pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4713
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:May 8, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The Ghosts set out to unravel the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Overall rating
5
/
5
99 of 109 found this review helpful
LARUAVILLE 7 ISN'T AS DIFFICULT AS THE LAST GAME WAS
PostedJune 6, 2018
pennmom36
fromA 5000 year nap in a sarcophagus, bet he's hurtin'
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Laruaville ghosts have accidentally awakened the Pharaoh on their latest mission to unravel the ancient secrets of Egypt. There's never a dull moment with these friendly little ghosts, let's see what mysteries they discover!
Laruaville 6 was really challenging from the get-go, and I for one became quite frustrated trying to pass some of the levels, many of which seemed downright impossible. This edition, however, seems to be less difficult, well at least it progresses at a slower pace. There are a few new features added or tweaked, which is something I really appreciate, otherwise the series would be just a repeat of the previous versions.
Laruaville is a Match 3 game that's "all about the coins", the level goals are all the same, Collect ALL coins to beat the level. There are plenty of obstacles to make the goal more difficult in each level, but overcoming those obstacles only matters if they are preventing you from getting to the coins.
Coins are collected when you make a Match 3 or more adjacent to them. Large Matches will earn you a power-up on the board, and some of those power-ups are a necessity because some obstacles can only be removed with a power-up. A Match 5 earns you a Small Rocket (you can right-click to rotate it's direction either horizontally or vertically) A Match 6 earns you an Amulet (destroys 15 random tiles) Bombs are located on some levels that will start a chain reaction when you make a match next to it. Cannons that appear on levels can be activated each time you make an adjacent match and making a match adjacent to a Torch will also start a chain reaction as tiles continue to burn as you make matches strategically. (this can backfire if you don't plan your matches)
Some Coins are in half, requiring matches between the halves to clear a path for them to connect. Eventually, there are Sand Coins that require 2 adjacent matches to remove, Frozen Coins that require fire to melt them, Locked Coins that require matches between the locked coin and the Key Coin, Mold Shapes that require Gold Drops to fill the coin, and Vials that need to be filled with Liquid Drops. There are various Obstacles such as Wooden Crates, Crates with Shields (require matches on unshielded sides to destroy) Flower Petals, Sand Tiles, Fog Patches, Ice Patches and Chained Tiles. Eventually, you will come across a D#%@ed Coin (can't spell this word on reviews lol) if you collect this coin, or if a power-up takes it out, you will lose the level, but don't worry, you can replay the level.
After completing a few levels you can play a mini-game such as Solitaire, Spot the Difference or a Hidden Object Scene. These are optional and don't provide any benefits as far as I can tell, and there is no penalty for skipping them, but it does help break up the monotony. As you progress, you will unlock re-playable Match 3 levels in the Bonus Section. There's also a new Pharoah Match 3 game, there is a split board that requires playing against the Pharoah as you take turns making matches. You must make matches faster than the Pharoah did on his turn, and using power-ups will count as 2 moves, enjoy!
After completing a few levels you can play a mini-game such as Solitaire, Spot the Difference or a Hidden Object Scene. These are optional and don't provide any benefits as far as I can tell, and there is no penalty for skipping them, but it does help break up the monotony. As you progress, you will unlock re-playable Match 3 levels in the Bonus Section. There's also a new Pharoah Match 3 game, there is a split board that requires playing against the Pharoah as you take turns making matches. You must make matches faster than the Pharoah did on his turn, and using power-ups will count as 2 moves, enjoy!
LARUAVILLE SERIES LIST
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Laruaville 1 (July 30-2013) 4.2
2-Laruaville 2 (March 4-2015) 4.1
3-Laruaville 3 (August 4-2015) 4.4
4-Laruaville 4 (December 14-2015) 4.4
5-Laruaville 5 (October 17-2016) 4.2
6-Laruaville 6 (June 26-2017) 4.0
7-Laruaville 7 (June 6-2018) n/a
2-Laruaville 2 (March 4-2015) 4.1
3-Laruaville 3 (August 4-2015) 4.4
4-Laruaville 4 (December 14-2015) 4.4
5-Laruaville 5 (October 17-2016) 4.2
6-Laruaville 6 (June 26-2017) 4.0
7-Laruaville 7 (June 6-2018) n/a
by: FRH Games
I recommend this game!
Enter the enchanted 'Netherworld' where your destiny was written in blood and which whispers of true love.
Overall rating
5
/
5
271 of 301 found this review helpful
DARKARTA STOLE MY HEART WHEN I DISCOVERED THE FIRST NON-LINEAR CURSED MEMORY
PostedJune 5, 2018
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Everyone who lives here knows these Isles are cursed by The Master of Dark Arts. During a full moon, Darkarta the immortal rises once again to search for the One with a pure soul, an innocent heart he so desperately needs to complete his never-ending Quest. A cast Spell of Immortality by the hands of his dying lover has cursed Darkarta to an eternity of mourning, an eternal Broken Heart. His Broken Heart's Quest is the reason you have returned to this place, of which you have little memory of. The Master of Dark Arts has deceived you and your family, and your daughter Sophia is now in grave danger. Can a mortal defeat that which is immortal?
I nearly fell off of my computer chair when I discovered that the Cursed Memory items were non-linear! This is a unique feature that most devs aren't creative enough to include, or perhaps aren't motivated enough to go the extra mile? What this means, is that the Cursed Memory object may not be available the first time you visit a scene. To make the object appear, it requires an action to trigger its appearance in a different scene, and for me, that brings a whole new level of entertainment to a game! There are also Morphing Objects and collectible Elixir Flowers and a ton of CE extras, not to mention this is a 7 Chapter game, totally worthy of the CE price!
The Hidden Object Scenes are some of the best I've ever seen! It's no secret that I'm not a huge HOS fan because nowadays the devs simply aren't creative with them. Usually, the objects aren't "hidden" they are just scattered around the scene. This dev, however, proves that HOP's are still relevant, and if done correctly, can be quite entertaining! I loved how interactive each HOP was, and found the puzzles within to be really fun. There are Interactive List Finds (if you hover the cursor over the word it will show you the items Silhouetted Shape) My favorites were the Interactive Progressive Silhouetted Shape Finds, they were highly interactive with lots of puzzles and clues. There is an alternate Match 3 game if you aren't thrilled about the HOP's.
The Mini-Games range from, fairly easy to solve, to more detailed and complex, yet doable. This is a puzzle-heavy adventure game, but there are still plenty of HOP's to keep everyone happy. Most of the puzzles are within the highly interactive HOP's, many of which are very entertaining and creative puzzles! Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Choose items in the drawing to logically fill in the sentence.
2) Rotate the positive & negative charges to complete the circuit.
3) Spot 7 differences between the split screen pictures.
4) HOP puzzle: Swap symbols correctly according to the clues.
5) HOP puzzle: Select gems correctly by trial and error.
6) HOP puzzle: Guide the gem to 2 symbols shown in the clue.
7) Restore the painting by guiding tokens to the correct slots.
8) Select the correct animals based on their silhouette shape.
9) Select 2 hand positions used to create each animal silhouette.
10) HOP puzzle: Swap tiles to complete the image.
11) HOP puzzle: Rotate or swap tri-colored gem to match base.
2) Rotate the positive & negative charges to complete the circuit.
3) Spot 7 differences between the split screen pictures.
4) HOP puzzle: Swap symbols correctly according to the clues.
5) HOP puzzle: Select gems correctly by trial and error.
6) HOP puzzle: Guide the gem to 2 symbols shown in the clue.
7) Restore the painting by guiding tokens to the correct slots.
8) Select the correct animals based on their silhouette shape.
9) Select 2 hand positions used to create each animal silhouette.
10) HOP puzzle: Swap tiles to complete the image.
11) HOP puzzle: Rotate or swap tri-colored gem to match base.
This Collector's Edition version is crammed full of extra's: 12 Concept Art pictures, 33 Wallpapers, 27 Movie Cutscene Videos, 6 Music Soundtracks, 35 Achievements to earn, 17 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 32 re-playable Mini-Games (WOW!) 30 non-linear Cursed Memories, 28 Morphing Objects, Collectible Elixir Flowers, a Comic Book Story (Nagina: An Untold Love Story) 7 Main Chapters (A Broken Heart's Quest) +Bonus Chapter (Rising of the Phoenix) and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Play as both members of the Fletcher family to crack the case!
Overall rating
3
/
5
28 of 37 found this review helpful
YEP, THIS VERSION IS KIND OF BORING TOO
PostedJune 5, 2018
pennmom36
from"Beer & Bon Bons" sounds way more interesting mom!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Welcome to Pine Hills, New England Aaron and Mary Fletcher, a quaint little town where everybody knows each other by name. You're just in time for the annual neighborhood party at Mayor William Greenwald's house. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine, and don't forget to don your mustache, this will be the perfect time to meet and greet your new neighbors and tell them a little bit about yourselves. They get to know you fairly well all right! Enjoy your first night's stay at your new home in Pine Hills. Unfortunately, your accommodations will be less than ideal, because the Mayor's wife has just been murdered, and you're the prime suspect!
I had high expectations of this new series entry because of the title alone. It sounded like it would be similar to a tv series called Wayward Pines where the residents of this idyllic town pretended that life here was normal when in reality, they were surrounded by an electrically fortified fence. Anyone who tried to escape was executed in the town square. Because they were so intimidated, they were terrified of breaking the rules, so they acted as if everything was perfect, and wouldn't speak about all the "rules" they were forced to obey.
Unfortunately, Pine Hills is nowhere near that interesting, and I don't understand why this game is any different than a Dead Reckoning game by this same dev. If I had to guess, I think they simply couldn't "imagine" a completely new storyline plot, so they decided to create a new series that they know will sell, just because it's a new game series. You will switch between characters (mom & dad) but this is a feature that was perfected in another devs series a long time ago, so this wasn't a feature to get overly excited about.
The graphics are horrible! Once again, the graphics are faded with a whitewashed appearance, everything is huge and lacks detail. It's impossible to make a connection with a game when the graphics are cold and uninviting, they look like the graphics you'd expect from an older "video game console" you just picked up at a garage sale for a buck! As far as the CE version's worthiness, this game falls short there as well, offering a hidden Present in each scene and Morphs within the HOP's. The presents are impossible to overlook, they are brightly colored (especially in contrast to the dull yellowish colored scenery) and to make it more obvious, they have a huge red bow and ribbon around each present. (what do presents have to do with a murder or anything for that matter? Once again a huge disconnect) I'm sure many will love this who-dun-it mystery, but it just didn't float my boat.
The Hidden Object Scenes vary with just about every type, Interactive List finds, Keywords in Sentences, Multiple Item finds, Silhouetted Shape finds, Replacing items into the scene, and Progressive Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds where you find an item that matches the Silhouetted Shape, and then use that item within the scene Interactively to find the next item. In the CE version, each HOP has a Morphing Object. Some of the HOP's are well done, however, the graphics aren't that impressive and one of the HOP's with keywords didn't make a whole lot of sense as far as related items go.
The Mini-Games aren't bad for the most part, some of which are new or have newish twists. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter in the demo and a few after the demo:
1) Replicate a signal pattern using arrows to change sections.
2) Select when footprints are on a stable section.
3) Move plate to keep balance within the outer circle.
4) Rotate 3 disks to fill the center entirely.
5) Move thru a maze to pick up and use items to progress.
6) Rotate numbered tiles to correct combination slots.
7) Draw a continuous line by selecting gems to match the map
8) Swap plates on the bottom to match the information on top.
9) Guide ball to the top using knobs & arrows to direct airflow.
2) Select when footprints are on a stable section.
3) Move plate to keep balance within the outer circle.
4) Rotate 3 disks to fill the center entirely.
5) Move thru a maze to pick up and use items to progress.
6) Rotate numbered tiles to correct combination slots.
7) Draw a continuous line by selecting gems to match the map
8) Swap plates on the bottom to match the information on top.
9) Guide ball to the top using knobs & arrows to direct airflow.
The Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, (very uninteresting picture choices) 8 Concept Art pictures (simplistac pictures of characters/actors standing or sitting in midair) 5 Music Soundtracks (who cares?) 6 Movie Cutscenes) 15 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, a Secret Room, Mahjong Games (boring) 18 re-playable Min-Games, 33 not-so-hidden Presents, 24 Achievements to earn (most of which are automatically earned just for progressing in the game and doing things you have no choice to do to progress) 15 Morphing Objects (HOP's only!) 4 Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide.
I don't recommend this game.
Get ready for a romantic journey! 120 fun griddlers await you in Picross Beach Paradise!
Overall rating
1
/
5
48 of 53 found this review helpful
I WOULDN'T BUY THIS GUESSER GRIDDLER IN A MILLION YEARS
PostedJune 4, 2018
pennmom36
fromOh look, a new title.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
I just don't get it. This developer keeps slapping a different title on the same handful of games and spits them out at a break-neck speed. Nothing has changed, and nothing ever will, it has the same music, the same options, the same features as the last picross they offered, and the one before that and the one before that, in fact, every game they have ever offered in every genre category has absolutely no changes whatsoever, and it's downright insulting. To me, it says that they don't care, why should they? If you mass produce something, someone's bound to buy it, so why work at improvement?
If you have played any game by this dev, you'll immediately recognize the music, but why change a good thing? (I was being sarcastic btw) To make matters worse, the music becomes extremely loud when you finish the puzzle and the score pops up. You can earn 3 Stars if you don't make a mistake, and you can replay any level. Good luck with that, because after about 10 levels or so the logic part of these logic-based puzzles gets thrown out the window, leaving you with a good old-fashioned Guesser Griddler!
Do you want to have the numbers crossed off one by one, or only when the entire row or column has been completed? Too bad, you don't get that option here. Want to use the right mouse button to cross off cells with an X? Well, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! Want to tell the difference between the number 1 and the # 7, not an option! Do you want to know what image you just completed? Good luck, I have no idea what any of the grids I completed actually were, there will be no title or descriptions, never have been, never will. Would you like to choose between colors? You guessed it, what you see is what you get, Blue.
What you will get, however, are the same familiar features (we already went over the music feature) 7 Locations with 20 puzzles in each location. You also get the exciting feature of brushing up on your picross skills through 7 Beginner levels and 1 Expert level, because 2 training levels for experts would just be ridiculous. You will earn coins when you "guess" correctly on some of the filled in cells. (hints are earned as well) These coins can be used to purchase a weeks vacation in beautiful...no wait, that's not correct. You can purchase the same 3 items in the Shop that are offered in all the Picross games by this dev. Two Starting Hints, the right to make 3 mistakes and refill the hints but only on that current level.
I can hardly contain my excitement, think I'll go clean out a closet, that sounds way more interesting than this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Solve the disappearance of a rising theatre star and discover the secrets behind the curtains of the Parisian theatre.
Overall rating
4
/
5
82 of 101 found this review helpful
THE STORY HAS BEEN TOLD A HUNDRED TIMES BUT IT'S WORTHY OF A SE
PostedJune 4, 2018
pennmom36
fromDavid Copperfield founded Project Magic to teach people with disabilities how to use sleight of hand magic to enhance their motor skills and gain self-cofidence!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Beatrice Le Brun's much-anticipated concert is abruptly ended during the opening act when an unknown illusionist whisks her away in a cloud of smoke. Her young brother Arthur assures you that this is not part of her act, and she is in grave danger. Looks like you won't be getting that behind-the-scenes interview with the famous Parisian Theater star unless you team up with baby brother Arthur to thwart the magician's evil agenda.
Well, this story has been told a hundred times before in a hundred different ways, but I've always been a fan of AM games, even though they are only the producers this go-round, and it was released over a year ago! The character voices, especially young Arthur's voice-over is almost unbearable at times, doesn't Lani Minella have any kids that followed in her footsteps to do real kids voiceovers?
The artwork is beautifully illustrated and hand-drawn, but I must say, some of the tasks to get from point A to point B were utterly ridiculous! You use a coin as a screwdriver (of course) yet you had to find a coin medallion to complete the next task when you still had coins in your possession? You discover a Fire-extinguisher that's missing several parts, you also find a somewhat lengthy note which complains about someone who once again didn't fix it. I'm sure it took longer to write the note than it would have been to just fix it, but then again, the parts were located in some unusual locations? At one point I found several fragmented pieces during a Zoom Zone HOP, these fragments were located on a small shelf within a platter. The next thing I know, this completed project became a huge object used for a really impossible task!? Did I miss something? An Illusion perhaps? HOPA world right?
The Hidden Object Scenes were okay, but because they were hand-drawn, some of the objects were blurry and you couldn't tell where one item ended and the other started. There are Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Progressive Interactive Silhouetted Shape Finds and several smaller Zoom Zone Finds with Fragment Finds or Multiples.
The Mini Games are mostly Puzzle-types, rotating pieces, rotation rings etc, therefore most were fairly easy and uncomplicated. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Rotate 3 disc rings to align the image.
2) Win a game of "Find the ball under the shuffling cups" x3
3) Place various sized gears correctly.
4) Rotate hexagonal puzzle pieces to form a continuous line.
5) Place tiles in progressive order x 4
6) Toggle symbols until both ends have the same symbol.
7) Set the clock hands according to the clue.
8) Swap and rotate puzzle pieces.
9) Swap elements to complete the picture.
2) Win a game of "Find the ball under the shuffling cups" x3
3) Place various sized gears correctly.
4) Rotate hexagonal puzzle pieces to form a continuous line.
5) Place tiles in progressive order x 4
6) Toggle symbols until both ends have the same symbol.
7) Set the clock hands according to the clue.
8) Swap and rotate puzzle pieces.
9) Swap elements to complete the picture.
Although this game has the same ole same ole storyline that we've seen several times before, I totally think this is a must buy game. It's rare that we are offered a decent stand alone SE game. There aren't any bells and whistles with Faces of Illusion, but at least we don't have any stupid Gadgets with repetitive mini-games!
I recommend this game!
Fit Club is a challenging time management, tycoon style game! As you build your fitness club you have to deal with guests and develop your sports teams.
Overall rating
1
/
5
18 of 20 found this review helpful
I PLAYED FOR 30 MINUTES AND STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO DO
PostedJune 3, 2018
pennmom36
fromOh look, this game is available in 7 different languages, that's 7 countries worth of confusing non-existant instructions!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Have you ever noticed that TM games are either a hit or a miss? There never seems to be a middle ground, they are either really good or really bad. Fit Club falls into the really bad category, even if the instructions were better, it's still a boring game, and it brings a whole new meaning to "Time Management" because all you do is wait.
As many reviewers have stated, the instructions just leave you hanging. It tells you to click on the new member and send him to a workout station, but then what? He's just standing there apparently sleeping because he has Zzzz above his head. You'll be left on your own, trying to figure out what to do, and when to do it!
There is a Management Tab to do all of your management tasks, whatever that means. It is here that you purchase equipment (Quadra Push, Butt Sculpture, Chest Destructor, Leg Twister and an ABS Ripper) all of which seem incredibly painful. You can also purchase Management Stations (Supplements Machine, Leg Ripper, Spine Crusher, Bone Crusher, Body Combat Class, Waist Squeezer, Rings Master, Yoga Classroom) these provide either strength, Stretching, Fitness or Speed. In the Marketing Tab, you can purchase advertisement options (Word of Mouth, Leaflets, Mailing, Internet or Banner Campaigns or Commercials) In the Decorations Tab items can be purchased to increase your reputation points (Flowers, TV's, Balls Stands, Kettles Stand or Barbell Stands) The Employee Tab allows you to Hire or Fire Employees (Coaches, Receptionists, Instructors etc, more are added as you level-up) and the Storage Tab allows you to earn more money by storing different sizes of Protein Shakes.
At the top of the screen, you can choose to begin the next day (after completing a day) or you can choose to Review and start a Challenge, once you have a team of members. Guests must be invited to become members at the receptionist desk once their work-out has been completed. You can click on the guests, members or staff, to get all their information, and figure out what type of fitness they are trying to achieve such as strengthening, speed, or stretching.
The stations themselves can be placed where you want them to go in a grid formation, and they are color-coded to identify what they can achieve, and each station has different ways of helping such as Endurance points. Eventually, you will manage 3 different floors.
I'm sure this game will be exciting to someone, but by the looks of the average rating, most agree that this TM game is a pure dud.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you prove that the town's creatures are innocent?
Overall rating
3
/
5
34 of 41 found this review helpful
I'M STILL SCRATCHING MY HEAD WONDERING WHY THIS IS A GAME IN THE CHIMERAS SERIES?
PostedJune 3, 2018
pennmom36
fromThere is a Griffin towards the end, does he count as a Chimera???
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I just finished playing this extremely short game, which took me about 2 hours to finish after the demo which only took about an hour to complete. I didn't finish the bonus chapter because it was just more of the same. The BC continues your journey as you are tasked with healing the Creatures Holy Tree, the source of their powers. You must find the Water of the Dead within the Demons' Underworld, and the Water of Life within our world to heal the tree. You will find the last 3 Cards and the last 12 Puzzle Pieces of the fourth Screensavers within the BC. I was disappointed that it didn't allow me to return to the demo scenes to find a missing Puzzle Piece, a piece that I only missed because of a glitch where the demo left off and the purchased game began. Personally, I prefer CE versions because of the collectibles and morphs my favorite feature, but because this game is so short, I don't think the CE extra's are enough to make the CE worthy. Here's a recap of my review to help you make the decision of which version, if either is right for you:
I realize there have to be entry level games introduced to get new people onboard the HOPA train, but this game has every cliche imaginable not to mention the fact that I completed the demo itself with 24 minutes remaining! Great story, I'm sure others will love it, but why is this game, or the last several games, part of the Chimeras series? Where are the Chimeras? (wbtw make no appearance whatsoever during the entire game!)
Paperclip to open a broken zipper, check, oil can to remove 35 years of corrosion, check, a ring to open a secret compartment, check, a new drawer pull because the original one fell off when you gave it a tug,(and yet the new one not only aligns perfectly with the holes, but doesn't fall off when you gave it a tug?) an item stuck in the crack of a billboard, check, an angel statue missing a wing, check (why does the dragon have the missing wing from someone else's humble abode?) an item at the bottom of a drain, check, a spider's web covering an important item, check (not to mention the spider is always the size of a grapefruit) boarded up windows and doors, check (why would I assume there's an item of necessity behind something boarded up for years?) lanterns requiring a small, thin object to open the latch which is always on the inside (how did it get locked from the inside in the first place?) a candle to see in the dark (I see a not so hidden object puzzle in the making) missing emblems from every box, gate and cache in the entire town, including inside everyones houses, check, a clogged drain, check (and always clogged with 1/3 puzzle piece needed) missing water valves, check, locked house doors, check (yet the keys to every resident's locked house is laying inside the local fountain or inside a bird's nest?) missing quill and ink, check (don't worry the bird will give you her feather once you scare the bajeebers out of her whilst stealing her prized key) torn fragments missing from the family portrait, check, loose brick hiding 5-6 items behind it which doesn't cause the brick to stick out further than the rest, check, large objects entangled by thorny vines, check, gates with complicated puzzles, check (hope the fire department can solve those puzzles quickly) anyone and everyone you meet is carrying around a much needed puzzle piece, check (and they don't now what it is but assure you it will help your investigation)
Here's one I DIDN"T see coming...a locked cabinet inside the jail cell requiring multiple items, both inside and outside of the cell to open it, not only did it contain random items, but it also contained a roll of toilet paper, good luck getting some TP prisoners! (how come jail cells never have a toilet?) .....moving on to the third scene...
Amazingly, those cliche features aren't the deal breaker for me! I've always loved the graphics by Elephant Games, Mystery Trackers, Surface, the earlier MCF (think back on Fate's Carnival) and Royal Detective, even the first Chimeras, (Tune of Revenge) had amazing graphics. Nobody did the "creepy abandoned towns" and realistic atmospheres like this dev was able to create. For some reason, they abandoned this graphics style and went with the bright and sunny whitewashed appearance. Items are large and cartoonish and lack detail. They barely include items to interact with (turn lights on, straighten a picture, splash the water, chase away the frog, play the piano etc) The micro-details are what I miss the most from an Elephant game. Is it because their targeted group of players are aging and they feel the need to make everything large, which in turn takes away from the detail?
As far as the Collector's Edition version goes, the CE has Morphing Objects, collectible mythical creature Cards, and some extremely large Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces to assemble 4 Screensavers. It doesn't allow you to return to previous scenes to pick up missed morphs or collectibles. It also doesn't have re-playable HOP's (not that I'd want to play these super easy ones) or re-playable mini-games, and even though the Bonus Chapter is somewhat long, there are only 3 very short main Chapters. I'm sure many will love this game because it has a good fairytale storyline, which in actuality has nothing to do with Chimeras which once again are m.i.a.
The Hidden Object scenes are super simplistic. I found every item without looking at the list. After playing the first 2 HOP's I earned an achievement for all of the HOP related awards, not once did I have to look at the list of actual items! There is no excuse for this, in my opinion, these are NOT Hidden Object Puzzles, they are items sitting out in the open, there has been no attempt to hide any of these objects! They have mostly Listed Items with no interactions, but there are also Silhouetted Shape finds and several Zoom Zone's with 6 listed items to click on (versus "finding") after the demo, there is little to no progression or improvement.
The Mini-Games are fairly easy and mostly involve swapping tiles. After the demo, I found some of the puzzles to ramp up in difficulty a tad bit, but the instructions on the more complicated mini-games were horrible and at times utterly confusing! Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Swap triangular shaped tiles to complete image.
2) Find 6 matching items on 3 photos.
3) Find 6 eye symbols on a picture.
4) Swap tokens to match items related to images.
5) Rotate disc sections and place keys accordingly.
6) Place shards to restore glass orb.
7) Choose correct paths in a maze using the map as a reference.
8) Rotate lock parts according to colors shown.
2) Find 6 matching items on 3 photos.
3) Find 6 eye symbols on a picture.
4) Swap tokens to match items related to images.
5) Rotate disc sections and place keys accordingly.
6) Place shards to restore glass orb.
7) Choose correct paths in a maze using the map as a reference.
8) Rotate lock parts according to colors shown.
The Collector's Edition version has 12 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art pictures, 4 Screensavers (Four 12 piece Jigsaw Puzzles) 5 Music Soundtracks, 21 Achievements to earn, 12 Collectible Cards (mythical Creature Bios) 48 hidden Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (to assemble 4 Screensavers) 28 Morphing Objects (various flowers), a Secret Room, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide.
CHIMERAS GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Tune of Revenge (February 7-2013) 4.7
2-The Signs of Prophecy (October -15-2015) 3.9
3-Cursed and Forgotten (May 26-2016) 3.8
4-Mortal Medicine (November 10-2016) 3.9
5-Mark of Death (May 4-2017) 3.3
6-Blinding Love (October 19-2017) 4.2
7-New Rebellion (May 3-2018) 3.6
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Tune of Revenge (February 7-2013) 4.7
2-The Signs of Prophecy (October -15-2015) 3.9
3-Cursed and Forgotten (May 26-2016) 3.8
4-Mortal Medicine (November 10-2016) 3.9
5-Mark of Death (May 4-2017) 3.3
6-Blinding Love (October 19-2017) 4.2
7-New Rebellion (May 3-2018) 3.6
by: Elephant Games
Can you defeat a foe with an ice-cold soul?
Overall rating
4
/
5
62 of 80 found this review helpful
TEMPERS ESCALATE TO NUCLEAR IN THIS FROZEN WORLD
PostedJune 2, 2018
pennmom36
fromThere are roughly 430 Nuclear Power plants worldwide but only 3 major disasters (1979,1986, 2011) The one that occurred in 1979 took 14 years to clean-up. Africa was the first country to destroy all nuclear weapons voluntarily!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is the world we live in now, a nuclear post-apocalyptic world void of technology. The buildings and even the towering skyscrapers of yesteryear are slowly crumbling into ruins. The automobiles and the roads they traveled are being consumed by nature itself, and Nature itself had a death sentence. Everyone knows the story of the day the earth was healed when the Elves appeared from the skies, but not everyone knows the truth...until now that is...
Unfortunately, we have yet another gadget! For the life of me, I don't understand why they are included!? I wouldn't mind having a new device such as a phone or tablet, anything realistic, but a gadget that heats or freezes anything? Not to mention the fact that it works on 2 AA batteries, think about it. Not only are 2 small batteries capable of toasting or freezing any material, but how old are these batteries? This is a post-apocalyptic scenario and it has been that way for generations, surely those batteries have no juice left??? I know, I know, it's only HOPA world,
The Hidden Object Scenes are a bit scarce compared to the number of Mini-Games (my personal preference) but I will say that the scenes are located in interesting locations or have interesting features, especially some of the Keyword finds. Most of them are Listed Item Finds, but there are also Interactions, Fragments to Uncover, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Colorless & Colored Picture Finds and several smaller Zoom Zone HOP's where you are tasked with finding 5-6 Items. Each of the 27 main HO scenes has a Morphing Object to find in this CE version, which I'm more than okay with now that MHG has started to include them in each of the locations as well. In the past, Mad Head has stated in the now abolished forums, that they do indeed read every review and try to incorporate the wants and needs of their customers, so let me just say thanks Mad Head for listening and an even bigger thanks for including Morphs in both the HOP's & each scene!
The Mini-Games are good but fairly easy to solve. I was able to solve most of them on the first attempt, even the ones offered after the demo. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo, and a few afterward:
1) Place wires on the jacks to turn all lights green.
2) Find and place misplaced items in a book.
3) Adjust sliders until all 3 lightning bolts are centered.
4) Gadget: Remove all squares by clicking groups of identical tiles. (progressive ea. time)
5) Replay the sequence of numbers s demonstrated.
6) Rotate train track sections to create a path to the end x3.
7) Swap colored pipes correctly by following tangled wires.
8) Swap triangle shaped pieces to create the image on a clue.
9) Move figurine to blast door, each section moves w/ figurine.
10) Use rotation buttons to move gems to colored slots.
11) Tap cracks in the same sequence as shown.
12) Choose Lock pins in the correct order by trial and error.
13) Use directional arrows to avoid obstacles in your path.
14) Click to stops each ball when it enters the target zone.
15) Move various sized blocks to allow the key block access.
16) Place torn picture fragments onto highlighted spaces.
17) Repeat the sequence of symbols on bricks correctly.
18) Set the right amount of Gunpowder & Angle & then shoot.
19) Detect iron objects using the Orb device.
20) Place various sized gears correctly.
2) Find and place misplaced items in a book.
3) Adjust sliders until all 3 lightning bolts are centered.
4) Gadget: Remove all squares by clicking groups of identical tiles. (progressive ea. time)
5) Replay the sequence of numbers s demonstrated.
6) Rotate train track sections to create a path to the end x3.
7) Swap colored pipes correctly by following tangled wires.
8) Swap triangle shaped pieces to create the image on a clue.
9) Move figurine to blast door, each section moves w/ figurine.
10) Use rotation buttons to move gems to colored slots.
11) Tap cracks in the same sequence as shown.
12) Choose Lock pins in the correct order by trial and error.
13) Use directional arrows to avoid obstacles in your path.
14) Click to stops each ball when it enters the target zone.
15) Move various sized blocks to allow the key block access.
16) Place torn picture fragments onto highlighted spaces.
17) Repeat the sequence of symbols on bricks correctly.
18) Set the right amount of Gunpowder & Angle & then shoot.
19) Detect iron objects using the Orb device.
20) Place various sized gears correctly.
This Collector's Edition version has 4 Wallpapers, 6 Concept Art pictures (with before/after slider bar) 10 Music Soundtracks, 12 Character Gallery pictures, 11 Achievements to earn (most with 3 categories) replayable Mine Games (gadget mini-game) 21 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 21 HOS Morphing Objects, 27 Morphing Objects (1 in each location) 27 Hidden Snowflakes, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy!
DAWN OF HOPE GAMES AVAILABLE:
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Skyline Adventure (November 5-16) 4.3
2-Daughter of Thunder (September 5-2017) 3.7
3-Frozen Soul (June 2-2018) n/a
2-Daughter of Thunder (September 5-2017) 3.7
3-Frozen Soul (June 2-2018) n/a
by: Mad Head Games
I recommend this game!
Join Grimelda and her hard-working brooms on a magical time management adventure. Can you clean up the forest before Grimelda's aunt comes back?
Overall rating
5
/
5
68 of 72 found this review helpful
THIS IS THE MOST FUN I'VE EVER HAD PLAYING A TIME MANAGEMENT GAME (and the most challenging)
PostedJune 1, 2018
pennmom36
fromEven better than Dracula!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I just got around to playing this fantastical, whimsical, bewitching Time Management game. At first glance, I thought, "oh yeah, another stupid non-challenging TM game to add to the long list of duds lately" Boy was I wrong, in fact, for the first time, I decided I couldn't wait for the SE version, even though this particular CE version doesn't have a lot to offer in my opinion.
The tutorial didn't explain a lot of the features, one of which was that each scene has a hidden Crystal that allows you to "clean-up" items within the Witch's Hut. I didn't realize that they were available for a couple of levels, so I had to replay those levels to search for them, some of which are pretty well hidden! I'm assuming this is a CE feature, but I could be wrong.
You can play in an Easy (untimed) Normal or Hard mode, which is a plus nowadays because the new trend seems to be gearing towards a single mode TM game. The goal is to earn 3 Stars, and any level can be replayed, in fact, you can switch between modes if you'd like.
The goals are different than most TM resource games, you'll clean up Purple Ooze, gather Stardust, Tree Bark, and Mushrooms, ingredients that are used to make potions within the Witch's Hut. There are different Potions available, such as a Healing Potion of Life to cure the sick animals, and a Potion of Destruction to clear away boulders and other obstructions.
Bonuses are available that will help you win the harder levels, such as Speeding up Workers (which happen to be Magic Brooms) Accumulate Resources and one that regenerates renewable Resources. I like the fact that the Bonuses not only alert you when they have recharged, but you can use both of the bonuses offered at the same time. Usually, you have to wait until the meter fills up to the second bonus and then you can only choose one or the other.
This is a super entertaining TM game with unusual tasks and resources. I loved absolutely everything about this game. I know I usually complain about a TM game being offered in a high priced CE version, and if I didn't have a CE coupon I'd probably have waited, but this game was so fun, I had to have it ASAP, I'm bettin' you'll enjoy it too!
I recommend this game!
You'll die in three days if you can't uncover the truth!
Overall rating
5
/
5
245 of 287 found this review helpful
NOBODY DOES CREEPY BETTER THAN THIS PACHYDERM!
PostedMay 31, 2018
pennmom36
fromElephants have a highly developed brain that is 3-4 times larger than that of a human brain, but it is smaller than a human brain proportionately!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
3 Cards to Midnight
(29)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Rick Rogers was determined to make a fresh start after a rocky relationship and betrayal from his best friend. Everything he owned was packed into his car, and the road home seemed unusually long. Route 39 was a lonely stretch of highway, there wasn't a soul in sight for miles, until a hitchhiker appeared around the bend. Rick knew better than to pick up a stranger, but after all, they were in the middle of nowhere, and she was quite beautiful, what could possibly go wrong? Everything goes wrong! Rick should have kept driving that fateful day because now his time is limited, just 3 days, Rick has been given a mere three days to live, or 3 days to survive!
Welcome back Elephant! Just a few weeks ago I was writing about how disappointed I was that this dev had seemingly abandoned the creepy graphics style that drew me in hook, line, and sinker when I first discovered their popular series with the tiny little Elf dog (can I say the title?) So now I can say once more "NOBODY does creepy, abandoned, paranormal like this dev!" <insert handful of peanuts> This is the kind of plot that keeps you on the edge of your computer seat, one that you can't stop playing because it keeps leading you along with teasers, twists, and turns. Personally, I haven't felt this excited about playing a game after the demo in a long, long time because they usually fizzle after the climactic demo ending as if they had run out of ideas. <insert more peanuts because they deserve royal treatment> Thank you for providing this Masterpiece! This game deserves an award for its genius storyline! <so here's more peanuts>
In this Collector's Edition version there are Hidden Eyes or Hidden Ravens in each scene and each scene has a Morphing Object. My only complaint is that the cursor turns to a hand when it scans across an item, but I worked around that by not moving my mouse until I found the collectibles.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied with Pictured Items, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Sketches Finds and Multiples of the Same Item Finds. Many of the HOP's are smaller Zoom Zone's, and most are located in interesting scenes. I really liked the HOP where you had to find Sketches on a wooden door that had been partially scratched out, I haven't seen that style done before.
The Mini-Games are fairly decent and most are doable on the first attempt. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Choose the correct symbols that spell the Latin word shown.
2) Swap destination stickers to correct country locations then input numbers into the lock.
3) Rotate the wheel to show matching symbols on the walls.
4) Swap picture frames to their dust outlines shapes on the wall.
5) Place torn tapestry fragments using arrows to scroll up and down.
6) Recreate symbols by selecting rotation buttons.
7) Select pairs of ghosts to find matching symbols.
2) Swap destination stickers to correct country locations then input numbers into the lock.
3) Rotate the wheel to show matching symbols on the walls.
4) Swap picture frames to their dust outlines shapes on the wall.
5) Place torn tapestry fragments using arrows to scroll up and down.
6) Recreate symbols by selecting rotation buttons.
7) Select pairs of ghosts to find matching symbols.
This Collector's Edition version has 10 wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 1 Screensaver, 5 Music Soundtracks, 10 Achievements to earn, 13 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 13 re-playable Mini-Games, 12 Hidden Ravens, 12 Hidden Eye (Personal Items: Hunter, Car, Graduation Cap, Caricature, Supernatural Magazine, Rick's Photo, Shooting Trophy, Wedding Ring, Broken Phone, Cufflinks, Coffee Mug, Lighter) 26 Morphing Objects, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy...for 3 days!
I recommend this game!