pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4700
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 15, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Delve into a wintery world of puzzles and holiday spirit!
Overall rating
5
/
5
JOLLY JIXO JINGLES ~ I LOVE THE LOCKED BOXES PUZZLES! 🦌
PostedJanuary 15, 2025
pennmom36
fromSometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart...always missed, never forgotten❣️ Loki 07-02-2021
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hang on to your jingle bells, or let them rock. Let it snow, or dream of a white Christmas. Baby, it's cold outside, but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Do you hear what I hear...it's Frosty the Snowman with a case of Feliz Navidad! It's the most wonderful time, and it's all I want for Christmas...actually, I want a hippopotamus for Christmas...just saying this is a sleigh ride you don't want to miss, so come all ye faithful merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay. ;)
Mixo puts the Jixo into another beautiful puzzle game; all decked out for the holiday season. There are nine different Levels; each level has a beautiful Hidden Object Scene and five puzzle variations.
Puzzle Types:
Hidden Object Scene (Listed Items and Riddle Clues)
Jigsaw Puzzle (Available in 3 different sizes)
Torn Pieces (Place puzzle sections to magically transform the picture)
Switch Puzzle (Square Tile Swap - Available in 3 different sizes)
Stamp Match (Match 2 identical stamps)
Locked Boxes (Remove blocks with directional arrows)
Jigsaw Puzzle (Available in 3 different sizes)
Torn Pieces (Place puzzle sections to magically transform the picture)
Switch Puzzle (Square Tile Swap - Available in 3 different sizes)
Stamp Match (Match 2 identical stamps)
Locked Boxes (Remove blocks with directional arrows)
The Hidden Object Scenes couldn't be more beautiful! They are realistic and crystal clear, and every scene will make you wish you were actually there. My favorite feature is the Riddled Clues, where you have to find objects that match a unique description.
As you complete levels and categories, you will earn coins that unlock three different Bonus Levels: Mahjong Tile Matching, Solitaire, and a unique Dice Merge game that is very addicting! Coins can also be earned by gathering coins that are dropped or uncovered in the puzzles.
The Festive Room has a Christmas Tree that is decorated as you achieve various milestones during the game. The Bonus Content also features 11 Christmas soundtracks with a beautiful Christmas scene slideshow.
I would love to recommend other fantabulous games. Stop by my forum if interested thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Clear pegs in this captivating musical journey!
Overall rating
5
/
5
I DUB THEE AN ADDICTING GAME ♞🛡️
PostedDecember 29, 2024
pennmom36
fromSometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart...always missed, never forgotten❣️ Loki 07-02-2021
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Boomap really surprised me with this Peggle-style marble shooter game. I probably would have overlooked this game under most circumstances had I not played the demo. Once you start playing, you just can't stop; it's definitely a "just one more level" kind of game.
The game mechanics are incredibly imaginative and very unique; they reminded me of the Rube Goldberg door puzzles that were offered in the earlier Mystery Case Files games. Every level has a unique theme and mechanics that trigger unusual reactions when hit.
You can play in a Normal Mode with a limited number of balls or a Relaxed Mode with unlimited balls. The goal is to remove all Red Pegs by shooting a green ball at the field. As you progress, all kinds of crazy moving mechanics are added to the mix, but what I loved about it was the fact that it's not designed to be an impossible game to beat. Every level is completely doable, regardless of your skill set, although some levels may require a few attempts.
Green Balls:
Your "shooting balls" are located at the top of the screen. Moving the mouse to the left or right will show the ball's trajectory to help you align the correct angle. A Left-click releases the ball. There are two flippers at the bottom of the board that can be activated by left-clicking as well.
Your "shooting balls" are located at the top of the screen. Moving the mouse to the left or right will show the ball's trajectory to help you align the correct angle. A Left-click releases the ball. There are two flippers at the bottom of the board that can be activated by left-clicking as well.
Prize Wheel:
Eventually, the ball will drop to the bottom of the board into one of the slots of the Prize Wheel. Most slots will award you extra points, but some are blank. Slots with a Green Dot will award you with an Extra Ball.
Eventually, the ball will drop to the bottom of the board into one of the slots of the Prize Wheel. Most slots will award you extra points, but some are blank. Slots with a Green Dot will award you with an Extra Ball.
Purple Pegs:
When your green shooter ball hits a Purple Peg, it will release an extra ball on the board.
When your green shooter ball hits a Purple Peg, it will release an extra ball on the board.
Yellow "Bomb" Pegs:
When your green shooter ball hits a Yellow Peg, a bomb will clear other pegs around the yellow peg.
When your green shooter ball hits a Yellow Peg, a bomb will clear other pegs around the yellow peg.
Grey Pegs:
When your green shooter ball hits a Grey Peg, it will change into a Blue Peg. (Requires 2 hits to remove)
When your green shooter ball hits a Grey Peg, it will change into a Blue Peg. (Requires 2 hits to remove)
Orange Bouncy Pegs:
When your green shooter ball hits an Orange Bouncy Peg, it deflects the ball with greater force than a normal peg.
When your green shooter ball hits an Orange Bouncy Peg, it deflects the ball with greater force than a normal peg.
Teal Sticky Pegs
When your green shooter ball hits a Teal Sticky Peg, it will grab the ball temporarily and eventually drop off.
When your green shooter ball hits a Teal Sticky Peg, it will grab the ball temporarily and eventually drop off.
Extra Balls (Light Green)
Containers filled with Extra Balls can be released in two different ways. Some containers will spill when the ball hits the container, and some containers require hitting a Release Wheel Mechanism located on the board.
Containers filled with Extra Balls can be released in two different ways. Some containers will spill when the ball hits the container, and some containers require hitting a Release Wheel Mechanism located on the board.
Bouncers and Wooden Obstacles:
Some levels have Bouncers that will deflect balls and bounce them across the board. As you progress, Wooden Obstacles are added to the mix. These obstacles move in various patterns and can block the trajectory path of the ball if you don't time the ball release correctly.
Some levels have Bouncers that will deflect balls and bounce them across the board. As you progress, Wooden Obstacles are added to the mix. These obstacles move in various patterns and can block the trajectory path of the ball if you don't time the ball release correctly.
Orange Portals:
If a ball touches an Orange Portal, the ball disappears and exits at the Blue Portal.
If a ball touches an Orange Portal, the ball disappears and exits at the Blue Portal.
All of these features are introduced one at a time over the 80-level course with great tutorial explanations. I'd also like to mention that there is a Color-blind option in case the above-mentioned colors are challenging to see. They have included 30 Wallpapers, but I wish they had offered wallpaper screenshots of some of the unique level scenes because that makes this game so unique.
I would love to recommend other fantabulous games. Stop by my forum if interested thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Unwrap the gift of holiday fun the whole family can enjoy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN WAS A JOLLY HAPPY SOUL☃️⋆꙳•❅*‧ ☃️‧*❆ ₊⋆
PostedDecember 29, 2024
pennmom36
fromSometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart...always missed, never forgotten❣️ Loki 07-02-2021
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
...and thanks to Casual Arts, I'm a jolly happy soul today too! We've only had the pleasure of playing two Christmas-themed HOPAs so far, but for me, Christmas Wonderland is the game I look forward to the most. It ain't Christmas until it's a Christmas Wonderland Christmas!
You can play in Casual or Challenge Mode, and the Collector's Edition version includes an Extreme difficulty mode, which is a Timed Mode requiring you to find all Golden Angels and Santa's Lost Presents to earn all three stars. There are 20 Achievements to earn and 16 Shop Christmas Decorations to purchase to decorate your Christmas Wonderland Living Room.
Each Hidden Object scene has several Listed Items to find. Items listed in Red are items that are hidden in or behind something. Items listed in Blue require completing a task, such as dragging a letter to the mailbox...destination North Pole 💈🎅✉️, of course! There are usually two Zoom Zone Areas in each scene, the zoom zones (indicated by twinkling stars) may come and go, depending on whether or not the items are available on your list yet.
You will earn a Bronze Star if you complete the HO scene, a Silver Star if you complete the HO scene and find all Golden Angels OR all Santa's Lost Gifts, and a Gold Star for completing the HO scene while finding all Golden Angels and all of Santa's Lost Gifts. When all of the Golden Angels have been found, the doors will close on the Icon on the bottom left by the Inventory Bar. Santa's Lost Gifts are shown as Silhouetted Shapes within the Snowglobe and Santa's Sleigh will appear to indicate all items have been found. Frosty the Snowman has returned! ☃️ and makes an appearance in every scene. This is probably my favorite feature because it adds a bit of challenge to the game, not to mention how adorable he is! A checkmark will appear on Frosty's icon located on the bottom right.
Some of the Hidden Object Scenes have a Photo Opportunity Icon located somewhere within the scene. (16 Total). When you click on the Photo Icon, the picture is added to your Photo Album and can be viewed by selecting the Camera icon, located next to the trophy icon on the bottom left of the screen.
The puzzles always make you feel like a kid on Christmas morning. After each Hidden Object Scene, you'll solve a mini-game or puzzle, such as those infamous Springfield map puzzles, Rotating Square Tiles, Jigsaw Puzzles, Word Searches, and Spot the Differences...no stress involved here folks!
Collector's Edition Extras:
On the CE version, Bonus Levels have been incorporated into the main game scenes and have Gold Rosette Ribbons to identify them. There are 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks, and 48 Replayable Mini-Games and Puzzles.
Bonus Puzzles:
❆-6 Jigsaw Puzzles
❆-2 Impossipuzzles
❆-8 Flipsaw Puzzles
❆-8 Rotation Puzzles
❆-6 Spot The Difference Puzzles
❆-4 Concentration Matching Pairs Puzzles
❆-6 Word Search Puzzles
❆-1 Map Puzzle (place labels & photos)
❆-1 Viewfinder (HO using a viewfinder)
❆-2 Keypad (simple math equations)
❆-1 Follow the Line
❆-2 Trivia Games
❆-1 Sliding Square
On the CE version, Bonus Levels have been incorporated into the main game scenes and have Gold Rosette Ribbons to identify them. There are 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks, and 48 Replayable Mini-Games and Puzzles.
Bonus Puzzles:
❆-6 Jigsaw Puzzles
❆-2 Impossipuzzles
❆-8 Flipsaw Puzzles
❆-8 Rotation Puzzles
❆-6 Spot The Difference Puzzles
❆-4 Concentration Matching Pairs Puzzles
❆-6 Word Search Puzzles
❆-1 Map Puzzle (place labels & photos)
❆-1 Viewfinder (HO using a viewfinder)
❆-2 Keypad (simple math equations)
❆-1 Follow the Line
❆-2 Trivia Games
❆-1 Sliding Square
I would love to recommend other fantabulous games. Stop by my forum if interested thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Delve into a wintery world of puzzles and holiday spirit!
Overall rating
5
/
5
JOLLY JINGLES ✩₊˚.⋆⛄⋆⁺₊✧ I LOVE THIS GAME
PostedDecember 29, 2024
pennmom36
fromSometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart...always missed, never forgotten❣️ Loki 07-02-2021
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hang on to your jingle bells, or let them rock. Let it snow, or dream of a white Christmas. Baby, it's cold outside, but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Do you hear what I hear...it's Frosty the Snowman with a case of Feliz Navidad! It's the most wonderful time, and it's all I want for Christmas...actually, I want a hippopotamus for Christmas...just saying this is a sleigh ride you don't want to miss, so come all ye faithful merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay. ;)
Mixo puts the Jixo into another beautiful puzzle game, all decked out for the holiday season. There are nine different Levels; each level has a beautiful Hidden Object Scene and five puzzle variations.
Puzzle Types:
Hidden Object Scene (Listed Items and Riddle Clues)
Jigsaw Puzzle (Available in 3 different sizes)
Torn Pieces (Place puzzle sections to magically transform the picture)
Switch Puzzle (Square Tile Swap - Available in 3 different sizes)
Stamp Match (Match 2 identical stamps)
Locked Boxes (Remove blocks with directional arrows)
Jigsaw Puzzle (Available in 3 different sizes)
Torn Pieces (Place puzzle sections to magically transform the picture)
Switch Puzzle (Square Tile Swap - Available in 3 different sizes)
Stamp Match (Match 2 identical stamps)
Locked Boxes (Remove blocks with directional arrows)
The Hidden Object Scenes couldn't be more beautiful! They are realistic and crystal clear, and every scene will make you wish you were actually there. My favorite feature is the Riddled Clues, where you have to find objects that match a unique description.
As you complete levels and categories, you will earn coins that unlock three different Bonus Levels: Mahjong Tile Matching, Solitaire, and a unique Dice Merge game that is very addicting! Coins can also be earned by gathering coins that are dropped or uncovered in the puzzles.
The Festive Room has a Christmas Tree that is decorated as you achieve various milestones during the game. The Bonus Content also includes 11 Christmas soundtracks, complete with a beautiful Christmas scene slideshow.
I would love to recommend other fantabulous games. Stop by my forum if interested thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Find hidden hearts across a number of cute game zones!
Overall rating
5
/
5
BE STILL MY HEART ❤️
PostedDecember 21, 2024
pennmom36
fromSometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart...always missed, never forgotten❣️ Loki 07-02-2021
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
As most of you have noticed, I've been somewhat MIA from BF lately, and it's all because I discovered a new love! I discovered hundreds of these HO games with black-and-white sketches (mostly adorable cats and most are free). I'm super excited that BF has finally offered a similar game!
Some of them, such as this game, only take 10-15 minutes to complete, but I can assure you it will become addicting, and you'll want more!
In HeartFinder, you will search for 50 black & white hearts, some obvious, some cleverly blended into the scene. At first, there's just a small portion of the scene visible. You must find and click on the colored hearts and complete a simple task to open other sections.
The tasks are logical and have a pictured clue to help you locate the correct area; for example, you have to drain the pond by clicking on the pictured device located nearby.
As I stated earlier, I have played hundreds of similar games ranging from super-simplistic to extremely interactive, where you have to find items hidden inside nooks and crannies and solve clues. I would love to recommend the perfect games. Stop by my forum if interested thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Investigate bizarre mysteries by finding clues and solving puzzles!
Overall rating
5
/
5
I SUPPOSE THIS IS THE NEW NORM NOW?
PostedDecember 19, 2024
pennmom36
from@gracie7: There are no profiles because you can pick and choose which chapter you want to replay. A replay tab will appear under the play button on the chapter selection (because each chapter is a different story)
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game in about 7 Hours
(including completion of all puzzles & Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Intermediate-Expert (& for beginners who love a challenge)
(including completion of all puzzles & Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Intermediate-Expert (& for beginners who love a challenge)
Five-BN Games have always been my number-one favorite HOPA developer, but I can't help feeling a bit disappointed by their decision to cut corners lately.
When other developers, such as Elephant and Domini Games, started throwing out new releases at a break-neck pace with declining quality and content, Five BN stood strong. We would wait for what seemed like an eternity for a new release from Five-BN...but the wait was always worth it because of their phenomenal stories, which usually ended in cliffhanger endings.
While games by other developers could be completed within three short hours, Five BN games could take a couple of days to complete! The Hidden Object Scenes were some of the most interactive and complex scenes on the market. No one even came close to mastering a Hidden Object Scene like Five-BN Games did.
Apparently, someone at the top decided to mass-produce games that can easily be converted from Mobile Apps to PC, which allows them to quickly flood the market and fulfill both needs. Although Mystery Detective Adventure is a well-made game, it's clearly designed to be a F2P app first, then conveniently converted to a desktop mode with Hint and Skip features readily available. There's nothing remarkable or cutting-edge here. The "detective" scenario is nothing new, and we've played hundreds of games where we have to lug around a giant box equipped with reagents and other various tools used by detectives in the early 1900s.
Now, we get three chapters in a game with three different stories. There are no cliffhanger endings that leave us on the edge of our seats in anticipation of the next release. There's no Strategy Guide or mini-game instructions. There's just another game to play with some characters that we will never remember by the time the next game is released.
It was the incredible stories from Five-BN that drew us in hook, line, and sinker and made us fall in love with each beloved character. We became completely invested in each character because of this connection. Every character had a distinct personality, such as Susan, the ordinary housewife leading a double life as a Warmaiden in the mysterious Lost Lands, or Laura, the fearless journalist who uncovers a vast underground secret society network operating below the city streets in New York Mysteries, and who could forget the courageous adventures of a young girl named Alice who is chosen by the light of a Phoenix to fight an eternal battle between Darkness and Flame.
I do think Mystery Detective Adventures is worth purchasing (it's already been out for nearly 7 months!) It is a quality, well-made game, but I can't help but feel disappointed with the new vision Five BN Games has adopted, knowing that the days of those wonderful adventures with my favorite characters are now a thing of the past. I have remained a loyal and true fan from the beginning when they were still Alawar-Five-BN Games (Sacra Terra, The Treasures of Mystery Island, Forbidden Secrets, House of 1000 Doors)...but I guess this is just the new norm now :(
We may not be the norm, but we have a good time at thewoodsforum.boards.net. Won't you join us?
Unwrap the gift of holiday fun the whole family can enjoy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN WAS A JOLLY HAPPY SOUL☃️⋆꙳•❅*‧ ☃️‧*❆ ₊⋆
PostedDecember 5, 2024
pennmom36
fromSome of us have always been diehard Christmas Wonderland fans
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
...and thanks to Casual Arts, I'm a jolly happy soul today too! We've only had the pleasure of playing two Christmas-themed HOPAs so far, but for me, Christmas Wonderland is the game I look forward to the most. It ain't Christmas until it's a Christmas Wonderland Christmas!
You can play in Casual or Challenge Mode, and the Collector's Edition version includes an Extreme difficulty mode, which is a Timed Mode requiring you to find all Golden Angels and Santa's Lost Presents to earn all three stars. There are 20 Achievements to earn and 16 Shop Christmas Decorations to purchase to decorate your Christmas Wonderland Living Room.
Each Hidden Object scene has several Listed Items to find. Items listed in Red are items that are hidden in or behind something. Items listed in Blue require completing a task, such as dragging a letter to the mailbox...destination North Pole 💈🎅✉️, of course! There are usually two Zoom Zone Areas in each scene, the zoom zones (indicated by twinkling stars) may come and go, depending on whether or not the items are available on your list yet.
You will earn a Bronze Star if you complete the HO scene, a Silver Star if you complete the HO scene and find all Golden Angels OR all Santa's Lost Gifts, and a Gold Star for completing the HO scene while finding all Golden Angels and all of Santa's Lost Gifts. When all of the Golden Angels have been found, the doors will close on the Icon on the bottom left by the Inventory Bar. Santa's Lost Gifts are shown as Silhouetted Shapes within the Snowglobe and Santa's Sleigh will appear to indicate all items have been found. Frosty the Snowman has returned! ☃️ and makes an appearance in every scene. This is probably my favorite feature because it adds a bit of challenge to the game, not to mention how adorable he is! A checkmark will appear on Frosty's icon located on the bottom right.
Some of the Hidden Object Scenes have a Photo Opportunity Icon located somewhere within the scene. (16 Total). When you click on the Photo Icon, the picture is added to your Photo Album and can be viewed by selecting the Camera icon, located next to the trophy icon on the bottom left of the screen.
The puzzles always make you feel like a kid on Christmas morning. After each Hidden Object Scene, you'll solve a mini-game or puzzle, such as those infamous Springfield map puzzles, Rotating Square Tiles, Jigsaw Puzzles, Word Searches, and Spot the Differences...no stress involved here folks!
Collector's Edition Extras:
On the CE version, Bonus Levels have been incorporated into the main game scenes and have Gold Rosette Ribbons to identify them. There are 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks, and 48 Replayable Mini-Games and Puzzles.
On the CE version, Bonus Levels have been incorporated into the main game scenes and have Gold Rosette Ribbons to identify them. There are 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks, and 48 Replayable Mini-Games and Puzzles.
Bonus Puzzles:
❆-6 Jigsaw Puzzles
❆-2 Impossipuzzles
❆-8 Flipsaw Puzzles
❆-8 Rotation Puzzles
❆-6 Spot The Difference Puzzles
❆-4 Concentration Matching Pairs Puzzles
❆-6 Word Search Puzzles
❆-1 Map Puzzle (place labels & photos)
❆-1 Viewfinder (HO using a viewfinder)
❆-2 Keypad (simple math equations)
❆-1 Follow the Line
❆-2 Trivia Games
❆-1 Sliding Square
❆-6 Jigsaw Puzzles
❆-2 Impossipuzzles
❆-8 Flipsaw Puzzles
❆-8 Rotation Puzzles
❆-6 Spot The Difference Puzzles
❆-4 Concentration Matching Pairs Puzzles
❆-6 Word Search Puzzles
❆-1 Map Puzzle (place labels & photos)
❆-1 Viewfinder (HO using a viewfinder)
❆-2 Keypad (simple math equations)
❆-1 Follow the Line
❆-2 Trivia Games
❆-1 Sliding Square
Christmas is beautiful in The Woods, so stop by and throw a snowball or two. Rudolph's🦌 Presents have returned again this year, so join us at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Uncover the identity of a mysterious woman with a message from the past!
Overall rating
3
/
5
MYSTERY CASE FILES PAST AND PRESENT 🕵🏼♂️
PostedNovember 26, 2024
pennmom36
fromSometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart...always missed, never forgotten❣️ Loki 07-02-2021
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A few months ago, I went on a Master Detective quest to replay Mystery Case Files from beginning to end. Although I've replayed some of my favorites, like Return to Ravenhearst and the 13th Skull, in the past, I've never replayed them in sequential order until now. What an eye-opener! In all honesty, The Riddle of Mrs. Bishop doesn't even come close to qualifying as a Mystery Case Files game by those standards set in the earlier days.
MYSTERY CASE FILES HISTORY:
Adrian Woods was the mastermind creator of the Mystery Case Files series and was the director of game design at Big Fish Games. "I put my heart and soul into designing and programming new gameplay features for each game. Things like the ‘door puzzles’, mixing hidden object gameplay with point-and-click style navigation, objects that morph into other objects, and so on." As Big Fish shifted their focus toward Casino gaming, Adrian Woods decided he wasn't interested in making slot machines, so he ventured out on his own in 2013.
Adrian Woods was the mastermind creator of the Mystery Case Files series and was the director of game design at Big Fish Games. "I put my heart and soul into designing and programming new gameplay features for each game. Things like the ‘door puzzles’, mixing hidden object gameplay with point-and-click style navigation, objects that morph into other objects, and so on." As Big Fish shifted their focus toward Casino gaming, Adrian Woods decided he wasn't interested in making slot machines, so he ventured out on his own in 2013.
This is why the MCF series abruptly changed as games 10 and 11 were briefly handed over to Elephant Games. Eipix Entertainment then took the reins for games 12-20. In December 2019, Playrix acquired Eipix Entertainment, so the MCF series was handed over to Grandma Studios, the current developer.
FUN FACT: The Master Detective was a female detective in the earlier games!
HUNTSVILLE:
You have to appreciate the fact that MCF: Huntsville was the first Hidden Object Game created. Huntsville broke all previous casual game sales following its release on November 18, 2005, by over 100%, selling over $1 million in digitally distributed copies! You are an intern working for a royal agency who has been assigned to investigate a series of crimes in the small town of Huntsville. You will apprehend 15 members of the S.T.A.I.N organization by replaying scenes located across the town of Huntsville. This was a timed game in which you had 15-20 minutes to solve the entire crime and the final puzzle, a Square Tile-Swapping game. If you run out of time, you must replay that particular Investigation. This particular style wasn't for everyone, but I highly recommend you give it a try!...remember, this was the first HO game ever created. MCF goes through a huge transformation, and it's incredible to experience the changes implemented in each game.
You have to appreciate the fact that MCF: Huntsville was the first Hidden Object Game created. Huntsville broke all previous casual game sales following its release on November 18, 2005, by over 100%, selling over $1 million in digitally distributed copies! You are an intern working for a royal agency who has been assigned to investigate a series of crimes in the small town of Huntsville. You will apprehend 15 members of the S.T.A.I.N organization by replaying scenes located across the town of Huntsville. This was a timed game in which you had 15-20 minutes to solve the entire crime and the final puzzle, a Square Tile-Swapping game. If you run out of time, you must replay that particular Investigation. This particular style wasn't for everyone, but I highly recommend you give it a try!...remember, this was the first HO game ever created. MCF goes through a huge transformation, and it's incredible to experience the changes implemented in each game.
PRIME SUSPECTS:
Big Fish Studios debuted Prime Suspects on April 5, 2006, and reported record-breaking sales of 3.3 games per minute! As a Master Detective, you're sent to the Capital City Piazza Gallery in the United States to find the culprit who had stolen the Queen's, Hope Diamond. Just as in its predecessor, Huntsville, you are tasked with searching for clues in locations across the town in the form of Hidden Object Scenes. They have gotten quite creative with ever-changing levels to give it great replayability benefits because the objects or "clues" change each time you replay the game. As you progress, you will be tasked with re-visiting the scenes in search of a Battery to power two devices that allow you to search items in the dark using a flashlight or search through walls using a magnifying glass device. Sure, these are features HO-lovers have encountered for years, but in 2006, this feature had never been encountered...and it was the beginning of a MCF tradition of fancy gadget-wielding devices by the infamous Master Detective Brown. They also introduced one of the most creative Word Search games I've ever seen. This is an unusual game where you are tasked with finding 10 words in a specific category, such as 10 Body Parts or 10 Bathroom items, but that's not the unusual part. The letters are all different sizes, shapes, and colors, and they even use @ symbols as A's or $ for S's! I enjoyed this game so much that I have been trying to find a Word Search game with the same feature for days. I can't believe that no other developer has used this idea since 2006!
Big Fish Studios debuted Prime Suspects on April 5, 2006, and reported record-breaking sales of 3.3 games per minute! As a Master Detective, you're sent to the Capital City Piazza Gallery in the United States to find the culprit who had stolen the Queen's, Hope Diamond. Just as in its predecessor, Huntsville, you are tasked with searching for clues in locations across the town in the form of Hidden Object Scenes. They have gotten quite creative with ever-changing levels to give it great replayability benefits because the objects or "clues" change each time you replay the game. As you progress, you will be tasked with re-visiting the scenes in search of a Battery to power two devices that allow you to search items in the dark using a flashlight or search through walls using a magnifying glass device. Sure, these are features HO-lovers have encountered for years, but in 2006, this feature had never been encountered...and it was the beginning of a MCF tradition of fancy gadget-wielding devices by the infamous Master Detective Brown. They also introduced one of the most creative Word Search games I've ever seen. This is an unusual game where you are tasked with finding 10 words in a specific category, such as 10 Body Parts or 10 Bathroom items, but that's not the unusual part. The letters are all different sizes, shapes, and colors, and they even use @ symbols as A's or $ for S's! I enjoyed this game so much that I have been trying to find a Word Search game with the same feature for days. I can't believe that no other developer has used this idea since 2006!
RAVENHEARST:
Ravenhearst marks the beginning of the Dalimar legacy and Master Detective's nemesis for many future Mystery Case Files games. The goal is to find all of Emma Ravenhearsts' Diary Entries by finding clues via hidden objects scenes. Once you find the required clues/objects, you must piece together fragments of a diary page by rotating and placing each piece correctly, at which point you can read Emma's entry. The most notable difference in Ravenhearst is with the introduction of the infamous Rube Goldberg puzzles...was Charles trying to keep someone from getting in...or out? Rube Goldberg puzzles require thinking & tinkering. Click on anything and everything until you find codes or clues as to how to solve each section. At first glance, it may seem overwhelmingly impossible to figure out, but trust me when I say that if you just tinker around with the crazy gadgets, you will figure them out!
Ravenhearst marks the beginning of the Dalimar legacy and Master Detective's nemesis for many future Mystery Case Files games. The goal is to find all of Emma Ravenhearsts' Diary Entries by finding clues via hidden objects scenes. Once you find the required clues/objects, you must piece together fragments of a diary page by rotating and placing each piece correctly, at which point you can read Emma's entry. The most notable difference in Ravenhearst is with the introduction of the infamous Rube Goldberg puzzles...was Charles trying to keep someone from getting in...or out? Rube Goldberg puzzles require thinking & tinkering. Click on anything and everything until you find codes or clues as to how to solve each section. At first glance, it may seem overwhelmingly impossible to figure out, but trust me when I say that if you just tinker around with the crazy gadgets, you will figure them out!
MADAME FATE:
Madame Fate has foreseen the future from within her Crystal Ball, and it has predicted her demise at the stroke of midnight. Determined to change her fate, she has asked Master Detective to investigate each of the 15 Carney's to find her murderer. Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate is finally beginning to look more like a HOPA with the introduction of animated graphics, Multiples of the Same Item HO variations, Hot Spot Zoom Zones and sub-scenes, Brain-teaser Word puzzles, Rapid Clicking ability (you can now click on items back-to-back without having to wait), 5 available Hints, with the ability to earn more (and the ability to earn additional time on the timer), a Hot Line Phone to skip Crystal Ball Puzzles, and my favorite feature of all time...Morphing Objects, otherwise known as Mysterious Changing Items. On the level map, you will notice that some locations have a purple Question Mark icon. These are the scenes that have a Morphing Object in either the main scene, the hotspot scene, or both. Finding Mystery Changing items will unlock additional secret locations integrated into the next chapter (click the Attractions tab > Mystery Items tab to see the required amount). The secret locations allow you to earn extra time on the clock as the clock goes backward with every item found. Finding Mystery Items will also give you an additional Hint. They also introduced several Word Puzzles and Crystal Ball Puzzles that are super fun to play.
Madame Fate has foreseen the future from within her Crystal Ball, and it has predicted her demise at the stroke of midnight. Determined to change her fate, she has asked Master Detective to investigate each of the 15 Carney's to find her murderer. Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate is finally beginning to look more like a HOPA with the introduction of animated graphics, Multiples of the Same Item HO variations, Hot Spot Zoom Zones and sub-scenes, Brain-teaser Word puzzles, Rapid Clicking ability (you can now click on items back-to-back without having to wait), 5 available Hints, with the ability to earn more (and the ability to earn additional time on the timer), a Hot Line Phone to skip Crystal Ball Puzzles, and my favorite feature of all time...Morphing Objects, otherwise known as Mysterious Changing Items. On the level map, you will notice that some locations have a purple Question Mark icon. These are the scenes that have a Morphing Object in either the main scene, the hotspot scene, or both. Finding Mystery Changing items will unlock additional secret locations integrated into the next chapter (click the Attractions tab > Mystery Items tab to see the required amount). The secret locations allow you to earn extra time on the clock as the clock goes backward with every item found. Finding Mystery Items will also give you an additional Hint. They also introduced several Word Puzzles and Crystal Ball Puzzles that are super fun to play.
RETURN TO RAVENHEARST:
Mystery Case Files: Return To Ravenhearst was the game that changed the way we play games. For the first time, players roam freely throughout the Manor at their own pace. Maps have not yet been introduced in the series (I kind of dig the old-school ways). You'll be doing a lot of back-and-forth traveling on your own two virtual feet, and it's easy to forget which path leads where especially toward the end of the game when all the doors have been unlocked. We now have an Inventory bar to save items we find, most of which are still found in Hidden Object Scenes. The Zoom Zones have tasks that may require multiple steps to complete, and you may have to revisit that task at a later point once all the necessary items have been found. We have a Journal that takes a snapshot of all the clues we encounter (as well as story progression finds). These clues are not solutions...they are just that, clues! It's up to you and your grey matter to decipher the clues and figure out how and where to apply them.
Mystery Case Files: Return To Ravenhearst was the game that changed the way we play games. For the first time, players roam freely throughout the Manor at their own pace. Maps have not yet been introduced in the series (I kind of dig the old-school ways). You'll be doing a lot of back-and-forth traveling on your own two virtual feet, and it's easy to forget which path leads where especially toward the end of the game when all the doors have been unlocked. We now have an Inventory bar to save items we find, most of which are still found in Hidden Object Scenes. The Zoom Zones have tasks that may require multiple steps to complete, and you may have to revisit that task at a later point once all the necessary items have been found. We have a Journal that takes a snapshot of all the clues we encounter (as well as story progression finds). These clues are not solutions...they are just that, clues! It's up to you and your grey matter to decipher the clues and figure out how and where to apply them.
DIRE GROVE:
Well, folks, this is where my journey came to a screeching halt! Unfortunately, Dire Grove does not work on ANY newer computer (anything after Windows 8). I got the bright idea to look on eBay for a cheap laptop that still had Windows 7 installed, and it turns out they are a dime a dozen! I ended up paying $45, including shipping. Now, that may seem like a ridiculous price to pay just to play one game, but there are actually several BF games that won't play, including Shadow Lake...besides, Dire Grove is an amazing adventure! If you would like to read my full reviews and follow my MCF journey: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44227659-The-Woods-Forum-Woodsy%2527s/list/119305/
Well, folks, this is where my journey came to a screeching halt! Unfortunately, Dire Grove does not work on ANY newer computer (anything after Windows 8). I got the bright idea to look on eBay for a cheap laptop that still had Windows 7 installed, and it turns out they are a dime a dozen! I ended up paying $45, including shipping. Now, that may seem like a ridiculous price to pay just to play one game, but there are actually several BF games that won't play, including Shadow Lake...besides, Dire Grove is an amazing adventure! If you would like to read my full reviews and follow my MCF journey: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44227659-The-Woods-Forum-Woodsy%2527s/list/119305/
WHAT HAPPENED TO MCF?
I have played thousands of HOPAs over the years and witnessed the slow and steady decline of the genre as developers added convenience features that ultimately made the games foolproof. The player no longer has the ability to roam freely; to make matters worse, they added a feature that allows us to jump to any available location with the click of a button. Playable scenes are limited to 3-4 scenes as previous locations are locked behind us. They keep driving us forward like cattle in a chute. Remembering codes and clues is a thing of the past now as Post-it sticky notes with the correct solutions are slapped above the puzzle at lightning speed. We were blown away by these earlier MCF games because the developers were constantly striving to make phenomenal games that would live up to their moniker because MCF had become the Crème de la Crème of HOPAs. We were blown away by Rube Goldberg puzzles in these earlier games because they made us think, but now the games do the thinking for us. Are the developers incapable of recreating these infamous door puzzles that Adrian Woods envisioned or do they just not care about MCFs reputation and want to see how long they can ride on the MCF coattails?
I have played thousands of HOPAs over the years and witnessed the slow and steady decline of the genre as developers added convenience features that ultimately made the games foolproof. The player no longer has the ability to roam freely; to make matters worse, they added a feature that allows us to jump to any available location with the click of a button. Playable scenes are limited to 3-4 scenes as previous locations are locked behind us. They keep driving us forward like cattle in a chute. Remembering codes and clues is a thing of the past now as Post-it sticky notes with the correct solutions are slapped above the puzzle at lightning speed. We were blown away by these earlier MCF games because the developers were constantly striving to make phenomenal games that would live up to their moniker because MCF had become the Crème de la Crème of HOPAs. We were blown away by Rube Goldberg puzzles in these earlier games because they made us think, but now the games do the thinking for us. Are the developers incapable of recreating these infamous door puzzles that Adrian Woods envisioned or do they just not care about MCFs reputation and want to see how long they can ride on the MCF coattails?
Everyone is welcome at The Woods Forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
Clear pegs in this captivating musical journey!
Overall rating
4
/
5
I DUB THEE AN ADDICTING GAME ♞🛡️
PostedNovember 24, 2024
pennmom36
fromSometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart...always missed, never forgotten❣️ Loki 07-02-2021
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Boomap really surprised me with this Peggle-style marble shooter game. I probably would have overlooked this game under most circumstances had I not played the demo. Once you start playing, you just can't stop; it's definitely a "just one more level" kind of game.
The game mechanics are incredibly imaginative and very unique; they reminded me of the Rube Goldberg door puzzles that were offered in the earlier Mystery Case Files games. Every level has a unique theme and mechanics that trigger unusual reactions when hit.
You can play in a Normal Mode with a limited number of balls or a Relaxed Mode with unlimited balls. The goal is to remove all Red Pegs by shooting a green ball at the field. As you progress, all kinds of crazy moving mechanics are added to the mix, but what I loved about it was the fact that it's not designed to be an impossible game to beat. Every level is completely doable, regardless of your skill set, although some levels may require a few attempts.
Green Balls:
Your "shooting balls" are located at the top of the screen. Moving the mouse to the left or right will show the ball's trajectory to help you align the correct angle. A Left-click releases the ball. There are two flippers at the bottom of the board that can be activated by left-clicking as well.
Your "shooting balls" are located at the top of the screen. Moving the mouse to the left or right will show the ball's trajectory to help you align the correct angle. A Left-click releases the ball. There are two flippers at the bottom of the board that can be activated by left-clicking as well.
Prize Wheel:
Eventually, the ball will drop to the bottom of the board into one of the slots of the Prize Wheel. Most of the slots will award you with extra points, but some are blank. Slots with a Green Dot will award you with an Extra Ball.
Eventually, the ball will drop to the bottom of the board into one of the slots of the Prize Wheel. Most of the slots will award you with extra points, but some are blank. Slots with a Green Dot will award you with an Extra Ball.
Purple Pegs:
When your green shooter ball hits a Purple Peg, it will release an extra ball on the board.
When your green shooter ball hits a Purple Peg, it will release an extra ball on the board.
Yellow "Bomb" Pegs:
When your green shooter ball hits a Yellow Peg, a bomb will clear other pegs around the yellow peg.
When your green shooter ball hits a Yellow Peg, a bomb will clear other pegs around the yellow peg.
Grey Pegs:
When your green shooter ball hits a Grey Peg, it will change into a Blue Peg. (Requires 2 hits to remove)
When your green shooter ball hits a Grey Peg, it will change into a Blue Peg. (Requires 2 hits to remove)
Orange Bouncy Pegs:
When your green shooter ball hits an Orange Bouncy Peg, it deflects the ball with greater force than a normal peg.
When your green shooter ball hits an Orange Bouncy Peg, it deflects the ball with greater force than a normal peg.
Teal Sticky Pegs
When your green shooter ball hits a Teal Sticky Peg, it will grab the ball temporarily and eventually drop off.
When your green shooter ball hits a Teal Sticky Peg, it will grab the ball temporarily and eventually drop off.
Extra Balls (Light Green)
Containers filled with Extra Balls can be released in two different ways. Some containers will spill when the ball hits the container, and some containers require hitting a Release Wheel Mechanism located on the board.
Containers filled with Extra Balls can be released in two different ways. Some containers will spill when the ball hits the container, and some containers require hitting a Release Wheel Mechanism located on the board.
Bouncers and Wooden Obstacles:
Some levels have Bouncers that will deflect balls and bounce them across the board. As you progress, Wooden Obstacles are added to the mix. These obstacles move in various patterns and can block the trajectory path of the ball if you don't time the ball release correctly.
Some levels have Bouncers that will deflect balls and bounce them across the board. As you progress, Wooden Obstacles are added to the mix. These obstacles move in various patterns and can block the trajectory path of the ball if you don't time the ball release correctly.
Orange Portals:
If a ball touches an Orange Portal, the ball disappears and exits at the Blue Portal.
If a ball touches an Orange Portal, the ball disappears and exits at the Blue Portal.
All of these features are introduced one at a time over the 80-level course with great tutorial explanations. I'd also like to mention that there is a Color-blind option in case the above-mentioned colors are difficult to see. They have included 30 Wallpapers, but I really wish they had offered wallpaper screenshots of some of the unique level scenes because that is what makes this game so unique.
𖠰𐂂𖣂𖢔𖠋 Come join the fun on our annual MCF camping expedition as we head to our latest investigation (in unusual ways) into the unbelievable story of Mrs. Agnes Bishop on my forum at: thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Dive into the ocean to uncover the mysteries of the deep!
Overall rating
4
/
5
I'VE GOT SOME SPLORIN' TO DO 🐋🦈🐬🐡🐠
PostedNovember 24, 2024
pennmom36
fromSometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart...always missed, never forgotten❣️ Loki 07-02-2021
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I played the CE demo with my grandson Wesley. We had such a blast playing Reef Life together, and we were both bummed when the demo ended, so we bought it to continue 'sploring the Sea Life.
Wesley asked me how to write a review, and I told him to make me a list of the features he liked or didn't like about the game so we could tell others why they should buy the game, too.
WESLEY'S PRO's:
-Finding the items was fun
-Seeing a donut in the water with a fish was funny
-Dragging the task items to the right place was cool
-Spot the Differences is my favorite game. I also liked the jigsaw puzzles
-It's colorful (he also added that he is colorblind, which made some items harder to find)
-I liked finding Dolphins and Pearls, but sometimes I forgot to look for them
WESLEY'S CONS:
Grandma, I don't have any cons because I really like the game. Do we have to have a con?
-Finding the items was fun
-Seeing a donut in the water with a fish was funny
-Dragging the task items to the right place was cool
-Spot the Differences is my favorite game. I also liked the jigsaw puzzles
-It's colorful (he also added that he is colorblind, which made some items harder to find)
-I liked finding Dolphins and Pearls, but sometimes I forgot to look for them
WESLEY'S CONS:
Grandma, I don't have any cons because I really like the game. Do we have to have a con?
Although the items are fairly easy to find, it was still enjoyable if you are looking for a relaxing, colorful HOG. Wesley and I haven't completed the game, but so far, the scenes have more to do with the resort part of "Reef Life," and I was really hoping to see more scenes WITHIN the reef. The title itself is what actually grabbed my attention because I'm tired of every HOG being travel-related, and it would have been a refreshing change to have an underwater-themed game!
The mini-games are the standard STD, Match 3, Memory Match, Mahjong (which I hate), word search, and puzzle variations (I do appreciate that the jigsaw puzzles are larger than normal).
Each scene has 3 Dolphins and 3 Pearls to find. Finding all 180 Dolphins unlocks the Unlimited Mode, and finding all 180 Pearls unlocks Bonus Mini-games.
𖠰𐂂𖣂𖢔𖠋 Come join the fun on our annual MCF camping expedition as we head to our latest investigation (in unusual ways) into the unbelievable story of Mrs. Agnes Bishop on my forum at: thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!