Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
BASED ON THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS OF 6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS GAME
Like the wind, you, as a queen, are off to save both your loving husband, King Ash, and your kingdom from turning into crystal. You are swept up in a whirlwind of treachery from an unexpected source and soon you will need to rise above the treachery to save your two united kingdoms. I LOVE this game! There is an “airy” feel to this game. Beautiful fairytale graphics with a wisp of Nordic imagery are combined with a love story between a beautiful queen and her handsome, loving king.
The HOP scenes are creative (I especially loved the one involved in locating butterflies which are flittering throughout the demo). The puzzles vary in difficulty and some are a trifle difficult. You also get hints in playing some of the mini-games. There are an even number of mini-games and HOP scenes. You have the option to replay 12 HOP scenes. The graphics are well-crafted as well. This is a beautifully illustrated love story. To assist you in your quest, you receive a Ring of Fire from your husband to help combat evil. As you traverse through the game, you will receive 5 relics. I am now getting ready to board the flying ship in the game, floating high above the clouds to finish this lofty game!
AFTER THE DEMO – CHAPTER 3: I felt the puzzles were very well constructed and some were different from the demo. They included two manual dexterity puzzles one of which is fiendish! Some of the puzzles are more difficult than in the demo. You also have another maze map puzzle, which I feel will continue throughout the game and continue in difficulty. There are also two sliding tiles puzzles in this chapter. The two HOP scenes were a list of items to locate plus a rather unique one – matching symbols to remove the item from the list.
LEVELS: Seeker, Adventurer, Trailblazer, Custom Hints 15 to 90 seconds Skips 15 to 90 seconds.
HOP SCENES: Very creative. You collect butterflies in several scenes throughout the demo using a tiger lily flower. There are lists of items to locate, replacement of items back into the scenes of a storybook, and a mini-HOP scene.
MINI-GAMES: To me, the best part of the demo. They vary in difficulty. There are variations of a Simon Says puzzle, sliding tiles puzzle, matching puzzle, maze puzzle. Some of the mini-games contain 3 puzzles increasing in difficulty. In some of the puzzles you receive hints.
GRAPHICS: To me, breathtaking and beautiful, reflecting an “airy” fairy tale atmosphere.
EXTRAS: Map - Map is provided at the opening as you play the game Ring of Fire to help in your quest. This ring makes you impervious to fire 18 Achievements – divided into 3 categories – Expert, Advanced, and Casual Collect 40 Treasure items 11 Morphing objects Replay 12 HOP scenes after completing the game Color Connect puzzle after completing the game Strategy guide Usual wallpaper, music, artwork,
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI GAMES:
HOP SCENES: A. Locate a number of the same item (butterflies). Since butterflies are known to flitter and flutter, you must search throughout the entire demo to locate all the butterflies. Use a tiger lily to collect them in different scenes. B. List of items to locate. As you locate items you break a rock to uncover an inventory piece. It is puzzle-like and interactive. C. Storybook sequence in which you must locate items and replace them back into the correct positions in the scene. D. Mini HOP scene – Locate a certain amount of fragments located in a scene containing a book in which the fragments must be placed. E. List of items to locate to finally produce an inventory item AFTER THE DEMO: F. List of items to locate. G. Matching list of items to locate - match up two items which go together to clear the objects from the scene. MOVE A LADYBUG TO CLEAN OFF MOSS FROM A STONE TO SEE THE SYMBOLS!! AWESOME!
MINI-GAMES: A. Variation of Simon Says using bells to summon a raven. EASY B. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Move nodes to change tiles to fields of matching colors. 3 scenes in which each scene INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH SUCCESSIVE LEVEL C. Variation of a matching puzzle. Open crates to display items which match up with each other. EASY D. Variation of a matching puzzle. Match up symbols with one of 5 relics. D. Variation of a maze puzzle. In a specific amount of moves move a ship to port without hitting obstacles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT AFTER THE DEMO: E. Another variation of a maze puzzle. In a specific amount of moves move a ship to port without hitting obstacles. SAME AS IN THE DEMO BUT A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT F. Rearrange knots on a rope so that lines created by the rope do not touch each other. EASY G. Manual dexterity puzzle. Align two sliders into proper position to throw a grappling hook. I FOUND THIS SLIGHTLY DIFFICULT! H. Another manual dexterity game. Align two sliders into proper position to open a door. EASY I. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Match up symbols according to an illustration. MODERATELY DIFFICULT J. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate an outer ring and move tiles within an inner ring to match up to create matched symbols. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
BASED ON THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS OF THE ACTUAL GAME – 5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
Rock on down to Stoneville as a detective for The League of Light. Your assignment is to locate a lost artifact, a gauntlet along with its purported thief, Louise, the daughter of the head of the organization. I LOVE this well-crafted game. This game has an excellent storyline and beautiful graphics with realistic characters. The puzzles are moderately difficult (I did not find any extremely easy nor brain crushing) and very well done. There is an equal amount of mini-games and HOP scenes in the game. You also have the option to choose between three choices for a narrator – a male voice, a female voice, or none at all. The female voice sounds like “Nancy Drew.” LOL It will be a bad day at Black Rock once you discover its secret!
After the demo, the last half of chapter 2 plus chapter 3 continue to pose more questions concerning the relationship between Louise and her father. What secrets are behind these members of the League of Light? The HOP scenes and mini-games continue their excellence into the game.
HOP SCENES: They are interactive, puzzle-like and well-crafted. There is one which is multi-step. It was my favorite from the demo. You must open and close cabinet doors to locate the list of items. They include lists of items, silhouette. Some are mini-HOP scenes (FROGS) to locate and create inventory items. After the demo the HOP scenes are similar. I encountered more interactive silhouette HOP scenes and more mini-HOP scenes in which to create inventory items.
MINI-GAMES: To me, the best part of the game. They are varied in difficulty and creative. There is one multi-step puzzle in the demo. They include varieties of matching puzzles, moving tile puzzles, sliding tile puzzles, maze puzzles, and some mathematical logic puzzles. After the demo the mini-games continue their excellence. There is a manual dexterity puzzle, an awesome moving tiles puzzle, a Simon Says puzzle and a matching puzzle. There is a wide range of unique puzzles ranging in difficulty from easy to difficult.
INVENTORY: Interactive and puzzle-like
GRAPHICS: Beautifully illustrated with muted colors and realistic characters. Excellent voiceovers. You have the option to play either have a male or female narrator or no voice at all. And is that the voice of Lani Manelli, the previous Nancy Drew as the feminine voice?
LEVELS: Casual, Experienced, Masterful, Custom. Hints and Skips 1 to 90 seconds You also have the ability to choose a male voice, a female voice, or none at all. Nice addition to this game.
EXTRAS: Map – Receive the map as you play the game 9 Achievements Collect 7 statues of League of Light characters from the game Collect 26 Owls Strategy guide – 56 pages Usual wallpaper, music, artwork,
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES.
HOP SCENES: Varied and puzzle-like A. Silhouette sequence. Locate items and use them sequentially in the HOP scene to obtain yet another item in the scene with a final inventory item. B. Mini-HOP scene. FROG. Locate small number of pieces to create an inventory item – a pitchfork C. Multiple-step HOP scene. First, locate a specific number of disks to open up a cabinet followed by a list of items within those cabinet doors. You must close some doors in order to open others to locate items. VERY CREATIVE. MY PERSONAL FAVORITE. D. Silhouette. The items are carefully and sneakily drawn to blend into the armor. There is some difficulty in locating the items. As you discover the cleverly hidden items, you uncover symbols which unlock an inventory item. VERY AWESOME E. Mini-HOP scene. FROG. Locate small number of pieces to create an inventory item – a sword F. Mini-HOP scene. FROG. Locate small number of pieces to create an inventory item – a dragon paw G. Silhouette sequence. Locate items and use then sequentially in the HOP scene to obtain an item. AFTER THE DEMO: H. Mini-HOP scenes. FROG. Locate a small number of pieces to create an inventory item – a hook I. Mini-HOP scenes. FROG. Locate a small number of pieces to create an inventory item – a stone eye J. Silhouette sequence. Variation of a FROG. Find a certain number of the silhouetted items to completely remove the silhouette from the scene. K. Mini-HOP scenes. FROG. Locate a small number of pieces to create an inventory item – an emblem to open a box to get an inventory item
MINI-GAMES: Puzzles are moderately difficult. I did not encounter any which were extremely difficult. However, they are well done and I enjoyed most of them.
A. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move tokens into the correct slots to open a box to get an inventory item. MODERATELY DIFFICULT B. Another variation of a sliding tiles puzzle - moving symbols into correct locations to open a door MODERATELY DIFFICULT C. Variation of a matching puzzle. Place placards into the correct location on a map to uncover a story about Stoneville. EASY D. Variation of a maze puzzle. Move a token in a straight line using arrows to cover a field of tiles without running into an obstacle. EASY E. Multiple-step puzzle. Variation of a mathematical puzzle. First place numbers in correct numerical sequence on a clock. Second, click on moon tiles to create the correct moon cycles in correct sequence around the clock. MODERATELY DIFFICULT F. A variation of matching puzzle. Place swords into correct positions matching up symbols on a sword holder with those on the blades. EASY G. A variation of a mathematical plus maze puzzle. Place numbered markers to indicate the spaces needed to move a man to the exit of a maze. The numbers move a man backward and forward in the maze. This puzzle requires mathematical formulation MODERATELY DIFFICULT AFTER THE DEMO: H. A variation of a maze puzzle and manual dexterity puzzle. Avoid rocks as you navigate your boat to shore. EASY I. A variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move colored discs using arrows into their correct slots by matching colors of the slots with the discs. 3X INCREASING IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH LEVEL – EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT J. A variation of a Simon Says puzzle. Press buttons in order to open a niche in a stone. EASY K. A variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to create a pattern on a rock. EASY L. Variation of a matching game. EASY
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
Pack your sword, helmet, holy water, crosses, and indulgences and board your mighty steed to travel to Medieval “España.” You, as a Knight Templar, have been sent by the Pope to investigate and confront Inquisitor Augustine who is “muy loco” (AKA - crazy). In his search for a witch, the Wolf Woman Miguela, this Inquisitor is striking fear into the local townsfolk! If he has his way, a “hot” time will be had by all including some “grilling at the stakes.” You need to stop his reign of terror in the Spanish “aldea” (town) of Portonero.
This game returns us to “Days of Old” – the Spanish Inquisition and old-school game construction. I RECOMMEND THIS GAME FOR THOSE WHO LIKE CLASSIC HOP GAMES, searching for a vast quantity of inventory items. Not even the Templars could “build” a solid foundation of reasons why I should purchase this game. This game seems more like an SE instead of a CE. It is lacking many of the items we have come to expect from a CE. The only “saving grace” for this game are the graphics. The graphics are exquisite, realistic and provide an excellent depiction of Spain during the time of the Spanish Inquisition of Cardinal Tomás de Toquemada. However, the excellent graphics are not enough “penance” to save this game from being cast into the pit of a 3-star rating. The HOP scenes lack originality. Most are essentially lists of items to locate. In the demo there were a couple cryptic clues and one silhouette sequence. There are more HOP scenes than mini-games which is regrettable because the mini-games are fairly well-created. There are also those dreaded sparkles on the HOP scenes. At least for me, I could not figure out how to turn them off.
Adding to the misery of cookie cutter HOP scenes and lack of mini-games, this game is also “racked” with the “torture” of the dated “circular wheel” of inventory collection. With so many “circular wheel” items to locate throughout the game, coupled with the lack of creativity in the puzzles and HOP scenes, the game soon became tedious to me. I have not seen the “circular wheel” in a game for years. There is a definite reason why these “wheels” were discontinued in HOP games.
There is the usual array of extras. There are achievements (16 of them). You collect doves (15 of them) and ravens to tell a love story. You also receive information on the amount of time you spend in the game. The game may be better after the demo, but there is absolutely nothing compelling me to continue the crusade in this game. Déjà vu? I guess. This story is very similar to an adventure I played last year – however, that was an excellent game, which sadly, this is not.
MINI-GAMES: In the demo they include a switch puzzle, sliding tile puzzle, timed puzzle, and a tantagram puzzle. I especially liked the tantagram puzzle. More puzzles like this one would have made this a better game. There are 30 mini-games.
HOP SCENES: The regular HOP scenes are basically lists of items to locate. There are more HOP scenes than mini-games.
CIRCULAR WHEEL: As in days of yore, in this game you must locate items throughout the game and return them to designated objects in the game. A wheel fans out when you click on this object giving you silhouettes of items you must search for in the game. After you locate all the items related to this object, you either get an inventory item or solve some problem in the game. In this game, this search is time consuming and spreads out over several scenes.
LEVELS: Novice, Adventure, Challenge, Custom Hints and Skips Slow, Normal, Fast – There is no time given in seconds for hints and skips, which should be in all CE games There are 6 Chapters plus a bonus chapter
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided as you play the game 16 Achievements Collect 15 doves Collect ravens to tell a story about Portonero Gives you information on the amount of time you spent, amount of clicks in the HOP scenes, mini- games solved Strategy guide Usual Wallpaper, replay of mini-games and HOP scenes, artwork, and music (boogie on down to the Middle Ages) LOL
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES
HOP SCENES: Most are lists of items to locate. They are somewhat interactive A. List of items to locate. Has a puzzle type activity at the end to receive more inventory items B. Silhouette items to locate C. List of items to locate followed by a cryptic clue to locate an inventory item D. List of items to locate followed by a cryptic clue to locate an inventory item E. List of items to locate
OLD SCHOOL CIRCLE OF ITEMS TO COLLECT. As you locate them, you add them to the circle. Here are the ones JUST IN THE DEMO: 1. Locating pieces to create a Knights Templar armor 2. Locating medical supplies to heal a wound, 3. Locating items to climb a tower 4. Locating items to place a seal on a document 5. Locating items to replace a wheel on a cart 6. Locating items to open a cabinet door. 7. Locating items to open a book 8. Locating items for a bow and arrow 9. Locating Items to get a bowl of soup 10. Locating items to be used to get a sticky wicket. SO TEDIOUS – SO BORING
MINI-GAMES: A. Switch puzzle positioning crosses from largest to smallest by color. EASY B. Sliding tile puzzle - move tiles to create a picture. EASY C. Timed puzzle – A little sword fighting – protect yourself by clicking a medallion when it lands within a shield. EASY D. Tantagram puzzles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT E. Variation of a matching puzzle – using knights
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
BASED ON THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS OF THE GAME OF 6 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
Wunderbar! This is a fantastic “boogieman” myth told gamingly by EIPIX! ONE OF THEIR BEST! The graphics are realistic reflecting the Old World charm of Germany. So beautiful! Most of the HOP scenes are multi-step and “spotlight” this dev’s amazing creativity! There is the option to play Mah Jong instead. The mini-games vary in difficulty and they include some multi-step ones. You acquire a lantern to absorb negative light particles as you “shine some light” on the mystery elements of this game. This game got me into the mood for Oktoberfest (however, I am afraid to have fun because the Lantern Man may be lurking in the shadows! Such a killjoy!) I COULD NOT WAIT UNTIL THIS GAME APPEARED!
You play a County Bounder off to the Kaltdorf Marsh in Germany to investigate the disappearance of some local inhabitants. It seems the Lantern Man is leading his victims “into the light.” You better watch your step or you may become “bogged down” into the watery depths of this game – never to return. Your extras include a lantern which absorbs all the light energy. It needs to be charged along the way with some oil and a connection puzzle which gets more difficult as you get “bogged” down within the game. You collect acorns (42 in total – which are not that easy to see); 16 morphing objects in HOP scenes, you can attain 13 Achievements, and have the ability to replay 18 puzzles and 16 HOP scenes,
HOP SCENES: They are varied and extremely well-done and include rebus clues, lists of items to locate, replacing items back into the scene, silhouette, mini-HOP scenes looking for a specific number of one item, and searching for items to uncover pieces of an inventory item.
MINI-PUZZLES: They vary in difficulty. They include variations of a maze puzzle, sequential puzzle, matching puzzle, pipe puzzle, gear puzzle, manual dexterity puzzle. You also need to charge your lantern by connecting dissimilar symbols in a complete loop without crossing lines. They get more difficult as you continue in the game.
LEVELS: Explorer, Professor, County Bounder, Swamp Dweller Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds There is an option for a penalty for random clicking on the HOP scenes
EXTRAS: Map is provided as you play the game Lantern which must be created and charged to fight the "lights" 13 Achievements Collect 42 acorns Collect souvenirs Usual extras – Music, Video, Lorebook, Bonus game plus Replay 18 puzzles and 16 HOP scenes 16 Morphing objects in HOP scenes: Strategy guide –
AFTER THE DEMO: The mystery thickens as to “Lantern Man.” This legend is somehow tied to a ship and some gold. However, my lips are sealed and you will need to purchase this outstanding game to find out why. The HOP scenes and puzzles are MUCH BETTER and more creative. In Chapter 3 there are HOP scenes with puzzles within them. There are also some multi-step puzzles as well which are a tad difficult. Such an excellent game! One of their best!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE GAME
HOP SCENES: There is the option to play Mah Jong instead A. Multi-step HOP scene. List of items to locate followed by rebus clues which need to be solved in order to identify the item to locate. As you identify and remove the items from the scene you uncover gems which, when clicked, appear on a jewelry box. After all gems are located, the box opens to provide an inventory item. B. Mini HOP scene – locate petals of a flower to complete the flower as an inventory item. Some are well-hidden. C. Silhouette puzzle locating items in a wood carving – puzzle-like. Locate items and replace them back into the scene in the correct location. D. Multi-step HOP scene. Locate a specific amount of an item to open up a list of items to locate AFTER THE DEMO: E. Locate a specific number of items to locate gems for a jewel box which provides an inventory item F. Multi-step HOP scene. Silhouette items to locate in sequence. Puzzle-like and very well done. Combines puzzles with location of items, including a sliding puzzle. SO CREATIVE AND ONE OF THE BEST HOP SCENES IN THE GAME
MINI GAMES:
A. Variation of a maze puzzle – pressing arrows and using pen and ink, create a map to town avoiding obstacles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT B. Variation of a sequential puzzle - Press snails in correct sequence to open a cabinet. Moving one affects the movement of the others. EASY C. Multi-step mini-game Variation of a matching puzzle – uncover pieces of a lantern to match up symbols followed by placing stained glass segments into the lantern so that no two pieces bordering each other have the same color. EXCELLENT PUZZLE, CREATIVE, MODERATELY DIFFICULT D. Lock pick puzzle. MODERATELY DIFFICULT E. Variation of a gear puzzle - connect gears with chains to open a gate. MODERATELY DIFFICULT G. Ready – Aim – Fire. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Align a two marbles to the center of a bullseye to get an inventory item. H. Multi-step puzzle combined with HOP scenes. 1st Story scene sequence - Locate symbols to complete a story, followed by uncovering and replacing items in the correct position in the scene. 2nd Place tantagram shaped bricks into the correct position to create a wall. 3rd Search for cannon balls and use them by setting up angles to shoot the wall . 4th Locate flames of light and replace into the scene ABSOLUTELY THE BEST MINI-GAME OF THE DEMO. VERY CREATIVE AFTER THE DEMO: I. Variation of Simon Says puzzle with shells. EASY J. Variation of moving tiles puzzle. Move items to their correct slots. MODERATELY DIFFICULT. K. Multi-step puzzle. 1st. Variation of a matching puzzle. Move tiles to match the parts of a ship 2nd. Variation of a moving tiles game. Move bottles to the correct locations by color and symbol. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
Throughout the game you will need to charge the lantern. Charge the lantern by connecting symbols without crossing lines nor connecting the same symbols. EASY TO MODERATELY DIFFICULT. THE DIFFICULTY INCREASES AS YOU PROCEED IN THE GAME
I recommend this game!
+90points
150of210voted this as helpful.
Mystery Tales: Alaskan Wild Collector's Edition
Call on the animal spirits to help find your sister.
Overall rating
5/ 5
221 of 331 found this review helpful
DEAR ABBY: HELP! I NEED ADVICE! MY SISTER’S FUTURE MOTHER-IN-LAW IS A “WITCH”
PostedAugust 29, 2015
sunnyglow
fromAlways a bridesmaid – I hope I can ‘stand up” at this wedding without this couple “falling” apart due to the clueless groom’s “witchy” mother.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
North to Alaska you go to visit your recently engaged sister who needs your support in meeting and dealing with her future mother-in-law, (AKA - “witch-in-law”). This mother-in-law is a little “unbalanced” and is brewing up trouble for this bride-to-be and Mother Nature as well! This is a decent low 5-star game. The storyline is well-written; the graphics are cartoon-like with realistic looking characters. The HOP scenes are varied with some multi-step ones and there is the option to play a Match 3 game instead. The mini-games are easy but somewhat innovative and there is one multi-step puzzle in the demo. You have a “snow thermostat” to regulate the amount of snow seen in the game. Very creative. You also receive a magic amulet to change inanimate objects into animals.
You have the usual achievements (22 of them), collectibles (11 figurines), a camera for “shooting” some wildlife (11 photos – which unlock a bubble game), some morphing objects (in HOP scenes) and the ability to replay 16 HOP scenes and 17 mini-games. You can also take a Personality Test to connect with your True Self. There is also some nice eye candy in this game as both the future bride and groom in this game are both “hot” looking bringing a little warmth to a cold climate! LOL
I like - not love this game. I give it the full 5 stars because of the creative aspects of some of the HOP scenes and puzzles. Since I am tired of the “Frozen” winter settings in this summer’s games, this game did not excite me as many others. Paraphrasing Elsa from the movie “Frozen” - “Let it go, Let it go – Get rid of the ice and snow.” Compounding the “blizzard” of winter games – this summer - imagine the “avalanche” of winter games coming this winter! Do you think we can use the “snow thermostat” from this game to turn off the ice and snow in future games?
HOP SCENES: They are varied and contain multi-step ones. In the demo they consist of lists of items to locate, story sequences in which you search for items to place into the proper location in the scenes, silhouette items, morphing objects which open up a list of items to locate
MINI GAMES: To me, this is the weakest part of the game. In the demo, the puzzles are extremely easy. However, the saving grace for me was the creative repackaging of the puzzles. There is also one multi-step puzzle in the demo. They consist of variations of a maze puzzle (one is literally a mouse maze), matching, untangling ropes so that they do not intersect (a puzzle not seen in quite a while), and moving tiles
INVENTORY: Puzzle-like with some mini-puzzles you must play to create an inventory item
LEVELS: Casual Moose, Expert Wolf, Hardcore Grizzly, Wise Owl (Custom) Hints and Skips 15 to 90 seconds
GRAPHICS: Cartoon-like with brilliant colors and realistic looking characters. YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO ADJUST THE SNOWFALL! YEAH! NONE FOR ME, PLEASE!
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the start of the game 22 Achievements Collect 11Figurines Camera – to “shoot” 11 wildlife photos. If you locate all the animals you activate a bubble game Magical Amulet to help you change inanimate objects to animals Take a Personality Quiz! Answer questions to determine what kind of person you are Morphing objects – used in the HOP scenes Strategy guide Usual wallpaper, bonus game, replay of HOP scenes and 17 puzzles, music, art
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES:
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a theme-related Match 3 game instead A. Multi-step HOP scene. A list of a specific number of items to locate followed by a list of items to locate B. Locate jigsaw pieces of a totem pole to end up with the final product – a totem pole! C. Story HOP scene. Locate items within the scenes and return them to the proper locations D. Multi-step HOP scene. List of items to locate followed by silhouette items to create an inventory item E. Multi-step HOP scene. First locate all morphing objects to unlock a scene with a list of objects in which you must locate a specific number of each object in the scene.
MINI-GAMES: A. Literally a mouse maze. Guide the little critter to the center of a maze EASY B. Fix a camera by placing pieces in the correct location to “shoot” wildlife (pictures). EXTREMELY EASY C. Moving tiles jigsaw puzzle. Move tiles to create a picture. Moving one affects the others in the puzzles. MODERATELY DIFFICULT D. Untangle ropes so that none touch each other EASY E. Multi-step puzzle. Locate 3 colorful jellyfish to remove from a pond followed by a variation of a matching game clicking on the tentacles until they match the color of the jellyfish Do the same for squids and fish VERY CREATIVE AND EASY F. Variation of matching. Push buttons in a sketch with buttons to open a passage in a statue. EXTREMELY EASY G. COMBO HOP SCENE AND PUZZLE: The game considers it a puzzle – but I see it as both a puzzle and a HOP scene. Using a viewfinder and rotating the image– locate a group of items EASY
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
Quaking with excitement, you, as a detective are going “underground” in this game and “tunnel” your way through a massive security system to investigate a corporate black project involving a least one child engineering protégé being held at an abandoned weather station in Montana by Optimus, City of the Mind. I LOVE this high-tech, sci-fi game. This game reflects the creative genius of EIPIX. There is an equal amount of HOP scene activities and puzzles. The HOP scenes are multi-step and creatively designed. The mini-games vary in difficulty with some multi step ones. The story is intriguing and keeps you guessing as to what is happening at this underground facility.
Earthquakes in Montana? What is going on at this abandoned site? What is behind Optimus, the City of the Mind? Find out what sneaky covert operations are being planned underground by an entrepreneur in this Montana wilderness. Why is a budding engineering genius trying to escape from a life hidden away deep in the clutches of Corporate America? Maybe she is just trying to take a coffee break without being hounded by those corporate bigwigs? With an IQ of 280 (Really?) you think she could figure out how to break out all by herself. LOL I have been awaiting this game to appear and will purchase immediately! WHAT A MIND BENDING SCI-FI THRILLER!
HOP SCENES: Most are multi-step in which you must locate items which open up new screens of items to locate. They are varied and include sentences with objects highlight in BOLD letters, silhouette, replacing items back into scenes.
PUZZLES: Some of the puzzles are multi-step. They are theme based and vary in difficulty. They include variations of matching, moving tiles, manual dexterity, switch puzzle.
LEVELS: Easy, Medium, Hard, and Custom Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds There is an option for penalties on HOP scenes and “glitter” on active areas if you wish
INVENTORY: Interactive and puzzle-like
GRAPHICS: Sci-Fi themed. Excellent job in creating a high-tech environment. Good VO’s except for the robot. His British accent sounded out-of-place in the remote ranch country of Montana. He sounded like C3PO from Star Wars!
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided as you play the game 13 Achievements Collect 20 fact cards about weather Collect 44 globes 10 Morphing objects: They are throughout the game in the HOP scenes Strategy guide Replay of HOP scenes, puzzles along with music, souvenirs, pictures, videos, and bonus game
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES:
HOP SCENES: A. Sentence with objects highlighted in BOLD letters You use a telescope as you guide and must adjust it up and down and sidewise to locate the items. VERY TRICKY B. Theme based silhouette items which are replaced within the scene sequentially to locate an inventory item C. Silhouette items to search for in a storage bin of a helicopter D. Silhouette search for a specific amount of two items which interact with the HOP scene which opens up to a list of items to locate opening up to a final silhouette of an inventory item
MINI-GAMES:
A. Multiple – step mini-game: First, a variation of a matching puzzle. Modulate sound waves to locate the proper frequency for transmission of a message. Second, coordinate the correct top frequency to match the bottom frequency using three knobs on a radio. MODERATELY DIFFICULT B. Variation of a moving tile puzzle. Move precipitation levels on disks in ascending order from right to left EASY C. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Ready, Aim, and Shoot your laser to fry a series of motion detection cameras followed by centering a disk to a bullseyes to move forward 3 times in the game D. Lock pick puzzle using arrows MODERATELY DIFFICULT E. Variation of a matching puzzle – match books up according to symbols EASY F. Another matching puzzle - match up reels EASY G. Variation of a combination of a switch puzzle and sliding tiles puzzle. Rotate tiles to create an image to enter an observatory. You must also switch the tiles into the correct location before rotating them
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Word, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
6 CHAPTERS AND A BONUS. REVIEW INCLUDES FACTS ABOUT THE NEXT CHAPTER AFTER THE DEMO
What chemistry was behind the burning passion for Dr. Steven Peek in his relationship with Amanda Sate, his job as professor, and the fire at the Stone Spires University? Pachyderm has “formulated” a fantastic game with just the right chemistry - a mix of cartoon-like graphics, a love story with some twists and turns, varied HOP scenes (including mini-HOP scenes), and varied difficulty in puzzles make this a great game!
Burnt to the ground, you as a detective must discover the cause of the fire at the university. Was it an accident in the chemistry lab run by pyrophobic Dr. Peek, arson, a mythical phoenix, or maybe another person hiding in the shadows? I just love to play with chemicals (all day long) and engineer my way through games such as this one
AFTER THE DEMO: The game takes a plot twist in Chapter 3. “I would follow” this game anywhere it may lead, and it soon twists and turns in surprising directions. LOL I felt the puzzles became more complex. There were two which I enjoyed and will replay both - one dealing with setting pressure valves on a boiler and another which I have not seen in quite some time in a game – completely filling in spaces on a wall with items in a room.
HOP SCENES: There is a mixture of mini-HOP scenes mixed in with the full HOP scenes. The mini-HOP scenes require you to locate pieces of an inventory item to complete the item. In the demo, the full HOP scenes consist of lists of items to locate, silhouette, matching.
PUZZLES: They vary in difficulty. Some are easy and in the demo I found two which were little more difficult. YOU CAN RESET THE PUZZLES! There is variety of puzzles which include a physics puzzle (chemistry department won’t like that! LOL), which I especially loved, a maze puzzle, Simon Says puzzle, a jigsaw puzzle, and a manual dexterity puzzle which requires some hand/eye coordination; however, it is very easy. After the demo there are variations of moving tiles puzzles a maze puzzle, and a simplistic maze puzzle.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom Hints 15 to 90 seconds Skips 15 to 90seconds
INVENTORY: It is somewhat interactive and puzzle-like
GRAPHICS: Cartoon-like with decent VO’s.
EXTRAS: Map is given to you at the beginning of the game 16 Achievements (From what I could count in the lab where they are kept) Collect 11 statues of mythical creatures (From what I could count from the room in which they are displayed) Collect 20 puzzle pieces to complete a stain glass window 21 Morphing objects: Strategy guide – 53 pages Wallpaper – screensavers, Art, Music, YOU CAN REPLAY BOTH HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLES. IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER
HOP SCENES: They are varied and also include some mini-HOP scenes which are simple FROGS in which you must locate 3 to 6 pieces to create an inventory item A. Mini-HOP scene. Find 3 pieces of electrical tape to use to splice wire instead of duct tape. LOL B. Full HOP scene. List of items to locate. It is interactive. You must combine items together or search for items to proceed in the scene to get a final inventory item C. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 3 pieces of a figurine which is used to open a gate. D. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 3 pieces of chain links to create the chain for a chainsaw. E. Full HOP scene. Matching. Uncover items to match up pairs of like items to get a final inventory item F. Mini-HOP scene. Locate 6 pieces of formula to create sulfuric acid. G. Full HOP scene. Silhouette items to locate to get an inventory item AFTER THE DEMO: H. Mini-HOP scene. Find three pieces of clear tape to create a strip of tape I. Full HOP scenes. List of items to locate to create an inventory item
PUZZLES: They vary in difficulty. Some are easy and some are slightly difficulty A. Variation of a matching puzzle. Place electrical wires into the correct ports. Trial and error. EASY B. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Put out a fire using a hose. EASY C. Variation of a jigsaw puzzle. Place pieces back into a picture EXTREMELY EASY D. Variation of a physics puzzle. Tennis anyone? Using arrows to rotate bumpers, move them into position to create a path to move a ball past a tennis pro. MODERATELY DIFFICULT E. Variation of Simon Says. Yeah! – Play chemist and create sulfuric acid with a formula. So funny! EASY F. Variation of a maze puzzle. Receiving a map of the maze, you must memorize it to get through to the other side. MODERATELY DIFFICULTY AFTER THE DEMO: G. Variation of moving tiles puzzle. Move slides on a telescope to center a picture on a monitor to get a code to open a box MODERATELY DIFFICULT H. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move pressure valves on a boiler according to a schematic. So awesome. Moving one affects the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT AND MY FAVORITE PUZZLE FROM WHAT I HAVE PLAYED I. Move junk into spaces so that all spaces are filled. MODERATELY DIFFICULT AND ANOTHER FAVORITE J. Variation if a maze. Using arrows direct a raft down river EASY
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Brain Teaser, Family
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
Yeah! I am very happy to get another one of these games. This variation of Sudoku goes by many names. On this site they are called “griddlers” or “nonograms .” This is a decent game, but not as good as those from another developer on this site. They are grids which are filled in according to the intersection of numbered spaces which are given along the horizontal and vertical sides of a grid. Here are the positive and negative aspects of this game.
Positives: 1. Receive hints 2. Receive the time you take in solving the griddlers 3. Penalties for mistakes and if you misclick too many times and you must start over. 4. Receive coins for correctness and these can be used to purchase hints, rights for mistakes, and refill hints 5. Choose between two levels of difficulty - Adventure and Training 6. Grids range from 5 x 5 to 25 x 25 if it is like previous games. 7. 20 levels of play with many games in each level (I am not certain of the exact amount).
Negatives: 1. No autofill. You must place X’s into the unused spaces 2. Restart if you leave the game before completing a level (which is very annoying) 3. One dimensional, one color grids. No multi-color, multi-screen screens
If you like these games, they are also called “Pic-a-Pix” by “Conceptis Puzzles,” “Paint-by-Number” by “Games” magazine, and O’Ekaki by the Japanese. I used to play these by hand, counting spaces in larger grid and then filling in with a pencil, so any time I can play them on a computer, it is a treat.
I recommend this game!
+10points
41of72voted this as helpful.
The Silent Age
Help Joe discover the truth behind humankind's extinction! Can a simple janitor and literally, "the average Joe," save humankind?
Overall rating
5/ 5
47 of 74 found this review helpful
FAR OUT MAN! TRIPPING THROUGH TIME WITH AN AVERAGE JOE TO SAVE THE PLANET
PostedAugust 17, 2015
sunnyglow
fromGrabbing my “tin hat” so no “mind control” agents can gain control of my mind as I traverse through time.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
Let’s “disco” back to the 1970’s America, the Nixon era, and into the deep, dark secret vaults of “The Company.” You, as an average Joe, a maintenance man, (having just been promoted to head maintenance man) have the ability to save the world from the brink of extinction. Contacted by a wizened old scientist from 2012, you are told that rascally old “greedsters” (in their 40’s and 50’s – ancient fonts of wisdom) from 2012 are trying to destroy civilization. Gasp! Horror! Using a “solar powered” time machine (so funny), you travel back-and-forth between 1972 and 2012 to save the world. “Far out, man!”
As others have stated, there are no HOP scenes, puzzles, morphing objects nor collectibles – just some good old fashioned adventure game fun. This game contains some satirical humor throughout. It is very easy to play this game as the inventory objects needed almost jump out at you. You also have a “time machine” button to allow you to trip the light fantastic (faster than the speed of light) between time periods. To me, the humorous aspect of the game is what I enjoyed most. Although you can jump through back-and-forth between 1972 and 2012, there is no “jump” map within the scenes, which, to me became annoying. I played this game principally for the humor. It did tend to get a little “draggy.” You can make your average Joe run a little faster by double clicking your mouse, however.
To me, the only reason I purchased the game was for the tongue-in-cheek humor. (Oh, I also forgot to mention that I also had a golden BFG coupon which had not “timed” out) Joe makes comments throughout the game which are hilarious. This game is satirical in reference to the two eras of the 1970’s and 2012 and, to me, adventure games as well. This game is not for everyone. However, if you have ever played an adventure game (which I love no matter how “old school” they are) or like satirical humor, you will love this game.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER - BASED ON DEMO PLUS COMPLETE CHAPTER 2
Continuing with “Princess Week” at BFG, we are off to aid a fellow princess in need. Watch temperatures drop in both your kingdom and a neighboring one, where a princess is trapped in an icy tower. You, as a spunky queen, will battle your way to save this princess and your own kingdom from an evil force. I LOVE THIS GAME. YOU WILL BE IN THE BATTLE OF YOUR LIFE MANEUVERINGI THROUGH THIS GAME! This game has a good storyline, a good pace (plenty of activities and battles), some decent HOP scenes, and puzzles. I especially thought the manual dexterity puzzles such as navigating a sled and marble popper game very creative. The graphics and “muzac” are realistic and reminiscent of merry Olde England.
You get some assistance from a bear who has given you a “bear claw,” which, when combined with other items you pick up in the game, gives you power to fight your enemies. As you play this game you will imbibe an element of humor from the characters which adds a touch of comic relief. Battling your way through this game, you will meet a host of obstacles, including some monsters to thwart your progress in getting to the princess. This game will keep you guessing as to who the true force of evil is. Later in the game you will need to go through a maze as well. So exciting!
PUZZLES: There are more puzzles than HOP scenes and most are easy. Most of the puzzles are variations of matching puzzles; however, there are a few manual dexterity puzzles using some eye-hand coordination skills. Some of the puzzles are timed. You receive a “bear claw” which you must use in combination with other items you find the game. You must play a variation of a Match 3 game to infuse it with power. After the demo is a marble popper puzzle and spot the difference puzzle. You will also find yourself “a-maze-d” as you tackle an “amazing” one in this game.
HOP SCENES: There are 19 HOP scenes are few and they include lists of items, silhouettes, sentences with items in BOLD letters in fairy tale sequences, and a few mini-HOP scenes. Some of the HOP scenes are multi-step scenes as well – one of which includes a puzzle.
LEVELS: Frost, Snowfall, Blizzard, Custom Hints and Skips - 15 to 90 seconds
INVENTORY: Interactive and puzzle-like
GRAPHICS: Beautifully done - realistic graphics which are indicative of the Middle Ages or a Fairy Tale kingdom.
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided as you play the game Claw and items you receive throughout the game which are combined to fight evil 15 Achievements -14 plus an extra achievement for getting all of the 14 achievements 19 Morphing objects Collect 44 crown symbols Strategy guide - 47 pages Wallpapers and ability to replay HOP scenes and puzzles. Jigsaw in the Bonus game
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFO ON THE HOP SCENES AND PUZZLE IN SEQUENTIAL ORDER:
HOP SCENES: A. MULTI-STEP HOP SCENE: Locate 4 coins - place them into slots on the list bar to open up a list of items to locate – after completing the list of items to locate, you receive 4 medallions to place back into the HOP scene which opens a chest providing you an inventory item B. List of items to make a potion C. MULTI-STEP HOP SCENE: Mini HOP scene with silhouette items – a search for keys which opens up to a mini-matching puzzle – match keys to eliminate them leaving only one which becomes an inventory item. D. Fairy tale HOP scene. Sentences with items to be located in BOLD letters. E. Silhouette items to create a potion. This is really not a HOP scene –you must search various locations for the items. AFTER THE DEMO: F. List of items to locate to find an inventory item G. Another list of items to locate to find an inventory item
PUZZLES:
THROUGHOUT THE GAME YOU WILL CHARGE A BEAR CLAW COMBINED WITH DIFFERENT ITEMS WHICH REQUIRES: Variation of a Match 3 game to infuse power into a claw bracelet. Using a continuous line, connect symbols. You will need to remove a specific number of those items within in a certain amount of moves to proceed. EASY
A. Variation of a matching puzzle. Open a chest drawer by using the correct symbols. Timed sequence. EASY B. Variation of a matching puzzle. Choose the correct item from a group of four items to answer questions. Used 5X Choose the correct princess, tower, ice shard. medallion, and beacon EASY C. Variation of a manual dexterity puzzle. Using your shield as a sled, use right/left arrows to prevent hitting obstacles in your path. If you miss, you will be taken back to the beginning to start over again. EASY D. Variation of a matching puzzle. Choose the correct answer. Think of something which inspires each of 4 people to get strength to move a bear off of you. EASY IF YOU PAY ATTENTION TO CLUES IN GAME E. Make a healing potion. EASY - LOCATING THE SUPPLIES TAKES UP MOST OF THE DEMO F. Variation of a matching puzzle - Match symbols 4 times to fight a battle with some mighty evil dudes! G. Variation of a moving tile puzzle - align circles to create a path. Moving one affects the movement of the others. MODERATELY DIFFICULT H. Target – bull’s eye - puzzle - As you scale a mountain, click on a ball to center it on a green center of a bulls-eye. EASY I. Variation of a switch puzzle. Locate and replace items back into the scenes of a Fairy Tale Book. EASY AFTER THE DEMO: J. Variation of marble popper puzzle to defeat a monster EASY K. Variation of a matching puzzle – match patterns to destroy ice. As you change one stone- the others change as well. MODERATELY DIFFICULT L. Variation of a switch puzzle. Locate and replace items back into the scenes of a Fairy Tale Book. EASY M. Spot the differences to tell a story followed by matching symbols on books EASY N. Matching puzzle. Match symbols from a map to open a door EASY O. Matching puzzle. Match a sequence of note to put a guard to sleep. EASY