sunnyglow's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:80,084
- Reviews Submitted:815
- First Review:November 27, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 25, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you work with animals to save a local zoo’s celebration?
Overall rating
1
/
5
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ELEPHANT? A BIG KERFUFFLE!
PostedAugust 31, 2023
sunnyglow
fromWish Anna Gray could go back in time and save Elephant Games from producing this kerfuffle.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Elephant - what were you thinking when you created this fiasco? UGH! I am terrified and horrified (well maybe those words are a little overdramatic), that Elephant is going the same route as many other developers and will stop creating HOPA games. I cannot believe that Elephant thought this game would be well-received. This game is modeled after another developer’s successful HOP games. I don’t play that developer’s games, except at Christmas. It does provide a nice beginning to the Yuletide season with its musical background. At least those games are well-formatted and are a little challenging.
This game lacks anything warranting a collector’s edition price. The game has no voice-overs. The HOP scenes are boring – the simplistic puzzles are boring, and the format is boring as well. You lost me Elephant from the first hello to this new series. I dread seeing any more of these games. As others have stated, it is boring, boring, boring! Hopefully you are getting the message.
I sincerely hope BFG is NOT going to have a deluge of HOP games in the future. I am certain I am not the only one who will just give up their membership if this is all they are going to provide in the way of gaming for PC and MAC.
In case the message was lost because of all the verbiage – allow me to define this game in two words:
A BORING KERFUFFLE!
I don't recommend this game.
Face the elements of magic!
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 70 found this review helpful
ANOTHER MASTERPIECE FROM DO GAMES
PostedAugust 17, 2023
sunnyglow
fromLiving through a month of over 100- degree Texas heat, it is refreshing to play a game with lots of snow and ice.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 80 pages
6 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 80 pages
What a fantastic game! This game is long. I was only able to finish the first three (3) chapters. It will take me several days to complete the entire game. I am savoring every moment as we BFG customers see fewer HOPA games nowadays. Although I have not completed it, I will give my assessment on the first half of this game. This HOPA game, unlike some others offered on this site, is worth the price of a Collector’s Edition game. For members, this game is a steal at the price listed. There are hours of gaming pleasure. Hopefully other developers will look at this serial game. It is a cut above most HOPA games offered lately. I feel DO Games has taken HOPA games in a new direction, and most importantly, in the right direction. Lately, some of the HOPA games offered on this site are short, poorly constructed, and boring.
This game is a hybrid. It is more of an adventure game; however, it has HOP scenes within it. The game is the fourth one within this series. In this episode, the citizens of the kingdom of Thornheim, are off to save their kingdom from eternal cold. This is a serial game with chapters, each one with a new character as the protagonist. The story is well-written. The activities are superb. Enjoy trekking throughout the kingdom casting spells, making potions, and fighting off evildoers. The graphics are breathtaking.
DO Games exceeded themselves with this game. They have always been my favorite developer and this game is truly another masterpiece. The format is the same as in their other games. There are three collectibles. Collect stained glass windows, magical amulets, and sun amulets. The sun amulets are exchanged for plants to place within a greenhouse upon completion of the game. There are decision points given for choosing the right answer to questions throughout the game. However, there is no guesswork involved. The “right” answer has gold star and red gem next to it.
Almost all the puzzles have two versions which can be played in either an easy or hard mode. No other developer offers the number puzzles with two levels of difficulty as DO Games. There are many puzzles within this game and found the ones I played superb. The HOP scenes are varied as well with many different styles of play including lists of items, silhouette, fragment, replacement, and rebus clues to name a few. The usual thematic Match-3 game can be played instead of the HOP scenes. The player can replay nine (9) HOP scenes and eight (8) mini-games upon completion of the game. With so many superb HOP scenes and mini-games, why are not more of these offered to be replayed? If I have a complaint, this would be my one complaint.
If I were to play only one game this month, this would be the game. Thank you, Do Games, for providing a PC version of this game. I love playing these on a PC as opposed to playing on a mobile device. I cannot wait to play the rest of this game and hope we have more of this type of game in the future.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 pieces of stained glass and 10 magical amulets.
• Collect 70 sun amulets used to outfit a greenhouse with plants.
• 14 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 9 HOP scenes and 8 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 10 pieces of stained glass and 10 magical amulets.
• Collect 70 sun amulets used to outfit a greenhouse with plants.
• 14 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 9 HOP scenes and 8 mini-games.
A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES OFFERED WITHIN THIS GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Connection puzzle Connect two crystals by placing angular shaped bone pieces into position within a grid to connect them. You must use all bones. The hard version has more bones to connect.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch pieces to restore a note. This requires some strategic thinking as switching the pieces causes them to switch direction.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Get to a red portal by traveling across a grid by using portals. You can jump through portals of the same color. The harder version has more portals. This must be done sequentially to arrive at the final red port.
D. E/H. Chess/strategy puzzle. Move a chess piece into position avoiding 3 cats which move to block your path.
E. E/H. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate chutes so that they are placed in a forward position facing bolts. When all are placed correctly, the bolts will move into the empty chutes. There is a blocker provided to hold one chute in position while the others move. The easy version has 4 chutes; the hard has 8 chutes.
F. E/H. Lock puzzle. Move lock picks up and down to create a path for latches to be removed. The easy version has 2 latches and the hard has 3 latches to remove.
G. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place the gears into position so all are in motion. In this case, the gears are slid into position and not switched as in other games. The hard version has a more difficult setup in which to position the gears.
B. Picture puzzle. Rotate and switch pieces to restore a note. This requires some strategic thinking as switching the pieces causes them to switch direction.
C. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Get to a red portal by traveling across a grid by using portals. You can jump through portals of the same color. The harder version has more portals. This must be done sequentially to arrive at the final red port.
D. E/H. Chess/strategy puzzle. Move a chess piece into position avoiding 3 cats which move to block your path.
E. E/H. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate chutes so that they are placed in a forward position facing bolts. When all are placed correctly, the bolts will move into the empty chutes. There is a blocker provided to hold one chute in position while the others move. The easy version has 4 chutes; the hard has 8 chutes.
F. E/H. Lock puzzle. Move lock picks up and down to create a path for latches to be removed. The easy version has 2 latches and the hard has 3 latches to remove.
G. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place the gears into position so all are in motion. In this case, the gears are slid into position and not switched as in other games. The hard version has a more difficult setup in which to position the gears.
I recommend this game!
Find America in the vast beauty of the Great Lakes!
Overall rating
1
/
5
17 of 74 found this review helpful
HOPA LIGHT (ONE I WOULD NEVER SELL TO EVEN MY BEST BUD)
PostedAugust 10, 2023
sunnyglow
fromFormer Buckeye who does not even recognize some of these scenes from the Great Lakes States..
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Ever tried those “lite” drinks? They have some of the flavor of the original drinks, but are missing the gusto, flavor, and sugary goodness of the full calorie rich ones. Same with these HOP games. They lack the story, creativity, and fantastic activities of HOPA games; ones which immerse us into other worlds and satisfy our hunger for a fantastic gaming experience.
I do usually do not review HOP games. I find them boring and a waste of time. CBTX has outlined this game beautifully. I “ditto” everything he outlined in his well-written review. There is no story behind this game. There are a series of HOP scenes followed by some “puzzle.” The puzzles are hardly what one would consider puzzles. Most are a type of picture puzzle.
I played the demo for this game and found it the same as the other HOP games from this developer. Hopefully, BFG will cancel their HOPA Light contract with Boomzap. Personally, I am tired of Boomzap crap being thrust down our throats twice a week or even more. CBX is correct. They are the same game – over-and-over-and-over again. (I could have used the word “repeatedly;” however, it loses some feel of the ho-hum resonance it invokes). All Boomzap games use the same format, only changing the theme of the HOP game. I have seen scenes reused from one game to another, especially within the sequels to those “I Love Finding” games. What I would love finding in the future are less games from this developer and, in general, less games from this genre.
The fact I am taking time from my busy schedule to write a review is to show support for those of us who detest these games. I love playing with my cat. However, I do not love searching for cats, dogs, turtles, birds, fur babies, or any other member of the animal kingdom. This HOP game is the same game as all the others Boomcrap has produced. I grew up in a Great Lakes state; however, I see images within the game which do not even reflect this Midwest area of the country.
There are those who love these HOP games. There is a need to have some games from the genre. However, many of us would prefer to not have a consistent diet of these games, and not two to three per week, especially from the same developer.
I don't recommend this game.
A struggle for the truth in a city of deceit!
Overall rating
5
/
5
159 of 237 found this review helpful
A MAGICAL WORLD AWAITS IN KYIV
PostedAugust 3, 2023
sunnyglow
fromSlava Ukrayini! Friendly Fox. You cover the world in sunflowers with your games and bring happiness to many. You are in my prayers. God bless you all!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 48 pages
What a fantastic game! This game definitely deserves the Editor's Choice designation! The game reflects the Ukrainian culture, filled with its legends and native customs. Friendly Fox does not provide many HOPA games; however, the ones they do create are masterpieces. This game is no exception. It is a long game and a nice tribute to this developer’s country. The game is one of the best HOPA games this year and one I would recommend highly. I enjoyed learning about some the Ukrainian legends. A great deal of work went into this game. It is worth the price I paid for it. With all the little extras within the game, I think it should have been priced even higher.
STORY OUTLINE: Detective Agatha is off to Kyiv to investigate fraudulent fortune tellers and astrologers who have been bilking the city residents out of their money. After entering a séance by a renown spiritualist, she discovers that an evil entity, Viy, is being summoned by some local resident. Taras, who asked her to ferret out psychic imposters admits that he and other residents do have paranormal abilities. He himself is a wizard, a molfar. He and others are being attacked by someone with great magical power who is absorbing the magical energy from molfars and other magical beings, turning them into Motanka dolls and leaving ice in their path. Learn the story of the paranormal community, its history and track down who is responsible for trying to resurrect an ancient evil.
I loved the graphics within the game with colorful scenes reflecting the Ukrainian culture. If the player exits the game and reenters it, they will receive little nuggets of information about the Ukraine. The collectibles are Ukraine’s national flower, the sunflower and morphing objects. The sunflowers are huge and easy to locate; however, I found the morphing objects somewhat difficult to find in the scenes. There are forty-nine (49) of each collectible. Upon completion of the game the player is taken to a room with a Motanka doll which can be dressed in different costumes and placed in different backgrounds. I felt this was a nice touch and something a little different than in most HOPA games.
Throughout the game, the player will use the gimmicky all-seeing eye to search for four items within a scene. There are five (5) of these scenes within the game. There is also a scene in which Agatha will make deductions about what transpired in the game by placing four (4) pictures in the proper location on a narrative about the case. I like this feature as it outlines the case in each section played.
There are thirty-four (34) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are nineteen (19) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes are interactive and puzzle-like. There are standard lists of items, silhouette scenes, matching scenes, and fragment scenes. There is a nice variety of mini-games, all creatively designed. There is also a nice assortment of difficulty levels for the puzzles, from extremely easy to challenging. There are a few mini-games which can be played in either a casual version or a hard version. I loved the puzzles within this game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower and 49 morphing items. Once all have been located, you will receive your very own Motanka doll to dress in a variety of costumes and accessories plus be able to change backgrounds for her as well.
• 8 wallpapers along with 5 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• All seeing eye symbol on the inventory bar which lights up when Agatha makes deductions about the case.
• Replay 12 Mini-games and 19 HOP scenes.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 25 achievements.
• Collect 49 sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower and 49 morphing items. Once all have been located, you will receive your very own Motanka doll to dress in a variety of costumes and accessories plus be able to change backgrounds for her as well.
• 8 wallpapers along with 5 screensavers, concept art, music, and video sequences
• All seeing eye symbol on the inventory bar which lights up when Agatha makes deductions about the case.
• Replay 12 Mini-games and 19 HOP scenes.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. Before Agatha leaves Kyiv, she receives a letter from a mavka asking her to investigate why her fellow sisters are disappearing. A demon has escaped and with the help of Taras and Stepan from the main game, you must work together to capture it and place it somewhere so it can never escape again. I found this chapter a little confusing. In the beginning I had no idea what this story was about. I also had no idea what a mavka was, but before the end of the bonus chapter, I could figure it out. There are six (6) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. It is a long chapter and provides a little more folklore about the Ukraine.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE 34 MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Casual/Hard. Put a puzzle together to complete the image. In the hard version the pieces must be rotated.
B. Casual/Hard. Matching puzzle. Match ink blots on a document to a matching paint color. The hard version has more colors to match.
C. Paint By Number. In this case – paint by symbol. Match up symbols to paints to complete a picture of Marina.
D. Math puzzle. Using an abacus, place the beads into position. Answer the math problem by adding or subtracting beads on the left and putting them into position on the right.
E. Paint puzzle. Paint Pysanka eggs by choosing which pattern goes with each size egg and then adding color. Nice cultural addition to this game.
F. Maze puzzle. Find your way through a forest by locating items to overcome obstacles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Blackjack. Flip 2 to 3 cards that total 21. Cards which do not tally to 21 will flip back to be replayed. All cards must be played, and the player may end up with extra cards which do not tally to 21 at which time the game starts over.
H. Maze puzzle. Move a chain through a maze to open a lock. Select numbers on the lock to move the chain a certain number of steps.
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image.
A. Casual/Hard. Put a puzzle together to complete the image. In the hard version the pieces must be rotated.
B. Casual/Hard. Matching puzzle. Match ink blots on a document to a matching paint color. The hard version has more colors to match.
C. Paint By Number. In this case – paint by symbol. Match up symbols to paints to complete a picture of Marina.
D. Math puzzle. Using an abacus, place the beads into position. Answer the math problem by adding or subtracting beads on the left and putting them into position on the right.
E. Paint puzzle. Paint Pysanka eggs by choosing which pattern goes with each size egg and then adding color. Nice cultural addition to this game.
F. Maze puzzle. Find your way through a forest by locating items to overcome obstacles.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Blackjack. Flip 2 to 3 cards that total 21. Cards which do not tally to 21 will flip back to be replayed. All cards must be played, and the player may end up with extra cards which do not tally to 21 at which time the game starts over.
H. Maze puzzle. Move a chain through a maze to open a lock. Select numbers on the lock to move the chain a certain number of steps.
I. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image.
I recommend this game!
Dive into a cold case of murder and betrayal at a lighthouse!
Overall rating
3
/
5
100 of 161 found this review helpful
A VERY SHORT JAUNT TO A LIGHTHOUSE
PostedJuly 27, 2023
sunnyglow
fromSOS! Help! I am stuck in a lighthouse playing a boring game and cannot get out.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 34 pages
Matey! Grab your spyglass and join Emily Smith on her second adventure in this series. Venture to a coastal town where Emily’s friend, Catherine Malcolm, has requested her help in finding her husband’s killer. The police have closed the case, unable to find any suspects in the murder of her husband and a tourist. This case seems to be tied to a lighthouse where Malcom’s husband, Roger, was the keeper. The lighthouse has mysterious secrets with a haunting past and a legend of a treasure hidden somewhere near or within the lighthouse. Hopefully, this newest case will provide enjoyable listening to her podcast audience.
This is a short game. I played the entire game (including all HOP scenes and mini-games) in less than four (4) hours. That time also included the bonus chapter. The story from the main game is well-written. I feel the story is better than the game itself. The format for this game is the same as Elephant’s other games; however, this game is shorter and less creatively designed. Collect puzzle fragments and lighthouse relics. The puzzle fragments are big blobs along the sides of walls. The player will definitely see these blobs. The other collectibles are not that easy to locate. There is a Secret Room in which the puzzle fragments are located to play a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game. An Expedition Room allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles.
Frankly, it is hard to give this game four or five stars when other developers provide games twice as long as this one with more activities and more challenging puzzles as well. After the game Elephant provided a few weeks ago, this one pales in comparison. It appears Elephant is cutting corners, leaving out many of the features they used to provide within a game. This may be a monetary issue, but there are fewer collectibles, fewer mini-games and HOP scenes, and fewer achievements. I cannot recommend this game for the price I paid for it even as a member. I also found it somewhat difficult to purchase this game and download it. I do wish BFG would create an easier format to purchase and download their games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 10 achievements. (2 with 3 parts and one with 5 parts)
• 24 Scenes
• Collect 12 lighthouse relics and 24 puzzle fragments to play a jigsaw puzzle hidden within the Secret Room.
• Expedition Room in which to search for collectibles missed while paying the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver, and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• Gimmicky cell phone to take photos, send text messages and phone people.
• 10 achievements. (2 with 3 parts and one with 5 parts)
• 24 Scenes
• Collect 12 lighthouse relics and 24 puzzle fragments to play a jigsaw puzzle hidden within the Secret Room.
• Expedition Room in which to search for collectibles missed while paying the game.
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver, and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• Gimmicky cell phone to take photos, send text messages and phone people.
BONUS CHAPTER: Emily cannot escape crime even on her wedding day! Go back in time twenty-five (25) years to the day before the wedding of Emily Parker and Sean Smith. When Emily’s friend, Rose, does not arrive to deliver her wedding bouquet, Emily is off to discover what happened to her. Upon arrival at her house, she, of course, finds Rose’s corpse, the victim of murder. Who killed Rose? Was it her freeloading cousin Robert, her Aunt Bethany, a friend named Lisa, or another murderer hiding in the shadows? This whodunit will find Emily scouring the area searching for clues instead of preparing for her wedding. And knowing good ole Emily, she will have the crime solved within twenty-four (24) hours – just in time for her wedding! I found this chapter a little corny. I laughed through most of it as it is so mawkish. Just ridiculous for the most part! There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. There is one mini-HOP scene with six items to be searched for. Sorry, but I found this chapter absurd.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES. There are thirteen (13) HOP scenes, all of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are several mini-HOP scenes in which six items must be searched for. The scenes are lists of items, silhouette scenes, and fragment scenes in which the player must locate segments of the scene based upon a given small fragment of that scene. There are also a couple of narrative scenes with items to be found in highlighted letters. I found little creative design in these scenes. I absolutely hate scenes in which the player must find four items, and once found, a list of items pops up for a boring search scene. I thought developers stopped creating those scenes. There are three within this game.
There are twenty-one (21) Mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The puzzles lack creative design and many of them are picture puzzles in which a small number of fragments are placed within a grid to create a photo. Most of the picture puzzles have three scenes. These scenes are filler, thrown in to make the game seem longer. A few of the puzzles are decent. I did like some of the puzzles; however, there are not many of them.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Switch puzzle. Switch 12 pieces on the footage from a CCTV camera to restore an image.
B. Picture puzzle. Place picture fragments into position to restore 3 photos.
C. Maze puzzle Move Emily to the exit. Select a cell and a space you want to move her to. She can move 2 spaces and the evildoer in the maze can move 2 spaces but can move 3 if he sees her.
D. Logic puzzle. Place 5 gems into position in a straight line according to given clues.
E. Picture puzzle. Switch tiles to restore an image. Only tiles of the same shape can be exchanged. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Logic puzzle. According to clues, place 5 souvenirs in order – all related to cities around the world
G. Picture puzzle. Rearrange fragments to reassemble 3photos.
H. Picture puzzle. Switch picture fragments to restore 3 photos.
I. Map puzzle. Plot a course to move through a map in 6 moves using arrows at the side of the scene. 3 X
J. Logic puzzle. Arrange baskets with different colored halves so that all 12 match according to colors along the 3 rows and 4 columns.
B. Picture puzzle. Place picture fragments into position to restore 3 photos.
C. Maze puzzle Move Emily to the exit. Select a cell and a space you want to move her to. She can move 2 spaces and the evildoer in the maze can move 2 spaces but can move 3 if he sees her.
D. Logic puzzle. Place 5 gems into position in a straight line according to given clues.
E. Picture puzzle. Switch tiles to restore an image. Only tiles of the same shape can be exchanged. 3X
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Logic puzzle. According to clues, place 5 souvenirs in order – all related to cities around the world
G. Picture puzzle. Rearrange fragments to reassemble 3photos.
H. Picture puzzle. Switch picture fragments to restore 3 photos.
I. Map puzzle. Plot a course to move through a map in 6 moves using arrows at the side of the scene. 3 X
J. Logic puzzle. Arrange baskets with different colored halves so that all 12 match according to colors along the 3 rows and 4 columns.
I don't recommend this game.
The sea harbors many mysteries not meant for human eyes.
Overall rating
5
/
5
80 of 126 found this review helpful
ANOTHER “PHANTASMIC” GAME FROM DO GAMES
PostedJuly 22, 2023
sunnyglow
fromNot a ghost of a chance I will spend any time in Quietcape with Captain Reed on the loose. He spends every minute in ports looking for any “ghoul” he can call his own.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 51 pages
Sail away on a spirit filled adventure, one which will find you on an island filled with ghosts. Your new case as a paranormal detective begins with a call from your friend Ethan, keeper of a lighthouse within a coastal town. Fog has enveloped this village and the fishermen who go out to sea, never return, lost within the misty haze. As you set sail through the murky waters, you and your friend catch sight of a ship, a ghostly galleon which set sail over a half century ago. This ghost-filled ship is headed by an evil captain, Captain Reed, and evildoer who has made several deals with denizens of the world of the paranormal to achieve immorality. He now feeds on the souls of others to keep his ship afloat. When he takes over the body of your friend, Ethan, you will venture to an island where you learn the history of this Captain and try to discover a way to defeat this evildoer.
Domini always provides more gameplay than other developers. This is a lengthy game. I liked the story behind the game and the pace is excellent. This game will not appeal to everyone. However, if you are looking for a game which is more challenging, I would recommend this game. Even the HOP scenes are somewhat difficult. Players will have choices throughout the game which will take them to other locations for extra footage and activities. Extra bonus points will be given to those who venture into those extra locations. Nevertheless, if a player does not wish to play the additional scenes, they can be skipped. There are four extra scenes within the game.
The framework of the game is the same as that of their other games. There are three collectibles. Collect morphing sea instruments and seashells. Also collect starfish which can be exchanged to purchase items to outfit a mayor’s desk. The player has a choice of playing an easy or hard version for most of the puzzles. The difficulty of the puzzles can be set in the menu; however, it can be changed as well while playing the puzzles. You also get a gimmicky camera to take photos of ghosts. I have no idea why Domini used this prop. I feel the game would have been better without the camera. To me, it added nothing to the game and could not see the relevance of it within the game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES. You can replay twenty-two (22) HOP scenes and twenty-four (24) mini-games. The HOP scenes are creatively designed with the usual lists of items, matching, narrative, and silhouette. My favorites are those with cryptic and rebus clues. The one thing I enjoy about this developer’s games is that they vary the HOP scenes, so the player does not play the same format for consecutive scenes. In this game, Domini offers a scrambled letters scene in which the player must unscramble the letters of varieties of nuts before locating them within the scene. I believe this is a new type of scene for them. My favorites were a scene with morphing objects within the scene and the scenes in which items are given to be placed into the scenes.
This developer is known for their puzzles. There are more puzzles within their games than any other developer and to me, Domini is the puzzlemeister of this genre of game. They are creatively designed, and I always find a new variation of a puzzle or some new puzzle I have not seen before. I counted over thirty-five (35) puzzles. I did feel some of the puzzles were a little more difficult as well – even in the easy version of those puzzles.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel. As a paranormal detective, you are contacted by a mother who has made a deal with the Wish Maker. This deal has caused disastrous consequences for her daughter. Her daughter has been kidnapped by this evil entity. Now you must enter the world of the Wish Maker to rescue her daughter. I liked the story behind the game. The player will discover more information about Captain Reed from the main game as well. There are eight (8) mini-games and four (4) HOP scenes with others within the additional scene added to the chapter.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing sea instruments and 15 seashells.
• Collect 70 starfish to exchange for items to place on a desk within the mayor’s office.
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 22 HOP scenes and 24 mini-games.
• Gimmicky camera to take photos of the scenes for paranormal research.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 39 achievements.
• Collect 15 morphing sea instruments and 15 seashells.
• Collect 70 starfish to exchange for items to place on a desk within the mayor’s office.
• 12 wallpapers along with concept art, music, and video sequences
• Replay 22 HOP scenes and 24 mini-games.
• Gimmicky camera to take photos of the scenes for paranormal research.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW SAMPLES OF THE PUZZLES WITHIN THE GAME: (E = Easy; H = Hard)
A. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play notes on a piano in the proper sequence based on a sheet of music. The hard version is upside down. Try reading music upside down!
B. E/H. Battleship puzzle. Move a ship upon a grid avoiding mines within its path. If you hit a mine, you return to the start. The hard version has more mines.
C. E/H. Map puzzle. Lead the ship through the ocean avoiding rocks and other obstacles within your path. In the easy version you have 3 lives (mistakes) you can make. You have only one in the hard version.
D. Tangram puzzle. Nice variation of this puzzle. Rotate shapes around a sailboat clockwise or counterclockwise. Drop the shapes into the empty slots to create the sailboat.
E. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect crystals with each other. Unite those on one side with those on the other. Upon clicking on them, the stones will emit a line. Connect lines from the stones on crystals on both sides. Easy version has less crystals to connect.
F. E/H. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a globe to restore the continents and oceans where they should be. The harder version has more rings to rotate. Rotating one affects the others.
G. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place gears into position so they connect and rotate. Hard version has more gears to connect.
H. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place gem filled triangles into position so that abutting gems match color. The hard version has more triangles to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch suns and moons – each on one side of the grid so they exchange places. The hard version has one more of each to swap.
J. E/H. Connection puzzle. Using a scythe, cut dry grass so none remain. If you run out of place to cut you must restart. The harder version has more dry grass to remove.
K. Mathematical puzzle. Arrange cards which have numerical values associated with them so that the sum of the two cards equal the total between the numbers.
A. E/H. Sequence puzzle. Play notes on a piano in the proper sequence based on a sheet of music. The hard version is upside down. Try reading music upside down!
B. E/H. Battleship puzzle. Move a ship upon a grid avoiding mines within its path. If you hit a mine, you return to the start. The hard version has more mines.
C. E/H. Map puzzle. Lead the ship through the ocean avoiding rocks and other obstacles within your path. In the easy version you have 3 lives (mistakes) you can make. You have only one in the hard version.
D. Tangram puzzle. Nice variation of this puzzle. Rotate shapes around a sailboat clockwise or counterclockwise. Drop the shapes into the empty slots to create the sailboat.
E. E/H. Connection puzzle. Connect crystals with each other. Unite those on one side with those on the other. Upon clicking on them, the stones will emit a line. Connect lines from the stones on crystals on both sides. Easy version has less crystals to connect.
F. E/H. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a globe to restore the continents and oceans where they should be. The harder version has more rings to rotate. Rotating one affects the others.
G. E/H. Gear puzzle. Place gears into position so they connect and rotate. Hard version has more gears to connect.
H. E/H. Assembly puzzle. Place gem filled triangles into position so that abutting gems match color. The hard version has more triangles to place.
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. E/H. Switch puzzle. Switch suns and moons – each on one side of the grid so they exchange places. The hard version has one more of each to swap.
J. E/H. Connection puzzle. Using a scythe, cut dry grass so none remain. If you run out of place to cut you must restart. The harder version has more dry grass to remove.
K. Mathematical puzzle. Arrange cards which have numerical values associated with them so that the sum of the two cards equal the total between the numbers.
I recommend this game!
Can you stop the destruction of the Shining World in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
75 of 111 found this review helpful
A LONG NORDIC LEGEND PACKED INTO A SHORT GAME
PostedJuly 13, 2023
sunnyglow
fromLost in the Shining World trying to figure out where the Scalds are located.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
5 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
Skol! Travel to the magical world of Nordic legends, the Shining World. Lovebirds, Astrid and her fiancé, Ulf, venture to a market to sell wool to finance their wedding. However, their nuptials will be delayed when they are involved in an accident and Ulf is transformed into a wolf. The god of mischief, Loki, is responsible for transforming Ulf into a wolf, insisting it was an accident. However, was it truly an accident or did Loki have ulterior motives? Astrid, accompanied by the god Loki, will enter a fantasy realm, the Shining World, to find a way to find a way to transform Ulf back to his human form. If not, Ulf may be key to the prophesized end of the Shining World, a prophecy called Ragnarok.
This is a decent HOPA game. However, I found some of the story too complex for a HOPA game with too many locations and characters within the story. I still cannot figure out if the Alfars were elves or humans. And where are the Skalds located? The pace is decent for most of the game. There are a few places where I felt the game became tedious and dragged down somewhat. To me, it appears extra activities were thrown in to make the game seem longer. Less is more sometimes, and this game has filler which could have been left out. In my opinion getting rid of some of the extras would have made the game flow smoother and made it more enjoyable.
There are two collectibles, animals, and morphing objects. Most scenes have two of each. I found many impossible to locate in some scenes. They are so well-hidden and some I could not find them, even with the help of the strategy guide. I just ended up clicking on the scene until the collectible was discovered. If all of them are collected, a painting puzzle can be played upon completion of the game. I love most of this developer’s games.
For me, this is not their best work. With a rambling storyline coupled with repetitious and tedious activities, this is one I give a lukewarm rating. What this game has to do with polar lights is beyond me. There is no mention of anything related to either the North Pole or the South Pole within this game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES: There are thirty (30) mini-games and thirty-one (31) HOP scenes (from what I counted). Some of scenes are what I consider mini-HOP scenes in which six or seven items are located. Eleven (11) mini-games and seventeen (17) HOP scenes can be played upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes include standard lists of items, matching pairs scenes, fragment scenes, and silhouette scenes. When the wolf amulet is used, a matching HOP game pops up. There are six (6) of these scenes within the game and they progressively become more difficult. As the game progresses, the items must be uncovered and switch places after each turn.
The mini-games are varied. Some have a casual and hard version of the puzzle. However, I did not find any of the puzzles, even in the hard version, very challenging. The puzzles are variations of those seen in other games.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 30 achievements with 9 having 3 parts.
• Collect 49 animals to unlock 5 animal figurines upon completion of the game.
• Collect 49 morphing objects.
• 8 wallpapers with 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 11 mini-games and 17 HOP scenes.
• Gimmicky wolf amulet which is used to summon skalds.
• 30 achievements with 9 having 3 parts.
• Collect 49 animals to unlock 5 animal figurines upon completion of the game.
• Collect 49 morphing objects.
• 8 wallpapers with 5 screensavers along with concept art, music, and video sequences.
• Replay 11 mini-games and 17 HOP scenes.
• Gimmicky wolf amulet which is used to summon skalds.
BONUS CHAPTER: It is a sequel set 25 years after the end of the main game. Loki’s love interest, Sigyn, has forgotten him along with all his other acquaintances as well. Loki is suffering from the curse of the Skuld. Upon receipt of a letter from Loki, Sigyn remembers him and is off to reunite with him and discover who is causing her and his other friends to forget him. The main players from the main game return in this chapter. The chapter is long with various activities. There are eight (8) mini-games and seven (7) HOP scenes. The collectibles continue being collected within this chapter. I feel this chapter was decent and worthy of a collector’s edition rating.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Switch hexagonal tokens on a grid so they link together.
B. Assembly puzzle. Scroll 3 wooden statues, each divided into 3 parts until they match a given diagram. Moving one segment affects the others.
C. Maze puzzle. Find parts of the castle in the dark and reach the castle through the maze. Also locate all parts of the lock.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a grid so that the left part and right part of the grid match and are symmetrical.
E. Paint by number puzzle using embroidery. Choose colors to embroider based upon symbols on parts of the picture.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Checkers puzzle. Remove hearts situated upon a grid so none remain. Jump over a heart with a heart of a different color to remove it.
G. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image.
B. Assembly puzzle. Scroll 3 wooden statues, each divided into 3 parts until they match a given diagram. Moving one segment affects the others.
C. Maze puzzle. Find parts of the castle in the dark and reach the castle through the maze. Also locate all parts of the lock.
D. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate rings on a grid so that the left part and right part of the grid match and are symmetrical.
E. Paint by number puzzle using embroidery. Choose colors to embroider based upon symbols on parts of the picture.
BONUS CHAPTER:
F. Checkers puzzle. Remove hearts situated upon a grid so none remain. Jump over a heart with a heart of a different color to remove it.
G. Assembly puzzle. Rotate rings to restore an image.
I recommend this game!
A journey to the sea to uncover a mind-altering plan!
Overall rating
5
/
5
96 of 134 found this review helpful
ANOTHER “FISH-TASTIC” GAME
PostedJuly 6, 2023
sunnyglow
fromNow that our siren, Cecilia, is a fish out of water without her tail, she should pursue a new career in show business. With her mesmerizing voice, Cecilia is guaranteed to win “The Voice,” “American Idol,” or both!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 35 pages
Enter the enchanted world of the Sea Witch, Marianna, where tiny clouds inhabit the homes and mischievous, fluttering water pixies cause chaos. I loved this game. Marianna is a whiz at potions, spells, and transformations and is in demand to help her fellow villagers and seafolk. In this game, a heartbroken princess, Cassandra, has asked her help to rescue her prince on her wedding day. Marianna must stop a loved crazed siren, Cecilia, from stopping the wedding of Princess Cassandra to her Prince Charming. The prince is under a spell, mesmerized by the voice of the siren. However, with the help of a few potions and spells, you and Marianna should be able to reunite this couple in wedded bliss.
This is another fairy tale delight from Elephant Games. For me, this is the perfect length for a HOPA game. It took me approximately four (4) hours to play this game, including the bonus chapter. Some developers provide longer games which are more complex with more difficult puzzles; however, most of those are just too long for me and seem to take forever to finish. The game is relaxing and easy to play with nonchallenging puzzles and a nice variety of HOP scenes. The graphics are gorgeous as usual for Elephant Games. This might be a great game for the kidlets as well with some adult help. Collect siren cards and puzzle fragments to play a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game. The puzzle is hidden within the Secret Room. The player cannot miss those collectibles, however. They are huge, in my opinion, too large. It will not take any effort to see them within the scenes. However, if playing with children, that may not be a bad thing.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Expedition room which allows the player to return to the scenes and retrieve any missed collectibles.
• Secret Room which contains the jigsaw puzzle to play after the completion of the game.
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments (shaped as a shell) to complete a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game.
• Collect 12 morphing siren cards.
• 8 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Expedition room which allows the player to return to the scenes and retrieve any missed collectibles.
• Secret Room which contains the jigsaw puzzle to play after the completion of the game.
• Collect 24 puzzle fragments (shaped as a shell) to complete a jigsaw puzzle upon completion of the game.
• Collect 12 morphing siren cards.
• 8 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
BONUS CHAPTER: Poor Princess Cassandra! Our future drama queen is experiencing yet another difficulty in her upcoming nuptials to the prince - water pixies. As Marianna, you must help her get rid of these tiny nuisances which are causing chaos throughout the castle. With the help of your friend, Alistair, an expert in magic sea creatures, you will try to locate and rid the castle of these tiny pests. I loved this whimsical chapter. It does appear that tiny water pixies can cause a ruckus within a castle. The buzzing pixies are adorable. Discover the reason for their presence at the castle and help Marianna to get them to leave. There are five (5) HOP scenes and six (6) mini-games. There are also a couple of mini-HOP scenes with six items to be located. I loved the story behind the chapter and feel it is a good addition to the game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES. I counted eighteen (18) HOP scenes, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. The HOP scenes include the usual lists of items, matching, and silhouette. There are some fragment scenes in which the player must identify an area within the scene the fragment is from. Some the scenes require you to collect more than one item to remove the item displayed. There are several mini-HOP scenes throughout the game in which six or seven items must be located. I found most enjoyable and the items easy to locate. They are creatively designed with some creatively designed matching scenes. In one scene open bureau drawers to find items to match. In another, items must be uncovered to match to locate matches.
There are nineteen (19) mini-games, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I found the puzzles easy and creatively designed. As with most of this developer’s games, there are quite a few picture puzzles.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Rotating rings puzzle. Rotate 3 rings with grooves in them align to create paths for 4 rods to reach the center of the circle.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on two circles to restore an image. There are 3 images to create.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch rings with creatures on them so they align with images associated with the creatures. Each creature is associated with 2 images.
D. Assembly puzzle. Place items on two shelves so all items are on the shelves, with none overlapping each other.
E. Sequence puzzle. On a grid, travel through each square in an unbroken chain so given musical symbols on the squares are activated in the proper order. There are 3 grids to play.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into a square grid so all fit.
G. Tracing puzzle. Trace 4 symbols.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch squares to recreate an image.
I. Mirror puzzle. Move mirrors to a location so that two matching mushrooms connect with each other via light beams.
B. Switch puzzle. Switch pieces on two circles to restore an image. There are 3 images to create.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch rings with creatures on them so they align with images associated with the creatures. Each creature is associated with 2 images.
D. Assembly puzzle. Place items on two shelves so all items are on the shelves, with none overlapping each other.
E. Sequence puzzle. On a grid, travel through each square in an unbroken chain so given musical symbols on the squares are activated in the proper order. There are 3 grids to play.
BONUS CHAPTER
F. Tangram puzzle. Place pieces into a square grid so all fit.
G. Tracing puzzle. Trace 4 symbols.
H. Switch puzzle. Switch squares to recreate an image.
I. Mirror puzzle. Move mirrors to a location so that two matching mushrooms connect with each other via light beams.
I recommend this game!
Medium:
Can you navigate three chilling stories and find a new path?
Overall rating
5
/
5
90 of 136 found this review helpful
ANOTHER “PHANTASMIC” GAME FROM ELEPHANT GAMES - ONE OF THE BEST GAMES THIS YEAR
PostedJune 22, 2023
sunnyglow
fromKudos to Elephant Games for another masterpiece. From this game’s second tale I learned that a “ghoul’s” future best “fiend” may be your best friend.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 54 pages
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 54 pages
Return to the Crossroads Bar, a place which exists at the corner of nowhere and everywhere. In this “phantasmic” game, join Mistress Eve as she helps a woman, Eden Royer, deal with the grief she is experiencing upon the death of her mother. Play Eden as she crosses the threshold of death in three haunting tales.
This is another superb game from Elephant Games, one which displays a great deal of creativity. I did not find this game scary; however, all three tales deal with ghosts, ghouls, and the afterlife. I feel this game is the best of the series so far. I loved this game and did not suffer a death from boredom nor from any of the ghosts and ghoulies inhabiting it. I believe that having three well-written stories maintained the excellent pace in this game.
There are many choices to make throughout the game. At times, I sat there contemplating the best answer to the situation at hand. The player will have to choose between three (3) answers as they interact with the story characters. Those choices will determine the outcome of each tale. There will also be two or three choices made in the battle scenes as well. How the player deals with a villain in each story will also determine the outcome. If Mistress Eve views you as having learned all the valuable lessons within the game, you win. However, if you fail, you can always replay the game for a higher score.
There are two collectibles within the game, books on mythology and puzzle pieces. The books on mythology describe how the afterlife is viewed within twelve cultures. I found some of the collectibles difficult to locate and had to use the strategy guide to locate some of them. Most are well-hidden within the scenes. If you miss any of the collectibles, you can return to the twenty-four (24) scenes in the Expedition Room. As in most of Elephant’s games, there is a Secret Room which houses a jigsaw puzzle in which you can play with the puzzles pieces you collect within the game.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements.
• Collect 12 books on the view of death within mythology and 24 puzzle pieces
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• An Expedition room allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles.
• A Secret room contains a jigsaw puzzle in which to place the 24 collected puzzle pieces.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 11 achievements.
• Collect 12 books on the view of death within mythology and 24 puzzle pieces
• 5 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 13 HOP scenes and 13 mini-games.
• An Expedition room allows the player to return to the scenes to locate missing collectibles.
• A Secret room contains a jigsaw puzzle in which to place the 24 collected puzzle pieces.
BONUS CHAPTER: Join Mistress Eve as she rewrites the three tales from the main game with the stroke of her magic quill. A trickster has entered each of those three tales and altered the stories. Now you must help her rewrite them as they were originally written. Cleverly, this chapter returns to each of the original tales and mixes up the stories somewhat. There are six (6) each of mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes. I feel this is a wonderful addition to the game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES: Elephant is doing a much better job in creating exciting puzzles and HOP scenes. I feel they are much more creatively designed. There are twenty-one (21) puzzles within the game, thirteen (13) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. I found the puzzles superb. None are challenging and there is one which has a choice to be played in either an easy or hard version.
There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes with a few mini-HOP scenes with six to seven items to be located. There are standard lists of items, silhouette items, matching pairs, narrative scenes with items located in highlighted letters, and one scene with rebus clues. Some scenes have items which are given and are to be returned to the scene in the proper location.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE A FEW OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO:
A. Slat puzzle. Slide slats up, down, and sideways to restore an image on a tablet.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 11 tiles into position to restore an image of ghoul.
C. Maze puzzle. In 46 moves, lead your figure to the center of a maze avoiding traps.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Lead 3 characters out of a maze. In the easy version move the characters throughout the maze. In the hard version you must plot their course before they begin. Avoid obstacles along the route. 2X
E. Match-3 game. Battle the ghost. Fill up your bars by getting more of your colored tokens than the ghost.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate circles within a painting to restore the image.
G. Paint by Number puzzle. In this case – paint by symbol. Paint areas with a symbol the color assigned to that symbol. 2X
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Match-3 or more game. Battle the ghost. Fill up your bars by getting more of your colored tokens than the ghost.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate circles within a painting to restore the image.
K. Sleight of hand. Find the card with Mistress Eve on it as it is placed under one of 3 cups and shuffled.
B. Sliding tiles puzzle. Slide 11 tiles into position to restore an image of ghoul.
C. Maze puzzle. In 46 moves, lead your figure to the center of a maze avoiding traps.
D. E/H. Maze puzzle. Lead 3 characters out of a maze. In the easy version move the characters throughout the maze. In the hard version you must plot their course before they begin. Avoid obstacles along the route. 2X
E. Match-3 game. Battle the ghost. Fill up your bars by getting more of your colored tokens than the ghost.
F. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate circles within a painting to restore the image.
G. Paint by Number puzzle. In this case – paint by symbol. Paint areas with a symbol the color assigned to that symbol. 2X
BONUS CHAPTER:
H. Match-3 or more game. Battle the ghost. Fill up your bars by getting more of your colored tokens than the ghost.
I. Switch puzzle. Switch and rotate circles within a painting to restore the image.
K. Sleight of hand. Find the card with Mistress Eve on it as it is placed under one of 3 cups and shuffled.
I recommend this game!
Sometimes the past returns without warning or permission.
Overall rating
5
/
5
77 of 142 found this review helpful
ANOTHER “PHAN-TASMIC” GAME FROM ELEPHANT GAMES
PostedJune 8, 2023
sunnyglow
fromAt a seaside summer camp dealing with mosquitoes, bees, and a vengeful ghost! Also elated to have another HOPA game to play!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
3 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 42 pages
Join Dana Strange on another haunting adventure! Do ghosts exist? You will find out as you sleuth your way through the Sea Waves Summer Camp. Investigate a ghostly presence who is out to avenge his death from drowning. It is believed that the drowning was no accident, and seemingly, his deceased spirit is haunting fellow lifeguards who he blames for his death. But is that possible? By collecting and analyzing evidence, you, along with Detective Strange will decide whether a disgruntled ghost is causing camp chaos, or if there is a more corporal being behind these disturbances.
What a “phan-tasmic” game! I see a great improvement in the quality of Elephant’s game as of late. I loved the story and could not figure out the facts behind the ghostly attacks until the very end. However, I did have my suspicions about some of the characters. This is a long game which has a terrific storyline. The pace is good due to numerous activities within the game. I did not think the warnings for the “graphic nature” of the game were necessary. I did not find the game scary at all.
As you collect clues, you enter them into a journal and can refer to the journal as Dana makes conclusions about the case. I do like this gaming feature as I found the story did become somewhat complex. Dana evaluates the evidence and makes speculations about the case which helps clarify what is happening within the story. Collect puzzle pieces which are represented as bees and items associated with a sea camp. I found all easy to find. If all are located, a jigsaw puzzle can be played, one which is hidden within Secret room. There are no morphing objects within this game.
HOP SCENES AND MINI-GAMES: I counted twenty-one (21) mini-games, twelve (12) of which can be replayed upon completion of the game. There are twenty (20) HOP scenes, fourteen (14) of which can be replayed as well. There are also several mini-HOP scenes in which six items are located. There are a variety of mini-games, most of which are varieties of ones seen in most games. The HOP scenes are somewhat nondescript. There are lists of items, silhouettes, and matching. There are some scenes with a narrative to further the story.
MECHANICS:
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 21 puzzle pieces shaped like bees for a puzzle locked away in the Secret Room.
• Collect 12 sea creatures and items associated with the sea.
• An Expedition Room contains 22 scenes from the game in which to search for missing collectibles.
• 6 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 12 Mini-games.
• Notebook in which to keep notes, observations, and conclusions.
• Eve – your alter ego who helps you with the case.
• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• 21 achievements.
• Collect 21 puzzle pieces shaped like bees for a puzzle locked away in the Secret Room.
• Collect 12 sea creatures and items associated with the sea.
• An Expedition Room contains 22 scenes from the game in which to search for missing collectibles.
• 6 wallpapers along with a screensaver and music.
• Replay 14 HOP scenes and 12 Mini-games.
• Notebook in which to keep notes, observations, and conclusions.
• Eve – your alter ego who helps you with the case.
BONUS CHAPTER: Accompany Dana Strange, as she jets off to Glasgow, Scotland with her boss. One of her boss’ friends has enlisted their help to investigate strange events happening at an art museum. In this case, Dana must discover who or what is behind these events, including inventory disappearing and reappearing. Continue to collect the collectibles. This is a long chapter and worth the price of the Collector’s Edition of this game. There are seven (7) mini-games and six (6) HOP scenes along with a few mini-HOP scenes with a small number of items to locate.
SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFER THE DEMO:
A. Connection puzzle. Move circles into position so connections are made between them. 3X
B. Alignment puzzle. Align notched dowels with crossbars on an entrance.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch the fragments of 5 pictures so that 5 photographs are restored.
D. Switch/Logic puzzle Move 12 items so that each item is related in some way to the other items in both the row and column. Only those of matching color or purpose can be switched.
E. Sequence puzzle. Remove barbs from barbed wire in sequential order.
F. Bullseye. Use two slider bars to align 2 circles so they shoot a gun.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Switch puzzle. Switch fragments to restore an image.
H. Matching puzzle. Copy 3 given patterns on 3 grids under water. You are timed and only have so much time to complete the pattern.
I. Logic puzzle. Arrange chess pieces according to given instructions.
B. Alignment puzzle. Align notched dowels with crossbars on an entrance.
C. Switch puzzle. Switch the fragments of 5 pictures so that 5 photographs are restored.
D. Switch/Logic puzzle Move 12 items so that each item is related in some way to the other items in both the row and column. Only those of matching color or purpose can be switched.
E. Sequence puzzle. Remove barbs from barbed wire in sequential order.
F. Bullseye. Use two slider bars to align 2 circles so they shoot a gun.
BONUS CHAPTER:
G. Switch puzzle. Switch fragments to restore an image.
H. Matching puzzle. Copy 3 given patterns on 3 grids under water. You are timed and only have so much time to complete the pattern.
I. Logic puzzle. Arrange chess pieces according to given instructions.
I recommend this game!