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:
Explore shattered worlds to stop the insatiable Void Demon!
Overall rating
1
/
5
A MAJOR “UGH-LY” GAME! - ONE I WISH I HAD “A-VOIDED”
PostedOctober 5, 2024
sunnyglow
fromThis game is a demonic nightmare. With my eyes wide shut trying to see the miniscule items placed in a dark scene, I developed a headache. Never playing a game from this developer again!
Skill Level:Expert
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BFG has this game listed as a HOPA. It is not a HOPA game, it is a HOP game. This is the worst game I have played this year. Trick or treat! The trick was on me! I purchased this game thinking it was a HOPA game. It is so bad, I stopped playing it after 7 levels. I had a headache, and my eyes hurt after playing nondescript HOP scenes. Speaking of the void, I wish I could have voided the purchase of this game.
The game consists of consecutive searches for items in junkpiles. The scenes are dark and blurry. Think of this game as one set in a dungeon with clutter all over the place. Locating items in these dark scenes is beyond frustrating. If you click more than twice in a scene you are frozen out of the scene for around 5 seconds. This should have been made optional considering the difficulty in finding many of the items. Some of the items in the silhouette scenes can fit up to four items within the scenes, especially if they are round or square shaped.
There are no levels of difficulty. There are forty-two (42) levels from what I have seen on the map. There are only eight (8) puzzles. There is bonus content; however, you cannot access that information until the game is completed. The player can replay the few puzzles provided. There is music if anyone would want to replay it and wallpapers.
Jet Dogs is notorious for copying gaming genres from other developers. Guess they got super inspired by clutter! Now everything is clutter for this developer. If Jet Dogs wishes to design HOPA games, they should look at the genius behind the games of true HOPA game designers, Five-BN, Friendly Fox Studios, GrandMA Studios, Elephant Games, and Domini Games.
A final note to Jet Dogs. I also love escape room games. Please do not copy that genre from those developers either. I really don’t want to go through the adventure of tripping over piles of clutter to escape a room.
I don't recommend this game.
A literature professor is recruited to help a master of horror!
Overall rating
3
/
5
EDGAR AWARD FOR THE BEST HORROR GAME OF THE YEAR FOR BFG
PostedOctober 3, 2024
sunnyglow
fromQuoth the raven: “Nevermore!” Edgar Allan Poe has gone “deep into that darkness.” With this game, hopefully Poe will rest in peace with the hope new gaming themes will emerge for Halloween from the kingdom by the sea, BFG.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 36 pages
STORY: Welcome to a double feature dedicated to Death, the master of ceremonies of this event. Halloween is the time when troubled, lost souls can complete unfinished tasks not completed during their lives. Once they complete them on Halloween, these ghosts can then travel to the afterlife.
Travel to Boston, where a literary expert in the works of Poe, Adam Newman, has been summoned by Death to help Edgar Allan Poe complete his last novella so he can travel to the afterlife. As Newman, travel to three of Poe’s stories (somewhat revamped) to create that final work by finding three sparks, that of a beginning, a climax, and a denouement, each one hidden within one of Poe’s famous novellas.
ANALYSIS: This is a short game. I found the game quasi-entertaining and packed with an array of activities set to a ghostly story. It is a dark game but not scary. However, the dungeon scenes in the main game may be unsettling to some. This is not the best Halloween game by this developer; however, it did get me into the Halloween spirit and dealt with one of my three favorite inspirational writers, Edgar Allan Poe. The other two are Ray Bradbury, and Steven King. Poe as a theme has been overused in HOPA games.
It would be nice to see a game set to a Bradbury story – Martian Chronicles decorated for Halloween with alien skeletons under a pumpkin-colored sky. However, Steven King may be too horrifically horrifying, even for me! The main point I am making here is that it is time to move on from Poe. Hopefully, this developer will come up with some fresh ideas for both a story and activities.
CONCLUSION: This was an “okay” game; however, some may think it is too short or the activities too blasé. It is worth the price; however, this is a ho-hum game, which to me, lacks the creativity seen in previous games in this series. This developer does not need to make the game longer; they need to create a better story with more creatively designed puzzles and scenes.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 10 achievements.
• Collect 25 pumpkins (puzzle pieces) and 12 Poe novellas.
• Expedition room which allows the player to search for missing collectibles at the end of the game
• Use the puzzles pieces to play a puzzle hidden within a secret room.
• 7 wallpapers along with as screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 10 achievements.
• Collect 25 pumpkins (puzzle pieces) and 12 Poe novellas.
• Expedition room which allows the player to search for missing collectibles at the end of the game
• Use the puzzles pieces to play a puzzle hidden within a secret room.
• 7 wallpapers along with as screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
There are seventeen (17) puzzles and fifteen (15) HOP scenes. Thirteen (13) of each is available for replay upon completion of the game. There are numerous mini-HOP scenes as well with six (6) items to be located. The HOP scenes consist of lists of items, silhouette, fragments, and matching. There is one spot-the-difference scene as well. There are few puzzles; however, I feel most of the puzzles are creatively designed. I especially liked the maze puzzle featuring a policeman traveling through 3 mazes. I also enjoyed the puzzle with cutouts to remove pendulums from the scene. I feel the tracing puzzles lack creative design and just thrown into the game as filler.
BONUS CHAPTER: Adam Newman has died. However, he has some unfinished business which he needs to complete before entering the afterlife. Play Death as he helps Newman discover what activity or event he failed to accomplish in life and help him finish it so he can move on with his afterlife. I found the story very heart warming for a horror game – a sprinkling of hearts over those graves and cupid’s bow hitting those old skeletons. There are seven (7) HOP scenes and five (5) puzzles. I feel the story is somewhat bizarre but decent at least for a collector’s edition
.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Strategy puzzle. Lead a policeman to a living room by creating a path. As the figure passes over tokens, the path changes.. Go back and forth, changing the direction of the path until the policeman reaches the living room.
B. Strategy puzzle. On a grid, fill in squares with more of your tokens than those of your opponent. The tokens change to that of their opponent if it lands next to them.
C. Strategy puzzle. Use 3 cutouts to remove pendulums on the grid until none remain.
BONUS CHAPTER:
D. Maze puzzle. Move 3 different types of tokens, an hourglass, a lily, and a book to their perspective slots on the other side of the grid traveling on squares with the same design. The tokens change design after one the of the 3 items lands on them – changing them to the design of one of the other 2 items
E. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate fragments to restore an image.
F. Tracing puzzle. Trace a design to awaken a ghost 3X
B. Strategy puzzle. On a grid, fill in squares with more of your tokens than those of your opponent. The tokens change to that of their opponent if it lands next to them.
C. Strategy puzzle. Use 3 cutouts to remove pendulums on the grid until none remain.
BONUS CHAPTER:
D. Maze puzzle. Move 3 different types of tokens, an hourglass, a lily, and a book to their perspective slots on the other side of the grid traveling on squares with the same design. The tokens change design after one the of the 3 items lands on them – changing them to the design of one of the other 2 items
E. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate fragments to restore an image.
F. Tracing puzzle. Trace a design to awaken a ghost 3X
I recommend this game!
Trick-or-treating fun in Springfield and Pinecreek Hills!
Overall rating
5
/
5
A BOO-TIFUL SPOOKY DOOKY HALLOWEEN FEST!
PostedSeptember 26, 2024
sunnyglow
fromTrick or Treat! Dressing up in a homemade costume with a warm sweater underneath, going out with friends into the frosty autumn air, hoping your favorite candy would be put in your bag – thanks Casual Arts for the memories of Halloweens past.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Trick or treat! Welcome to Halloween in Springfield, a small-town in rural America! If this game does not get you into the Halloween spirit, nothing will. This game is a real treat although some of the scenes and puzzles can be a little tricky. Join the perennial Casual Arts family as they enjoy another festive Halloween. Travel from scene-to-scene, enjoying all the Halloween activities the community has to offer. As the daughter states in this game, she hopes it is not too “Spooky Dooky:” It is not! There is no scary stuff – just a “boo-tifully” illustrated, fun-filled game to get you into the Halloween spirit.
This is an easy, enjoyable game, one the entire family can enjoy. It is dressed up for Halloween, packed with jack-o’-lanterns, goblins, witches, and plenty of eye candy. The graphics are “boo-tiful!” The game follows the same format as Casual Arts’ other games.
• Three (3) levels of play: Casual, Challenge, and Extreme
• 19 achievements.
• 18 wallpapers
• 72 additional puzzles in a variety of styles
• Each scene has extra scenes within it. Each extra scene is indicated by stars. Each time an item or collectible is located within the extra scene, that scene will light up.
• The collectibles are golden pumpkins. Once all are found within the scene, a jack-o’-lantern at the bottom of the screen lights up.
• Collect lost and found items indicated by a silhouette displayed with a pumpkin at the bottom of the screen Once all are located, (usually 2 or 3) the pumpkin closes its display. There is an album which displays the lost and found items.
• Some of the scenes have a camera which allows the player to take a picture of the scene which is then displayed in a photo album.
• The player can earn 3 stars by (a) finding all the items within the scene and (b) finding all the collectibles.
• Earn coins to purchase souvenirs from your Halloween trek through Springfield. They can be accessed at the store shown at the top of the screen.
• 19 achievements.
• 18 wallpapers
• 72 additional puzzles in a variety of styles
• Each scene has extra scenes within it. Each extra scene is indicated by stars. Each time an item or collectible is located within the extra scene, that scene will light up.
• The collectibles are golden pumpkins. Once all are found within the scene, a jack-o’-lantern at the bottom of the screen lights up.
• Collect lost and found items indicated by a silhouette displayed with a pumpkin at the bottom of the screen Once all are located, (usually 2 or 3) the pumpkin closes its display. There is an album which displays the lost and found items.
• Some of the scenes have a camera which allows the player to take a picture of the scene which is then displayed in a photo album.
• The player can earn 3 stars by (a) finding all the items within the scene and (b) finding all the collectibles.
• Earn coins to purchase souvenirs from your Halloween trek through Springfield. They can be accessed at the store shown at the top of the screen.
Each scene can be replayed with a completely different list of items. As the difficulty increases with each level so does the number of items to be located. The puzzles also increase in difficulty. The challenge and extreme levels are timed Most scenes consist of a list of items, and some items involve some type of activity which must be performed with the item. Some items are hidden somewhere within the scene and involve clicking around the scene to locate them. Most of the scenes are lists of items; however, there are scenes where the player looks for a specific number of one item.
I played this game in the Extreme level. The puzzles are easy, although the game states the puzzles are more difficult in the harder levels. However, for the ones I have played so far, I found most easy to play. I only found one slider puzzle with road signs which I thought was slightly difficult. Most of the puzzles are picture puzzles or matching. The map jigsaw puzzle is a staple in this developer’s games as is the rotating tiles newspaper puzzles in which newspaper fragments must be rotate to create the Springfield newspaper. There are also the usual word searches and matching puzzles.
I like the fact that the extra puzzles can be played at any time and the player does not have to wait until the end of the game to access them. Some of the bonus puzzles are from the game; however, many are new puzzles not appearing within the game. This is one feature I truly love about this developer’s games. There are so many extras within Casual Arts games.
I have not finished the game; however, I am about halfway into the game. Casual Arts is one of the few HOP games I play. I don’t like most HOP games; however, Casual Arts HOP games are fantastic because of the all the extra activities they provide plus locating the items in scenes jam packed with hundreds of items. Their entire game is puzzle -like. Many developers have tried to duplicate Casual Arts; however, none have succeeded. Their games are a cut above the rest of their imitators.
This was the perfect way to begin the Halloween season! It also got me into the mood to get all my Halloweens decorations out of storage. I, for one, am happy Casual Arts created a Halloween game! Their games illustrate Americana at its finest.
I recommend this game!
There’s something strange lying beyond the Blue Moon...
Overall rating
5
/
5
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON A HOP MASTERPIECE ARISES ON THE HORIZON
PostedSeptember 12, 2024
sunnyglow
fromOnce in a blue moon, a fantastic game arises on the gaming horizon. For all the gaming wolves out there - hope this one will be a howling success.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
STORY: Aloha! Pack some warm clothes and sail away to the island paradise of Lunara! Once in a blue moon (after so many years) this Polynesian island is challenged and faces a test. Under this blue moon, the island has been frozen by an ice storm. Now you must travel throughout the island to locate moonstones which can defrost the icy kingdom. Restore this island paradise to its lush beauty while listening to some soft, soothing Polynesian background music.
ANALYSIS: Kudos to Mixo Games! This is a well-crafted, creatively designed game. This developer paints a beautiful Polynesian picture filled with gorgeous graphics of the island and lifelike images of the game characters. Unlike most games, the game characters have voiceovers which match their mouth movements. The characters seem almost 3-dimensional. The imagery is breathtaking.
Unlike other HOP games, the searches are puzzlelike and can be quite challenging depending on the level played. The format for the game is the same for each chapter of the game. The player plays a series of HOP scenes with puzzles interspersed throughout the scenes. Collect moonstones by playing the HOP scenes which are used to unfreeze new parts of the island
There are three levels of play, casual, normal, and extreme. I believe this allows one player to play a relaxed game while giving other players some challenge. I am playing the normal level and feel it is somewhat challenging in searching for some of the items. I would believe the extreme level would be difficult.
There is a game room which has a variety of different games. The player collects coins which allow additional gameplay in the game room. When the player has enough coins, clicking on a clover takes you to the games. There are several puzzle types within the game. Some of them are within the gameplay and others are in the game room. There is a jigsaw puzzle of the island within the game. Upon completion of each part of the game, the player receives a puzzle fragment to place into the jigsaw puzzle.
PUZZLES WITHIN THE GAME:
A. Block puzzle. One of the puzzles within the game is a block puzzle. The blocks have directional arrows on them and must be removed from the grid. The difficulty increases with each level of the game
B. Mahjong. Tiles are shown at the bottom and the player must remove the tiles on the mahjong grid which correspond to them. More than one can be removed at a time.
C. Marble popper/bingo game. Click on numbers on bingo cards which appear on balls as they snake their way to an exit point. Get all numbers before the balls reach the exist point
D. Pachinko. Pull a handle to drop ball onto a spinning wheel to remove marbles to reach a coin in the center of the circle.
E. Solitaire. Click on a card that is one higher or one lower in rank to remove them from the spread.
F. Slot machine. Try to guess whether the next card will be higher or lower than the last card.
B. Mahjong. Tiles are shown at the bottom and the player must remove the tiles on the mahjong grid which correspond to them. More than one can be removed at a time.
C. Marble popper/bingo game. Click on numbers on bingo cards which appear on balls as they snake their way to an exit point. Get all numbers before the balls reach the exist point
D. Pachinko. Pull a handle to drop ball onto a spinning wheel to remove marbles to reach a coin in the center of the circle.
E. Solitaire. Click on a card that is one higher or one lower in rank to remove them from the spread.
F. Slot machine. Try to guess whether the next card will be higher or lower than the last card.
HOP SCENES: There are many HOP scenes within the game; however, they are puzzle-like. Items to be collected are layered and some items must be found before others on the list can be located. The searches are spread out among several scenes, which, I feel, makes the gameplay more exciting. The clues to the items are colored. Red clues indicate that some action must be completed, and a tool needs to be located to complete it. Green indicates a moon statue or compass symbol which opens a puzzle or a close-up level that must be completed before continuing with the main level. The blue text is a riddle hinting at the object to be located. There are more than one of each item to be located.
DO I PLAY OR STAY AWAY? THUMBS UP on this game! This is a fantastic game for most HOP game lovers and some HOPA game lovers as well. Those who do not like puzzle-like games, may not enjoy this game. However, the casual level should provide an enjoyable easy romp through the island paradise.
FINAL REQUEST: I would love to see this developer create a HOPA game, one based on a Polynesian legend. With a few modifications, this game could be flushed out to create a HOPA game. With the incredibly beautiful graphics displayed in this game, I am certain it would be a sensational hit.
FINAL ALOHA: I hate most HOP games. I don’t relish playing one boring HOP scene after another with some easy puzzle thrown into the mix. There are only a few non-HOP developers I write reviews for. One of these is Casual Arts and the other is Puzzles by Joe. This developer will be my third. This HOP game is unique and merits a review. This developer has shown they are a cut above the others who produce HOP games for BFG. I hope to see more games from this developer and hopefully, will become a main contributor to this gaming site.
I recommend this game!
Join the struggle between hubris and the natural world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
GO UNDERGROUND TO SAVE FAIRY TALE KINGDOMS
PostedSeptember 5, 2024
sunnyglow
fromAlternative energy has found its way into the world of games. A “budding” new source of energy is oozing its way into the elf world. The World Tree is powering elf’s homes and their magamobiles with technomagical tree sap.
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: 65 pages
3 chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 65 pages
STORY: Travel underground for your next adventure, into the magic kingdom of Etheria. After your friend Emma discovers a crack in the earth, you are off to join her in her investigation of this underground kingdom. This kingdom is inhabited by a race of elves who are guardians of Tree of the World. This sacred tree is the source of energy and magic for Etheria and other kingdoms as well. However, it has been infected, its energy and magic are dying and soon the kingdom may perish if it succumbs to this illness. Discover an unexpected source behind the maladies of this kingdom and the neighboring kingdom, Ignia, home of the Draconians. Deal with a “budding” evildoer who wants dominion and unfettered power and is willing to destroy two kingdoms to obtain it.
ANALYSIS: I loved playing this game! The graphics are breathtaking! Our “puzzlemeisters “always provide a well-crafted game; one which provides excellent gaming value for the money. This is a long game, twice as long as those from other developers. It is a puzzle intense and HOP light game. I loved this game; however, this game may not appeal to everyone. It is a great game for those who love puzzle-oriented games, those who love science fiction or fantasy games along with those who are interested in science.
The format is the same as with this developer’s other games. The game can be as challenging as the player wishes, from extremely challenging by playing the hard level of puzzles to a little easier by playing the easy version of the puzzles. Nevertheless, this is not an easy peasy game. Even the HOP scenes require some intense searching at times. You can play additional footage to earn stars You also get stars to making the “right” decision according to the game. The “right” answer is indicated by the number of stars awarded. At the end of each chapter your actions are summarized and the number of stars you received are noted. However, if you hate collecting those stars, you can just ignore the extra footage. The collectibles are morphing world cores and tree flowers. Collect trees sprouts as well to exchange for items to decorate a library.
There are sixty-three (63) mini-games, forty-seven (47) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. Most of the puzzles are offered in an easy and hard version. There are only seventeen (17) HOP scenes, sixteen (16) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. A match-3 game can be played instead of the scenes. Each chapter has four to five HOP scenes. Most of the scenes are repeated with another variety of HOP scene provided. There are lists of items, silhouette, fragment, matching, spot-the-differences, and rebus clues. The HOP scenes, especially at the beginning of the game, are incredibly beautiful.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• 23 Scenes
• Collect 10 morphing world cores and 10 tree flowers.
• Collect 70 tree sprouts to exchange for items to decorate a library hidden within the boudoir.
• Collect 48 stars for playing extra scenes or for making the correct decisions in the game
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 47 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• 23 Scenes
• Collect 10 morphing world cores and 10 tree flowers.
• Collect 70 tree sprouts to exchange for items to decorate a library hidden within the boudoir.
• Collect 48 stars for playing extra scenes or for making the correct decisions in the game
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 47 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The leader of Etheria, Geral , requests your assistance with another problem affecting their kingdom. An ancient evil spirit, Magistralix, has been released. He was released when the evildoer from the main chapter tried to create his own world with ancient magic. Now, you, with the help of Flammar from the kingdom of Ignia, work to find a way to stop this spirit from destroying the two kingdoms. This chapter is a nice addition to the game. It is a long chapter, 30% of the game. There are four (4) HOP scenes and fourteen (14) mini-games. The chapter is worthy of a collector’s edition designation for this game.
FINAL NOTE – LOOKIE HERE: Other developers should look at the design of this game. This developer provides an excellent product while conserving money and resources. This is a very long game; however, they only provide 23 scenes within the entire game, including the bonus chapter. However, most players would not even realize there are not many scenes. Most HOP scenes are repeated using another style of search. The voiceovers are strategically placed; however, they are not frequent. Nevertheless, the game is superb demonstrating that this developer uses their resources wisely in creating their games. It is expensive to create these games; however, voiceovers can be slimmed down along with repeating the same HOP scene with another style of search while keeping the activity to fewer scenes within the game.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE MINI-GAMES FROM THE 63 AVAILABLE WITHIN THIS GAME.
A. E/H. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so it matches a given design. The hard version has a more complex design and more rope pieces to untangle
B. Block puzzle. Use arrows to relocate bubbles in a bumblebee’s path so it can reach its destination.
C. E/H. Strategy puzzle. On a grid with mushrooms with 5 dots upon their caps, strategize so that every square within the grid has a dot within it. Pressing on each mushroom indicates its path and how many spaces it can fill in. The hard version has one more mushroom and a larger grid. Each dot will be used on each mushroom.
D. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram style pieces with water drops on the top onto a grid of squares with rot on them so that all the pieces are used, and every square is covered. The hard version has more squares of rot and more tangram shaped pieces.
E. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Set the coordinates to locate a flower by using arrows and buttons within a specified number of moves. There are 3 buttons which can move clockwise or counterclockwise 3, 6 or 7 spaces. The hard version has more coordinates to set.
F. E/H. Pipe puzzle. Adjust pipe segments so that water flows freely through all the pipes. The hard version has more pipes to adjust.
G. Sequence puzzle. Climb down a cliff using hand and feet icons and placing them into locations on the cliff. 5 X
H. Ye Olde Fox and Hens puzzle with an AI twist. Move Draconoid and Technobots from one side of the grid to the other in a railcar. The car cannot be empty and there must not be more Draconoids than Technobots on either side.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch 6 cups so that the level of their liquid matches a line behind it. The easy version has 6 cups and the hard has 8.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch the positions of two cars on a train track. Move both cars onto stations which open barriers within their paths. Move back and forth between the cars. The hard version has more barriers.
K. Physics puzzle. Set valves into position so that water flows through a pump reservoir. The hard version has more valves to set.
B. Block puzzle. Use arrows to relocate bubbles in a bumblebee’s path so it can reach its destination.
C. E/H. Strategy puzzle. On a grid with mushrooms with 5 dots upon their caps, strategize so that every square within the grid has a dot within it. Pressing on each mushroom indicates its path and how many spaces it can fill in. The hard version has one more mushroom and a larger grid. Each dot will be used on each mushroom.
D. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place tangram style pieces with water drops on the top onto a grid of squares with rot on them so that all the pieces are used, and every square is covered. The hard version has more squares of rot and more tangram shaped pieces.
E. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Set the coordinates to locate a flower by using arrows and buttons within a specified number of moves. There are 3 buttons which can move clockwise or counterclockwise 3, 6 or 7 spaces. The hard version has more coordinates to set.
F. E/H. Pipe puzzle. Adjust pipe segments so that water flows freely through all the pipes. The hard version has more pipes to adjust.
G. Sequence puzzle. Climb down a cliff using hand and feet icons and placing them into locations on the cliff. 5 X
H. Ye Olde Fox and Hens puzzle with an AI twist. Move Draconoid and Technobots from one side of the grid to the other in a railcar. The car cannot be empty and there must not be more Draconoids than Technobots on either side.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch 6 cups so that the level of their liquid matches a line behind it. The easy version has 6 cups and the hard has 8.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch the positions of two cars on a train track. Move both cars onto stations which open barriers within their paths. Move back and forth between the cars. The hard version has more barriers.
K. Physics puzzle. Set valves into position so that water flows through a pump reservoir. The hard version has more valves to set.
I recommend this game!
Help weigh the life of Richard Gray to determine his fate!
Overall rating
2
/
5
HALLELUIAH! CAN RICHARD GRAY BE SAVED? BETTER YET – CAN THIS SERIES BE SAVED?
PostedAugust 29, 2024
sunnyglow
fromSearching the Astral World to see if Richard Gray put a spell on the Bonus Chapter to keep us from playing it.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME (MINUS THE BONUS CHAPTER WHICH DID NOT WORK ON MY PC)
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 37 pages
STORY: Halleluiah! Sing praises of joy as Richard Gray atones for the sins of his life in the Astral World. With the aid of the Guide of Souls, help the Master of the Dark Arts, recognize and atone for past sins of his life. Relive three parts of his life where Richard messed up! However, like father – like son! You can’t blame Richard for his dastardly deeds with an evildoer dad like Samuel Gray! Be prepared for surprises in this game! Although he does not remember much about his first marriage, Richard was married to a woman named Agatha and had two children as well. Richard’s missing memories are due to the dark forces he had been involved with. Set Richard on the straight and narrow path as he goes back in time to save his soul by remedying the past.
ANALYSIS: The main game is short. The format is the same as in other games from this developer. The graphics are consistent with other games. There is a secret room which houses a jigsaw puzzle which can be played upon completion of the game. There is also an expedition room which allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve missing collectibles. The collectibles are puzzle fragments and artifacts. I was not impressed with the activities. Elephant games have many pictures puzzles; however, this game has more of them than I have witnessed in any of their other games. Although I disliked the ending, I found the story interesting.
In the main game there are thirteen (13) puzzles and nine (9) HOP scenes. There are several mini-HOP scenes with six or seven items to collect. I was disappointed in the activities within this game. As stated, there are more picture puzzles than I have seen in past Elephant games. From the main game, over half the puzzles are picture puzzles. Most of these are ridiculously easy. However, there are a few decent puzzles throughout. I enjoyed a strategy puzzle in which the player moves a student figurine through rooms of a house interacting with items within the house. I also enjoyed the map puzzle in which the player rides a horse avoiding obstacles within its path. I found the HOP scenes also disappointing. There are a few which are decent, but, for the most part, most are easy and have few items to search for within the scenes.
MY BIG FAT “UGH-LY” ENDING! Ugh! I loved story behind the game but hated the ending. The ending sets this series in a new direction. I found the ending bizarre. This is not what I expected, and I am concerned about the direction this series is headed. This new direction seems to be more nonsense like we experienced with the two-year disappearance of Rick Rogers from the Paranormal Files series. For two years, we lost the tongue-in-cheek humor of the debonair Rick for his boring, frumpish wife, Rachel, along with her equally boring crew of diverse Millennials. Hope we are not going to have another dreadful “team” to accompany Anna Gray.
MY BIG FAT “UGH-LY “GAMING ERROR! Another ugh! This may only be an issue with my game, but I was not able to play the bonus chapter. The bonus chapter in my game is missing the strategy guide, hint button, and the ability to collect inventory. I knew there was an issue when I could not collect the first item, a glove. The chapter deals with Anna Gray helping Richard Gray. That is all I know about the chapter as I could not play it. If this is a common issue, I do hope BFG will fix the problem because I would love to play this chapter to find out about Anna Gray’s involvement with her father.
MECHANICS:
-Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
-23 achievements.
-Collect 12 artifacts plus 27 fragments for a jigsaw puzzle, played within a secret room.
-5 Wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
-Expedition room which allows the player to return to the scenes to retrieved missed collectibles
-Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
-23 achievements.
-Collect 12 artifacts plus 27 fragments for a jigsaw puzzle, played within a secret room.
-5 Wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
-Expedition room which allows the player to return to the scenes to retrieved missed collectibles
-Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
FINAL THOUGHT - THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS: I find it difficult to believe this game received an Editor’s Choice designation. This game is lacking in many areas for this designation. Through the years I have loved Elephant games. However, I see the quality diminishing with each successive game. This may be a monetary issue; however, I do hope they will return to the excellence they once demonstrated within their games. If the price needs to be raised for the game, so be it. Prices are escalating for everything, so it would seem natural the game prices should as well. It seems this game was thrown together haphazardly without anyone checking for errors. I may have been the only one with an error in the bonus chapter; however, this should have been noticed before the game was released. There are no free lunches in life and if some of us want to have more HOPA games, then we may have to pay more for those games. Many of us do not want to play HOP games and for the entertainment value, at little extra cost would be worth it for a better game.
HERE ARE MOST OF THE PUZZLES FROM THE MAIN GAME AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Picture puzzle. Rotating tiles puzzle. Slide picture parts along paths to restore an image of a snake
B. Picture puzzle. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide picture frames along paths so each is in its proper position to show the Gray family tree
C. Picture puzzle. Switch puzzle. Rotate diamond shaped pieces until an image is created.
D. Picture puzzle. Switch puzzle. Switch puzzle pieces to restore an image.
E. Map puzzle. Lead a horse down a path avoiding obstacles within the path.
B. Picture puzzle. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide picture frames along paths so each is in its proper position to show the Gray family tree
C. Picture puzzle. Switch puzzle. Rotate diamond shaped pieces until an image is created.
D. Picture puzzle. Switch puzzle. Switch puzzle pieces to restore an image.
E. Map puzzle. Lead a horse down a path avoiding obstacles within the path.
I don't recommend this game.
A good magician never reveals their secrets!
Overall rating
4
/
5
MAGICAL MURDER MYSTERY
PostedAugust 22, 2024
sunnyglow
fromAfter using lipstick to write notes and face powder to uncover fingerprints, Domini announced via a leaflet in a mailbox, their entrance into the world of cosmetics. Wonder if they have any Puzzle-Me-Pink lipstick?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 79 pages
STORY: Join a magical mystery tour as detective twins, Randall and Eleanor Hamilton, return to solve another case. Famous magicians are dying while performing their death-defying tricks. Police believe the deaths are the result of their deathly tricks gone awry; however, that may not be the case. Grab some popcorn and cotton candy as you travel from one entertainment venue to another investigating murder scenes. Play both twins as they tag team to solve the mystery of the deaths of two magicians. Uncover a deathly plot of anger and revenge. Added to this adventure is a sprinkling of paranormal hocus pocus provided by Eleanor Hamilton. Enjoy the magic of the transmutation of bodies and souls. Switching back-and-forth between one body and another can be a little confusing!
OPINION: Although this is not my favorite series from Domini games, I did enjoy playing this game. The one outstanding element of Domini games is that the player can create their own gaming experience through the choices they make throughout the game. The game is lengthy, especially if the player chooses to play the optional extra footage. However, the player can choose to skip the extra activities for a shorter game.
This is a puzzle intense and HOP light game. If you love puzzles, you will probably love this game, but if you don’t, probably you will hate this game. The game can be played as an easy breezy one or as a challenging one depending on the puzzle difficulty chosen. Some of the puzzles are somewhat challenging in the hard version. Nevertheless, the game can be an easy play if the easy version of the puzzles is chosen. Each chapter is almost a game within itself. This game is closer to an adventure game than a HOPA game in length and format.
There are three chapters plus a bonus chapter. It has a good storyline. It follows the same format as other Domini games. Stars are rewarded for playing the extra footage offered in the game. Stars are also awarded for choosing the right response to questions or situations. Some people may not care for the stars. I have noticed the complaints about them from other reviewers; however, if you don’t like them, just ignore them. At the end of each chapter, the chapter details are outlined and the stars awarded are stipulated. Collect evidence as you solve the case.
The collectibles are morphing magic props, performance posters and tarot cards. The tarot cards can be exchanged at the end of the game for magical props kept within the boudoir.
There are few HOP scenes. There are only seventeen (17) in the entire game. Sixteen (16) of those can be replayed upon completion of the game. Each chapter has four to five HOP scenes and most of the scenes are reused, using another type of HOP format. The scenes are varied with lists of items, fragments, narrative, rebus clues, cryptic clues, matching, and silhouette. There are SIXTY (60) puzzles. The player can replay forty-eight (48) of these. Most of the puzzles have the choice to be played in either a hard or easy version. As with other Domini games, I always find some new puzzles within the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 magic props and 10 performance posters
• Collect 70 tarot cards which can be exchanged for magic props within the boudoir
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 48 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 magic props and 10 performance posters
• Collect 70 tarot cards which can be exchanged for magic props within the boudoir
• 15 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 16 HOP scenes and 48 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The evildoer is behind bars, or is he? Join the twins as they try to ascertain what a new magician is up to. Some surprises await these twin sleuths as they try to discover what happened to one of the evildoers from the main game. Supposedly under house arrest, that felon has disappeared. Where did that person go? There are eight (8) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes. I feel the chapter is worth the price of a collector’s edition game. As stated previously, to me, the entire game is worthy of a higher price than its retail value.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 60 MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME: (E= Easy; H=Hard)
A. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Shoot marbles so they land into slots on a grid in sequential order. The easy version has colored marbles and the hard has marbles with symbols on them.
B. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Move a token through spaces with 3 different kinds of snowflakes so that the number listed next to each snowflake matches the number you have landed upon for each snowflake. The hard version has more snowflakes to land on.
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Switch liquids in test tubes so each test tube has the same color of liquid throughout. The hard version has one more liquid color
D. Maze puzzle. Find a way out of a maze dealing with obstacles in your path. This puzzle has 3 smaller puzzles which need to be solved. (1) Matching puzzle. Locate the animal prints in order and press on the print in consecutive order. 3X with a new animal and animal printed added each time.
E. Assembly puzzle. Look at the mathematical problem posted to figure out the number assigned to each chemical. Place the amount of the chemical after deciding what the number is.
F. E/H. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so none overlap each other. The hard has more ropes to untangle
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Add steps to a ladder so all fit and are uniform on the ladder. The hard version has more pieces to place.
H. E/H. Physics puzzle. Time/ratio. Turn valves so that the gas level on each of 3 or 4 pipes drops to zero at the same time. The easy version has 3 pipes and the hard has 4.
I. Strategy puzzle. Paint a picture so no two abutting areas are the same color. The hard version limits the number of times a color can be used
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place letters and boxes onto a grid so all spaces are filled and there is no overlap of presents. The hard version has more boxes and a bigger grid.
K. E/H. Place constellations on a star filled background so that the stars within the constellation are matched up with stars on the grid. The easy version has 8 and the hard has 9,
L. E/H. Bullseyes. Align bullseyes so they are all concentric with each other. Use dials to adjust their height. The easy has 4 and the hard 5.
B. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Move a token through spaces with 3 different kinds of snowflakes so that the number listed next to each snowflake matches the number you have landed upon for each snowflake. The hard version has more snowflakes to land on.
C. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Switch liquids in test tubes so each test tube has the same color of liquid throughout. The hard version has one more liquid color
D. Maze puzzle. Find a way out of a maze dealing with obstacles in your path. This puzzle has 3 smaller puzzles which need to be solved. (1) Matching puzzle. Locate the animal prints in order and press on the print in consecutive order. 3X with a new animal and animal printed added each time.
E. Assembly puzzle. Look at the mathematical problem posted to figure out the number assigned to each chemical. Place the amount of the chemical after deciding what the number is.
F. E/H. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes so none overlap each other. The hard has more ropes to untangle
G. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Add steps to a ladder so all fit and are uniform on the ladder. The hard version has more pieces to place.
H. E/H. Physics puzzle. Time/ratio. Turn valves so that the gas level on each of 3 or 4 pipes drops to zero at the same time. The easy version has 3 pipes and the hard has 4.
I. Strategy puzzle. Paint a picture so no two abutting areas are the same color. The hard version limits the number of times a color can be used
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place letters and boxes onto a grid so all spaces are filled and there is no overlap of presents. The hard version has more boxes and a bigger grid.
K. E/H. Place constellations on a star filled background so that the stars within the constellation are matched up with stars on the grid. The easy version has 8 and the hard has 9,
L. E/H. Bullseyes. Align bullseyes so they are all concentric with each other. Use dials to adjust their height. The easy has 4 and the hard 5.
I recommend this game!
Unravel a complex kidnapping case where anyone could be lying!
Overall rating
4
/
5
TWO SIDES OF SISTERHOOD
PostedAugust 15, 2024
sunnyglow
fromA sister is a friend for life! However, for Rose Woods, sister Louisa is no buddy to mess with!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 43 pages
STORY: Detective Dana Strange returns with a new case. She and partner, Malcolm, are off to a luxurious estate to investigate a kidnapping. The wife of wealthy nightclub owner, Kevin Woods is missing. Woods wants the super sleuth and her partner, Malcom, to locate his wife and find the perpetrator. However, as both investigate around his mansion, they discover there is more than a kidnapping involved in this case.
OPINION: This is short but fantastic whodunit! Kudos to the writing staff! The team who wrote the story behind the game did an excellent job. I was not able to put all the pieces together for this case until almost the end of the game. Usually, I don’t pay attention to the story behind a game; however, this one is suspenseful, making it a nice little extra. The player also sees the joys and perils of sisterhood throughout the game.
OPINION: This is short but fantastic whodunit! Kudos to the writing staff! The team who wrote the story behind the game did an excellent job. I was not able to put all the pieces together for this case until almost the end of the game. Usually, I don’t pay attention to the story behind a game; however, this one is suspenseful, making it a nice little extra. The player also sees the joys and perils of sisterhood throughout the game.
The game format is the same as the other Elephant games. There are not many activities within the game; however, they and the story provide a good pace within this game. The graphics and voiceovers are excellent. The puzzles are on the easier side. Throughout the game, the player can choose between two dialogues for some scenes; however, I don’t think it affects the outcome of the game. I cannot understand why Elephant offered two dialogues when the answers to both are the same.
The collectibles are photos and picture fragments. The image for the picture fragment is a large white blob, resembling crumpled paper. I found both easy to locate within the game. Dana’s alter ego, Eve, returns as well to help her with the case. I found Dana’s alter ego creepy and unsettling; however, her existence is better explained in the bonus chapter.
WARNING TO ALL THE FAINT-HEARTED: I am somewhat surprised BFG did not have a warning for this game. There are some dark elements alluded to within this game. I found a cringe-worthy scene at the end of the game which, to me, was unsettling and very graphic. Although it is only one scene, I still believe BFG should have had a warning about this scene. It is not one for the faint of heart and what is seen cannot be unseen.
There are fourteen (14) HOP scenes and twenty (20) puzzles. Thirteen (13) of each can be replayed upon completion of the game. Both the HOP scenes and puzzles are creatively designed. There are numerous mini-HOP scenes with six items to be located as in other Elephant games. There is a wide variety of styles of scenes including lists of items, silhouette, rebus clues, matching, fragment, and search and replace back into the scene. As in most Elephant games, there are many picture puzzles throughout the game. There are two puzzles I thought were excellent; one is a maze puzzle, and the other is logic switch puzzle which involves switching buildings on a diorama according to given clues.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments and 12 photos.
• 6 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Secret room contains a jigsaw puzzle for the 24 puzzle fragments collected
• Expedition room allows the player to return to the 27 scenes in search of any missing collectibles
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments and 12 photos.
• 6 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games
• Secret room contains a jigsaw puzzle for the 24 puzzle fragments collected
• Expedition room allows the player to return to the 27 scenes in search of any missing collectibles
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. There is no place like home! However, after her caretaker retires, Dana faces the choice of keeping her childhood home or selling it. Join Dana as she journeys to her childhood and relives her childhood memories. Help her put a final chapter on her childhood and the tragedy which befell her sister. I found this a very heartfelt chapter. This chapter does not involve a whodunit; but rather, It involves a memorable journey of the loving relationship between Dana and her sister, Ursula. The story is superb and heart wrenching. It also delves into the origins of Dana’s alter ego, Eve. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) puzzles. The story itself is worth the price of the collector’s edition. Elephant takes us into another direction with this chapter.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES FEATURED AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Picture puzzle. Place fragments into position within a photo album to learn more about the case. 6 pictures
B. Strategy puzzle. Fill up more spaces with your tiles than those of your opponent. Placing your token next to your opponent’s changes it to yours and vice versa.
C. Logic/Switch puzzle. Switch buildings on a diorama of a city according to given clues.
D. Enclosure puzzle. On a grid, trap an evildoer by encircling him with barrels. Block him before he escapes
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Sliding tiles puzzle. On a 3 X 3 grid with 9 squares, slide the squares so that a picture is created.
F. Assembly puzzle. Place doll figurines of a family into the proper location within a dollhouse based on given clues.
G. Paint-By-Number. In this case paint a picture matching symbols with those on the paints
B. Strategy puzzle. Fill up more spaces with your tiles than those of your opponent. Placing your token next to your opponent’s changes it to yours and vice versa.
C. Logic/Switch puzzle. Switch buildings on a diorama of a city according to given clues.
D. Enclosure puzzle. On a grid, trap an evildoer by encircling him with barrels. Block him before he escapes
BONUS CHAPTER:
E. Sliding tiles puzzle. On a 3 X 3 grid with 9 squares, slide the squares so that a picture is created.
F. Assembly puzzle. Place doll figurines of a family into the proper location within a dollhouse based on given clues.
G. Paint-By-Number. In this case paint a picture matching symbols with those on the paints
I recommend this game!
Can you use your magical gifts to save the prince from a deadly fate?
Overall rating
4
/
5
SAVE A BEASTLY PRINCE FROM A DECEPTIVE BEAUTY
PostedAugust 1, 2024
sunnyglow
fromAs “parapsychologist” to the afterlife, sorceress Lady Margaret can find a new life after her gig at the castle. She can star in her own reality show featuring homes and castles plagued with ghosts with issues from their past.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 41 pages
Grab your crystal slippers, foo-foo gown and prepare to attend an elegant ball where Prince Roland will choose his future bride. However, this ball will not see “Cinderelly” in attendance, dropping a shoe or two on the dance floor. This affair will see the prince turning into a real beast. His beastly behavior will not be the result of not finding his bride, but rather some courtside and interkingdom intrigue involving three princesses out to woo the prince. Play the court sorceress, Lady Margaret. Wander around the castle and search for the culprit who turned Prince Roland into an actual wolfish beast and discover the motive for this deception.
OPINION: This is a short game; however, the graphics are incredibly beautiful. I enjoyed playing the game, and although it is short, I feel the graphics are worth the price of the game. It is a fairytale-come-to-life! This game is designed for those who want a good storyline, easy puzzles, less activities, and beautiful scenes. Some of the HOP scenes are breathtaking, especially those which involve crystals and jewels. The scenes glisten with beauty. Although it is a short game, for some, this game may be more desirable than a lengthy one. If you enjoy puzzle intense games, this game may not interest you. However, the incredibly beautiful graphics are worthy of a Collector’s Edition designation and price.
MECHANICS: The game has the same format as all Elephant Games. The collectibles are jigsaw puzzle fragments and morphing tarot cards. The puzzle fragments are displayed as “roses” in the scenes. The rose emblem is so large you cannot miss it within the scene. The jigsaw fragments are a little more difficult to locate. As in other games from this developer, there is secret room containing a jigsaw puzzle which can be played with those fragments upon completion of the game. If a player misses the collectibles, an expedition room allows the player to return to scenes to locate the missing collectibles.
There are fourteen (14) HOP scenes and numerous mini-HOP scenes, each with six (6) items to be located. Thirteen (13) of the HOP scenes can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are twenty-one (21) puzzles, twelve (12) of which can be replayed as well. Many of the HOP scenes are beautiful, some with sparkling jewels, shining crystals, and beautiful flowers. The HOP scenes, in my opinion, are the best part of this game. The puzzles are on the easier side. I feel the maze puzzles were the best ones within this game. There are several within this game and creatively designed. One of my favorites is a creatively designed maze within a location called Mirror World. The buttons you use are the opposite of what they are used for. The “up” button is used to go down and the “left” button is used to go right. I found myself getting confused but that was the fun of playing this puzzle.
"MUZAC ANYONE?" Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo! This game provides some nice “muzac.” However, to get into the fairytale mood you could always listen to the soundtracks of “Cinderella” or “Beauty and the Beast!” The perfect song is “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” which combines magic of sorcery with the “boo” for the ghosts within the game!
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 tarot cards and 24 picture fragments shaped as roses for a jigsaw puzzle hidden in the secret room, which is played upon completion of the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music choices.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 puzzles
• Expedition room which allows the player to return to the 24 scenes within the game to search for collectibles.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 22 achievements.
• Collect 12 tarot cards and 24 picture fragments shaped as roses for a jigsaw puzzle hidden in the secret room, which is played upon completion of the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music choices.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 12 puzzles
• Expedition room which allows the player to return to the 24 scenes within the game to search for collectibles.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Prince Roland is now married. However, a ghostly presence is upsetting the castle, stealing his bride’s possessions and scaring her and the prince. Play the prince as he and Lady Margaret with her new apprentice, Alice, help the ghost settle into castle life. Margaret is not only a sorceress but a “parapsychologist” to the spirit world as well. She will help the ghost adjust to castle life. Bet she could get a gig on the Dr. Phil show! There is nothing worse than an unhappy ghost romping around the castle! There are four (4) HOP scenes and (8) eight puzzles in this chapter. I found this a nice addition to the game,
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE PUZZLES FROM THE GAME AND BONUS CHAPTER:
A. Picture puzzle. Restore an image by rotating diamond shaped tiles to create it. 3X
B. Assembly puzzle. Locate the 3 symbols, which, when combined, create a symbol shown at the bottom of the scene.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a portrait of the royal family to restore it.
D. Maze puzzle. Use arrows to guide Margaret through a maze in 25 moves. However, there is a catch! The maze is located in Mirror World and the buttons pressed do the reverse action. The button for up will take you down and the button for left will take you to the right.
E. Strategy puzzle. Remove monster skulls using stencils so that none remain.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Matching puzzle. Click on clouds to uncover matching pairs.
G. Assembly puzzle. Clean up an attic so that it is restored to its original beauty
H. Ye Olde Beam of Light puzzle. Place crystals onto a grid so all squares of the grid are lit up.
B. Assembly puzzle. Locate the 3 symbols, which, when combined, create a symbol shown at the bottom of the scene.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a portrait of the royal family to restore it.
D. Maze puzzle. Use arrows to guide Margaret through a maze in 25 moves. However, there is a catch! The maze is located in Mirror World and the buttons pressed do the reverse action. The button for up will take you down and the button for left will take you to the right.
E. Strategy puzzle. Remove monster skulls using stencils so that none remain.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Matching puzzle. Click on clouds to uncover matching pairs.
G. Assembly puzzle. Clean up an attic so that it is restored to its original beauty
H. Ye Olde Beam of Light puzzle. Place crystals onto a grid so all squares of the grid are lit up.
I recommend this game!
Investigate a famous photographer with a haunting secret!
Overall rating
5
/
5
CAPTURE THE ONES YOU LOVE THROUGH PHOTOS
PostedJuly 27, 2024
sunnyglow
fromNever frequenting an art gallery again. Who knows who or what is lying behind those frames? Don't want to be framed for loving art!
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: 85 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 85 pages
Get your cameras ready as you take on the dark spirit, Tenebris Mortis! As a famous paranormal detective from the Mystical Riddles Detective Agency, you are off on another case. Neil Clark has contacted you because his wife has disappeared after visiting the Oliver Cook Art Gallery. Delving into the case, while fighting off dozens of flying dark hooded spirits, you encounter Tenebris Mortis. Someone has made a deal with this evil spirit. Making a deal with the devil does have its consequences and it will take hours playing a very long game to deal with this evildoer. Go back-and-forth between the real world and the demon’s shadow plane to defeat this monster. This dark hooded skeletal spirit will haunt you throughout the game, popping up at unexpected moments. Enjoy a fight to the end as you try to save victims of this dastardly demon.
OPINION: I loved this game! This is my favorite series from my favorite developer, Domini Games. Our “puzzlemeisters” have outdone themselves again with a “picture perfect” masterpiece. This game has the same format as their other games. It is a puzzle intense and HOP light game. I believe this game has more puzzles than in of their other games. If you love puzzles, you will probably love this game, but if you don’t, probably you will hate this game. This is not an easy-breezy game. Some of the puzzles are somewhat challenging in the hard version. You will be exposed to the world of photography in this game. There is a gimmicky camera you will use throughout the game to deal with dark hooded spirits. Each chapter is almost a game within itself. This game is closer to an adventure game than a HOPA game in length and format.
There are three chapters plus a bonus chapter. It is a fast paced ghost fest with a good storyline. There are fewer voiceovers in this game. I realize most developers are eliminating voiceovers to their games; however, if they would look at this game, it illustrates that voice can be used sparingly and still provide a fantastic HOPA game. Collect cameras, statues of the game characters, and photos which can be exchanged a the end of the game to outfit a dark room for developing pictures.
There are few HOP scenes. There are only seventeen (17) in the entire game. Sixteen (16) of those can be replayed upon completion of the game. The scenes are varied with lists of items, fragments, rebus clues, cryptic clues, matching, and silhouette. There are SIXTY-TWO (62) mini-games. That is the most mini-games I have seen in any HOPA game. The player can replay forty-eight (48) of these. Most of the puzzles have the choice to be played in either a hard or easy version. These mini-games are superb, especially the picture puzzles. Each chapter opens with a series of pictures puzzles and every one of these puzzles in this game is designed differently. In each chapter there are three picture puzzles used to further the story of the game. I also felt the maze puzzle in this game exceptional as well. It is creatively designed and a step-up from most of the maze puzzles I have played in other games. It also appears our developer is looking at some adventure games, because there is a word puzzle within this game which is commonly used in many adventure games.
A lot of work went into creating this game. If most HOPA games are priced at the CE price with one-third of the material, this game should be priced higher. For all the work this developer did to create this beautifully designed game, then it should be rewarded. I truly look forward to playing Domini games. They are creating more fantastic games and hope BFG will carry all of them.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. It is three years later, and Oliver Cook has turned his art gallery into an art school. You, as a paranormal investigator, are contacted to investigate why students at the school are collapsing, many going into a comatose state. Is the evil Tenebris Mortis involved and if so, who summoned him? Help save a misguided girl with an overactive lust for greatness in the artworld. This is a great bonus chapter. There are four (4) HOP scenes and fifteen (15) mini-games. This is a very long chapter, almost as long as some HOPA games on this site. In my opinion, this bonus chapter is worth the price of the collector’s edition, or probably worth even more.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 62 MINI-GAMES FROM THIS GAME: (E= Easy; H=Hard)
A. E/H. Maze puzzle. Set timers on gauges so a spark can travel along a path without being blocked. The hard version has 2 more gauges to set.
B. E/H. Lock/Switch puzzle. Switch parts of a lock so that pairs are formed which link together. The hard version has the second half of the lock hidden.
C. E/H. Battleship puzzle. Set a path for a helicopter so that all helicopter symbols are collected. The hard version has more symbols to collect.
D. Picture puzzles. (A) Assembly puzzle. Rotate fragments on a circular grid until all pieces are in place. (B) Switch puzzle. Switch pieces in groups of three to restore an image. (C) Switch puzzle. Switch circular fragments until they are in position to create an image. (Each chapter has 3 of these and each one is of a different design)
E. E/H. Cryptic clues. Locate items within a scene based on cryptic clues. The hard has more items to locate
F. Maze puzzle. Enter and go through a ghostly maze overcoming obstacles in your path. Collect items along the way. A superb puzzle!
G. E/H. Paint picture. Paint a picture according to a given diagram. In the hard version colors must be combined to create the color needed.
H. Logic puzzle. Using a clue, figure out the 3 numbers to use to open a lock
I. Logic puzzle. According to given clues about 3 letter grids, locate the letters to enter into a grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Create a path for a beetle to cross over all buttons on a grid without retracing steps and by landing on the buttons spelling out the name of the school. The hard version has a larger grid.
K. Picture puzzles. (A) Slider puzzle. Switch sliders to create an image. (B) Switch puzzle. Switch fragments to create a picture. (c)Flip tiles on a grid until you get a full picture. Clicking on a tile will open or close two or three more tiles.
L. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place geometric shapes on a grid so all fit and there are no free spaces. The hard version has a larger grid and more pieces to place.
M. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Place ghosts on a grid so not two are of the same color in each row and column. The hard version has more ghosts to place and a larger grid.
B. E/H. Lock/Switch puzzle. Switch parts of a lock so that pairs are formed which link together. The hard version has the second half of the lock hidden.
C. E/H. Battleship puzzle. Set a path for a helicopter so that all helicopter symbols are collected. The hard version has more symbols to collect.
D. Picture puzzles. (A) Assembly puzzle. Rotate fragments on a circular grid until all pieces are in place. (B) Switch puzzle. Switch pieces in groups of three to restore an image. (C) Switch puzzle. Switch circular fragments until they are in position to create an image. (Each chapter has 3 of these and each one is of a different design)
E. E/H. Cryptic clues. Locate items within a scene based on cryptic clues. The hard has more items to locate
F. Maze puzzle. Enter and go through a ghostly maze overcoming obstacles in your path. Collect items along the way. A superb puzzle!
G. E/H. Paint picture. Paint a picture according to a given diagram. In the hard version colors must be combined to create the color needed.
H. Logic puzzle. Using a clue, figure out the 3 numbers to use to open a lock
I. Logic puzzle. According to given clues about 3 letter grids, locate the letters to enter into a grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
J. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Create a path for a beetle to cross over all buttons on a grid without retracing steps and by landing on the buttons spelling out the name of the school. The hard version has a larger grid.
K. Picture puzzles. (A) Slider puzzle. Switch sliders to create an image. (B) Switch puzzle. Switch fragments to create a picture. (c)Flip tiles on a grid until you get a full picture. Clicking on a tile will open or close two or three more tiles.
L. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Place geometric shapes on a grid so all fit and there are no free spaces. The hard version has a larger grid and more pieces to place.
M. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Place ghosts on a grid so not two are of the same color in each row and column. The hard version has more ghosts to place and a larger grid.
I recommend this game!