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:
Witches' Legacy: Slumbering Darkness Collector's Edition
The legacy of the witches continues when Lynn and her husband are lured into a trap by a mysterious sorcerer…
Overall rating
3
/
5
78 of 114 found this review helpful
A Series That Never Ends -It Goes On And On My Friends - Same Old Battle Rehashed and Repackaged
PostedFebruary 26, 2015
sunnyglow
fromHiding out in a HOP scene to escape the demonic imp in this game - actually to escape playing this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Current Favorite:
Nightmares from the Deep: The Siren's Call Collector's Edition
(114)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The continuing saga of the "Battle of the Witches" returns in yet another "Mommy- to -the- rescue" game from the Fun Elephant. It is a game with mediocre graphics with puzzles and HOP scenes which lack innovation or creativity. Like fads or a television series, everything has a beginning, a middle and an END! Some of the devs keep trying to pump more life into these storylines, many of which, like this one, are on life support Now that Lynn has grown up, fought two witches and married her love, Edward, the devs are now dragging our poor heroine through yet another perilous journey in a rehash of the previous games adding yet another witch into the brew.
Also making an encore appearance is the CREEPY DEMONIC IMP (originally "borrowed" from another game series). HE CONTINUALLY WAVES AND GRUNTS THROUGHOUT THE GAME HE BOGS DOWN THE GAME AND HIS SERVICES ARE REQUIRED FIVE TIMES IN THE DEMO ALONE!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS FROM THE DEMO:
Your precocious daughter Lynn has married the witch hunter Edward, finally convincing him that not all witches are vil. They are celebrating their first anniversary at the local fair. This time, an evil puppet master who looks suspiciously like Julian Sands from the 1989 cult classic, "The Warlock," (Digging into the moldy, oldies dev?) kidnaps your daughter and the quest begins for you to find both your daughter and son-in -law who is has been turned into a puppet. Is the puppet master behind this or is someone else lurking behind the scenes pulling his strings? Are Lynn's past nemeses really gone or just waiting in the wings for more "fun and games?"
LEVELS: Four - Casual, (Sparkles) Normal (Sparkles) Hard (No hints, skips or sparkles) All vary in amount of times for penalties on clicking in HOP scenes Customized. Hints range from 10 to 35 seconds. Skips range from 10 to 50 seconds
INVENTORY: Interactive and puzzle-like. To me the best part of the game.
PUZZLES: Not very many puzzles in this game and most I found easy and boring.
A. Find differences between two similar pictures
B. Rotate pieces to place them into correct slots matching shapes of the objects.
C. Remove all obstacles on a train track - BEST PUZZLE OF THE DEMO TO ME
D. Posing figures to match prompts
E. Storybook sequencing puzzles - choosing from series of items for the witch hunters to defeat the witch, Thetis.
B. Rotate pieces to place them into correct slots matching shapes of the objects.
C. Remove all obstacles on a train track - BEST PUZZLE OF THE DEMO TO ME
D. Posing figures to match prompts
E. Storybook sequencing puzzles - choosing from series of items for the witch hunters to defeat the witch, Thetis.
HOP SCENES: Not creative, innovative, nor puzzle-like. In many of the HOP scenes, the items were difficult to locate, at least for me. I lieu of the HOP scenes you can match cards in some scenes
A. Find masks to uncover lists of items to locate and receive items with which to further interact with the scene
B. Locate birds to complete a door puzzle
C. Find items by silhouette then a cryptic clue locates an inventory item
D. Find parts for a train
E. Search for list items. As you locate items, you open up hidden caches containing items to be used in creating a potion for levitation
F. Same scene used twice. Second time as a junk pile list of items. As you discover items, you uncover gears which are used in a distiller to create pollen
B. Locate birds to complete a door puzzle
C. Find items by silhouette then a cryptic clue locates an inventory item
D. Find parts for a train
E. Search for list items. As you locate items, you open up hidden caches containing items to be used in creating a potion for levitation
F. Same scene used twice. Second time as a junk pile list of items. As you discover items, you uncover gears which are used in a distiller to create pollen
EXTRA GOODIES:
A. Collect 36 jigsaw pieces to construct 4 puzzles about characters in the game.
B. THE IMP RETURNS He actually freaks me out with those creepy eyes
C. 33 morphing objects
D. You receive the map as you play the game and why I have no idea you had to "locate" it. You did not have to solve a puzzle to get the map - it is just lying in front of you. Shows places to get collectibles and morphing objects as well.
E. 12 Achievements
F. The usual wallpaper, "muzac" (if you wish to listen to them) and art gallery
G. Strategy guide
A. Collect 36 jigsaw pieces to construct 4 puzzles about characters in the game.
B. THE IMP RETURNS He actually freaks me out with those creepy eyes
C. 33 morphing objects
D. You receive the map as you play the game and why I have no idea you had to "locate" it. You did not have to solve a puzzle to get the map - it is just lying in front of you. Shows places to get collectibles and morphing objects as well.
E. 12 Achievements
F. The usual wallpaper, "muzac" (if you wish to listen to them) and art gallery
G. Strategy guide
MY FAVORITE PART OF THE GAME. I loved changing the "smiles" on the masks to "frowns" at the beginning of the demo to reflect my opinion on this whole game. LOL - Oops - my smile returned - the "grumpy" masks made me laugh! LOL
I RATE THIS GAME 3 CREEPY IMPS OUT OF 5 CREEPY IMPS. HOPEFULLY ALL OF THEM WILL SOON BE RECLAIMED BY THE WITCH MORGANA ALONG WITH THIS GAME SERIES
OTHER GAMES IN THE SERIES:
Witches Legacy: Hunter And The Hunted
Witches Legacy: Lair of the Witch Queen
Witches Legacy: The Charleston Curse
Witches Legacy: The Ties That Bind
Witches Legacy: Lair of the Witch Queen
Witches Legacy: The Charleston Curse
Witches Legacy: The Ties That Bind
I recommend this game!
Magic Gate: Faces of Darkness
Venture into a magical world and experience the struggle of good versus evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
63 of 90 found this review helpful
Through The Looking Glass To A Whimsical World of Fairy Folk
PostedFebruary 24, 2015
sunnyglow
fromWorking on a new forumla for fertilizer based on rose petals and butterfly wings LOL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Enter a world of fantasy and cartoon-like characters with a "syrupy sweet" old school game from a new dev. You are the soon- to- be- wed husband of a young Hipster couple. While fixing up your new house, your fiancé is abducted by a mirror. What dark creature has captured your beloved and where has he taken her? Completing the task of fixing the mirror, you end up in an enchanted land. You must find your fiancé. For an SE, it is a decent game and worthy of a five star rating. However, it is old school, and did not capture my interest. I soon became bored playing this game and the "muzac" (I am not a fan of "Irish" fairy folk or music) almost put me to sleep. It is worth a coupon, however and it will appeal to some on this site.
LEVELS: 3 - Casual (Sparkles and penalties) Advanced (No sparkles - penalties) Hard (No hints or skips - penalties)
GRAPHICS: Cartoonish with garish red contrasted with bright emerald green. There is mouth movement for the characters.
PUZZLES: Since there is only a 30 minute demo, I did not encounter many. In the demo I encountered:
A. Move items aside to find an inventory item
B. Move a ship through obstacles which I found it hard to navigate - very slow and tedious. I spent way too much time with this puzzle. Very poorly constructed.
C. Play "chemist" and formulate a fertilizing potion with" rose petals and butterfly pollen" How sweet! Oh - the wondrous world of fantasy! LOL Yeah - right I so want to work at that plant.
A. Move items aside to find an inventory item
B. Move a ship through obstacles which I found it hard to navigate - very slow and tedious. I spent way too much time with this puzzle. Very poorly constructed.
C. Play "chemist" and formulate a fertilizing potion with" rose petals and butterfly pollen" How sweet! Oh - the wondrous world of fantasy! LOL Yeah - right I so want to work at that plant.
HOP SCENES: In the demo I encountered:
A. Locate a certain amount of an item
B. Junk piles and somewhat interactive
A. Locate a certain amount of an item
B. Junk piles and somewhat interactive
I RATE THIS GAME 4 RED BUTTERFLIES OUT OF 5 GREEN BUTTERFLIES. HOPE YOU AREN'T COLOR BLIND!
I recommend this game!
Fill and Cross Pirate Riddles 3
To sail or not to sail? What kind of question is that! While others mull it over, you can be the first to find the treasure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 34 found this review helpful
Shiver Me Timbers ! A Treasure Trove of Sparkling Nonograms
PostedFebruary 23, 2015
sunnyglow
fromConnecting with my inner pirate and daydreaming of the Caribbean
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Sail Ho! I spy some pirate treasure - a nonogram treasure. What a nice surprise for a Grumpy Cat Monday! Ahoy mates! The Grumpster is all decked out today with an eyepatch and ready to weigh anchor and play this nonogram. My two favorite things are paired together - Pirates (I have always wanted to be a pirate) and O'Ekaki (AKA - pictograms, nonograms, paint by number - or add a name of your own).
As a cabin girl, I used to play these by hand in puzzle magazines. I LOVE these games. However, that being said, I have become spoiled and wish this dev would update their gaming technology. Another dev providing these games provides "auto fill" for the blank spaces in this puzzle. Also, the other dev provides finished pictures with multiple colors. Having to "click" in crossed swords in the empty spaces is rather time consuming. I will still purchase via a coupon, but would like to see this dev update this game.
I recommend this game!
Nightfall Mysteries: Haunted by the Past Collector's Edition
Track down the truth about your grandfather's death!
Overall rating
5
/
5
167 of 224 found this review helpful
Investigating An "Old" Love Triangle From the Right Angle - An "Adult" Soap Opera Mystery Game
PostedFebruary 21, 2015
sunnyglow
fromCleaning my refrigerator, giving all my leftovers to the gluttonous, chubby-cheeked hamster from this game
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Returning to the "soapy" scene of a 1959 scandal, comes an ADULT THEMED game from the VAST Gaming Empire. This is a "quirky" game which I LOVE and, like a spicy Spanish flavored "telenovela," I cannot wait to finish it ! From the HOP scene with the GLUTTONOUS CHUBBY-CHEEKED HAMSTER (so creative) to the mysterious adult soap opera theme of this game, it is well worth FIVE stars. It is NOT the BEST game in terms of innovation and creativity; however, it is a "fun" suspenseful game which has a well-written storyline. The HOP scenes are varied. The puzzles are well-done and vary in difficulty. This game also qualifies a quick review from the production staffs for segments on "Deadly Affairs" on ID television or on a "Maury" paternity test show. LOL
HERE ARE THE DETAILS BASED ON A CLIFFHANGER DEMO:
You, as Christine, along with your husband, Viggo, attend the funeral of your grandfather, Charles, who has died in a tragic fire. Before his death, your grandfather was stalked by a stranger possibly related to his past and he had written you a letter asking you to return to Haven Rock. What was troubling your grandfather? Investigating, you uncover some unsavory secrets concerning your grandfather's ex-wife, Birdie. "Loosely" speaking, Birdie betrayed your grandfather and became pregnant by another man. Gasp! Shock! A true 1959 scandal! Who was Birdie's lover? Now, your grandfather's stalker is menacing you and your husband. Who is out to kill you and your husband.? Adding to the mystery is a "package Birdie had delivered" to her brother Devon in secret . What is the mystery concerning that "package?"
EXTRA MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM TO "ADD" TO ALL THE ANGLES IN THIS GAME. How old was Birdie when she got pregnant in 1959? Probability would dictate before 35; therefore, I could say that Birdie was being "Young and Restless"; however, being married in 1941 (18 years) to Grandpa before she got pregnant, I guess she was older and just going through "the crisis" of "Days of Our "Mid" Life." Your guesstimate is as good as mine LOL
LEVELS: Easy, (Sparkles) Normal, Difficult, Custom Varying times for hints and skips, 30 to 95 seconds You also choose between 3 types of cursors. Rather neat
INVENTORY: It is neither interactive nor puzzle-like. It is lockable.
HOP SCENES: Varied and somewhat interactive. During the demo I encountered:
A. Same HOP scene used twice. First as search via Silhouette and the second as a junk pile list with no puzzle-like interactivity.
B. Searching for similar types of an item (handkerchiefs) to combine to create an inventory item
C. I LOVED THE THIRD HOP SCENE! Cryptic clues used to help locate an item to feed a GLUTTONOUS HAMSTER - YEAH! - SO COOL, ,ENTERTAINING AND THE BEST HOP SCENE EVER! LOL THANKS DEVS!
D. A second cryptic clue HOP scene
B. Searching for similar types of an item (handkerchiefs) to combine to create an inventory item
C. I LOVED THE THIRD HOP SCENE! Cryptic clues used to help locate an item to feed a GLUTTONOUS HAMSTER - YEAH! - SO COOL, ,ENTERTAINING AND THE BEST HOP SCENE EVER! LOL THANKS DEVS!
D. A second cryptic clue HOP scene
PUZZLES: Variations of previous puzzles we have seen before. They vary in difficulty from extremely easy to somewhat challenging. In the demo I encountered:
A. Variation of a tile puzzle - Place tiles in correct location to create three tubes to release gems
B. Creating recipes - rose tea
C. Variation of a "light puzzle" in which you either extinguish all lights or turn on all lights and by turning one on or off it affects other lights. In this case you keep need to extinguish yellow candles but keep purple candles lit.
D. Manipulate mannequins into correct positions to play instruments
E. Set a clock to specific times to learn more about the history of the Crenshaw estate using dates from the journal
F. Set fuses into correct slots to restore electricity
G .Matching sets of keys to get correct key
H. Set knobs into correct positions to open a box
B. Creating recipes - rose tea
C. Variation of a "light puzzle" in which you either extinguish all lights or turn on all lights and by turning one on or off it affects other lights. In this case you keep need to extinguish yellow candles but keep purple candles lit.
D. Manipulate mannequins into correct positions to play instruments
E. Set a clock to specific times to learn more about the history of the Crenshaw estate using dates from the journal
F. Set fuses into correct slots to restore electricity
G .Matching sets of keys to get correct key
H. Set knobs into correct positions to open a box
GRAPHICS: Somewhat well done. No mouth movements on the characters. The colors are vivid. The "muzac" is unobtrusive
EXTRA GOODIES:
A. Strategy Guide
B. 10 Achievements
C. Collect 46 masks
D. Audiotapes to delve into the mysterious love triangle
E. Interactive map provided at the beginning
F. Extras - Art gallery, Music, Replay Puzzles and Hidden Objects
G. NO MORPHING OBJECTS
B. 10 Achievements
C. Collect 46 masks
D. Audiotapes to delve into the mysterious love triangle
E. Interactive map provided at the beginning
F. Extras - Art gallery, Music, Replay Puzzles and Hidden Objects
G. NO MORPHING OBJECTS
I RATE THIS GAME 6 CHUBBY CHEEKED HAMSTERS OUT OF 5 GLUTTONOUS HAMSTERS. THE EXTRA HAMSTER IS FOR ME TO KEEP AS A LIVING GARBAGE DISPOSAL. YEAH!
A BIG THANK YOU DEV FOR NOT ASKING US TO "NAME" THE HAMSTER NOR "CARRY" HIM AROUND THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE GAME. HE IS THE BEST HELPER EVER - QUIETLY RUNNING IN CIRCLES ON A WHEEL TRYING TO HELP SOLVE THIS GAME AWAITING THE BIG PAYOUT FROM MY REFRIGERATOR
Other games in this series:
NIGHTFALL MYSTERIES: ASYLUM CONSPIRACY
NIGHTFALL MYSTERIES: BLACK HEART
NIGHTFALL MYSTERIES: CURSE OF THE OPERA
NIGHTFALL MYSTERIES: BLACK HEART
NIGHTFALL MYSTERIES: CURSE OF THE OPERA
I recommend this game!
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
A newlywed is threatened, and supernatural forces are afoot!
Overall rating
5
/
5
124 of 156 found this review helpful
Return to Paris To Solve A "Mystery Within a Mystery" In a "Phantasmatic" Cliffhanger
PostedFebruary 19, 2015
sunnyglow
fromIn a dark room, avoiding ghosties and my cat, hot cocoa in hand, trying to tie all the pieces together and find out "whodunit."
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A "must have" five-star whodunit from the GamERS for all mystery enthusiasts . Detective Dupin, is back in a spellbinding ghost story - a mystery within a mystery. The storyline keeps the gamer guessing. It is more puzzle oriented with only three HOP scenes in the demo. There are nine puzzles - one of which allowed you to choose between Hard and Casual modes. The graphics are beautifully done with muted colors and life-like characters. There are four levels of play, morphing objects to fill an aquarium, achievements and the use of a magic mirror to add a nice extra touch. To me, this is the BEST one of the series so far and will purchase immediately! I want to know what happened and not going to wait for a sale!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS BASED ON A CLIFFHANGER DEMO: BE WARNED - YOU WILL WANT TO PURCHASE THIS GAME AFTER PLAYING THE DEMO:
You play the assistant to the ever handsome, Detective Dupin. Dupin has been contacted by his college friend, Jacque who is now married to Marie Rogêt, the daughter of the owner of a famous bakery. She has been acting strangely and the house itself seems possessed by some unearthly presence demonstrated by apparitions and unearthly sounds. Something or someone seems to be upsetting Marie; however, she is not divulging the cause of her angst. She may be in danger, being stalked by a dark sinister character. You must collect all the loose ends and tie them together before you can solve this case. Tied to this mystery is the theater manager, Leblanc, and the death of his ballerina girlfriend, Lola Saunie, surprisingly a virtual "lookalike" of Marie. What happened to this dancer and how does this all relate to Jacque's wife, Marie? Marie's inheritance is at stake and blackmail also adds to the intrigue of this case. Why is the ghost of Lola Saunie haunting her Marie? Who is stalking Marie? This case will leave you "hanging" at the end of a suspenseful cliff at the end of the demo.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS FROM THE DEMO:
LEVELS: Casual (Sparkles) Advanced, Hard, Customized Each vary with amount of time for penalties,
hints and skips. Skips and hints are timed from 5 seconds to 200 seconds.
hints and skips. Skips and hints are timed from 5 seconds to 200 seconds.
GRAPHICS: Beautiful as usual for this dev, including mouth movement for the characters. Muted pastels and so well-done. Almost like a work of art.
INVENTORY: It is NOT interactive NOR puzzle-like. However, is locking and I believe if it were puzzle-like it would be overkill as this game has so many puzzles.
HOP SCENES: Somewhat interactive and puzzle-like. In the demo I encountered:
A & B. A list of items in a closet. Same closet is used again for a second HOP scene.
C. HOP scene is a carousel with well hidden images. Nicely done devs
A & B. A list of items in a closet. Same closet is used again for a second HOP scene.
C. HOP scene is a carousel with well hidden images. Nicely done devs
PUZZLES: They are varied with differing levels of difficulty. There is a choice between CASUAL and HARD for some puzzles. In the demo, I encountered:
A. Pushing 4 symbols in correct sequence on a clock
B. Matching cultural books with appropriate symbols for those cultures
C. Opening a lock by pressing 4 symbols in correct sequence
D. Choice in difficulty in creating a picture in a variation of as tile placement puzzle for a box.
E. Variation of a gear puzzle and movement of a ball along rotating slides to open a lock
F. Variation of mah-jong using barrels
G. Variation of a maze puzzle involving a ball to move keys to exit point
H. Opening up a safe with the help of the magic mirror for a combination
I. Variation of jigsaw puzzle with a poster
B. Matching cultural books with appropriate symbols for those cultures
C. Opening a lock by pressing 4 symbols in correct sequence
D. Choice in difficulty in creating a picture in a variation of as tile placement puzzle for a box.
E. Variation of a gear puzzle and movement of a ball along rotating slides to open a lock
F. Variation of mah-jong using barrels
G. Variation of a maze puzzle involving a ball to move keys to exit point
H. Opening up a safe with the help of the magic mirror for a combination
I. Variation of jigsaw puzzle with a poster
EXTRA GOODIES:
A. Interactive map is provided at the beginning of the game
B. Your very own detective badge and you didn't even have to purchase any cereal
C. 15 Morphing objects to end up in your aquarium (What I counted)
D. 12 Achievements plus an additional achievement if you collect all to gain access to an additional mini-game
E. Magic mirror to answer questions about items in your inventory
F. Strategy Guide
B. Your very own detective badge and you didn't even have to purchase any cereal
C. 15 Morphing objects to end up in your aquarium (What I counted)
D. 12 Achievements plus an additional achievement if you collect all to gain access to an additional mini-game
E. Magic mirror to answer questions about items in your inventory
F. Strategy Guide
I RATE THIS GAME 6 MAGIC MIRRORS OUT OF 5 MAGIC MIRRORS. HOPEFULLY THE EXTRA MIRROR WILL HELP YOU SOLVE THIS SOMEWHAT COMPLEX MYSTERY.
OTHER GAMES IN THE SERIES: Some have asked to list the other games listed from the series: They are listed below:
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: THE BLACK CAT
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: THE GOLD BUG
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: THE PREMATURE BURIAL
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: THE GOLD BUG
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S: THE PREMATURE BURIAL
I recommend this game!
Venture beyond time and space in this classic adventure game that will take you out of this world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 40 found this review helpful
Stranded In the Land of No Time To Play Outdated Games
PostedFebruary 16, 2015
sunnyglow
fromUsing mental telepathy to hopefully make a meaningful connection with the "Hyperboreans" After all - "Aliens are people???? (are they?) too."
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
For Grumpy Cat Monday we have a bright and colorful leftover dinner SE. We have a game reminiscent of those early games we played as children (Remember "Reader Rabbit?") It is cartoon-like, awkward to maneuver, and it is a quasi adventure game. This is a bare bones game. There is no interactive map making it annoying in collecting supplies and moving from location-to-location in the game. There are HOP-inventory lists but they are listed in a journal. You must collect an overwhelming amount items to add to your inventory. I did not discover many puzzles and the collection of inventory items became very tedious.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS FROM THE DEMO:
You are Olivia off to see Uncle Peter, a spaced out historian with some out-of-this world ideas concerning the history of Planet Earth. There you meet the stereotypical Hispanic maid, Isabella speaking with a ton of grammatical mistakes. Uncle Peter is trying to validate an earthshaking theory which would alter our views of history as we know it. Seemingly, our history is intertwined with a group of aliens - "Hyperboreans" . At your uncle's residence, you meet, Nick, "an internationally famous writer of best sellers" (LOL) which could be (pant, pant) the perfect "man" for you - at least your uncle hopes so. After all, you are both redheads. How amazing! After recreating a map which is over 600 years old and shows secret chambers under a local ancient church, you are off to help your uncle prove his theory of life on this planet.
GRAPHICS: Cartoon-like with no sound. You must read the script of the dialogue. Cartoon-like with plenty of orange and red. I guess BF's favorite color is now "reddish orange" since every other game blares with shades of red from the scenery to the hair color of the characters. Red and orange must now be the new "pink and purple" for BF.
INVENTORY: Hey - it is an SE - You really think you are going to have interactive inventory? Seriously? NO. You must also hold the mouse down to use the inventory.
HOP SCENES: There are lists of items to locate - they are in Olivia's journal.
PUZZLES:
A. Put pieces of a map together
B. Maze puzzle - opening a lock
I did was not able to locate any other puzzles in this game in the amount of time I played.
A. Put pieces of a map together
B. Maze puzzle - opening a lock
I did was not able to locate any other puzzles in this game in the amount of time I played.
EXTRA GOODIES: Hey - this is an SE with NO VOICE OVERS. Are you really expecting any "dessert" with Monday's leftover dinner? Okay - in other words, no interactive map, no collectibles, no morphing objects, no voice.
COMMENTS: This game will appeal to those who like "old school" games. It is actually NOT A BAD GAME! Actually I really would like to make contact with the "Hyperboreans." LOL I have been spoiled by newer game technology. However, it is still a decent game for those whole love looking for hidden objects.
I recommend this game!
Dangerous Games: Illusionist Collector's Edition
You've been asked to cover a highly anticipated competition in New York City when something goes terribly wrong. Can you escape the world of illusions?
Overall rating
5
/
5
135 of 171 found this review helpful
Abracadabra! The Blamster Pulls An Award Winning Magical Game Out Of Its Hat
PostedFebruary 14, 2015
sunnyglow
fromEnjoying a magical Valentine's Day and hoping to never stay at the Taylor Hotel
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Current Favorite:
Dangerous Games: Illusionist Collector's Edition
(57)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A standing ovation and bouquets of Valentine roses for this game! Having "stars in my eyes," I would give it more than five stars if possible. This game has "magic" - a great storyline with mystery and suspense, beautifully colored graphics set in New York in the 1930's with a gentle splash of Art Deco, unique, puzzle-like HOP scenes and inventory, intriguing puzzles, and fairly decent "muzac." I had wished the demo was longer as I wanted to continue playing. This will be an automatic purchase to celebrate "'4 February mini holidays (Valentine's Day, President's Day, Mardi Gras and BD)."
HERE ARE THE DETAILS BASED ON A VERY, VERY SHORT DEMO
"The Phantom of the Illusionists" is stalking the Taylor Hotel. Who is the mysterious red masked man , winner of the first competition of illusionists? Is he a spirit or a real life person? An illusion within an illusion. How neat is that? You are an investigative journalist trying to make the big scoop on the second Illusionist competition. You have personally been asked to cover the story by the renowned hotel magnate, Samuel Taylor himself. He has also granted you an exclusive interview. Twenty years earlier the hotel had been destroyed by a fire but has been fully refurbished. Now, the first winner of the competition who died in the fire arises from the grave out for revenge against the critics who questioned the authenticity of his illusions. Like the song, "Hotel California," you find yourself "locked into" a hotel case which will need to be solved if you are ever to "get out" and leave it behind.
LEVELS: 4 - Casual (Easy with sparkles) Advanced (No sparkles - time penalties) Hard Core (No hints or skips) Customized
GRAPHICS: So realistic and well-done. An actual feel for the 1930's. Beautiful costumes set in muted colors. I so want that white satin dress appearing in the first screen shot. It would look so awesome with my "silver" birthday (25 years) slippers! LOL
INVENTORY: Puzzle-like and interactive. Very well done.
HOP SCENES: In the "short" demo I encountered the following:
A. ¡Abracadabra !- Your magic wand creates your HOP scene. It is puzzle-like and so creative. Search for gems which require you to solve "mini puzzles." This HOP scene is so well-done. I love the HOP scenes in this game.
B. Silhouette in some of the HOP scenes
C. FROG-like scenes - Searching for specific parts of items to create an inventory item 2 instances in the demo
D. Interactive story book in which you must replace items into the storybook scenes.
A. ¡Abracadabra !- Your magic wand creates your HOP scene. It is puzzle-like and so creative. Search for gems which require you to solve "mini puzzles." This HOP scene is so well-done. I love the HOP scenes in this game.
B. Silhouette in some of the HOP scenes
C. FROG-like scenes - Searching for specific parts of items to create an inventory item 2 instances in the demo
D. Interactive story book in which you must replace items into the storybook scenes.
PUZZLES: Very well done and the varying degrees of difficulty should appeal to everyone.. In the demo I encountered the following:
A. Give the driver the exact amount of fare from a series of bills
B. Card game matching suits
C. Recreation of symbols by combining various shapes
D. Clock puzzle illustrating the life cycle of a bird
A. Give the driver the exact amount of fare from a series of bills
B. Card game matching suits
C. Recreation of symbols by combining various shapes
D. Clock puzzle illustrating the life cycle of a bird
EXTRA GOODIES: Map is provided at the beginning of the game
16??? Achievements (what I counted) It was hard to tell in the backstage room
Strategy guide
Collect 20 cards related to magic tricks
The usual "extras" - music, wallpapers, videos :; however, you also collect magic tricks as well - kinda cool
16??? Achievements (what I counted) It was hard to tell in the backstage room
Strategy guide
Collect 20 cards related to magic tricks
The usual "extras" - music, wallpapers, videos :; however, you also collect magic tricks as well - kinda cool
I RATE THIS GAME 6 VALENTINES OUT OF 5 VALENTINES. THE EXTRA VALENTINE IS FOR YOU WISHING YOU A HEARTFELT AND A MAGICAL DAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONE(S)!
I recommend this game!
Dark Dimensions: Homecoming Collector's Edition
For years, Barton Mansion sat abandoned, a haunting reminder of an obsession gone wrong. But something sinister still lurked there...and it's stirring.
Overall rating
3
/
5
53 of 78 found this review helpful
A VALENTINE PRESENT FROM THE DARK DIMENSIONS. THIS GAME WILL BIND YOU UP WITH 50 SHADES OF RED VINES - TIED UP WITH A RED THORNY BOW
PostedFebruary 12, 2015
sunnyglow
from"Rockin' on down with Rocky" trying to escape the "red scare" - the clinging vines of this game
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Attacking "clinging" vines aren't the only thorny problem for the residents of this game! Although there are few good elements in this game - there are not enough for me to purchase this "cutesy helper" game. This time the helper is an "overly attentive" dog (he jumps up SEVEN times in the demo) It is a gimmicky game with puzzles which are extremely easy, and a storyline which is beyond strange. The graphics shriek "red and purple." However, to be fair, the HOP scenes are well-done and puzzle-like as is the inventory. I might have purchased it for the puzzles and put up with the irritating dog; however, for me, the puzzles are too ridiculously easy to be enjoyable.
HERE ARE THE DETAILS FOR A VERY LONG DEMO:
Reminiscent of the legend of the WInchester Mansion, a crazed widow, Martha Barton, continues building a mansion so that she will live forever. You are a "cop" and your parents disappeared when you and your sister, Corinne, were small. Your sister is an investigator who is absorbed with the dark dimensions. You may have a lead as to what happened to your parents. but need your sister Corinne's help. You travel to Barton Manor in Whispering Hollows, the place where your parents disappeared. . As soon as you arrive, your sister is grabbed by thorny vines and you must save her.
LEVELS: Casual (Sparkles) Advanced (no sparkles) Hard (No hints or skips) Customized
GRAPHICS: Bursting with scenes of red and purple for Valentine's Day
INVENTORY: It is interactive and one of the best parts of this game.
HOP SCENES: Somewhat interactive. They are well-done but are cookie cutters of each other.
A. Junk piles - sequential in which you must perform a task to locate the next item in the list
B. Replace items into proper locations within the HOP scenes.
A. Junk piles - sequential in which you must perform a task to locate the next item in the list
B. Replace items into proper locations within the HOP scenes.
PUZZLES: This is a puzzle intense game. In the demo I encountered the following puzzles:
A. Opening mansion door by matching symbols (3X)
B. Matching symbols to defeat a ghost
C. Variation of a maze game to eliminate vines
D. Arranging books in order.
E. Sequential order puzzle. Press bricks in order
F. Repeating sequence of music played
**G. Recreate a picture from stencils and paints. Actually this is a GREAT puzzle - very creative and unique Best puzzle in the demo for me.
H. Storybook recreation using items to further the story
I. Adjusting lenses to locate a code
J. Sequential removal of branches from door
K. Restore a stain glass window pane with a variation of a rotating jigsaw puzzle
L. Revolving tile puzzle - aligning gems
M. Clicking symbols in sequence to release our heroine
B. Matching symbols to defeat a ghost
C. Variation of a maze game to eliminate vines
D. Arranging books in order.
E. Sequential order puzzle. Press bricks in order
F. Repeating sequence of music played
**G. Recreate a picture from stencils and paints. Actually this is a GREAT puzzle - very creative and unique Best puzzle in the demo for me.
H. Storybook recreation using items to further the story
I. Adjusting lenses to locate a code
J. Sequential removal of branches from door
K. Restore a stain glass window pane with a variation of a rotating jigsaw puzzle
L. Revolving tile puzzle - aligning gems
M. Clicking symbols in sequence to release our heroine
EXTRA GOODIES:
A. A "cutesy" dog helper - Rocky. HE HELPS YOU 7 TIMES IN THE DEMO WITH ANNOYING PANTING AND WHINING. BTW - if you pick him up and NOT put him in the scene, he runs in place and keeps perfect time to the theme music from the movie "Rocky." GO ROCKY GO! KEEP DIGGING AND BRINGING UP ALL THE DIRT ON THOSE EVIL DOERS! LOL
B. Cell phone to keep your interactive map, notes, achievements and diary
C. Collect coins to purchase 10 items for your dog.
D. 18 Achievements
E. Collect 9 parts of a house for the mansion. (I counted 9 but it was hard to tell)
A. A "cutesy" dog helper - Rocky. HE HELPS YOU 7 TIMES IN THE DEMO WITH ANNOYING PANTING AND WHINING. BTW - if you pick him up and NOT put him in the scene, he runs in place and keeps perfect time to the theme music from the movie "Rocky." GO ROCKY GO! KEEP DIGGING AND BRINGING UP ALL THE DIRT ON THOSE EVIL DOERS! LOL
B. Cell phone to keep your interactive map, notes, achievements and diary
C. Collect coins to purchase 10 items for your dog.
D. 18 Achievements
E. Collect 9 parts of a house for the mansion. (I counted 9 but it was hard to tell)
I had a hard time finishing the demo. This game will appeal to some on this site including all the dog lovers out there. You like it - enjoy it! This game is definitely "barking" up the wrong tree for me.
I RATE THIS GAME 3 DOGS OUT OF 5 DOGS. NOW - TO RETURN TO "ROCKIN' ON DOWN WITH ROCKY."
I recommend this game!
Off The Record: The Art of Deception Collector's Edition
A famous painter finds herself in over her head!
Overall rating
4
/
5
62 of 98 found this review helpful
"OFF THE RECORD" THIS GAME DOES NOT DISPLAY THE USUAL "MASTERPIECE" QUALITIES FOR THIS DEV.
PostedFebruary 7, 2015
sunnyglow
fromLike Little Bo Beep - looking through the flock to locate some innovative puzzles in this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What deception is lurking in the world of art? What is behind "the big deal" concerning this game? The PixIES bring us a game of intrigue and deceit in the international world of art set in Germany. I may be a little "sheepish" about writing this review, but my favorite dev , the PixIES, has finally produced a "baad baad" game replete with a menagerie of animals - sheep, birds, cats. It lacks the innovation and creative genius of their other games It is missing so many of the "extra goodies" we have come to expect from this dev - the additional puzzle in lieu of the HOP scenes - the creative approach to the HOP scenes with puzzles and HOP scenes within other puzzles and HOP scenes. However, even suffering in the winter doldrums, this game is still better than most of the offerings from other devs.
The storyline is excellent. However, I found it a snail-paced game which I could not get into. The graphics are a little blurry This game could definitely use an alternative game to break up the monotony and uniformity of the HOP scenes. Some of the puzzles were decent; however, one I could not figure out how to play the first one .
HERE ARE THE DETAILS BASED ON A VERY SHORT DEMO:
You, as Felicity Adams, an investigative reporter, are off to Germany to get an exclusive interview with Lisa Steiner , who is restoring a long lost masterpiece - Leda's Blight. After finishing the restoration, the piece will be auctioned off. When you arrive to interview her, she disappears. There is more here than meets the artist's eye. What happened to her? And who is her husband? Something is "fishy" concerning "Felix," (right - his name is Felix) her husband and Lisa herself.
LEVELS: 4 - Casual, Expert, (Sparkles on both ) Insane, (Penalties for HOP scenes) . All 3 levels have hints and skips Customized
GRAPHICS: Slightly blurry on my screen but the characters are realistic
HOP SCENES: Not the quality or innovative genius we have experienced in past games. In the first HOP screen moves from side-to-side to provide an extended image of the scene. However, after that, that aspect disappears. It is Interactive and puzzle-like. In the demo I l encountered the following HOP scenes
A. Locate specific number of flowers , birds, cats
B. Theme related junk piles
C. Silhouette .
To me they are not innovative nor creative and became boring.
A. Locate specific number of flowers , birds, cats
B. Theme related junk piles
C. Silhouette .
To me they are not innovative nor creative and became boring.
INVENTORY: Interactive and puzzle-like
PUZZLES: In the demo I encountered:
A. Stacking tile puzzle. I could not figure out how to work this puzzle.
B. Match paintings with frames
C. Origami puzzle (unique and well-done)
D. Locate 3 "baad" sheep and placate their "baad" personalities LOL - HOP scene for candy, Ocarina puzzle variation of sequence puzzles Really devs? Sheep?
E. Gate puzzle based on centering dots to open a gate
F. Pressing tiles in sequence without backtracking so that all buttons light up (3X)
G. Replicating a picture of a bird on a statue
H. Align the length of a carpenter's folding ruler to pick up 3 photos.
A. Stacking tile puzzle. I could not figure out how to work this puzzle.
B. Match paintings with frames
C. Origami puzzle (unique and well-done)
D. Locate 3 "baad" sheep and placate their "baad" personalities LOL - HOP scene for candy, Ocarina puzzle variation of sequence puzzles Really devs? Sheep?
E. Gate puzzle based on centering dots to open a gate
F. Pressing tiles in sequence without backtracking so that all buttons light up (3X)
G. Replicating a picture of a bird on a statue
H. Align the length of a carpenter's folding ruler to pick up 3 photos.
EXTRA GOODIES:
A.15 "Starring" Achievements and 15 "Masterpiece" Achievements
B. Collect 42 paint tubes.
C. 14 Morphing objects
D. Tape player to play tapes.
E. Interactive map
F. A bird sits on your hint button which does nothing but flap its wings. (I am clueless why a mechanical bird is in this game - seems out of place ).
A.15 "Starring" Achievements and 15 "Masterpiece" Achievements
B. Collect 42 paint tubes.
C. 14 Morphing objects
D. Tape player to play tapes.
E. Interactive map
F. A bird sits on your hint button which does nothing but flap its wings. (I am clueless why a mechanical bird is in this game - seems out of place ).
COMMENTS: This is definitely not the normal PixIES "masterpiece" which I will be purchasing. The storyline was interesting. However, the flow of the game was slow and repetitious. I soon became bored. I may purchase - but not until it is an SE. Devs - I still LOVE your games To me, this is not your at your best.
I RATE THIS GAME 4 SHEEP OUT OF 5 SHEEP. THE MISSING ONE SHEEP MUST BE THE "BAAD" ONE WHICH WANDERED OFF TO GET OUT OF THIS GAME.
I recommend this game!
Mystery of the Ancients: Deadly Cold Collector's Edition
Ice giants are attacking citizens as a deadly blizzard arrives.
Overall rating
4
/
5
81 of 111 found this review helpful
BUNDLE UP AND COVER UP YOUR EARS WHILE PLAYING THIS DEADLY COLD GAME
PostedFebruary 5, 2015
sunnyglow
fromOut with my ACTUAL BFF searching for earplugs to play this game.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Battling through a blizzard with ice and snow perpetrated by an ice monster, we have a new game from Glorious Maria, Our Lady of Gaming. To me, this is a fairly decent, but not spectacular CE. The story flows well; it is cartoon-like and puzzle- intense. I love the puzzles and the inventory and HOP scenes are puzzle-like as well. I would have "loved" this game more if not for "my BFF," , Kira, a "ditzy," overly talkative nerd with her irritating, nasal pitched voice. I guess I could have "silenced" her by muting the sound. So annoying! This game is definitely not "best experienced with sound." BFF? This girl? Seriously? No way!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
Your "BFF," Kira, has just gotten married to Viktor As you arrive in the town of Baumholder, a summer blizzard develops enveloping the whole town in ice and snow. An ice tower appears out of nowhere bringing a bone-chilling blizzard with it. From this castle, a giant ice monster appears terrorizing the village. In an attempt to save both you and Kira, Victor leaves with the ice monster in pursuit. While Victor is away, the ice monster kidnaps your friend, taking her to his tower. You need to rescue her and help Victor defeat this monster. Somehow this story is tied to a novel "The Snow King" by Victor Snow. What secrets lie in this town and how is Victor tied into this whole dilemma?
LEVELS: Casual, Advanced, Expert, Customized. You have the option to customize all the levels. Rather cool.
GRAPHICS: Cartoon-like. The colors are muted . Kira's nasal toned voice and incessant babbling and whining grated on my nerves.
HOP SCENES: Well done. Puzzle-like. In the demo I encountered A. Silhouette. One was sequential - locating and using items to uncover additional HOP items. Another required searching for a number of the same item. A third HOP scene requires you to find items silhouetted on a frozen window. Very awesome! B. Locating a number of same type items to complete a needed inventory item
INVENTORY: Interactive Very puzzle-like and well-done.
PUZZLES: Very unique and not terribly difficult. In the demo I encountered the following puzzles: A. Fix a gate key B. Fairy tale book with various puzzles - jig saw, mini HOP scenes, locating differences, C. Fix an amulet D. Remove boards sequentially E. . Arrange colored stones in a certain order F. A new game - linking hands. So awesome and cool as well. G. Mathematical puzzle in weighing items H. . Interconnecting crystals to same color
EXTRA GOODIES You receive the map as you play the game. Collect 6 statues of the game characters. 20 Achievements. Collect 25 Hare medallions
I RATE THIS GAME 4 ICE MONSTERS OUT OF 5 ICE MONSTERS. HOPEFULLY THE EXTRA ICE MONSTER WILL TAKE AWAY MY NEW "BFF" - FOREVER
I recommend this game!