and silhouette scenes. However, there are also some which are unique to Domini Games. There is a scene in which the player identifies differences between two scenes. There is also a scene in which items are identified by either a small section or pattern from the object. There are also scenes with rebus clues and one in which the player searches for two objects, which, when combined, relate to the item listed.
There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games. Twenty (20) of these can be replayed at the end of the game. Domini designs its puzzles to be appealing to both those who want an easy breezy game and those who want a little more challenge. Most of the puzzles can be played in either an easy or hard variation. Those mini-games which do not have the two levels of difficulty are easy for most players. Most of the mini-games reflect the theme of the game. There is a new mini-game which I have never seen before in any HOP game. The player must place items within a box divided into four partitions so that when the box is folded, none of the items overlap each other.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 animal plates and 15 morphing animal figurines
• Collect 70 butterflies to exchange for items for a tree house
• 20 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 30 mini-games
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 animal plates and 15 morphing animal figurines
• Collect 70 butterflies to exchange for items for a tree house
• 20 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 18 HOP scenes and 30 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Princess Manu as she battles the elephant, Sunil, a misguided ancient out to destroy the peace which exists between the humans and animals. It is a long chapter with an exciting story. To me, it is well worth the collector’s edition designation. There are six (6) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. Collectibles continue to be collected within this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy, H = Hard)
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E = Easy, H = Hard)
A. E/H. Queens 8 puzzle. On a chessboard place 8 elephants so they are not within the same row, column nor aligned diagonally with another elephant
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect sandbags with numbers on them so that each connects with other sandbags based on the number upon them. Easy version has less bags to connect.
C. E/H. Rope puzzle. Maneuver snakes within a grid so they don’t overlap each other.
D. Map puzzle. Ride a dolphin to Crocodile Island while avoiding obstacles in your path. Use arrows at the sides to maneuver the dolphin
E. E/H. Paint puzzle. Choose a section and paint it matching as given on a given diagram. The easy version has some segments already painted
F. E/H Maze puzzle. Move two keys to their respective slots on the right side of the screen. In the hard version you will need to work with both keys to open passageways for the keys to pass. In the easy version use two levers at the side to maneuver each key to their proper spot.
G. Matching puzzle. Going through the Monkey Temple, click on 3 symbols on a circular grid which appear on the walls of each scene. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch sides for moon and sun tokens by sliding them into position.
I. E/H Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into a circular grid to restore an image. Rotate the circle to get the pieces to fit. The easy version has less pieces.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect sandbags with numbers on them so that each connects with other sandbags based on the number upon them. Easy version has less bags to connect.
C. E/H. Rope puzzle. Maneuver snakes within a grid so they don’t overlap each other.
D. Map puzzle. Ride a dolphin to Crocodile Island while avoiding obstacles in your path. Use arrows at the sides to maneuver the dolphin
E. E/H. Paint puzzle. Choose a section and paint it matching as given on a given diagram. The easy version has some segments already painted
F. E/H Maze puzzle. Move two keys to their respective slots on the right side of the screen. In the hard version you will need to work with both keys to open passageways for the keys to pass. In the easy version use two levers at the side to maneuver each key to their proper spot.
G. Matching puzzle. Going through the Monkey Temple, click on 3 symbols on a circular grid which appear on the walls of each scene. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H Switch puzzle. Switch sides for moon and sun tokens by sliding them into position.
I. E/H Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into a circular grid to restore an image. Rotate the circle to get the pieces to fit. The easy version has less pieces.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your hometown from the entity that killed your family?
Overall rating
5
/
5
89 of 193 found this review helpful
BRING BACK MEMORIES AT A HOMETOWN REUNION
PostedDecember 28, 2019
sunnyglow
fromElf on the Shelf. I wished I had taken Elf with me in the main game. Toward the end of the game, I discovered he could have gotten an item from the top of a shelf faster if I had not shelved him..
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 4-1/2 Hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages (My Time: 4-1/2 Hours)
OPINION: Detective! As a member of the Mystery Trackers, you have been assigned to return to your hometown of Watch Hill to investigate an epidemic which decimated the town fifteen years earlier. Stop an entity, the Mimic, who has re-emerged, threatening the town once again. This trip down memory lane will also disclose information concerning your parents and brother Will.
This is a short game. I played the entire game in under five (5) hours. The sci-fi story is excellent with a cleverly written script. The story from the bonus chapter cleverly intertwines with that from the main story. It should appeal to all Elf fans and/or those who love this series. I found this a fast-paced game with a variety of activities. The collectibles are lighthouses, puzzle pieces and morphing objects. The lighthouses practically jump out from the screen, but I found some of the picture fragments and morphing objects a little difficult to locate.
To Elf or not to Elf: that is the question! Using Elf as a helper is an option within the main game, but not in the bonus chapter. Dressed in a très chic hazmat suit, Elf will help retrieve needed items throughout the main game. If not used, he departs ears down, sitting forlorn at the pier. However, if his services are not used, the player will pay for it. Toward the end of the game, an item must be retrieved on the top of a bookshelf. Without Elf, the player will need to resort to other measures. Dark Elf must be used in the bonus chapter. He is used six (6) times within the bonus chapter, a little excessive to me.
There are an even number of mini-games and HOP scenes. There are twenty-one (21) of each. There is an option to replay thirteen (13) of each at the end of the game. They are cleverly hidden within the secret archives room. I was not impressed with the HOP scenes. Most of the HOP scenes are standard lists of items and silhouette. Most are not very interactive. There some of the scenes which only have six (6) items to locate within the scene. I found most somewhat boring; however, there are some which use multiple scenes in various formats for the searches.
In my opinion, the mini-games are better constructed. There are some creatively designed puzzles. I particularly enjoyed the maze puzzles. There are four (4) of these within the game. I have seen an increase of the ratio of HOP scenes to mini-games in recent HOP games from this developer and others as well. Personally, I would prefer to see more mini-games and less HOP scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 12 lighthouses
• Collect 28 morphing objects
• Collect 34 picture fragments for 3 screensavers
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Helper Elf (You have the option to choose his help or not in the main game)
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-puzzles hidden in the secret archives room.
• 20 achievements.
• Collect 12 lighthouses
• Collect 28 morphing objects
• Collect 34 picture fragments for 3 screensavers
• 8 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Helper Elf (You have the option to choose his help or not in the main game)
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-puzzles hidden in the secret archives room.
BONUS CHAPTER: The events of this chapter happen simultaneously with those of the main game. Go to the dark side! Play your dark alter ego, a detective for the Dark Trackers from an alternate reality. At the request of your boss, you are off on a mission to retrieve the Mimic. Your sidekick, Dark Elf will accompany you throughout the chapter – you have no choice. I found this chapter to be an excellent addition to the game. There are six (6) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Connect all pipes to fix a fountain.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to create an image
C. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze to the back of a lighthouse. Pick up needed objects while avoiding obstacles and gargoyles in your path.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect 3 sets of wires on 3 different rings to light up 9 lights. Use valves to rotate the 3 rings.
E. Maze puzzle. Plot a path through a maze by using directional buttons to set your path. Once finished, you will proceed. if you made an error you will return to the beginning of the maze.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Create a vaccine following given instructions
G. Jigsaw puzzle. Place picture pieces into position to create 6 pictures.
H. 2-part maze puzzle. (1) Lead Dark Elf through a maze, opening doors to continue his way down the path (2) Rotate railroad tracks to create a path for Elf to reach the train station.
I. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze within 27 moves
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to create an image
C. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze to the back of a lighthouse. Pick up needed objects while avoiding obstacles and gargoyles in your path.
D. Connection puzzle. Connect 3 sets of wires on 3 different rings to light up 9 lights. Use valves to rotate the 3 rings.
E. Maze puzzle. Plot a path through a maze by using directional buttons to set your path. Once finished, you will proceed. if you made an error you will return to the beginning of the maze.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Create a vaccine following given instructions
G. Jigsaw puzzle. Place picture pieces into position to create 6 pictures.
H. 2-part maze puzzle. (1) Lead Dark Elf through a maze, opening doors to continue his way down the path (2) Rotate railroad tracks to create a path for Elf to reach the train station.
I. Maze puzzle. Go through a maze within 27 moves
I recommend this game!
Can you save the city from nature’s destructive forces in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
74 of 186 found this review helpful
“HOP” AROUND THE CITY FROM ONE SCENE TO ANOTHER
PostedDecember 21, 2019
sunnyglow
fromParaphrasing a statement by the scientist, Edward Neville in the game: “You have the toxin, you know what to do.” I have this game and know what to do - delete it!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 24 pages (My time: too much invested in this game)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 24 pages (My time: too much invested in this game)
OPINION: Be prepared for the invasion of the body snatching plants! Play an agent from the League of Light called in by the mayor to save his city from a plant invasion, one instigated by a creature out for revenge against humans. With the help of a scientist, Edward Neville, and fellow agent, Jonas Thorn, you are off to save a city from a creeping menace.
This game has a unique design. It is composed of successive HOP scenes. Upon starting the game, you receive a map of the city. For each location you visit, you play a HOP scene. Upon completion of the scene, receive a flower or flowers, the essence of which is collected in a vial. After collecting a designated number of them, you return to a lab and use them to prepare a toxin to destroy man-eating plants. Your aim is to find the ultimate toxin to eliminate the controlling entity behind the plants.
This game is designed for HOP game lovers who enjoy searching for items within scenes. There are fifty (50) scenes within the main game. Many of the items are well-hidden and provide some challenge to those who enjoy this type of game. The scenes within the first half of the game are creatively designed. The scenes are interactive, with most containing from one to three puzzles. The developer should have ended the game at this point! However, this developer decided to add filler to what could have been a fantastic game.
The second half of the game, to me, is tedious and boring. The game degenerates into a series of straight lists of items with no interactivity nor creative design. There are instances where the player will play six or seven straight searches in a row. Each of the scenes are cookie cutter variations of each other. With more scenes added, the map became confusing as to where to go for the next step of the game. After playing so many boring, repetitive HOP Scenes, my mind began to numb. Perhaps those zombie plants jumped out of the screen and invaded my mind as well.
There are thirty-eight (38) mini-games in the main game. They are excellent and the best part of the game. Most are within the HOP scenes themselves. There is a repetitive puzzle used throughout the game. After you locate enough flowers to fill the vial on the left side of the screen, you return to the lab to create a toxin. This activity has a repetitive connection puzzle in which atoms are connected without any open ends exposed. There are eleven (11) within the game. There is a magnificent Rube-Goldberg gear puzzle involving a with five (5) parts.
There is only one collectible, owls. Unlike other games, the owls are found within the HOP scenes. There is a gimmicky vial on the inventory bar in which to collect the essence of flowers. There is no provision to replay any of the HOP scenes nor the mini-games; however, there is a jigsaw puzzle which can be played at the end of the game.
MECHANICS:
• 3 levels of play including a customized version.
• 6 achievements – each with 3 parts plus 1 achievement for watching credits
• Collect 32 owls
• 24 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Jigsaw puzzle to complete at the end of the game
• 3 levels of play including a customized version.
• 6 achievements – each with 3 parts plus 1 achievement for watching credits
• Collect 32 owls
• 24 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Jigsaw puzzle to complete at the end of the game
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play Edward Neville, the scientist from the main game. Go back to the time when the plants began invading the city. You have been contacted by Agent Jonas Thorn to help develop a toxin to stop this invasion. There are no collectibles in this chapter. I did not play the bonus chapter in its entirety. I found it as boring as the last half of the main gram. With a mind numbed by the constant onslaught of one list of items after another, I decided to stop the endless search for items.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles in a 4 x4 grid to restore an image of an octopus.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tokens along paths so that each token is sitting on a slot with a matching image.
C. Chess puzzle. Move a knight in the typical L-shaped move until it has landed on all spaces on a small chess board.
D. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram pieces into the grid so that none remain and all fit within it.
E. *Toxin puzzle. (Used 11 times in the game). Connection puzzle. Connect molecules to they create a molecular structure without any lose ends – one cohesive structure. Same-colored molecules cannot connect with each other.
F. Rube Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Assembly puzzle. Install seven valves to control gears
(2) Sequence puzzle. Turn the valves in the proper sequence
(3) Connection puzzle. Connect all wires in complete closed circuit
(4) Matching puzzle. Match up buttons on the grid
(5) Match-3 removal puzzle. Match up three or more of the same-colored lights to remove them. None must remain at the end
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tokens along paths so that each token is sitting on a slot with a matching image.
C. Chess puzzle. Move a knight in the typical L-shaped move until it has landed on all spaces on a small chess board.
D. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram pieces into the grid so that none remain and all fit within it.
E. *Toxin puzzle. (Used 11 times in the game). Connection puzzle. Connect molecules to they create a molecular structure without any lose ends – one cohesive structure. Same-colored molecules cannot connect with each other.
F. Rube Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Assembly puzzle. Install seven valves to control gears
(2) Sequence puzzle. Turn the valves in the proper sequence
(3) Connection puzzle. Connect all wires in complete closed circuit
(4) Matching puzzle. Match up buttons on the grid
(5) Match-3 removal puzzle. Match up three or more of the same-colored lights to remove them. None must remain at the end
I don't recommend this game.