pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4721
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:June 22, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Explore Usher’s secrets in a gothic hidden object game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
NOT BAD - NOT GREAT EITHER
PostedJune 22, 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
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
CrispApp released this game three years ago (as an SE version). Is BF that far behind schedule, or are they just desperate to find games to fill their daily slots...you know, the slots that used to be filled with amazing HOPA games? Maybe it's time to give HOPA developers a bigger slice of the pie so they can earn a living and have a motive to develop games for BF.
The story is a bit weak, but that's often the case with Hidden Object Games. You are heading to visit a long-time friend, Roderick Usher ("The Fall of the House of Usher"), but strange things happen before you reach the mansion.
There are 22 HO levels, and each level has 4 Achievements to earn by replaying the scene in different modes and completing a puzzle until all Stars/percentages have been filled. There is a Listed Mode, a Silhouetted Shape Mode, a Night Mode (which is more of a colorless mode than a scene in the dark), and a side-by-side Spot the Difference Mode.
The objects to find are different each time you replay the scene, and the objects change location and placement in an effort to make the game less repetitive. Each scene has a theme-related jigsaw variation as well, such as Rotating & Swapping Square Tiles or a classic Jigsaw Puzzle, which unfortunately doesn't have a rotation feature, but the puzzle pieces have unique tab shapes.
The graphics are decent, but the objects are just random objects that have nothing to do with the scene or the Edgar Allan Poe plot. Each scene only has a handful of items to find, and you get more points for finding items back-to-back quickly. It's not a bad game if you enjoy HOGS that require repeating the scene multiple times.
From what I can tell, the only Collector's Edition extras in the CE version are 11 Jigsaw Puzzles...are they worth an extra 7 bucks?
Head on over to my nature-themed forum inspired by Park Ranger, and join our latest MCF Expedition to Fragments of Truth! Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on in The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
Start an unforgettable adventure with this mystical hidden object game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
A VERY WELL-MADE HOG WITH GREAT FEATURES 🔮
PostedJune 22, 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
No one said this was a HOPA, so I'm a little floored that Adventures & Quests could crush someone's dreams?? Honestly, Magnussoft deserves kudos because it has amazing graphics, interesting puzzles (some I have never played before), a great variety of Hidden Object Scenes, and yes...it even has a nice story, albeit one that requires reading dialogue text.
THE PLOT THICKENS:
The King releases you from a jail cell in exchange for... well, let's just say it's because you're expendable and because all the previous knights have failed their mission to stop an evil sorcerer from unleashing the dark powers of the Black Crystal.
The King releases you from a jail cell in exchange for... well, let's just say it's because you're expendable and because all the previous knights have failed their mission to stop an evil sorcerer from unleashing the dark powers of the Black Crystal.
ADVENTURES & QUESTS:
Your adventure begins as you make your way to different towns located on your handy map. Along the way, you will meet various characters that, of course, have a dilemma of some sort that requires your unique set of skills.
Your adventure begins as you make your way to different towns located on your handy map. Along the way, you will meet various characters that, of course, have a dilemma of some sort that requires your unique set of skills.
What sets this game apart from the pile of HOGs we have been offered in abundance lately is that you must scour the scene for active areas, speak to various characters, and then figure out what needs to be done to accomplish the tasks. What I found even more interesting was the fact that I had to reexamine the same scene after doing a specific action. For example, a character may not have a conversation prompt until I have found an inventory item.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
First of all, some of these scenes are incredibly beautiful and filled with colorful butterflies, unicorns, and magical creatures (let's give the developers some credit for having such an imagination). Some of the HO scenes have objects that can be moved out of the way, revealing additional objects. Each scene varies with Listed Items, Multiples of the Same Object, Silhouetted Shapes, and even Riddled Descriptions.
First of all, some of these scenes are incredibly beautiful and filled with colorful butterflies, unicorns, and magical creatures (let's give the developers some credit for having such an imagination). Some of the HO scenes have objects that can be moved out of the way, revealing additional objects. Each scene varies with Listed Items, Multiples of the Same Object, Silhouetted Shapes, and even Riddled Descriptions.
MINI-GAMES:
I have enjoyed the mini-games offered in this game because, although they weren't difficult, many of them require a little thought. One of my favorite puzzles required making 25 different connections between two identically-colored orbs. The line can be short or long, and can go around other orbs on a grid using the white orbs as connectors...super fun!
I have enjoyed the mini-games offered in this game because, although they weren't difficult, many of them require a little thought. One of my favorite puzzles required making 25 different connections between two identically-colored orbs. The line can be short or long, and can go around other orbs on a grid using the white orbs as connectors...super fun!
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
Bonus Chapter, 67 Music Soundtracks, 5 Artwork pictures, 9 Wallpapers, 24 Replayable Mini-games, 26 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes.
Bonus Chapter, 67 Music Soundtracks, 5 Artwork pictures, 9 Wallpapers, 24 Replayable Mini-games, 26 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes.
Give this game an honest chance and then head on over to my nature-themed forum, inspired by Park Ranger, for some classic Woodsy excitement? Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on in The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Dive into a high-stakes hidden object investigation to uncover secrets and solve puzzles in a glitzy casino!
Overall rating
3
/
5
I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO WITH MY HANDS 👐🏼
PostedJune 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
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The game's title sounded amazing, so I didn't hesitate to hit the download button when the CE was released. Right from the start, the game felt awkward because the introductory music sounded like the theme from the Halloween movies, but as soon as the characters started popping up with their dialogue boxes, it was quiet as a mouse...no voiceovers, no background music, no sounds whatsoever! I turned up my volume, but it was still utter silence. I clicked through tons of dialogue boxes between two characters before the background music kicked in again, but sound, or lack thereof, isn't a deal-breaker, so I proceeded to the HO scenes...
There are 10 Chapters, and each chapter has about four different HO scenes. The Hidden Objects are thrown about an entire room. Some of the items to find are not proportional, for example, a Hex Nut may be larger than a four-leaf clover, and as mentioned above, the scenes are pretty blurry, but the items are just spewn about (versus actually "hidden") so they are easily spotted, even without the use of a magnifying glass.
UPDATE: The graphics appear to look a bit better in this Standard Edition version after the developer fixed the blurriness issue within the HO scenes.
Each HO scene has a Morphing Coin that reveals the victim's backstory. After completing a chapter, you "Investigate" the scene by playing a simplistic mini-game or two, such as a jigsaw puzzle, rotating & swapping tiles, or matching identical poker chips. I don't think mini-games have to be super complex to be enjoyable, so this wasn't a deal-breaker either.
There was so much opportunity lost here in a game whose title alone was intriguing! The story begins with a crime that takes place in a Casino. Each HO scene was located in the Casino, yet every single HO object was a random object that had been added to every HOG since the early 2000s.
Instead of searching for items related to a crime, I was forced to stare at a room cluttered with the same random junk in every scene...junk that had nothing to do with a Casino, a Crime, an Investigation, or anything even remotely close to the game's title...does every scene have to have a hat, purse, chest, cupcake, stapler, false teeth, a hex nut, or a medieval ball & chain?
Instead of collecting clues that may be related to the crime and coming up with a deduction by solving a crime-themed logic-type game, I just matched identical poker chips and called it a day.
The game sounded so promising, but for me, it was just another old-school HOG that quickly became repetitive, so unfortunately, I will pass on this one.
Collector's Edition Extras:
A second "crime" with 10 additional chapters (The Chip Caper Case) and 8 Music Soundtracks.
A second "crime" with 10 additional chapters (The Chip Caper Case) and 8 Music Soundtracks.
Why not head on over to my nature-themed forum, inspired by Park Ranger, for some classic Woodsy excitement? Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on in The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
THE PROFESSIONALS ARE AT THE TABLE NOW AS FIVE-BN DEMONSTRATES WHAT A REAL HOPA LOOKS LIKE!🥇
PostedJune 12, 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
Artifact Seekers introduces a new concept for Five-BN Games, specifically designed for puzzle lovers. However, this is still a "Hidden Object Adventure" game with the beloved dynamics we've all come to appreciate!
To be honest, the game begins with a somewhat cheesy introduction. It features a young vlogger who works on the set of a new reality TV show called "Artifact Seekers." The vlogger shares some behind-the-scenes footage from the production.
You will play this new reality TV game show by selecting one of 16 different couples. The goal of the game is to find a specific Artifact while scoring more than the other couples.
Eventually, you will travel to different countries/locations to search for other artifacts. All 16 couples are listed on a leaderboard to compare team stats, which leads me to wonder if this will be an actual multi-player game elsewhere. As the competition begins, you'll search the scenes for inventory items and clues in the same fashion as a typical Five-BN game.
Eventually, you will travel to different countries/locations to search for other artifacts. All 16 couples are listed on a leaderboard to compare team stats, which leads me to wonder if this will be an actual multi-player game elsewhere. As the competition begins, you'll search the scenes for inventory items and clues in the same fashion as a typical Five-BN game.
Each scene has a Morphing Object, and there is a whole slew of Collectibles, just as we have come to expect from our beloved "Master of HOPA" developer (just sit back, take notes, listen, and learn, D & E Games). Finding some of the Morphing Objects isn't easy because this developer is also a "Master of Disguise" when it comes to shape-shifting objects. A morphing object can be something as simple as a seashell or as obscure as a decorative element or part of the scenery.
If you're having trouble locating the morphing objects, consider adjusting the cursor settings in the custom settings menu. You can enable or disable the option that changes the cursor to a hand when it hovers over a morphing object. As you continue, you'll encounter a feature that rewards your team with bonus stars for collecting all 12 morphing objects
Artifact Seekers, with its Reality Game Show theme, features a few more puzzles than a typical Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) game. However, most of the puzzles are easily solved, although some may require a bit more patience to complete. You have the option to skip any of the puzzles, which in theory, would result in a lower ranking in the contest. However, some puzzles are optional quests that reward you with bonus stars in the competition. These optional puzzles are marked with a star and are typically grouped in sets of five different puzzles.
These puzzles are enjoyable and manageable; some involve matching identical runes, while others are more intricate, requiring a bit of patience. For example, you may need to guide a token around the board to collect shaped tiles in a specific pattern. While this isn’t difficult, it may take a few attempts to determine the correct sequence of tiles to pick up.
Personally, I love the Artifact Seekers theme because it allows us to travel to different countries in search of cultural artifacts, giving us the opportunity to meet Indigenous people with vastly different cultures—all in one game! Bravo, Five-BN Games!
I recommend this game!
Explore Usher’s secrets in a gothic hidden object game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2022 AT ITS FINEST⏱️
PostedMay 24, 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
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
CrispApp released this game three years ago (as an SE version). Is BF that far behind schedule, or are they just desperate to find games to fill their daily slots...you know, the slots that used to be filled with amazing HOPA games? Maybe it's time to give HOPA developers a bigger slice of the pie so they can earn a living and have a motive to develop games for BF.
The story is a bit weak, but that's often the case with Hidden Object Games. You are heading to visit a long-time friend, Roderick Usher ("The Fall of the House of Usher"), but strange things happen before you reach the mansion.
There are 22 HO levels, and each level has 4 Achievements to earn by replaying the scene in different modes and completing a puzzle until all Stars/percentages have been filled. There is a Listed Mode, a Silhouetted Shape Mode, a Night Mode (which is more of a colorless mode than a scene in the dark), and a side-by-side Spot the Difference Mode.
The objects to find are different each time you replay the scene, and the objects change location placement in an effort to make the game less repetitive. Each scene has a theme-related jigsaw variation as well, such as Rotating & Swapping Square Tiles or a classic Jigsaw Puzzle, which unfortunately doesn't have a rotation feature, but the puzzle pieces have unique tab shapes.
The graphics are decent, but the objects are just random objects that have nothing to do with the scene or the Edgar Allan Poe plot. Each scene only has a handful of items to find, and you get more points for finding items back-to-back quickly. It's not a bad game if you enjoy HOGS that require repeating the scene multiple times.
From what I can tell, the only Collector's Edition extras are 11 Jigsaw Puzzles...are they worth an extra 7 bucks?
Head on over to my nature-themed forum inspired by Park Ranger, and join our latest MCF Expedition to Fragments of Truth! Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on in The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Help Park Rangers run a sensational US National Park!
Overall rating
5
/
5
HI-HO THE DERRY-O A CAMPING WE WILL GO ⛺🥾🌳🔥🪵🔦🐻🧭...does anyone know what a derry-o is?
PostedMay 24, 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
Vacation Adventures: Park Ranger is one of the few games that I still look forward to, each and every release...since 2013! Although several developers have tried to replicate this beloved series, none of them have been able to achieve the "It Factor" of our beloved games by the one and only Casual Arts. Pack your bags and buckle up for another amazing Vacation Adventure at Pinehills Creek!
DIFFICULTY MODES:
You can play in Casual Mode (untimed-faster hint recharge), Challenge Mode (timed-normal hint recharge), or Extreme (timed mode, all wildlife & recyclables must be found). The Timer counts up, not down, so it's never stressful! In the Extreme Mode, there are 30 Items to find versus 18.
You can play in Casual Mode (untimed-faster hint recharge), Challenge Mode (timed-normal hint recharge), or Extreme (timed mode, all wildlife & recyclables must be found). The Timer counts up, not down, so it's never stressful! In the Extreme Mode, there are 30 Items to find versus 18.
ACHIEVEMENTS (in-game):
There are 21 Achievements to earn for completing various tasks such as finding Wildlife, buying souvenirs, or finishing a mini-game quickly. You can purchase Park Souvenirs with the points earned and store them in your cabin.
There are 21 Achievements to earn for completing various tasks such as finding Wildlife, buying souvenirs, or finishing a mini-game quickly. You can purchase Park Souvenirs with the points earned and store them in your cabin.
RICK THE RANGER DOLL:
A new feature has been added to find a Rick the Ranger Doll in every scene. Although I love finding Frosty the Snowman in the Christmas Wonderland games, I have to admit that I wasn't crazy about the doll itself. I wish they had chosen something more realistic that is park-related, such as a Ranger's hat, badge, or even the infamous jeep....even better would be some type of cool wildlife animal like a bear.
A new feature has been added to find a Rick the Ranger Doll in every scene. Although I love finding Frosty the Snowman in the Christmas Wonderland games, I have to admit that I wasn't crazy about the doll itself. I wish they had chosen something more realistic that is park-related, such as a Ranger's hat, badge, or even the infamous jeep....even better would be some type of cool wildlife animal like a bear.
WILDLIFE COLLECTIBLES:
Each scene has several Wildlife Animals to find that are shown as silhouettes in a box to the left of the word search bar, and when all the animals have been spotted, the doors will close. There is a Wildlife Notebook that allows you to see illustrations of all the wildlife you have found.
Each scene has several Wildlife Animals to find that are shown as silhouettes in a box to the left of the word search bar, and when all the animals have been spotted, the doors will close. There is a Wildlife Notebook that allows you to see illustrations of all the wildlife you have found.
RECYCLE ITEMS:
You will also be tasked with Recycling cans, bottles, corrugated boxes, and paper found in each scene, and when all recyclables have been found, the recycle Can icon will be displayed as full. Some of the trash items are located within Zoom Zones as well.
You will also be tasked with Recycling cans, bottles, corrugated boxes, and paper found in each scene, and when all recyclables have been found, the recycle Can icon will be displayed as full. Some of the trash items are located within Zoom Zones as well.
PHOTO OPS:
There are 16 Photo Op scenes that allow you to take a photo for your Album whenever you see the Camera Icon, so don't forget to keep an eagle eye out for those Photo Ops.
There are 16 Photo Op scenes that allow you to take a photo for your Album whenever you see the Camera Icon, so don't forget to keep an eagle eye out for those Photo Ops.
EARN STARS:
You will earn an Eagle Eye achievement if you don't use either the Hint Magnifying Glass, which shows the location of a single random item, or the Mega Hint feature, which shows the location of all available items from the list. You'll earn a Bronze Star for completing the Search, a Silver Star if you find all Wildlife OR all Recyclable Items, and a Gold Star if you find all Wildlife AND all Recyclable items. (Extreme mode requires you to find all recyclable items & wildlife).
You will earn an Eagle Eye achievement if you don't use either the Hint Magnifying Glass, which shows the location of a single random item, or the Mega Hint feature, which shows the location of all available items from the list. You'll earn a Bronze Star for completing the Search, a Silver Star if you find all Wildlife OR all Recyclable Items, and a Gold Star if you find all Wildlife AND all Recyclable items. (Extreme mode requires you to find all recyclable items & wildlife).
TASKS & HIDDEN ITEMS:
Words listed in Blue are Tasks that require an interaction of some type, and words in Red are hidden inside or behind things. Most of the scenes have at least one Zoom Zone (indicated by sparkling stars) that has hidden items and sometimes includes Recyclables or Wildlife. Levels can be replayed to better your time/score (timer counts up, not down) or pick up missing recyclable items or wildlife, and the items to find are different each time you replay it.
Words listed in Blue are Tasks that require an interaction of some type, and words in Red are hidden inside or behind things. Most of the scenes have at least one Zoom Zone (indicated by sparkling stars) that has hidden items and sometimes includes Recyclables or Wildlife. Levels can be replayed to better your time/score (timer counts up, not down) or pick up missing recyclable items or wildlife, and the items to find are different each time you replay it.
PUZZLES & MINI-GAMES:
After each Search Scene, you'll play a Mini-Game such as Placing Map Shapes, Spot The Difference, Word Search, or several different types of Jigsaw Puzzles (Rotate Squares, Swap Tile Sections, Flipsaw, Slider Puzzles, etc.)
After each Search Scene, you'll play a Mini-Game such as Placing Map Shapes, Spot The Difference, Word Search, or several different types of Jigsaw Puzzles (Rotate Squares, Swap Tile Sections, Flipsaw, Slider Puzzles, etc.)
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
30 Main Levels +8 CE Levels, 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks w/player (that familiar Vacation Adventures soundtrack is called Bluewaters Heaven btw) 21 Achievements, 16 Photo Op Screenshots (available in Photo Album) 16 Gift Shop Souvenirs displayed in your cabin, 96 Wildlife Critters to find (available in a Photo Album) 48 Replayable Mini-Games. (8 Jigsaw, 8 Rotate, 8 Flipsaw, 4 Concentration, 4 Spot the Difference, 4 Word Search, 2 Trivia Search, 3 Simple Math Codes, 1 Rotation Rings, 1 Rotate & Flipsaw, 1 traditional Jigsaw, 2 Pick & Place, 2 Sliding Squares)
30 Main Levels +8 CE Levels, 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks w/player (that familiar Vacation Adventures soundtrack is called Bluewaters Heaven btw) 21 Achievements, 16 Photo Op Screenshots (available in Photo Album) 16 Gift Shop Souvenirs displayed in your cabin, 96 Wildlife Critters to find (available in a Photo Album) 48 Replayable Mini-Games. (8 Jigsaw, 8 Rotate, 8 Flipsaw, 4 Concentration, 4 Spot the Difference, 4 Word Search, 2 Trivia Search, 3 Simple Math Codes, 1 Rotation Rings, 1 Rotate & Flipsaw, 1 traditional Jigsaw, 2 Pick & Place, 2 Sliding Squares)
Head on over to my nature-themed forum inspired by Park Ranger, and join our latest MCF Expedition to Fragments of Truth! Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on in The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Dive into a high-stakes hidden object investigation to uncover secrets and solve puzzles in a glitzy casino!
Overall rating
3
/
5
DANA CIPHER: DEAD MAN'S HAND... SOUNDED SO PROMISING 🔊 🔇
PostedMay 17, 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
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I wasn't going to say anything about the blurriness because I thought that maybe it was because I have a 38" curved monitor and perhaps the game wasn't designed for larger screens, but after reading @ gladysschmuck's review, apparently, screen size isn't the issue.
The game's title sounded amazing, so I didn't hesitate to hit the download button. Right from the start, the game felt awkward because the introductory music sounded like the theme from the Halloween movies, but as soon as the characters started popping up with their dialogue boxes, it was quiet as a mouse...no voiceovers, no background music, no sounds whatsoever! I turned up my volume, but it was still utter silence. I clicked through tons of dialogue boxes between two characters before the background music kicked in again, but sound, or lack thereof, isn't a deal-breaker, so I proceeded to the HO scenes...
There are 10 Chapters, and each chapter has 3-4 different HO scenes. The Hidden Objects are thrown about an entire room. Some of the items to find are not proportional, for example, a Hex Nut may be larger than a four-leaf clover, and as mentioned above, the scenes are pretty blurry, but the items are just spewn about (versus actually "hidden") so they are easily spotted, even without the use of a magnifying glass.
Each HO scene has a Morphing Coin that reveals the victim's backstory. After completing a chapter, you "Investigate" the scene by playing a simplistic mini-game, such as a jigsaw puzzle or matching identical poker chips. I don't think mini-games have to be super complex to be enjoyable, so this wasn't a deal-breaker either, but by the end of the second chapter, I was utterly bored.
There was so much opportunity lost here in a game whose title alone was intriguing! The story begins with a crime that takes place in a Casino. Each HO scene was located in the Casino, yet every single HO object was a random object that had been added to every HOG since the early 2000s.
Instead of searching for items related to a crime, I was forced to stare at a room cluttered with the same random junk in every scene...junk that had nothing to do with a Casino, a Crime, an Investigation, or anything even remotely close to the game's title...does every scene have to have a hat, purse, chest, cupcake, stapler, false teeth, a hex nut, or a medieval ball & chain?
Instead of collecting clues that may be related to the crime and coming up with a deduction by solving a crime-themed logic-type game, I just matched identical poker chips and called it a day.
The game sounded so promising, but for me, it was just another old-school HOG that quickly became repetitive, so unfortunately, I will pass on this one.
Collector's Edition Extras:
A second "crime" with 10 additional chapters (The Chip Caper Case) and 8 Music Soundtracks.
A second "crime" with 10 additional chapters (The Chip Caper Case) and 8 Music Soundtracks.
Why not head on over to my nature-themed forum, inspired by Park Ranger, for some classic Woodsy excitement? Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on in The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Solve coloring and jigsaw puzzles and seek and find hidden objects in scenic Horizon Bay!
Overall rating
5
/
5
🪷PURE SERENITY🪷
PostedMay 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
The definition of "Serenity" describes this game to a tee:
Serenity is a state of being, characterized by calmness, quietude, and peacefulness. It can be described as a feeling of being untroubled and at peace with oneself and the surroundings.
Serenity is a state of being, characterized by calmness, quietude, and peacefulness. It can be described as a feeling of being untroubled and at peace with oneself and the surroundings.
Mixo Games has consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity, and RestorArt exemplifies its innovative prowess. They transform ordinary puzzles and hidden object scenes into something truly extraordinary and serene. I loved the first RestorArt and have been waiting very patiently for this game... and it does not disappoint!
You have built a strong reputation for restoring art at Fairwood Hill, and you are moving to Horizon Bay, where artists are already booking appointments left and right.
Every client has a unique situation, requiring a distinct solution for art restoration. This is achieved by solving different puzzles.
🎨PHOTO RETOUCH
This is a Hidden Object Scene in which you are tasked with finding Listed Items, Multiples of Similar/Related Objects, or Items that match a Riddled Clue, such as "Sky's Blazing Star."
This is a Hidden Object Scene in which you are tasked with finding Listed Items, Multiples of Similar/Related Objects, or Items that match a Riddled Clue, such as "Sky's Blazing Star."
🎨TORN PIECES
This is my favorite puzzle!! The goal is to restore the artwork, which only shows a few pieces initially, so you'll have to look for small sections with matching details on the available tiles. As you place a tile correctly, that section will blend with the tile you placed and fill in small areas of the picture. Therefore, you may have tiles that overlap portions of the art as sections are filled in. It's not complicated, but it can be challenging, especially as you progress.
This is my favorite puzzle!! The goal is to restore the artwork, which only shows a few pieces initially, so you'll have to look for small sections with matching details on the available tiles. As you place a tile correctly, that section will blend with the tile you placed and fill in small areas of the picture. Therefore, you may have tiles that overlap portions of the art as sections are filled in. It's not complicated, but it can be challenging, especially as you progress.
🎨BURNT PIECES
This is the same as the Torn Pieces puzzle above, but the artwork has been burned versus torn.
This is the same as the Torn Pieces puzzle above, but the artwork has been burned versus torn.
🎨STICKER SEARCH
In the sticker search puzzles, you remove layers of stickers that match the motif of listed descriptions, such as Feathers, Fruits, Planets, or Gems. Because of the layered effect, you must pay attention to the details that are often partially covered by other stickers. As you remove a category, new categories are added.
In the sticker search puzzles, you remove layers of stickers that match the motif of listed descriptions, such as Feathers, Fruits, Planets, or Gems. Because of the layered effect, you must pay attention to the details that are often partially covered by other stickers. As you remove a category, new categories are added.
🎨STAMP MATCH
The goal is to remove all of the Stamps by matching identical pairs. Just as in the Sticker Search game, the stamps cover the whole scene and have several layers that are exposed as you remove the ones on the top.
The goal is to remove all of the Stamps by matching identical pairs. Just as in the Sticker Search game, the stamps cover the whole scene and have several layers that are exposed as you remove the ones on the top.
🎨COLORING
These are beautiful stained-glass pictures with paint-by-number sections, allowing you to only paint the sections that are shown on the right-hand side. As you complete one group of numbers, others become available, so you can't just click around wildly; you have to search for the available numbers shown.
These are beautiful stained-glass pictures with paint-by-number sections, allowing you to only paint the sections that are shown on the right-hand side. As you complete one group of numbers, others become available, so you can't just click around wildly; you have to search for the available numbers shown.
🎨LOCKED BOXES
This is my favorite feature! It's a puzzle box where you must remove all tiles. The tiles have directional arrows, so it can be quite challenging to remove the tiles in the center if a previous move blocks its directional path. These games progress in difficulty, and I have had to restart more than my fair share of these puzzles!
This is my favorite feature! It's a puzzle box where you must remove all tiles. The tiles have directional arrows, so it can be quite challenging to remove the tiles in the center if a previous move blocks its directional path. These games progress in difficulty, and I have had to restart more than my fair share of these puzzles!
🎨STUDIO UPGRADES
You will collect your fee after each puzzle/restoration is complete, but you'll also collect coins that appear briefly during most of the puzzle games. (You must manually collect the coins with a single click before they disappear). The money you earn allows you to purchase equipment for your new studio. You will also have to purchase a few "tools" during the game as you progress, such as scrapers or specific colors of ink.
You will collect your fee after each puzzle/restoration is complete, but you'll also collect coins that appear briefly during most of the puzzle games. (You must manually collect the coins with a single click before they disappear). The money you earn allows you to purchase equipment for your new studio. You will also have to purchase a few "tools" during the game as you progress, such as scrapers or specific colors of ink.
🎨CONTENT & COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS
You will earn 6 Certificates (Achievements) There are 3 different towns (Rosehills-Ravenwood-Silvergrove) with 27-31 puzzles in each town. There are 10 Music Soundtracks and 24 Extra Puzzle Levels.
Need more serenity? Head on over to my nature-themed forum, inspired by Park Ranger, for some classic Woodsy excitement. Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on in The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
You will earn 6 Certificates (Achievements) There are 3 different towns (Rosehills-Ravenwood-Silvergrove) with 27-31 puzzles in each town. There are 10 Music Soundtracks and 24 Extra Puzzle Levels.
Need more serenity? Head on over to my nature-themed forum, inspired by Park Ranger, for some classic Woodsy excitement. Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on in The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Help Mona restore cosmic balance in a hidden object adventure across magical realms and dimensions!
Overall rating
5
/
5
THE NOT-SO-HARMONIOUS CHRONICLES 🧘♀️
PostedMay 8, 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
2
/
5
This is the third game in The Harmony Chronicles, and once again, chaos is about to disrupt Harmony as it ripples throughout the universe. It seems to me that the Harmony Goddess isn't doing a very good job of keeping Harmony Harmonious!
I have been quite impressed with this series. The Hidden Object Scenes are just challenging enough to hold your interest, and you actually look forward to the next scene. The scenes cover an entire room versus a pile of junk on a random table. There are a ton of objects in every scene, which makes items more challenging to spot initially. I love that most of the items are theme-related and realistic. The graphics are clear, and every item is easily recognizable. Most of the scenes are Listed Item Finds, but they break up the monotony with Multiple Item Finds (5 Apples-5 Boots, etc.), Matching Pairs, and Silhouetted Shape Finds as well.
I haven't completed the game, but so far, all of the Puzzle Levels are Fragmented Shapes that you drag to the correct position within a specific shape, such as a crystal ball or a book.
As for the story, there are voiceovers; the characters actually speak, so I'm not sure why they felt the need to include a dialogue box as well?? It gets annoying because you have to specifically click on the words "Click to Continue" at the bottom of the screen to continue. Speaking of annoying...I agree with @jaylake; the Owl character quickly becomes annoying, repeatedly saying, "HOO-HOO mid-sentence...we get the point: he's an owl. I found myself automatically skipping through most of the conversations because there was too much unnecessary dialogue, and I lost interest...plus, I wanted to get to the next HO scene!
I was considering knocking a Star off my rating, not because of the HOO-HOO's or the excessive dialogue...but because they are offering this as a Collector's Edition, yet they don't reveal any of the CE content! The Bonus Content has a tab for Puzzles, Music, and Wallpapers, but when you click on them, the same message appears to inform you that you have to complete the game before you can access any of the content! Sorry, but I refuse to purchase the CE version without this knowledge. How can we be expected to pay twice as much for this CE when, for all we know, the SE version has the same content? Are they the same puzzles available to Replay, or are they new puzzles? Do we get six extra Puzzles? 10 Puzzles, 50 Puzzles, or one lousy puzzle? Personally, I could care less about Wallpapers (they will eventually be available online if you really like them), and I'm certainly not going to play the music in my free time.
So, rather than knocking off a Star from my rating, I will pass on the CE version. By the time the SE version is released, I'll probably lose my enthusiasm and may or may not purchase it, so that's a sale potentially lost...all because they couldn't tell me what I am getting for my 14 bucks! 🧘♀️
When you get done gaming, head on over to my nature-themed forum, inspired by Park Ranger, for some classic Woodsy excitement. Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on in The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
Help Park Rangers run a sensational US National Park!
Overall rating
5
/
5
FOLLOW ME ⛺🥾🌳🔥🪵🔦🐻🧭 I'M HEADING TO PINECREEK HILLS!
PostedApril 24, 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
Vacation Adventures: Park Ranger is one of the few games that I still look forward to, each and every release...since 2013! Although several developers have tried to replicate this beloved series, none of them have been able to achieve the "It Factor" of our beloved games by the one and only Casual Arts. Pack your bags and buckle up for another amazing Vacation Adventure at Pinehills Creek!
You can play in Casual Mode (untimed-faster hint recharge), Challenge Mode (timed-normal hint recharge), or Extreme (timed mode, all wildlife & recyclables must be found). The Timer counts up, not down, so it's never stressful! In the Extreme Mode, there are 30 Items to find versus 18.
There are 21 Achievements to earn for completing various tasks such as finding Wildlife, buying souvenirs, or finishing a mini-game quickly. You can purchase Park Souvenirs with the points earned and store them in your cabin..
A new feature has been added to find a Rick the Ranger Doll in every scene. Although I love finding Frosty the Snowman in the Christmas Wonderland games, I have to admit that I wasn't crazy about the doll itself. I wish they had chosen something more realistic that is park-related, such as a Ranger's hat, badge, or even the infamous jeep....even better would be some type of cool wildlife animal like a bear.
Each scene has several Wildlife Animals to find that are shown as silhouettes in a box to the left of the word search bar, and when all the animals have been spotted, the doors will close. There is a Wildlife Notebook that allows you to see illustrations of all the wildlife you have found.
You will also be tasked with Recycling cans, bottles, corrugated boxes, and paper found in each scene, and when all recyclables have been found, the recycle Can icon will be displayed as full. Some of the trash items are located within Zoom Zones as well.
There are 16 Photo Op scenes that allow you to take a photo for your Album whenever you see the Camera Icon, so don't forget to keep an eagle eye out for those Photo Ops.
You will earn an Eagle Eye achievement if you don't use either the Hint Magnifying Glass, which shows the location of a single random item, or the Mega Hint feature, which shows the location of all available items from the list. You'll earn a Bronze Star for completing the Search, a Silver Star if you find all Wildlife OR all Recyclable Items, and a Gold Star if you find all Wildlife AND all Recyclable items. (Extreme mode requires you to find all recyclable items & wildlife.)
Words listed in Blue are Tasks that require an interaction of some type, and words in Red are hidden inside or behind things. Most of the scenes have at least one Zoom Zone (indicated by sparkling stars) that has hidden items and sometimes includes Recyclables or Wildlife. Levels can be replayed to better your time/score (timer counts up, not down) or pick up missing recyclable items or wildlife, and the items to find are different each time you replay it.
After each Search Scene, you'll play a Mini-Game such as Placing Map Shapes, Spot The Difference, Word Search, or several different types of Jigsaw Puzzles (Rotate Squares, Swap Tile Sections, Flipsaw, Slider Puzzles, etc.)
Collector's Edition Extras:
30 Main Levels +8 CE Levels, 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks w/player (that familiar Vacation Adventures soundtrack is called Bluewaters Heaven btw) 21 Achievements, 16 Photo Op Screenshots (available in Photo Album) 16 Gift Shop Souvenirs displayed in your cabin, 96 Wildlife Critters to find (available in a Photo Album) 48 Replayable Mini-Games. (8 Jigsaw, 8 Rotate, 8 Flipsaw, 4 Concentration, 4 Spot the Difference, 4 Word Search, 2 Trivia Search, 3 Simple Math Codes, 1 Rotation Rings, 1 Rotate & Flipsaw, 1 traditional Jigsaw, 2 Pick & Place, 2 Sliding Squares)
30 Main Levels +8 CE Levels, 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks w/player (that familiar Vacation Adventures soundtrack is called Bluewaters Heaven btw) 21 Achievements, 16 Photo Op Screenshots (available in Photo Album) 16 Gift Shop Souvenirs displayed in your cabin, 96 Wildlife Critters to find (available in a Photo Album) 48 Replayable Mini-Games. (8 Jigsaw, 8 Rotate, 8 Flipsaw, 4 Concentration, 4 Spot the Difference, 4 Word Search, 2 Trivia Search, 3 Simple Math Codes, 1 Rotation Rings, 1 Rotate & Flipsaw, 1 traditional Jigsaw, 2 Pick & Place, 2 Sliding Squares)
☾｡🏞⋅♡˖⁺‧𖤓𓂃↟˖₊🌧°❀‧⁺˖✩🏕‧₊˚✧⋆｡☀.♡₊˚🏖˖𐂂
When you're ready to take a break from playing this amazing game, head on over to my nature-themed forum, inspired by Park Ranger, for some classic Woodsy excitement. Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on at The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
When you're ready to take a break from playing this amazing game, head on over to my nature-themed forum, inspired by Park Ranger, for some classic Woodsy excitement. Meet fellow BF gamers from across the globe, chat with devs, gather the latest upcoming game info, or catch up on the latest forum shenanigans (100% chance of shenanigans). There's always something interesting going on at The Woods, so pull up a log, roast some mallows, and join us for some fun around the campfire @ thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!