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:
A terrible darkness threatens the land. Travel through Egypt and collect the ancient pieces needed to defeat the malevolent force once and for all.
Overall rating
5
/
5
101 of 159 found this review helpful
WELCOME TO THE LAND OF THE ENIGMATIC SPHINX - PUZZLEMANIA – EGYPTIAN STYLE
PostedSeptember 23, 2015
sunnyglow
fromAwaiting the sands in the hour glass to dwindle away to that the sun god fades into the night to play this awesome game
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, 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
Here’s my cheer - Ah! Man! Rah! The Sphinx is shining down on me today with an enigmatic game with puzzle after puzzle. I LOVE this game! This is a mini-adventure game chock full of puzzles. There are NO HOP scenes – only puzzles! The ones I played in the demo vary in difficulty from easy to moderately difficult. This is puzzle maniac’s dream game. You literally solve one puzzle after another. The setting is somewhat like the game “Luxur.” You have different locations designated on the map to which you must travel to complete the game.
A BIG THANK YOU to BFG for providing this game for the minority of us who love puzzles. This game is not for everyone. If you are a “puzzlemeister”, like “moi,” you will love it. If you hate puzzles – you will definitely hate this game. This company tries to provide games which appeal to about everyone’s tastes.
GRAPHCS: They are old school and were slightly fuzzy on my computer. The “muzac” has an Egyptian flavor. The guys will probably enjoy the eye candy provided by the “hottie” Egyptian lotus blossom.
LEVELS: There are NO levels of difficulty. However, if you have trouble with the puzzles – you can skip the puzzle. There are also no times allotted to skip a puzzle.
MAP: You will be guided in your quest throughout Egypt. As you complete one level, the map will indicate to you where to go next.
GUIDE: You are provided a strategy guide with this game.
PUZZLES: There are a variety of sliding tiles, moving tiles, mathematical puzzles, sequential, weight and balance puzzles. I only played the demo and this is what I encountered:
THE FOLLOWING ARE DETAILS (AKA SPOILERS) ABOUT THE PUZZLES ENCOUNTERED IN THE DEMO:
A. Variation of a sliding tiles game. Move numbered balls into correct position to open a lock.
B. Variation of a matching game. Match up boats by color and design.
C. Variation of a sequential puzzle. Find the correct sequence to turn on lights.
D. Variation of a sequential puzzle. Step on correct rungs to avoid being eaten by a rascally crocodile
E. Variation of a weights and balances puzzle. Balance a scale with equal weights on both sides.
F. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to create a picture.
G. Variation of a mathematical puzzle. Count the squares in a figure.
H. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move colored marbles to match up with the correct colored slots.
I. Variation of a moving tiles game. Move tiles and rotate them to create a picture.
B. Variation of a matching game. Match up boats by color and design.
C. Variation of a sequential puzzle. Find the correct sequence to turn on lights.
D. Variation of a sequential puzzle. Step on correct rungs to avoid being eaten by a rascally crocodile
E. Variation of a weights and balances puzzle. Balance a scale with equal weights on both sides.
F. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Slide tiles to create a picture.
G. Variation of a mathematical puzzle. Count the squares in a figure.
H. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move colored marbles to match up with the correct colored slots.
I. Variation of a moving tiles game. Move tiles and rotate them to create a picture.
I recommend this game!
A criminal organization searching for an ancient treasure shot your partner!
Overall rating
4
/
5
138 of 226 found this review helpful
JOIN THE CRUSADE TO UNCOVER A VEIL OF SECRECY AND WIPE OUT ALL HIDDEN SHADOWS OF CRIME
PostedSeptember 19, 2015
sunnyglow
fromOn a crusade to uncover the veil of secrecy behind the recent outbreak of games about the Knights Templar.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Strategy, Word, Mahjong, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
BASED ON THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS OF 5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER
After witnessing your friend Jason shot by a nefarious crime syndicate, the Shadows, you, as Natalie, are off to continue his work in stopping the Shadows from stealing a priceless Templar relic, The Blue Veil. This is a mutant – the splicing of a HOP game with an adventure game. The story is excellent. The mini-games are well-crafted with a variety of different styles and difficulties (6 puzzles in the demo). There is an equal number of HOP scenes (5 in in the demo). One “puzzle” is actually a combination of six mini-HOP scenes.
The HOP scenes are redundant –all of them are lists of items to locate. However, they are interactive with some puzzle-like aspects. You have the option to play Mahjong instead. I also found the graphics old school. The VO actors have heavy British accents and at times there are mouth movements by the characters and other times, not. I have a great interest in the history of the Knights Templar and love great puzzles, so this game is a must for me! This would have been an outstanding game if the dev had provided a little more creativity in the development of the HOP scenes.
I beta tested this game about eight months ago. It has been in production for about a year. This game does not have all the bells and whistles of the HOP CE’s. There is no “wow” factor in this game. You collect nothing, you achieve nothing (except the thrill of solving the mystery) and there are no morphing objects or any other gimmicks. It is a pure adventure game with the added twist of HOP scenes. We have a strange new creation here. The stodgy Nancy Drew mystery game entering the world of the HOP scene! Wow! With the discounted prices on games this weekend, it is worth the small investment to purchase a game which will prove to be quite an adventure!
AFTER THE DEMO: The game continues as before. It is definitely puzzle-heavy and HOP lite. It also appears to be a short game as well. There is an awesome “nonogram” puzzle in the Chapter 3. There are also a maze puzzle and a variation of a checkers puzzle. The HOP scenes I encountered were again all interactive lists of items.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom. Hints and Skips - 15 to 100 seconds
GRAPHICS: Old school graphics. The VO actors have heavy British accents. Sometimes there is mouth movement for the characters and other times not.
HOP SCENES: There are 5 HOP scenes in the demo. All are the same – lists of items to locate. They are somewhat interactive and have some puzzle-like qualities. You may opt to play a Mahjong game instead. All of them are the same with the exception of one which is considered a puzzle; however, I see it as a series of mini-HOP scenes. AFTER THE DEMO: HOP scenes are again all interactive, puzzle-like lists of items.
MINI-GAMES: There is a variety of difficulty levels and varieties for the puzzles. They include variations of moving tiles puzzles, sliding tiles puzzles, sequential puzzles, Simon Says, and mathematical puzzle.
AFTER THE DEMO: Variation of a nonogram puzzle, maze puzzle, checkers puzzle.
AFTER THE DEMO: Variation of a nonogram puzzle, maze puzzle, checkers puzzle.
EXTRAS:
Map is given to you at the start of the game
Strategy guide - 37 pages
Usual wallpaper, artwork, music
Strategy guide - 37 pages
Usual wallpaper, artwork, music
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MINI-GAMES:
A. Variation of a moving tiles puzzle Move tiles so that ends of circuits in a key card match up EASY
B. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Move 3 tiles to match a code to open a box. Slightly tricky – Moving one tile affects the others. MEDIUM DIFFICULTY
C. Variation of a sequential puzzle. Light up lights in sequence from first to last by following a twisted mess of wire connections to the proper switch
D. A variation of Simon Says puzzle. Follow directions to create a library card. EASY
E. A variation of a storybook sequence. Locate 5 items of the same type item in a series of 6 scenes. This is listed as a puzzle; however, I consider it more a HOP scene. Find out more about the Knights Templar
F. A variation of a mathematical puzzle. Connect nodes with each other to match the amount of connections with the number listed on each node. MEDIUM DIFFICULTY
G. Variation of sliding tiles puzzle. Transfer crystals so they match up with their color coded slots. However, the crystals revolve around three wheels to add to the difficulty. MEDIUM DIFFICULTY.
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. YEAH! A NONOGRAM PUZZLE!!!! SO HAPPY. I LOVE THESE!
I. A variation of a maze puzzle. Get the Templar to his banner in the center of the maze.
J. Variation of a checkers puzzle. Using gold coins, try to eliminate your opponent’s silver coins from the board.
B. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Move 3 tiles to match a code to open a box. Slightly tricky – Moving one tile affects the others. MEDIUM DIFFICULTY
C. Variation of a sequential puzzle. Light up lights in sequence from first to last by following a twisted mess of wire connections to the proper switch
D. A variation of Simon Says puzzle. Follow directions to create a library card. EASY
E. A variation of a storybook sequence. Locate 5 items of the same type item in a series of 6 scenes. This is listed as a puzzle; however, I consider it more a HOP scene. Find out more about the Knights Templar
F. A variation of a mathematical puzzle. Connect nodes with each other to match the amount of connections with the number listed on each node. MEDIUM DIFFICULTY
G. Variation of sliding tiles puzzle. Transfer crystals so they match up with their color coded slots. However, the crystals revolve around three wheels to add to the difficulty. MEDIUM DIFFICULTY.
AFTER THE DEMO:
H. YEAH! A NONOGRAM PUZZLE!!!! SO HAPPY. I LOVE THESE!
I. A variation of a maze puzzle. Get the Templar to his banner in the center of the maze.
J. Variation of a checkers puzzle. Using gold coins, try to eliminate your opponent’s silver coins from the board.
I recommend this game!
Return to your hometown to save your father and uncover Midnight Castle’s secrets!
Overall rating
5
/
5
266 of 396 found this review helpful
RESTORE MAGIC AND SHINE TO AN OLD DARKENED KINGDOM BY POLISHING OFF A VILLAIN
PostedSeptember 17, 2015
sunnyglow
fromDo I not have enough “bats in my belfry” to take a bite out of the puzzles in this game?
Skill Level:Expert
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 5 CHAPTERS PLUS A BONUS CHAPTER – A PUZZLER’S DELIGHT!
Hoping to restore the magic to Rocksville, you play Little Orphan “Annie-belle” to the rescue of her “believed deceased” father and the kingdom as well. Based on the series, “Midnight Castle,” this game is puzzle-intense (with an awesome 7- step super puzzle toward the end of the demo) and HOP light. The puzzles are amazingly well-done, varying in style and difficulty. The puzzles are the best part of the game coupled with beautiful, dark, cartoon-like graphics. Trying to fight off an evil hooded villain, you must venture to not only Midnight Castle, but other locations as well for a final showdown with the villain.
The graphics are beautiful. The game is well-crafted. I cannot wait to sink my teeth into the amazing amount of puzzles in this game and creative HOP scenes. There is a “cutesy” googly eyed bat, which is an unwanted distraction. However, that “adorable” bat (makes me want to eat him up with my vampire teeth) is used sparingly and flies to the task at amazing speeds (an up and coming Super Sonar Bat?) I hope this bat doesn’t “cross” my path too many times in this game, because if he “crosses” me, I have a “cross” to compel him to return to the other bats in the belfry.
AFTER THE DEMO: A secret is revealed in which you discover that only you can save the magic for the kingdom. There are awesome puzzles in Chapter 3, one of which is a chess puzzle, which is a little nerve racking. There are also fewer HOP scenes in Chapter 3 but very innovative.
HOP SCENES: The demo only included 3 HOP scenes: silhouette, matching pairs, and a story sequence with sentences containing items to be located in BOLD LETTERS. I especially loved the first scene in which you open up drawers in a cabinet to locate items. AFTER THE DEMO: There were only 3 more HOP scenes; however, they are very creative including one using a bow and arrow.
MINI-GAMES. The best part of the game. There are variety of them in various levels of difficulty. They include variations of matching puzzles, moving tiles puzzles, switch puzzles, weights and balance puzzles, sliding tiles puzzles. There is a SUPER PUZZLE containing 7 different puzzles in the demo! This dev outdid themselves in this puzzle sequence. AFTER THE DEMO: There is a variation of a chess puzzle, small mini-puzzles, and a match 3 game.
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Hardcore, Custom
Hints 15 to 90 seconds Skips 15 to 90 seconds
Hints 15 to 90 seconds Skips 15 to 90 seconds
GRAPHICS: Amazingly beautiful as usual for this dev. This dev has definitely captured a creepy scenario. Colors are vivid. The characters are cartoon-like. The VO’s are decent.
EXTRAS:
Map - Map is provided at the beginning of the game
27 Achievements
Collect 12 mythical creatures
Collect 32 stained glass pieces to create a stain glass window
Morphing objects:
Strategy guide – 42 pages
Usual wallpaper, art, music
27 Achievements
Collect 12 mythical creatures
Collect 32 stained glass pieces to create a stain glass window
Morphing objects:
Strategy guide – 42 pages
Usual wallpaper, art, music
HERE ARE THE DETAILS (SPOILERS) FOR THOSE WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES:
HOP SCENES:
A. Silhouette items. Locate items by opening drawers in a bureau to fill a suitcase.
B. Matching pairs scenes. You must uncover items to locate them.
C. Story sequence with items to be located identified in BOLD letters
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. List of items to locate to end up with an inventory item
E. An AWESOME HOP scenes in which you shoot arrows at symbols to remove items. SO COOL!
F. Silhouette scene with knights and armor
A. Silhouette items. Locate items by opening drawers in a bureau to fill a suitcase.
B. Matching pairs scenes. You must uncover items to locate them.
C. Story sequence with items to be located identified in BOLD letters
AFTER THE DEMO:
D. List of items to locate to end up with an inventory item
E. An AWESOME HOP scenes in which you shoot arrows at symbols to remove items. SO COOL!
F. Silhouette scene with knights and armor
PUZZLES: There is a SUPER PUZZLE in this game.
A. Rotate tumblers to open a valise. EASY – there are only three colors you need to match up
B. Variation of a matching puzzle. As in dominoes, match up ends in a circular pattern. EASY
C. Two parts to this puzzle. First part - Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move tiles so that all the four symbols on the outside are related to the item in the middle. The items light up when placed correctly. Second part - Variation of a moving tile puzzle. Rotate a ring so that figurines around a circle are placed into the correct slots. You must rotate the ring each time you wish to move an object. EASY
D. Variation of a switch puzzle. Exchange letters and numbers so they match up with slots on a box which you must open. There are two circles in which to exchange numbers and letters.
E. Variation of a weights and balancing puzzle. Move books onto shelves so that all the shelves are at the same level. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
F. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Move discs into one of three circles so that all the discs match up with color of the circle in which they are located. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Matching game. Match up cards EASY
H. SUPER PUZZLE! YEAH! A super puzzle with 7 puzzles to open a bridge. Each puzzle has their own set of skips so you can skip one part of the 7 part mini-game. VARY IN DIFFICULTY
First. A variation of a moving tiles game. Second. A variation of a matching puzzle. Third. A variation of a connection puzzle. Connect same colored lion heads without crossing lines. Fourth. A variation of a Simon Says puzzles. Fifth. Connect single and double gems by pressing on the lines which connect them. Single gems have only one line connect them and double gems have two. Sixth. A variation of a gear puzzle. Seventh. A variation of a sliding tiles puzzle.
AFTER THE DEMO:
I. Mini-game sequence. You receive a magic box. As you insert stones, you receive a variety of mini-games – moving tiles, variation of Simon Says, and a variation of a matching puzzle EASY
J. Variation of a match 3 game. Remove keys by matching 3 items until the keys fall EASY
K. Variation of a Chess puzzle game – remove the king in two moves. 2X MODERATELY DIFFICULT
A. Rotate tumblers to open a valise. EASY – there are only three colors you need to match up
B. Variation of a matching puzzle. As in dominoes, match up ends in a circular pattern. EASY
C. Two parts to this puzzle. First part - Variation of a moving tiles puzzle. Move tiles so that all the four symbols on the outside are related to the item in the middle. The items light up when placed correctly. Second part - Variation of a moving tile puzzle. Rotate a ring so that figurines around a circle are placed into the correct slots. You must rotate the ring each time you wish to move an object. EASY
D. Variation of a switch puzzle. Exchange letters and numbers so they match up with slots on a box which you must open. There are two circles in which to exchange numbers and letters.
E. Variation of a weights and balancing puzzle. Move books onto shelves so that all the shelves are at the same level. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
F. Variation of a sliding tiles puzzle. Move discs into one of three circles so that all the discs match up with color of the circle in which they are located. MODERATELY DIFFICULT
G. Matching game. Match up cards EASY
H. SUPER PUZZLE! YEAH! A super puzzle with 7 puzzles to open a bridge. Each puzzle has their own set of skips so you can skip one part of the 7 part mini-game. VARY IN DIFFICULTY
First. A variation of a moving tiles game. Second. A variation of a matching puzzle. Third. A variation of a connection puzzle. Connect same colored lion heads without crossing lines. Fourth. A variation of a Simon Says puzzles. Fifth. Connect single and double gems by pressing on the lines which connect them. Single gems have only one line connect them and double gems have two. Sixth. A variation of a gear puzzle. Seventh. A variation of a sliding tiles puzzle.
AFTER THE DEMO:
I. Mini-game sequence. You receive a magic box. As you insert stones, you receive a variety of mini-games – moving tiles, variation of Simon Says, and a variation of a matching puzzle EASY
J. Variation of a match 3 game. Remove keys by matching 3 items until the keys fall EASY
K. Variation of a Chess puzzle game – remove the king in two moves. 2X MODERATELY DIFFICULT
I recommend this game!
The love between you and your husband was strong enough to end a war... but is it strong enough to save the world?
Overall rating
5
/
5
268 of 402 found this review helpful
IT IS CRYSTAL CLEAR, MY HEART HAS TAKEN A FLIGHT OF FANTASY WHILE PLAYING THIS UPLIFTING GAME
PostedSeptember 12, 2015
sunnyglow
fromIdeas are whirling and swirling breezily through the windmills of my mind – hoping to build my own “castle in the air.”
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,
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!
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
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
I recommend this game!
Solve the mysteries of Stoneville and escape with your life!
Overall rating
5
/
5
244 of 349 found this review helpful
LOOKING UNDER A FEW ROCKS TO SOLVE THIS AWESOME STONE COLD DETECTIVE GAME
PostedSeptember 10, 2015
sunnyglow
fromPetrified that my heart will turn to stone in playing this rock solid game.
Skill Level:Expert
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.
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,
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
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
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
I recommend this game!
Do you have the courage to stop the inquisitor?
Overall rating
3
/
5
144 of 242 found this review helpful
THIS DEMO HAS RECEIVED “EX-COMMUNICATION” FROM MY COMPUTER – SENT TO THE “BOTTOMLESS PIT” OF REMOVED DATA
PostedSeptember 5, 2015
sunnyglow
fromReading books in Medieval Spanish is preferable to the “torture” of searching for items for the “racks” of circular inventory wheels.
Skill Level:Expert
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
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
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
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
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
I recommend this game!
The twinkling lights in the marsh look pretty, but they hold a mysterious power. Whatever you do... do not follow them!
Overall rating
5
/
5
150 of 210 found this review helpful
TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE LIGHT - HOW YOU GIVE ME SUCH A FRIGHT
PostedSeptember 3, 2015
sunnyglow
Skill Level:Expert
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
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 –
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
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
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!
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.
Skill Level:Expert
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
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
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.
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
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
I recommend this game!
A mountain observatory is hiding a big secret!
Overall rating
5
/
5
233 of 315 found this review helpful
WEATHER A STORM OF INTRIGUE AS YOU ENGINEER A PLAN OF ESCAPE IN THIS FANTASTIC SCI-FI THRILLER!
PostedAugust 27, 2015
sunnyglow
fromEngineering a plan to escape a “mountain” of work which I am trying to “tunnel” my way through and wishing I had an IQ of 280
Skill Level:Expert
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
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
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
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
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
I recommend this game!
Haunted Hotel: Phoenix Collector's Edition
Uncover the truth behind the legendary fire that destroyed a university.
Overall rating
5
/
5
273 of 375 found this review helpful
THE CHEMISTRY OF THIS GAME HAS FORMULATED A BURING DESIRE TO PLAY IT
PostedAugust 20, 2015
sunnyglow
fromHaving a gas playing this game! Had a burning desire for fellow chemists to play with me, but they all “Argon.”
Skill Level:Expert
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
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!
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
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
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
I recommend this game!