sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:817
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 17, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
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!
The strongest brotherhood is forged through difficult trials.
Overall rating
5
/
5
ANOTHER FANTASTIC TRIP TO THE LOST LANDS
PostedJune 13, 2024
sunnyglow
fromWe have telegraphs, telegrams, and telephones. We need teleportation devices like the dolmens from this game! Imagine traveling anywhere in a matter of seconds.
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: 70 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 70 pages
Join Susan Shephard on another adventure through the Lost Lands. In this episode, our heroine, now a grandmother, escorts us to these lands through the magic of a pop-up children’s book instead of trekking through the magical world herself. The story centers on two residents within these lands in their battle against a dark entity. A teenage dwarf, Fulnur Bogro, begins the story by skipping school to work on a science project in his secret lair, hidden within a cave. An explosion opens up a crack in the walls within the cave, uncovering the remains of the ancient kingdom of Khaen-Tum. Investigating this ancient kingdom, he releases a dark, destructive entity, a Muduk, causing chaos throughout the Lost Lands. With the help of Maaron, a student from the Tolvid Magic Academy, these two work to stop this entity from destroying the Lost Lands. Enjoy a trip which allows you to hop into the closest dolmen and magically transport to any place within the Lost Lands.
Be prepared to spend a great deal of time in the Lost Lands. This is a very long game. I purchased this game a few months ago, and it took me two weeks to complete. I loved every minute playing this game and was sad when it ended. It is more of an adventure game than a HOPA game. Rarely do we get games of this quality any longer. I was uncertain if BFG would offer this game since it is somewhat different from previous games. This one is more challenging than other HOPA games and lacks a bonus chapter.
I found this game much better than previous games from this developer. The graphics are much better and not as two-dimensional as other games. However, this game may not appeal to everyone. The puzzles are difficult, and the player will need to write down information such as passcodes or symbols to open locks. There are a lot of doors and locks to open as well. The player will find runes at every turn in the Lost Lands.
The game consists of three chapters. There is no “bonus” chapter. Instead, there is a bonus section which consists of a series of twenty puzzles you can solve after completing the game. There are only ten (10) scenes which I consider HOP scenes. Most of the game is dedicated to puzzles. There are even puzzles within these ten HOP scenes. These scenes involve searching for items used to create something like a pipeline or soul catcher. Nevertheless, throughout the game, the player will need to collect a specified number of an item such as 15 leaves. These items are not in a HOP scene format. They are scattered among several scenes. The items will be placed in the inventory with a number indicating how many of those items you need to locate.
There is an array of collectibles as in this developer’s other games. Every scene has one collectible and one morphing object. I found some difficult to locate. The morphing objects are the easiest to locate because they change appearance at a rapid rate. I believe the other collectibles are difficult to locate because there is a wide variety of them. Most blend in with the scene and I found myself having to familiarize myself with the six (6) types available. However, if a player misses any, the game allows the them to return to the chapter to locate them. This can be done at the end of the game.
There are fifty-eight (58) puzzles within this game, and most are challenging. There are some old chestnuts in the game as well. Some of the puzzles are variations of those seen in many other games. This game took me a long time to play due to the challenging puzzles. There are no second chances in the maze puzzles nor the climbing up the cliff puzzle. If you make a mistake, you must restart them.
I highly recommend this game for puzzle lovers and/or those who love sci-fi fantasy games. To me, this game is worth much more than the collector’s edition price. Many of the adventure games I play cost more than this one and do not have the array of puzzles nor are as long of game as this one. For the entertainment value, this game is a steal.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 19 achievements.
• Collect 7 manuscripts, 8 rune stones, 8 gears, 7 wooden birds, 7 dreamcatchers and 8 knights (If you are missing any of these, at the end you can return to search for them)
• Collect 45 morphing objects
• Replay 30 mini-games and 7 puzzles
• Bonus 20 games and not a bonus chapter
• 19 achievements.
• Collect 7 manuscripts, 8 rune stones, 8 gears, 7 wooden birds, 7 dreamcatchers and 8 knights (If you are missing any of these, at the end you can return to search for them)
• Collect 45 morphing objects
• Replay 30 mini-games and 7 puzzles
• Bonus 20 games and not a bonus chapter
SPOILERS: THESE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES FROM THE 58 PUZZLES WITHIN THIS GAME:
A. Connection puzzle. Rotate 32 squares so that lines on them so all lines are connected.
B. Deduction puzzle. Select 4 seed bags you need to grow flowers for the graves of your ancestors
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings on a cryptex until lines on the rings connect with each other.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter runes into a lock based on those seen previously (Many of this type of puzzle within the game – remember the code or write it down)
E. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars from a window in sequential order to open the window. If you make a mistake, you restart
F. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into a square grid so all fit and there are no spaces remaining.
G. Connection puzzle. Connect all dots producing a given image without retracing steps. (many of this type of puzzle within the game)
H. Strategy puzzle. Climb up a cliff choosing between supports available. Choosing the wrong support restarts the puzzle.
I. Weights and Measure puzzle. Measure the amount of silt necessary to create an ointment using given weights and bowls.
J. Ye Olde Triangle puzzle. Outline all possible triangles within diagram of a star centered within pentagram.
K. Maze puzzle. Ride a trolley down a track avoiding obstacles within the path.
L. Switch puzzle. Ye Old Book Spine puzzle. Switch books to restore images on the spines of the books. Difficult puzzle as there are many books with different images – all facing different directions
M. Assembly puzzle. Switch figurines so they are all holding hands
N. Connection/Assembly puzzle. Move lines of light beams so they recreate 4 animal symbols
B. Deduction puzzle. Select 4 seed bags you need to grow flowers for the graves of your ancestors
C. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings on a cryptex until lines on the rings connect with each other.
D. Lock puzzle. Enter runes into a lock based on those seen previously (Many of this type of puzzle within the game – remember the code or write it down)
E. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars from a window in sequential order to open the window. If you make a mistake, you restart
F. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into a square grid so all fit and there are no spaces remaining.
G. Connection puzzle. Connect all dots producing a given image without retracing steps. (many of this type of puzzle within the game)
H. Strategy puzzle. Climb up a cliff choosing between supports available. Choosing the wrong support restarts the puzzle.
I. Weights and Measure puzzle. Measure the amount of silt necessary to create an ointment using given weights and bowls.
J. Ye Olde Triangle puzzle. Outline all possible triangles within diagram of a star centered within pentagram.
K. Maze puzzle. Ride a trolley down a track avoiding obstacles within the path.
L. Switch puzzle. Ye Old Book Spine puzzle. Switch books to restore images on the spines of the books. Difficult puzzle as there are many books with different images – all facing different directions
M. Assembly puzzle. Switch figurines so they are all holding hands
N. Connection/Assembly puzzle. Move lines of light beams so they recreate 4 animal symbols
There’s something behind the snowy hill! Or maybe it’s just my imagination...
Overall rating
5
/
5
A FURRY CRYPTID LEAVES A BIG FOOTPRINT IN CANADA
PostedJune 6, 2024
sunnyglow
fromOpen Borders. Bigfoots are escaping from Canada, seeking asylum in Houston. According to the Texas Bigfoot Conservancy, we have doubled our population of Bigfoots. We have opened our forests to them, handing them sunglasses upon arrival.
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
BACKGROUND: Welcome to northern Canada! Listen to the winds and the sounds of the forest and you too may hear the cries of Bigfoot. Journey to the small village of Blue Roche which has witnessed increased sightings of these cryptids. Are they appearing due to the increased construction of new homes in the area? At the request of an old university acquaintance, Lionel, trek through the snow-covered mountains and forests of this frozen land as you investigate the existence of this creature. Does Bigfoot exist? This game will provide some answers!
OPINION: What a great game for all those cryptozoologists out there! It appears northern Canada is a good stomping group for those furry, apish creatures. I enjoyed playing this game as I have some interest in cryptids. Houston is home to the Texas Bigfoot Conservancy. There are many enthusiasts and sightings down here in the Big Thicket. Perhaps those cryptoids have started trekking down to Texas to escape the bleak Canadian winters. Are there Bigfoot snowbirds?
I always say there are HOPA games and then there are those from DO Games. Our puzzlemeisters have outdone themselves again! Most of their games are a step above the rest and this one is no exception. If you love playing puzzles, this is the game for you. This is puzzle-intense and HOP light. There are more than twice the number of puzzles compared to HOP scenes in this game. For me, this game is well-worth the price of a collector’s edition. Being able to replay forty (40) mini-games is worth the price in itself.
The format is the same as with their other games. Most of the puzzles are offered in both an easy and hard version. The puzzle difficulty can be set in the menu at the beginning of the game. However, if the puzzle seems too easy or too difficult, the difficulty can be changed while playing the puzzle. There are three collectibles. Collect morphing mystical creature figurines and animal tracks. Also collect scrolls which can be exchanged for expedition items within the boudoir. I found the items easy to locate. You are awarded points for choosing the “right” answer. It is easy to assess which is the preferred answer – a star is posted next to it with the number of stars awarded if it is chosen. Supposedly the answers selected affect the outcome of the game. I found the game easy to play and did not experience any glitches or difficulties. At the end of each chapter, the player is given a synopsis on how well they performed within that chapter.
In the main game, I counted fifty-six (56) mini-games and twenty-one (21) HOP scenes. Upon completion of the game, the player can replay all the HOP scenes and forty (40) mini-games. The HOP scenes include standard lists of items, matching, narrative, silhouette, rebus, replacement, spot-the-difference and fragment scenes. Most of the scenes are reused; however, the HOP style is different the second time it appears within the game. There are quite a few picture puzzles in this game, all presented in a different style. I feel the puzzles, like the game itself, are incredibly well-designed,
ONE ERROR: Unlike many of this developer’s games, I was able to complete the game without any errors. However, there is an error in one of the puzzles. There is an error in the connection puzzle with the Hygeia symbol. Looking at and playing both puzzles, I could see the “hard” puzzle has less items to connect than the “easy” one and the “hard puzzle was also easier to play than the so-called “easy” one. It does not interfere with the enjoyment of the game; however, just informing the developers of this mistake.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing mythical creature figurines and 10 animal footprint casts
• Collect 70 scrolls which can be exchanged for expedition supplies in the boudoir
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 21 HOP scenes and 40 mini-games
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 morphing mythical creature figurines and 10 animal footprint casts
• Collect 70 scrolls which can be exchanged for expedition supplies in the boudoir
• 10 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 21 HOP scenes and 40 mini-games
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Return to Blue Roche to help Lionel thwart a billionaire developer in his attempt to build a ski resort close to the home of the Bigfoot tribe. With the help of elder Ai Wa of the Bigfoot tribe, help Lionel stop this resort from being built. I thought this chapter was a nice addition to the game. I felt it was a little preachy and stereotypical. It paints a picture of billionaires as corrupt moneygrubbers. The whole game itself tends to preach a message inculcated within the game itself. There are four (4) HOP scenes and one mini-HOP scene. There are sixteen (16) mini-games.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE 56 MINI GAMES FROM THE GAME: (E = Easy – H = Hard)
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE 56 MINI GAMES FROM THE GAME: (E = Easy – H = Hard)
A. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect rope knots on a grid until all are connected without returning to any knot twice. The hard version has more knots to connect.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Use a token imprinted with the Hygeia symbol to remove bacteria tokens from a grid. The easy and hard versions are mixed up. The easy should be the hard version with 8 tokens and the easy is the hard with 9.
C. E/H. Timed puzzle. Play notes on a piano before time runs out.
D. Sequence puzzle. Tune a violin by positioning pegs to the proper position so all arrows on dials attached to the pins point to a green dot. Moving one peg affects the others.
E. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place letters of the alphabet in sequential order. Follow lines to boxes where letters are inserted. Trick puzzle. The easy version does not have all the letters of the alphabet – the hard does.
F. E/H. Match 3 Puzzle. Fill up Field 1 before Field 2 fills up with tokens. Remove 3 or more interconnected tokens from the field at a time. The hard version has been programmed to increase the odds that you will lose.
G. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect logs and twigs with lines so all are connected and none overlap. The hard version requires more connections to be made.
H. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Climb up a mountain choosing locations to put your hands and feet. Feet cannot be higher than hands.
I. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Build two paths for you and Lionel to exit a cave. You must place the pieces into the grid so that two pathways emerge.
J. E/H. Ye Ole Beam of Light Puzzle. In this case place coupon tickets on a grid so they light up all squares within the grid by their correct placement. In the hard version, the grid is larger with more coupons to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
K. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Position Bigfoot’s features according to a given diagram. In the hard version moving one part affects the others.
L. Maze puzzle. Lead a muskrat through a maze avoiding bugs in your path. You have 5 lives. If you run into a bug you restart.
M. Strategy puzzle. Place checker pieces on a checkerboard so that each row and column has the correct number of checkers as indicated at the top and bottom of the grid.
B. E/H. Connection puzzle. Use a token imprinted with the Hygeia symbol to remove bacteria tokens from a grid. The easy and hard versions are mixed up. The easy should be the hard version with 8 tokens and the easy is the hard with 9.
C. E/H. Timed puzzle. Play notes on a piano before time runs out.
D. Sequence puzzle. Tune a violin by positioning pegs to the proper position so all arrows on dials attached to the pins point to a green dot. Moving one peg affects the others.
E. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Place letters of the alphabet in sequential order. Follow lines to boxes where letters are inserted. Trick puzzle. The easy version does not have all the letters of the alphabet – the hard does.
F. E/H. Match 3 Puzzle. Fill up Field 1 before Field 2 fills up with tokens. Remove 3 or more interconnected tokens from the field at a time. The hard version has been programmed to increase the odds that you will lose.
G. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect logs and twigs with lines so all are connected and none overlap. The hard version requires more connections to be made.
H. E/H. Strategy puzzle. Climb up a mountain choosing locations to put your hands and feet. Feet cannot be higher than hands.
I. E/H. Tangram puzzle. Build two paths for you and Lionel to exit a cave. You must place the pieces into the grid so that two pathways emerge.
J. E/H. Ye Ole Beam of Light Puzzle. In this case place coupon tickets on a grid so they light up all squares within the grid by their correct placement. In the hard version, the grid is larger with more coupons to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
K. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Position Bigfoot’s features according to a given diagram. In the hard version moving one part affects the others.
L. Maze puzzle. Lead a muskrat through a maze avoiding bugs in your path. You have 5 lives. If you run into a bug you restart.
M. Strategy puzzle. Place checker pieces on a checkerboard so that each row and column has the correct number of checkers as indicated at the top and bottom of the grid.
I recommend this game!
Are you cunning and clever enough to escape from work? Unlock the doors at every level and make your way out!
Overall rating
5
/
5
A FANTASTIC ESCAPE ROOM GAME
PostedMay 27, 2024
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love escape the room games, being my favorite gaming genre. Those from Peaksel are some of the best out there. As others have stated here, I played this game on another gaming site. I would have purchased this game from BFG, but this is not a genre they usually provide.
The game involves searching for inventory items and playing puzzles to escape one room after another within an office environment. The game is a puzzle within itself. The biggest challenge within these games is trying figure out where inventory items are hidden which are needed to proceed within this game.
I hope BFG will carry more escape the room games. I would have waited and played it on this site, but usually this is not a game BFG offers. There are many other escape room games out there. If you love puzzles, you will love this game. The game is not terribly difficult, at least not as difficult as some games from other developers.
I recommend this game!
Rick and Daemon stumble upon a sinister plot at a rock concert!
Overall rating
4
/
5
IT’S ABOUT TIME! RICK ROGERS IS BACK!
PostedMay 23, 2024
sunnyglow
fromWe are not a-muse-d! Where is Rick's comic wit and humor? Did it get left behind in the alternate universe? Perhaps a good-hearted muse will pop up to inspire his comedic self in future games!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
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
ASSESSMENT: Studly Rick Rogers is back! Many of us have been waiting for this game! After thirteen (13) years spent in an alternate universe, Rick has returned, restoring the excellence of this series! It is a shame our time traveler could not go back in time to prevent the Grandmaster of BFG gaming from taking the magic of this series (which was Rick) and replacing him with frumpy Rachel and her “team” of clueless misfits. For me, this series is nothing without Rick Rogers. However, I hope they will also reinstate his humorous side as well. Rick was comical in the previous series. He is older now and not as lighthearted. This could be expected since he was hooked up to some machine for his magical ability. However, one of the magical elements of this series was Rick’s sense of humor. Hopefully it will return in the future.
STORY: While celebrating Rick’s return, Daemon (one of the team members) takes Rick to a club to enjoy a rock band. However, this renown band owes its success to the Dark Muse, a muse who exacts a high price for her services. Travel to yet another alternate universe and locate the lair of this monster and defeat her before she becomes all powerful.
OPINION: I loved playing this game. The format is the same as with all other Elephant games. The graphics, especially the Dali inspired surrealistic ones within the bonus chapter, are phenomenal. There are some amazingly beautiful HOP scenes. I would have given this game five (5) stars except for some glitches and the slow pace of the game in several spots. There is a lot traveling back and forth collecting inventory items. Personally, I would rather play more HOP scenes or mini-games than tromping to-and-fro searching from scene to scene gathering inventory items and then using them in another scene. I believe all this inventory collection slowed down the game.
Another major problem with this game is the strategy guide. It was not proofread as the pictures for the collectibles are out- of-sequence. The lettering is even out of sequence. The player will have to search through all the photos to locate each scene. The scenes are grouped together, but they are not lettered properly and sequenced in reverse order. I look at these scenes to see if I have missed any collectibles. Locating the scenes, for me, was a nightmare!
The collectibles are all seeing eyes and figurines of the characters from the game. I found the figurines easy to locate. However, I found the eyes impossible to see in many scenes. Upon completion of the game the twenty-six (26) eyes become puzzle pieces to play a jigsaw puzzle within the Secret Room.
There are a few glitches in this game. In a scene within a cave, I searched for a figurine and an all-seeing eye. I spent at least twenty minutes searching for it – clicking everywhere. I left the scene and returned, and the figurine showed up. Then returning a second time, the eye showed up. The eyes are almost impossible to see in some scenes within this game. The figurines are too large, and the eyes are too small. Hopefully, Elephant will try to remedy this situation in the future. There is an Expedition room which permits the player to return to the scenes to collect missing collectibles. In this game, the player may wish to search for the collectibles after completing the game.
There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes and nine (9) mini-HOP scenes with six items to be located. All thirteen (13) of the HOP scenes can be replayed. They consist of lists of items, silhouette, matching, fragment, and narrative scenes. There is a beautiful scene toward the end of the main game consisting of a wall filled with animated flowers and monsters. There are twenty-four (24) mini-games. Thirteen (13) of these can be replayed. I feel the mini-games are easy.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements.
• Collect 12 game figurines and 26 puzzle pieces (shaped like eyes) for a jigsaw puzzle hidden within a Secret Room
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver, music, and video sequences.
• 26 scenes. If any collectible is missing, the player can return to any scene via the Expedition Room.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements.
• Collect 12 game figurines and 26 puzzle pieces (shaped like eyes) for a jigsaw puzzle hidden within a Secret Room
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver, music, and video sequences.
• 26 scenes. If any collectible is missing, the player can return to any scene via the Expedition Room.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. The graphics are surrealistic and beautifully rendered. In this chapter, Rick is having nightmares of his time in the alternate world. Rachel suggests that he along with Daemon engage in some “dream therapy.” By ingesting a little magical therapeutic tea, all three enter Rick’s nightmare world and help him fight the evildoer, Grandmaster. Through coercion, the Grandmaster signed Rick to a very long contract. Now thirteen years later, Rick may be able, through his dreams, end this contractual arrangement. I found this chapter to be a nice addition to the game. There are five (5) HOP scenes with a couple of mini-HOP scenes as well. There are seven (7) mini-games. I like both chapters, but probably like this chapter a little better than the main game. To me, this bonus chapter is worth the price of the collector’s edition.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Alignment puzzle. Align two sine waves by adjusting knobs at the sides of the screen.
B. Strategy puzzle. Press past, present, and future buttons around a clock, so that all the 12 numbers of the clock are lit. Pressing a button moves the dial forward or backward one space either turning on or turning off a light.
C. Strategy/Connection puzzle. Lead a frog to a treat by having him jump sequentially to lily pads, which disappear after he leaves. Get rid of all the lily pads and lead the frog to his treat at the end. No lily pad should remain when he reaches the end. 3X
D. Maze puzzle. Lead Rick to the center of a labyrinth in 46 moves.
E. Jigsaw puzzle. Place fragments into place to restore an image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Create a sleeping potion according to a given recipe.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch description placards of the 6 paranormal detectives so they match with their photos.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a circular image so that each piece is in the proper location.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch squares on a 6 x 4 grid so that an image is created.
B. Strategy puzzle. Press past, present, and future buttons around a clock, so that all the 12 numbers of the clock are lit. Pressing a button moves the dial forward or backward one space either turning on or turning off a light.
C. Strategy/Connection puzzle. Lead a frog to a treat by having him jump sequentially to lily pads, which disappear after he leaves. Get rid of all the lily pads and lead the frog to his treat at the end. No lily pad should remain when he reaches the end. 3X
D. Maze puzzle. Lead Rick to the center of a labyrinth in 46 moves.
E. Jigsaw puzzle. Place fragments into place to restore an image.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Assembly puzzle. Create a sleeping potion according to a given recipe.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch description placards of the 6 paranormal detectives so they match with their photos.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on a circular image so that each piece is in the proper location.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch squares on a 6 x 4 grid so that an image is created.
I recommend this game!