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 stop a dangerous curse from destroying the realm?
Overall rating
5
/
5
103 of 207 found this review helpful
“DUCK“ IN-AND-OUT OF DANGER DEALING WITH A CURSE MOST “FOWL.”
PostedSeptember 19, 2019
sunnyglow
fromWith all the “fowl” elements in this game, you will need to “duck” in and out of danger as you confront an evildoer. Save the world before it takes a “swan” dive into darkness. Let’s hope you are not allergic to feathers!
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
10 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My time: 6-1/2 Hours – long game)
10 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages (My time: 6-1/2 Hours – long game)
OPINION: Welcome to Spain, detective! Save a cursed princess trapped within a painting so she can stop a dark force out to devour the entire world. This is another fantastic game in this beloved series. It is an easy breezy game which should appeal to all ages. It is also a very long game, one which is well-worth the collector’s edition designation. The story is well-written. The game is beautifully illustrated with a gem-like opalescence. I love the fact the chapters are identified throughout the game. With ten (10) chapters within this game, it made it easier to consult the strategy guide when needed.
There are two (2) collectibles. Collect pieces to unlock seven (7) parables – five (5) in the main game and two (2) in the bonus chapter. There are also morphing objects to collect. I found most easy to locate. There is only one style of HOP scene. There are twenty-one (21) FROG scenes. Each one creates a jewel encrusted inventory item to be used within the game. There are an equal number of puzzles – twenty (20) in all. Most of the puzzles are easy and vary in style. All the HOP scenes and puzzles can be replayed after the game is completed.
My only complaint are the lag times within the game. This is a very long game. I feel a game of this size needs more puzzles and HOP scenes than what was offered in this one. Most of the game centers on investigating scenes and searching for inventory items to be used in yet another scene. With only one style of HOP scene (FROG scenes) and long lag times between puzzles, I became somewhat bored toward the end of the game. I do believe this game would be better if it were shorter. Some of the game, as well as the story, felt as if it were tacked on as filler to make the game seem longer.
BONUS GAME: It is a sequel named “The Knight’s Name Taboo.” Play Benno, one of the art students from the main game. After the traumatic events from the main game, the princess is recuperating along with your friend, Siegfried. When the princess goes missing, you and Siegfried go in search of her. When Siegfried is trapped within a painting, you alone must save them both. This is a nice addition to the game. There are five (5) FROG scenes and four (4) puzzles. Continue to collect the collectibles throughout this chapter. To me, this is a nice addition to the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twelve (12) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) pieces to unlock five (5) parables in the main game and
two (2) in the bonus chapter
• Collect twenty-one (21) morphing objects
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay twenty (20) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) puzzles
• Twelve (12) achievements.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) pieces to unlock five (5) parables in the main game and
two (2) in the bonus chapter
• Collect twenty-one (21) morphing objects
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay twenty (20) HOP scenes and nineteen (19) puzzles
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch knights on a grid, placing each one into its proper position by color and symbol. Knights can only switch with ones next to them.
B. Logic puzzle. On a grid with red-eyed crows and regular crows, choose lines which separate the red eyed crows from the normal ones.
C. Mosaic puzzle. Place pieces into position on a round portrait to reassemble a picture.
D. Isn’t that just ducky! Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings containing ducklings and black swans so that the nice, sweet ducklings surround the evil dark swans – with all the dark swans in the middle.
E. Strategy puzzle. Lead a crab through a checkboard maze collecting brown and blue mollusks until it reaches its destination at the bottom right of the grid. Clicking on the crab produces arrows. Plot your course so you don’t run out of moves. Each mollusk captured grants additional moves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect all dots on the top of a box. All dots must be connected, and every path covered without retracing steps.
G. Gear puzzle. Switch and connect gears so they mesh with each other.
B. Logic puzzle. On a grid with red-eyed crows and regular crows, choose lines which separate the red eyed crows from the normal ones.
C. Mosaic puzzle. Place pieces into position on a round portrait to reassemble a picture.
D. Isn’t that just ducky! Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings containing ducklings and black swans so that the nice, sweet ducklings surround the evil dark swans – with all the dark swans in the middle.
E. Strategy puzzle. Lead a crab through a checkboard maze collecting brown and blue mollusks until it reaches its destination at the bottom right of the grid. Clicking on the crab produces arrows. Plot your course so you don’t run out of moves. Each mollusk captured grants additional moves.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect all dots on the top of a box. All dots must be connected, and every path covered without retracing steps.
G. Gear puzzle. Switch and connect gears so they mesh with each other.
SPOILERS: PARABLES FROM THE GAME:
Main Game: “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Water of Life,” “The Ugly Princess,” “White Swan/Black Swan,” and “The Clan with No Hearts “
Bonus Chapter: “The Swan Knight” and “The Realm of Darkness”
Bonus Chapter: “The Swan Knight” and “The Realm of Darkness”
I recommend this game!
A rock band reunion takes a deadly detour into a nightmare!
Overall rating
2
/
5
122 of 246 found this review helpful
A SHORT TRIP TO DOWNBEAT IN A GAME WHICH IS ANYTHING BUT UPBEAT
PostedSeptember 14, 2019
sunnyglow
fromPerhaps the developer of this game should visit Downbeat as well to absorb some of the creative genius missing from this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages (My time: 3 hours - a very short game)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages (My time: 3 hours - a very short game)
OPINION: As a budding journalist, you are off to interview the members of the legendary rock band, Velvet Whisper, reuniting after twenty (20) years. You are upbeat; however, your jubilant attitude will soon dissipate when you arrive in Downbeat, an alternate reality created out of fragments of the past. Despite the confusing story from the demo, I purchased this game and then regretted my decision. I was shocked at the brevity of this game and the lack of creativity, a trademark of this developer’s games. Nevertheless, this game may appeal to those who like sci-fi games or easy breezy games. Overall, it is a short game with standard straight HOP scenes and simplistic puzzles. To me, this game is NOT worth the price of a collector’s edition game and NOT reflective of the quality of past games from this developer.
In the beginning, I found the story confusing. I suffered my own brain “fog” assessing what was happening in the story behind the game. However, after the demo, the story behind the game became clearer. It is a sci-fi adventure propelling the player into an alternate reality where an evildoer lets a “genie out of the ‘music’ box,” so to speak, causing chaos. The graphics well-depict the music theme behind the game with most puzzles and HOP scenes reflecting that theme as well. The background music is reminiscent of rock from the 60’s and 70’s. There are the usual collectibles – morphing objects and this developer’s trademark swirls. There are morphing objects within most of the HOP scenes as well. I found all easy to locate. There is an error in the strategy guide. There is one morphing object which is not indicated in in picture E of the guide.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are disappointing. There are only seventeen (17) within the entire game. Most are straight lists of items and not interactive. They lack any creative design. By the end of the game, I was bored with playing the HOP scenes, all cookie cutter versions of each other. You can replay all of them if you wish. There are also a few mini-HOP scenes along with some silhouette and storybook scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are only thirteen (13) mini-games in the entire game. Unbelievable! For a collector’s edition I expected more than this paltry number. They are all easy, a little too easy for my taste. I found none which even approached average difficulty. You cannot replay any of the mini-games at the end of the game. This is something I do wish this developer would provide. I would rather replaythe puzzles than those boring HOP scenes.
MINI-GAMES: There are only thirteen (13) mini-games in the entire game. Unbelievable! For a collector’s edition I expected more than this paltry number. They are all easy, a little too easy for my taste. I found none which even approached average difficulty. You cannot replay any of the mini-games at the end of the game. This is something I do wish this developer would provide. I would rather replaythe puzzles than those boring HOP scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Five (5) levels of play including a customized version.
• Ten (10) achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) collectibles
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects within the scenes
• Collect seventeen (17) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect twenty-seven (27) treasures at the end of the game
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) 17 HOP scenes
• Ten (10) achievements – some with 3 parts.
• Collect twenty-seven (27) collectibles
• Collect twenty-seven (27) morphing objects within the scenes
• Collect seventeen (17) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect twenty-seven (27) treasures at the end of the game
• 4 wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) 17 HOP scenes
BONUS CHAPTER: Rock on grandma! In this sequel, join aging rock goddess Lisa Ames as she helps her granddaughter break into the music business. When her granddaughter is kidnapped during the recording session, it is grandma to the rescue. Lisa is off on her motorcycle to confront a hooded evildoer. To me this chapter is very short with only two (2) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes. Continue collecting the collectibles. To me, this chapter, as well as the whole game, is not worthy of a collector’s edition designation.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Matching puzzle. Using a syringe, melt and remove tumblers so that the inside of the lock is identical to that on a given diagram
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles on grid containing segments of train tracks until all are interconnected. Then lead the train to the designated exit by pressing arrows at the sides to lead it down the proper tracks
C. Sequence puzzle. Figure out the proper sequence to remove boards on the doors of an orphanage.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a mosaic to match that on a given picture
E. Picture puzzle. Place pieces of a Tuba into position on a diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored nodes within a grid. 2 X. Connecting lines may not cross.
G. Assembly puzzle. Boogie on down while defeating the evildoer. Combine two notes or musical symbols to create a given image. 3X
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles on grid containing segments of train tracks until all are interconnected. Then lead the train to the designated exit by pressing arrows at the sides to lead it down the proper tracks
C. Sequence puzzle. Figure out the proper sequence to remove boards on the doors of an orphanage.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a mosaic to match that on a given picture
E. Picture puzzle. Place pieces of a Tuba into position on a diagram.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect like-colored nodes within a grid. 2 X. Connecting lines may not cross.
G. Assembly puzzle. Boogie on down while defeating the evildoer. Combine two notes or musical symbols to create a given image. 3X
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save Vienna from a masked Phantom’s wrath?
Overall rating
5
/
5
111 of 243 found this review helpful
WALTZ AROUND VIENNA IN ONE OF THE BEST WHODUNIT GAMES OF THE YEAR!
PostedSeptember 12, 2019
sunnyglow
fromJohann Strauss, the Waltz King, wrote a beautiful waltz, “Tales from the Vienna Woods.” After playing this game, perhaps he should have named it “Tales from the Vienna Neighborhoods” instead.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:45 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:45 pages
OPINION: What a fantastic whodunit! Enjoy sleuthing through Vienna as you, detective investigate the case of another phantom of the opera. This phantom is threatening the cast and crew of the Vienna Opera House striking fear throughout Vienna. This game is a creative delight filled with exquisite puzzles with creatively designed HOP scenes baked into the mix. It reminds me of the fantastic HOP games from the past. To me, this is the best game from this developer to date.
The gaming script is well-written based loosely on “The Phantom of the Opera” blended with the addition of the historical figure of Viennese Waltz King, Johann Strauss. The game is fast paced with most of the activities centered around collecting data and then analyzing it. The game has an all-seeing eye, placed on the inventory bar. It opens a mini-HOP scene with items used in making deductions concerning the case. There are eleven (11) of these within the game. The player is also given a notebook in which to collect evidence. “There will be justice!” states the Phantom throughout the game. The player will be judge and jury and have the option to choose that justice at the end of the game.
Collect morphing objects and letters of the alphabet. There is a bar at the left side of the screen which indicates how many collectibles are within the scene. The chapters for this game are designated, which is a nice touch and one I wish more developers would employ. It makes it easier to use the strategy guide if one knows what chapter he or she is in while playing the game. There is an additional word puzzle provided at the end of the game.
HOP SCENES: They are the best part of this game. The scenes are some of the most creative ones I have played in some time. There are twenty-three (23) scenes plus a few mini-HOP scenes. They are highly interactive, and many have puzzles within the scenes. They include a wide variety of formats. Some of the scenes include two different styles of searches. There are scenes with rebus clues, matching scenes, replacement scenes plus the usual list of items, storybook, and silhouette. My favorite is a scene in which cut-outs of various items are placed within a scene over an item within the scene to create a new item to be removed. I have never seen this type of HOP scene before. But then again, this is an example of the creative design which went into the development of this game. Some scenes are repeated; however, the searches are different formats.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-five (25) mini-games. They vary in style and difficulty. I found none challenging. Some of the mini-games are repeated within the game. My favorite puzzle is a unique map puzzle which requires the player to formulate the number of spaces to move in order to lead a tram to the Vienna Opera House. It requires some math skills to formulate the steps needed to move through this maze.
MECHANICS:
Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
Twenty-three (23) achievements.
Collect thirty-four (34) morphing objects.
Collect twenty-seven (27) letters of the alphabet
Eleven (11) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
All-seeing eye. Click on it when you want to make deductions about a scene or person.
Briefcase in which to collect evidence throughout the case.
Replay twelve (12) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
Twenty-three (23) achievements.
Collect thirty-four (34) morphing objects.
Collect twenty-seven (27) letters of the alphabet
Eleven (11) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
All-seeing eye. Click on it when you want to make deductions about a scene or person.
Briefcase in which to collect evidence throughout the case.
Replay twelve (12) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER. It is a sequel. Johann Straus has lost his muse. This masked muse is unknown to him and appears just after sunset. Some of his friends believe the muse is a figment of his imagination and he is going insane. Save him from an asylum by searching for the identity of the muse. There are seven (7) mini-games and seven (7) puzzles. Continue collecting all the collectibles. I found the chapter long, of the same quality as the main game, and worthy of the collector’s edition designation.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Move a tram to its exit using arrows to indicate direction and then selecting from a set number of spaces the tram is to move. If it reaches a dead end it will continue going backward and forward until the number of spaces have been met.
B. Within a HOP scene. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on the spine of a book to recreate a design.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate circles to restore an image on a portrait.
D. Switch puzzle. On a 4 x 4 grid which is a wine case, switch bottles so that each bottle is listed in a row with the proper city listed at the side and the proper symbol listed at the top of each column.
E. Map puzzle. Create a route to lead a tram from City Hall to the Opera House by visiting all tram stops along the way.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Move a fox token and a bird token simultaneously. Both must pick up 5 related tokens within the grid at the same time.
G. Within HOP scene. Switch puzzle. Switch blades of a fan to create an image
H. Logic puzzle. Switch pieces on a 3 x 3 grid so the tokens match a given schematic by column and row.
B. Within a HOP scene. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on the spine of a book to recreate a design.
C. Picture puzzle. Rotate circles to restore an image on a portrait.
D. Switch puzzle. On a 4 x 4 grid which is a wine case, switch bottles so that each bottle is listed in a row with the proper city listed at the side and the proper symbol listed at the top of each column.
E. Map puzzle. Create a route to lead a tram from City Hall to the Opera House by visiting all tram stops along the way.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Move a fox token and a bird token simultaneously. Both must pick up 5 related tokens within the grid at the same time.
G. Within HOP scene. Switch puzzle. Switch blades of a fan to create an image
H. Logic puzzle. Switch pieces on a 3 x 3 grid so the tokens match a given schematic by column and row.
I recommend this game!
Can you defeat an evil fairy queen to avenge your father?
Overall rating
4
/
5
92 of 175 found this review helpful
SPREAD YOUR WINGS AS YOU FLY INTO THE FACE OF FAMILY DRAMA
PostedSeptember 5, 2019
sunnyglow
fromThe Gray clan (with matriarch Anna and her wayward father, Richard) have nothing in the way of family drama in comparison to this family – a dysfunctional family which is a royal pain!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 6 ½ hours – long game)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages (My time: 6 ½ hours – long game)
OPINION: As Prince Liam, venture to the Hallowed Kingdom to combat Queen Celeste at the bequest of your mother, Queen Henrietta. As you journey through this kingdom, uncover family secrets and treachery. To me, this is a mediocre game, not of the same quality as the previous ones in the series. I did not care for the story behind the game. The story is rather bizarre. I found it difficult keeping up with all the family ties and drama, especially in the bonus chapter.
The graphics are all decked out in bright purple and neon green, this developer’s signature colors. Purple cats, dragons and other forest creatures abound. Usually this developer’s games are fast paced; however, I found this game snail-paced in some parts. Although this game is better than many developers’ best games, to me it is not in the same league as past games from this developer. The game seems a watered-down version of previous games from this developer. Nevertheless, this developer provides more game for the money than those from other developers.
There are three (3) collectibles – bestiary pages, morphing jewelry, and amulets. There are three (3) indicator lights on the inventory bar to indicate when a collectible is within the scene. The amulets can be used to purchase items for a garden at the end of the game. I found most easy to locate. Play both Prince Liam and Queen Celeste in a tag team effort to battle the true evildoer.
HOP SCENES: There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes and all can be replayed at the end of the game. They vary in design; however, to me, they are not as creatively designed as those from previous games. There is a variety of different styles of HOP scenes, including the usual lists of items and silhouette. There are storybook scenes, matching scenes, a replacement scene and a spot the difference scene. There is an optional Match-3 game which can be played in lieu of the puzzles.
MINI-GAMES: There are twenty-nine (29) mini-games. Most can be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. Most developers do not offer this option, which I wish was available in more games. They are outstanding and creatively designed. To me, they are the best part of the game. However, I played two (2) mini-games which lacked clarity in the directions on how to solve them. I skipped these puzzles not understanding exactly what I was supposed to do to solve the puzzle.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-nine (39) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) pieces of morphing jewelry
• Collect fifteen (15) Bestiary pages
• Collect seventy (70) amulets
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) HOP scenes and seventeen (17) mini-games
• Tag team approach. Play both Prince Liam and Queen Celeste
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-nine (39) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) pieces of morphing jewelry
• Collect fifteen (15) Bestiary pages
• Collect seventy (70) amulets
• Ten (10) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay seventeen (17) HOP scenes and seventeen (17) mini-games
• Tag team approach. Play both Prince Liam and Queen Celeste
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Prince Liam is now the proud father of two (2) daughters. Upon the coronation of the youngest, Bethany, the evil sister of Queen Henrietta, Augustina, provides an icy reception, turning the kingdom into a frozen tundra of eternal slumber. Play Bethany’s older sister as you battle this evildoer and attempt to restore the kingdom. It is a long chapter – almost a third the size of the main game. There are ten (10) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. Continue collecting all the collectibles. I feel this chapter is better in some ways than the main chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO: (E= Easy - H-=Hard)
A. Mathematical puzzle. Using a 3-liter and 5-liter bottle, meaure liquid from an 8-liter bottle between these two bottles to get an exact measurement of 4 liters of liquid.
B. Maze puzzle. Using a map, go through a maze choosing the right directions to turn. The map will track your route.
C. Sequence puzzle. On a piano, repeat the sequence of keys given.
D. E/H Paint by number. In this case paint roses according to a given guide.
E. E/H Beat the computer. Fill up a grid with more of your tokens than those of the evildoer. Landing next to the token of your enemy, changes it to your token and vice versa. You can jump over tokens as well.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H Matching puzzle. Match up keys with their appropriate locks. Symbols on both must match.
G. E/H Sequence puzzle. Remove seaweed to allow a fishhook to move across the grid from right to left. If the hook hits seaweed, the puzzle restarts.
H. Mathematical puzzle. On a grid, use arrows to move rows of stars so that each column has the number of stars as indicated at the bottom of the screen.
I. Connection puzzle. Rotate tubes so that all spheres connected to the tubes are connected to a central one.
B. Maze puzzle. Using a map, go through a maze choosing the right directions to turn. The map will track your route.
C. Sequence puzzle. On a piano, repeat the sequence of keys given.
D. E/H Paint by number. In this case paint roses according to a given guide.
E. E/H Beat the computer. Fill up a grid with more of your tokens than those of the evildoer. Landing next to the token of your enemy, changes it to your token and vice versa. You can jump over tokens as well.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. E/H Matching puzzle. Match up keys with their appropriate locks. Symbols on both must match.
G. E/H Sequence puzzle. Remove seaweed to allow a fishhook to move across the grid from right to left. If the hook hits seaweed, the puzzle restarts.
H. Mathematical puzzle. On a grid, use arrows to move rows of stars so that each column has the number of stars as indicated at the bottom of the screen.
I. Connection puzzle. Rotate tubes so that all spheres connected to the tubes are connected to a central one.
I recommend this game!
A crime film becomes reality when the leading role is murdered!
Overall rating
5
/
5
100 of 204 found this review helpful
ENJOY A MOGO – TWO MURDERS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE IN SOLVING THIS FANTASTIC WHODUNIT
PostedAugust 31, 2019
sunnyglow
fromDespite being known for black gold (oil), this developer found pure gold using Oklahoma as a backdrop for a murder mystery.
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
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
OPINION: Get two murders for the price of one in an outstanding whodunit! Join retired sleuths, Aaron and Mary Fletcher, as they relive a double homicide case from 1989. The script behind the game is well-written. Play both Aaron and Mary Fletcher as they tag team to solve these crimes. The graphics are colorful and provide a humorous view of small-town life in rural Oklahoma. Use a notebook to collect and analyze evidence throughout the game. This game should appeal to all those who love classic detective stories. With a well-written script along with plenty of activities to provide an excellent pace, this game is a must have for sleuth lovers!
There is only one collectible, clapboards. I found most easy to locate; however, there are some which are well-hidden within the scenes. There are morphing objects within most of the HOP scenes. At the end of the game, return to the scenes and search for souvenirs. Locating the souvenirs will not be an easy task, however. Most are well-hidden within the scenes and require some interaction with other items to retrieve them.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty (20) achievements.
• Collect thirty-eight (38) clapboards
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• At the end of the game return to the scenes to collect twelve (12) souvenirs
• Eight (8) Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Notebook in which to collect evidence, analyze it, and make conclusions
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and eighteen (18) puzzles
• Enjoy playing an arcade game and a game of mahjong after the game is completed.
• Twenty (20) achievements.
• Collect thirty-eight (38) clapboards
• Collect fourteen (14) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• At the end of the game return to the scenes to collect twelve (12) souvenirs
• Eight (8) Wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Notebook in which to collect evidence, analyze it, and make conclusions
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and eighteen (18) puzzles
• Enjoy playing an arcade game and a game of mahjong after the game is completed.
TWO EXTRA GAMES: Double your fun with two additional games playable at the end of the game. One of these is a retro-style arcade game. Shoot alien space craft while avoiding meteors in the path. This game can only be played after locating all the souvenirs. There is a mahjong game as well. Neither of these games are featured within the game itself. They are extra entertainment.
HOP SCENES: There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes in the game. In this number are what I consider mini-HOP scenes – those which have a small number of items to be searched for within the scene. Most of the scenes are straight lists of items. As previously stated, there are morphing objects in most of the scenes; however, there are some scenes which do not. There are some scenes with rebus clues and cryptic clues. There are some storybook scenes with highlighted items to be located and a couple of silhouette scenes. Some of the lists feature items with letters missing. The letters of the alphabet are placed back into the word once the item is located.
PUZZLES: There are twenty-three (23) puzzles within the game. They vary in style and difficulty. They are creatively designed. I found the instructions well-written for the puzzles, a feature which has been missing in many past games from this developer. My favorite puzzle is the cornfield maze! Get into the spirit of autumn trekking through that maze. Also adding to fall fever is the basketball hoops puzzle. That puzzle was a slam dunk for me being a basketball fan!
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. You, Aaron, along with Mary, have been invited to a party to celebrate the conclusion of this case. Mary has gone early to help with the preparations for the party. However, upon arrival at Pineville, you discover a note from an anonymous person indicating that your family has been kidnapped. Now play cat-and-mouse with this abductor as he/she leaves cryptic clues as to their location. A surprise ending awaits you in this chapter! Although there are only two (2) HOP scenes and four (4) puzzles, the chapter is long and well-worth the price of the collector’s edition.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Picture puzzle. Move triangular pieces onto a triangular grid to create an image.
B. Connection puzzle. Slide connectors left and right to connect fuses creating a solid flow of electricity within a panel.
C. Domino puzzle. Place dominoes on a grid so the ends of adjoining dominos are identical.
D. Cornfield Maze puzzle. Yeehaw! Plot a route through a corn maze by placing 14 arrows into a grid to create a route to lead you to the exit
E. Physics puzzle. Let’s play hoops! Set up pegs under 4 basketballs in a trajectory so that each ball ends up into one of 4 hoops at the bottom. Balls cannot share hoops.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Bullseye puzzle. Unique puzzle in which you must pass a signal from one satellite to another while the satellites are facing each other. Pass between a series of them until the signal finally reaches the end at the bottom right of the screen.
G. Sequence puzzle. Bar removal puzzle. Remove bars in sequence until all are removed.
H. Tangram puzzle. Create 3 animals using tangram pieces
B. Connection puzzle. Slide connectors left and right to connect fuses creating a solid flow of electricity within a panel.
C. Domino puzzle. Place dominoes on a grid so the ends of adjoining dominos are identical.
D. Cornfield Maze puzzle. Yeehaw! Plot a route through a corn maze by placing 14 arrows into a grid to create a route to lead you to the exit
E. Physics puzzle. Let’s play hoops! Set up pegs under 4 basketballs in a trajectory so that each ball ends up into one of 4 hoops at the bottom. Balls cannot share hoops.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Bullseye puzzle. Unique puzzle in which you must pass a signal from one satellite to another while the satellites are facing each other. Pass between a series of them until the signal finally reaches the end at the bottom right of the screen.
G. Sequence puzzle. Bar removal puzzle. Remove bars in sequence until all are removed.
H. Tangram puzzle. Create 3 animals using tangram pieces
I recommend this game!
A surprise visitor brings news of a grievous future!
Overall rating
5
/
5
119 of 198 found this review helpful
BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH ANNA GRAY
PostedAugust 29, 2019
sunnyglow
from“Enquiring” minds want to know! Hopefully, in the next dramatic episode of this series, we will discover the name of Alice’s father.
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
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:38 pages – (My time: 3 ½ hours)
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide:38 pages – (My time: 3 ½ hours)
OPINION: Tackle more family drama as Anna Gray blasts off into the future to save the Gray family from extinction. I found this an enjoyable family romp through time. It is a short game; however, despite its brevity, I found it a quality game with plenty of activities. It is an action-packed adventure, with a cleverly written story line. Zigzagging through time lends itself to a variety of scenes within this game, giving it a good pace. My only disappointment are the HOP scenes. Most of the scenes are lists of items set in junk piles. They are cookie cutter variations of each other, demonstrating little creativity or ingenuity in design.
This game is an easy-breezy delight which should appeal to most players. Vincent Gray, Anna’s wayward father, returns from the afterlife to provide a little comic relief and give Anna a hand in battling a misguided evildoer. Now a proud grandfather, he helps flesh out the complicated story of the Gray family. There are three collectibles: portraits of the Gray family, morphing objects, and pieces to create three (3) screensavers. I found all easy to locate. There is an equal number of HOP scenes and mini-games. At the end of the game, the player can open archives, which include mini-games and HOP scenes which can be replayed.
HOP SCENES: There are twenty-three (23) HOP scenes, most of which are straight lists of items. Six (6) of these are what I call “mini-HOP” scenes which only contain from six to eight items to locate. I found most of them lacking creative design – most are junkpiles. However, there are a few silhouette and storybook scenes (in which items to locate are highlighted within a story format).
MINI-GAMES: I found the mini-games better designed than the HOP scenes. There are twenty-two (22) within the game. Most are easy, some a little too easy for my taste. Nevertheless, there are some puzzles which are of medium difficulty. There is a Rube-Goldberg mini-game with three (3) picture puzzles within the bonus chapter. The entire game is picture perfect in a sense– many of the puzzles center around photos and portraits from the Gray family album.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-two (22) achievements.
• Collect fourteen (14) portraits of the Gray family members – all descendants from Richard Gray.
• Collect thirty-six (36) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-six (26) picture pieces to create three (3) screensavers
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Proud Grandpa Richard Gray returns as a helper as in previous games.
• Replay thirteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games hidden within the archives.
• Twenty-two (22) achievements.
• Collect fourteen (14) portraits of the Gray family members – all descendants from Richard Gray.
• Collect thirty-six (36) morphing objects
• Collect twenty-six (26) picture pieces to create three (3) screensavers
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Proud Grandpa Richard Gray returns as a helper as in previous games.
• Replay thirteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games hidden within the archives.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Join Alice, Anna’s future daughter, as she follows in her mother’s footsteps. When Anna Gray is kidnapped, it is up to Alice, along with the help of her proud Grandpa, Vincent, to locate her. The chapter is a decent length. To me, it is of the same quality as the main game. Continue collecting the collectibles within the chapter. There are seven (7) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes, two of which I consider mini-HOP scenes.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch numbers on a clock face by using the two clock hands until all are placed into proper position.
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tiles to restore a family portrait.
C. Weight and balances puzzle. Place a series of books on scales stacking them into two piles – one dealing with knowledge and the other dealing with feelings. Place them in consecutive size with the smallest books at the top.
D. Assembly puzzle. On a4 x 4 grid of masks – place the masks so that no row nor column has the same color nor emotion on the masks.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Checkers puzzle. Jump over tokens until only one remains. 3X
F. Origami puzzle. Fold a map so that a route is exposed to an evildoer’s house.
G. Rube Goldberg mini-game: (1) Picture puzzle. Place jigsaw puzzle pieces into position to restore pictures. (2) Paint by number puzzle. Place paint on a canvas to create a picture according to the number assigned to each color. (3) Assembly puzzle. Click on the sides of an image to change the pieces of an image until all combine to create the image.
B. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate hexagonal tiles to restore a family portrait.
C. Weight and balances puzzle. Place a series of books on scales stacking them into two piles – one dealing with knowledge and the other dealing with feelings. Place them in consecutive size with the smallest books at the top.
D. Assembly puzzle. On a4 x 4 grid of masks – place the masks so that no row nor column has the same color nor emotion on the masks.
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Checkers puzzle. Jump over tokens until only one remains. 3X
F. Origami puzzle. Fold a map so that a route is exposed to an evildoer’s house.
G. Rube Goldberg mini-game: (1) Picture puzzle. Place jigsaw puzzle pieces into position to restore pictures. (2) Paint by number puzzle. Place paint on a canvas to create a picture according to the number assigned to each color. (3) Assembly puzzle. Click on the sides of an image to change the pieces of an image until all combine to create the image.
I recommend this game!
The past returns inside the Zenith Museum of Oddities!
Overall rating
5
/
5
190 of 335 found this review helpful
OPEN A DOOR TO THE PAST IN ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedAugust 22, 2019
sunnyglow
fromCongratulations to this developer for a fantastic game and one which contains some “punny” humor. This game also proves that having a detective’s badge can open many doors for its bearer.
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: 55 pages - (My Time: 6 Hours)
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 55 pages - (My Time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: Master Detective! Get ready to play a game of cat and mouse with an egotistical malcontent, the Archivist. As you engage in a battle of wits with this evildoer, it will be difficult to figure out who is the cat and who is the mouse as you meander through a maze of rooms containing memorabilia from past games in the series. For me, this is one of the best games within this series. The story behind the game is well-written, incorporating bits and pieces from previous games. It is an action-packed nostalgic adventure – one which incorporates stories and memorabilia from past games.
There is only one collectible within the game, stamps. I found most easy to locate. At the end of the game, return to ten (10) scenes within the game to locate souvenirs. Many of those souvenirs are well-hidden within the scenes. In the beginning of the game, receive a M.A.C., a device used to investigate and retrieve small items. I dislike gimmicks in games; however, after the demo, the device is no longer used.
PUZZLES: This game is a puzzle-lover’s dream! There are twenty-eight (28) creatively designed mini-games. They vary in style and difficulty - most being of average difficulty. I found none challenging. This total includes eight (8) Rube Goldberg mini-games; each one containing from four (4) to six (6) puzzles. There are also activities which are puzzle-like; however, they are not designated as such. One of these is switching portraits on a wall according to their shadows. Another involves using mirrors to deflect light to a book on a bookcase.
Kudos to the developer on a creatively designed finale complete with thirteen (13) back-to-back puzzles. At the end of the game, puzzle lovers can feast on four (4) Rube-Goldberg mini-games which are played simultaneously. Switch between all four (4) of these mini-games – each associated with one of the characters in the game. Play a puzzle in one of the Rube-Goldberg mini-games, then switch to another one of the three (3) others to play another puzzle.
HOP SCENES: My only complaint about this game are the HOP scenes. Most of the scenes are straight lists of items set in junk piles. They are repetitive in design and somewhat boring. There are nineteen (19) within the game and all can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also a few silhouette scenes and scenes with cryptic clues as to the items to be found within the scene. However, most of the scenes are cookie cutter variations of each other.
HOP SCENES: My only complaint about this game are the HOP scenes. Most of the scenes are straight lists of items set in junk piles. They are repetitive in design and somewhat boring. There are nineteen (19) within the game and all can be replayed at the end of the game. There are also a few silhouette scenes and scenes with cryptic clues as to the items to be found within the scene. However, most of the scenes are cookie cutter variations of each other.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twelve (12) achievements.
• Collect forty (40) stamps
• Collect nineteen (19) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect ten (10) souvenirs by returning to the scenes after the game is completed. Some souvenirs are well-hidden.
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Receive a M.A.C. – a device which can investigate areas you cannot reach and retrieve small items as well. It lights up when it is needed within a scene
• Replay nineteen (19) HOP scenes and twenty-five (25) puzzles
• Twelve (12) achievements.
• Collect forty (40) stamps
• Collect nineteen (19) morphing objects within the HOP scenes
• Collect ten (10) souvenirs by returning to the scenes after the game is completed. Some souvenirs are well-hidden.
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Receive a M.A.C. – a device which can investigate areas you cannot reach and retrieve small items as well. It lights up when it is needed within a scene
• Replay nineteen (19) HOP scenes and twenty-five (25) puzzles
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The Archivist has one more trick up his sleeve and it is up to you, Master Detective, to deal with a bombshell revelation within your headquarters. Continue to collect the collectibles in this chapter. There are four (4) mini-games, including a Rube-Goldberg mini-game. There are three (3) HOP scenes as well. I found the chapter of the same quality as the main game and well-worth the price of a collector’s edition.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Rube Goldberg puzzle:
1. Assembly puzzle. Place angular gear pieces on a grid so all are placed in the proper position.
2. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate triangular pieces so that a continuous path is created.
3. Sequence puzzle. Turn on all lights on a grid. Pressing the power button turns on some and turns off others. Use 3 brackets to shield some of the lights so they do not turn off.
4. Stacking puzzle. Stack pieces from smallest to largest using arrows to maneuver the pieces on paths within the grid.
5. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles on a 3 x 3 grid so that the three in each column creates the image at the top of the column.
6. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide four tokens through a round grid until each one is next to an associated item.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch puzzles pieces on a grid to restore an image
C. Logic puzzle. Move a dial with gems around its perimeter so that each of 8 skulls has a gem in its mouth.
D. Assembly puzzle. Follow directions to create an elixir.
E. Whack-a-mole. Sequence puzzle. Find the right sequence of moles so that all 16 are found. If you choose the incorrect mole, you restart the game.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect tokens to create a path from the top of a grid to the bottom while following a given sequence of 4 tokens as you traverse the path.
G. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
1. Alignment puzzle. Using levers, align 3 balls.
2. Sequence puzzle. Pull out interconnected bars in proper sequence until all are removed.
3. Assembly puzzle. Rotate three rings with symbols on them to create three given complex symbols
4. Logic puzzle. Place red and yellow keys into their proper slots. Keys are connected to other keys.
5. Domino puzzle. Place dominoes with symbols on them so their ends match with the dominoes next to them. All dominoes must be used.
1. Assembly puzzle. Place angular gear pieces on a grid so all are placed in the proper position.
2. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate triangular pieces so that a continuous path is created.
3. Sequence puzzle. Turn on all lights on a grid. Pressing the power button turns on some and turns off others. Use 3 brackets to shield some of the lights so they do not turn off.
4. Stacking puzzle. Stack pieces from smallest to largest using arrows to maneuver the pieces on paths within the grid.
5. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles on a 3 x 3 grid so that the three in each column creates the image at the top of the column.
6. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide four tokens through a round grid until each one is next to an associated item.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch puzzles pieces on a grid to restore an image
C. Logic puzzle. Move a dial with gems around its perimeter so that each of 8 skulls has a gem in its mouth.
D. Assembly puzzle. Follow directions to create an elixir.
E. Whack-a-mole. Sequence puzzle. Find the right sequence of moles so that all 16 are found. If you choose the incorrect mole, you restart the game.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Connection puzzle. Connect tokens to create a path from the top of a grid to the bottom while following a given sequence of 4 tokens as you traverse the path.
G. Rube-Goldberg puzzle.
1. Alignment puzzle. Using levers, align 3 balls.
2. Sequence puzzle. Pull out interconnected bars in proper sequence until all are removed.
3. Assembly puzzle. Rotate three rings with symbols on them to create three given complex symbols
4. Logic puzzle. Place red and yellow keys into their proper slots. Keys are connected to other keys.
5. Domino puzzle. Place dominoes with symbols on them so their ends match with the dominoes next to them. All dominoes must be used.
I recommend this game!
A murder investigation uncovers ancient secrets and dark magic!
Overall rating
4
/
5
91 of 181 found this review helpful
THE SCARS OF ST. GERMAIN STILL REMAIN
PostedAugust 15, 2019
sunnyglow
fromIn this game, the nasty dwarf St. Germain appears to be “dis-grunt-led.” There is not one instance of grunting within the entire game by this evildoer.
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: 48 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages (My time: 6 Hours)
OPINION: Agent! You are off to Sauvenage City to investigate another baffling case involving women afflicted with luminescent scars. Contend with two evildoers as you all battle each other to locate the “source” of this malady and cure. The annoying dwarf, St. Germain returns; however, he is a bit player in this game. Although I found the story bizarre, I found the game itself a decent addition to the series. The beginning of the main game is fast paced; however, the end is snail-paced with a great deal of back-and-forth action between scenes.
There are two collectibles, morphing lanterns and puzzle fragments. The fragments create six pictures which give information about the characters from the game. Most are easy to locate but there are some which are well-hidden within the scenes. The graphics within the scenes are beautifully illustrated as in most of this developer’s games.
There are seventeen (17) HOP scenes within the game – fourteen (14) of which can be replayed. Most of the scenes are standard lists of items or silhouette. There are a few matching and storybook scenes as well. Most of the scenes lack variety. They are simple searches with little creative design. There are also twenty (20) mini-HOP scenes which consist of searching for six (6) to twelve (12) items or fragments of items within a scene.
Nevertheless, there is one scene which I found creatively designed and puzzle-like. The player is given a map of a labyrinth. In the labyrinth the player must search for silhouette items which uncover parts of directional signs with symbols on them. Once the signs have been restored, the player must choose the one which matches with one of the symbols on the map and then proceed in that direction.
I found the mini-games better designed that the HOP scenes. There are forty-five (45) mini-games which vary in difficulty and style. I found most of moderate difficulty. There is an option for some of the mini-games to be played in either a casual or hard mode. With this number of mini-games, I am somewhat disappointed that more them were not offered to be replayed at the conclusion of the game.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Return to Sauvenage City to investigate the case of a missing young man. Gustav Lefer has disappeared after acquiring a strange ring. Discover how this ring is tied into his disappearance. Evildoer, St. Germain makes an encore appearance in this chapter as well. It is a long chapter which I feel is well-worth the collector’s edition designation. I like the story better in this chapter than that from the main game. I also feel the activities are more creatively designed as well. There are eleven (11) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes, along with one mini-HOP scene.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Fourteen (14) achievements.
• Collect thirty-six (36) puzzle fragments to create six (6) pictures which tell more about the characters from the game.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects (lanterns)
• Five (5) wallpapers and six (6) screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
• Fourteen (14) achievements.
• Collect thirty-six (36) puzzle fragments to create six (6) pictures which tell more about the characters from the game.
• Collect twenty-six (26) morphing objects (lanterns)
• Five (5) wallpapers and six (6) screensavers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay fourteen (14) HOP scenes and thirteen (13) mini-games
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Matching/Sequence puzzle. On a piano, press keys with symbols on them in sequential order to match up with those on a sheet of music.
B. Casual/Hard. Switch puzzle. Switch hexagonal pieces to restore an image. In the hard version, rotate the pieces as well
C. Switch puzzle. Switch butterflies around a circle so that the colors on the wings match those from colored disks in the center of the circle.
D. Map puzzle. Place 9 arrows into a box to plot a route for a horse while avoiding obstacles in its path. All arrows are used. (Repeated from the demo)
E. Switch puzzle. Switch fan blades to create an image on a fan.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch animal tokens so each is in its appropriate habitat
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Map puzzle. Follow given directions by moving onto spaces within a grid (north, south, east, and west) according to given clues.
H. Casual/Hard. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze while avoiding a ghost and other obstacles. Wander the maze to locate items which can be used to tackle the obstructions
I. Moving blocks puzzle. Move blocks up-and-down to create a path for 2 parts of a door to intersect and combine with each together.
B. Casual/Hard. Switch puzzle. Switch hexagonal pieces to restore an image. In the hard version, rotate the pieces as well
C. Switch puzzle. Switch butterflies around a circle so that the colors on the wings match those from colored disks in the center of the circle.
D. Map puzzle. Place 9 arrows into a box to plot a route for a horse while avoiding obstacles in its path. All arrows are used. (Repeated from the demo)
E. Switch puzzle. Switch fan blades to create an image on a fan.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch animal tokens so each is in its appropriate habitat
BONUS CHAPTER
G. Map puzzle. Follow given directions by moving onto spaces within a grid (north, south, east, and west) according to given clues.
H. Casual/Hard. Maze puzzle. Move through a maze while avoiding a ghost and other obstacles. Wander the maze to locate items which can be used to tackle the obstructions
I. Moving blocks puzzle. Move blocks up-and-down to create a path for 2 parts of a door to intersect and combine with each together.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your friend before your luck runs out?
Overall rating
5
/
5
209 of 296 found this review helpful
A POT O’ MAGICAL GAMING ENJOYMENT – ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THE YEAR
PostedAugust 8, 2019
sunnyglow
fromTo ward off some rascally leprechauns, you may to wear some lucky charms while playing this game – a game which is magically delicious!
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 -Time: 6 Hours
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 45 pages -Time: 6 Hours
OPINION: May the luck of the Irish be with you as you venture to the land of leprechauns. Hunt down a feisty leprechaun out to steal a dragon’s gold. This little leprechaun pot o’ enjoyment is worth its weight in gold. I found the game a fast-paced adventure filled with numerous activities to keep a player engaged. From shamrocks to leprechauns, this game is decked out in various shades of green. I have been anxiously awaiting this game from my favorite developer. This is a superb game from a developer who provides those extras not available in many other games.
With the choice of difficulty in playing the mini-games, this game should appeal to those who want an easy breezy game as well as those who want a little more challenge. There are three collectibles – leprechaun statues, morphing fairies, and Celtic crosses. I found most easy to locate; however, some of them are well-hidden for those super sleuths looking for a little challenge. At the end of the game, the Celtic crosses can be exchanged for items to place in a secret garden. There is an indicator on the inventory bar which lights up when an item is within a scene. A rather amusing touch for me was the part of the game where you crash land and must dig out of the rubble to reclaim your task book, map, hint bar and inventory items.
There are eighteen (18) of the most creative HOP scenes I have played in some time. They are exquisite. All can be replayed at the end of the game. There is the option to play a thematic Match-3 game in lieu of the scenes. However, with the quality and creativity in the design of the scenes, I believe most players will want to play most of them. There is an incredibly beautiful matching scene in which symbols must be matched on fairy wings. In another, the player must choose between four (4) responses to answer a question posed by Merlin, then locate three associated items within the scene. In another unique scene, two objects must be located, which, when combined, create the item in the list. Some scenes containing lists of items contain morphing objects as well.
There are twenty-seven (27) mini-games, eighteen (18) of which can be replayed at the end of the game. I found the directions clearly written and most have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. The difficulty of the puzzles can be set in the menu of the game. Nevertheless, the difficulty can be changed while playing the mini-game as well.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Thirty-two (32) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) statuettes of leprechauns and fifteen morphing (15) fairies
• Collect sixty-nine (69) Celtic crosses to exchange for items to place in a garden
• Twenty (20) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and eighteen (18) mini-games
• Thirty-two (32) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) statuettes of leprechauns and fifteen morphing (15) fairies
• Collect sixty-nine (69) Celtic crosses to exchange for items to place in a garden
• Twenty (20) wallpapers along with concept art, music and video sequences
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and eighteen (18) mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel telling the story how Cedric, a character from the main game, became a village elder. Play Cedric as he tries to stop a fellow leprechaun, Aaron, from re-assembling the Blighter’s Crown, once worn by an evil dragon. Rejected by Merlin from attending the school for wizards, Aaron now is out to prove himself a wizard by collecting all the pieces of this crown, a crown which can obliterate everything. This chapter is as well-designed as the main chapter. It is a long chapter, well worth the extra price of a collector’s edition. There are five (5) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games. The mini-games are exquisite and all can be played in either a “hard” or “easy” mode. Continue collecting all three collectibles within this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Easy/Hard. Switch/Gear puzzle. Switch and rotate gears to restore an image of a dragon.
B. Easy/Hard. Tangram puzzle. Place segments with symbols on them into a square so they fit without any spaces between the segments. Symbols on each segment must match those of the segment next to it.
C. Easy/Hard. Domino puzzle. Place beetles with spots on their backs so that the number of spots matches between adjoining beetles
D. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Move 3 (2 in the easy version) railcars through a maze at the same time using arrows at the top of the grid. All must reach the top at the same time.
E. Maze puzzle. Choose one of 3 paths to escape 2 dragons. The time to enter the maze is key. 3X
F. Easy/Hard. Sequence puzzle. Locate adjoining notes in sequence on a grid as per a given code. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Sequence puzzle. Press keys on a xylophone in the proper sequence so all keys light up and stay lit.
H. Easy/Hard. Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces and place them into a swan to restore its image.
I. Easy/Hard. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal squares with lines upon them to create connections between like-colored energy balls.
B. Easy/Hard. Tangram puzzle. Place segments with symbols on them into a square so they fit without any spaces between the segments. Symbols on each segment must match those of the segment next to it.
C. Easy/Hard. Domino puzzle. Place beetles with spots on their backs so that the number of spots matches between adjoining beetles
D. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Move 3 (2 in the easy version) railcars through a maze at the same time using arrows at the top of the grid. All must reach the top at the same time.
E. Maze puzzle. Choose one of 3 paths to escape 2 dragons. The time to enter the maze is key. 3X
F. Easy/Hard. Sequence puzzle. Locate adjoining notes in sequence on a grid as per a given code. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Sequence puzzle. Press keys on a xylophone in the proper sequence so all keys light up and stay lit.
H. Easy/Hard. Assembly puzzle. Rotate pieces and place them into a swan to restore its image.
I. Easy/Hard. Connection puzzle. Rotate hexagonal squares with lines upon them to create connections between like-colored energy balls.
I recommend this game!
Step into the shoes of a Private investigator with short-term memory loss and uncover the shocking truth about his involvement with a serial killer called The Executioner.
Overall rating
5
/
5
164 of 287 found this review helpful
BEWARE A KILLER BLONDE BOMBSHELL WITH A SHORT FUSE
PostedAugust 1, 2019
sunnyglow
fromIn the city rummaging through “urban decay” and searching “urban outfitters” for that watch from this game – the one with the developer’s logo on the back.
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 - Time: 5 Hours
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages - Time: 5 Hours
OPINION: What a fantastic whodunit! Play private detective Arthur Christie investigating the case of a serial killer, nicknamed "The Executioner." This superb whodunit has a well-written story, one which takes the player on some twists and turns as it uncovers the identity of the bitter, vengeful killer. The whole story behind this case is not completely revealed until the end of the game.
Accompanying this tale of revenge are realistic graphics of the inner city. The corruption and urban decay are well-portrayed within the scenes. Featured in the game are plenty of activities, including creatively designed HOP scenes and minigames. Search for three collectibles – two within each scene, one being a morphing object. There are also morphing objects within the HOP scenes. I found the collectibles easy to locate.
There are twenty-three (23) HOP scenes in the game. A Match-3 game can be played in lieu of the scenes. The scenes are interactive. Items must be uncovered or manipulated in some way before they can be removed from the scene. There are some creatively designed scenes within this game. As an example, in one, while hanging from a rope in a fight for your life, use a lighter to locate designs on the four walls surrounding you.
There are twenty-six (26) minigames. The game also contains puzzle-like activities not designated as puzzles by the developer. They vary in style and difficulty. There are some very easy ones; however, there is an ample number which are moderately difficult. They are thematic, most relating to detective or police -type activities. The developer uses “memory picture puzzles” as a clever device to jar the memory of the detective to further the story. There are five (5) of these in the game. Each requires manipulating jigsaw pieces in a variety of different formats to create a photo.
I always look forward to this developer’s games. Although they do not produce many games, the ones they produce are masterfully designed. With a well-written gaming script, realistic graphics, a fast pace, and a variety of creatively designed activities, this game is a classic not to be missed.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Twenty-four (24) achievements.
• Collect sixteen (16) hats, fourteen (14) floppy disks, and thirty (31) morphing pipes
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and cut scenes from the game.
• Receive a forensic kit and a fingerprint kit to analyze evidence.
• Replay eight (8) HOP scenes and eight (8) minigames
• Twenty-four (24) achievements.
• Collect sixteen (16) hats, fourteen (14) floppy disks, and thirty (31) morphing pipes
• Eight (8) wallpapers along with concept art, music and cut scenes from the game.
• Receive a forensic kit and a fingerprint kit to analyze evidence.
• Replay eight (8) HOP scenes and eight (8) minigames
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a prequel. Play detective Arthur Christie and return to period before the beginning of the main game to discover the reason for your memory loss. There are no collectibles within this chapter. I found the chapter rather short; however, the activities are of the same quality as the main game. There are four (4) HOP scenes and four (4) minigames.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINGAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Memory Picture puzzle. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces to restore an image of a memory
B. Spot-the-Differences puzzle. Find the differences between two bullet casings. First adjust the focus at the side of a microscope to bring the two casings into focus. Then, compare the two casings
C. Search puzzle. Use a magnifying glass to search for 5 blonde hairs on a wig.
D. Matching puzzle. Match up 3 sets of microbes between two slides. Find one on one slide and switch to the other to get its match.
E. Memory puzzle. Rotating tiles. Rotate hexagonal pieces to restore an image of a memory.
F. Sequence puzzle. Using a guide, start a crane by following given directions.
G. Assembly puzzle. On a board with 4 colored wires - connect the ends of each wire to two symbols, which, when combined, create one of four symbols at the side of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Switch puzzle. Switch books so they are placed on a bookshelf as per clues given in a photo.
I. Play pool. Move lines of pool balls on a pool table so that 3 items move from the top of the table through openings within the lines to the bottom of the table.
B. Spot-the-Differences puzzle. Find the differences between two bullet casings. First adjust the focus at the side of a microscope to bring the two casings into focus. Then, compare the two casings
C. Search puzzle. Use a magnifying glass to search for 5 blonde hairs on a wig.
D. Matching puzzle. Match up 3 sets of microbes between two slides. Find one on one slide and switch to the other to get its match.
E. Memory puzzle. Rotating tiles. Rotate hexagonal pieces to restore an image of a memory.
F. Sequence puzzle. Using a guide, start a crane by following given directions.
G. Assembly puzzle. On a board with 4 colored wires - connect the ends of each wire to two symbols, which, when combined, create one of four symbols at the side of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Switch puzzle. Switch books so they are placed on a bookshelf as per clues given in a photo.
I. Play pool. Move lines of pool balls on a pool table so that 3 items move from the top of the table through openings within the lines to the bottom of the table.
I recommend this game!