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:
Return to Blake's Mountain to save an innocent family!
Overall rating
2
/
5
87 of 146 found this review helpful
IT DIDN´T TAKE A SCARECROW TO SCARE ME OFF FROM PLAYING THIS DREADFUL GAME
PostedJuly 14, 2016
sunnyglow
fromI am off to follow the yellow brick road to Oz hoping to escape the Scarecrow , a creepy white-eyed “helper,” and this game!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON THE DEMO:
OVERVIEW: As a detective with the League of Light, you are off to Blake Mountain, where some evil force is turning people into scarecrows for nefarious purposes. Hank Hunter has asked for your help as someone is following his family. To me, this is a poorly constructed 2-star game. It will appeal to some; however, this is one of the most boring demos I have ever played. It is the perfect storm of elements I dislike in HOP games. Personally, I find the graphics blurry; the pace is very slow due to the constant back-and-forth motion in the game combined with the antics of the “cutesy helper. I also find the story bizarre; the characters poorly drawn, and the puzzles boringly easy. However, on the plus side, I do feel the HOP scenes are somewhat creative and innovative. The collectibles are six figurines of the game characters, pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, and owls which practically jump out at you. You also have the choice of gender for your character in the game. I could not wait for the demo to end. I was completely shocked that this game earned an Editor’s Choice Award. Even without the annoying helper, at best I found it to be a mediocre game.
AND YET ANOTHER ANNOYING HELPER: Breathing a sigh of relief that the days of the “cutesy” nonessential helpers in games were over on this site has proved premature. Yes, we have the return of the “cutesy” helper in this game. He is Hank’s son, Tom, who has been turned into a creepy white-eyed scarecrow. He is used five (5) times in the demo alone. Before he is used to perform some “cutesy” antics to retrieve an inventory item, you will need to have him interact with items in the inventory. In one case you must tie him to rope; in another you must give him milk, and in one you must give him a potion. Too much time is wasted in preparing him to perform his time-consuming activities. Frankly, the helper spoiled what I would call a mediocre average HOP game for me. In my humble opinion, I feel the game would be better WITHOUT this annoyance.
LEVELS: Casual, Experienced, Masterful, and Custom
Hints and Skips: 1 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips: 1 to 90 seconds
You have the choice between a male or female character in the game. The voice for the female character is Lani Minella of Nancy Drew fame.
STORY: You play a detective called into a case from a man named Hank Hunter whose family is being observed and followed. You are sent from the League of Light; however, there seems to be an imposter who is impersonating a detective from the same agency. Based on a local legend, it seems that the superstitious townsfolk believe a “scarecrow” (who years ago kidnapped children) has returned. But has he really returned? A man or perhaps a living scarecrow is on the loose turning people into scarecrows, including Hank and his son. Now being a white-eyed scarecrow, Hank’s son will help you throughout the game to defeat whatever evil is behind the scarecrow figure. Seemingly there is a master plan behind all of the kidnappings. You will come across all types of fantasy characters, including a giant. What evil is occurring in this town and who is behind all of this?
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes in my opinion are the best part of the game. They are varied in the demo and include cryptic clues, a list of items to locate, matching, and a mini-HOP scene with one particular item to locate.
PUZZLES: All the puzzles are easy. There was only one puzzle in the demo which I found somewhat enjoyable – a maze puzzle in which you must lead your character and the annoying helper through a maze while avoiding guards. If a guard notices one of the characters, you must restart the puzzle. Other puzzles include a sequence puzzle, a manual dexterity puzzle, a logic problem (which we have seen many times before), two storybook puzzles, and a matching puzzle.
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
9 Achievements – some have 3 segments
Collect 6 Figurines of the characters for the game
Collect 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces
Collect 24 owls
Strategy guide
18 Wallpapers, 36 Concept Art, Music
Map is provided as you play the game
9 Achievements – some have 3 segments
Collect 6 Figurines of the characters for the game
Collect 20 jigsaw puzzle pieces
Collect 24 owls
Strategy guide
18 Wallpapers, 36 Concept Art, Music
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES:
A. Cryptic clues. Sentences are used to describe the items to be located on a wall in a prison. Very nicely done. Very creative.
B. Mini-HOP scene. Locate pieces to create a fishing rod.
C. List of items to locate
D. Collect 12 coins. Interactive with some items difficult to see.
E. Replacement. Match up labels with their proper bottles.
B. Mini-HOP scene. Locate pieces to create a fishing rod.
C. List of items to locate
D. Collect 12 coins. Interactive with some items difficult to see.
E. Replacement. Match up labels with their proper bottles.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy 2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Sequence puzzle. Remove slats from a lattice in a proper sequence to open up a storage area. Rating: 2
B. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Using a rope with a hook at the end, try to snag an inventory item by using a bar with a floating cursor you must center on the bar. Rating: 2
C. Logic puzzle. Place 6 different items into a 6x6 grid with 36 squares so that no two of the same item is in the same row or column. Rating 2/3 depending if you have seen a variation of this puzzle before.
D. Storybook. Locate and place items back into their proper locations to narrate a story. 3 X Rating: 1
E. Another storybook sequence. Identical to D. Rating 1
F. Matching puzzle. Match up coins. Rating 1
G. Maze puzzle. Move you and your zombie-like helper through a maze while avoiding the bandits. . Rating: 2
B. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Using a rope with a hook at the end, try to snag an inventory item by using a bar with a floating cursor you must center on the bar. Rating: 2
C. Logic puzzle. Place 6 different items into a 6x6 grid with 36 squares so that no two of the same item is in the same row or column. Rating 2/3 depending if you have seen a variation of this puzzle before.
D. Storybook. Locate and place items back into their proper locations to narrate a story. 3 X Rating: 1
E. Another storybook sequence. Identical to D. Rating 1
F. Matching puzzle. Match up coins. Rating 1
G. Maze puzzle. Move you and your zombie-like helper through a maze while avoiding the bandits. . Rating: 2
I don't recommend this game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
57 of 87 found this review helpful
TAKE A BITE OUT OF CRIME IN THE BIG APPLE
PostedJuly 12, 2016
sunnyglow
from“Ganging” up on two of my favorite activities (playing detective and solving nonograms) in one great game. Solving crime one square at a time!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As an outstanding detective, venture off to New York to help the New York City police department solve some crimes involving street gangs. A gang war has erupted and you are helping them solve a series of) crimes by playing a series of nonogram puzzles per crime. A BIG THANK YOU to BFG for providing these puzzles. This developer calls them mosaic puzzles. However, no matter whatever you call them, they are a fun variation of Sudoku.
This game involves a series of twelve (12) cases to solve with ten (10) puzzles per case. The grid size varies between 10 x 10 to 20 x 20 grids - if this game is like previous ones. Each puzzle reveals a picture answering a series of 10 questions concerning the case: (1) the crime scene, (2) the identification of the victim, (3) the victim’s age, (4) the victim’s gang, (5) the murder weapon, (6) the cause of death, (7) the killer, (8) the killer’s gang, (9) the killer’s role, and (10) the motive.
The puzzles in this game are a tad more difficult than those provided by some other developers. There are multiple-colored screens. I played one case and it had three colors. The colors are vivid and easy to see. However, I find the actual pictures created by solving the nonograms very nondescript. Most of the puzzles I solved had pictures which looked more like blobs than any actual item. I also dislike the feature of thumb tacks instead of X’s to fill in unused squares.
You have the choice between Normal (in which each number is crossed off one-by-one in each row and column) and Advanced (in which numbers are not crossed out until you complete a row or column).
You begin with the ability to amass six errors and as you proceed, depending on your time, you will receive more free passes. If you exceed the amount of errors allotted to you, you will need to restart the puzzle. As you play you are timed and receive hints based on your time.
There is autofill for squares not used. However, you have the ability to use the right side of the mouse to enter X’s to fill in unused square.
DETAIL SUMMARY:
HOW TO PLAY: 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 number from 10 x 10 to 20 x 20 if this game is like the games in the past. Each side of the grid will have numbers for each line of squares indicating the amount of squares which are to be filled in for that line of squares. Squares are filled in where the squares intersect between the two sets of numbers on each side.
• Levels: Normal and Advanced. The Normal screen marks off the numbers individually while the Advanced screen marks off the numbers after a line is filled. The grids are the same for both levels. You will begin with a 10 x 10 screen.
• Colors: The game has three (3) 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.
• Time: You are timed in solving the puzzles.
• Hints: Hints are given as you proceed and are based on time spent solving the puzzle.
• Number of Levels and Puzzles: There are 120 puzzles – 12 cases with 10 puzzles per case
• You begin with six allotted errors and if you exceed the number of errors, you must restart the game. You earn more error passes according to your time.
I recommend this game!
The head of the Maybard family has been murdered!
Overall rating
5
/
5
177 of 323 found this review helpful
AN AWARD WIINNING WHODUNIT! ONE OF THE BEST OF THE YEAR!
PostedJuly 9, 2016
sunnyglow
fromEnjoy a memorable Murder Mystery Weekend at the Maybard Mansion. You will enjoy a weekend full of good food and “spirits.” However, be careful of what you eat and drink! Too many “spirits” could be dangerous to your health!
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. BASED ON THE DEMO PLUS CHAPTER 3
OVERVIEW: Who killed Emmett Maybard? As a detective with the ability to see ghosts, you are off to solve a murder case. I LOVE this OUTSTANDING 5-STAR PLUS supernatural mystery. Be prepared! This is a LONG game as well. To me, this is one the best for Daily Magic and also on my list for one of the best games of the year. The game script is superb and very well-written. I am still trying to figure out who killed this man and I am accustomed to solving these fairly quickly. The graphics are a beautiful representation of the Victorian era with realistic looking characters. The HOP scenes and puzzles show a major improvement from previous games by this developer. You receive a monocle which you will use to test your psychic ability to ferret out clues in the case. You also collect morphing cards of the characters from the game and there are quite a few achievements. In this game you will be able to choose the gender of the detective. I used to hate this developer’s game; however, they are definitely “in it to win it” with this game. And the best thing about this game - there are also no “helpers” (animal, human or ghostly) to help in solving this mystery.
STORY: In trying to solve the murder of Emmett Maybard, you will be investigating a host of suspects (all of which would have ample motive) and use a series of investigative techniques to do so. It seems someone is poisoning members of the family. And, as in most murder mysteries, you can never trust your family and friends! As a detective with the ability to see ghosts, you will have an advantage other detectives do not have! It is apparent that the murderer is in the mansion and seems to want to get rid of you as well. As the will is read, it will become apparent that some may have had a financial stake in seeing the demise of Emmett. And as the old saying goes – follow the money – and this case will be no different!
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a Match-3 game in lieu of the scene. In the demo there are a couple of multiple-step ones which are creatively designed. One of them involves locating five of two items followed by a list of items. The other is a combination of locating and replacing items into four silhouettes which opens up a list of items to locate. We have seen this format before; however, to the credit of this developer, they have provided a few “twists” in presenting these HOP scenes. AFTER THE DEMO: The HOP scenes have exactly the same format as the demo.
PUZZLES: One of your tricks of the trade will be a monocle which you will use to investigate people and scenes looking for clues. Yes, it is a gimmick, however it fits well into the game. The puzzles range in difficulty from extremely easy to difficult. To me, this is a vast improvement in the puzzles from the developer, which in the past were all very easy. There are the usual array of puzzles including a couple of moving tiles puzzles, matching puzzles, gear puzzles, rotating rings puzzles, and an assembly puzzle. AFTER THE DEMO: After the demo I found two which are somewhat challenging. They are varied as well in design. They include a sliding tiles puzzle, a matching puzzle, an awesome lockpick puzzle which is slightly difficult and a moving tiles puzzle which is difficult.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
You have the choice to play a male or a female in the game.
Hints and Skips: 1 to 100 seconds
You have the choice to play a male or a female in the game.
Hints and Skips: 1 to 100 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
Fingerprinting kit to collect fingerprints
Monocle which allows you to collect clues from the murder victims
26 Achievements
Collect 13 morphing cards of the game characters
Strategy guide - 61 pages
10 Concept Art, 6 Wallpapers, Music, Replay of Match-3 game
Map is provided as you play the game
Fingerprinting kit to collect fingerprints
Monocle which allows you to collect clues from the murder victims
26 Achievements
Collect 13 morphing cards of the game characters
Strategy guide - 61 pages
10 Concept Art, 6 Wallpapers, Music, Replay of Match-3 game
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a thematic Match-3 game instead
A. Silhouette. Search for items in a solarium to get an inventory item from a dog.
B. Matching. Match up bottles by pairs to remove them to get an inventory item.
C. Multiple-step. (1) Collect 5 of two items. (2) List of items
D. Multiple step: Silhouette. Locate 4 items which open up a list of items to locate. Some of the items provide keys to access the other two items.
AFTER THE Demo
E. Mini-HOP scene. Locate picture fragments.
F. Multiple-step. Multiple-step. (1) Collect 5 of two items. (2) List of items
G. Mini-HOP scene. Another puzzle in which you locate picture fragments.
H. Multiple step. Silhouette. Locate 4 items which open up a list of items to locate. Some of the items provide keys to access the other two items.
B. Matching. Match up bottles by pairs to remove them to get an inventory item.
C. Multiple-step. (1) Collect 5 of two items. (2) List of items
D. Multiple step: Silhouette. Locate 4 items which open up a list of items to locate. Some of the items provide keys to access the other two items.
AFTER THE Demo
E. Mini-HOP scene. Locate picture fragments.
F. Multiple-step. Multiple-step. (1) Collect 5 of two items. (2) List of items
G. Mini-HOP scene. Another puzzle in which you locate picture fragments.
H. Multiple step. Silhouette. Locate 4 items which open up a list of items to locate. Some of the items provide keys to access the other two items.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy 2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Throughout the game use a monocle to search for clues in the case. Rating: 2
B. Moving tiles puzzle. Move diamond shaped tiles into position to recreate a family picture. There are arrows along the sides to move the tiles into proper position. Rating: 2
C. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate and move tiles to recreate a family crest on a chest. There are four buttons involved in rotating the moving the tiles. Rating: 3
D. Matching puzzle. As you climb up a tree (1) Match up 3 pairs. (2) Then 4 pairs (3) Then 5 pairs. Rating: 1
E. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate three rings so they align with silver clasps. Rating 1
F. Checkers puzzle. Jump checker pieces to remove them from a checkers board. Rating: 2
G. Matching puzzle. Move 4 sets of gear strings to match the positioning on a diagram. You will move an entire string of gears not just one by one. Rating: 2
H. Spot the difference. Looking through a lab window, find the differences between two scenes. Rating: 1
I. Assembly/moving puzzle. Place pictures from a family tree into correct position according to the shape of the picture. You will rotate the pictures in to position using 5 buttons to rotate the pictures. Rating: 3
J. Gears puzzle. Move gears into correct position to open a lock. Rating: 2
AFTER THE DEMO:
K. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to recreate a picture. Rating: 3
L. Matching puzzle. Place portraits into correct position on a wall Rating: 1
M. Lockpick puzzle. Slide lockpicks and tumblers in correct order to open a door. Rating: 3
N. Sliding tiles puzzle. Press button along the outside of a picture to move four stones into positions. Rating: 4
B. Moving tiles puzzle. Move diamond shaped tiles into position to recreate a family picture. There are arrows along the sides to move the tiles into proper position. Rating: 2
C. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate and move tiles to recreate a family crest on a chest. There are four buttons involved in rotating the moving the tiles. Rating: 3
D. Matching puzzle. As you climb up a tree (1) Match up 3 pairs. (2) Then 4 pairs (3) Then 5 pairs. Rating: 1
E. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate three rings so they align with silver clasps. Rating 1
F. Checkers puzzle. Jump checker pieces to remove them from a checkers board. Rating: 2
G. Matching puzzle. Move 4 sets of gear strings to match the positioning on a diagram. You will move an entire string of gears not just one by one. Rating: 2
H. Spot the difference. Looking through a lab window, find the differences between two scenes. Rating: 1
I. Assembly/moving puzzle. Place pictures from a family tree into correct position according to the shape of the picture. You will rotate the pictures in to position using 5 buttons to rotate the pictures. Rating: 3
J. Gears puzzle. Move gears into correct position to open a lock. Rating: 2
AFTER THE DEMO:
K. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to recreate a picture. Rating: 3
L. Matching puzzle. Place portraits into correct position on a wall Rating: 1
M. Lockpick puzzle. Slide lockpicks and tumblers in correct order to open a door. Rating: 3
N. Sliding tiles puzzle. Press button along the outside of a picture to move four stones into positions. Rating: 4
I recommend this game!
Enjoy new collection of mosaics puzzles with up to six colors!
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 50 found this review helpful
COLOR ME A RAINBOW TO ENTER A NEW WONDERLAND OF GRIDDLERS
PostedJuly 7, 2016
sunnyglow
fromThis game has added a little "color" into my life and put a smile on my face!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I feel like Alice, going through the looking glass and ending up in a bright, beautiful world of multi-colored griddlers. A BIG THANK YOU to BFG for releasing a new adventure with Mr. Penguin. Our penguin has expanded his world to now include six colors in completing the grid. I LOVE these games and this developer is the BEST developer of them on the BFG site
HOW TO PLAY: 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 number from 10 x 10 to 20 x 20. At times, the grids may be 25 X 25 if this game is like the games in the past. Each side of the grid will have numbers for each line of squares indicating the amount of squares which are to be filled in for that line of squares. Squares are filled in where the squares intersect between the two sets of numbers on each side.
• Levels: Casual and Advanced. The Casual screen marks off the numbers individually while the Advanced screen marks off the numbers after a line is filled. The grids are the same for both levels. You will begin with a 10 x 10 screen.
• Colors: The game now has SIX (6) 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 more than 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!
It’s up to you to save the Swan Princess’s kingdom!
Overall rating
4
/
5
148 of 287 found this review helpful
SMOOTH SOME RUFFLED FEATHERS ON A FEATHERY FLIGHT OF FANCY TO A “KINGDOM UNDER THE TREE”
PostedJuly 7, 2016
sunnyglow
fromLike Ariel’s Kingdom under the Sea, Flora’s Kingdom under the Tree should have its own Disney theme song. Borrowing from Ariel: Under the tree. Under the tree It's better weather Where there are feathers
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW BASED ON THE DEMO:
OVERVIEW Get ready to dance to the “dire” tune of some deceptive swans in this modified fable of Swan Lake. I rate this feathery offering 4 stars. For those who love fantasy games and/or FROGS, you will love this game! However, for me, the game falls flat lacking an engaging story, creative HOP scenes, and a decent pace. The whole “black swan/white swan” theme has been used so often in gaming and other entertainment venues, it has become trite. In this case, I found the game script very bizarre evidenced by using a tailor to “seam” together cracks on the surface of the kingdom. Sorry to disagree with our “editor;” however, I see nothing in this game which makes it anything but an average fantasy game. Perhaps, it may be I am just tired of fantasy games with pretty princesses and nonsensical stories.
I felt the pace of the game is bogged down by the back-and-forth travel in the game searching for items. To me, this is more time consuming than the activities in the game. There appears to be an equal amount of HOP scenes and puzzles. The HOP scenes are all FROGS in the demo (with the exception of one), which fit nicely into the swamp-like atmosphere in the game. However, the lack of variety in the HOP scenes also adds to my lack of enthusiasm for this game. The puzzles are varied in both style and difficulty with a couple of difficult ones toward the end of the demo. However, the excellent puzzles are not enough to salvage this game for me.
This game has the “flavour” of Blue Tea more than EIPIX. The graphics are all Blue Tea and are amazing as usual for this developer. The extras include the replaying of HOP scenes and puzzles. Back are the usual signs which you collect in EVERY EIPIX game! It would be nice if EIPIX would come up with some new ideas for collectibles. You also collect pieces to open up parables.
If you love fantasy games, you may enjoy it. For me, this game is a disappointment for the EIPIX/Blue Tea venture. However, that being said, this game is a fairly decent fantasy game for those who like this genre. However, in my opinion, it certainly does not merit the any special recognition.
STORY: You return as a detective investigating the Kingdom of Dire Island. The Black Swan has stolen a magic seed which holds the key to the regeneration of the goddess Flora, who keeps nature in balance. The theft has caused cracks to develop throughout the kingdom. Desmond McBride is a tailor who has been summoned by the kingdom’s princess to heal the cracks in the surface of the kingdom. However, he will also aid you in your quest. Venture into a swamp to search for the villain in this game. Just watch out for feathers flying between the swans as you trek through this game!
HOP SCENES: Keeping with the swampy atmosphere of the game, all the scenes are predominantly FROGS. You will locate pieces of inventory items.
PUZZLES: The puzzles in the demo vary in difficulty. They include a matching puzzle in which you use a looking glass to locate items which is somewhat unique and creative. There is also a switch puzzle in which you search for and replace items back into a scene in a storybook. I found this puzzle not only extremely easy but also extremely boring. There is a decent logic (mathematical) puzzle and a fiendish maze puzzle which is unique and very creative.
LEVELS: Casual, Hard, Insane, Custom
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
12 Achievements
Collect 39 signs (the same as with every EIPIX game)
Replay 22 puzzles and 12 HOP scenes
Strategy guide
8 Wallpapers, Concept Art, Music, Souvenirs
Collect pieces to unlock 7 parables.
Map is provided as you play the game
12 Achievements
Collect 39 signs (the same as with every EIPIX game)
Replay 22 puzzles and 12 HOP scenes
Strategy guide
8 Wallpapers, Concept Art, Music, Souvenirs
Collect pieces to unlock 7 parables.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE:
HOP SCENES:
A. FROG to create an inventory item
B. FROG to produce an inventory item
C. Given a set of symbols, locate them on a wall
D. Mini-FROG scene. Locate items of armor to create an inventory item
E. Another FROG. Locate pieces of Flora’s mosaic.
A. FROG to create an inventory item
B. FROG to produce an inventory item
C. Given a set of symbols, locate them on a wall
D. Mini-FROG scene. Locate items of armor to create an inventory item
E. Another FROG. Locate pieces of Flora’s mosaic.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy 2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Matching puzzle. Match up landmarks with symbols along the side of a type of a looking glass. Must be done in sequence Rating: 2
B. Switch puzzle. Search for and replace of items back into the correct locations in a storybook. Rating: 1
C. Switch puzzle. Not listed as a puzzle; however, you must switch pieces of a picture to create a picture to open a door. Rating: 2
D. Logic/Mathematical puzzle. Connect squares using lines based on the amount of dots in each square. The number indicates how many connections that square should have with the other squares. 2X Rating: 2 to 3 depending if you have played this type of game before
E. Maze puzzle. Create paths to get 3 balls to the bottom of a segmented maze so that each ball matches up by color and symbol with those on the bottom of the maze. Rating: 3
B. Switch puzzle. Search for and replace of items back into the correct locations in a storybook. Rating: 1
C. Switch puzzle. Not listed as a puzzle; however, you must switch pieces of a picture to create a picture to open a door. Rating: 2
D. Logic/Mathematical puzzle. Connect squares using lines based on the amount of dots in each square. The number indicates how many connections that square should have with the other squares. 2X Rating: 2 to 3 depending if you have played this type of game before
E. Maze puzzle. Create paths to get 3 balls to the bottom of a segmented maze so that each ball matches up by color and symbol with those on the bottom of the maze. Rating: 3
FINAL THOUGHTS: I, for one, am tired of the consistent diet of sugary sweet fantasy games. Hopefully BFG will provide something different such as sci-fi game in the coming weeks.
I recommend this game!
Haunted Legends: The Iron Mask Collector's Edition
Explore 17th-century France as you track down a masked killer.
Overall rating
5
/
5
207 of 305 found this review helpful
“ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL” IN THE COURT OF THE SUN KING
PostedJune 30, 2016
sunnyglow
fromI want to adopt this game’s designer “le chat” from Paris. He is my type of cat! No matter the historical period, this cat goes with everything and would look fashionable sitting on my lap-top!
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 PART OF CHAPTER 3
OVERVIEW: Return to 1653 France during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, in this beautifully crafted 5-star game of mystery and political intrigue. Be warned – THIS IS A LONG GAME! The graphics are exquisite as usual for this developer, providing a somewhat realistic graphic depiction of this period in France. The game script is well written, keeping you in suspense trying to make the connections between the characters in solving the identity of a man in an iron mask committing the murders. The pace is excellent and I was engaged throughout the demo. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes in the game; however, both are well-crafted. Vox, the grunting dwarf, is back in this game, and to me, seems out-of-place in this period piece. However, his character is well-integrated into the spider’s web of court politics and intrigue of this game. The collectibles are horseshoes which are used to purchase items for your horse and seals to unlock a book from the De’ Medici family from Florence, Italy. You have the ability to replay the HOP scenes and the puzzles.
WARNING: Be prepared for a “sneaky snake” moment in the demo! AFTER THE DEMO YOU ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A "DOG" FOR TWO CHAPTERS WHO BARKS AND WHINES INCESSANTLY; HOWEVER, YOU CAN SKIP THE SCENES!
STORY: Loosely based on two class novels by Dumas, “The Man in the Iron Mask” and “The Three Musketeers,” you play an agent from the French secret service looking into the murders of the members of the French court by a man in an iron mask. You, as the agent will be searching for clues concerning this man who seems to be a prisoner residing in Bastille. However, how can that be possible? There are quite a few entanglements in this game between several characters. Somehow the dwarf, Vox is behind this and seems to be thwarting your efforts to locate the killer. He seems interested in the prisoner as well. It seems this mysterious prisoner is being treated royally, being supplied with the best food, wine and clothing. But why? Besides Vox, the Cardinal (RIchlieux?) and the King himself are embroiled in this game of mystery and suspense.
HOP SCENES: They vary in style. They are interactive as well. In the demo they include a mini-HOP scene involving some catnip for the ERS “cat with in attitude,” a matching scene using chess pieces, and two silhouette scenes using the same scene twice. The silhouette scenes are interactive and puzzle-like and very well crafted.
HOP SCENES: They vary in style. They are interactive as well. In the demo they include a mini-HOP scene involving some catnip for the ERS “cat with in attitude,” a matching scene using chess pieces, and two silhouette scenes using the same scene twice. The silhouette scenes are interactive and puzzle-like and very well crafted.
PUZZLES: In the demo there are more puzzles than HOP scenes, and they range in variety and difficulty. I did encounter two switch puzzles which I thought were a little difficult and time consuming. Unlike in previous games from this developer, there are mini-puzzles within the inventory which are also well-crafted. The puzzles from the inventory are matching puzzles – matching up keys and matching up positions of levers to open a lock. There is also a nifty little assembly puzzle involving a wheel for a cart and a sequence puzzle involving four owls to open up a case.
The standard puzzles within the game include a manual dexterity puzzle which includes tracing a symbol, a sequence puzzle putting letters in chronological order from various characters in the game, a couple of switch puzzles (which are somewhat difficult), an easy jigsaw puzzle using pieces of a letter. There is also a clever, well-designed dot-to-dot puzzle involving a signature which we seldom seen in HOP games.
FAVORITE PUZZLE: The two switch puzzles are my favorites. In one you must switch picture pieces from one scene to another to recreate two pictures. You accomplish this with the help of a button in the middle of the scene to switch the pieces. The other switch puzzle I found somewhat difficult as you must switch segments of a lock to recreate an emblem surrounding the lock. There are several buttons which switch the pieces of the lock and it took me time to figure out the sequence to restore the image.
AFTER THE DEMO: There is another HOP scene and a slightly wicked manual dexterity puzzle involving throwing apples, a sliding tiles puzzles which allows you to choose between casual and hard settings, a maze puzzle, a switch puzzle, and a matching puzzle.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints and Skips – 5 to 200 seconds
Hints and Skips – 5 to 200 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the start of the game
12 Achievements
Collect horse shoes to purchase items for your horse.
Collect 12 seals to open up the De’ Medici book of hidden secrets
Strategy guide - 67 pages
Wallpapers, Screensavers, Concept art, music, movies
Replay of HOP scenes and puzzles
Map is given to you at the start of the game
12 Achievements
Collect horse shoes to purchase items for your horse.
Collect 12 seals to open up the De’ Medici book of hidden secrets
Strategy guide - 67 pages
Wallpapers, Screensavers, Concept art, music, movies
Replay of HOP scenes and puzzles
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES:
A. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 5 leaves of catnip.
B. Matching scene. Locate 6 pairs of chess pieces. It is interactive
C. Silhouette. Locate a specific number of four items.
D. Silhouette. Return to the previous scene to locate items and then replacing them back into the scene in the correct location
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Silhouette. Interactive and you locate pieces which are used to create an inventory item.
A. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 5 leaves of catnip.
B. Matching scene. Locate 6 pairs of chess pieces. It is interactive
C. Silhouette. Locate a specific number of four items.
D. Silhouette. Return to the previous scene to locate items and then replacing them back into the scene in the correct location
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Silhouette. Interactive and you locate pieces which are used to create an inventory item.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy (2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Inventory puzzle. Sequence puzzle. Press owls in sequence to open up a case Rating: 1
B. Inventory puzzle. Matching puzzle. Match up keys with their proper locations Rating: 1
C. Manual dexterity puzzle. Tracing puzzle. Drag a dot form one end of a figure to the other using your cursor. Rating: 1
D. Sequence puzzle. Place letters in sequence from most recent to oldest by date. Rating: 1
E. Inventory puzzle. Matching puzzle. Align levers on a gate to match up with those on a picture. Rating: 1
F. Inventory puzzle. Assembly puzzle. Assembly a wheel with pieces found in a HOP scene.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles to recreate two pictures. The center has a button to switch the tile pieces between the two scenes. Rating: 3
H. Switch puzzle. Using 9 buttons switch segments of a lock to recreate an emblem on the lock. Rating: 3
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Recreate a letter by placing fragments into their proper position. Rating: 1
J. Dot-to-dot puzzle. Recreate a signature by “connecting the dots” in the proper sequence. Rating: 2
AFTER THE DEMO:
K. Manual dexterity puzzle. Adjust levels on a bar to use apples to hit a set of keys to release them 3X Increased in difficulty Rating: 1 to 2
L. Sliding tiles puzzle. Choice between Casual and Hard. Rotate and move tiles on a gate to recreate the pictures of four dogs. Rating: 2 to 3
M. Maze puzzle. Move two tokens into their correct locations in a rather tiny maze. Rating: 2
N. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles pieces to create a picture of a dog. Rating: 3
O. Matching puzzle. Match up images on a tortoise shell. Rating: 1
B. Inventory puzzle. Matching puzzle. Match up keys with their proper locations Rating: 1
C. Manual dexterity puzzle. Tracing puzzle. Drag a dot form one end of a figure to the other using your cursor. Rating: 1
D. Sequence puzzle. Place letters in sequence from most recent to oldest by date. Rating: 1
E. Inventory puzzle. Matching puzzle. Align levers on a gate to match up with those on a picture. Rating: 1
F. Inventory puzzle. Assembly puzzle. Assembly a wheel with pieces found in a HOP scene.
G. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles to recreate two pictures. The center has a button to switch the tile pieces between the two scenes. Rating: 3
H. Switch puzzle. Using 9 buttons switch segments of a lock to recreate an emblem on the lock. Rating: 3
I. Jigsaw puzzle. Recreate a letter by placing fragments into their proper position. Rating: 1
J. Dot-to-dot puzzle. Recreate a signature by “connecting the dots” in the proper sequence. Rating: 2
AFTER THE DEMO:
K. Manual dexterity puzzle. Adjust levels on a bar to use apples to hit a set of keys to release them 3X Increased in difficulty Rating: 1 to 2
L. Sliding tiles puzzle. Choice between Casual and Hard. Rotate and move tiles on a gate to recreate the pictures of four dogs. Rating: 2 to 3
M. Maze puzzle. Move two tokens into their correct locations in a rather tiny maze. Rating: 2
N. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles pieces to create a picture of a dog. Rating: 3
O. Matching puzzle. Match up images on a tortoise shell. Rating: 1
NOTE TO DEVELOPER: IF YOU ARE GOING TO PROVIDE A DOG IN THESE GAMES, PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO BARK AND WHINE THROUGHOUT THE SCENE! VERY IRRITATING TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT DOG LOVERS!
I recommend this game!
A magical egg is about to turn one girl's world upside-down.
Overall rating
4
/
5
113 of 175 found this review helpful
WARNING: A “FIERY” PASSION TO PLAY THIS GAME MAY CAUSE YOUR HAIR TO TURN GRAY
PostedJune 28, 2016
sunnyglow
fromA new product for a television infomercial. Purchase a “light-up” tattoo for your arm. No need to carry matches. No need to carry a flashlight. You will carry light and fire with you. Purchase one & second one is free to gift or put on the other arm.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER – REVIEW BASED ON DEMO
OVERVIEW: Welcome to Beoglinn Valley where darkness is threating to overtake the kingdom. As Alice, with the help of your uncle, you will venture through many parts of the kingdom to vanquish evil and fight brutish conquerors. This is a decent 4-star games. I do not feel it rates five stars due to its old-school design, blurry graphics, and poorly written game script. I also found the pace to be a little slow in the game. However, the puzzles, HOP scenes, and extras are decent. This is definitely a puzzler’s delight! There are only two HOP scenes in the demo and they are silhouette; however they are interactive and puzzle-like. The puzzles are ones we have seen before and they are not terribly difficult. At the end of the game you have the ability to replay both the puzzles and the HOP scenes. There are quite a few collectibles (62 in number) in this game. The morphing objects are also numerous and a little difficult to locate.
STORY: As Alice, you are forced to go into hiding when your farm is attacked by marauding invaders. Being overtaken by a firebird, you attain its powers which is symbolized by a tattoo on your arm. You will use the power of the firebird throughout the game. You watch as your father is murdered. Before he dies, he tells you to seek out your Uncle Colin, your mother’s brother, to help you escape and defeat these marauders. Amazingly, although you live within the same hamlet in this kingdom, you have never met your Uncle Colin. Really? So comical!
HOP SCENES: There are only two in the demo. Both contain silhouette items, which, when collected, are replaced back into the scene to interact with items within the scene. They both contain mini-puzzles as well.
PUZZLES: This is a puzzle-rich game. I gave all the puzzles within the demo a “2” rating. They are fairly easy and are ones we have seen before. There is quite a variety as well. They include sequence puzzles, matching puzzles, switch puzzles, sliding tiles puzzles, a manual dexterity puzzle, and a moving tiles puzzle. I feel that the puzzles are the best part of the game!
LEVELS: Easy, Normal, Hard – You can customize the game; however there is no “custom” designation
Hints 15 to 90 seconds Skips 30 to 150 seconds
Hints 15 to 90 seconds Skips 30 to 150 seconds
EXTRAS: THE STRATEGY GUIDE AND COLLECTIBLES ARE FOUND IN THE FIGURE OF THE FIREBIRD AT THE LEFT OF THE SCREEN “ADDITIONAL”
Map is given to you at the start of the game. You receive another map of the Fertile Lands as you play the game
20 Achievements
Collect 12 capsules
Collect 50 items – 7 fire bird eggs, 15 feathers, 7 red fish, 7 gold bugs, 7 hour glasses, 7 skulls
35 Morphing objects:
Strategy Guide – 50 pages
10 Wallpapers, 16 Concept art, Music, Replay 24 mini-games and 7 puzzles
Map is given to you at the start of the game. You receive another map of the Fertile Lands as you play the game
20 Achievements
Collect 12 capsules
Collect 50 items – 7 fire bird eggs, 15 feathers, 7 red fish, 7 gold bugs, 7 hour glasses, 7 skulls
35 Morphing objects:
Strategy Guide – 50 pages
10 Wallpapers, 16 Concept art, Music, Replay 24 mini-games and 7 puzzles
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE:
HOP SCENES:
A. Silhouette items. Interactive. Once found, use the items to interact with the scene. Opens up into a puzzle.
B. Silhouette items. Interactive. Once found, use the items to interact with the scene. There is a sliding tiles puzzle within the scene.
B. Silhouette items. Interactive. Once found, use the items to interact with the scene. There is a sliding tiles puzzle within the scene.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy (2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Sequence puzzle. Pull down ropes in sequential order. You must start again if you have the incorrect order. Rating: 2
B. Matching puzzle. Locate two items to correspond with pictures on a chest. 4 X Rating: 2
C. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Escape a guard by running past him so you are not seen. Rating: 2
D. Sequence puzzle. Match up pictures of flowers on a planter with the actual flowers in sequence. Rating: 2
E. Switch puzzle. On a gate, switch the positions of rabbits and wolves through paths in which the rabbits and wolves cannot be placed next to each other in the moves. Rating: 2
F. Matching puzzle. Position parts of a deer to match that of another deer. Rating: 2
G. Sequence puzzle. Create a potion by following the directions given on a formula adding items in correct sequence. Rating: 2
H. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles within a frame to create a picture. Rating: 2
I. Matching puzzle. Move the position of fish so they match up with those portrayed in a diagram. Rating: 2
J. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles within a maze to create a path so a block can move from the right to the left side of the maze. Rating: 2
K. Moving tiles puzzle. Move weather and nature symbols into proper location by pressing on 4 buttons to move and rotate the figures. Rating: 2
B. Matching puzzle. Locate two items to correspond with pictures on a chest. 4 X Rating: 2
C. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Escape a guard by running past him so you are not seen. Rating: 2
D. Sequence puzzle. Match up pictures of flowers on a planter with the actual flowers in sequence. Rating: 2
E. Switch puzzle. On a gate, switch the positions of rabbits and wolves through paths in which the rabbits and wolves cannot be placed next to each other in the moves. Rating: 2
F. Matching puzzle. Position parts of a deer to match that of another deer. Rating: 2
G. Sequence puzzle. Create a potion by following the directions given on a formula adding items in correct sequence. Rating: 2
H. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles within a frame to create a picture. Rating: 2
I. Matching puzzle. Move the position of fish so they match up with those portrayed in a diagram. Rating: 2
J. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide tiles within a maze to create a path so a block can move from the right to the left side of the maze. Rating: 2
K. Moving tiles puzzle. Move weather and nature symbols into proper location by pressing on 4 buttons to move and rotate the figures. Rating: 2
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a vengeful spirit before it's too late?
Overall rating
5
/
5
197 of 299 found this review helpful
DING DONG BELL – FLORRY’S STUCK IN A WELL - A WHIMSICAL DELIGHTFUL GAME
PostedJune 25, 2016
sunnyglow
fromDing Dong bell, Florry’s in a well. Who threw her in? That’s her husband’s sin. Who will drive her out? There remains no doubt. You will “drive” her out. (Just don’t let Oscar, the drunken ghost, help you “drive!”).
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
4 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER - REVIEW BASED ON THE DEMO PLUS PART OF CHAPTER 3
OVERVIEW: Pack up your ghostbusting gear along with earplugs and protective gear and head to England to investigate a “ghost gone wild” in this “phantasmic” 5-star game. I LOVE this whimsical delight! For once, I think Vendel may have a super hit on their hands with this game. This is an “easy breezy” game which is just fun to play. This game contains some witty moments with low-key “humour.” The game script is well-written. The graphics are cartoon-like show a vast improvement for Vendel. The addition of the ghostly drunken sot as a helper provides a wee bit of “humour” to this game. The HOP scenes and puzzles are creatively done and fit the theme of this story. You collect signs. There are no achievements. It is seldom we get a truly entertaining, comical game. However, it is a SHORT game!
STORY: You play Brenda Gale, a psychic detective called in by your former boss, a police detective who has just purchased a haunted pub. However, there will be no peace this side of heaven until you deal with the likes of Florry, the tempestuous ghost! It seems to me that this little pub “be needing” an exorcism by the likes of a Father O’Malley instead of a psychic investigator. This local ghost, Flossy is on a rampage, looking for revenge against a “mighty fine little red-headed lass!” But why?
Accompanying you into the world of “spirits,” is a ghostly sot, Oscar Quincy, who will more than willing to help you for the price of another drink! Actually, I thought the “helper,” another ghost, looked surprisingly like Edgar Alan Poe, another man who also liked his “spirits.”
As you investigate you are facing more questions than answers. Was Flossy a loose woman, carrying on with no good philanderer while her husband was away at war? Did her husband “do her in” and throw her into a well when he returned from the war? And how does a dear sweet little red headed lass fit into all of this? Does she remind Florry of someone? You better be watching out for flying objects dealing with Florry.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are very creative. They are varied and the one thing I like about them is that they are interactive. In most of the HOP scenes you will not only locate items, but also use them to interact with the scene. The very first scene requires you to create a type of drink for your loveable drunken helper, but it only adds to “humour” and delight of this game. Most of the scenes in the portion of the game I played are interactive lists of items or silhouette.
PUZZLES: So well-done and creative! There are more puzzles than HOP scenes and they are not only varied, but also, include some new puzzles we have not seen before. They are all easy. My favorite puzzle was a matching puzzle in which you must place couples together (just as in real life with E-Harmony) according to their preferences. I LOVED that puzzle. Although it is not difficult, it is a fun activity – even more so seeing what is available in the “dating pool” for that quaint little village! Other puzzles from the demo include a multiple-step one using a storybook, a gear puzzle, a math puzzle, a weights and balance puzzle, rotating tiles puzzle, matching puzzle, sequence puzzle, and switch puzzle. After the demo there is a maze puzzle (which I found hard to maneuver), a logic puzzle, and a Simon Says puzzle.
FAVORITE MOMENT: My favorite segment of the game was the budding romance-in-bloom between an Italian confectioner and a writer/horticulturist. And, of course, our stereotypical chubby little “novelist” is hiding behind an awesome pair of large, horn rimmed glasses working away diligently behind her typewriter. Your liquored up helper will assist in this budding romance by helping you translate old French poetry as a gift from the candy maker to his own sweet lady love. So comical!
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints and Skips: 15 to 300 seconds
Hints and Skips: 15 to 300 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you as you play the game
Collect 44 signs
Strategy guide - 33 pages
6 Wallpaper, Music, Video clips
Map is given to you as you play the game
Collect 44 signs
Strategy guide - 33 pages
6 Wallpaper, Music, Video clips
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN SEQUENCE:
HOP SCENES:
A. Silhouette. Find items to create a drink and interact with the scene
B. List of items to locate
C. Silhouette. Locate items, then use them within the scene.
D. Locate a specific number of one item – 7 seagulls.
E. List of items to locate
AFTER THE DEMO:
F. List of items to locate
B. List of items to locate
C. Silhouette. Locate items, then use them within the scene.
D. Locate a specific number of one item – 7 seagulls.
E. List of items to locate
AFTER THE DEMO:
F. 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. Multiple-step puzzle. Storybook sequence. (1) Mini-HOP scene. Locate 7 ghosts. (2) Locate 5 items which are out of place and replace them back into the proper position within the scene. (3) Replacement of items back into the scene Rating: 1
B. Gear puzzle. Replace gears back into a clock to get it to run Rating: 2
C. Math problem. Provide the correct amount of money to purchase a bus pass. Rating: 1
D. Assembly puzzle. Search a mini-scene for pieces of a plaque. Rating: 1
E. Weights and balance puzzle. While playing a HOP scene, use weights to measure out an exact amount of sugar. Rating: 2
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Recreate a Celtic symbol by rotating stones with symbols on them to match those in the middle of the screen Rating: 2
G. Matching puzzle. Create a flower garden by following an illustration provided for you. Rating: 1
H. Sequence puzzle: Press stones in a well in proper order. Rating: 1
I. Switch puzzle. Switch books to create a picture. Rating: 2
J. “E-Harmony” Logic puzzle. Match couples according to their preferences. Rating: 2
AFTER THE DEMO:
K. Maze puzzle. Collect 3 butterflies by moving them through a maze. Rating: 3 (I found it difficult to maneuver the butterflies through the maze.)
L. Logic puzzle. Very unique puzzle. Connect numbers for a circuitry code by colored ends. Rating: 3
M. Simon says puzzle. Repeat a sequence of colored waters on a fountain. 3X Rating: 2
B. Gear puzzle. Replace gears back into a clock to get it to run Rating: 2
C. Math problem. Provide the correct amount of money to purchase a bus pass. Rating: 1
D. Assembly puzzle. Search a mini-scene for pieces of a plaque. Rating: 1
E. Weights and balance puzzle. While playing a HOP scene, use weights to measure out an exact amount of sugar. Rating: 2
F. Rotating tiles puzzle. Recreate a Celtic symbol by rotating stones with symbols on them to match those in the middle of the screen Rating: 2
G. Matching puzzle. Create a flower garden by following an illustration provided for you. Rating: 1
H. Sequence puzzle: Press stones in a well in proper order. Rating: 1
I. Switch puzzle. Switch books to create a picture. Rating: 2
J. “E-Harmony” Logic puzzle. Match couples according to their preferences. Rating: 2
AFTER THE DEMO:
K. Maze puzzle. Collect 3 butterflies by moving them through a maze. Rating: 3 (I found it difficult to maneuver the butterflies through the maze.)
L. Logic puzzle. Very unique puzzle. Connect numbers for a circuitry code by colored ends. Rating: 3
M. Simon says puzzle. Repeat a sequence of colored waters on a fountain. 3X Rating: 2
I recommend this game!
Who broke the agreement between good and evil?
Overall rating
4
/
5
130 of 231 found this review helpful
THE MONSTROUS FIRST EPISODE OF A NEW SERIES FOR EIPIX
PostedJune 23, 2016
sunnyglow
fromWith this new series from EIPIX, I need to locate my goggles, fire up my steam-powered dirigible and fly above the dark, crime-infested streets of Victorian London. I am off to fight against evil and to meet some famous literary figures along the way.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
BASED ON THE DEMO:
OVERVIEW: Return to 1895 London in an underground Steampunk fantasy world where secret agents fight off criminal elements. This is the first entry of a new series for EIPIX. Like tea and crumpets, this game has a distinctive British “flavour.” I like, but do not love this game. To be fair to EIPIX, it is a decent, well-crafted game which will appeal to many players; however, this game does not appeal to me. The game script is excellent, patterned off the “League of Exceptional Gentlemen.” I like the Steampunk genre; however, I felt the pace was a little slow for me and I could not “get into” this game.
As I played the demo, I found myself getting a little bored wondering how much longer the demo would last. I felt that the graphics were very dark, a little too dark for my taste. Perhaps, further into the game, the scenery will change; however, I found milling around a deserted Victorian factory a little depressing. There are an equal number of HOP scenes and puzzles. However, there are only three of each in the demo so it is difficult to ascertain. The HOP scenes and puzzles I played show great improvement from recent games from this developer. The extras were a disappointment to me. They are the same as in all of their other games; you collect signs and morphing objects within the HOP scenes. You are able to replay the HOP scenes and puzzles. At the end of the demo it appears you get to choose between three alternative scenes to investigate. The concept of choosing your next scene of action is new. I have not seen this any other game. This is a game which I feel everyone will need to play to decide for themselves.
STORY: Return to the prim and proper social scene of Victorian London to fight against criminal forces. As a legacy of the Vermillion Watch, (due to your Uncle Ernest Hawkes’ membership within the group), you are off to carry on the family legacy of defending England for the monarch and the world from evil. In this fantasy world of British superheroes, you find yourself in a world where a treaty, the Moorgate Accord, a treaty to stop a war erupting between good and evil, has been violated. Monsters have now overtaken London. When your uncle is attacked and killed by a monster, (believed to be Dr. Jekyll’s alter ego), you believe that perhaps that Dr. Jekyll survived his execution. Assisting you will be Phileas Fogg (from “Around the World in 80 Days”). You continue your uncle’s current research, searching for the kidnapped Lady Pemberton, whose husband convicted Dr. Jekyll. Upon locating her, she informs you that, Irene Adler, may be the mastermind behind all this. Is she following in Dr. Jekyll’s steps and using chemicals to turn prisoners into monsters for her own nefarious purposes?
HOP SCENES: From the demo, it appears that EIPIX has freshened up their HOP scenes with some new concepts. The scenes are mainly multiple step and show creativity. In one of the scenes you use a map as the scene to locate six of each type of building or item within the town. They are also providing scenes in which you must locate more than one of a particular item to remove it from the list. There are only three scenes in the demo and they include lists of items and silhouette items.
PUZZLES: There are only three puzzles in the demo; however, they are more challenging and show more innovation than in previous games. In the demo they include an assembly puzzle, an assembly puzzle, and a variation of a checkboard puzzle. My favorite was the checkboard puzzle in which you must move two tiles in only two moves to cover the entire board. You play this twice and the second level is more difficult than the first.
LEVELS: Trainee, Inspector, Chief, and Custom
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
15 Achievements
Collect 44 signs. Same collectible as in every other game from EIPIX
15 Morphing objects – within HOP scenes
Replay 15 HOP scenes
Replay 20 puzzles
Strategy guide
9 Wallpapers, Music, Souvenir Room, Concept Art and pictures, 16 Videos
15 Achievements
Collect 44 signs. Same collectible as in every other game from EIPIX
15 Morphing objects – within HOP scenes
Replay 15 HOP scenes
Replay 20 puzzles
Strategy guide
9 Wallpapers, Music, Souvenir Room, Concept Art and pictures, 16 Videos
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES
HOP SCENES:
A. Multiple step. List of items to locate. With each item found, you receive a piece to open up a suitcase. (2) Silhouette items to locate.
B. Unique and creative HOP scenes. Silhouette. Using a map as the scene, locate 6 of each type of item on the map.
C. Multiple step. (1) List of items. 3 each of 3 items. (2) Silhouette. Locate a number of 3 items to remove the silhouette.
B. Unique and creative HOP scenes. Silhouette. Using a map as the scene, locate 6 of each type of item on the map.
C. Multiple step. (1) List of items. 3 each of 3 items. (2) Silhouette. Locate a number of 3 items to remove the silhouette.
PUZZLES: Puzzle Rating: (1) Extremely easy (2) Easy (3) A little difficult or time consuming (4) Moderately difficult (5) Difficult
A. Assembly puzzle. First choose the correct body parts to recreate the image of the monster who attacked you, then rearrange his face. Rating: 2 (if you pay attention at the beginning)
B. Moving tiles puzzle. Move 7 tokens into green slots. Rating: 3
C. Checkerboard puzzle. Move two tiles so that all blocks on the board are filled. You only have two moves to accomplish this. 2X. The second puzzle is more difficult than the first. Rating: 2 and 4
B. Moving tiles puzzle. Move 7 tokens into green slots. Rating: 3
C. Checkerboard puzzle. Move two tiles so that all blocks on the board are filled. You only have two moves to accomplish this. 2X. The second puzzle is more difficult than the first. Rating: 2 and 4
I recommend this game!
Can you defeat the mysterious Blade Master?
Overall rating
5
/
5
215 of 339 found this review helpful
CELEBRATE YOUR ANNIVERSARY WITH A GAME WHICH IS A “CUT ABOVE” THE REST!
PostedJune 18, 2016
sunnyglow
fromMy grumpy cat is “looking daggers” at me. I think he may have purchased a ticket for me to attend a performance by the Blade Master.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Happy Anniversary, newlyweds! To celebrate, you and your hubby will be attending a 5-star dinner theater performance by the Blade Master. I LOVE this game which has everything a love smitten gaming couple could wish for. To me, this game is a better produced game than previous ones by this developer. The graphics are realistic and up-to-date (and it is nice to see a college-age girl who has a modern, current look). The game script is well-written. The pace is excellent and you will keep busy with various tasks trying to escape the Blade Master who is “shooting daggers” at you. The HOP scenes are standard fare; however, the puzzles are exceptional! The game is fairly basic with only one collectible and no achievements (which is rather unusual). There are no morphing objects nor a replay of the HOP scenes and puzzles. There is also no game to play in lieu of the HOP scenes. Your “helper” is a knife coffin, containing knives you use throughout the game.
STORY: Celebrating your anniversary, you discover that this celebratory evening will not be the entertainment you expected. The Blade Master has some hidden secrets up his sleeve, including his desire to exact revenge against the town of New Auburn and to complete a ritual to open up the Dark Dimensions. When you are chosen to help the Blade Master with his performance, you soon realize that there are more to these daggers than meets the eye. When the performance begins with the Blade Master “shooting daggers” at his assistant and hitting her, your husband rushes to help her and gets hit with a poisoned dagger. You will need to chase down the Blade Master and get the antidote to save your husband. At the same time, you will need to stop the Blade Master from opening up the Dark Dimensions.
HOP SCENES: There is an equal amount of HOP scenes and puzzles. I am impressed with the HOP scenes in the demo; however not so much in the actual game. Two of them in the demo are quite unique. The HOP scenes vary and provide some new twists in HOP design. One of those includes a matching scene in which you must match up pieces of daggers with the daggers themselves. Quite creative! The other impressive HOP scene is a scene in which daggers are suspended in air aimed at you and you must locate all of them, (hopefully, before the reach their mark – you). The other HOP scenes in the demo include a multiple-step one with a list of one type of item to locate followed by a list of items, and the other is a list of items to locate which is very interactive and which also contains a mini-game. After the demo I felt the HOP scenes were cookie cutter versions of each other. You use one of the scenes twice.
PUZZLES: I LOVE the puzzles in this game. The puzzles are AWESOME and vary in difficulty. There are some difficult puzzles in this game, or, at least they require some time to complete. In the demo they include an assembly puzzle, a lock puzzle which is more of a tricky matching puzzle, a sequence puzzle, also a little tricky, and another matching puzzle. After the demo there were some slat puzzles, a sliding tiles puzzle and a maze puzzle. All of the puzzles after the demo are well-done as well.
FAVORITE PUZZLE: I LOVED ALL THE PUZZLES!! However, if I had to choose a favorite in the demo it would be the assembly puzzle in which you must rotate and place pieces of a mask which is in the center, as a target. So well done. Actually all the puzzles I played were excellent!
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints and Skips: 1 to 100 seconds
Hints and Skips: 1 to 100 seconds
EXTRAS:
2 Maps are provided as you play the game. (Old Auburn and New Auburn)
Blade coffin containing magic knives
Collect puzzle pieces for four puzzles played at the end of the game
Strategy guide - 53 pages
11 Concept Art, 6 Wallpapers, Music
2 Maps are provided as you play the game. (Old Auburn and New Auburn)
Blade coffin containing magic knives
Collect puzzle pieces for four puzzles played at the end of the game
Strategy guide - 53 pages
11 Concept Art, 6 Wallpapers, Music
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES:
A. Multiple-step. (1) Locate a small amount of two items (5 booklets and 5 office supplies). (2) List of items to locate
B. Matching. Match up pieces of knives with 8 knives
C. Locate 12 knives being hurled toward you.
D. List of items to locate which must be used sequentially. The scene also includes a matching puzzle with boards. Very interactive
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Multiple step. (1) Locate four items (2) List of items to locate.
F. List of items. Return to the same scene. Interactive and puzzle-like
G. Multiple-step. (1) Locate a small amount of two items (5 horseshoes and 5 chains). (2) List of items to locate
B. Matching. Match up pieces of knives with 8 knives
C. Locate 12 knives being hurled toward you.
D. List of items to locate which must be used sequentially. The scene also includes a matching puzzle with boards. Very interactive
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Multiple step. (1) Locate four items (2) List of items to locate.
F. List of items. Return to the same scene. Interactive and puzzle-like
G. Multiple-step. (1) Locate a small amount of two items (5 horseshoes and 5 chains). (2) 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. Assembly puzzle. Rotate a mask in the middle of a target and move pieces to attach to the mask accordingly. Very creative Rating: 2
B. Lock puzzle. Matching. Switch gray grooved tiles to interconnect with copper ones at the top and bottom. What makes it tricky is that you can only move from one tile by switching it with a tile which is next to it. Alternate plates between those on top and those on the bottom Rating: 3
C. Sequence puzzle. Light all candles in sequence. Lighting one affects the others. Rating: 2
D. Matching and assembly. On a map locate “branches” to fit over gems and connect with the branches on the map. You will need to use arrows to rotate them into position. Rating: 2
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate knives so that they fit into their perspective places. Moving one affects the others. Rating: 2
F. Moving slats puzzle. Restore a picture by moving slats into the proper locations. Moving one affects the others. Rating: 2
G. Slat puzzle. Swap adjoining slats to recreate a picture Rating: 1
H. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to recreate a picture. Rating: 3
I. Maze puzzle. Plot a route on a map in 8 steps to go from New Auburn to Old Auburn. Rating: 3
B. Lock puzzle. Matching. Switch gray grooved tiles to interconnect with copper ones at the top and bottom. What makes it tricky is that you can only move from one tile by switching it with a tile which is next to it. Alternate plates between those on top and those on the bottom Rating: 3
C. Sequence puzzle. Light all candles in sequence. Lighting one affects the others. Rating: 2
D. Matching and assembly. On a map locate “branches” to fit over gems and connect with the branches on the map. You will need to use arrows to rotate them into position. Rating: 2
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Rotating tiles puzzle. Rotate knives so that they fit into their perspective places. Moving one affects the others. Rating: 2
F. Moving slats puzzle. Restore a picture by moving slats into the proper locations. Moving one affects the others. Rating: 2
G. Slat puzzle. Swap adjoining slats to recreate a picture Rating: 1
H. Sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to recreate a picture. Rating: 3
I. Maze puzzle. Plot a route on a map in 8 steps to go from New Auburn to Old Auburn. Rating: 3
I recommend this game!