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:
A fortune is on the line in a mansion full of supernatural secrets!
Overall rating
3
/
5
81 of 229 found this review helpful
WHODUNIT? WHO CARES?
PostedDecember 19, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThe case of the missing chimeras! Where are all the chimeras? Even they boycotted this game! There are few and most are MIA for the most part and I don’t blame them!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages. (My Time: 5 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages. (My Time: 5 Hours)
OPINION: Detective! After receiving a letter from Gordon Carrington, you are off to the Carrington Estate to investigate the disappearance of his father, Edgar, and the butler, Bernard. In this lackluster case, uncover the chicanery and greed tied to the disappearances. Romp around the estate searching for evidence as you uncover what happened to both Gordon’s father and the butler. Uncover a magic scroll which will hoist you through a portal into a realm of riches, those craved by one or more of the suspects.
Lost that magic feeling? Throughout the game the player consults a magic scroll to open portal to a land of riches. It is too bad that same magic scroll did not provide some gaming magic to the game itself. This is a short, lackluster game lacking any creative design. I became bored playing some parts of the game. This game is not indicative of the quality of most of the games produced by this developer. It seems to have been hastily assembled. Where are the chimeras? Unlike past games in this series, there are few chimeras in this game. There are a few of them popping up from time-to-time; however, for the most part, the game is a detective story centered around greedy, unscrupulous evildoers.
Ho-hum! There are twenty (20) boring HOP scenes. You can replay thirteen (13) of them. Most are straight lists of items and silhouette scenes. I found most with little or no interactivity. There are a few storybook scenes with items listed in highlighted letters. There is also one spot-the-differences scene. It seems the latest rage for developers is to provide puzzles and scenes in which two symbols are chosen which, when combined, create a more complex symbol. There are several of these within the game. I feel this type of scene is now hackneyed and overused in this game.
There are twenty (20) mini-games. You can replay thirteen (13) of them. Most of them are easy – a little too easy for my taste. Most of the puzzles are variations of ones seen in other games. Déjà vu? One of the puzzles, a switch puzzle, is the same one I played in another recent game. It is a puzzle in which lock pieces are switched between two columns, so they mesh when combined.
There are three (3) collectibles; puzzle pieces to create four (4) pictures, morphing objects, and cards. I found most easy to locate. I wish Elephant Games would provide a sidebar indicating the number of collectibles within each scene and if all have been located. Other developers provide this feature and it is a nice touch. As in most of this developer’s games, there is a secret room unlocked at the end of the game in which the player returns to the scenes to locate an increasing number of new items placed within the scenes. You are timed in this activity.
There are three (3) collectibles; puzzle pieces to create four (4) pictures, morphing objects, and cards. I found most easy to locate. I wish Elephant Games would provide a sidebar indicating the number of collectibles within each scene and if all have been located. Other developers provide this feature and it is a nice touch. As in most of this developer’s games, there is a secret room unlocked at the end of the game in which the player returns to the scenes to locate an increasing number of new items placed within the scenes. You are timed in this activity.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 26 achievements.
• Collect 48 puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles (12 each)
• Collect 25 morphing objects
• Collect 12 cards
• 12 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 13 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes
• Secret room in which to locate an increasing number of items by returning to game scenes. You are timed
• 26 achievements.
• Collect 48 puzzle pieces for 4 puzzles (12 each)
• Collect 25 morphing objects
• Collect 12 cards
• 12 Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay 13 mini-games and 13 HOP scenes
• Secret room in which to locate an increasing number of items by returning to game scenes. You are timed
BONUS CHAPTER: Bah Humbug! It is a sequel. Return to the Carrington Estate to attend a Christmas party – well almost. Like Ebeneezer Scrooge, first you must suffer through the tale of a ghost from the past. Strange bumps and noises have required your assistance in handling the ghost of a crazed scientist, a former resident of the mansion. There are an equal number of HOP scenes and puzzles – six (6) of each. It felt as if the Christmas elements were thrown in so it could add a dash of holiday spirit. This chapter has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas except for the beginning scene. The only Christmas spirit in this game is the ghost. I found the HOP scenes as boring as the in the main chapter and some of the mini-games ridiculously easy.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Rotating maze puzzle. Rotate a circular maze using gears at the side to move a metal ball to the center of the grid.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide flower tokens along paths to their proper position on a grid. They must match he image of the flower beneath them
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 14 lock pieces distributed between two columns so that each piece meshes with the one next to it. Déjà vu?
D. Matching puzzle. Match up keys to remove them from a keyring.
E. Assembly puzzle. Position clock hands on a clock so each hand points at a different number on the clock.
F. Assembly puzzle. Choose two symbols on a shield which, when combined, create a symbol on another shield.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tokens so that three different colored paths are formed by connecting links.
H. Switch puzzle. On a grid, separate skulls by shape and colored eyes. Organize them as per direction at the bottom of the grid.
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings divided into 3 sections, each with a part of an animal until they all position to produce the image of an owl.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide flower tokens along paths to their proper position on a grid. They must match he image of the flower beneath them
C. Switch puzzle. Switch 14 lock pieces distributed between two columns so that each piece meshes with the one next to it. Déjà vu?
D. Matching puzzle. Match up keys to remove them from a keyring.
E. Assembly puzzle. Position clock hands on a clock so each hand points at a different number on the clock.
F. Assembly puzzle. Choose two symbols on a shield which, when combined, create a symbol on another shield.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tokens so that three different colored paths are formed by connecting links.
H. Switch puzzle. On a grid, separate skulls by shape and colored eyes. Organize them as per direction at the bottom of the grid.
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings divided into 3 sections, each with a part of an animal until they all position to produce the image of an owl.
I don't recommend this game.
Who will save Fairytale land when Dame Gothel threatens to end Christmas forever?
Overall rating
5
/
5
132 of 276 found this review helpful
ENOY CHRISTMAS IN FAIRYTALE LAND
PostedDecember 12, 2019
sunnyglow
fromBack at you Domini Games! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well! ! All the best to a fantastic developer whose games always provide me with a great deal of gaming enjoyment.
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 (My time: 8 hours – this is a long game)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages
OPINION: Enjoy a holiday romp through Fairytale Land as you, the daughter of Wilhelm Grimm, battle the evil Dame Gothel, Rapunzel’s stepmother. Open a portal to a kingdom filled with fairytale characters from the Grimm fairytales. This game should get you in the holiday mood. It is all decked out for Christmas, decorated with Christmas trees, shiny decorations and bright lights throughout. Encounter a host of fairytale characters from the Grimm fairytales as all of you battle to keep Christmas from being eliminated and fairytales rewritten by one OF their most famous villains – one who is out for revenge.
Domini Games is my favorite developer and this game is another shining example of their commitment to excellence in gaming! This is a superb game! It is beautifully illustrated and one which should appeal to adults and children alike. This developer always provides more game for the money and this game is no exception. It is a long game, one which took me eight (8) hours to complete. There are more mini-games and HOP scenes than witnessed in most HOP games. Most of those mini-games can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode which is not an option in most other HOP games. Chapters are indicated which is a nice touch. It makes it easier to locate help within the strategy guide.
There are three (3) collectibles - morphing Christmas trees, constellations, and gingerbread stars. The gingerbread stars can be exchanged for items to decorate a home upon the completion of the game. An indicator on the inventory bar lights up when a collectible is within a scene. You receive a gimmicky mirror which allows you to contact your father throughout the game. I dislike gimmicks and this is one element of the game which I feel was unnecessary and detracted from the enjoyment of the game a little.
There are thirty-two (32) mini-games. Half of these, sixteen (16), can be replayed upon the completion of the game. The choice in difficulty for most puzzles makes this game enjoyable for both those want an easy breezy game and those who want more challenge. I found the puzzles to be variations of those seen in other games. My only complaint is that I wish more of the mini-games could be replayed instead of the HOP scenes.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes. All can be replayed upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes are varied and highly interactive. An optional Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. Returning are some of my favorites such as those with rebus clues, cryptic clues, and those silhouette scenes with sliders.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Forty (40) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) Christmas trees
• Collect fifteen (15) constellations
• Collect eighty-eight (88) gingerbread stars to purchase items for you home.
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky Enchanted mirror which is used to communicate with your father.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and sixteen (16) mini-games
• Forty (40) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) Christmas trees
• Collect fifteen (15) constellations
• Collect eighty-eight (88) gingerbread stars to purchase items for you home.
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky Enchanted mirror which is used to communicate with your father.
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and sixteen (16) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. You are back on the case, this time dealing with Mother Holle’s vengeful older sister, Hedge Witch. This malcontent wants the key to Christmas World. When Mother Holley will not give it to her, she turns her sister into a mouse. Now she is off to collect all the gems to create the key from the guardians – Brave Little Tailor, Snow White, and the Frog Prince. Stop her before she destroys Christmas. This is a long chapter. There are ten (10 mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. It is a welcome addition to this game and well-worth a collector’s edition designation. As an additional treat, at the end you can choose one of three (3) endings to the chapter. I found this a nice touch.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E=Easy; H=Hard)
A. E/H Connection puzzle. Connect buttons of the same color using thread without crossing lines with threads of a different color. Harder version has more twisted and longer paths.
B. Paint by number puzzle. Use four vials of paint to paint a picture using paths within the picture to create a flow of paint.
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Choose parts from the bottom of an hourglass which, when combined, create two symbols at the top.
D. E/H Assembly puzzle. Using levers, adjust pieces of a fractured mirror so that they fit together to restore the mirror.
E. Connection puzzle. Maneuver straps on a harness for a reindeer so that each section is connected to its proper location. In the hard version, moving one strap affects the others.
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so that the segments do not cross each other.
G. Maze puzzle. Move a flounder to the center of a circular maze. However, you must collect 3 stars before you hit the center.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Picture puzzle. Slide pieces into position to restore an image of 3 clocks. Easy version has only one clock
I. E/H Matching puzzle. Uncover cards to match them Easy version has less cards
J. Switch puzzle. Switch stones so that their shadows create the shadow for one large stone.
K. Matching puzzle. Like a HOP scene. Using a magic compass, locate the zodiac signs in scene in order to get the direction in which to travel.
L. Logic puzzle. Place snowflakes on a grid by (1) positioning them according to the numbers on the grid so each number has that number of snowflakes surrounding it and (2) positioning them so that each numbered row has that exact number of flakes within it as well.
B. Paint by number puzzle. Use four vials of paint to paint a picture using paths within the picture to create a flow of paint.
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Choose parts from the bottom of an hourglass which, when combined, create two symbols at the top.
D. E/H Assembly puzzle. Using levers, adjust pieces of a fractured mirror so that they fit together to restore the mirror.
E. Connection puzzle. Maneuver straps on a harness for a reindeer so that each section is connected to its proper location. In the hard version, moving one strap affects the others.
F. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so that the segments do not cross each other.
G. Maze puzzle. Move a flounder to the center of a circular maze. However, you must collect 3 stars before you hit the center.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. E/H. Picture puzzle. Slide pieces into position to restore an image of 3 clocks. Easy version has only one clock
I. E/H Matching puzzle. Uncover cards to match them Easy version has less cards
J. Switch puzzle. Switch stones so that their shadows create the shadow for one large stone.
K. Matching puzzle. Like a HOP scene. Using a magic compass, locate the zodiac signs in scene in order to get the direction in which to travel.
L. Logic puzzle. Place snowflakes on a grid by (1) positioning them according to the numbers on the grid so each number has that number of snowflakes surrounding it and (2) positioning them so that each numbered row has that exact number of flakes within it as well.
I recommend this game!
Can you help the train’s passengers save their holidays in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
134 of 275 found this review helpful
ALL ABOARD! DEPART ON A MAGICAL JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS
PostedDecember 5, 2019
sunnyglow
fromCelebrating the 12 days of 'Cat’mas” by playing the bonus chapter. It is just “purr-fect.” It is "clawsome" to discover that the Big Cat has finally made his way to the Big Fish.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages (My time: 5 hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages (My time: 5 hours)
All aboard! Depart on a magical, journey to Christmas on a train stopping at three (3) destinations, all having tales related to misdeeds from Christmases past. These three (3) heartfelt tales are narrated by a magical stranger, the Storyteller. To atone for any wrongdoing, the Storyteller demands his errant passengers listen to these tales. Now you, as Greta, along with your brother Hansel, must enter these three tales to change the past. However, all your attempts to rectify the past must be accomplished by midnight or you both will remain forever on the train!
What a delightful game! It glistens with Christmas magic and overflows with an abundance of Christmas regalia. The graphics are incredibly beautiful. They encapsulate the spirit of Christmas. The HOP scenes and puzzles are thematic, each one having some Yuletide elements within them. The background music is Christmas-like; however, it is not composed of well-known carols as in previous games from this series. Personally, I would have preferred well-known Christmas carols as background music. To me, this would have enhanced the Christmas spirit of the game.
There are two helpers within the game, a mouse in the main game and a squirrel in the bonus chapter. Both are used to retrieve items within the game. They are not used very often. The mouse is used eight (8) times and the squirrel three (3) times. They also add a whimsical element to the game. The collectibles are morphing objects, puzzles pieces, and characters from the game. I found most easy to locate. You can replay some of the HOP scenes and mini-games. There is a secret room opened at the end in which to search for more items within the scenes of the game.
There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes and twenty-three (23) mini-games. I found the HOP scenes laden with Christmas goodies. For me, they are the best part of the game. There are several my favorites - interactive ones in which the player must search for items and then return them to the scene to interact with it in some way. There is a deal of creative design within the scenes. In one scene, once items on a list are located, they are used to decorate a cake. In yet another, the player searches for boards and screws to create a case in which a list of Christmas items are placed.
The mini-games also reflect the Christmas theme. One puzzle is a domino game which has Christmas – themed dominoes which are placed on a gingerbread house grid. A connection puzzles uses snow-flake shaped gears to be connected to each other. Most use Christmas related items.
MECHANICS:
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-three (23) achievements.
• Collect forty-eight (48) puzzle pieces to play four (4) jigsaw puzzles playable at the end of the game
• Collect twenty-five (25) morphing objects
• Collect twelve (12) characters from the game
• Twelve (12) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Helper mouse – your brother. Used eight (8) 8 times in the game
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
• Secret Room played at the end of the game. Locate additional items within the game scenes.
• Twenty-three (23) achievements.
• Collect forty-eight (48) puzzle pieces to play four (4) jigsaw puzzles playable at the end of the game
• Collect twenty-five (25) morphing objects
• Collect twelve (12) characters from the game
• Twelve (12) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Helper mouse – your brother. Used eight (8) 8 times in the game
• Replay thirteen (13) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
• Secret Room played at the end of the game. Locate additional items within the game scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another moral tale. Join the detective duo, Mr. Catlock Catts and his sidekick Mr. Squirrel, as they crack a case involving one big cat. In Catstown, a large feline is crushing buildings and has caused stars to fall from the skies. Now you must confront this misguided feline and replace the stars within the skies. I loved this chapter. It is a whimsical delight with adorable cats throughout. There are six (6) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. To me, this chapter was better than the main game. It is well worth the price of a collector’s edition game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO (12 DAYS OF ‘CAT’MAS)
1. Kitten in a Christmas tree. Connection puzzle. Connect snowflake-shaped gears in a chain from the bottom left to the top right of the grid.
2. Scratching posts. Matching puzzle. Match up snowflakes with lines to link them in order to remove them. 2X. Last game has obstacles to avoid.
3. Balls of yarn. Domino puzzle using Christmas symbols for the ends. Arrange dominoes so they match on the ends. Place within a gingerbread house shaped grid.
4. Litter boxes. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles up-and-down and sideways to restore a Christmas image.
5. Golden Fish. Sequence puzzle. Place circular picture segments in the proper sequence so create a trail so that each picture circle ends up at its proper location on a picture.
BONUS CHAPTER
6. Laser lights. Connection puzzle. Remove all tokens from a board except one by clicking on them to knock others off the board. Continue removing tokens until only one remains.
7. Toy mice. Switch puzzle. Switch the parts of musical notes so that a melody is created. The two note parts should mesh.
8. Catnip treats. Connection puzzle. Connect stars with lines based on the number of dots on each star. Each star should have connecting lines equal to the dots upon its bloom.
2. Scratching posts. Matching puzzle. Match up snowflakes with lines to link them in order to remove them. 2X. Last game has obstacles to avoid.
3. Balls of yarn. Domino puzzle using Christmas symbols for the ends. Arrange dominoes so they match on the ends. Place within a gingerbread house shaped grid.
4. Litter boxes. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles up-and-down and sideways to restore a Christmas image.
5. Golden Fish. Sequence puzzle. Place circular picture segments in the proper sequence so create a trail so that each picture circle ends up at its proper location on a picture.
BONUS CHAPTER
6. Laser lights. Connection puzzle. Remove all tokens from a board except one by clicking on them to knock others off the board. Continue removing tokens until only one remains.
7. Toy mice. Switch puzzle. Switch the parts of musical notes so that a melody is created. The two note parts should mesh.
8. Catnip treats. Connection puzzle. Connect stars with lines based on the number of dots on each star. Each star should have connecting lines equal to the dots upon its bloom.
9 to 12 disappeared! And as a "purr-fect" way to end - say goodbye to the partridge in a pear tree!
I recommend this game!
A visit to Manchester Asylum takes a dangerous turn into madness!
Overall rating
5
/
5
142 of 288 found this review helpful
A CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT FOR EIPIX – ONE OF THE BEST MCF GAMES TO DATE
PostedNovember 26, 2019
sunnyglow
fromSeeing black? It may be a black day for turkeys on Thanksgiving; however, what a great way to start off a week which includes Black Friday. Hopefully the crowning achievement of this game will see this developer in the black.
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: 49 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 49 pages
Ahoy mateys! Get on board and be prepared to battle the ghost of the cursed pirate, Phineas Crown. Begin the adventure at the Manchester Asylum where the incoherent ramblings and drawings of an anonymous patient have caused concern. Is her bizarre behavior related to one of your previous cases? The cursed pirate, Crown, will lead you and the inhabitants and staff of the asylum to his former residence, the Crown Estate. What evil plan does this black-hearted pirate have in store for you all? Ramble through the secret rooms and passages of his estate to learn about his past, his plans and how to thwart him in his efforts.
This is fantastic addition to this series. Although not the best game within the series, it is better than most of the recent ones. It is a great game for those who love tales about pirates or seafaring adventures. The chapters are designated within the game, a nice touch which makes it easier to access the strategy guide when necessary. The game is puzzle intense. I loved rummaging through the Crown Estate. The manor itself is one large puzzle filled with secrets rooms and passageways.
Most of the game is action-packed. However, I do have a small complaint about the last chapter. I feel the pace slows somewhat. I attribute this to the lack of activities, back-and-forth movement between scenes and the repetitious HOP scenes with boring lists of items. There are eight (8) sequential scenes with lists of items. This chapter, to me, is significantly different in quality from the previous ones.
There are two collectibles, morphing objects and crabs. Most of the scenes have collectibles and there are two within each scene. I found most easy to locate. At the end of the game, collect souvenirs. Souvenirs can only be collected if all the collectibles have been located throughout the game. Nevertheless, the player can return to the scenes to locate the collectibles if they are missed.
There are two collectibles, morphing objects and crabs. Most of the scenes have collectibles and there are two within each scene. I found most easy to locate. At the end of the game, collect souvenirs. Souvenirs can only be collected if all the collectibles have been located throughout the game. Nevertheless, the player can return to the scenes to locate the collectibles if they are missed.
There are thirty (30) puzzles within the game; nineteen (19) can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in difficulty. There are four (4) Rube Goldberg puzzles – each of these I counted as one large puzzle consisting of several mini-puzzles. Each of the puzzles within the Rube-Goldberg puzzle can be skipped individually, allowing the player to play the subsequent puzzles if he/she has difficulty with any of the mini-puzzles. Nevertheless, I found most of the mini-puzzles within the Rube-Goldberg puzzle easy.
There are twenty (20) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. The ones in the beginning of the game are better designed than those at the end. There are some creatively designed scenes within the game. My favorite scenes include a beautifully designed one with star constellations and another with cryptic clues within the bonus chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect forty-two (42) morphing objects
• Collect forty-two (42) crabs
• Collect twenty (20) souvenirs at the end of the game. You must have all the collectibles to access the souvenirs
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay nineteen (19) puzzles and twenty (20) HOP scenes
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect forty-two (42) morphing objects
• Collect forty-two (42) crabs
• Collect twenty (20) souvenirs at the end of the game. You must have all the collectibles to access the souvenirs
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay nineteen (19) puzzles and twenty (20) HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. You are off to the Louisiana bayous. Momma Aimee, a voodoo specialist, has contacted you. Researching the life of the pirate, Phineas Crown, she found that he stored fragments of his soul within ordinary items. With her death, you must now locate twelve (12) of these items to break an evil curse. With the help of a little voodoo, can you break the curse? I loved this chapter. I found this chapter and the story behind it better than that of the main game. It is worthy of a collector’s edition designation. The chapter includes eight (8) puzzles and three (3) HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Follow the barking dog. Connection puzzle. (1) Connect dots within four (4) grids without retracing your steps. Each figure increases in difficulty 4X
B. Assembly puzzle. Using arrows at the top and side of a 5 x 5 grid, move rows and columns so that the images match up with the one given at the right side of each row.
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in the proper sequential order.
D. Matching puzzle. Look through a telescope and find objects listed on a given map.
E. Voodoo magic. Sequence puzzle. Stick the voodoo doll with pins in the proper sequence.
F. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Switch puzzle. Switch shark’s teeth so the teeth on the top and bottom mesh with each other.
(2) Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 4 rings so a pattern is formed to match a given one.
(3) Sequence puzzle. Remove all tiles on a fish while removing those tiles with symbols on them in sequential order.
(4) Rotating tiles puzzle. Same as #2
(5) Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to restore an image of an eel.
(6) Rotating rings puzzle. Same as #2
(7) Connection puzzle. Press suction cups on the tentacles of an octopus to create a path through chains. All chains must be visited without retracing steps.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching Puzzle. Cut off buttons on a cloth so that none remain. Match up 2 or more buttons either vertically, horizontally or diagonally.
H. Match-3 game. Release skulls on a wall by matching 3 or more like tokens to remove each skull.
B. Assembly puzzle. Using arrows at the top and side of a 5 x 5 grid, move rows and columns so that the images match up with the one given at the right side of each row.
C. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in the proper sequential order.
D. Matching puzzle. Look through a telescope and find objects listed on a given map.
E. Voodoo magic. Sequence puzzle. Stick the voodoo doll with pins in the proper sequence.
F. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
(1) Switch puzzle. Switch shark’s teeth so the teeth on the top and bottom mesh with each other.
(2) Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 4 rings so a pattern is formed to match a given one.
(3) Sequence puzzle. Remove all tiles on a fish while removing those tiles with symbols on them in sequential order.
(4) Rotating tiles puzzle. Same as #2
(5) Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to restore an image of an eel.
(6) Rotating rings puzzle. Same as #2
(7) Connection puzzle. Press suction cups on the tentacles of an octopus to create a path through chains. All chains must be visited without retracing steps.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Matching Puzzle. Cut off buttons on a cloth so that none remain. Match up 2 or more buttons either vertically, horizontally or diagonally.
H. Match-3 game. Release skulls on a wall by matching 3 or more like tokens to remove each skull.
I recommend this game!
Can you prove your innocence after a string of magical burglaries?
Overall rating
5
/
5
139 of 264 found this review helpful
CINDERELLA EXPOSE – A FRACTURED FAIRY TALE WITH A SHATTERED GLASS SLIPPER
PostedNovember 21, 2019
sunnyglow
fromA golden moment from childhood is remembering a song from “Cinderella” –“Someday, My Prince Will Come.” For this Cinderella, better add the words ‘with a stash of cash” at the end of the title..
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: 43 pages
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages
OPINION: Ever wondered what the real story is behind all those sugary sweet fairy tales you read as a child? Join Fairy Godmother as she dishes the dirt on those squeaky-clean characters from Fairy Tale Land. With the wave of magic wand, enjoy the first of a promising new series which explores the real story behind Cinderella. When the Glass Slipper, an anonymous bank robber, appears in Fairy Tale Land, Fairy Godmother is accused as the perpetrator. Grab your slightly fractured magic wand! Help Fairy Godmother clear her name and locate the true culprit.
Kudos to Domini Games! This is the best new series in some time! I found the story behind this fractured fairy tale well-written with some tongue-in-cheek humor. It deviates from the run-of-the-mill fairy tale games from other developers. Verdict? I loved it! There are no pretty-in-pink princesses in this game; instead, the characters are more modern and are strikingly different from their fairy tale persona. This is a fantastic game for adults and children alike. I found the graphics better than in past games. Gone is the overuse of neon green and blinding purple within the scenes. With the number of activities within this game, the pace keeps the player actively involved!
The collectibles are shoes and morphing household objects. There are also moonstones which can be exchanged to purchase items from the Potions Shop. I found the shoes and morphing objects easy to locate. I had difficulty locating some of the moonstones. Some of them are well-hidden within the scenes. Domini provides an easy-to-see indicator on the inventory bar to show if there are collectibles within the scene.
There are not as many HOP scenes and mini-games as in previous games from this developer. There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes and twenty-seven (27) mini-games. Seventeen (17) of each can be replayed at the conclusion of the game. Both are creatively designed. This developer still provides the option for many of the puzzles to played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. The HOP scenes are varied, and the scenes are interactive. Besides the usual list of items and silhouette scenes, there is a replacement scene, a pattern scene, a spot the differences scene along with a few matching scenes. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the HOP scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) 15 morphing household items and fifteen (15) shoes
• Collect fifty-three (53) moonstones to purchase items in the Potions Shop
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) HOP scenes and seventeen (17) mini-games
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) 15 morphing household items and fifteen (15) shoes
• Collect fifty-three (53) moonstones to purchase items in the Potions Shop
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) HOP scenes and seventeen (17) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Play Fairy Godmother. After receiving a message from a panic-stricken Charlotte (from the main game), you are off to Talesville to investigate the disappearance of her grandmother, Amanda. Find out the reason for her disappearance while uncovering some rather shocking secrets about sweet “ole” Grandma! I found this chapter a nice addition to the game. It is a long chapter and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. There are nine (9) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Mathematical puzzle. Throw 3 darts at numbers on a dartboard which, when added together, total 61
B. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Guide an arrow through a maze hidden within the walls of a safe. Rotate the dial on the safe to change the direction the arrow is pointed. Then move it using a central arrow on the safe’s dial to direct it down the path. The arrow must reach all 3 tumblers of the safe. The easy version has only 2 tumblers instead of 3
C. Easy/Hard Connection puzzle. Rotate 4 tiles on a grid so that like-colored tokens are connected to each other. Moving one affects the others. In the easy version you merely switch the four tiles to set up the connection.
D. Physics puzzle. Calculate the rate of speed of 3 golf balls and hit them accordingly so they land on their designated holes at the same time.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles on a 3 x 3 grid to restore an image
F. Switch puzzle. Exchange the position of fish and duck tokens on a grid. Move to empty spaces until all tokens are exchanged.
G. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles with images of wolves and moons on them until all are in the proper location.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch batteries on a grid so that the sum of their numbers equals a number between them on the grid.
I. Picture puzzle. Rotate a circular grid and place pieces within it to restore an image
B. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Guide an arrow through a maze hidden within the walls of a safe. Rotate the dial on the safe to change the direction the arrow is pointed. Then move it using a central arrow on the safe’s dial to direct it down the path. The arrow must reach all 3 tumblers of the safe. The easy version has only 2 tumblers instead of 3
C. Easy/Hard Connection puzzle. Rotate 4 tiles on a grid so that like-colored tokens are connected to each other. Moving one affects the others. In the easy version you merely switch the four tiles to set up the connection.
D. Physics puzzle. Calculate the rate of speed of 3 golf balls and hit them accordingly so they land on their designated holes at the same time.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles on a 3 x 3 grid to restore an image
F. Switch puzzle. Exchange the position of fish and duck tokens on a grid. Move to empty spaces until all tokens are exchanged.
G. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles with images of wolves and moons on them until all are in the proper location.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch batteries on a grid so that the sum of their numbers equals a number between them on the grid.
I. Picture puzzle. Rotate a circular grid and place pieces within it to restore an image
I recommend this game!
Can you right the wrongs of the past to save your world?
Overall rating
4
/
5
103 of 193 found this review helpful
THIS GAME IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH
PostedNovember 16, 2019
sunnyglow
fromChronos should consider turning the Graveyard of Time into a resort and spa. He can naturally turn back the hands of time without the pain and expense of plastic surgery.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 44 pages (My time: 6 hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 44 pages (My time: 6 hours)
OPINION: Find yourself in a precarious situation as you hover between life and death in the Graveyard of Time! Help Chronos, the Keeper of Time, restore order between the two worlds as you both battle Hecate, a misguided priestess from the Temple of Time. In her attempt to restore the life of her mortal lover, she has stolen the Chronometrum, the keeper of soul crystals. Stop her before she destroys the souls by using them to perform a ritual to resurrect her lover.
This game is a nice addition to the series. Déjà vu? The theme is similar as others within the series; go back in time to change the future by saving some person from death. Although the theme is hackneyed, the game is well-designed. It is beautifully illustrated. I especially loved the jungle scenes within the second chapter of the game. The scenery is unique and seldom seen in other HOP games. It is refreshing to see something other than airy fairy tale kingdoms or dark, ghost infested haunts. With the large number of mini-games and HOP scenes, the game has a good pace as well.
There are an equal number of HOP scenes and mini-games. There are thirty-six (36) HOP scenes and thirty-eight (38) mini-games. Approximately half of each can be replayed at the end of the game. The number given for the HOP scenes includes scenes with a small number of items (5 or 6) to be located. The scenes include lists of items, silhouette, pattern scenes, and matching. Each of the scenes is highly interactive. Some of the scenes also have puzzles within them. My favorite scene is one in which cutouts are placed within the scene against an unrelated background to create an animal. This is one scene I wish other developers would use within their games.
The puzzles vary in style and difficulty. There is one Rube-Goldberg puzzle which is the first puzzle within the game. I would have loved to have seen more of this style of puzzle within the game. There are a few puzzles which can be played in either a hard or easy mode. There is also a repetitive Match-3 puzzle which is played at the end of the three (3) chapters devoted to each of Hecate’s victims. There are many picture puzzles within the game. It seems to be a new trend with the current crop of HOP games. Personally, I am tired of one third of the puzzles in recent games being picture puzzles.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twelve (12) achievements.
• Collect twenty-four (24) hourglasses – each containing colored sand to color a given picture
• Collect twenty-six (26) skulls. All the collectibles are easy to locate.
• Eight (8) wallpapers and six (6) screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fifteen (15) mini-games and eighteen (18) HOP scenes
• Twelve (12) achievements.
• Collect twenty-four (24) hourglasses – each containing colored sand to color a given picture
• Collect twenty-six (26) skulls. All the collectibles are easy to locate.
• Eight (8) wallpapers and six (6) screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fifteen (15) mini-games and eighteen (18) HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: It is another story. Play Bernadette. Arriving at a campground which is in flames, you save the life of a young girl, Ginger. Unfortunately, you perish in the flames while saving her life. Upon arrival at the Graveyard of Time, Chronos informs you that you should not have died. Go back in time before the fire, untangle the threads of time, and alter the future. There are seven (7) HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games. To me, this chapter does not match in quality to that of the main game. I feel that the mini-games and HOP scenes are not as creatively designed as those from the main game. It seems as if this chapter was tacked on. It has little or no relation to the main chapter. At the end, however, you make a choice concerning your future!
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Mahjong puzzle. Remove all stone pieces as in the game mahjong
B. Checkers puzzle. Use a green spider to jump over and remove red spiders until none remain on the grid. 3X each increases in difficulty
C. Match 3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more of 4 same colored stones to remove them. There are quite a few to remove in each instance. In the first instance - remove 22 blue, 72 orange, 49 red and 76 yellow. Creates a beautiful gemmed tiger in the first puzzle. (Used 3 times in the game)
D. Maze puzzle. Move a boat through water while avoiding obstacles in its path.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence of notes on a flute to lull a snake to sleep.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch halves of cars, planes, and bikes to create 4 of each within their designated location. Switch between scenes and use a holding area to switch pieces from one section to another
G. Whack-a-Mole puzzle. In this case, whack-a-Spikey-the-dog. As images pop up within the scene, click on the featured pooch 5 times to get him to come to you.
B. Checkers puzzle. Use a green spider to jump over and remove red spiders until none remain on the grid. 3X each increases in difficulty
C. Match 3 puzzle. Match up 3 or more of 4 same colored stones to remove them. There are quite a few to remove in each instance. In the first instance - remove 22 blue, 72 orange, 49 red and 76 yellow. Creates a beautiful gemmed tiger in the first puzzle. (Used 3 times in the game)
D. Maze puzzle. Move a boat through water while avoiding obstacles in its path.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Sequence puzzle. Repeat a sequence of notes on a flute to lull a snake to sleep.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch halves of cars, planes, and bikes to create 4 of each within their designated location. Switch between scenes and use a holding area to switch pieces from one section to another
G. Whack-a-Mole puzzle. In this case, whack-a-Spikey-the-dog. As images pop up within the scene, click on the featured pooch 5 times to get him to come to you.
I recommend this game!
Can you rescue your daughter and save both realms in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
123 of 230 found this review helpful
GO UNDERGROUND TO SOLVE THIS CASE
PostedNovember 14, 2019
sunnyglow
from“Tie a pink ribbon around the old oak tree;” in this game - the Tree of Wishes. Wrap that ribbon around your finger to remind yourself to support the fight against Breast Cancer and bring those wishes home to those afflicted
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: 52 pages (My time: 4-12 Hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages (My time: 4-12 Hours)
OPINION: Princess! Enter a portal to the Underground World to rescue your kidnapped daughter, Aurora. Steeped in fairy tale magic, this game will transport you into a magical kingdom in which you are a perceived as a villain. Missing your younger days of excitement as a detective, this excursion will help you relive those days by battling Thalia, the misguided ruler of this world. Save the fairy tale world as you battle to save your daughter.
This is a fairy tale delight with a well-written magical tale accompanied by beautiful graphics. It is a fairy tale come-to-life. This is a fantastic family game and one which should delight adults and children alike. To me, this is the best game from this series to date. It is an easy breezy game with creatively designed HOP scenes and puzzles. Most of the puzzles are easy. I found none which were challenging. It is a colorful romp through a fairy tale kingdom with pretty princesses, elves, nature spirits, and talking stone statues and one brimming with magic. My only complaint is that the game is snail-paced in some parts. I believe this is due to the lack of activities and the repetitive back-and-forth movement between scenes. However, not an aficionada of this genre of games, for me, it could also be the lack of more challenging puzzles.
The collectibles are jigsaw puzzle pieces which provide four puzzles to play at the end of the game. Collect morphing objects and characters from the game as well. I found most easy to locate; however, I found the puzzle pieces well-hidden within the scenes. Be on the lookout! There are quite a few collectibles within each scene. Some of the scenes have five or more collectibles within them.
There are and even number of HOP scenes and mini-games. There are twenty (20) HOP scenes plus two (2) mini-HOP scenes - ones with small number of items to be located. The scenes are interactive and beautifully designed as well. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette. However, there are also matching and storybook scenes with highlighted items to be located. My favorite was in the bonus chapter in which the player alternates between searching for an item and replacing an item back within the scene. There are twenty-two (22) mini-games. Most are easy. There are quite a few picture puzzles, a nice touch for this genre of game.
MECHANICS:
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-0ne (21) achievements.
• Collect twelve (12) characters from the game.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects
• Collect forty-eight (48) puzzles pieces for 4 jigsaw puzzles which are played at the end of the game
• Fourteen (14) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) mini-games and twelve (12) HOP scenes
• Twenty-0ne (21) achievements.
• Collect twelve (12) characters from the game.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects
• Collect forty-eight (48) puzzles pieces for 4 jigsaw puzzles which are played at the end of the game
• Fourteen (14) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay thirteen (13) mini-games and twelve (12) HOP scenes
BONUS GAME: It is a sequel. Aurora, Princess’ daughter, has contacted you concerning her distraught mother. She needs your help in locating a special device, the Reedpipe, from the Underground World. This device will reanimate the Princess’ statues. You are off to the Underground World to search for this device while battling Dryad, the spirit of the Tree of Wishes, who will thwart you in your attempt to do so. This is a nice addition to the game and is of the same quality as the main game. For me, it is worthy of a collector’s edition designation. There are six mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes plus one mini-HOP scene. I feel both are better than those from the main game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces into position on an interwoven flower design
B. Switch/Sequence puzzle. Switch tokens on a circular diagram so that the life cycle of a flower is revealed in sequential order from beginning to end.
C. Picture puzzle. Switch slats on shutters to restore two images.
D. Ye old block puzzle. Move blocks up-down-and sideways to create a path for a scroll to move from left to right on a grid.
E. Match-3 game. Match up 3 or more of your colored tokens (in 3 different colors) to fill 3 tubes before your opponent does.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Sew a seam. Using an arrow button, sew a seam around a piece of cloth.
G. Map puzzle. Plot a course for a hot air balloon while avoiding obstacles in its path. Use arrows to chart the course. If you hit an obstacle – you crash land.
H. Assembly puzzle. Create an image by using arrows to increase and decrease the size of the pieces plus rotate and move them.
B. Switch/Sequence puzzle. Switch tokens on a circular diagram so that the life cycle of a flower is revealed in sequential order from beginning to end.
C. Picture puzzle. Switch slats on shutters to restore two images.
D. Ye old block puzzle. Move blocks up-down-and sideways to create a path for a scroll to move from left to right on a grid.
E. Match-3 game. Match up 3 or more of your colored tokens (in 3 different colors) to fill 3 tubes before your opponent does.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Sew a seam. Using an arrow button, sew a seam around a piece of cloth.
G. Map puzzle. Plot a course for a hot air balloon while avoiding obstacles in its path. Use arrows to chart the course. If you hit an obstacle – you crash land.
H. Assembly puzzle. Create an image by using arrows to increase and decrease the size of the pieces plus rotate and move them.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your friends from their family’s tainted past?
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 165 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH WILL WRAP YOU IN ITS TENTACLES
PostedNovember 9, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThe “crowning” glory for this game are the Cecaelia (half human—half octopus) – one of each gender. Very scary indeed! These creatures are “armed” and dangerous and best kept at “arms’ “ length
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages (My time: 7 hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages (My time: 7 hours)
OPINION: Be prepared for a tale of mystery and intrigue. As Detective Rossa Smith, you are off to an island at the bequest of its ruling family, the Livingstones. For forty (40) years, the family has been plagued with inexplicable deaths and murders. Could these deaths be tied to the vengeful ghost of Anna Livingstone, a member of this family who was banished? Like the octopus featured within it, this game will grab you within its tentacles, engaging you in a multitude of activities until the end.
This is another fantastic game from Mad Head. The story is well-written and has been changed somewhat from the beta version. It has an excellent pace with a multitude of well-designed HOP scenes and puzzles. There is a gimmicky seashell which sits at the side of inventory bar. When an item is placed within the shell, it vomits purple ooze which clears to provide needed information about that item and its relevance to the story. There are a few times in which you are given options as to what activity to pursue. However, your choice does not change the outcome of the game.
The collectibles are morphing objects and fish. I found most difficult to locate. The developer has them well-hidden within the scenes. You can replay the HOP scenes but not the puzzles at the end of the game. With so many excellent puzzles, personally, I would rather replay the puzzles than the HOP scenes. Hopefully Mad Head will offer this option in future games. There is an extra HOP scene and jigsaw puzzle provided at the end of the game. All collectibles must be found before playing the extra HOP scene.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-five (25) HOP scenes in the game. Most of them are lists of items and all of them have a morphing object within the scene. There are also several mini-HOP scenes throughout the game with searches for a small number of some item – usually five or six items. There are silhouette scenes along with matching scenes. There are a couple of pattern scenes in which items are located from either a distinct pattern or segment of the item itself. My favorite is a pattern scene in which bolts of cloth are identified by their pattern.
PUZZLES: There are thirty-nine (39) puzzles. They are creatively designed and vary in difficulty. There are some very easy ones as well as some which are somewhat challenging. There are repetitive puzzles throughout the game. One of the puzzles is tied to the use of the gimmicky, vomiting seashell. After placing an item within the shell, a jigsaw puzzle must be solved before giving information about the object. There is also a repetitive storybook puzzle in which items must be located and placed into the proper position within the scene. It is used to give more detail about the story behind the game.
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eleven (11) achievements (some with 3 parts).
• Collect fifty-six (56) morphing items and thirty-two (32) fish
• Four (4) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky magical seashell which vomits out purple ooze when given a sample of something. Investigates and provides needed information about the item
• Ultimate HOP scene (must locate all collectibles to access it)
• Jigsaw puzzle which can be played at the end of the game
• Eleven (11) achievements (some with 3 parts).
• Collect fifty-six (56) morphing items and thirty-two (32) fish
• Four (4) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Gimmicky magical seashell which vomits out purple ooze when given a sample of something. Investigates and provides needed information about the item
• Ultimate HOP scene (must locate all collectibles to access it)
• Jigsaw puzzle which can be played at the end of the game
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel and another story. Play Lily, a travel agent who is interested in the Livingstone curse. On board a cruise ship, two lovebirds find themselves in trouble when one of them is possessed by an ancient spirit. One member of the couple, Liam, is possessed by this ancient spirit, becoming an octopus. After kidnapping his partner, Mia, both embark on a roller coaster island excursion under the water. There are nine (9) puzzles and six (6) HOP scenes. The story has some humorous elements and is well-worth the collector’s edition designation. Continue to collect the collectibles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. On a grid with 54 squares, connect 6 pairs of like-colored gems with lines. Every square in the grid must be used in the connections.
B. Maze puzzle. Move each of three dolls a different number of squares to fill up every space on a grid with 30 squares.
C. Variation of a domino puzzle. Removal puzzle. Place 15 domino styled pieces (with differing or same flowers on each end) upon a flowered 30 square grid so the board is cleared of all flowers
D. Chess puzzle. On a mini-chess board, maneuver a knight using “L” shaped moves to remove a queen which is next to it. The board provides the optional moves available to you.
E. Storybook puzzle. Search and replace items into their proper position within a book. (Repetitive puzzle within the game)
F. Shell puzzle. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture related to the story (Repetitive puzzle within the game)
G. Moving Tiles/Gear puzzle. Move tiles around a grid (some with gears on them) to create a path for a gear on the left to connect to a gear on the right with connecting gears in between
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Bar removal puzzle. Remove bars by clicking on them and using valves to release them.
I. Connection puzzle. Connect two sets of pipes by rotating segments of them within a grid.
J. Moving tiles puzzle. Move gold tokens from the bottom row to the top row by maneuvering them around three rows of tokens. A token can only be moved to a matching token.
B. Maze puzzle. Move each of three dolls a different number of squares to fill up every space on a grid with 30 squares.
C. Variation of a domino puzzle. Removal puzzle. Place 15 domino styled pieces (with differing or same flowers on each end) upon a flowered 30 square grid so the board is cleared of all flowers
D. Chess puzzle. On a mini-chess board, maneuver a knight using “L” shaped moves to remove a queen which is next to it. The board provides the optional moves available to you.
E. Storybook puzzle. Search and replace items into their proper position within a book. (Repetitive puzzle within the game)
F. Shell puzzle. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture related to the story (Repetitive puzzle within the game)
G. Moving Tiles/Gear puzzle. Move tiles around a grid (some with gears on them) to create a path for a gear on the left to connect to a gear on the right with connecting gears in between
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Bar removal puzzle. Remove bars by clicking on them and using valves to release them.
I. Connection puzzle. Connect two sets of pipes by rotating segments of them within a grid.
J. Moving tiles puzzle. Move gold tokens from the bottom row to the top row by maneuvering them around three rows of tokens. A token can only be moved to a matching token.
Can you save your friend and escape from Acorn Hospital in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
102 of 199 found this review helpful
AN EXICITING NEW LOOK FOR GRANDMA – A FACELIFT IN GAMING DESIGN
PostedNovember 7, 2019
sunnyglow
fromA facelift in design! GrandMA! Kudos on your new look in game design! Smoothing out some of the wrinkles from past games, you have provided some fresh new ideas!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter and Hidden Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages (My Time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: Wow! What a fantastic game! Hands down, this is the best game to date from our sweet GrandMA. To me, it is worth its salt – something you will need plenty of while playing this game! You will be throwing quite a bit of salt at creepy ghostly hands from creatures grasping at you. Travel back in time to the post World War II era. At the bequest of your friend, Cathy, investigate mysterious events happening at the Acorn Hospital, an asylum operated by the crazed doctor, Harry Jules. Investigate his obsessive research involving his wife, Arabella. Lurking behind the scenes is Arabella herself, will provide guidance in dealing with her husband’s insanity.
GrandMA has modernized her look with this game. Some new creative touches have provided a much-needed facelift for their HOP scenes and puzzles. Some fresh new concepts in game design also give this game a fresh new look This developer has provided a choice of actions which result in multiple outcomes for the game. Throughout the game, the player will have between two to three choices in responses or handling a situation. This is one game which I will replay to witness those different outcomes.
The story is well-written. The pace is excellent with plenty of activities to keep the player engaged as he/she snoops around this creepy hospital. The collectibles are herbs, figurines of the characters from the game and morphing objects. I found the figurines and morphing objects easy to locate. However, I found the herbs somewhat difficult to find. They are well-hidden within the rafters of this spooky hospital. It requires some sleuthing to locate some of the collectibles.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty (20) HOP scenes plus eight (8) mini-HOP scenes. My favorite scenes were the interactive scenes in which items are located and then used within the scene to discover other items. Most of the scenes are lists of items or silhouette. The mini-HOP scenes are lists of items – most containing six (6) items to be located. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. There are morphing objects within some of the HOP scenes as well.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-three (23) mini-games. They vary in difficulty. Some of the puzzles have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. My favorite puzzle was playing checkers with a mannequin. I also enjoyed a puzzle in which gas is moved through flasks using 8 stoppers to direct the flow.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect twenty (20) figurines and twenty (20) morphing objects
• Collect 52 healing herbs
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
• Fifteen (15) achievements.
• Collect twenty (20) figurines and twenty (20) morphing objects
• Collect 52 healing herbs
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and twelve (12) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Return to World War II. Play the doctor, Harry Jules, as he battles a fire engulfing the hospital. Help the doctor try to save his wife, Arabella, and the soldiers residing there, as they try to escape the burning building. There are four (4) HOP scenes and five (5) mini-games. Continue collecting all the collectibles within this chapter. It is of the same quality as the main game and worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
HIDDEN CHAPTER: This little whodunit is NOT to be missed! Just exquisite! Return to 1939 as you sleuth a hospital in search of clues and evidence involved in the death of Dr. Lewis Horton. Uncover clues as you examine the scenes locating evidence to discover who was the mastermind behind his murder. At the end of this chapter, after listening to the statements of all witnesses and examining the evidence, identify the killer and provide the evidence to substantiate your claim. There is no assistance from some fictional detective. You are on your own! However, if you make a mistake and choose the wrong culprit, you can go back and try again. Hopefully we will see more of this type of activity from this developer and others as well.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Facelift in a puzzle! Switch puzzle. Switch puzzles pieces to restore a picture. In this case, the pieces are jigsaw in nature and must be switched with like pieces.
B. King me! Easy/Hard options. Checkers. Play checkers and defeat a mannequin.
C. It’s a gas! Connection puzzle. Awesome puzzle in which you must move gas through flasks using 8 stoppers to direct the flow.
D. Stay within the lines! Connection puzzle. Create connections between matching colored tokens without crossing lines. All cells must be used.
E. Symbolic gesture! Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings so that the symbols on them create the two symbols in the middle of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Put out the fire! Sequence puzzle. Put out a fire by choosing the numbered tokens in sequential order based on the number of connections it has with other tokens. 2X
G. “A-maze-ing!” Maze puzzle. Move a key from the top to the bottom of a maze
H. The nut doesn’t fall far from the tree! Switch puzzle. Slide and rotate pictures of the Acorn family members to create a family tree.
I. TKO! Sequence puzzle. Follow the sequence to knock out Captain Harwell. Fill up your tube before he does with punches. 3X
B. King me! Easy/Hard options. Checkers. Play checkers and defeat a mannequin.
C. It’s a gas! Connection puzzle. Awesome puzzle in which you must move gas through flasks using 8 stoppers to direct the flow.
D. Stay within the lines! Connection puzzle. Create connections between matching colored tokens without crossing lines. All cells must be used.
E. Symbolic gesture! Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings so that the symbols on them create the two symbols in the middle of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Put out the fire! Sequence puzzle. Put out a fire by choosing the numbered tokens in sequential order based on the number of connections it has with other tokens. 2X
G. “A-maze-ing!” Maze puzzle. Move a key from the top to the bottom of a maze
H. The nut doesn’t fall far from the tree! Switch puzzle. Slide and rotate pictures of the Acorn family members to create a family tree.
I. TKO! Sequence puzzle. Follow the sequence to knock out Captain Harwell. Fill up your tube before he does with punches. 3X
I recommend this game!
A family reunion at the Sweet 18 hotel turns into a night of terror!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 75 found this review helpful
CHECK INTO THE SWEET 18 HOTEL FOR A FAMILY REUNION (MINUS THE FAMILY)
PostedOctober 31, 2019
sunnyglow
fromWhat happened to the Blackthorne family? Perhaps they are still waiting until the last minute to book the last room at the cheapest rate. At least it stopped a family squabble around the reception desk as to who got the lowest rate
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My time: 5 hours)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages (My time: 5 hours)
OPINION: Welcome to the Blackthorne family reunion! However, where is the family? Join the early arrivals, brothers John and James Blackthorne, as they investigate the reunion site - the dark, spooky Sweet 18 Hotel. Help this brother duo tackle an obsessed, vengeful ghost as you wander the dilapidated halls of this ghost infested haunt.
I found this game a sweet Halloween treat! It provides a spooky atmosphere with dark, abandoned rooms and hallways filled with black wispy ghosts. It is a decent addition to the series. The game consists of the protagonist, John, wandering through the hotel searching for his Uncle Samuel, periodically saving his brother James from some rascally ghost. I enjoyed this ghostly brew, nevertheless, I did feel the pace dragged somewhat toward the end of the game. The lag time I believe may be the result of not enough activities combined with back-and-forth pacing between rooms in search of inventory items.
The collectibles are morphing objects, morphing statues of the game characters, and picture pieces to create four pictures. I found all easy to locate. There is a secret room which is opened at the end of the game. Search for items by returning to scenes from the game. The same item is searched for within more than one scene. Receive achievements for the time it takes to complete the search plus receive a special achievement if no hints are used.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing character figurines
• Collect twenty (20) picture pieces for four (4) pictures
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing character figurines
• Collect twenty (20) picture pieces for four (4) pictures
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
HOP SCENES: There are only fourteen (14) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also some “mini-HOP scenes” with a small number of items to be located. Most are lists of items or silhouette - variations of ones seen in past games. However, there is one which I found rather unique and creatively designed. It is a matching scene in which related items on shards of glass are matched, both relating to an item listed on a list of items.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-five (25) mini-games. To me, they are the best part of the game. There is a nice array of easy as well as more difficult puzzles. Enjoy a blast from the past with a variation of the “Frogger” video arcade game. Also making a comeback from the past is the “River Crossing Puzzle.” This variation uses grim reapers to help people to cross the river (as in the River Styx?).
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Can’t get enough of this haunted hotel? Make a return visit at the bequest of your Uncle Samuel. Uncle Samuel is having nightmares concerning Caroline, a character from the main game. She is asking for his help. Now both of you must confront a ghostly concierge, out for revenge for past events. It is a nice addition to the game and worthy of a collector’s edition designation. There are six (6) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes. I found the mini-games better in this chapter than in the main game.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Get into the Halloween spirit! Physics puzzle. Mirror puzzle. Angle mirrors to reflect a beam of light to hit a ghostly spirit
B. Pop a cork. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate wine bottles so that the colored corks on the bottles match a given design.
C. Ribbit! Frogger returns! “Ye olde” arcade puzzle. First cross a field by avoiding ghosts, pumpkins, and skulls. Then leap onto logs to cross a river.
D. Time for Halloween! Mathematical puzzle. Set 3 given times on a clock. Set each of 3 weights on the clock into the proper position. Then, pull a chain to see if the clock has the right time as given. Each weight moves the clock a different number of minutes
E. Vanishing Act! Matching puzzle. Remove all tiles from a grid by moving and matching them. Once they match, they disappear. Rid the grid of all tiles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. The Grim Reaper! “Ye olde River Crossing Puzzle.” Switch the position of people and grim reapers using a boat to transport them across water. A grim reaper cannot be left alone with a person on water or on land (and in life as well!)
G. Staff Meeting! Matching puzzle. Place tags into the right slots to identify people and then their responsibilities as staff of the hotel.
B. Pop a cork. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate wine bottles so that the colored corks on the bottles match a given design.
C. Ribbit! Frogger returns! “Ye olde” arcade puzzle. First cross a field by avoiding ghosts, pumpkins, and skulls. Then leap onto logs to cross a river.
D. Time for Halloween! Mathematical puzzle. Set 3 given times on a clock. Set each of 3 weights on the clock into the proper position. Then, pull a chain to see if the clock has the right time as given. Each weight moves the clock a different number of minutes
E. Vanishing Act! Matching puzzle. Remove all tiles from a grid by moving and matching them. Once they match, they disappear. Rid the grid of all tiles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. The Grim Reaper! “Ye olde River Crossing Puzzle.” Switch the position of people and grim reapers using a boat to transport them across water. A grim reaper cannot be left alone with a person on water or on land (and in life as well!)
G. Staff Meeting! Matching puzzle. Place tags into the right slots to identify people and then their responsibilities as staff of the hotel.
I recommend this game!