sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:821
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 27, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
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!
Trust no one. Perhaps not even yourself!
Overall rating
3
/
5
THE LETTER M SHOULD STAND FOR MORE – MORE GAME AND MORE ACTIVITIES
PostedJuly 11, 2024
sunnyglow
fromThe perfect letter “M” game: More murder, madness, and mayhem
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter
STORY: Who is the masked man behind a box, a box sent to Sharlotte Holmes, one with a large “M” imprinted on the top? Did arch nemesis Moriarity send this box to her? Join our super sleuth as she, along with friend, Oscar Watson and ex-criminal Adler, investigate a gang of thieves headed by a masked stranger. In this game, the masked madman is playing cat and mouse with Sharlotte. What evil purpose is behind this mastermind? There is more to the story than meets the eye in this episode. Discover who is the leader of this criminal organization and what the “M” stands for all while enjoying the English countryside.
MECHANICS: The game is a continuation of the last game of the series. The game reviews aspects from the previous game, so it is not necessary to have played the last game to enjoy this one. It is a very short game. I completed the game in under five (5) hours playing all HOP scenes and puzzles. I loved the story behind the game. There are few activities and long pauses between those activities. For those who love a good story, this is a great game. It is also a great game for those who play a game principally for the story and want fewer activities and easy puzzles.
The collectibles are magnifying glasses (puzzle pieces) and pictures of characters related to Sherlock Holmes. I found all the collectibles easy to locate. The pictures are large in the scenes - you can’t miss them. The magnifying glasses are smaller and well hidden. At the end of the game, the player uses the picture fragments to play a jigsaw puzzle in the Secret Room. There is an Expedition Room which allows the player to return to the scenes to retrieve missing collectibles. The picture for the jigsaw puzzle is given, thus, it is easy to put the pieces into position. In my opinion, I feel the developer should allow the player to play this puzzle like a normal jigsaw puzzle in which the picture is revealed after the pieces are placed. For me, revealing the picture at the end of the placing the jigsaw puzzle is the joy in playing a jigsaw puzzle.
There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes. All of them can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are more mini scenes (locating or working with six items) than regular HOP scenes. The scenes are varied consisting of narrative scenes, lists of items, silhouette scenes, and matching scenes. For me, the HOP scenes are not that creatively designed. The items are easy to locate. The mini-games (or lack thereof) are very easy. There are twenty-three (23) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed. As with the HOP scenes, I feel the mini-games are not creatively designed as well. Four of the puzzles are deduction puzzles in which four statements must be connected in the proper sequential order to help draw conclusions about the story.
OPINION: What has happened to Elephant Games? Their games are shorter and lack the creative design of those from the past. It is difficult to give a five-star rating and pay the price for a collector’ edition HOPA game, when I can purchase games from other HOPA developers which are twice as long, and which have three times the activities. I liked this game for the story behind the game. However, as far as the activities are concerned, I was disappointed. Many of the puzzles seem just thrown into the mix. They are not difficult and there are a lot of picture puzzles. There was a fantastic map puzzle in one of the beta games; however, it was replaced with a map picture puzzle. Why would the developer do that? I would have rather played the map puzzle than another picture puzzle. The story is quality; to me, the activities are not.
It is a matter of perspective, what the player is looking for in a game. This game is designed for those who want a good story with a few activities attached. For those who like easy puzzles or enjoy picture puzzles, this is a game for you. If you love a great story with few activities this is the perfect game. If you want more activities or more challenging puzzles, then you will be disappointed in this game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 10 achievements.
• Collect 12 pictures of Sherlock Holmes characters and 26 magnifying glasses (puzzle pieces).
• A Secret room houses a jigsaw puzzle to play upon completion of the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music selections.
• 26 Scenes
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• An Expedition room which allows the player to return to the scenes for missed collectibles.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 10 achievements.
• Collect 12 pictures of Sherlock Holmes characters and 26 magnifying glasses (puzzle pieces).
• A Secret room houses a jigsaw puzzle to play upon completion of the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music selections.
• 26 Scenes
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• An Expedition room which allows the player to return to the scenes for missed collectibles.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Play Oscar Watson. After escorting Sharlotte Holmes to the train station, he notices a masked man staring at him. Not knowing if this man was observing him or Sharlotte, he travels to her apartment to send her a photo of this gentleman. Upon arrival, he is interrupted by the same man. He does not steal anything but is in search of something. Learn the story behind this masked stranger and what he wants from Sharlotte. I loved the story but felt the activities were sparse and not well-designed. Again, as with the main game, this is a great game for players who play the game for the story more than the activities. There are four (4 HOP scenes and seven (7) mini-games, two of which are deduction puzzles. I am conflicted as to whether this chapter is worth the price of a collector’s edition game. It has a well-written story; however, the activities are sparse and lack creativity.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Assembly puzzle. Follow instructions to create a smoke bomb
B. Puzzle/switch puzzle. Switch pieces to restore an image 2X
C. Maze puzzle. Move two tokens, one of Sharlotte and one of Moriarity, so each ends in a slot at the bottom of the grid. Tokens will move until they hit a boundary.
D. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide items along paths to the characters to which they are associated with.
E. Assembly puzzle. Use the ends of strings to connect two symbols, which, when combined create a symbol at the side of the screen
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Matching. Uncover and match lightning bolts
G. Connection puzzle. Connect knots on a rope so all are connected in a continuous line.
H. Deduction/Connection puzzle. Connect 4 statements so they are in sequential order
A. Assembly puzzle. Follow instructions to create a smoke bomb
B. Puzzle/switch puzzle. Switch pieces to restore an image 2X
C. Maze puzzle. Move two tokens, one of Sharlotte and one of Moriarity, so each ends in a slot at the bottom of the grid. Tokens will move until they hit a boundary.
D. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide items along paths to the characters to which they are associated with.
E. Assembly puzzle. Use the ends of strings to connect two symbols, which, when combined create a symbol at the side of the screen
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Matching. Uncover and match lightning bolts
G. Connection puzzle. Connect knots on a rope so all are connected in a continuous line.
H. Deduction/Connection puzzle. Connect 4 statements so they are in sequential order
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
FUN-TASTIC ESCAPE ROOM GAME!
PostedJuly 3, 2024
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
What a "fun-tastic" game! Five-BN creates gaming masterpieces, and this game is another example of that excellence. Most of their games are adventure games; however, tt appears they are exploring other gaming genres.
This is a fabulous escape room game. It is not designed for everyone. If you love puzzles, you will love this game, if you do not, you will probably hate this game. This is my favorite genre for computer games. The whole game is one large puzzle. Enter 20 "rooms," and search for inventory and solve numerous puzzles to escape. The term "room" is a misnomer. The better term would be "location" as each of the 20 locations have numerous scenes in which you search for items, interact with them and solve puzzles to escape. The puzzles are a little challenging, but not as difficult as some other escape room games I have played. There are no special features.
I found the pace of the game excellent. The fast pace is aided with change of location within each of the twenty chapters. You are given the percentage of the game which you have played. I do like that aspect as well. There is a hint button but no strategy guide. However are plenty of walkthroughs for this game on You Tube.
For this genre, this developer is making a name for themselves as of one of the must-have escape room games. They are not as well-known as Blue Brain Games, Peaksel, Fireproof Studios, Big Loop Studios, and some other escape room developers; however, they are gaining popularity with the escape room crowd. I must also admit that Five-BN is becoming a major player in the HOPA/adventure series genre as well.
I recommend this game!
Archaeologist Helena Nightshade is drawn into the mystery of the Eternal Lunar Eclipse.
Overall rating
1
/
5
MORE HORRIBLE GAMING FROM BOOMCRAP
PostedJune 29, 2024
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I was able to download it and played into it. It is another example of the crap Boomzap releases. They are a production line developer which produces cookie cutter games. I would say this latest fiasco was the fault of BFG, but in this case, it is probably the fault of this developer. Horrible games from a production line developer. They charge a lot for their "CE" games, which are not very long and repetitive. Play one of their games - you have played them all.
If I had a zero rating, I would give it to them. Compare their games to some of those from other developers. There is no comparison.
I don't recommend this game.
Can the Detectives United team unravel the secrets of Myst Hill in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
THE RETURN OF AN OLD NEMESIS AND DADDY DEAREST
PostedJune 27, 2024
sunnyglow
fromSkullduggery! “Funtastic” to see Richard Gray return from the grave. It has been a long time since we have enjoyed his comic spirit
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 40 pages
Join Anna Gray, Dorian Brown and newbie Ewan Florence, as they tackle another case for the Detectives United Agency. Ewan is new to the agency, a member of Gen Z, who brings with him the ability to stop time. He inherited his magical abilities from his noteworthy ancestors. Ewan takes the place of James Blackthorn, who has retired from the agency. Accompanying Anna is her ghostly bad boy father, Richard Gray, who will try to help her as well a harass her along the way. In this case, our crew battles an old enemy, the Four Aces, who were believed to have been vanquished by the Mystery Trackers. Trek to Myst Hill where mystical power is being used to experiment on humans. The Four Aces along with two former crazed foes are taking animal blood and turning humans into half-man, half-animal creatures.
I enjoyed playing this game. As in the other games within this series, each character will take the lead for part of the game. I like this aspect of the game as it provides a faster pace to the game. It is “funtastic” to see Anna Gray’s father, Richard return. He only appears a few times; however, but he provides some much-needed comic relief. It appears Elephant Games is taking this series into a new direction and this game seems to have laid the groundwork for some new adventures. I, for one, am delighted to see the new changes. They have retired one character, brought back another, and added a new one as well. They have also opened the door to new adventures with newbie Ewan and his cousin Jason.
The game has the same framework as Elephant’s other games. The graphics are of the same quality graphics as well. I did not find any glitches while playing the game. There are puzzle fragments to collect and statues of the game’s characters. The fragments are used to play a jigsaw puzzle available upon completion of the game. If a player misses any collectibles, they can return to each scene via the Expedition Room. The statues are enormous and can’t be missed within the scene. The fragments are portrayed as owls. They are a little better hidden; however, they are still not difficult to locate. Upon completion of the game, the player can enter the Secret Room and use the fragments to play a jigsaw puzzle.
There are twenty-two (22) HOP scenes and twenty (20) mini-games. Thirteen (13) of each can be played upon completion of the game. There is even one mini-game which offers the choice of being played in an easy or hard version of the puzzle. This is something new for Elephant. Some of the HOP scenes are what I call “mini-HOP” scenes as they only have five or six items to be located. The puzzles are indicative of those seen in other games. The HOP scenes include lists of items, silhouette, pattern, narrative, and matching.
This is not a long game but to me, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Many times, longish games become very boring and tedious to play. The game is a smooth, easy-play with the just right number of puzzles and HOP scenes. None of the puzzles require a lot of time to solve. They are on the easier side.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements and 29 scenes.
• Collect 29 puzzle pieces (shaped like an owl) and 12 statues of the game characters.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Secret Room houses a jigsaw puzzle played upon completion of the game
• Expedition Room allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve collectibles missed while playing he game.
• Richard Gray, Anna’s father residing in the beyond, joins you to help in the case. As a skull on the inventory bar, he lights up when his advice is needed.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements and 29 scenes.
• Collect 29 puzzle pieces (shaped like an owl) and 12 statues of the game characters.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 puzzles.
• Secret Room houses a jigsaw puzzle played upon completion of the game
• Expedition Room allows the player to return to scenes to retrieve collectibles missed while playing he game.
• Richard Gray, Anna’s father residing in the beyond, joins you to help in the case. As a skull on the inventory bar, he lights up when his advice is needed.
BONUS CHAPTER: The tag team is off to help newbie, Ewan Florence, when he finds himself framed for the murder of his cousin, Jason. Jason, an archaeologist, was investigating a dark order, Cataclysm. Ewan has never met him; however, discovers that his family were part of the Earth Defenders, a group who used their magic to fight this evil cabal. Go back in time with Anna to relive what happened at the time of the murder and hopefully change the fate for all concerned. I found this a nice addition to the game and believe it set the stage for more adventures related to the Florence family. There are seven (7) HOP scenes, three (3) of which are mini scenes with only a few items to be found. There are six (6) mini-games, one of which can be played in either an easy or hard version.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Maze puzzle. Float down a snowy slope on an inner tube avoiding obstacles in your path. You have 3 lives
B. Connection puzzle. Select switches and rotate them and complete the circuit so all light bulbs are lit up. Positives connect with negatives.
C. Alignment puzzle. Align two radio waves using 3 knobs at the side of the radio to control the height and width of each sine wave 3X
D. Math puzzle. Switch out fuses with numbers assigned to them so that the sum of each two equal the number posted between them.
E. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place fragments into position on a grid. 2X
F. Sequence puzzle. Place photos in sequential order. 3X
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate lights on a hexagonal shaped grid so all the beams of light beam toward the center of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Map puzzle. Lead a taxi through a map maze to the exit point. The taxis travels until it hits a boundary. Strategize moves to get to the exit point. 2X
I. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Get Dorian through a maze within an office setting up the path he takes by placing arrows in place and then pressing the Go button. 2 Rooms to plot
J. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens with letters on them to create a word to open a cache in the wall.
B. Connection puzzle. Select switches and rotate them and complete the circuit so all light bulbs are lit up. Positives connect with negatives.
C. Alignment puzzle. Align two radio waves using 3 knobs at the side of the radio to control the height and width of each sine wave 3X
D. Math puzzle. Switch out fuses with numbers assigned to them so that the sum of each two equal the number posted between them.
E. Picture puzzle. Rotate and place fragments into position on a grid. 2X
F. Sequence puzzle. Place photos in sequential order. 3X
G. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate lights on a hexagonal shaped grid so all the beams of light beam toward the center of the grid.
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Map puzzle. Lead a taxi through a map maze to the exit point. The taxis travels until it hits a boundary. Strategize moves to get to the exit point. 2X
I. Easy/Hard. Maze puzzle. Get Dorian through a maze within an office setting up the path he takes by placing arrows in place and then pressing the Go button. 2 Rooms to plot
J. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens with letters on them to create a word to open a cache in the wall.
I recommend this game!