sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:815
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 25, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The town of Brightfield is under attack by a mysterious infection!
Overall rating
3
/
5
73 of 133 found this review helpful
PART OF A RECENT EPIDEMIC OF GAMES WHICH WILL NEVER GO VIRAL
PostedDecember 10, 2016
sunnyglow
fromI am becoming glassy-eyed from playing this game. I need to stay away from this game so I don’t become infected with Boredom (which is now going viral at BFG) before Christmas.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER – REVIEW BASED ON THE DEMO
OVERVIEW: Get ready for a Christmas blast – of cold winter reality from Elephant Games! There are no elves, sugar cookies nor Santa this week. This week find yourself in a Winter Wonderland donning a gas mask in the virus infested environment of a deserted hospital. This virus causes people to literally turn into beasts. This hospital holds the secret behind this epidemic. Plotting behind the scenes are a dastardly Dr. Cyanide and his cohort, the Queen of Hearts!
This is a decent 3-star game for beginning gamers or those looking for a nonchallenging whodunit adventure. It will appeal to many of the Mystery Tracker fans. The graphics are well-done and display the artistic talent of this developer. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes. I found the HOP scenes nondescript with little interactivity and most of the puzzles extremely easy. Elf, the ankle biter is back as a helper. He is used 3 times in the demo. Again, my only request for Elephant is to please stop his barking throughout the game. It is rather annoying for those of us who are not dog lovers.
There are three collectibles – cards, air filters for your gas mask, and fresco pieces to create a picture at the end of the game. If you like this game, I am happy for you. With the slow pace of the game combined with the easy puzzles and Elf’s antics, I found it a snail-paced adventure into boredom! I got tired ambling around the police station and deserted hospital back-and-forth from scene-to-scene.
GASPING THROUGH A GAS MASK. As you proceed in the game you will need to wear a gas mask to keep from getting exposed to a virus which will literally turn you into a beast. You must wear this through the entire game. When your air filter begins to fail, you will hear an irritating gasping noise until you locate an air filter. Unlike the beta, the game allows you to turn off this feature. You may want to consider that option.
THE LAST GASP: This is another series which appears to be on its “last breath.” I did like the last game in this series, “Mystery Trackers: Train to Hellwich;” however, this game cannot compare to that well-crafted game. The story is a hodgepodge of different themes. This is another series which I feel should end.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are decent. They are not very interactive. There are two silhouette scenes and a list of items to locate. There is a new type of HOP scenes in which you must locate parts of scenes within a picture.
PUZZLES: The puzzles are very easy. I feel they lack creativity. We have seen a variation of all these puzzles in other games. One of the puzzles (which I do not consider a puzzle) involves taking a number listed on a piece of paper and entering it on a numerical lock. In other games, this would not be considered a puzzle My favorite puzzle is a moving tiles puzzle in which you move tiles around so that they match the symbol beneath them.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Detective
Hints and Skips: Time not given
Hints and Skips: Time not given
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
22 Achievements
Collect playing cards which practically jump out at you.
Collect pieces for a fresco to create a picture.
Collect air filters for a gas mask
8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art, Secret Room, Music,
Map is given to you at the beginning of the game.
22 Achievements
Collect playing cards which practically jump out at you.
Collect pieces for a fresco to create a picture.
Collect air filters for a gas mask
8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art, Secret Room, Music,
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES: A. Silhouette. Locate several of the same item to remove the silhouette symbol from the screen. B. List of items. C. A unique type of scene. On a picture, locate segments within the scene. D. Silhouette.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy 2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Moving Tiles puzzle. Move three tiles with animals on them into position based on their animal print. Rating: 1
B. Moving tiles puzzle. Move a series of tiles so they match up with the symbol beneath them. Rating: 3
C. Sliders puzzle. Move 3 sliders so that you restore an image. Rating: 1
D. Maze puzzle. Move a ball so it goes over every line in the maze without retracing steps. Rating: 2
E. Swap puzzle. Rotate rings and swap pieces on four circles to recreate pictures of animals. Rating: 2
F. Sequence puzzle. Following a code, press on symbols. Rating: 2
G. Connections puzzle. Connect squares with lines based on the number of dots on each square. The lines emanating from the square must match up with the dots. Rating: 2
H. Lock puzzle. Open a lock using the numbers given to you on a paper. This passes as a puzzle? Rating: MINUS 1 (THIS IS NOT A PUZZLE!)
I. Sequence puzzle. Move a symbol to match its mate on the bottom of screen by recreating a sequence clicking on the symbols to move toward the bottom. Rating: 2
A. Moving Tiles puzzle. Move three tiles with animals on them into position based on their animal print. Rating: 1
B. Moving tiles puzzle. Move a series of tiles so they match up with the symbol beneath them. Rating: 3
C. Sliders puzzle. Move 3 sliders so that you restore an image. Rating: 1
D. Maze puzzle. Move a ball so it goes over every line in the maze without retracing steps. Rating: 2
E. Swap puzzle. Rotate rings and swap pieces on four circles to recreate pictures of animals. Rating: 2
F. Sequence puzzle. Following a code, press on symbols. Rating: 2
G. Connections puzzle. Connect squares with lines based on the number of dots on each square. The lines emanating from the square must match up with the dots. Rating: 2
H. Lock puzzle. Open a lock using the numbers given to you on a paper. This passes as a puzzle? Rating: MINUS 1 (THIS IS NOT A PUZZLE!)
I. Sequence puzzle. Move a symbol to match its mate on the bottom of screen by recreating a sequence clicking on the symbols to move toward the bottom. Rating: 2
I recommend this game!
Can you stop the Brotherhood of Stone Masks in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
88 of 154 found this review helpful
THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY – THIS GAME PROVES IT!
PostedDecember 8, 2016
sunnyglow
fromDecisions! Should I play or stay away? I will stay away and play another day. However, just remember there are two sides to everything - one man's curse is another man's blessing.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER – REVIEW BASED ON DEMO
OVERVIEW: Which path will you choose in this 3-star adventure? You, as Louisa, an antiquities dealer, will travel through Germany to reconnect with your old friend, Conrad, who once lived with your family. He has sold you an artifact which is a “double-edged sword” so to speak. You will find yourself dealing with a two-sided, “two-faced” relic which heals but exacts a price for the cure. Your trip will end up at a destination where you must make a difficult choice between two outcomes. There are two sides to every story and you will soon need to determine which path to travel!
This is a great game for beginning players or for those who enjoy an easy breezy game. I did find the graphics blurry in some places. The HOP scenes are nondescript – the ones in the demo are predominately lists of items. The puzzles are all easy. I only found one which is somewhat challenging. There is only one collectible – jigsaw pieces to complete four puzzles and they practically jump out at you. You can replay the HOP scenes and the puzzles.
I found very little creativity in this game. Many of the puzzles are replicas of ones we have seen in other games. If you are looking for a romance novel packaged in a gaming format, this would be a good choice. There is an element of whimsy in this game with a myriad of wide-eyed baby animals and horses cavorting throughout the scenes. I will never purchase this game. I hate whimsy, sappy love stories and tend to like a little more challenge in the games I play.
HOP SCENES: There are four in the demo. They are predominantly lists of items with some interactivity. There is one creative silhouette scene which involves looking at pictures of tavern food to locate the items.
PUZZLES: The puzzles are all variations of puzzles we have seen in other games. They are varied in style but not difficulty. All the puzzles are extremely easy with exception of one puzzle. There is a sliding tiles puzzle which requires you to slide tokens into place so they match up with the picture beneath them. I find this puzzle a little more difficult than the others. There are the usual assembly, switching and moving tiles puzzles to restore images and pictures. There is one relatively easy logic problem which requires you to turn on tokens on a board to blue. Practice your roping skills with a manual dexterity puzzle to lasso a sign post.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Expert, Custom
Hints: 10 to 180 seconds Skips: 10 to 320 seconds
Hints: 10 to 180 seconds Skips: 10 to 320 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the start of the game
20 Achievements – Some with 3 parts
Collect 48 jigsaw pieces to create 4 puzzles. They practically jump out at you
Replay HOP scenes and puzzles
Usual wallpaper, artwork, screensavers, music
Map is given to you at the start of the game
20 Achievements – Some with 3 parts
Collect 48 jigsaw pieces to create 4 puzzles. They practically jump out at you
Replay HOP scenes and puzzles
Usual wallpaper, artwork, screensavers, music
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES: A. List of items to locate. B. Silhouette. Look at pictures of tavern food orders and locate the food for them. Rather creative C. List of items to locate D. List of items to locate
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy 2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Manual dexterity puzzle. Lasso a rope to a signpost by clicking on the center of a moving bar. Rating: 1
B. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on a bag so that they match up with related images on the bag. Rating: 1
C. Sliding tiles puzzle. Create 9 pictures by sliding tiles and then match up each picture with a malady, the cause, and the cure. Rating: 1
D. Moving rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a Codex to restore a picture. Rating: 1
E. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 8 tokens so they are next to a token associated with it. Rating: 3
F. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols on a horseshoe with those on a door. Rating: 1
G. Sequence puzzle. As per a given code, Press on pictures of cats in sequence. Rating: 1
H. Logic puzzle. Click on tokens until they all turn blue. Clicking on one may affect the others. 3X Rating: 2
I. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and move pieces to recreate photographs. Rating: 1
J. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces into the correct places to create a gas mask.Rating: 1
K. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in sequence to open a door. Rating: 1
L. Switch puzzle Switch tokens to restore a picture. Rating: 1
A. Manual dexterity puzzle. Lasso a rope to a signpost by clicking on the center of a moving bar. Rating: 1
B. Switch puzzle. Switch tokens on a bag so that they match up with related images on the bag. Rating: 1
C. Sliding tiles puzzle. Create 9 pictures by sliding tiles and then match up each picture with a malady, the cause, and the cure. Rating: 1
D. Moving rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a Codex to restore a picture. Rating: 1
E. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 8 tokens so they are next to a token associated with it. Rating: 3
F. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols on a horseshoe with those on a door. Rating: 1
G. Sequence puzzle. As per a given code, Press on pictures of cats in sequence. Rating: 1
H. Logic puzzle. Click on tokens until they all turn blue. Clicking on one may affect the others. 3X Rating: 2
I. Assembly puzzle. Rotate and move pieces to recreate photographs. Rating: 1
J. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces into the correct places to create a gas mask.Rating: 1
K. Sequence puzzle. Remove bars in sequence to open a door. Rating: 1
L. Switch puzzle Switch tokens to restore a picture. Rating: 1
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a destructive scientist before it's too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
116 of 189 found this review helpful
PERPETUALLY IN LOVE WITH DOMINI GAMES - A MASTERPIECE OF INVENTIVE GAMING
PostedDecember 6, 2016
sunnyglow
fromAre Maxwell’s inventions worthless? Not at all. Maxwell could become the “head” of his own company selling these gadgets through infomercials on late night television!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER - REVIEW BASED ON THE DEMO
OVERVIEW: What a great 5-star plus game! Domini has my heart – all wrapped up in coils and wires and placed into a “perpetual motion” machine! It does seem I am perpetually drawn to purchasing their games. This game is a puzzle-lover’s delight! This is a very long game evidenced by a strategy guide which consists of 64 pages! Wow! I loved playing the demo and to me, it has the potential to become one of my favorite games. I don’t think this game will appeal to everyone – however, it will appeal to those who are inventors, engineers, puzzle-lovers, sci-fi- lovers and those whose futuristic dreams and souls are excited and “lifted up” by the awesome potential of anti-gravity devices and mechanical contraptions.
What an awesome mechanical feast! I loved the fact this is a long demo. It does give the potential player some idea of what the actual game will be like. I also liked the fact the demo includes 14 – yes – 14 puzzles. There are more puzzles than are offered in complete games from other developers. Domini is the only developer who provides both an easy and hard option to their puzzles and it is evident that much work went into creating this game. I played the beta and could not wait until this game appeared!
STORY: The Curio society is back with an agent gone wild. A renegade ex-agent, a scientist, Jack ,is out for revenge against the society. He is attacking fellow agents. You will be aided by Mary Fincher in this game and a score of awesome devices, including an anti-gravity scepter.
PUZZLES: The puzzles are just amazing! Words escape me to describe the amount of work and creativity which went into constructing these puzzles. I played BOTH the easy and the hard versions to get a feel for them. The developer has truly been able to provide puzzles which I believe will appeal to both those who want a low-key game with little challenge and to those who love some brain crushing effort in solving these. I have seen no other developer who provides this variation in difficulty for the puzzles with such expertise. Domini has now become the “inventor” of delightful puzzling masterpieces
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are few (only four) in the demo; however, they as well are very creative. I enjoyed playing the matching pairs scene. The spot the differences scene is beautifully rendered. I also like the fact that there is decent puzzle in one of the silhouette scenes.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the start of the game
Anti-gravity scepter. A prototype which allows nullifies gravity so you can move objects with ease.
22 Achievements
Collect 20 Maxwell’s inventions. There is also a blinking light which alerts you if you have missed any of the items.
14 Morphing objects: Prototypes of absurd inventions
Collect 24 film strips
Strategy guide - 64 pages
Replay of 17 Puzzles and 18 HOP scenes
10 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art. Music FIlmstrips
Map is given to you at the start of the game
Anti-gravity scepter. A prototype which allows nullifies gravity so you can move objects with ease.
22 Achievements
Collect 20 Maxwell’s inventions. There is also a blinking light which alerts you if you have missed any of the items.
14 Morphing objects: Prototypes of absurd inventions
Collect 24 film strips
Strategy guide - 64 pages
Replay of 17 Puzzles and 18 HOP scenes
10 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art. Music FIlmstrips
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES: You may play a Match-3 game instead.
A. Sentences. Locate items listed in GREEN letters. Will relate information about the Curio Society.
B. Silhouette items. Very cool. Locate items and then return them to the proper location within the scene. There is a puzzle within this scene. Using arrows, restore a picture on a box.
C. Matching pairs. Very creative. You need to move items around to get at the pairs.
D. Locate the differences between two sides of a trophy case. Very creative
A. Sentences. Locate items listed in GREEN letters. Will relate information about the Curio Society.
B. Silhouette items. Very cool. Locate items and then return them to the proper location within the scene. There is a puzzle within this scene. Using arrows, restore a picture on a box.
C. Matching pairs. Very creative. You need to move items around to get at the pairs.
D. Locate the differences between two sides of a trophy case. Very creative
PUZZLES: Choice between easy and hard for most of the puzzles.
A. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings to restore a picture. Moving one affects the others.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 5 spheres into the matching colored slots.
C. Given a phone number, dial the number on an old rotary phone.
D. Maze puzzle. Create a path for each of three gems to travel from left to right.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles to restore a picture.
F. Weights and balance puzzle. Move weights so that the numbers on the weights match up to the number of arrows pointing to the square.
G. Assembly puzzle. 1) Using an ocular, locate symbols in a dark scene. This is more of a HOP scene. (2) Replace the pieces into the proper places.
H. Maze/Gear puzzle. Move a token along lines to an exist using arrows to guide it.
I. Assembly puzzle. Move three pieces of a segmented statue to reassemble it on the left of the screen. You cannot place a piece on top of one which is below it in the original make-up.
J. Assembly puzzle. Using arrows – slide pieces of an owl into the correct locations to reassemble the image.
K. Assembly puzzle. On a chart choose three symbols to create a third which is the combination of the three you have chosen.
L. Domino puzzle. On a board, place domino type pieces into location so that every square is filled.
M. Mathematical puzzle. Do some math calculations to move green gas in each of 3 tubes so that the gas in each tube reaches a green line in each tube. Moving one valves affects the flow of the other tubes.
N. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate square pieces on a board so that each of four sides of the square match up.
A. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings to restore a picture. Moving one affects the others.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 5 spheres into the matching colored slots.
C. Given a phone number, dial the number on an old rotary phone.
D. Maze puzzle. Create a path for each of three gems to travel from left to right.
E. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles to restore a picture.
F. Weights and balance puzzle. Move weights so that the numbers on the weights match up to the number of arrows pointing to the square.
G. Assembly puzzle. 1) Using an ocular, locate symbols in a dark scene. This is more of a HOP scene. (2) Replace the pieces into the proper places.
H. Maze/Gear puzzle. Move a token along lines to an exist using arrows to guide it.
I. Assembly puzzle. Move three pieces of a segmented statue to reassemble it on the left of the screen. You cannot place a piece on top of one which is below it in the original make-up.
J. Assembly puzzle. Using arrows – slide pieces of an owl into the correct locations to reassemble the image.
K. Assembly puzzle. On a chart choose three symbols to create a third which is the combination of the three you have chosen.
L. Domino puzzle. On a board, place domino type pieces into location so that every square is filled.
M. Mathematical puzzle. Do some math calculations to move green gas in each of 3 tubes so that the gas in each tube reaches a green line in each tube. Moving one valves affects the flow of the other tubes.
N. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate square pieces on a board so that each of four sides of the square match up.
I recommend this game!
Explore a new world of pixel art puzzles in more colors than ever in Fantasy Mosaics: Explore New Colors!
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 39 found this review helpful
THE PENGUINS HAVE RETURNED FROM VACATION WITH SOME COLORFUL SOUVENIRS
PostedDecember 5, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OVERVIEW: What a wonderful Monday surprise! The adorable Penguin family has returned for another much anticipated visit! A BIG THANK you to BFG for offering a game in one of my favorite genres. This is another excellent 5-star game from Match Gems. I have been anxiously awaiting a new game from this developer. I have played every one in the series and this game is designed exactly like the others. There are supposed to be new colors; however, from the few grids I played, I did not see any new ones which were not available in the previous game offered in this series. Perhaps, there are some new colors in the puzzles featured later in the game.
I LOVE these games and Match Gems is one of the BEST developers for this type of game. This puzzle has many different names (AKA O’Ekaki, Griddlers, Paint-by-Numbers, Pic-a-Pix, Nonograms, Mosaics, or whatever you may call them); however, no matter the name, they are a fun puzzle game.
HOW TO PLAY: Color me a picture! This is variety of a Sudoku puzzle. In this puzzle, create pictures by filling in squares in a grid. The grids in this game will vary in size. Each side of the grid will have numbers for each row of squares indicating the number of squares which are to be filled in for that row. Squares are filled in where the squares intersect between the two sets of numbers on each side.
GAME FACTS:
• Levels: Casual and Advanced.
• Colors: The game has up to six colored screens which can be switched at any time while playing the puzzle.
• Autofill: There is autofill so you do not have to fill in the unused boxes. However, you can use your mouse to right click “X’s” for unused spaces.
• Hints: Hints are given as you proceed and are based on the difficulty of the puzzle and how well you perform in solving the grid
• Number of Levels and Puzzles: There are 100 puzzles – 20 levels with 5 puzzles per level in the game.
• Aids: You have a pickax as an aid in the game
• Awards: There are 3 trophies: a gold trophy for no mistakes, a silver trophy for 1 mistake, and a bronze trophy for two mistakes. If you make 3 mistakes, you must start the game over again.
• Collectibles. When you complete one level of 5 puzzles, you receive an item to place in your garden.
• Levels: Casual and Advanced.
• Colors: The game has up to six colored screens which can be switched at any time while playing the puzzle.
• Autofill: There is autofill so you do not have to fill in the unused boxes. However, you can use your mouse to right click “X’s” for unused spaces.
• Hints: Hints are given as you proceed and are based on the difficulty of the puzzle and how well you perform in solving the grid
• Number of Levels and Puzzles: There are 100 puzzles – 20 levels with 5 puzzles per level in the game.
• Aids: You have a pickax as an aid in the game
• Awards: There are 3 trophies: a gold trophy for no mistakes, a silver trophy for 1 mistake, and a bronze trophy for two mistakes. If you make 3 mistakes, you must start the game over again.
• Collectibles. When you complete one level of 5 puzzles, you receive an item to place in your garden.
I highly recommend this game if you like Sudoku games or any type of mathematical puzzle.
I recommend this game!
There's been a murder at Count Oldgrey's!
Overall rating
2
/
5
122 of 181 found this review helpful
A WHODUNIT WHICH IS A “MONSTROUS” DISAPPOINTMENT
PostedDecember 3, 2016
sunnyglow
fromNext on the Dr. Phil Show: “The Oldegreys – A Family in Crisis.” Two brothers and a “monstrous” sister work out their relationship problems. During the break – don’t go for a snack – watch a BFG commercial instead.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
OVERVIEW: Detective! Get ready for an extended stay at the Oldgrey estate in this 2-star game. You better pack a book on family counseling in your bag for advice. You will be dealing with a dysfunctional family with many secrets hidden between the walls of their mansion. The story seems to be loosely based on “Frankenstein” myths. Returning is the creepy snorting dwarf to add a few unexpected kinks into the game. He is in many of the ERS games and he seems out-of-place in this game.
What has happened to ERS? This is the second game in a row which I would consider a monstrous disappointment! The graphics are excellent; however, the pace is very slow. The only thing scary about this game is the “haunting” feeling of boredom while playing it. I became tired of the back-and-forth movement within the game. The HOP scenes and puzzles are poorly designed. The HOP scenes lack any interactivity. The puzzles are very easy and not thematic. They almost seem thrown in without any connectivity to the story behind the game.
There are few extras in this game. You collect 12 “Día de los Muertos” skulls with Spanish names (their relevance to this game is beyond me since this game takes place in the British Isles). They practically jump out at you. You will collect evidence kept at the right side of the screen. You will click on them to ask questions from the suspects. I found it a little difficult to maneuver. There are not many achievements. You collect items for a Weather Stone. Since it is not used in the demo, its purpose is unclear. I realize that at times ERS get better after the demo; however, this game just does not excite my interest to stick around to find out. It may be a great game for beginning players; it is just not for me.
HOP SCENES: There are only three in the demo. There are two straight-up lists of items with little interactivity and a multiple step one which combines searching for one item followed by a silhouette sequence. All the scenes are poorly done.
PUZZLES: There are many less-than-picture-perfect puzzles in this game! ERS must have a thing for picture puzzles. Over half of the puzzles in the demo involve restoring some type of picture or image. The puzzles are all easy. The only puzzle I enjoyed was the first one in which you move dials to restore a picture. You must not only move the images but also change their size as well. Other picture puzzles include a slat puzzle to restore a picture, a jigsaw puzzle, a switch puzzle and a slider puzzle. A few other puzzles include a manual dexterity puzzle we have seen in numerous games in which you must trace a snake-like figure without touching the sides. There is a maze puzzle which is anything but “a-maze-ing.” You create a path for 3 tokens to reach their proper location. There is a dot-to-dot puzzle to connect dots to light up lamps on a figure. You do not even need to have a continuous line. You can connect dots anywhere to connect the lights. This is just unbelievable for a game designed for adults!
STORY: SPOILERS, SPOILERS, SPOILERS! I do not want to ruin your day so there may be possible SPOILERS in the story! However, I highly doubt it. The fiancée of Alfred Oldgrey has been murdered and you have been called in to investigate the death. Behind the scenes is a great deal of family drama – enough to get an invitation to the Dr. Phil show. Two brothers were vying for the affections of the well-heeled Christy Hoffman, member of a moneyed elite family. The older brother was engaged to her and the creepy scientist younger brother was obsessed with her. Her death now has brought sibling rivalry to a head between the two brothers. Thrown in to this sibling rivalry mess is the death of their sister, Louise from heart problems (however, it may be due to being “bored to death" with this game). The bickering parents include Count Oldgrey , the clueless father, and his wife, Countess Oldgrey, who is a nasty woman who had disdain for her son’s fiancée. In the background, you will notice glimpses of a monster throughout the demo.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints and Skips: 5 to 200 seconds
Hints and Skips: 5 to 200 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
Weather Stone which you must recharge
10 Achievements - Flowers
Collect 12 Día de los Muertos skulls
Replay 16 Puzzles and 23 HOP scenes
Wallpapers, Concept Art, Screensavers, Music, Movies
Map is provided as you play the game
Weather Stone which you must recharge
10 Achievements - Flowers
Collect 12 Día de los Muertos skulls
Replay 16 Puzzles and 23 HOP scenes
Wallpapers, Concept Art, Screensavers, Music, Movies
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES:
A. List of items. B. List of items (Scene repeated) C. Multiple step. (1) Matching pairs of feathers. (2) Silhouette.
A. List of items. B. List of items (Scene repeated) C. Multiple step. (1) Matching pairs of feathers. (2) Silhouette.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy 2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Assembly puzzle. Using a set of dials, move images into position to match up with its background. Rating: 2
B. Slat puzzle. Move slats to restore the picture of Chrissy’s body. Rating: 1
C. Jigsaw puzzle. Restore a picture. Rating: 1
D. Matching puzzle. Match up keys. Rating: 1
E. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a box to recreate a picture. Rating: 1
F. Slider puzzle. Move pieces out the way to create a path for a slider. Rating: 2
G. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Trace a snake-shaped symbol from right to left without touching the walls of the symbol. Rating: 1
H. Maze puzzle. Create a path to move 3 objects to their proper location. The 3 figures can only move on blocks with their image and the blocks change shape as you proceed on the path Rating: 2
I. Connect the dots puzzle. Connect dots in a maze-like puzzle so that all lights are lit. Rating: 1
A. Assembly puzzle. Using a set of dials, move images into position to match up with its background. Rating: 2
B. Slat puzzle. Move slats to restore the picture of Chrissy’s body. Rating: 1
C. Jigsaw puzzle. Restore a picture. Rating: 1
D. Matching puzzle. Match up keys. Rating: 1
E. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a box to recreate a picture. Rating: 1
F. Slider puzzle. Move pieces out the way to create a path for a slider. Rating: 2
G. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Trace a snake-shaped symbol from right to left without touching the walls of the symbol. Rating: 1
H. Maze puzzle. Create a path to move 3 objects to their proper location. The 3 figures can only move on blocks with their image and the blocks change shape as you proceed on the path Rating: 2
I. Connect the dots puzzle. Connect dots in a maze-like puzzle so that all lights are lit. Rating: 1
I don't recommend this game.
Help your little sister get a second chance this Christmas after she gets on the naughty list.
Overall rating
5
/
5
131 of 255 found this review helpful
MERRY CHRISTMAS! A BEAUTIFUL, SPARKLING CHRISTMAS CARD COME-TO-LIFE!
PostedDecember 1, 2016
sunnyglow
fromThe greatest gift of all – Love! Give this gift to everyone you know! May all your hopes and wishes come true this magical Christmas season!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER – REVIEW BASED ON THE DEMO
OVERVIEW: Another shining star on the Christmas tree for Elephant for this 5-star plus game. Begin the Christmas season with another beautiful present from Elephant Christmas elves, sparkling with the wonder and magic of Christmas. This is a beautifully crafted game designed for the whole family. The game is based on the O. Henry short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” in which a husband and wife sell their most prized possessions to purchase each other gifts which ironically turn out to be useless. There are multiple stories in the game. The first involves two poor ragged orphans, a brother and sister, looking for money to survive. They are halted by Berta, a spirit who punishes naughty children. When his sister is whisked away by Berta for her naughtiness, Jack Frost appears to help the brother locate her. By filling up a snowball with three good deeds for three families, he will have the magic to defeat her. His first stop – the Dillingham family.
Jim Dillingham is a man in the grips of despair. Money is missing from his place of employment. Fearing he will be blamed, he mortgages his home to replace the money, but now, he cannot raise enough money to repay this debt and soon he and his wife Della will be homeless. Is there hope for a Christmas miracle to help our characters?
Listening to my favorite Christmas carol, “Oh Holy Night,” and eating some freshly baked Christmas cookies, I found myself singing along enjoying every sugary morsel and crumb of this game. You will want to keep the sound on. You will be serenaded by a host of Christmas carols throughout the game. The graphics bring the magic of Christmas to life! The HOP scenes are incredibly beautiful. It is truly a Christmas card come-to-life! You will get a helper, a repentant Christmas elf, who used to be a servant of Bertha. I hate game helpers, but this one fits nicely with the story. You collect jigsaw pieces to complete 3 screensaver puzzles at the end of the game. The puzzle pieces are easy to locate. You also collect morphing dwarfs. There are quite a few achievements for you to collect.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are thematic. They include matching up colorful Christmas presents, a list of items, and search and replacement of items back within the scene. My favorite was the search for silhouette item. Every time you locate an item a snowball is thrown at the evil elf.
PUZZLES: Like the “Twelve Days of Christmas” there are 12 puzzles in the demo. All the puzzles are Christmas related and very easy. However, this game is meant to be a fun-filled adventure to enjoy the story and spirit of the season rather than to be challenging. They include well-crafted matching puzzles, assembly puzzles, sliding tiles puzzles, a rope puzzle, and even a puzzle to test your ability to shoot some colored seeds.
LEVELS: Casual, Detective, Super, Custom
Hints and Skips – 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips – 15 to 90 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the start of the game
Helper: An elf named Goody
29 Achievements (It was difficult to ascertain)
Collect 36 puzzle pieces to create 3 jigsaw puzzles.
Collect 14 morphing Dwarf statues to place in a Christmas scene
Replay 13 HOP scenes and 11 puzzles
Strategy guide - 47 Pages
14 Wallpapers, Soundtrack, 3 Screensavers (jigsaw puzzles), 14 Concept Art, Secret Room
Map is given to you at the start of the game
Helper: An elf named Goody
29 Achievements (It was difficult to ascertain)
Collect 36 puzzle pieces to create 3 jigsaw puzzles.
Collect 14 morphing Dwarf statues to place in a Christmas scene
Replay 13 HOP scenes and 11 puzzles
Strategy guide - 47 Pages
14 Wallpapers, Soundtrack, 3 Screensavers (jigsaw puzzles), 14 Concept Art, Secret Room
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES: Full of the Christmas spirit!
A. Faith. Find 12 pairs of items by opening Christmas boxes. Very creative.
B. Hope. List of items
C. Charity. Replacement. Look for items within a scene and place them on the figures of two knights in armor.
D. Love – the greatest gift of all! Silhouette items. Every item you locate throws a snowball at the evil elf.
A. Faith. Find 12 pairs of items by opening Christmas boxes. Very creative.
B. Hope. List of items
C. Charity. Replacement. Look for items within a scene and place them on the figures of two knights in armor.
D. Love – the greatest gift of all! Silhouette items. Every item you locate throws a snowball at the evil elf.
PUZZLES: What my “true love” gave to me. With all the noise and “fowl” smells and sounds, I dumped him along with these “presents.” ALL THE PUZZLES ARE EASY!
1. Partridge in a Pear Tree. Matching puzzle. Place candies on three gingerbread men so that all the candies are the same on each one.
2. Turtle doves. Sequence puzzle. Using a diagram, decorate a wreath placing items on it in sequence.
3. French Hens. Assembly puzzle. Assemble a winter scene with Santa Claus so that each bag, Santa, and 3 children are all in a line with the same color of blue, red, or green.
4. Calling Birds. Inventory puzzle. Assembly puzzle. Create snowshoes by following directions
5. Golden Rings. Jigsaw puzzle. (With the price of gold, I am keeping these!)
6. Geese-a-Laying. Inventory puzzle. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes on a reindeer rein.
7. Swans-a-Swimming. Manual dexterity puzzle. Try to hit the meanie elf 10 times with snowballs, all while avoiding Goodie, the good elf.
8. Maids-a-Milking. Interactive puzzle. Move Gerda within a house to the Snow Queen. You must interact with the scene to proceed in the puzzle.
9. Ladies Dancing. Assembly puzzle. Using a diagram, reassemble a broken deer and paint it. EASY
10. Lords-a-Leaping. Using a diagram, position the parts of three statues on a jewelry box to match the diagram.
11. Pipers Piping. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide clothing on elves so that it matches the gem beneath them.
12. Drummers Drumming. Manual Dexterity game. Shoot seeds the color of a laser to remove them. You have a specific number of shots to remove all the seeds.
1. Partridge in a Pear Tree. Matching puzzle. Place candies on three gingerbread men so that all the candies are the same on each one.
2. Turtle doves. Sequence puzzle. Using a diagram, decorate a wreath placing items on it in sequence.
3. French Hens. Assembly puzzle. Assemble a winter scene with Santa Claus so that each bag, Santa, and 3 children are all in a line with the same color of blue, red, or green.
4. Calling Birds. Inventory puzzle. Assembly puzzle. Create snowshoes by following directions
5. Golden Rings. Jigsaw puzzle. (With the price of gold, I am keeping these!)
6. Geese-a-Laying. Inventory puzzle. Rope puzzle. Untangle ropes on a reindeer rein.
7. Swans-a-Swimming. Manual dexterity puzzle. Try to hit the meanie elf 10 times with snowballs, all while avoiding Goodie, the good elf.
8. Maids-a-Milking. Interactive puzzle. Move Gerda within a house to the Snow Queen. You must interact with the scene to proceed in the puzzle.
9. Ladies Dancing. Assembly puzzle. Using a diagram, reassemble a broken deer and paint it. EASY
10. Lords-a-Leaping. Using a diagram, position the parts of three statues on a jewelry box to match the diagram.
11. Pipers Piping. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide clothing on elves so that it matches the gem beneath them.
12. Drummers Drumming. Manual Dexterity game. Shoot seeds the color of a laser to remove them. You have a specific number of shots to remove all the seeds.
I recommend this game!
Act as Adam Wolfe, an investigator of the paranormal. Discover an occult world hidden in modern San Francisco!
Overall rating
5
/
5
92 of 143 found this review helpful
A KNOCKOUT GAME! AN OUTSTANDING ADVENTURE WHICH HITS ITS MARK
PostedNovember 28, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON THE COMPLETE GAME
OVERVIEW: Welcome to an outstanding new series from Mad Head, the Alex Wolfe collection. You will play Adam Wolfe, paranormal detective. Set in San Francisco, these are the first two games of the four-game series. Wolfe is on a quest to locate his missing sister. His nights are filled with a recurring nightmare of his sister, never quite able to reach her in his dreams. As you play each of four games, you will get closer to locating her, receiving clues at the end of each game. This game series reminds me somewhat of the Tex Murphy adventure game series.
This is more of an adventure game than a HOP game. I am foremost an adventure game fan, playing HOP games due to the lack of an abundance of adventure games. The game has a comic-book feel to it. It does have some graphic violence. You carry a loaded gun with you in the game which you use throughout the game. You will get some great target practice in honing your skills using a firearm. You also get a phone which you will use for GPS navigation and phone calls to your boss, Police Chief Marv.
This game is an action-packed adventure. You will have the choice between four levels of play, including a customized version with hint and skip times of 15 to 90 seconds. There is a strategy guide with 15 pages in Part 1 and 13 pages in Part 2.
PART 1: join Adam on a quest to uncover what is behind the outbreak of fires within San Francisco. Along the way, you will be involved with a group of five people, a mystical sword, and a fire demon who are behind this flaming destruction. The story is well-written and will take you from San Francisco ending in the Mojave Desert with five mysterious characters tied into an art museum.
PART 2: In this case, Adam is involved in a case concerning a mysterious box containing an elixir to cure all diseases. However, there may be more to this box than meets the eye. Are you an evil doer, Adam Wolfe? Could you be a Deceiver? Probably not – but you may be mistaken for one! Be on the look-out for a psycho who is not going to take kindly to you having that mystery box! Along the way see if you can beat Death at its own game!
THE MOBIUS STRIP WATCH: In both Part 1 and Part 2 you will traverse through time using a watch with a mobius symbol (the symbol of eternity) on it. Setting the time of an incident will take you back to relive events in the shadow world.
INTENSE FOCUS PUZZLE: You will get an eye which allows you to observe in detail a crime scene. You will search for four clues within the scene followed by placing them in sequential order. The items are easy to locate and putting the clues in the correct sequence is also extremely easy.
HOP SCENES: PART 1: As far as HOP scenes, I found only one actual HOP scene with a list of items to locate. The others are what I would call mini-HOP scenes. There are some mini-HOP scenes with silhouette items. There also some with sentences with items listed in BOLD letters.
HOP SCENES: PART 2: I feel Part 2 is a better game than Part 1. There are more HOP scenes and they are very creative. They include sentences with items listed in BOLD letters. They are also very creatively designed. You have a couple of scenes with items listed in BOLD letters which you must locate in sequence and then interact with the scene in some way. There is also a rather unique scene in which you must locate symbols at a ritual site. Rather unique and well-done!
PUZZLES: PART 1: The puzzles in Part 1 are extremely easy. There was only one puzzle I the entire game which I felt was even moderately difficulty. That was a maze puzzle at the end of the game. My biggest disappointment were the puzzles – they are ridiculously easy.
PUZZLES: PART 2: I found the puzzles in Part 2 are a little more challenging. There is a four-part maze puzzle using the mysterious box from the game. The puzzles increase in difficulty. There is a sequence puzzle to open a lock. To give you some extra energy to play this game, you will play a matching puzzle on a map to pair up symbols which will reveal ley lines. At the end, there is a card game which you play against Death. I found this game a little confusing and boring as well. End your puzzling experience with a protracted fight at the end of the game.
I recommend this game!
Investigate a virtual reality program that’s turning some players comatose.
Overall rating
5
/
5
89 of 137 found this review helpful
LOSE YOURSELF IN A VIRTUAL WORLD OF AN AWARD-WINNING GAME!
PostedNovember 26, 2016
sunnyglow
fromLooking for the perfect Christmas gift for that “special person” you wish would keep their distance from you? Then think about a Capsule Nexus 2000. You will find yourselves “virtually worlds apart” from each other.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER - REVIEW BASED ON THE DEMO PLUS CHAPTER 3
OVERVIEW: Welcome to the next evolution of Virtual Gaming - the Capsule Nexus 2000. Wow! What a fabulous 5-star game! In this futuristic glimpse of a virtual reality, players are disappearing or becoming comatose after entering imaginary game worlds. You will play a newbie virtual detective off to locate your friends, seemingly taken prisoner by the game itself! As you traverse the various virtual worlds, you will find yourself dealing with the Dark Lord, a mastermind behind the games who seems to be turning these virtual worlds into virtual nightmares. Deal with his minions, the Black Queen and her alter ego, a young girl, Naya, who seem to be tied to the inventor of the Virtual World game system – Victor Stein. Watch out – Do not end up eliminated from the game!
I have been looking forward to this game! I LOVE this game and it was an automatic purchase for me. This is a sci-fi masterpiece. The story explores the consequences of a virtual gaming world gone amok. The graphics well depict the possible dangers of a not-to-distant world of virtual reality in not only gaming but in other aspects of life as well. Both the HOP scenes and the puzzles are creatively designed. I have been anxiously awaiting this game. I purchased this game not only for the great storyline; but also for the magnificent puzzles.
HOP SCENES: In the demo the HOP scenes contain the usual silhouette scenes and lists of items. There are a couple of mini-HOP scenes in which you locate a small number of one item. There is one multiple-step HOP scene which we have seen in other games.
PUZZLES: Exquisite! They vary in both variety and difficulty. In the demo there are two easy breezy puzzles which include a jigsaw puzzle involving a stain-glass window and a sequence puzzle to light up a fallen Christmas tree. There is a modified old chestnut – the “foxes and hens” puzzle with the characters replaced by people and reapers. You must switch the position of the people and reapers on opposite shores of a lake by rowing them across the lake in a boat. However, you cannot leave any person alone with more than one reaper.
ITSY BITSY SPIDER: My favorite puzzle involves an @spider.com finding his way off the “web.” A simple click of a mouse will not suffice. This spider must maneuver his way off this web by creating a complex path. This will prove to be a tricky little venture as you lead him to a metal claw awaiting him at his final exit. Chomp!
OTHER PUZZLING DELIGHTS: There is a mathematical puzzle used to close a reaper’s hand in which each finger represents a number. You must total 27 by closing the fingers in correct sequence. There are two pipe puzzles in the demo. In one you create the physical appearance of your character by linking polygons so each link is connected to another link. The other pipe puzzle contains three tubes in which you create paths for liquid to move from the top to the bottom. Finally, choose between several answers to answer some cryptic clues.
AFTER THE DEMO: Chapter 3. So awesome (well at least to me)! Enter a virtual world of a space ship in an adventure which is out of this world! Look out for space monsters as you demonstrate your mechanical aptitude in navigating more great puzzles and HOP scenes. Chapter 3 has a top-notch “a-maze-ing” puzzle not to be missed!
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, and Custom
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
9 Achievements. Some have 3 or more parts
Collect Flowers to unlock a Secret Room. They are very easy to locate
Collect 12 figurines well-hidden within the scenes.
Replay HOP scenes and Puzzles
Strategy guide - 50 pages
12 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art, 2 Screensavers, Music
Map is provided as you play the game
9 Achievements. Some have 3 or more parts
Collect Flowers to unlock a Secret Room. They are very easy to locate
Collect 12 figurines well-hidden within the scenes.
Replay HOP scenes and Puzzles
Strategy guide - 50 pages
12 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art, 2 Screensavers, Music
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES:
(A) Silhouette items. (B) Mini-HOP scene. Locate 7 moons on a skeleton. (C) Multiple-Step. (1) Silhouette. (2) List of items to locate. (D) List of items to locate. (E) Mini-HOP scene. Matching. Locate 6 pairs of items.
(A) Silhouette items. (B) Mini-HOP scene. Locate 7 moons on a skeleton. (C) Multiple-Step. (1) Silhouette. (2) List of items to locate. (D) List of items to locate. (E) Mini-HOP scene. Matching. Locate 6 pairs of items.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy 2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Typing puzzle: Respond to your boss online by typing in replies. You can use your keyboard to type replies as well. Rating: 1
B. Variation of a pipe puzzle. Connect links between polygons so that all links match up with no links unconnected. 3X. Increases in difficulty. Rating: 3
C. A very old puzzle originally called “foxes and hens.” Exchange the positions of people with reapers from one shore to the other so that no human is left alone with a reaper. Rating: 2
D. Mathematical puzzle. Close a reaper’s hand by proving the correct numbers which add up to 27. Each finger has a number assigned to it. Rating: 3
E. Maze puzzle. On a spider’s web, using four circular wheels, create a path for the spider to exit through a metal claw. Very tricky. Rating: 4
F. Jigsaw puzzle. Recreate a stained-glass window by replacing the shards. Rating: 2
G. Pipe puzzle. Connect lines for three tubes containing liquid so it creates a pipeline from the top to the bottom of the square. Rating: 2 to 3
H. Sequence puzzle. Turn on all lights on a Christmas tree. Turning on one affects the others. Rating: 3
I. Cryptic clues. Answer a cryptic question with one of four answers. Rating: 2
A. Typing puzzle: Respond to your boss online by typing in replies. You can use your keyboard to type replies as well. Rating: 1
B. Variation of a pipe puzzle. Connect links between polygons so that all links match up with no links unconnected. 3X. Increases in difficulty. Rating: 3
C. A very old puzzle originally called “foxes and hens.” Exchange the positions of people with reapers from one shore to the other so that no human is left alone with a reaper. Rating: 2
D. Mathematical puzzle. Close a reaper’s hand by proving the correct numbers which add up to 27. Each finger has a number assigned to it. Rating: 3
E. Maze puzzle. On a spider’s web, using four circular wheels, create a path for the spider to exit through a metal claw. Very tricky. Rating: 4
F. Jigsaw puzzle. Recreate a stained-glass window by replacing the shards. Rating: 2
G. Pipe puzzle. Connect lines for three tubes containing liquid so it creates a pipeline from the top to the bottom of the square. Rating: 2 to 3
H. Sequence puzzle. Turn on all lights on a Christmas tree. Turning on one affects the others. Rating: 3
I. Cryptic clues. Answer a cryptic question with one of four answers. Rating: 2
I recommend this game!
Uncover the mystery of Huxley’s Boarding House before time runs out!
Overall rating
5
/
5
228 of 350 found this review helpful
BREAKING ALL THE RULES, EIPIX PRODUCES ANOTHER EPIC MASTERPIECE
PostedNovember 22, 2016
sunnyglow
fromTime to put on my “gaming glasses” to increase my “insight” and “brain power” in locating clues, solving puzzles, keeping track of time, and avoiding Meredith at all costs.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
7 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER. DEMO BASED ON DEMO DUE TO THE ENORMITY OF THE GAME
OVERVIEW: Keep a stiff upper lip and remember - “No one breaks the rules!” You are off on another assignment at the behest of the Queen in this 5-star plus game. A fellow agent, George Pritchard, is missing. His last known sighting was at the historical Huxley boarding house. Loosely based on reality shows dealing with the paranormal, find yourself in this house with a cast of suspicious characters. Become engulfed in a maniacal, obsessive compulsive world of time, clocks, where residents must adhere to a strict time schedule. As you look for your fellow agent, beware the menacing presence of the former owner, Meredith Huxley, a ghostly apparition who insists on complete observance to this time schedule.
This game does not disappoint. It is another masterpiece in the BFG flagship series! It is a testimony to this developer’s “obsessive” amount of time and talent involved in creating this well-constructed enigmatic game. It has an excellent pace, realistic graphics, well-written suspenseful story, and HOP scenes and puzzles galore. This puzzle-intense “who-is-behind-the-mystery” game will keep you engaged. It was an automatic purchase for me and well worth the price.
BE VIGILANT! Clues abound in this game. Play slowly! You do not want to miss important clues throughout. You will need to pay attention to your environment,( both people and objects) to solve some of the puzzles in this game. There is no hand-holding in this game. You collect morphing objects and play a variation of a shooting game to collect tokens. You collect tokens to open the game extras. Included in “the price” of staying at this boarding house, is access to a “van cave” containing high-tech ghost busting equipment.
THE DALIMAR FAMILY CONNECTION: Could this story be connected to the previous games in the series? Possibly. There appears to be some subtle hints to that affect. The obsessive/compulsive ghost Meredith could pass for a relative of Alistair Dalimar. She certainly has some of those crazy family traits.
ME AND MY STEREOTYPE: In “time,” will EIPIX leave the stereotypes on the cutting room floor and attire their characters in some less-than-hackneyed images? The game has some well-defined character analysis in this story. However, some of these characters are too one-dimensional and stereotypical for my taste.
PUZZLES: This game is a puzzler’s delight! The puzzles are varied both in style and difficulty. There are some difficult puzzles in this game. There is an excellent, well-designed Rube Goldberg puzzle (super puzzle) in the demo which will appeal to the science buffs in the audience. The others include the usual moving tile puzzles, gear puzzles, cryptic clue puzzles, logic puzzles, and matching puzzles, to name a few. There are some multiple-step puzzles. One of my favorite puzzles from the demo is the battleship puzzle, based on the battleship game, with ghosts replacing the ships. To purchase tokens, play a type of shooter game in which you match up like numbers.
HOP SCENES: They are standard fare seen in all games, including interactive lists of items and silhouette. My favorite was one in which you use a dial to adjust the resolution of the screen to view more items within the scene.
LEVELS: Easy, Hard, Insane, Custom Hint: 10 to 120 seconds Skips: 10 to 400 seconds
EXTRAS: (A) 17 Achievements (B) Collect tokens to unlock areas of the game. Play a game to get tokens (C) Replay 14 HOP scenes and 27 puzzles (D) 42 Morphing objects: The icon for these objects will light if there is one located in the scene. (E) Strategy guide - 49 pages (F) Wallpaper, artwork, screensavers, videos – must use tokens to unlock some of these (G) Developer Hunt game and 14 ladybugs to collect
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE:
HOP SCENES: A. List of items to locate. B. List of items to locate. C. Replacement into scene. D. List of items to locate. E. Silhouette - find and replace – has a puzzle within it F. List of items to locate. Rather cool. Use a dial to adjust the resolution on the screen to see more items.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy 2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate rings to unlock a code to open a lock on a valise. Rating: 2
B. Decoder puzzle. Place a decoder on a document so that items in a window match the symbol above the window. 4 X Rating: 5
C. Origami puzzle. Fold paper along lines for four pieces of paper containing information on Jacob Huxley. 4 X Rating: 2
D. Gear puzzle. Move cogs to set time on a clock. Some move both hands, some only one hand. Rating: 3
E. Multiple step. (1) Matching. Place 5 clock hands on the proper clock. (2) Set the clocks to the correct time based on a set of cryptic clues. Rating: 2
F. Cryptic clue puzzle. Following a coded piece of paper with cryptic clues, open a lock. Rating: 2
G. Rube Goldberg puzzle: Refer to a blueprint to solve these puzzles.
1. Sliding tiles puzzle. Create a picture. Rating: 3
2. Matching puzzle. Press tokens on a numbered board as given on a blueprint. Rating: 1
3. Checkerboard puzzle. Move batteries into position matching a diagram hidden in the blueprint. You can only move by jumping over other batteries. Rating: 2
4. Mathematical puzzle. Combine two bottles with a 10 lb. weight to equal that of indicated on the blueprint. Rating: 2
5. Sequence puzzle. Press red buttons to light up lights so that all lights stay lit. Rating: 2
6. Assembly puzzle. Using 3 colored wires, create a grid so that all lines contain wires. You only get a certain amount of each wire. Rating: 2
7. Sequence puzzle. Arrange bottles as to weight. Rating: 2
8. Matching. Match up symbols with numbers. Rating: 1
9. Assembly puzzle. Create battery acid by following the blueprint for chemicals and amount of each one. Rating: 2
H. Logic puzzle. Move dials on a radio until you get the frequency to hear a broadcast. Rating: 2
I. Maze puzzle. Move chests into proper position. You will need to lower some squares to free up the other chests. Rating: 4
J. Assembly puzzle. Calibrate a keyboard by placing keys into the proper locations. Rating: 3
K. Matching puzzle. Match up floppy disks. Rating: 1
L. Battleship puzzle. Same as battleship but use ghosts instead. Rating: 3
M. Matching puzzle. Take a series of photographs and place them into the proper place within a scene. Rating: 2
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate rings to unlock a code to open a lock on a valise. Rating: 2
B. Decoder puzzle. Place a decoder on a document so that items in a window match the symbol above the window. 4 X Rating: 5
C. Origami puzzle. Fold paper along lines for four pieces of paper containing information on Jacob Huxley. 4 X Rating: 2
D. Gear puzzle. Move cogs to set time on a clock. Some move both hands, some only one hand. Rating: 3
E. Multiple step. (1) Matching. Place 5 clock hands on the proper clock. (2) Set the clocks to the correct time based on a set of cryptic clues. Rating: 2
F. Cryptic clue puzzle. Following a coded piece of paper with cryptic clues, open a lock. Rating: 2
G. Rube Goldberg puzzle: Refer to a blueprint to solve these puzzles.
1. Sliding tiles puzzle. Create a picture. Rating: 3
2. Matching puzzle. Press tokens on a numbered board as given on a blueprint. Rating: 1
3. Checkerboard puzzle. Move batteries into position matching a diagram hidden in the blueprint. You can only move by jumping over other batteries. Rating: 2
4. Mathematical puzzle. Combine two bottles with a 10 lb. weight to equal that of indicated on the blueprint. Rating: 2
5. Sequence puzzle. Press red buttons to light up lights so that all lights stay lit. Rating: 2
6. Assembly puzzle. Using 3 colored wires, create a grid so that all lines contain wires. You only get a certain amount of each wire. Rating: 2
7. Sequence puzzle. Arrange bottles as to weight. Rating: 2
8. Matching. Match up symbols with numbers. Rating: 1
9. Assembly puzzle. Create battery acid by following the blueprint for chemicals and amount of each one. Rating: 2
H. Logic puzzle. Move dials on a radio until you get the frequency to hear a broadcast. Rating: 2
I. Maze puzzle. Move chests into proper position. You will need to lower some squares to free up the other chests. Rating: 4
J. Assembly puzzle. Calibrate a keyboard by placing keys into the proper locations. Rating: 3
K. Matching puzzle. Match up floppy disks. Rating: 1
L. Battleship puzzle. Same as battleship but use ghosts instead. Rating: 3
M. Matching puzzle. Take a series of photographs and place them into the proper place within a scene. Rating: 2
I recommend this game!
Travel beyond our galaxy to bring your lost son back home.
Overall rating
5
/
5
78 of 128 found this review helpful
YOUR CHILD IS AN HONOR STUDENT – MY CHILD IS A SUPER STARCHILD!
PostedNovember 19, 2016
sunnyglow
fromOur mom needs a bumper sticker for her galactic mommymobile: "Your son may be an honor student but my son is a Super Starchild!"
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
OVERVIEW: Get ready for the roller coaster ride of your life in this fantastic 5-star sci-fi game. Years ago, as a secret agent, you discovered something out-of-this-world in one of your cases - an infant. As your maternal instinct kicked in along with your biological clock, you adopted this tyke. Today is his 11th birthday and you will soon discover the joys of dealing with a rebellious pre-teen after he discovers you are not his biological mother. When he heads off to a carnival, you follow him, watching him board a roller coaster. You follow and you both will be coasting through the galaxy on a thrill ride of your lives. Have you ever envied those parents of those super sports kids? Well, no longer. Your son is an up-and-coming superman – able to open portals with the sweep of his hand. Wow will you be the envy of your neighborhood! Your super kid is also an heir apparent to rule the galaxy. However, you are now going to have to deal with his long-lost father, Kane, who wants full custody of your tyke.
This game is quite a blast into the cosmos of fun games. I LOVE this game! It was an automatic purchase for me! It is a carnival come-to-life! The story is loosely based on an old 1978 movie of Superman. The graphics are excellent with the space theme incorporated into the HOP scenes and puzzles as well. There are an equal number of puzzles and HOP scenes. However, I do feel the HOP scenes are better constructed than the puzzles. The collectibles are rockets ships and characters from the game. There are morphing objects as well. It will be a mommy-and-me adventure; your son is the helper in this game. I do not feel that game is very challenging; however, I do feel it is light-hearted fare which is fun to play.
HOP SCENES: The scenes are the normal fare we see in most games. However, there is one which I feel is exceptional. It is multi-step HOP scene. First, you search a map of the galaxy for stars adding an additional item to each star order to remove it. Then, you replace items back into a scene and finally you find planets listed in BOLD letters based on cryptic clues. It is thematic and quite creative! There is also a storybook scene to explain the heritage of your tyke and a couple of lists of items.
PUZZLES: I do not feel the puzzles are as creatively designed as the HOP scenes. They are all easy – a tad too easy for my taste. There is one moderately difficult connection puzzle in which you must connect lines between two like items without crossing lines. The others include a multiple-step one consisting of an easy gear puzzle, an easy switch puzzle to create a ticket for the roller coaster, and an easy slider puzzle in which you slide three colored slats into position. There are two variations of a maze puzzle. In one you rotate a maze with a ball creating a path so that the ball exists the maze. The second requires you to rotate 3 dials to create a path for energy to flow. There is also a tracing puzzle to move a light beam from one end to another in an “S” shaped figure.
LEVELS: Planet, Nebula, Galaxy, Cluster (Custom)
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips: 15 to 90 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
14 Achievements – Each has 3 parts
Collect 31 rockets
Collect the 11 characters from the game
Morphing objects
Replay 19 HOP scenes
Bonus jigsaw puzzle
12 Wallpapers and Music
Strategy Guide: 52 Pages
Map is provided as you play the game
14 Achievements – Each has 3 parts
Collect 31 rockets
Collect the 11 characters from the game
Morphing objects
Replay 19 HOP scenes
Bonus jigsaw puzzle
12 Wallpapers and Music
Strategy Guide: 52 Pages
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES:
A. List of items.
B. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 5 tokens.
C. Multiple-step in a multiple-universe. Take a roller coaster ride through the universe with various scenes (1) Locate items in the galaxy on a map of the skies. (2) Replace items back into the sky to create the silhouette to be removed. (3) Sentences with planets to be removed in BOLD letters.
D. List of items.
E. Storybook. Locate and replace items into the proper place and find out about your awesome son. 3X
A. List of items.
B. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 5 tokens.
C. Multiple-step in a multiple-universe. Take a roller coaster ride through the universe with various scenes (1) Locate items in the galaxy on a map of the skies. (2) Replace items back into the sky to create the silhouette to be removed. (3) Sentences with planets to be removed in BOLD letters.
D. List of items.
E. Storybook. Locate and replace items into the proper place and find out about your awesome son. 3X
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy 2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Manual dexterity puzzle. Using a laser pointer, trace a path from Point A to Point B on a S-shaped symbol without touching the edges. Rating: 1
B. Switch puzzle. Create a peace symbol by switching books on book shelf. Rating: 1
C. Multiple step. (1) Gear puzzle. Place gears in the correct position so that the teeth on the gears touch each other. (2) Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 3 colored panels into the correct location. (3) Switch puzzle. Switch files to create a ticket. All puzzles are extremely easy. Rating: 1
D. Maze puzzle. Rotate a maze to lead a ball from the top of the maze to exit the bottom of the maze. Rating: 2
E. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a power force to move from point A to point D by rotating three wheels. Rotating one wheel affects the others. Rating: 2
F. Connection puzzle. Connect like objects together without crossing lines with each other. Rating: 3
A. Manual dexterity puzzle. Using a laser pointer, trace a path from Point A to Point B on a S-shaped symbol without touching the edges. Rating: 1
B. Switch puzzle. Create a peace symbol by switching books on book shelf. Rating: 1
C. Multiple step. (1) Gear puzzle. Place gears in the correct position so that the teeth on the gears touch each other. (2) Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 3 colored panels into the correct location. (3) Switch puzzle. Switch files to create a ticket. All puzzles are extremely easy. Rating: 1
D. Maze puzzle. Rotate a maze to lead a ball from the top of the maze to exit the bottom of the maze. Rating: 2
E. Maze puzzle. Create a path for a power force to move from point A to point D by rotating three wheels. Rotating one wheel affects the others. Rating: 2
F. Connection puzzle. Connect like objects together without crossing lines with each other. Rating: 3
I recommend this game!