sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:821
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 27, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
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!
The famous Johnny Abilli has been murdered at the Broadbeach Resort. You've been called in to crack the case.
Overall rating
5
/
5
189 of 589 found this review helpful
YOU ARE INVITED TO A “VIP MURDER MYSTERY” WEEKEND CELEBRATING THE 50TH GAME FROM EIPIX – CONGRATS!
PostedFebruary 20, 2016
sunnyglow
fromPlaying this game incites me to attend another Murder Mystery weekend. This time I hope I am not the victim. Playing the victim is “murder” at these events!
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: Travel back in time to the golden era of the “1950’s” and experience a “VIP murder mystery weekend.” The “VIP” is Johnny Abilli, whose dead body has been found on his yacht and you have been assigned to investigate. I LOVE this whodunit by EIPIX. The story is a yellow journalist’s dream and is well-written with a large cast of suspects to investigate. Most of the mechanics of the game are standard EIPIX fare. There are more mini-games than HOP scenes. The HOP scenes are cookie cutter to ones from past games. However, the developer has included some slightly difficult puzzles; however, none of the games are brain crushers. The graphics are indicative of the 1950’s and I enjoyed the display of cars from that era including what looks like a 1958 0r 1959 Ford Fairlane.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes in the demo are mainly multiple-step ones. They include silhouette items which either open up lists of items to locate or must be used to interact with the scenes to further the search for more items. There are also lists of items as well. There is the option to play a bubble popper puzzle instead.
MINI-GAMES: This developer has done some renovation in the puzzle department. I feel the puzzles are much better in this game. You receive an evidence board which lists all the suspects and sorts all the clues you find and distributes them to the proper suspects. It is set up as a mini-HOP scene in which you must locate one item at a time and then discover if the suspect is telling the truth or not. The other puzzles include a map puzzle with cryptic clues as to locations followed by matching signs with locations. There is a sequence puzzle used to develop film, a maze puzzle, a moving tiles puzzle which we have seen before in EIPIX games, and a fiendish mathematical puzzle. After the demo I played a sequence puzzles to move boxes by using a crane.
STORY: Smelling a big scoop in the making, act fast before the media sharks turn this murder into a feeding frenzy! It seems our “Mr. Big” has some money problems and enemies as well. Who killed Johnny Abilli at the Broadbeach Resort? Could it be the sophisticated, suave hotel owner, a personal friend of Johnny who seems to have some shady business deals in the making? Could it be his wife afraid that his gambling habits are leading the couple to financial ruin? Or, could it be a “supposed” married mistress who is being paid off to act as his mistress? Could it be her husband? Could it be the bankrupt owner of a seafood company being forced into selling her company? However, could it be someone else? We know that Johnny liked to gamble. Perhaps, as he states in the game “he didn’t play his cards right” and he ended up with a losing hand.
LEVELS: Easy, Medium, Hard, Custom
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
Hints 10 to 120 seconds Skips 10 to 400 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided as you play the game
Evidence Board to collect evidence
11 Achievements
Collect 40 “tools of the trade”
Strategy guide - 41 pages
Replay 18 Puzzles and 14 HOP scenes
Usual wallpaper, artwork, videos
Evidence Board to collect evidence
11 Achievements
Collect 40 “tools of the trade”
Strategy guide - 41 pages
Replay 18 Puzzles and 14 HOP scenes
Usual wallpaper, artwork, videos
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES
HOP SCENES: You have the option to play a bubble popper game instead.
A. USED THROUGHOUT THE GAME TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT SUSPECTS: Locate items one at a time to assess if someone is telling the truth or lying. (You will do this with each of the suspects you encounter in the game)
B. Multiple-step. (1) Silhouette items to locate (2) 5 of each of two items to locate
C. Multiple-step. (1) List of 5 each of 2 items to locate. After locating the items, interact with the scene and then (2) List of items to locate
D. List of items to locate.
After the demo:
E. Silhouette items to locate.
A. USED THROUGHOUT THE GAME TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT SUSPECTS: Locate items one at a time to assess if someone is telling the truth or lying. (You will do this with each of the suspects you encounter in the game)
B. Multiple-step. (1) Silhouette items to locate (2) 5 of each of two items to locate
C. Multiple-step. (1) List of 5 each of 2 items to locate. After locating the items, interact with the scene and then (2) List of items to locate
D. List of items to locate.
After the demo:
E. Silhouette items to locate.
MINI-GAMES:
A. Map puzzle. Multiple-step. (1) Using a magnifying glass, locate inaccessible roads on a map. Just like your GPS navigator except YOU are the navigator. (2) Match the road problems with the appropriate signs EASY
B. Develop film. Follow directions given to you and interact with the scene to develop some film. It includes a mathematical puzzle in three parts which become increasingly more difficult as you proceed. EASY
C. Matching puzzle. Match up trophy statues with the image on the certificates of distinction. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Lead a ball out of a maze by using arrows along the side of the maze. EASY
E. Moving Tiles puzzle. Move three items from the first row to the third row by placing each item into the correct slot in each row. You are not able to skip over another token. EASY
F. Fiendish Mathematical puzzle. Rotate three rings containing numbers so that adding to adjoining numbers equals the number at the side. You also must rotate a middle gear with 3 numbers on it as well. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
AFTER THE DEMO:
G. Sequence puzzle. Move a crane to remove boxes by pressing a series of arrows to move its position. EASY
A. Map puzzle. Multiple-step. (1) Using a magnifying glass, locate inaccessible roads on a map. Just like your GPS navigator except YOU are the navigator. (2) Match the road problems with the appropriate signs EASY
B. Develop film. Follow directions given to you and interact with the scene to develop some film. It includes a mathematical puzzle in three parts which become increasingly more difficult as you proceed. EASY
C. Matching puzzle. Match up trophy statues with the image on the certificates of distinction. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Lead a ball out of a maze by using arrows along the side of the maze. EASY
E. Moving Tiles puzzle. Move three items from the first row to the third row by placing each item into the correct slot in each row. You are not able to skip over another token. EASY
F. Fiendish Mathematical puzzle. Rotate three rings containing numbers so that adding to adjoining numbers equals the number at the side. You also must rotate a middle gear with 3 numbers on it as well. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
AFTER THE DEMO:
G. Sequence puzzle. Move a crane to remove boxes by pressing a series of arrows to move its position. EASY
I recommend this game!
There’s a thin line between the living and the dead.
Overall rating
5
/
5
83 of 212 found this review helpful
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR A KILLER ON THE LOOSE
PostedFebruary 18, 2016
sunnyglow
fromThis game proves that “eyes are the windows of the soul.” For this reason I keep my “windows” shut and draped.
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: A serial killer is on the loose and girls are vanishing within a small Austrian town! After receiving a crystalline-lens transplant which restores your sight, you begin to have troubling visions of your donor’s ghost. Was her death an accident or murder? Feeling unsettled, you will travel to Austria to uncover the truth about her death, missing girls, and a possible serial killer.
This is a decent low 5-star game. To me, it does not merit an “Editor’s Choice” award. I feel the graphics a little dated with lots of blue and purple! It has more puzzles than HOP scenes. Both the puzzles and HOP scenes are well-crafted; however, I feel that most of the puzzles are a tad too easy. The story is a little strange and seems loosely based on the storyline of an old movie, “The Eyes of Laura Mars.” I will pass on this game; it just does not interest me. However, I am certain many will love this game.
HOP SCENES: There are 13 HOP scenes in the game. You have the option to play a thematic Match-3 game instead. I feel that the HOP scenes are very creative and the best part of the game. In the demo they include lists of items to locate, cryptic clues combined with rebus clues, and in one instance silhouette items which must interact with items within the scene to further your search for other items.
MINI-GAMES: There are 23 puzzles in the game. As stated previously, most of the puzzles are easy; however I found one in the demo which is a little more difficult. In the demo they include two moving tiles puzzles, a sequence puzzle, a maze puzzle, a sliders puzzle, a matching puzzle, and a relatively new puzzle for developers – an encircling/blocking puzzle in which you must trap a beaver by enclosing him with bushes so he cannot escape. This was my favorite puzzle. I also loved playing the maze puzzle in which you must traverse an Austrian town without getting “zapped” by surveillance cameras.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hints and Skips – 15 to 90 seconds
Hints and Skips – 15 to 90 seconds
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided as you play the game
Task book/Diary with notes and tasks to be performed
Pair of glasses which allow you to see the past while looking at a blue/purple mist
33 Achievements
Collect 18 morphing objects, files of “Stupid Deaths,” and 6 photos
Strategy guide - 52 pages
13 Wallpaper scenes, 15 Concept art photos, and music.
Map - Map is provided as you play the game
Task book/Diary with notes and tasks to be performed
Pair of glasses which allow you to see the past while looking at a blue/purple mist
33 Achievements
Collect 18 morphing objects, files of “Stupid Deaths,” and 6 photos
Strategy guide - 52 pages
13 Wallpaper scenes, 15 Concept art photos, and music.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES
HOP SCENES: 13 HOP scenes. You have the option to play a Match-3 game instead.
A. List of items to locate. There are some interactive activities within the HOP scene.
B. Rebus clues combined with cryptic written clues to locate items.
C. Multiple step. Silhouette items combined with a list of items. The silhouette items require you to find more than one of the item which opens up into a list of items.
D. Silhouette items to locate. As you locate them you return them to interact with the scene in order to uncover other items.
B. Rebus clues combined with cryptic written clues to locate items.
C. Multiple step. Silhouette items combined with a list of items. The silhouette items require you to find more than one of the item which opens up into a list of items.
D. Silhouette items to locate. As you locate them you return them to interact with the scene in order to uncover other items.
MINI-GAMES: 23 Mini-games
A. Sequence puzzle. Press symbols in correct sequence to open a cabinet. EASY
B. Logic puzzle. Using a computer, choose between several locations to purchase the correct airplane ticket. EASY
C. Moving tiles puzzle. Move rings until they are in a straight line and turn green. Moving one affects the others. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Walk the streets of this Austrian town avoiding surveillance cameras. The surveillance cameras change throughout your walk. You will need to wait at times until a red line disappears. If you get “zapped” you must start again from the beginning of the screen you are on. 3X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH SCENE
E. Sliders puzzle. Slide three crosses into the correct position to open a box. Moving one affects the others. EASY
F. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Using a magnet, move a bar to open a door to a van. EASY
G. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate tokens into the proper position according to a diagram given to you. EASY
H. Sliders puzzle. Move sliders containing symbols to recreate a picture. Moving one affects the other sliders. 3X EASY
I. Moving tiles puzzle. Move letters to open a box. Moving one affects the others. EASY
J. Encircling/blocking puzzle. Encircle a beaver by touching bushes around him to trap him before he escapes. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
B. Logic puzzle. Using a computer, choose between several locations to purchase the correct airplane ticket. EASY
C. Moving tiles puzzle. Move rings until they are in a straight line and turn green. Moving one affects the others. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Walk the streets of this Austrian town avoiding surveillance cameras. The surveillance cameras change throughout your walk. You will need to wait at times until a red line disappears. If you get “zapped” you must start again from the beginning of the screen you are on. 3X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH SCENE
E. Sliders puzzle. Slide three crosses into the correct position to open a box. Moving one affects the others. EASY
F. Manual Dexterity puzzle. Using a magnet, move a bar to open a door to a van. EASY
G. Moving tiles puzzle. Rotate tokens into the proper position according to a diagram given to you. EASY
H. Sliders puzzle. Move sliders containing symbols to recreate a picture. Moving one affects the other sliders. 3X EASY
I. Moving tiles puzzle. Move letters to open a box. Moving one affects the others. EASY
J. Encircling/blocking puzzle. Encircle a beaver by touching bushes around him to trap him before he escapes. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
Help the Penguin family solve colorful mosaic puzzles and welcome their uncle Aaron!
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 82 found this review helpful
THIS UNEXPECTED VISITOR IS A WELCOME SURPRISE FOR ME!
PostedFebruary 16, 2016
sunnyglow
fromAll decorated in bright "sunny" rainbow colors, this game has spruced up my life today!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The welcome mat is out to greet this developer of wonderful mosaic games! Great Uncle Aaron is planning a visit to our penguin family. To greet his arrival, the family is sprucing up its humble abode. This game is also sprucing up my life today! A BIG THANK you to BFG for a game in one of my favorite genres and what a wonderful birthday gift! Instead of blowing out candles, I can “X” out some squares. This game has made the day just perfect!
Mr. Penguin has returned with another Mosaic (AKA O’Ekaki, Griddlers, Paint-by-Numbers, Pic-a-Pix, Nonograms or whatever you call them) puzzle game. I LOVE these games and this developer is the BEST creator of them in this family of games.
HOW TO PLAY: This is variety of a Sudoku puzzle. In this puzzle, create pictures by filling in squares in a grid. The grids in this game will vary in number from 10 x 10 to 20 x 20 if it is like past games. However, not having played the entire game, the grids may vary. Each side of the grid will have numbers for each line of squares indicating the amount of squares which are to be filled in for that line of squares. Squares are filled in where the squares intersect between the two sets of numbers on each side.
• Levels: Casual and Advanced. The casual version has a tutorial which helps you in playing the game.
• Colors: The game has three (3) colored screens which can be switched at any time while playing the puzzle.
• Autofill: There is autofill so you do not have to fill in the unused boxes. However, you can use your mouse to right click “X’s” for unused spaces.
• Hints: Hints are given as you proceed and are based on the difficulty of the puzzle and how well you perform in solving the grid
• Number of Levels and Puzzles: There are 100 puzzles – 20 levels with 5 puzzles per level in the game.
• Aids: You have a pickax as an aid in the game
• Awards: There are 3 trophies: a gold trophy for no mistakes, a silver trophy for 1 mistake, and a bronze trophy for two mistakes. If you make 3 mistakes, you must start the game over again.
• Collectibles. When you complete one level of 5 puzzles, you receive an item to place in your home to spruce it up for Great Uncle Aaron.
I highly recommend this game if you like Sudoku games or any type of mathematical or logic puzzle.
I recommend this game!
As an agent of the Alliance, you’ve been given a mission to destroy an ancient artifact known as the Spear of Destiny. In the wrong hands, it could help conquer the world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 17 found this review helpful
A TWENTY-ONE GUN SALUTE TO A GREAT WWII SE GAME
PostedFebruary 12, 2016
sunnyglow
fromA BIG THANK YOU to all of our military, past and present who protect us from harm’s way. And those who are serving in harm’s way – may you return safely home! I salute you!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
OVERVIEW: A salute to a wonderful 5-star general SE game! Parachuting into WWII France, you play Agent Walker on a quest to find the Spear of Destiny and its missing gems which activate it. Whoever possesses the spear will have tremendous power. I LOVE this game and it was an automatic purchase for me! This game will probably appeal to those who have an interest in adventure games, the military, or WWII. The graphics are fairly well-done and truly reflect the period. There are more puzzles than HOP scenes.
STORY: Time is of the essence in this game. In an Indiana Jones type game, you will need to locate the spear and its gems before it ends up in the hands of the enemies all while fighting a monster colossus who has been guarding it.
HOP SCENES: The HOP scenes are principally lists of items to locate and silhouette. However, they do vary as to the activities which must be performed in each scene. They are puzzle-like and interactive. There are also morphing objects within the scenes. You have the option to play a Match 3 game instead.
MINI-GAMES: I felt the puzzles were the best part of the game. They range in difficulty and variety. For the most part, the puzzles are easy; however, there are some which are a little difficult. There are some multi-step puzzles as well. They include matching, a physics based puzzle, sequencing puzzles, maze puzzles, matching puzzles, pipe puzzle, navigation puzzle, and jigsaw puzzles. Many of the puzzles are mechanically based.
EXTRAS: The map is given to you at the beginning of the game; however, it is not transportable. The game is lacking a strategy guide. The collectibles include 45 WWII mementos such as uniforms, ships, airplanes, bombs, tanks plus 7 figurines. There are also 17 achievements and 24 morphing objects.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Expert, Custom
Both hints and skips 5 to 120 seconds
Both hints and skips 5 to 120 seconds
FINAL SALUTE TO THE GREATEST GENERATION: This game is a nice tribute to those of the Great Generation (our grandparents, parents, or even some players out there who lived during this time period). This is a wonderful SE game and probably one of the best original SE HOP games we have seen in quite some time.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-PUZZLES IN THIS GAME
HOP SCENES: You can opt to play a variation of a theme based Match 3 game instead. There are morphing objects in the HOP scenes.
A. List of items to locate. As you locate the items you uncover gems to be framed around an altar
B. Silhouette scene searching for tools
C. Another silhouette searching for tools
D. List of items to locate
E. Silhouette. Items must be found sequentially to interact with the scene. They are interactive and puzzle-like
F. Another list of items to locate
G. Silhouette As you collect items they are used within the scene
H. List of items to locate
A. List of items to locate. As you locate the items you uncover gems to be framed around an altar
B. Silhouette scene searching for tools
C. Another silhouette searching for tools
D. List of items to locate
E. Silhouette. Items must be found sequentially to interact with the scene. They are interactive and puzzle-like
F. Another list of items to locate
G. Silhouette As you collect items they are used within the scene
H. List of items to locate
MINI-GAMES:
A. Sequence puzzle. Press symbols in the correct order to open a cave. EASY
B. Physics puzzle. Press levers to angle mirrors so that light up a room EASY
C. Logic puzzle. Climb up a wall by locating the correct spike for each level in climbing. Choosing the wrong one sends you back to the beginning. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Move a train on a track so you pass through each slot once without retracing your steps. MODERATELY DIFFICULT.
E. Switching puzzle. Try to discover under which cup the marble is located after they have been rotated. 3X. EASY
F. Matching puzzle. Create a false passport according to a code given to you. Choose the appropriate figures by moving arrows. Moving one arrow affects the others. EASY
G. Multi-step puzzle. (1) Matching puzzle. Match up pieces of symbols to create a matching symbol. EASY (2) Matching puzzle. Remove gems by giving them to the correct person along the sides of the scene. EASY (3) Matching puzzle. Replace orbs back onto a colossus by matching colors. EASY
H. Pipe puzzle. Connect wires by rotating pipe pieces to create a path from right to left. EASY
I. Maze puzzle. Maneuver a ship by following a map and using arrows to guide the ship. 3 X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH LEVEL
J. Use a mine detector to locate 5 mines. EASY BUT AWESOME!
K. Gear puzzle to open a door EASY
L. Matching puzzle. Match up constellations in the sky according those which are given to you. EASY
M. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture EASY
A. Sequence puzzle. Press symbols in the correct order to open a cave. EASY
B. Physics puzzle. Press levers to angle mirrors so that light up a room EASY
C. Logic puzzle. Climb up a wall by locating the correct spike for each level in climbing. Choosing the wrong one sends you back to the beginning. EASY
D. Maze puzzle. Move a train on a track so you pass through each slot once without retracing your steps. MODERATELY DIFFICULT.
E. Switching puzzle. Try to discover under which cup the marble is located after they have been rotated. 3X. EASY
F. Matching puzzle. Create a false passport according to a code given to you. Choose the appropriate figures by moving arrows. Moving one arrow affects the others. EASY
G. Multi-step puzzle. (1) Matching puzzle. Match up pieces of symbols to create a matching symbol. EASY (2) Matching puzzle. Remove gems by giving them to the correct person along the sides of the scene. EASY (3) Matching puzzle. Replace orbs back onto a colossus by matching colors. EASY
H. Pipe puzzle. Connect wires by rotating pipe pieces to create a path from right to left. EASY
I. Maze puzzle. Maneuver a ship by following a map and using arrows to guide the ship. 3 X INCREASES IN DIFFICULTY WITH EACH LEVEL
J. Use a mine detector to locate 5 mines. EASY BUT AWESOME!
K. Gear puzzle to open a door EASY
L. Matching puzzle. Match up constellations in the sky according those which are given to you. EASY
M. Jigsaw puzzle. Create a picture EASY
I recommend this game!