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:
What happens when someone manipulates an ongoing investigation?
Overall rating
3
/
5
28 of 43 found this review helpful
IT'S NOT A HOPA but...
PostedJune 18, 2023
pennmom36
from"Remembering you is easy, I do it everyday. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away" დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Honestly, the only thing that bothered me was having to hear "Another Letter" after every friggin level! Although I didn't see the value of the CE extras in this particular game, I don't think it's as bad as everyone rated it; I just think they are disappointed that this isn't a Domini HOPA.
At the rate Domini has been releasing HOPAs over the past few months, there's no way it could remain sustainable! Who can blame them for wanting to ease the deadline burden of releasing two HOPAs per week? They need to release a few simple games in between their HOPAs which takes a huge amount of production time. The quality is waning on those HOPA games because it's simply impossible to create a decent game at such a maddening pace.
The Hidden Object Scenes vary with Interactive List Finds, Matching Pairs, Silhouetted Shapes, Combination Finds (this + this = ?), Related Pairs, Matching Swatches, etc. They are very colorful, and some require several interactions or finding & replacing items which can be challenging. After completing the HO scene, you will earn a Star that is used to decorate several different Boudoirs.
What I enjoyed more than the HO scenes were the mini-games and puzzles. I found the mini-games to be better than most HO games offer. They are quality puzzles and really no different than the ones offered in a typical HOPA by Do Games.
Collector's Edition Extras
10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 15 Collectible Flowers, and 24 Bonus Levels.
10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 15 Collectible Flowers, and 24 Bonus Levels.
Stop by my new forum and chat with fellow gamers at thewoodsforum.boards.net
Meet the most fun & challenging clutter yet!
Overall rating
5
/
5
132 of 167 found this review helpful
THE DICEMAN MUST GOETH LOL
PostedJune 15, 2023
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Puzzles by Joe are phenomenal games PERIOD! Joe pours his heart and soul into these games; literally, he shares personal stories, what other developer does that?! He shares a part of himself and his family as he contemplates his role in society and what legacy he will leave behind. He teaches us life lessons, and he gives us a great game every single time! Let's try to stick with the game itself and not bash his hard work with negative reviews over a download issue; download links are the responsibility of BF and are clearly not Joe's fault.
Here's the thing folks, this game has everything but the kitchen sink in it...we'll, there may actually be a kitchen sink in one of these levels, but it does have something for everyone.
Mostly, this game has options...if moving objects are too fast, you can slow them down. If you don't like being stressed by a timer, you can turn it off. (Joe does suggest you try the timed mode) The beauty of the timer is that the level doesn't call you a loser and makes you replay the level if the timer reaches the end...Joe gives you the option to continue playing or move on!
If the new styles don't knock your socks off, you can play the old-school quests. You don't have anything to lose, except maybe your socks.
Honestly, I didn't enjoy the Dice levels, especially as they progressed because they drove me nuts! Once they started adding identical colored dice of slightly different shapes, such as square versus slightly rounded edges, I found it maddening to match dice with the exact numbers and all sides...but that's okay, Joe gives us the option to move on.
I did enjoy matching the shoes that would actually revolve off the edge of the screen and back on in a donut shape. I also enjoyed matching the edges of squares, and the Shapes (stars, moons, squares) I thought the levels where you matched different sizes were quite challenging as well.
After each level, Joe shares various quotes and reflects on how that quote relates to his own life. Of course, you can skip the text, but I enjoy reading them just as much as playing the clutter levels. After Joe's comments, you get to play a puzzle, such as swapping strips...all of which tell a story if you pay attention.
Let's talk about the new clutter! Join us at my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Something evil is trapped between two worlds.
Overall rating
3
/
5
19 of 25 found this review helpful
HEY GUYS, THE TREATMENT WORKED, I FEEL GREAT!
PostedJune 13, 2023
pennmom36
fromIt takes more than a gr8 story to make a gr8 HOPA დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Completed Game: approximately 8.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
19 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
Author, Michael Ring, checked himself into a treatment center, but he'll never check out. Welcome to Misty Hill Treatment Center, founded by Noel Green who unfortunately passed away, in fact, it seems that lately, a lot of people have passed away at this facility...but didn't you just see him walking down the hall?
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
19 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
Author, Michael Ring, checked himself into a treatment center, but he'll never check out. Welcome to Misty Hill Treatment Center, founded by Noel Green who unfortunately passed away, in fact, it seems that lately, a lot of people have passed away at this facility...but didn't you just see him walking down the hall?
If I were judging this game on the story alone, it would get a solid 4/5 Stars. The problem is, after completing the first chapter, you are driven nuts with repetitive tasks that make the game a chore to complete.
Collectibles & Morphing Objects (CE Version Only):
Domini Games always sticks with the same boring collectibles & morphing Objects...but at least they still have them. I will say that upgrading the Boudoir office items was more interesting than what they have offered in the past! 14 Michael's Drafts, 14 Morphing Medical Equipment, 70 Zoom-Zone Prescription Signatures to purchase 14 Upgrades in the Boudoir,
Collectibles & Morphing Objects (CE Version Only):
Domini Games always sticks with the same boring collectibles & morphing Objects...but at least they still have them. I will say that upgrading the Boudoir office items was more interesting than what they have offered in the past! 14 Michael's Drafts, 14 Morphing Medical Equipment, 70 Zoom-Zone Prescription Signatures to purchase 14 Upgrades in the Boudoir,
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 11 Hidden Object Scenes +6 in the CE Bonus Chapter. These were some of the most uninteresting Hidden Object Scenes I've ever come across! They are located in boring locations, and they seem dark, and somewhat hazy. I'll be honest, I found myself opting for the alternate Match 3 game because it seemed less boring, and much faster! The HO's vary with Interactive Listed Item Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Multiples of the Same Object, Swatches, Riddled Descriptions, and Missing Vowels (that were super easy).
There are 11 Hidden Object Scenes +6 in the CE Bonus Chapter. These were some of the most uninteresting Hidden Object Scenes I've ever come across! They are located in boring locations, and they seem dark, and somewhat hazy. I'll be honest, I found myself opting for the alternate Match 3 game because it seemed less boring, and much faster! The HO's vary with Interactive Listed Item Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Multiples of the Same Object, Swatches, Riddled Descriptions, and Missing Vowels (that were super easy).
Alternate Match 3 Game:
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available, which still doesn't allow you to make consecutive matches quickly because you have to wait for all tiles to stop falling before you can make the next match which makes the game super boring. It's always the same exact M3 game, the boards never change, and the icons never change! They never add obstacles or new features to make it progress in difficulty. FYI: one of the achievements requires you to play the alternate Match 3 game in place of the HOS. (just once)
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available, which still doesn't allow you to make consecutive matches quickly because you have to wait for all tiles to stop falling before you can make the next match which makes the game super boring. It's always the same exact M3 game, the boards never change, and the icons never change! They never add obstacles or new features to make it progress in difficulty. FYI: one of the achievements requires you to play the alternate Match 3 game in place of the HOS. (just once)
Mini-Games:
There are 25 Mini-Games +7 in the CE Bonus Chapter. You can choose to play them in an Easy or Hard difficulty mode. Most of the mini-games are back-to-back, but you can skip them. I actually enjoyed several of the mini-games, although none of the games were original.
There are 25 Mini-Games +7 in the CE Bonus Chapter. You can choose to play them in an Easy or Hard difficulty mode. Most of the mini-games are back-to-back, but you can skip them. I actually enjoyed several of the mini-games, although none of the games were original.
Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only)
Who ya gonna call? Ghost Writer! The Bonus Chapter takes us on another ghost hunt to an abandoned theater where a series of murders took place. You are a famous author who teams up with Carin Oldbridge, an aspiring director to write a story about the myths surrounding the theater. There are 7 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes that take place over 9 additional scene locations. You will continue your search for the final 5 Morphing Medical Equipment items, 4 Michael's Drafts, and 10 Prescription Signatures, which allow you to purchase the remaining Boudoir items.
Who ya gonna call? Ghost Writer! The Bonus Chapter takes us on another ghost hunt to an abandoned theater where a series of murders took place. You are a famous author who teams up with Carin Oldbridge, an aspiring director to write a story about the myths surrounding the theater. There are 7 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes that take place over 9 additional scene locations. You will continue your search for the final 5 Morphing Medical Equipment items, 4 Michael's Drafts, and 10 Prescription Signatures, which allow you to purchase the remaining Boudoir items.
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
10 Wallpapers (basically giant photos of each character), 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 28 Movie Video Cutscenes, 35 Achievements, 20 Replayable Mini-Games, 21 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 14 Michael's Drafts, 14 Morphing Medical Equipment, 70 Zoom-Zone Prescription Signatures to purchase 14 Upgrades in the Boudoir, 4 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
10 Wallpapers (basically giant photos of each character), 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 28 Movie Video Cutscenes, 35 Achievements, 20 Replayable Mini-Games, 21 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 14 Michael's Drafts, 14 Morphing Medical Equipment, 70 Zoom-Zone Prescription Signatures to purchase 14 Upgrades in the Boudoir, 4 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Reconnect with long-lost forum friends and become an official Woosdey when you join us on my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Take on the roughest outlaws in the wild and lawless American West!
Overall rating
4
/
5
38 of 54 found this review helpful
I SHOULD'VE BEEN A COWBOY
PostedJune 13, 2023
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
We haven't had a Tower Defense game in ages, much less a really good TD game, and I don't think I've ever played a Wild Wild Lawless West Tower Defense game. This type of game takes a few levels to catch on, but you may be surprised how fun they are once you get the hang of it!
In a TD game you get to stage the scene before the "attack" begins. The good guys are placed strategically in locations with a Sheriff Badge. When you click on the star, a group of defenders will appear at the bottom of the screen, each defender has a different set of skills (click the i icon below each defender to pull up their skillset)
After choosing your defenders, you can start the battle by clicking the red Gunslinger logo (you can also fast-forward using controls on the top right) You may also notice that there are areas with a shovel icon. This can eventually become a new spot to add an additional defender, but you will have to prep the area ($200) several times before it becomes available.
As the defenders destroy the enemy, you earn money, this income allows you to upgrade the defenders with larger guns, so you are constantly upgrading each defender as the battle pursues from several different paths.
After each level, you can upgrade the defenders as you earn different skills. To do this, you select the defender(s) and the available upgrade icon and drag them to the empty slots. Each icon shows you what the upgrade covers, which basically gives them a bigger range of firepower, or their weapons do more damage.
When the defenders need a little help, there are several tools you can use to help them. The tools are icons located on the left of the screen. You can add and place a gunslinger, or select where to use small explosives of various types. You can also heal a defender, or add roadblocks. These tools can also be upgraded several times before each level, or during the battle.
I know this sounds like a complicated game, but it really isn't, it just takes a level or two before you understand the mechanics of how everything works. When I played my first TD game, I thought I'd hate it, but I quickly realized how fun they are!
I'd like to personally invite you to join my nature-themed forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Let the arcana from the depths of the past unfold!
Overall rating
2
/
5
48 of 72 found this review helpful
CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN WHY THE GAME STARTS ON EPISODE 11?!?
PostedJune 10, 2023
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Completed Game: 6 Chapters-6.5 hours
21 Main Game Scene Locations +7 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Anyone who enjoys swarms of bees & filling lanterns with fireflies repetitively
21 Main Game Scene Locations +7 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Anyone who enjoys swarms of bees & filling lanterns with fireflies repetitively
Can anyone explain why the game starts on Episode 11 or tell me who was royally romancing whom? Isn't this game titled Royal Romances? I have played hundreds of HOPA games, and I have never been as confused by the storyline as I have with this one. Instead of switching between two Royal Lovers, it went from one character's plight to an entirely different character with no explanation in between.
Although there are 6 Chapters, they were short chapters that kept repeating the same tasks over and over. I don't ever want to fill another lantern with fireflies or smoke out another swarm of bees for the rest of my gaming life.
Gadgets/Helpers:
There are several Conversation Choices to make (11 X's in the Main Chapter & 4 X's in the CE Bonus Chapter) that will supposedly impact the story. Basically, you are choosing the Extended Play option with a few extra tasks, mini-games, and HO Scenes, but it doesn't change the story itself. One dialogue is a confident answer, and the other is a wishy-washy answer or something to the effect that ends the conversation as the character basically just agrees with your assessment so you can move forward.
At first, I was eager to get the entire package deal and accepted every side quest I came across. By the time Chapter 3 rolled around, I couldn't bear any more repetitive, cliche tasks and deliberately choose the wrong answer. I had cleaned a zillion dirty objects, picked a ton of locks, removed nails with ridiculous inventory items, and gathered resin from every tree in the forest to glue everything from statues to mirrors. I repaired wheels, replaced gears, and fixed everything broken over the last decade. I used belts to operate heavy equipment, I poked things out of the tree limbs and bravely went out on a limb (literally). My kind soul gathered breadcrumbs, mushrooms, and apples to feed every critter along the beaten path, (in exchange for an inventory item, of course) I dug up buried items and protected my hands from sharp thorns...I even rummaged through a giant Griffin's nest to get a giant saddle...seriously? A saddle...at the bottom of a nest?
Collectibles/Morphing Objects (CE version only)
There are 14 Morphing Dragon Eggs, 14 Potion Bottles, and 70 Zoom Zone Dragon Scales that are used to purchase 14 Boudoir Items. They couldn't have chosen items that were more unappealing, a skeleton, a horn, 2 different books, weight scales, a quill & ink, an hourglass, a flask stand, a candle & holder (half burned) a fang, a spyglass, glasses, flint & steel, a footprint, and a gyro sphere, all of which are just sitting on a table.
There are several Conversation Choices to make (11 X's in the Main Chapter & 4 X's in the CE Bonus Chapter) that will supposedly impact the story. Basically, you are choosing the Extended Play option with a few extra tasks, mini-games, and HO Scenes, but it doesn't change the story itself. One dialogue is a confident answer, and the other is a wishy-washy answer or something to the effect that ends the conversation as the character basically just agrees with your assessment so you can move forward.
At first, I was eager to get the entire package deal and accepted every side quest I came across. By the time Chapter 3 rolled around, I couldn't bear any more repetitive, cliche tasks and deliberately choose the wrong answer. I had cleaned a zillion dirty objects, picked a ton of locks, removed nails with ridiculous inventory items, and gathered resin from every tree in the forest to glue everything from statues to mirrors. I repaired wheels, replaced gears, and fixed everything broken over the last decade. I used belts to operate heavy equipment, I poked things out of the tree limbs and bravely went out on a limb (literally). My kind soul gathered breadcrumbs, mushrooms, and apples to feed every critter along the beaten path, (in exchange for an inventory item, of course) I dug up buried items and protected my hands from sharp thorns...I even rummaged through a giant Griffin's nest to get a giant saddle...seriously? A saddle...at the bottom of a nest?
Collectibles/Morphing Objects (CE version only)
There are 14 Morphing Dragon Eggs, 14 Potion Bottles, and 70 Zoom Zone Dragon Scales that are used to purchase 14 Boudoir Items. They couldn't have chosen items that were more unappealing, a skeleton, a horn, 2 different books, weight scales, a quill & ink, an hourglass, a flask stand, a candle & holder (half burned) a fang, a spyglass, glasses, flint & steel, a footprint, and a gyro sphere, all of which are just sitting on a table.
Hidden Object Scenes:
These were the blandest Hidden Object Scenes ever. Most of the HOs were the same ones they have offered in their recent HOG games (Connection of Worlds & Secrets of Worlds) where you are tasked with finding objects listed three at a time. There are Interactive Lists, Silhouetted Shapes, Replace Items in the Scene, Swatches, Matching Pairs, Multiples of the Same Object, Objects without a Matching Pair, and ? + " = Dragon type HOs.
These were the blandest Hidden Object Scenes ever. Most of the HOs were the same ones they have offered in their recent HOG games (Connection of Worlds & Secrets of Worlds) where you are tasked with finding objects listed three at a time. There are Interactive Lists, Silhouetted Shapes, Replace Items in the Scene, Swatches, Matching Pairs, Multiples of the Same Object, Objects without a Matching Pair, and ? + " = Dragon type HOs.
Alternate Match 3 Game:
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. It's the same M3 game, the same boards, the same icons offered in every game. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type once in a while???
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. It's the same M3 game, the same boards, the same icons offered in every game. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type once in a while???
Mini-Games:
I hope you love mini-games because there are 26 back-to-back mini-games (+10 in the CE Bonus Chapter) I'm a puzzle lover and I rarely complain about them but these games had the most confusing instructions I've ever seen! There are a ton of tile swaps along track, fragment placement puzzles, puzzles where you have to align elements where one affects another, placing pieces to match a pattern, selecting paths to avoid getting caught, etc. The only one I really enjoyed was one where you had to open all latches by rotating several gears.
I hope you love mini-games because there are 26 back-to-back mini-games (+10 in the CE Bonus Chapter) I'm a puzzle lover and I rarely complain about them but these games had the most confusing instructions I've ever seen! There are a ton of tile swaps along track, fragment placement puzzles, puzzles where you have to align elements where one affects another, placing pieces to match a pattern, selecting paths to avoid getting caught, etc. The only one I really enjoyed was one where you had to open all latches by rotating several gears.
Bonus Chapter (CE version only):
I'm not gonna lie, I didn't finish the Bonus Chapter because it was so boring! The story follows Illeon, several years before the main events in previous episodes (haha, I found the missing episodes!) You will choose the Conversation Choices/Extra gameplay 4 more times. There are 10 additional mini-games, and 5 Hidden Object Scenes and you will continue searching for 3 Collectible Potion Bottles, 44 Morphing Dragon Eggs, and 12 Dragonscales to purchase the final Boudoir Items.
I'm not gonna lie, I didn't finish the Bonus Chapter because it was so boring! The story follows Illeon, several years before the main events in previous episodes (haha, I found the missing episodes!) You will choose the Conversation Choices/Extra gameplay 4 more times. There are 10 additional mini-games, and 5 Hidden Object Scenes and you will continue searching for 3 Collectible Potion Bottles, 44 Morphing Dragon Eggs, and 12 Dragonscales to purchase the final Boudoir Items.
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
15 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 27 Movie Video Cutscenes, 39 Achievements, 25 Replayable Mini-Games, 20 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 14 Morphing Dragon Eggs, 14 Potion Bottles, and 70 Zoom Zone Dragon Scales that are used to purchase 14 Boring Boudoir Items, 6 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
15 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 27 Movie Video Cutscenes, 39 Achievements, 25 Replayable Mini-Games, 20 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 14 Morphing Dragon Eggs, 14 Potion Bottles, and 70 Zoom Zone Dragon Scales that are used to purchase 14 Boring Boudoir Items, 6 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
If you miss the BF forums, fear not! Come to my new forum which has even more features to enjoy, including game help & chats, Series Lists, Group Play Adventure Games, and lots of familiar names...not to mention a few hungry Bears who love smores! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a cosmic catastrophe from destroying your world?
Overall rating
3
/
5
71 of 87 found this review helpful
ANOTHER BAD DECISION MADE
PostedJune 9, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game: approximately 4.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Main Game Scene Locations +8 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Main Game Scene Locations +8 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
Let me start by saying that I actually enjoyed playing this game. The storyline isn't difficult to keep up with as long as you don't skip reading notes and the plots that unfold via the Keywords in Sentence HO scenes. I enjoyed most of the mini-games, and there was a good variety of Hidden Objects Scenes that were more challenging than in most HO's by this developer...but, there's always a but, eh?...
Whoever is in charge of the scripts in these once beloved series by Elephant Games must be getting mixed messages, or they don't bother to read reviews! The only reason there are multiple games in any given series is that fans of the game have made a connection with the main characters PERIOD!
Grim Tales has 23 games in the series which is quite impressive. What do they decide to do? Why they ditched Daddy Richard, of course! In Paranormal Files, they ditch the main character, Rick Rogers, who started the Paranormal Investigation Agency in the first place! Mystery Trackers has 19 games in the series. What did the writers decide to do? Ditch our beloved Elf, of course. To make matters worse, they gave Elf a cameo spot in this game, sitting inside a doghouse in the alley with no food or water, being harassed by a dumpster cat daily while being left outside alone to defend himself in the elements! (not to mention that they brought in a whole new MT team of tweenagers) Now I'd love to tell you what happens to this episode of Detectives United, featuring Anna Grey from Grim Tales, James Blackthorn from Haunted Hotel, and Dorian Brown from Mystery Trackers, but I don't want to ruin the disappointing moment for you.
Obviously, the writers are attempting to draw in a younger HOPA fan base by phasing out the original, aging investigative teams and replacing them with a much younger group. Newsflash...our age bracket is the reason HOPAs are a genre in the first place. Do you really think Gen X plays or wants to play a HOPA game? Do you really think our generation purchases 20+ games in a series while secretly hoping the beloved characters get replaced? Do you think maybe, just maybe, it might be a better idea to ask for advice and input from the generation who put you on the map?
GADGETS/HELPER:
There are no gadgets! Not even Agent Brown introduces a new gadget. They talk about safe cracking skills in the first scene, but even that scenario was "old-school" safecracking basics 101. Usually, you play as all 3 characters, Agent Dorian Brown from Mystery Trackers, James Blackthorn from Haunted Hotel, and Anna Grey from Grim Tales. However, as mentioned above, it's out with the old and in with the new generation as they eventually introduce a fourth Detective, a young boy named Ewan Florence who seems to have a lot of family baggage.
There are no gadgets! Not even Agent Brown introduces a new gadget. They talk about safe cracking skills in the first scene, but even that scenario was "old-school" safecracking basics 101. Usually, you play as all 3 characters, Agent Dorian Brown from Mystery Trackers, James Blackthorn from Haunted Hotel, and Anna Grey from Grim Tales. However, as mentioned above, it's out with the old and in with the new generation as they eventually introduce a fourth Detective, a young boy named Ewan Florence who seems to have a lot of family baggage.
COLLECTIBLES & MORPHS (CE Bonus Chapter only)
Morphing Objects in an Elephant Game is a thing of the past. That feature walked out the door when they booted poor little Elf to the street curb! There are 24 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments that allow you to assemble a Screensaver. There are 12 Collectible Personal Items available as well, none of which are particularly interesting.
Morphing Objects in an Elephant Game is a thing of the past. That feature walked out the door when they booted poor little Elf to the street curb! There are 24 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments that allow you to assemble a Screensaver. There are 12 Collectible Personal Items available as well, none of which are particularly interesting.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
The Hidden Object Scenes were more challenging than usual, or perhaps the instructions were just pretty vague? I liked that they had a small Zoom Zone HOP just prior to the main HO scene, some of which were pretty darn good, such as finding 2 halves of each picture, shown as silhouetted shapes, or finding sections on an Astrology Map via swatches. The main HO scenes included Interactive List Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, and Silhouetted Shape varieties.
The Hidden Object Scenes were more challenging than usual, or perhaps the instructions were just pretty vague? I liked that they had a small Zoom Zone HOP just prior to the main HO scene, some of which were pretty darn good, such as finding 2 halves of each picture, shown as silhouetted shapes, or finding sections on an Astrology Map via swatches. The main HO scenes included Interactive List Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, and Silhouetted Shape varieties.
MINI-GAMES:
I really enjoyed the puzzles because they were all doable, with the exception of one mini-game towards the end that I was just clueless as to how it was solved. The directions said to press buttons on a spiderweb formation in the correct order and maybe I was just having a duh moment but the clues seemed pretty vague to me.
I really enjoyed the puzzles because they were all doable, with the exception of one mini-game towards the end that I was just clueless as to how it was solved. The directions said to press buttons on a spiderweb formation in the correct order and maybe I was just having a duh moment but the clues seemed pretty vague to me.
BONUS CHAPTER: (Collector's Edition version only)
The Bonus chapter focuses on young Detective Ewan Florence who is anxious to visit the past with his mentor Anna Gray. His enthusiasm and lack of control over his newfound Magical skills may prove to have deadly consequences when they travel to the past and things don't go quite as planned. There are 6 additional Mini-Games and 4 Hidden Object Scenes that take place over 8 additional locations. You'll continue your search for the final 6 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments and 3 Collectibles. After completing the Bonus Chapter, you'll gain entry to the Expedition Room which allows you to return to the scene to search for missed Puzzle Pieces and Collectibles.
The Bonus chapter focuses on young Detective Ewan Florence who is anxious to visit the past with his mentor Anna Gray. His enthusiasm and lack of control over his newfound Magical skills may prove to have deadly consequences when they travel to the past and things don't go quite as planned. There are 6 additional Mini-Games and 4 Hidden Object Scenes that take place over 8 additional locations. You'll continue your search for the final 6 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments and 3 Collectibles. After completing the Bonus Chapter, you'll gain entry to the Expedition Room which allows you to return to the scene to search for missed Puzzle Pieces and Collectibles.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRA'S:
I'd like to mention that most of the CE content is blocked from view until the entire game, including the BC, has been completed. This is a deceptive practice and the only reason they are hiding the content is because they no longer offer decent CE content. They no longer offer Concept Art pictures, Movie Video Sequences, (contrary to the information stats in another review) no Morphing Objects, etc. When a developer hides their stuff, there's always a reason!
I'd like to mention that most of the CE content is blocked from view until the entire game, including the BC, has been completed. This is a deceptive practice and the only reason they are hiding the content is because they no longer offer decent CE content. They no longer offer Concept Art pictures, Movie Video Sequences, (contrary to the information stats in another review) no Morphing Objects, etc. When a developer hides their stuff, there's always a reason!
There are 6 Wallpaper, 1 Screensaver, 8 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 9 replayable Mini-Games, 4 Music Soundtracks, 22 Achievements, 24 Zoom Zone Jigsaw Puzzle Fragments, a single Jigsaw to assemble, 12 Collectible Personal Items, an Expedition Room (return to scenes to search for missed Collectibles & Jigsaw Puzzle Fragments) 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Are you disappointed in the direction these beloved series are heading? Lets talk about games at my new forum! thewoodsforum.boards.net
Sometimes the past returns without warning or permission.
Overall rating
3
/
5
78 of 104 found this review helpful
THAT'S STRANGE ALRIGHT
PostedJune 8, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a story about betrayal, murder, and revenge...and a whole lot of missing doorknobs, zipper pulls, and emblem motifs! I'm pretty sure the betrayal part goes hand-in-hand with the murder part, he probably wasn't expecting to be murdered so who can blame him for wanting revenge?
The story is a mixture between American Horror Story: Summer Camp, and Friday The 13th...but nowhere near as intense, and definitely not as interesting (don't worry folks, it's only water) so maybe it's more like Sable Maze: Sullivan River, without the amazing gameplay.
Helper/Gadget
There are no Gadgets and no Helpers, but we do get blessed with a Case Files Folder. After speaking with a few characters, Dana goes over the "What Happened" details via a boring, repetitive task, so I hope you paid attention to the conversations. The page is loaded with several details in which you must pick the correct scenarios. After selecting the correct choices, we move on to the "Conclusion" section which tells us what we already figured out by playing the game.
There are no Gadgets and no Helpers, but we do get blessed with a Case Files Folder. After speaking with a few characters, Dana goes over the "What Happened" details via a boring, repetitive task, so I hope you paid attention to the conversations. The page is loaded with several details in which you must pick the correct scenarios. After selecting the correct choices, we move on to the "Conclusion" section which tells us what we already figured out by playing the game.
Morphing Objects/Collectibles: (CE version only)
Once again, there are no morphing objects which had been a staple feature from Elephant Games, a feature I truly wish would return :(
There are 12 Ocean-themed Collectibles and 21 Bees that convert to Jigsaw Pieces to complete a Jigsaw in the Secret Room. These are large bees and almost impossible to miss! There is an Expedition Room that allows you to return to the scenes to search for missed collectibles.
Once again, there are no morphing objects which had been a staple feature from Elephant Games, a feature I truly wish would return :(
There are 12 Ocean-themed Collectibles and 21 Bees that convert to Jigsaw Pieces to complete a Jigsaw in the Secret Room. These are large bees and almost impossible to miss! There is an Expedition Room that allows you to return to the scenes to search for missed collectibles.
Video/Audio Quality:
Earlier, I said the game reminded me of Sable Maze: Sullivan River, I take that back. It reminds me more of the earlier PuppetShow games. Not because it had such a unique storyline at the time of its release, it's because the characters move like puppets! Every time Eve handed me an item, her hand looked like it was backward, or on the wrong arm?? The characters moved awkwardly. The most obvious example was when the 4 lifeguards walked out of the building in Chapter Two and literally looked like they were being controlled by a puppet master pulling their strings! It was painful to watch! Why would you show the full characters walking if you didn't know how to make them more realistic? What happened to Elephant Games, they have never had this issue in past games?
Earlier, I said the game reminded me of Sable Maze: Sullivan River, I take that back. It reminds me more of the earlier PuppetShow games. Not because it had such a unique storyline at the time of its release, it's because the characters move like puppets! Every time Eve handed me an item, her hand looked like it was backward, or on the wrong arm?? The characters moved awkwardly. The most obvious example was when the 4 lifeguards walked out of the building in Chapter Two and literally looked like they were being controlled by a puppet master pulling their strings! It was painful to watch! Why would you show the full characters walking if you didn't know how to make them more realistic? What happened to Elephant Games, they have never had this issue in past games?
Hidden Object Scenes:
Most of the HO scenes are Interactive Listed Items or Keywords in Sentence Finds. None of the HOs were located in even remotely interesting locations. The only one I thought was unique was the one associated with a map where you had to find objects that a compass was pointing at. To sum it up, they were all pretty boring.
Most of the HO scenes are Interactive Listed Items or Keywords in Sentence Finds. None of the HOs were located in even remotely interesting locations. The only one I thought was unique was the one associated with a map where you had to find objects that a compass was pointing at. To sum it up, they were all pretty boring.
Mini-Games:
I hope you like games requiring you to follow recipes in the correct order because I felt like there were a ton of them! If I wasn't following a recipe, I was selecting a ton of dialog choices, both of which are unappealing. Everything else was the same ole, same ole; follow each knot along a path, rotate a maze, connect all nodes, select the tension of springs between 1-5 by trial & error. Not a single mini-game was challenging or original!
I hope you like games requiring you to follow recipes in the correct order because I felt like there were a ton of them! If I wasn't following a recipe, I was selecting a ton of dialog choices, both of which are unappealing. Everything else was the same ole, same ole; follow each knot along a path, rotate a maze, connect all nodes, select the tension of springs between 1-5 by trial & error. Not a single mini-game was challenging or original!
Bonus Chapter (Collector's Edition version only)
Dana and Malcolm travel to a museum in Glasgow, Scotland to solve mysterious happenings at the request of Malcolm's friend. (how many museum cases have we solved over the years??) This is a short Bonus Chapter spanning over 4 Scene Locations with just 4 Mini-Games, 4 Hidden Object Scenes, and 2 zoom zone HO's. You will continue your search for the remaining 2 Collectible Playing Cards and the final 4 Bees that convert to Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces allowing you to complete a single Jigsaw Puzzle.
Dana and Malcolm travel to a museum in Glasgow, Scotland to solve mysterious happenings at the request of Malcolm's friend. (how many museum cases have we solved over the years??) This is a short Bonus Chapter spanning over 4 Scene Locations with just 4 Mini-Games, 4 Hidden Object Scenes, and 2 zoom zone HO's. You will continue your search for the remaining 2 Collectible Playing Cards and the final 4 Bees that convert to Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces allowing you to complete a single Jigsaw Puzzle.
Collector's Edition Version Extra's
6 Wallpapers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 1 Screensaver 21 Achievements, 12 Replayable Mini-Games, 14 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Ocean-themed Collectibles, 21 Bees that convert to Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces in the Secret Room (to complete a single Jigsaw Puzzle), an Expedition Room that allows you to return to the scenes to pick up any missed Bees or missed Collectibles, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
6 Wallpapers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 1 Screensaver 21 Achievements, 12 Replayable Mini-Games, 14 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Ocean-themed Collectibles, 21 Bees that convert to Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces in the Secret Room (to complete a single Jigsaw Puzzle), an Expedition Room that allows you to return to the scenes to pick up any missed Bees or missed Collectibles, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Throw on your hiking boots and head on over to my new forum. Chat about games and reconnect with long-lost fishies from the Big Fish Forum days. Join us at the campfire, all are welcome! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Discover and defend the rare animals previously unknown to science!
Overall rating
4
/
5
47 of 69 found this review helpful
CATCHING BUTTERFLIES IS A REALLY COOL FEATURE!
PostedJune 7, 2023
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I will admit that the storyline is kind of like watching an episode of Chasing Bigfoot; you really want them to exist, but deep down, logic tells you they don't.
After featuring an article by a professor who claimed previously unknown animal species existed, you team up with a photographer to capture evidence that will hopefully restore the reputation of the Animal Globe Newspaper. I about lost it when the photographer said, "Just because no one has ever seen a blue hedgehog or a fluffy crocodile, it doesn't mean they don't exist."...a fluffy crocodile, really?
You begin by searching a Hidden Object Scene for listed items, some of which are very well-blended into the scene, while others are just laying out in the open. The HO scenes are decent and located in somewhat interesting locations. Each HO scene has a Silhouetted Shape, elusive, unknown animal species to find. My favorite part was "Catching Butterflies" by clicking on them as they fly into the scene, one by one. You are also tasked with finding 10 Animals that are related to the elusive animal you are tasked with finding, such as 10 Hedgehogs, 10 Rabbits, etc.
After each HO scene, you will play a Clutter type of HOG. Unlike this developer's Shopping Clutter series, the ones offered here are way more interesting, with a nice variety and interesting objects. Each scene has a bunch of clutter which makes them more challenging. There are Matching Pairs, Triples, and one of my favorites were having to find four of each object shown on the right side. If you don't find a group after a bit, that object's picture will change to a different object.
After playing the Clutter scene, you play a swap-type puzzle, such as swapping square tiles or rows & columns. My only complaint is that you can't skip any of the puzzles, you have to play the Hidden Object Scene, the Clutter HO, and the Puzzle Swap for each of the animals before you can progress to the next one.
There are 18 Animal Species that are displayed in the Red Book after successfully completing the above scenario. I'm not sure why this game is getting poor reviews. I found the HO scenes to have excellent graphics, a few challenging objects to find, and some cool extra features. I have played a lot of HOGs but don't recall anyone having 10 fluttering butterflies to catch! You get to find 10 extra animals per scene and a silhouetted shape of an unknown animal species, which made the HO's more exciting.
I've been a critic of the Shopping Clutter games by this developer in the past but found the Clutter games to be quite enjoyable! I'm not a fan of tile-swapping games, and I think the developer made a mistake by not adding an alternate 3rd puzzle type or a skip button, but other than that, I have to give kudos to this developer because I found the game to be fun.
Join us at my nature-themed game forum, devs are always welcome too! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Solve puzzles in the beauty of our green planet!
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 44 found this review helpful
WHY DOES MY CURSOR MOVES SO SLOOOOW?
PostedJune 6, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Normally, I love games by this developer who brought us Photo Puzzles HD, Puzzle Box, and Amazing Trip To Europe. I actually like this game too but my cursor moved at a snails pace and it became annoying to continue. As usual, the developer included several puzzle & Hidden Object varieties so hopefully, they will fix this glitch soon!
I'm not sure why everyone is saying the game is different than what the synopsis says because there are a ton of different games to choose from.
MATCHING PAIRS
The goal is to click on two round tokens with identical images.
The goal is to click on two round tokens with identical images.
TRIPLE MATCH
The goal is to click on three round tokens with identical images
The goal is to click on three round tokens with identical images
THIRTEENS (13's)
This is a Solitaire game where you must click on two cards with the sum of 13 (Jack +2-Queen +Ace-7+6 etc.)
This is a Solitaire game where you must click on two cards with the sum of 13 (Jack +2-Queen +Ace-7+6 etc.)
TILE MATCH Rainforest
The goal is to click on two tiles to match two halves of each object.
The goal is to click on two tiles to match two halves of each object.
TRIPLE TILE
The goal is to match three identical tiles (not tokens). Tiles can be moved.
The goal is to match three identical tiles (not tokens). Tiles can be moved.
EMOJI PAIRS
Find matching Emoji tiles. Tiles can be moved.
Find matching Emoji tiles. Tiles can be moved.
MAKE 10
This is another card game where you remove matching pairs of cards.
This is another card game where you remove matching pairs of cards.
MAHJONG TILES
Remove identical Mahjong tiles
Remove identical Mahjong tiles
HIDDEN PAIRS
This is a Hidden Object Game where you search for matching objects, some of which are hidden behind parts of the scenery.
This is a Hidden Object Game where you search for matching objects, some of which are hidden behind parts of the scenery.
There are also Hidden Butterflies that allow you to rescue animals 10 animals in 10 different scenes or purchase 30 Flower Cards.
FIND MATCHING CATS
The goal is to find all matching adorable cat tokens.
The goal is to find all matching adorable cat tokens.
FIND LISTED ITEMS
Remove tokens in multiples that are listed on the left of the screen, such as 19 Dogs, 13 Birds, and 12 Flowers.
Remove tokens in multiples that are listed on the left of the screen, such as 19 Dogs, 13 Birds, and 12 Flowers.
MATCH PAIRS HARD (CE version only)
This was my favorite category. You have to move tokens to find matching pairs. There are hundreds of tokens so it can be challenging to dig through layers to find a match.
This was my favorite category. You have to move tokens to find matching pairs. There are hundreds of tokens so it can be challenging to dig through layers to find a match.
I couldn't find any settings to opt for a custom cursor which may have solved the unusually slow cursor issue. However, in some of the categories, I was having to click on a set of matching tokens several time before the match was removed. In one level the matched tokens were removed at such a slow pace that it seemed like forever. This is obviously a glitch. I have a new Alienware Aurora R13 with upgrades on every aspect, so it isn't an issue with my computer being outdated.
I would suggest you at least give this game a try, especially if you like other games by this developer.
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I recommend this game!
Welcome to the crushingest, crashingest, smashingest game around!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 19 found this review helpful
REALLY EASY GAME THAT HAS LITTLE CURB APPEAL
PostedJune 6, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
I played about 20 levels of the demo and was too bored to continue. The first thing you are prompted to do is pick your daily prize, which tells me this game was probably an app converted to a PC game.
I love Brick Breaker games, but this one seems so basic with simplistic bricks of varying numbers indicating how many times the brick must be hit before it is destroyed.
Every level adds some type of powerup to the field with no indication beforehand of what the powerup does, or whether that area should be avoided. There is a Help section if you want to read through a bunch of pages to figure it out, but wouldn't it be easier just to tell us what they do at the start of the game?
The goal of the game is to aim the tiny white ball so that it hits and ricochets off the bricks the required number of times to destroy all the bricks, as indicated on each individual brick. As you aim, the trajectory of the path of the ball is shown as a dotted line. Once the ball falls off the board, a new ball is issued, and the bricks descend one line lower. If the bricks reach the bottom (after the 3rd ball), you lose the level and have to restart the level.
Eventually, powerups that activate when hit are added to the field. There are Bombs that explode & destroy adjacent bricks, TNT that destroys every brick it points to, Flying Discs that destroy the last row of bricks, Rockets that destroy columns of bricks, Firecrackers that destroy a single brick, Lasers that decrease the number of hits required to break a brick, and Color Destroyers that destroy all bricks of whichever color you choose.
Obstacles include Blocks that block one side of the floor to repel balls, Glass encased bricks, Voids in which every other move. the brick voids can't move, Steam obstructions that increase the number of hits required to break a brick, Portals that gobble up the ball and throws them out at a different portal, and Indestructible blocks that can't be destroyed and make it difficult to hit the bricks.
As you progress, you can get Keys that unlock Gifts of your choice, Coins to purchase things in the shop. You can buy things to help you, such as Super Aim (pinpoint target aim) Extra Balls, Timers that move the bricks up one row, and skins that I assume would be for the balls?
As you progress, other Events are unlocked.
3 Alien Invasion: Mission Survivor/Space Explorer
Pong: compete against the computer
Challenge: Beat the Snake-Hide & Seek-100 Balls
3 Alien Invasion: Mission Survivor/Space Explorer
Pong: compete against the computer
Challenge: Beat the Snake-Hide & Seek-100 Balls
I was earning all 3 Stars with ease on every level because there were so many powerups on the field. Some of the levels were so easy, it only took one ball to destroy every brick! The music was loud, but the only setting was on/off. The graphics were very basic and lackluster. After playing 20 levels or so in the demo, I just grew weary of the game. The challenge level wasn't increasing with each level, and I just became bored, so it's a no-go for me!
If you miss the BF forums, hike on over to my new nature-themed game forum to chat with fellow BF gamers at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.