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:
A fire at the local asylum takes on a supernatural life of its own!
Overall rating
5
/
5
191 of 293 found this review helpful
ONE OF THE BEST GAMES THIS YEAR! AWARD WINNING CREEPFEST
PostedMarch 31, 2016
sunnyglow
fromI have a burning desire to play this game if I can conquer “pyrophobia” (fear of fire) and “nyctophobia” (fear of anything dark and creepy)!
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
OVERVIEW: Bravo! What creativity! What innovation! It has been some time since we have seen a game of this caliber. This is a 5-star plus game! Our GrandMA has had a face lift, connected with her sinister side, and can now be considered as a major player in dark games. GrandMA! What big dark thoughts you have lurking in your gaming department! This game has a well-written script about an asylum, which could cause some phobias by just being there to investigate!
The graphics are dark and the surrealistic settings give a creepy element to the game. You will investigate the sad tales of four (4) children and an evil presence who is manipulating these children. As you begin your investigation, you are accompanied throughout the asylum by shapeshifting ghostly Angelina who talks to you in a creepy monotone voice, warning you of your own peril.
There are more puzzles than HOP scenes and the puzzles range from easy to difficult. This game demonstrates some of the best innovation in HOP scenes and puzzles to be seen on this site in quite some time. One of the HOP scenes is actually a cube in which you must switch from side-to-side to locate and replace items. The puzzles are masterful including an actual rat maze in which you must set arrows to create a path for the poor rat only to have it turn from side-to-side once you activate it. After the demo there is another “cube” puzzle which requires some logical reasoning.
There are more puzzles than HOP scenes and the puzzles range from easy to difficult. This game demonstrates some of the best innovation in HOP scenes and puzzles to be seen on this site in quite some time. One of the HOP scenes is actually a cube in which you must switch from side-to-side to locate and replace items. The puzzles are masterful including an actual rat maze in which you must set arrows to create a path for the poor rat only to have it turn from side-to-side once you activate it. After the demo there is another “cube” puzzle which requires some logical reasoning.
As you uncover the story about Angelina who has "lost her marbles," you will help her collect them (as a collectible) and place them back into a maze within her head. Once all are collected, you will use them to play a maze puzzle the end of the game. Chanting and talking to you in a creepy voice, she reminds you that you that “You are next!” Mystery surrounds these outcasts, who having nothing wrong with them but are placed within this asylum. Why are they there? Uncover the sad story of the outcasts.
HOP SCENES: They are fewer than the puzzles; however, they are well-done. They include lists of items to locate with a modicum of interactivity. The best one is of course the Rubik Cube scene in which you must locate and replace items back within the scene – all while twisting and turning the cube.
PUZZLES: A true puzzler’s delight! There are easy puzzles; however, there are some which are moderately difficult. There is also a fiendishly difficult rat maze puzzle which requires some time to figure out if you choose the more difficult mode. I LOVE the puzzles in this game. And again, it has been some time since those of us who love some challenging puzzles have had any in these games.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hints and Skips – 10 to 500 seconds
Hints and Skips – 10 to 500 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is provided as you play the game
16 Achievements (from what I could count)
Collect 36 marbles
Strategy guide 51 pages
Usual wallpaper, music, movies, artwork
Map is provided as you play the game
16 Achievements (from what I could count)
Collect 36 marbles
Strategy guide 51 pages
Usual wallpaper, music, movies, artwork
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a Match 3 game in lieu of the HOP scenes.
A. List of items to locate
B. Very innovative and unique scene. (1) You are given pieces of masks from children standing in a circle (2) choose the correct answer to a cryptic clue. (3) List of items to locate.
C. Silhouette on a Rubik’s cube. One of the best and unusual HOP scenes! Locate and then replace into the scene. You have an arrow to switch the scene itself to see the reverse side.
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. List of items to locate
E. List of items to locate
A. List of items to locate
B. Very innovative and unique scene. (1) You are given pieces of masks from children standing in a circle (2) choose the correct answer to a cryptic clue. (3) List of items to locate.
C. Silhouette on a Rubik’s cube. One of the best and unusual HOP scenes! Locate and then replace into the scene. You have an arrow to switch the scene itself to see the reverse side.
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. List of items to locate
E. List of items to locate
PUZZLES: You can reset the puzzles.
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate circles to restore a picture. Moving one affects the others. EASY
B. Multiple Step puzzle. (1) Sequence puzzle. Help revive a drowning man. Open up all valves to help a man breath. Moving one affects the others. (2) Take his pulse. Matching. Match up fingerprints with those on the patient to eliminate them. (3) Chest compression. Matching puzzle. EASY but fun
C. Switch puzzle. Set hands on a clock to set the time. Not that easy. Moving one hands affects the other one. SLIGHTLY DIFFICULT
D. Moving Tiles/Pipe puzzle. Move tiles to create a path for water to flow through a pipe. You are only allotted a certain amount of moves. DIFFICULT
E. STUCK IN A RAT MAZE. Maze/Logic puzzle. Choose one of two modes to get a mouse through a maze. In one, the maze is static and in the other it moves. Set the sequence in which the mouse must turn either right or left before setting it free to move. EASY AND DIFFICULT MODES.
AFTER THE DEMO:
F. Switch puzzle. Place globes in proper sequence. EASY
G. Mathematical cube puzzle. Move markers with numbers on them so that all areas of the cube are covered. DIFFICULT
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate circles to restore a picture. Moving one affects the others. EASY
B. Multiple Step puzzle. (1) Sequence puzzle. Help revive a drowning man. Open up all valves to help a man breath. Moving one affects the others. (2) Take his pulse. Matching. Match up fingerprints with those on the patient to eliminate them. (3) Chest compression. Matching puzzle. EASY but fun
C. Switch puzzle. Set hands on a clock to set the time. Not that easy. Moving one hands affects the other one. SLIGHTLY DIFFICULT
D. Moving Tiles/Pipe puzzle. Move tiles to create a path for water to flow through a pipe. You are only allotted a certain amount of moves. DIFFICULT
E. STUCK IN A RAT MAZE. Maze/Logic puzzle. Choose one of two modes to get a mouse through a maze. In one, the maze is static and in the other it moves. Set the sequence in which the mouse must turn either right or left before setting it free to move. EASY AND DIFFICULT MODES.
AFTER THE DEMO:
F. Switch puzzle. Place globes in proper sequence. EASY
G. Mathematical cube puzzle. Move markers with numbers on them so that all areas of the cube are covered. DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
Two serial killers are back from the dead. What is their connection to an infamous vampire, and how can you stop them?
Overall rating
5
/
5
122 of 188 found this review helpful
BOOGIE ON DOWN TO THE BIG EASY FOR A “BLOODY” FRIGHTFEST
PostedMarch 26, 2016
sunnyglow
fromA wonderful final performance, OD2. Take a BIG bow for all the fine games you have given us! Best of luck in the future and thank you for the beads (of blood that is)
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
OVERVIEW OF THE GAME: Boogie on down to the Big Easy of the 1930’s in a “blood curdling” vampire adventure with two ghosts added to the mix. This is a decent low 5-star game! The graphics are cartoon-like but reflect the atmosphere of New Orleans during the time period. Those thick–as-molasses Southern accents are authentic as well. The story is about the immortal St. Germain (with a twist); the pace is good and kept my interest. The inventory is interactive. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes in the demo. Not having had a vampire thriller in quite some time, the story is “bloody” refreshing. The HOP scenes are varied and provide some uniquely creative elements. The puzzles are also creative as well. You receive an old 1930’s camera to take photos and you learn how to develop film. The collectibles are masks.
STORY: You, as paranormal investigator, Angeline, are researching the history of two brothers named Carter who are serial killers. Legend has it that these killers drained their victims of blood in order to feed a vampire. As you investigate, you soon realize you are in for a “beaucoup” of trouble from the ghosts of the Carter brothers plus the vampire. Creepily, they stalk you as you travel throughout New Orleans. You better keep your “gris-gris” with you at all times to protect yourself in this game as you travel through St. Louis cemetery in search of answers. There is danger lurking at every corner of Cajun country.
HOP SCENES: They are creative and varied. The scenes are interactive and require actions be performed before eliminating an item. They include lists of items and replacement of items back into the scene. The one which I enjoyed the most was the first HOP scene in which you replace items back into the scene. It is interactive and well-done. You have the option to play a Match-3 game featuring Mardi Gras beads. You must collect a certain amount of each color of bead.
PUZZLES: They are varied in difficulty and variety. Most are easy; however there is one in the demo which is moderately difficult. They include a truly unique multiple-step one, a switching tiles puzzle, a matching puzzle, and an assembly puzzle. My favorite puzzle was an assembly puzzle in which you must combine parts of two symbols together to match symbols on a door.
EXTRAS: A transportable map is provided to you as you play the game. You receive a notebook to collect information on the case. Collect 52 masks, There are 14 achievements. You receive an old 1930’s camera to take pictures and then develop them as you play the game. There are the usual wallpaper, artwork, music in this game.
LEVELS: Casual, Normal, Expert, Custom
Hints and Skips 5 to 120 seconds
Hints and Skips 5 to 120 seconds
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a theme based Match 3 game instead. You must collect a certain amount of 3 colored Mardi Gras beads.
A. Replace items back into the scene. Creative and well-done
B. List of items to locate. Somewhat creative
C. List of items to locate to create your own gris-gris.
B. List of items to locate. Somewhat creative
C. List of items to locate to create your own gris-gris.
PUZZLES: You can reset the puzzles.
A. Logic puzzle. Following clues, cross off names and numbers in a phone book to locate the name and number of a person of interest. EASY
B. Multiple-step puzzle. After paying a token, receive objects to be used in the puzzle. Use each piece to open a new part of the puzzle. Place items into correct locations to continue in the puzzle. EASY
C. Switching tiles puzzle. Switch tiles to create a map of a cemetery. EASY
D. Matching puzzle. Match up photo circles on a map with the actual locations 9X EASY
E. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols from two pieces of paper with those on a door to open the door EASY
F. Assembly puzzle. Place cables which contain symbols on them into the correct holes to create images above a door. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
B. Multiple-step puzzle. After paying a token, receive objects to be used in the puzzle. Use each piece to open a new part of the puzzle. Place items into correct locations to continue in the puzzle. EASY
C. Switching tiles puzzle. Switch tiles to create a map of a cemetery. EASY
D. Matching puzzle. Match up photo circles on a map with the actual locations 9X EASY
E. Matching puzzle. Match up symbols from two pieces of paper with those on a door to open the door EASY
F. Assembly puzzle. Place cables which contain symbols on them into the correct holes to create images above a door. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
Will yours be your downfall?
Overall rating
4
/
5
101 of 152 found this review helpful
FAMILY SECRETS AND LIES ARE LYING IN WAIT IN A THORNY SITUATION
PostedMarch 24, 2016
sunnyglow
fromPlaying this game could find yourself "stuck" in a thorny situation
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
OVERVIEW: Playing a 25-year old princess (with the help of your nanny), you are off to save your mother, all while uncovering some hidden family secrets in the process. To me, this is a decent low four-star game designed for those who love fairy tale games. I find nothing spectacular nor innovative in this game which would entice me to purchase it. It lacks elements we have no come to expect in a five-star game such as morphing objects and a game to play in lieu of the HOP scenes. There is only one collectible. As usual for ERS, the game is beautifully illustrated with pastel colored fairy tale scenes and attractive characters. There are more HOP scenes than puzzles. The HOP scenes are decent and vary in design. Throughout the game you play a mini-HOP scene in which you use an amulet to locate thorns which practically jump out at you. I found all the puzzles easy – boringly easy. You collect pearls which you use to purchase items as part of a collection. You also have the ability to replay the HOP scenes and puzzles.
I would recommend this game for children, as they could play this game with little or no adult assistance. Although this game will be a pass for me, you should probably play the demo yourself. The demo is very short so the game could get better after the demo. However, there is nothing to entice me to continue in the game. I found the demo tedious.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are varied but I found none which were outstanding in the demo. They include a list of items to locate plus a storybook sequence in which the items are highlighted in bold letter. They are slightly interactive. In one of the scenes, after locating an item, you receive a part of an inventory item
MINI-GAMES: In the demo the puzzles are varied. It appears that some of the puzzles allow you to choose between Casual and Difficult levels; however in the one puzzle offering this option in the demo, I found the difficult level to be easy as well. The puzzles include a moving tiles puzzle, a mathematical puzzle requiring basic math skills, a memory puzzle in which you must remember where cards are located. There is also a multiple-step puzzle involving a storybook. The multiple-step puzzle requires you to spot the difference between two items and is combined with a mini jigsaw puzzle. There is an assembly puzzle to create a potion which has a matching puzzle within it.
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
Receive an amulet from your mother to get rid of thorns
15 Achievements
Collect pearls to purchase items
Strategy guide
Replay of 14 mini-games and 20 HOP scenes
Usual movies, 12 wallpapers, 11 concept art pieces, and 5 screensavers
Map is provided as you play the game
Receive an amulet from your mother to get rid of thorns
15 Achievements
Collect pearls to purchase items
Strategy guide
Replay of 14 mini-games and 20 HOP scenes
Usual movies, 12 wallpapers, 11 concept art pieces, and 5 screensavers
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN THE DEMO:
HOP SCENES:
A. Throughout the game you will use an amulet which will allow you to see and remove thorns.
B. List of items to locate. Locating an item exposes pieces of symbols which you must collect to receive a code.
C. Storybook. Locate items listed in BOLD letters.
A. Throughout the game you will use an amulet which will allow you to see and remove thorns.
B. List of items to locate. Locating an item exposes pieces of symbols which you must collect to receive a code.
C. Storybook. Locate items listed in BOLD letters.
PUZZLES:
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Slide 3 flowers until they are located in the correct position on a jewelry box. Moving one flower affects the others. EASY
B. Mathematical puzzle. Figure out the logic behind a number which you must set to open a lock. EASY if you possess rudimentary math skills
C. Memory card game. Observe the position of cards which are then turned over. Match them up with another card dealt to you. 3X INCREASING IN DIFFICULTY. Choose between Casual and Hard. However, the “hard” option is fairly easy as well.
D. Multi-step puzzle. Storybook sequence. From sentences in a storybook, figure out what actions to take to climb up a wall while removing thorns. (1) Find two parts of a symbol from two images (2) Spot the differences on two pictures (3) Two Mini jigsaw puzzles EASY
E. Assembly puzzle. Create a potion by following directions. Included is a matching puzzle – locating like petals on a flower 3X EASY
A. Moving tiles puzzle. Slide 3 flowers until they are located in the correct position on a jewelry box. Moving one flower affects the others. EASY
B. Mathematical puzzle. Figure out the logic behind a number which you must set to open a lock. EASY if you possess rudimentary math skills
C. Memory card game. Observe the position of cards which are then turned over. Match them up with another card dealt to you. 3X INCREASING IN DIFFICULTY. Choose between Casual and Hard. However, the “hard” option is fairly easy as well.
D. Multi-step puzzle. Storybook sequence. From sentences in a storybook, figure out what actions to take to climb up a wall while removing thorns. (1) Find two parts of a symbol from two images (2) Spot the differences on two pictures (3) Two Mini jigsaw puzzles EASY
E. Assembly puzzle. Create a potion by following directions. Included is a matching puzzle – locating like petals on a flower 3X EASY
I recommend this game!
Can you escape the mysterious musician’s melody?
Overall rating
5
/
5
193 of 361 found this review helpful
A MURDER MYSTERY ‘POSSESSED” WITH “HAUNTING” GUITAR MUSIC
PostedMarch 19, 2016
sunnyglow
fromExperience “caliente” (hot) Havana nights listening and dancing to Son Cubano
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
OVERVIEW: “¡Bienvenidos!” (Welcome) to 1952, pre-Castro Havana! Rumba the night away solving a murder mystery while listening to “haunting,” background music “possessing” a hypnotic melody. I LOVE the story and the musical score accompanying this game. This is one game you will want to keep the background music playing, especially if you like Latin music. There are more HOP scenes than puzzles in this game. Surprisingly I felt the HOP scenes were better crafted than the mini-puzzles, all of which I found extremely easy. The graphics reflect the flavor of Cuba of the 1950’s and the Cuban accents for the VO’s are fairly authentic. There are two collectibles, diamonds and morphing objects. You can also replay the HOP scenes. I rate this a decent low 5-star game.
STORY: You play a trumpet player arriving in Havana to work for your brother, Ernesto at his nightclub, the Diamente. Upon arrival, a sailor, in a trance, shoots your brother in front of you. With the gun in your hand, you are blamed for the shooting. Your brother asks you to recover a red box from his safe which is somehow connected to all of the strange events going on. Escaping the police and trying to get to the bottom of your brother’s murder, you soon discover that he was in league with two other people - Raúl Sanchez, a guitarist killed in a fire and a boxer, Bronco. The “haunting” music from a guitarist is putting people into a zombie-like state leaving them temporarily possessed by the spirit of the guitarist. Who is this guitarist whose music “haunts” those who hear it? Could he be a ghost?
HOP SCENES: My favorite HOP scene is the first one in the game. In this HOP scene you go back-and-forth between locating an item and replacing an item into the scene. After locating items, you receive leys to open a series of locks. There are also lists of items to locate (one of which includes a beautiful colorful painting reflecting the beauty and culture of Cuba). There is also a story sequence in which items as portrayed in BOLD letters. The HOP scenes are interactive to some degree.
MINI-GAMES: I am not impressed with the mini-games. They lack any challenge at all! I did not find one puzzle in the demo which required any mental acumen or time to solve. They include two manual dexterity puzzles, a matching puzzle, and a moving tiles puzzle (which could have been better constructed with three scenes increasing in difficulty instead of the one scene). There is one multiple step puzzle involving recreating photos by using sliding tiles and moving tiles puzzles. I played one maze puzzle after the demo which was also very easy.
FAVORITE PUZZLE: I really do not have a “favorite” puzzle. However, I somewhat liked playing a manual dexterity puzzle in which you must click on colored balls as they enter a colored circle by matching that ball or balls with the correct color. It does not require any thinking skills, rather, it just requires excellent reflexes.
LEVELS: Novice, Artist, Virtuoso, Maestro, and Improviser (Custom)
Hints and Skips – 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips – 15 to 90 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you upon arrival in Havana
10 Achievements (3 segments for each achievement)
Collect 40 diamonds
There are 16 Morphing objects (one for each HOP scene)
Replay of 16 HOP scenes
Strategy guide - 44 PAGES
Gallery with 8 wallpapers, artwork, and a soundtrack
Map is given to you upon arrival in Havana
10 Achievements (3 segments for each achievement)
Collect 40 diamonds
There are 16 Morphing objects (one for each HOP scene)
Replay of 16 HOP scenes
Strategy guide - 44 PAGES
Gallery with 8 wallpapers, artwork, and a soundtrack
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES:
A. Alternate between locating an item and replacing an item back into the scene. As you play the scene, you collect keys to unlock a trunk.
B. List of items to locate. There is some interactivity within the scene. With each item located you receive a piece of a paper clue.
C. List of items to locate on a beautiful Cuban painting. Items are somewhat difficult to locate.
D. Story sequence. Locate items in sentences listed in BOLD letters while hearing background information concerning the case.
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Creative HOP scene I which you locate clothing items based on fabric patterns.
A. Alternate between locating an item and replacing an item back into the scene. As you play the scene, you collect keys to unlock a trunk.
B. List of items to locate. There is some interactivity within the scene. With each item located you receive a piece of a paper clue.
C. List of items to locate on a beautiful Cuban painting. Items are somewhat difficult to locate.
D. Story sequence. Locate items in sentences listed in BOLD letters while hearing background information concerning the case.
AFTER THE DEMO:
E. Creative HOP scene I which you locate clothing items based on fabric patterns.
PUZZLES:
A. Manual dexterity puzzle. Center a moving green ball to fight off an attacker. EASY
B. Matching puzzle. Match up keys on a piano with a coded sheet of music. EASY
C. Moving tiles puzzle. Create a path by moving 4 tokens to their proper slots without crossing lines. EASY
D. Matching puzzle. Match up notes on a sheet of paper with those on a saxophone case. EASY
E. Multiple step puzzle. (1) Switching puzzle. Switch pieces of two photos until you recreate the two photos. EASY (2) Moving tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to complete another photo. EASY
F. Manual dexterity puzzle. Press on the correct keys of a trumpet as colored balls cross onto colored circles at the bottom of the screen. You also have button for two balls which enter at the same time. These buttons are the colors of the combined colors of the two balls. 3X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH LEVEL.
AFTER THE DEMO:
G. Maze puzzle. Escape the police by pressing on bushes along the way in which to hide. EASY
A. Manual dexterity puzzle. Center a moving green ball to fight off an attacker. EASY
B. Matching puzzle. Match up keys on a piano with a coded sheet of music. EASY
C. Moving tiles puzzle. Create a path by moving 4 tokens to their proper slots without crossing lines. EASY
D. Matching puzzle. Match up notes on a sheet of paper with those on a saxophone case. EASY
E. Multiple step puzzle. (1) Switching puzzle. Switch pieces of two photos until you recreate the two photos. EASY (2) Moving tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to complete another photo. EASY
F. Manual dexterity puzzle. Press on the correct keys of a trumpet as colored balls cross onto colored circles at the bottom of the screen. You also have button for two balls which enter at the same time. These buttons are the colors of the combined colors of the two balls. 3X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH LEVEL.
AFTER THE DEMO:
G. Maze puzzle. Escape the police by pressing on bushes along the way in which to hide. EASY
I recommend this game!
The fabled Minotaur waits patiently in his labyrinth to be reborn. Only the descendent of Ariadne can stop him... which just happens to be you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
257 of 407 found this review helpful
A GAMING ODYSSEY INTO A LABYRINTH OF PUZZLES AND HOP SCENES
PostedMarch 12, 2016
sunnyglow
fromI am "bullish" on playing this game; however, the names of the gods and goddesses are all "Greek" to me.
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: May the gods be with you as you venture into a labyrinth of HOP scenes and puzzles in this gaming odyssey! As Pamela, the Chosen One, descendant of Ariadne, you must confront and defeat a monster, the Minotaur, who is “bullish” on creating strife. I LOVE this game. I like this developer’s games and feel this game shows a vast improvement from previous ones. The script for the game provides a new twist on the Greek legend of the Minotaur. The artistic quality of the graphics has also greatly improved from past games. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes; however both are creative and innovative. The pace is excellent with a variety of activities to perform.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are varied. The scenes are primarily silhouette and lists of items to locate. However, the scenes are quite interactive and puzzle like. You need to perform a variety of actions to uncover some of the items. There is also a storybook sequence relating the story of the Minotaur with items listed in BOLD letters.
MINI-GAMES: The puzzles in the game are varied. Most are easy; however there are a few in the demo which are moderately difficult. The puzzles include two matching puzzles, a switch puzzle, a mathematical puzzle, a maze puzzle, two moving tiles puzzles, and storybook sequence with some mini-puzzles.
FAVORITE PUZZLES: I like most of the puzzles; however, my favorite puzzles are two moving tiles puzzles and a mathematical puzzle. In the two moving tiles puzzles, you must rotate tiles to recreate a picture. These are a little time consuming and require some strategy skills to complete them. In the mathematical puzzle, you must set tokens on tanks so that all the tokens on each tank added together equal 50.
Theseus never completely destroyed the Minotaur. He was lacking the crystals to infuse power to Ariadne’s Thread. Under a planetary alignment he will be reborn again to cause havoc on mankind. Only you can defeat him by locating the crystals to empower the Thread of Ariadne. Along the way you will need to deal with a cult of soul collecting, Minotaur worshipping, robed figures belonging to the Sect of Pasiphae. They will be trying to avert you from your quest to stop the rebirth of the Minotaur.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Expert, Custom
Hints 5 to 90 seconds Skips 5 to 120 seconds
Hints 5 to 90 seconds Skips 5 to 120 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map is given at the start of the game
24 Achievements – 12 story-based and 12 skill-based
Collect 28 flying insects - 7 butterflies, 7 nighttime butterflies (moths), 7 fireflies, and 7 dragonflies
Replay of mini-games and HOP scenes
Ariadne’s thread which gives you 3 powers to use in the game
20 Morphing objects: 10 water hyacinths and 10 water lilies
Strategy guide - 56 pages
Wallpaper, artwork, soundtrack
Map is given at the start of the game
24 Achievements – 12 story-based and 12 skill-based
Collect 28 flying insects - 7 butterflies, 7 nighttime butterflies (moths), 7 fireflies, and 7 dragonflies
Replay of mini-games and HOP scenes
Ariadne’s thread which gives you 3 powers to use in the game
20 Morphing objects: 10 water hyacinths and 10 water lilies
Strategy guide - 56 pages
Wallpaper, artwork, soundtrack
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES:
A. Locate items and interact with the scene to forward to the next item to locate
B. List of items to locate with some interactivity within the scene
C. Silhouette. After locating an item, use it to interact with the scene to forward to the next item to locate
D. Mini-HOP scene. Collect olives by interacting with the scene
E. Storybook with items listed in BOLD letters. Very nicely done.
MINI-GAMES:
A. Matching puzzle. Locate matching elements on books. EASY
B. Matching puzzle. Locate and interact with items in a storybook. EASY
C. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a family tree so that it completes the picture of a family tree. Pieces snap in place if they are in the correct location EASY
D. Mathematical puzzle. There are tokens and tanks. Move the token among the tanks so that the combined total of the tokens on each of 5 tanks equals 50. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Maze puzzle. Move an ornamental piece from one end of a design to the other by moving tangram shaped pieces to create a path. EASY
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Recreate a picture by rotating tiles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Storybook sequence. Locate items listed in BOLD letters and interact with them in relating the story of how the Minotaur was saved by his mother. You must also choose between four to five items or characters in telling the story. There are two matching puzzles as well. EASY
H. Moving tiles puzzle. Recreate a picture by rotating tiles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
A. Locate items and interact with the scene to forward to the next item to locate
B. List of items to locate with some interactivity within the scene
C. Silhouette. After locating an item, use it to interact with the scene to forward to the next item to locate
D. Mini-HOP scene. Collect olives by interacting with the scene
E. Storybook with items listed in BOLD letters. Very nicely done.
MINI-GAMES:
A. Matching puzzle. Locate matching elements on books. EASY
B. Matching puzzle. Locate and interact with items in a storybook. EASY
C. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces of a family tree so that it completes the picture of a family tree. Pieces snap in place if they are in the correct location EASY
D. Mathematical puzzle. There are tokens and tanks. Move the token among the tanks so that the combined total of the tokens on each of 5 tanks equals 50. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
E. Maze puzzle. Move an ornamental piece from one end of a design to the other by moving tangram shaped pieces to create a path. EASY
F. Moving tiles puzzle. Recreate a picture by rotating tiles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Storybook sequence. Locate items listed in BOLD letters and interact with them in relating the story of how the Minotaur was saved by his mother. You must also choose between four to five items or characters in telling the story. There are two matching puzzles as well. EASY
H. Moving tiles puzzle. Recreate a picture by rotating tiles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
When your father is arrested, it's up to you to save him and the city of Prague from sinister forces.
Overall rating
5
/
5
144 of 316 found this review helpful
ADDING NEW ELEMENTS TO THE FORMULA, EIPIX BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO THIS SERIES
PostedMarch 10, 2016
sunnyglow
fromEIPIX has found the secret of alchemy. They have transmuted an average game into a “golden” delight
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
OVERVIEW: We are off to Prague, the home of the Order of the Alchemists. You play Ilona, the daughter of the alchemist, Ignac. Your father’s dream has been to validate the myth of the Claybornes, to infuse lifeless material with a soul. One day, upon arriving home, you discover that your father’s work has caused him to be been arrested and sentenced to death. You are in a quest to save him.
I LOVE this series and it seems that this developer has breathed some new life into it with the addition of some new elements. The game script is well-written. The graphics are well-crafted and portray aspects of the city of Prague. The game has a good pace with many activities. The inventory is interactive and puzzle-like with the inclusion of several mini-puzzles. Unlike previous games in the series, this game has an equal amount of HOP scenes and puzzles.
HOP SCENES: In lieu of the usual Match-3 game which can be played instead of the HOP scene, this developer has provided a new game, “Skipping Stones.” In this game you link up like tokens in a continuous line to remove them. I like this much better than the Match-3 game. It is a much needed change in this developer’s games.
As usual, this developer has provided a nice mixture of differing types and styles of HOP scenes. In the demo the HOP scenes consist of the usual multiple-step ones. The scenes include silhouette, cryptic clues, rebus clues, and lists of items to locate. There are a few mini-HOP scenes as well. There is also a creative 3-part storybook sequence in which the clues are given in BOLD letters. Nicely done, I might add.
PUZZLES: Providing some much needed innovative changes, I did feel that the puzzles are a little better constructed than in previous games. Most of the puzzles are easy; however, there are a couple of slightly difficult ones in the demo as well. Although they may be easy, I felt the puzzles were fun to play. There are some multiple-step puzzles. In the demo the puzzles include a matching puzzle, a mathematical puzzle, a multiple-step clock puzzle, a connecting lines puzzle, and an assembly puzzle (a potion you create).
FAVORITE PUZZLE: From the demo, my favorite was a mathematical puzzle using a clock. You must set the clock for each one of a series of astrological signs, observing where the sun and moon symbols are located on the astrological sign. The sun and moon symbols relate to the hands of a clock. This is not an easy task for a couple of the signs. You must use some logical reasoning and go back and forth between the clock and the zodiac signs.
Stone can’t tire. Clay cannot be killed. Your father is out to create an indestructible being to help mankind. However, an evil alchemist is out to use the formula to create an army of indestructible soldiers. Save your father and stop the mastermind behind this evil use of alchemy.
LEVELS: Apprentice, Scholar, Master, Alchemist (which is 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
Chalk and power which can open up an alchemists most guarded secrets!
14 Achievements (A few have 3 parts)
Collect 43 Fire symbols and 8 Animal Alchemy Symbols
15 Morphing objects within the HOP scenes
Strategy guide - 48 pages
Replay 20 Mini-games and 18 HOP scenes
Usual wallpaper, artwork, screensavers, music
Map is provided as you play the game
Chalk and power which can open up an alchemists most guarded secrets!
14 Achievements (A few have 3 parts)
Collect 43 Fire symbols and 8 Animal Alchemy Symbols
15 Morphing objects within the HOP scenes
Strategy guide - 48 pages
Replay 20 Mini-games and 18 HOP scenes
Usual wallpaper, artwork, screensavers, music
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a “Skipping Stones” game instead. It is like a Match-3 game but you connect like items in a chain to remove them
A. Multiple-step scene. (1) Silhouette (2) Rebus clues to locate items and (3) Cryptic clue to identify an inventory item
B. Silhouette. Locate items which interact with the scene to proceed.
C. Story book sequence with items listed in BOLD letters.
D. Multiple step. (1) Find 5 of each of two items opening up to (2) List of items to locate
E. Mini-HOP scene. Locate spring blossoms of specific shapes.
F. Mini-HOP scene. Create a filter apparatus by locating its pieces in a junk pile.
A. Multiple-step scene. (1) Silhouette (2) Rebus clues to locate items and (3) Cryptic clue to identify an inventory item
B. Silhouette. Locate items which interact with the scene to proceed.
C. Story book sequence with items listed in BOLD letters.
D. Multiple step. (1) Find 5 of each of two items opening up to (2) List of items to locate
E. Mini-HOP scene. Locate spring blossoms of specific shapes.
F. Mini-HOP scene. Create a filter apparatus by locating its pieces in a junk pile.
PUZZLES:
A. Matching puzzle. Match up gears to open a gate. EASY
B. Clock puzzle/Mathematical puzzle. Multiple- step. (1) Observing the position of the sun and moon on astrological signs, go back and forth to locate each sign on a clock and set the time accordingly. (2) Mathematically figure out the time to set the clock to open a gate. EASY BUT A FUN PUZZLE
C. Multiple step game. (1) Mathematical puzzle. Use two arrows to light up 3 symbols according to a given guide. The two arrows designate the amount of steps the indicator will move (either 3 or 4 spaces). You will need to calculate the number of steps to light up all three symbols and to not light up the rest. MODERATELY DIFFICULT (2) Move a light source through openings in 5 crystals to create a path to a large crystal the bottom of the screen EASY
D. Connecting lines puzzle. Connect lines between like symbols within a certain amount of moves.
E. Assembly puzzle. Create a shimmering shadow potion by following directions on the recipe. EASY
F. Logic Puzzle. Starting at a beginning symbol, connect all the triangles in layout. You must do this within a certain amount of moves. You will also receive or lose moves by connecting with certain symbols. VERY AWESOME. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Mosaic puzzle. Select and light up the correct pieces of shards to recreate several gems. EASY BUT TIME CONSUMING
A. Matching puzzle. Match up gears to open a gate. EASY
B. Clock puzzle/Mathematical puzzle. Multiple- step. (1) Observing the position of the sun and moon on astrological signs, go back and forth to locate each sign on a clock and set the time accordingly. (2) Mathematically figure out the time to set the clock to open a gate. EASY BUT A FUN PUZZLE
C. Multiple step game. (1) Mathematical puzzle. Use two arrows to light up 3 symbols according to a given guide. The two arrows designate the amount of steps the indicator will move (either 3 or 4 spaces). You will need to calculate the number of steps to light up all three symbols and to not light up the rest. MODERATELY DIFFICULT (2) Move a light source through openings in 5 crystals to create a path to a large crystal the bottom of the screen EASY
D. Connecting lines puzzle. Connect lines between like symbols within a certain amount of moves.
E. Assembly puzzle. Create a shimmering shadow potion by following directions on the recipe. EASY
F. Logic Puzzle. Starting at a beginning symbol, connect all the triangles in layout. You must do this within a certain amount of moves. You will also receive or lose moves by connecting with certain symbols. VERY AWESOME. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Mosaic puzzle. Select and light up the correct pieces of shards to recreate several gems. EASY BUT TIME CONSUMING
I recommend this game!
A killer is on the loose in a remote European castle. Track them down before they strike again!
Overall rating
3
/
5
57 of 110 found this review helpful
LOOKED FOR AN EXCITING GAME TO PLAY, THOUGHT I SAW ONE TODAY - “AND THEN THERE WERE NONE!” SORRY TO SAY
PostedMarch 5, 2016
sunnyglow
from10 Little Indians saw this game. 9 Little Indians thought it lame. One Little Indian decided to play. The other 9 ran away! Awaiting a game I actually want to play.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OVERVIEW: Who will win science’s most prestigious award? Based loosely on the Agatha Christie murder mystery, “And Then There Were None,” you are off to solve the mystery of the mysterious happenings at the Pride of Humanity award ceremony. Go back to 1960 for this murder mystery. Someone is trying to kill ten scientists at this event leaving notes containing revised lyrics to the song, “Ten Little Indians” along the way. With a storm knocking out the electricity and electrical lines on the mountainous road to a castle, you, as a doctor/therapist are stuck at a hotel trying to solve the mystery of who is trying to eliminate the top scientists before anyone is actually murdered.
I rate this a 3 star game. Surprisingly, for a whodunit (my favorite genre), I find this game very boring. The graphics seem dated and the images blurry. The game is set in 1960, and the graphics appear as if they were designed in that that era as well. While playing the game, I felt I was playing a game designed at least ten years ago.
Who will win this prestigious award? Ho hum! After playing the demo, I really don’t care to know. This game will be a pass for me. I usually love murder mystery games and am a huge fan of Agatha Christie-style murder mysteries; however, there is absolutely nothing to excite me about this game. I find the game pace very slow moving and nothing whets my interest to continue playing this game. However, if you like this game, I hope you enjoy it.
HOP SCENES: There are 4 HOP scenes in the demo. There is no alternate game to play in lieu of the scenes. The HOP scenes are fairly run-of-the-mill, lacking creativity. Most of the scenes are lists of items to locate with little interactivity. There is one in which you search for morphing objects which is rather creative. There is also a multiple-step one in the demo which combines a silhouette scene in which you search for gems to place in briefcases followed by a list of items to locate.
HOP SCENES: There are 4 HOP scenes in the demo. There is no alternate game to play in lieu of the scenes. The HOP scenes are fairly run-of-the-mill, lacking creativity. Most of the scenes are lists of items to locate with little interactivity. There is one in which you search for morphing objects which is rather creative. There is also a multiple-step one in the demo which combines a silhouette scene in which you search for gems to place in briefcases followed by a list of items to locate.
MINI-GAMES: In the demo there are 8 mini-games and all are easy. The lack of challenge in the mini-games adds to the slow pace of this game. The puzzles in the demo include matching puzzles, an assembly puzzle, a moving tiles puzzle, and a manual dexterity puzzle. To me, writing out a word on a typewriter hardly qualifies as a “puzzle.”
EXTRAS: There is a map and a strategy guide. There are 12 achievements (from what I could count – it isn’t always easy to tell). Collect 25 invention cards. There is a HOP scene in which you look for morphing objects. You do have the usual wallpaper, artwork, music
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hints and Skips – 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips – 15 to 90 seconds
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES:
HOP SCENES: No alternate game to play in lieu of the HOP scene
A. List of items to locate.
B. Silhouette items to locate
C. And yet another list of items to locate
D. List of items to locate with morphing objects
E. List of items. Find items using a lens
F. Multiple-step scene. (1) Silhouette items. (2) List of items to locate.
A. List of items to locate.
B. Silhouette items to locate
C. And yet another list of items to locate
D. List of items to locate with morphing objects
E. List of items. Find items using a lens
F. Multiple-step scene. (1) Silhouette items. (2) List of items to locate.
PUZZLES: You can reset the puzzles
A. Check the vital signs for the professor by using your medical kit. EASY
B. Matching puzzle. Mix color components to create an antitoxin. EASY
C. Assembly puzzle. Create a castle according to clues EASY
D. Manual dexterity puzzle. Perform heart compressions to awaken Lana when green pulse lines intersect with a red line. EASY
E. Moving tiles puzzle. Move colored glass pieces within two circles so that the color of the glass pieces within each circle are the same. EASY
F. Matching. Match up and move books in a line according to a diagram. EASY
G. Matching. Press keys on a keyboard to spell a word imprinted on the typewriter barrel. EASY. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS CONSIDERED A PUZZLE
H. Manual dexterity puzzle. Bullseye puzzle. Using arrows center an arrow on a lock and shoot to open the lock. EASY
A. Check the vital signs for the professor by using your medical kit. EASY
B. Matching puzzle. Mix color components to create an antitoxin. EASY
C. Assembly puzzle. Create a castle according to clues EASY
D. Manual dexterity puzzle. Perform heart compressions to awaken Lana when green pulse lines intersect with a red line. EASY
E. Moving tiles puzzle. Move colored glass pieces within two circles so that the color of the glass pieces within each circle are the same. EASY
F. Matching. Match up and move books in a line according to a diagram. EASY
G. Matching. Press keys on a keyboard to spell a word imprinted on the typewriter barrel. EASY. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS CONSIDERED A PUZZLE
H. Manual dexterity puzzle. Bullseye puzzle. Using arrows center an arrow on a lock and shoot to open the lock. EASY
I recommend this game!
In Wishville, all dreams come true, for a price.
Overall rating
3
/
5
137 of 233 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH IS NO BED OF ROSES
PostedMarch 3, 2016
sunnyglow
fromTrying to “break out” from playing a recent “rash” of mediocre games, I realize I am also allergic to this game with LARGE, invasive roses
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
OVERVIEW: It is a thorny situation for you and your husband, Jack. A “war of the roses” is in full bloom in the town of Wishville, with roses attacking and killing local citizens. If that is not problematic enough for the inhabitants of Wishville, there is also the local mayor, Tom, who has the ability to grant your every wish - as long as you sign a contract. Giving a new meaning to the terms of contractual law, you not able to escape the terms of this contract even in death. Your husband Jack has signed one of these contracts in order to save your life and now has gone to Wishville to settle his debt with the mayor. After he is missing for several days, you are off to locate him and along the way battle some big roses and help the ghosts of some debtors so they can be released from their debt.
“Editor’s choice?” I must be missing something. I rate this game a high 3 star game. This game does not interest me. I feel the game is poorly constructed with a bizarre game script. This is a thorny patchwork of various themes sewn together into a nonsensical story about roses attacking and killing people combined with a mayor making a devil’s contract with debtors who are eternally bound by these contracts. Added to this mess is an array of “cutesy” squirrels performing antics throughout the game. There are many who will probably enjoy this fractured fairy tale game. If you enjoy this game, I am happy for you. However, to me, this game is a pass for me. I could see nothing from the demo which would entice me to continue playing this game.
I find the game slow-paced especially with the easy puzzles and boring HOP scenes. I did not see another game to play in lieu of the HOP scenes. I am hoping in the near future, to see some better games which may “spring” forth with the coming warmer weather.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes include the standard fare of lists of items to locate, storybook scenes with items listed in BOLD letters, and silhouette items. There is one multiple step scene in which you locate items and replace them back into the scene. The most creative one I feel is one in which you locate a number of skulls which come in different forms and sizes.
PUZZLES: In the demo, all the puzzles are easy with the exception of one which is moderately difficult. There are two puzzles which each contain three puzzle scenes which supposedly increase in difficulty; however, I found all of them easy. Most of the puzzles are switch puzzles; however, there is also a matching puzzle, a weights and balances puzzle, a paint by number puzzle, and a rope puzzle. I could never figure out the paint puzzle and wonder if it is a “glitch” in the game.
FAVORITE PUZZLE: The only mini-game I enjoyed playing from the demo was the weights and balances puzzles in which you switch and balance seven statuettes of princes so that they are aligned.
EXTRAS: Attain 21 achievements, some of which have 3 components. Collect 25 roses with blooms so large they practically jump out at you. There are 25 morphing objects to collect. You can reset the puzzles. You receive the usual strategy guide, wallpaper, artwork, music. It appears you can replay the HOP scenes and puzzles; however, you must purchase the game to discover this fact.
You also receive a casket which narrates the stories of the debtors. To learn about the history of each debtor and receive an inventory item, you must first feed the casket a drop of a debtor’s blood. I found this a little morbid for a fairy tale game.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Expert, Custom
Hints 10 to 200 seconds Skips 30 to 400 seconds
Hints 10 to 200 seconds Skips 30 to 400 seconds
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES: There is no alternative game to play in lieu of the HOP scene
A. Mini-HOP scene. Locate a small number of two separate items within the pages of a journal.
B. List of items to locate followed by replacement of some of the items back into the scene
C. List of items to locate.
D. Locate 20 skulls. A creative HOP scene. The skulls are of differing materials, sizes, and shapes.
E. Storybook sequence. Locate items listed in BOLD letters while relating the story of the town of Wishville.
A. Mini-HOP scene. Locate a small number of two separate items within the pages of a journal.
B. List of items to locate followed by replacement of some of the items back into the scene
C. List of items to locate.
D. Locate 20 skulls. A creative HOP scene. The skulls are of differing materials, sizes, and shapes.
E. Storybook sequence. Locate items listed in BOLD letters while relating the story of the town of Wishville.
PUZZLES: Some puzzles can be reset
A. Sequence puzzle. Light up tokens in sequence until all are lit. Lighting one affects the others. EASY
B. Switch puzzle. Switch the positions of squirrels on a cage to match a given picture EASY
C. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Switch puzzle. Match up the colors associated with pictures on blades of a windmill to those on colored stones. EASY (2) Matching puzzle. Connect lines between pairs of matching tokens without the lines crossing. 3X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH SCENE. ACTUALLY THEY ARE ALL EASY
D. Play tic-tac-toe with a squirrel in a HOP scene. Seriously? EASY
E. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate tokens in a picture so that the lines connect to complete a picture of roses. EASY
F. Logic puzzle. Press specific stones to turn on water in a fountain. EASY
G. Paint puzzle. “Paint” a picture by clicking on areas of one color and then choosing the correct color to fill in. EASY
H. Weights/Balance puzzle. Switch 7 prince statuettes so that each is holding a medal and their weights are equal so they all align with one another. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I. Switch puzzle. Arrange portraits by switching them so that they are connected by vines to match to their traits.
J. Matching puzzle. Remove runes by matching them to defeat the Rose Beast. 3X THEY INCREASE IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH SCENE. ACTUALLY THEY ARE ALL EASY
A. Sequence puzzle. Light up tokens in sequence until all are lit. Lighting one affects the others. EASY
B. Switch puzzle. Switch the positions of squirrels on a cage to match a given picture EASY
C. Multiple-step puzzle. (1) Switch puzzle. Match up the colors associated with pictures on blades of a windmill to those on colored stones. EASY (2) Matching puzzle. Connect lines between pairs of matching tokens without the lines crossing. 3X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH SCENE. ACTUALLY THEY ARE ALL EASY
D. Play tic-tac-toe with a squirrel in a HOP scene. Seriously? EASY
E. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate tokens in a picture so that the lines connect to complete a picture of roses. EASY
F. Logic puzzle. Press specific stones to turn on water in a fountain. EASY
G. Paint puzzle. “Paint” a picture by clicking on areas of one color and then choosing the correct color to fill in. EASY
H. Weights/Balance puzzle. Switch 7 prince statuettes so that each is holding a medal and their weights are equal so they all align with one another. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I. Switch puzzle. Arrange portraits by switching them so that they are connected by vines to match to their traits.
J. Matching puzzle. Remove runes by matching them to defeat the Rose Beast. 3X THEY INCREASE IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH SCENE. ACTUALLY THEY ARE ALL EASY
I recommend this game!
Will your curse save or destroy you?
Overall rating
4
/
5
250 of 552 found this review helpful
A GAME WHICH IS A HOWLING SUCCESS FOR WEREWOLF LOVERS!
PostedFebruary 27, 2016
sunnyglow
fromE-“baying” during a full moon, searching for some “Viscum Lupinarium” to keep the wolves “at bay.”
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
OVERVIEW: Return to your ancestral home, Wolfhill, in Scotland where trouble is brewing for your cousin Neil. Upon receipt of the family symbol from your cousin, you and your father, both werewolves, are returning to the same danger which caused your father to leave years earlier. A Druid is planning a celebratory ritual which somehow involves both Neil and his daughter as well. Use your werewolf powers wisely to save your cousin and his family.
This is a decent, puzzle-intense game. The graphics are beautiful as usual for this developer. Both the puzzles and the HOP scenes are decent. This developer has returned to providing both “casual (easy)” and “hard” settings for the puzzles which makes this game appealing to those who like easier puzzles and those who wish more of a challenge in the puzzles. I wish more developers would provide this option for the mini-games. To me, this game is a vast improvement from the others in the series.
Why the 4 star rating? Actually I consider this a high 4 star rating. However, to me, this game lacks the “wow” factor we have come to expect from 5-star games. Although it has beautiful graphics and better puzzles, I found the HOP scenes to be nondescript and one of the scenes was repeated in the demo. I also found the game to have a slow pace. The slow pace accompanied by the constant baying of wolves and dogs barking in the background became irritating to me. I LOVE this developer’s games; however this is not my favorite series and will be a pass for me. I also wish the developer would tone down all the animal sounds in their games.
There are a few gimmicks in the game including the berry “Viscum Lupinarium” which helps keep your werewolf inner self at bay. You also receive four handy dandy werewolf powers which include werewolf sight, werewolf strength and two others not disclosed in the demo. You will be able to perform extraordinary fetes with these awesome powers!
Perhaps the game will get better after the demo. However, there was nothing to incite me to purchase this game. There are those who love this series and I hope you enjoy this game.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are varied and include lists of items, matching, storybook sequence, and silhouette items.
MINI-GAMES: The puzzles are varied and include a variety of different types but also difficulty. Some of the puzzles allow you to choose between casual and hard levels. My favorite mini-game was a maze puzzle in which you must move vacuum tubes into position to overload an electrical system.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hard, Custom
Hints to Skips – 5 to 200 seconds.
Hints to Skips – 5 to 200 seconds.
EXTRAS:
Map is provided at the beginning of the game
4 werewolf powers
18 Achievements
Collect items from the people in this cursed family – Cousin Neal, your father, your mother, and druids
Strategy guide
Music, Video, Wallpaper, Screensavers
Replay of 17 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
Map is provided at the beginning of the game
4 werewolf powers
18 Achievements
Collect items from the people in this cursed family – Cousin Neal, your father, your mother, and druids
Strategy guide
Music, Video, Wallpaper, Screensavers
Replay of 17 HOP scenes and 12 mini-games
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES:
HOP SCENES:
A. List of items to locate. The scene is interactive and puzzle-like
B. Matching. Match up items which are identical and unencumbered.
C. Storybook sequence/FROG. Sentences with items to located in BOLD letters. You must locate pieces of the items before removing them. Reuse of the same scene for the first list of items to be located
D. List of items to locate. Reuse of the first HOP scene.
E. Silhouette items. Locate the items and then replace them back into the scene
A. List of items to locate. The scene is interactive and puzzle-like
B. Matching. Match up items which are identical and unencumbered.
C. Storybook sequence/FROG. Sentences with items to located in BOLD letters. You must locate pieces of the items before removing them. Reuse of the same scene for the first list of items to be located
D. List of items to locate. Reuse of the first HOP scene.
E. Silhouette items. Locate the items and then replace them back into the scene
PUZZLES:
A. Sequence puzzle. Move four hands in the proper sequence to open a door. EASY
B. Matching/rotating rings puzzle. Move and combine the halves of four windmill blades so that the colors match up. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Sliding tiles puzzle. Match up tiles to create two wolves – dark wolf and light wolf Choice between CASUAL AND HARD.
D. Simon Says puzzle. Press fingers on a wolf in correct order. Choice between CASUAL AND HARD
E. Maze puzzle. Move a small bead through a maze without touching the sides of the maze and dodging the obstacles in your path. EASY
F. Sequence puzzle. Locate the right sequence to unlock the legs of a mechanical spider. Moving one leg affects the other 8 legs. EASY
G. Switch puzzle. Move phases of the moon to open a chest. EASY
H. Maze puzzle. Move two vacuum tubes into their sockets by removing obstacles in their path in order to overload the electrical system. Choice between CASUAL AND HARD.
I. Manual dexterity puzzle. Move a rod with a hook to get a key to open a lock. You must center a ball in the middle of a window. EASY
J. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate circles to recreate a pictures to open a lock. Choice between CASUAL AND HARD.
A. Sequence puzzle. Move four hands in the proper sequence to open a door. EASY
B. Matching/rotating rings puzzle. Move and combine the halves of four windmill blades so that the colors match up. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
C. Sliding tiles puzzle. Match up tiles to create two wolves – dark wolf and light wolf Choice between CASUAL AND HARD.
D. Simon Says puzzle. Press fingers on a wolf in correct order. Choice between CASUAL AND HARD
E. Maze puzzle. Move a small bead through a maze without touching the sides of the maze and dodging the obstacles in your path. EASY
F. Sequence puzzle. Locate the right sequence to unlock the legs of a mechanical spider. Moving one leg affects the other 8 legs. EASY
G. Switch puzzle. Move phases of the moon to open a chest. EASY
H. Maze puzzle. Move two vacuum tubes into their sockets by removing obstacles in their path in order to overload the electrical system. Choice between CASUAL AND HARD.
I. Manual dexterity puzzle. Move a rod with a hook to get a key to open a lock. You must center a ball in the middle of a window. EASY
J. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate circles to recreate a pictures to open a lock. Choice between CASUAL AND HARD.
I recommend this game!
Some family heirlooms are more trouble than they're worth...
Overall rating
5
/
5
118 of 383 found this review helpful
“BACK TO THE FUTURE” IN A SPELL BINDING GAME
PostedFebruary 25, 2016
sunnyglow
fromBeing spellbound by this game, I am looking forward to spending some time going back to the future with Anna Gray.
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
OVERVIEW: You play time traveler, Aunt Anna Gray to the rescue of a family member at the ancestral Gray Castle. With a comatose wife and a missing son named Billy, your nephew Brandon has contacted you to help in the search for Billy. I LOVE this LONG, WELL-CRAFTED game! This is an EXCELLENT, DARK, PUZZLE-INTENSE game! The graphics are beautiful as usual for the developer and well depict the dark nature of this game. If you like puzzles, you will LOVE this game! There are 16 puzzles in the long demo.
You soon discover an evil ancestor is menacing this family. He has been appearing in Billy’s dreams and is tied to his future. Go back to the future to save your family from a curse coming from a family legacy steeped in wizardry and witchcraft.
MINI-GAMES: Most of the puzzles are easy; however there is one which I think is a little more difficult. It is a sliding tiles puzzle in which you must move family pictures into their proper slots on a family tree. There is quite a variety of puzzles. In the demo they included a maze puzzle, a manual dexterity puzzle, a lockpick puzzle, a couple of switch puzzles, a couple of sequence puzzles, a match-3 puzzle, and a couple of assembly puzzles.
FAVORITE PUZZLE: I loved playing the maze puzzle in which you must lead a zebra through a jungle maze by directing its path through pushing arrow. As you pass gears on the route, they rotate and change the direction of the path. It is not a difficult puzzle; however, it is fun to outmaneuver the gears as you pass them in the maze.
HOP scenes. They are fewer – only five in the demo; however, they are creative. Two of the HOP scenes are mini-HOP scenes. The HOP scenes in the demo consisted of lists of items to locate and silhouettes.
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
19 Achievements
Collect 13 statues of the characters in the game
Collect 33 puzzle pieces to play jigsaw puzzles for the screensavers
26 Morphing objects which are not easy to locate
Strategy guide - 69 Pages
8 wallpapers, Music, and Secret Room, Concept art
Map is given to you at the start of the game
19 Achievements
Collect 13 statues of the characters in the game
Collect 33 puzzle pieces to play jigsaw puzzles for the screensavers
26 Morphing objects which are not easy to locate
Strategy guide - 69 Pages
8 wallpapers, Music, and Secret Room, Concept art
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES
HOP SCENES:
A. Locate a specific amount of different types of flowers. As you locate the flowers, uncover pieces of an inventory item.
B. Mini-HOP scene. Locate a specific number (7) of one item.
C. Silhouette. Through interaction with the scene, locate items.
D. Matching. Locate pairs of objects.
E. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 5 items to construct an inventory item.
F. Silhouette
A. Locate a specific amount of different types of flowers. As you locate the flowers, uncover pieces of an inventory item.
B. Mini-HOP scene. Locate a specific number (7) of one item.
C. Silhouette. Through interaction with the scene, locate items.
D. Matching. Locate pairs of objects.
E. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 5 items to construct an inventory item.
F. Silhouette
PUZZLES: You can reset the puzzles.
A. Physics puzzle. Move three valves to move gauges into a “blue” zone to turn off a sprinkler system. EASY
B. Maze/Rotating rings puzzle. Lead a zebra through the jungle by directing its path by pressing red arrows. It becomes a little complicated as you must pass gears which change the path’s direction when you pass them. EASY
C. Lockpick puzzle. Move the pieces on a lockpick to open a door. EASY.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles to create a picture. EASY
E. Sliding tiles puzzle. A family tree. Slide photos of family members until they are in the correct location. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
F. Sequence puzzle. Open a safe following a given code EASY
G. Sequence puzzle. Play a piano. Following a chart, press keys which have letters upon them which have nothing to do with musical notes. EASY
H. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so that the rope does not intersect itself. EASY
I. Sequence puzzle. Click on candles to increase the brightness in a room. Clicking on one candle changes the brightness of the other candles. EASY
J. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Knock down an item by centering two bulls eyes. EASY
K. Assembly puzzle. Move books to create a picture by placing their spines in the correct position EASY
L. Match 3 puzzle. Interlink like colored gears to remove them. You must eliminate a specific number of each colored gear. EASY
M. Switch puzzle. Push pieces of a portrait to change its appearance to create a picture. EASY
N. Dowel puzzle. Move tumblers in a lock to open up a path for a dowel can move throughout it. EASY
O. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces of a castle into the correct locations. EASY
P. Assembly puzzle. Create a potion by following steps given in a recipe.
A. Physics puzzle. Move three valves to move gauges into a “blue” zone to turn off a sprinkler system. EASY
B. Maze/Rotating rings puzzle. Lead a zebra through the jungle by directing its path by pressing red arrows. It becomes a little complicated as you must pass gears which change the path’s direction when you pass them. EASY
C. Lockpick puzzle. Move the pieces on a lockpick to open a door. EASY.
D. Switch puzzle. Switch tiles to create a picture. EASY
E. Sliding tiles puzzle. A family tree. Slide photos of family members until they are in the correct location. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
F. Sequence puzzle. Open a safe following a given code EASY
G. Sequence puzzle. Play a piano. Following a chart, press keys which have letters upon them which have nothing to do with musical notes. EASY
H. Rope puzzle. Untangle a rope so that the rope does not intersect itself. EASY
I. Sequence puzzle. Click on candles to increase the brightness in a room. Clicking on one candle changes the brightness of the other candles. EASY
J. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Knock down an item by centering two bulls eyes. EASY
K. Assembly puzzle. Move books to create a picture by placing their spines in the correct position EASY
L. Match 3 puzzle. Interlink like colored gears to remove them. You must eliminate a specific number of each colored gear. EASY
M. Switch puzzle. Push pieces of a portrait to change its appearance to create a picture. EASY
N. Dowel puzzle. Move tumblers in a lock to open up a path for a dowel can move throughout it. EASY
O. Assembly puzzle. Place pieces of a castle into the correct locations. EASY
P. Assembly puzzle. Create a potion by following steps given in a recipe.
I recommend this game!