pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4726
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 21, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you and your trusted companion escape with your lives?
Overall rating
5
/
5
200 of 227 found this review helpful
LOOKS LIKE I'M THE ODD MAN OUT HERE BUT I LOVED THIS GAME!
PostedMay 10, 2018
pennmom36
fromDoes the female characters voice sound familiar? It's Lani Minella who has done over 365 voices in a 3 1/2 octave range for Video Games, TV, Radio & Film!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
League of Light: Wicked Harvest Collector's Edition
(99)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Would you like to play a game? Too bad detective, this is a game you have no choice to play if you want to get out alive! One minute you're preparing for a case, the next, you're trying to find a way to escape a labyrinth of locked doors, secret passages, hidden doorways, and clues. Someones watching you, but they have no intentions of helping you solve this riddle because it's their sick, twisted little game! This is their game of death, and they merely want to watch you lose everything for their own amusement, good luck, it's your move!
Yes, we have a helper, no you can't opt to leave him behind, and yes he is that creepy little scarecrow with glowing eyes and a huge straw hat and overalls. He's no "Elf" but he isn't used that much so I'm okay with it. (Tom was an option in the last game) I seem to be the only one who liked this game so far, but in my opinion, the story is intriguing and I want to continue playing to learn where the story is heading, so the devs have done their job well. I enjoyed the creative riddle clues, not only within the HOP's and Mini-Games but to an extent, some of the task clues were shown as subtle riddles too. I have always loved searching for the Hidden Owls in League Of Light CE games, and although this game still includes the owls, there is only one per scene and the other games offered two owls per scene, so what's up with that? (another case of Less Is NOT More!)
The Hidden Object Scenes were decent. As you probably know, I'm not a fan of HOP's lately because the items are no longer hidden they just lay out in the open in a huge pile of junk, but these weren't bad. The one I found the most entertaining was finding objects on a bas-relief that matched the description of some very creative riddles! There are no alternate games available, which personally I'd love the option of playing an extra bonus mini-game or jigsaw puzzle instead of a HOP. I'd also like to see the option of playing a HOP instead of the mini-games, that way fans of both genres would be happy.
The Mini-Games are good, and some of them are also "Riddle" based which I thought was super cool! Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Press down all triangles, pressing 1 may affect others.
2) Rotate boards to recreate the correct image.
3) Turn the triangle eyes correctly according to the riddle given.
4) Use directional arrows to avoid obstacles along the path.
2) Rotate boards to recreate the correct image.
3) Turn the triangle eyes correctly according to the riddle given.
4) Use directional arrows to avoid obstacles along the path.
This Collector's Edition version has 22 Wallpapers, 30 Concept Art pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, 9 Achievements with 3 categories each (including the LOL famous achievement of answering questions about the game), 6 Collectible Character Figurines, a Fresco Puzzle to assemble, 24 Hidden Owls, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy the game, it's to die for!
LEAGUE OF LIGHT GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Dark Omens (July 20-2013) 4.5
2-Wicked Harvest (October 9-2014) 4.6
3-Silent Mountain (September 10-2015) 4.4
4-The Gatherer (July 14-2016) 3.9
5-Edge Of Justice (June 8-2017) 3.8
6-The Game (May 10-2018) n/a
2-Wicked Harvest (October 9-2014) 4.6
3-Silent Mountain (September 10-2015) 4.4
4-The Gatherer (July 14-2016) 3.9
5-Edge Of Justice (June 8-2017) 3.8
6-The Game (May 10-2018) n/a
by: Mariaglorum Games
I recommend this game!
Test your vet skills in our newest time management game, Dr. Cares: Amy’s Pet Clinic!
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 33 found this review helpful
I'M NOT CRAZY ABOUT THE MINI-GAMES BUT IT'S A CUTE TIME MANAGEMENT GAME
PostedMay 9, 2018
pennmom36
fromShould everyone be leaving their pets unattended on the tables?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Delicious: Emily's Hopes and Fears Collector's Edition
(49)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a cute Time Management game but it's very similar to the first Dr. Cares game, or any other TM game by this dev. I don't see why they keep adding so many simplistic Mini-Games, which don't involve any real skill and take away from the TM memento in my opinion.
The goal of the game is to serve customers as quickly as possible. Some customers just want to buy a product, others require Veterinary services, as shown in the form of a picture inside a thought bubble, above each customer that enters the shop. Some of those items just require a single click, such as dog food, or treats, other items may require multiple tasks such as clicking on a certain amount of dog bones. Many of the tasks require a small and very simple mini-game, such as attaching color-coded cables, clicking a button rapidly until the pointer reaches the green zone, or holding the mouse until the entire circle fills up, which I don't think have any skills involved.
The faster you are, the better, because customers quickly become less patient. You can use Newton the bird to entertain the pets and people as well, once you have purchased his stand in the upgrades shop. Multi-tasking will earn you extra money, and clicking on good 'ole Carl the Mouse on each level will earn you 100 extra points.
You can purchase upgrades with the cash you earn, in the shop. Items such as new Counters and Vet Tables will make things go faster and keep customers patient, other items can help you earn a higher score increase the customers mood, make clean-up easier or restock supplies faster. You can earn up to 3 stars per level, and any level can be replayed to try for a better score. Diamond levels are optional challenge levels available, that can also be earned by converting coins.
Normally, I would suggest waiting for the Standard Edition to be released, but lately, the TM games haven't been offered in any other version, not even the first game in this series released a Standard Edition version. It is a cute game with 19 Trophies to earn and Challenge levels available, and of course, Emily and Paige make an appearance or two :)
DR. CARES GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Dr. Cares: Pet Rescue 911 (July 11-2017) 3.5
2-Dr. Cares: Amy's Pet Clinic (May 8-2018) n/a
2-Dr. Cares: Amy's Pet Clinic (May 8-2018) n/a
I recommend this game!
Pack your bags and get ready to travel the world while you play through over 100 levels of colorful mosaic puzzle fun.
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 25 found this review helpful
IS LESS MORE?
PostedMay 9, 2018
pennmom36
fromIt's a bird, it's a plane, it's...I don't really know what it is, it doesn't say!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
It hasn't been long since World's Greatest Places Mosaics released the last Griddler puzzle in this series. In the last game there were 3 different types offered and in this fourth game, there are only two different styles offered. That is one of the reason's I fell in love with this series, because they have several Mosaic types offered in each game, and they are creative types at that, so Less is Not More! Did they finally run out of new ideas?
My favorite type is the Shapes Mosaics because, for me, it adds just a little bit more of a challenge and fun, so at least that was one of the versions that remained. Who knows, maybe the other types weren't well received by fans of this genre? It is a tad bit difficult to see the numbers on some of the puzzles because of the background, but I didn't have a whole lot of issues in that department. I also thought the boards could be a little bigger because they jump between sizes from puzzle to puzzle, and some are quite small, and I also wish (like one reviewer mentioned) the pictures were labled so you had comformation of what the picture actually was!
Once again, you can choose the difficulty of the puzzles from several options. Casual mode has no timer, numbers are crossed off one by one and the hint timer recharges quickly. Normal mode has a timer with plenty of time, numbers are still crossed off one by one, and the hint recharges slowly. Expert mode gives you limited time to complete each level, numbers are crossed off only when an entire row has been completed, and the hint recharges very slowly. However, there's also a Custom mode setting that allows you to choose whether or not you want a timer, how long the hint takes to recharge from 30-120 seconds, how many mistakes you are allowed from 1-5, whether you want the numbers crossed off one by one or when an entire row is completed, and whether you want a time bonus.
In this version of World's Greatest Places Mosaics 4, there are only 2 variants offered, Traditional Multi-colored Mosaics, and Shapes, where you are challenged to not only switch between colors but between colors and shapes. The numbers located on each column and row will indicate the shape, for instance, there might be a number 5 that has a circle around the number, indicating that you must switch to the circle shape button, or it may have a square or a hexagon shape around the number.
World's Greatest Places Mosaics, always gives you some interesting facts and pictures about interesting places around the world. I really like how they are able to add new twists to an age-old standard, but only offering 2 variants of Griddlers seem like they are offering less, not more!
World's Greatest Places Mosaics, always gives you some interesting facts and pictures about interesting places around the world. I really like how they are able to add new twists to an age-old standard, but only offering 2 variants of Griddlers seem like they are offering less, not more!
WORLD'S GREATEST PLACES MOSAICS SERIES
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 1 (March 16-2016) 2.8
2-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 2 (September 6-2017) 4.8
3-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 3 (April 26-2018) 3.4
4-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 4 (May 9-2018) n/a
2-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 2 (September 6-2017) 4.8
3-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 3 (April 26-2018) 3.4
4-World's Greatest Places Mosaics 4 (May 9-2018) n/a
WORLD'S GREATEST CITIES MOSAICS SERIES
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 1 (March 7-2016) 3.5
2-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 2 (October 20-2017) 4.6
3-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 3 (December 11-2017) 3.2
4-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 4 (April 4, 2018) 4.6
2-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 2 (October 20-2017) 4.6
3-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 3 (December 11-2017) 3.2
4-World's Greatest Cities Mosaics 4 (April 4, 2018) 4.6
WORLD'S GREATEST CITIES/PLACES MAHJONG SERIES
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-World's Greatest Cities Mahjong (January 12-2012) 4.3
1-World's Greatest Places Mahjong (January 17-2012) 4.2
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-World's Greatest Cities Mahjong (January 12-2012) 4.3
1-World's Greatest Places Mahjong (January 17-2012) 4.2
Solve 120 enchanted mosaics! Bring the prince and kingdom back to normal before the final enchanted rose petal falls!
Overall rating
2
/
5
18 of 22 found this review helpful
JUST MORE OF THE SAME
PostedMay 8, 2018
pennmom36
fromAt least the pictures have changed!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
This is yet another Mosaic Puzzle by 8 Floor Games, with the same features as all the other Mosaic puzzle games they offer. If you've played one, you've played them all, because they never change a single feature in any game the release, ever! I will say that I liked these pictures better than the ones offered in Fairytail Mosaics 1: Beauty and the Beast.
There are 6 different Mosaic Worlds and each has 20 puzzles available. There is a left-hand mode as well as a Relaxed feature that automatically gives you the Key and points for finishing the game, no matter how long it takes you to finish the puzzle. In Normal Mode, you will receive one Key for Completing the puzzle, a second Key if you make no Mistakes, and the third Key if you Complete the puzzle within the Allotted Time, which isn't as easy as it sounds! You will earn coins for each completed puzzle and can use the coins to buy extra time or instantly refill the hint feature, you can also unlock other levels and worlds, but it costs a ridiculous amount of coins ranging from 25,000 coins to a whopping 195,000 coins, and I doubt you could earn that many coins beforehand anyway.
The object of the game is to correctly place available mosaic puzzle pieces located on the right side of the puzzle. Some puzzle pieces are already placed on the board as "clues" and more pieces are added until the puzzle is complete. All of this sounds really easy, but when you are trying to place the pieces wicked fast and without making a mistake, it can be mind-blowing. You can replay the puzzle as often as you want to try to earn a better score, but each time the puzzle will reset with different puzzle pieces as clues.
As I said earlier, these pictures are more appealing than the last one, but if you've bought any of the mosaic puzzles offered by this dev, there's probably no need to buy another. Each time you re-play a puzzle, different pieces are shown at the beginning which is another reason not to need another mosaic puzzle, because each time you play it is different than the last. but Alice's Patchwork and Mosaics Galore are much prettier if you have to choose one over the other.
I don't recommend this game.
Play as both members of the Fletcher family to crack the case!
Overall rating
3
/
5
49 of 75 found this review helpful
TELL ME 'BOUT THE GOOD 'OLE DAYS***like that time you were arrested for murder!
PostedMay 7, 2018
pennmom36
fromWhy are the graphics and items getting so LARGE and drab?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
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 the (censored) 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 a CE 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 this 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.
This 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 recommend this game!
Can you save the city from a tattoo artist’s magical ink?
Overall rating
3
/
5
46 of 54 found this review helpful
CHAPTER 2 BORING, CHAPTER 3 BORING, CHAPTER 4 BORING...
PostedMay 7, 2018
pennmom36
fromWhy are the graphics and items getting so LARGE and drab?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I was hoping this game would pick up the pace a bit, but man it's boring! It's the same thing over and over, you progress to a new chapter but you don't progress to any new tasks. You just do the same thing you did in the last scene, zoom into an area of interest, pick up an item that's wedged into a puzzle (wbtw is missing 2 pieces) then you scurry back to exactly one previous scene, place the previously wedged piece, solve a mini-game to open the door, find another wedged piece, go back one scene, place the pieces, pick up another wedged piece...lather, rinse, repeat. The only thing that changes is the shape of the puzzle piece.
The last 4 games I've played, have a Doberman or Rottweiler viciously guarding his turf and won't budge until you give him food or a bone, then, of course, he disappears completely. Doesn't anybody ever provide food for these poor little guys? Can't these devs come up with any other obstacle other than "throwing the dog a bone" or giving a bird something shiny in exchange for that famous puzzle piece inside her nest? Or giving berries to a bird to make them fly away, or a cookie to a raccoon so they'll go inside their den and bring you back a key that somehow you knew they had in the first place? In the end, this is another mediocre game with an awesome storyline that could have been an awesome game, but it's as if they ran out of ideas or didn't think this one through. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either, is right for you:
Rachel was looking forward to meeting Chris at the Red Cape Bar because just next door is her new apartment. Rachel decided to get a brand new tattoo to celebrate the occasion, but little did she know that the tattoo ink was breaking news, and her life would never be the same! Chris Andersen's life is about to be turned upside-down as well when he finds himself knee-deep in a tattoo conspiracy with deadly consequences! The deeper Chris delves into this case, the more he realizes that he already knows too much, the truth is out there, Rachel is out there, but the truth is never what it seems..........
I wish they would have included a few more tasks per scene (and didn't repeat the tasks over and over) because there isn't much to do, a puzzle or HOP here and there, and perhaps picking up or placing an item, is all you get to do. I just think there was a lot of missed opportunities. In the CE version, there are Little Red Riding Hood Signs to find in each scene, but most of them are not very well hidden, in fact, in the third chapter one of them was sitting in the middle of the floor! And of course, the CE also has the famous HOP Morphing Object to find, but that's about it for bling, other than the wallpapers, music, SG normalities.
The Hidden Object Scenes include variations of Listed Items, Multiples of the same Items, (such as 9 Stamps) Riddle Descriptions, Black & White picture finds, Pictures in Color finds, and Silhouetted Shape finds. There isn't a lot of interaction with the items, such as finding and using objects interactively, but I liked the creativity of some of the scenes, such as a TV, or Mail Box slots in an apartment complex. Each of the HOP's has a Morphing Object to find (CE version) and I will admit that some of them are quite tricky to spot!
The Mini Games are for the most part, unique and some are very creative, although I'd prefer them to be a bit more complex and a tad bit longer. I really enjoyed the Fuses puzzle and the Fire Escape puzzle, but just when you get engrossed in the puzzle it ends! Here's a list of brief descriptions that you'll come across in the demo:
1) Move the patterned discs to their matching slots.
2) Swap stones to complete the design.
3) Connect + to - fuses to create a current using slider bars.
4) Point arrows to symbols a specified number of times.
5) Select levers to adjust ladders and bridges to create a path
6) Swap color-coded discs to their matching slots.
2) Swap stones to complete the design.
3) Connect + to - fuses to create a current using slider bars.
4) Point arrows to symbols a specified number of times.
5) Select levers to adjust ladders and bridges to create a path
6) Swap color-coded discs to their matching slots.
The Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 9 Music Soundtracks, 17 re-playable Puzzles, 16 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 24 Collectible Souvenirs, 41 Hidden Little Red Riding Hood Signs, 16 Morphing Objects within the Hidden Object Puzzles, 5 Main Chapters + Bonus Chapter (Three Little Pigs) and a built-in Strategy Guide.
I don't recommend this game.
Return Egypt to its former glory and win the favor of the gods in this time management adventure game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
73 of 80 found this review helpful
THIS IS NO ORDINARY TIME MANAGEMENT GAME
PostedMay 7, 2018
pennmom36
fromWeird thing happened, when I played the CE I was able to choose a name, with this SE version, it only accepted numbers for my name choice?????
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Technically this game isn't what I consider to be a TM game, because it requires more strategy than time management. A Time Management game is actually a sub-genre of a Strategy game, which focuses on gathering resources in a consequent order to fulfill level goals, whereas a Strategy game, requires you to make specific decisions of what and where to build and in which order, and can potentially have several different outcomes.
Ramses: Rise Of Empire, requires you to make several decisions per level (50 levels total) which buildings to keep, which ones to destroy (and when) which buildings to build that will give you the most return, and when to upgrade. Most of the board has grid patterns, and each building, or religious item, takes up a different amount of grid space, so it may be more beneficial to destroy a smaller hut, for example, that may clear the grid and enable you to place 2 houses, which will earn more money.
Strategically placing Religious items means the gods will favor those surrounding it, so you'll have to decide if the religious item will help you meet the level goals faster than placing a structure there. You also need to know when to sell the property and when to buy it back (for more money of course) There's way more to this game than simply clicking resource after resource along a given path, and building a sawmill, farm or mine.
You can play this game in a Relaxed or Normal difficulty mode, to earn up to 3 stars per level, and the levels are re-playable. You will earn Utens for each level completed which allows you to build the Great Pyramid (9 different items) or study and learn the Sciences which will basically give you bonuses of faster construction, netting more money, cheaper construction, increased population, buy and sell faster etc.
There are two different components to this game, and two different icons to switch between. The Building Tab has different structures to choose from, and tabs within for Huts, Houses, Villas, Estates, and Palaces. Once you construct a building, you can upgrade it to a 3-star upgrade which gives you more income and more population, you can also Sell the property, or demolish it, and they will break down and need to be repaired after time. There is also a Religion tab that allows you to buy various statues and monuments, each one has different strengths or value. There is an Icon for Production materials, that you will need to buy in order to construct buildings. The stone is available in different amounts, the bigger the quantity, the cheaper the material. You can also hire more workers, from 1-5, and again, the more workers you hire at once, the cheaper the labor.
Is this a complicated game? Yep! But like all games, once you get the hang of it, it's easily navigated. It can be challenging because there are so many decisions to make, it's not a game for everyone, and really can't be compared to strictly a Time Management game, where most of the time, you can't make a wrong decision.
As far as the decision to buy this Standard Edition versus this Collector's Edition, the only feature I think may be of value (because of the complexity) is with the Strategy Guide, otherwise a few cartoon picture, music, and Bios you can read about on the internet, don't seem worth paying twice as much, in my opinion. If you are tired of TM games that require very little thought and a lot of speed, you really should try this game, by the end of the tutorial you will have gotten the hang of it.
The Collector's Edition version has 6 Concept Art pictures, 6 Music Soundtracks, 7 Amulets to find, 7 Character Bios, 30 Achievements to earn, and a built-in Strategy Guide, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you save Dupin from a malevolent murderer in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
39 of 47 found this review helpful
THE DEMO IS BUT AN ILLUSION-YOU'RE GETTING SLEEPY-VERY SLEEPY zzzzzz
PostedMay 4, 2018
pennmom36
fromJean Eugène Robert-Houdin, a french clockmaker preformed the first magic show when he opened a theatre to display mechanical animals he had created that appeared to be alive.
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat: Crucible Peak Collector's Edition
(112)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Once again, Dark tales has hypnotized me into believing things have changed. What you see in the demo is merely an illusion and with each new chapter, I could visually see the irrelevant ERS ways returning. Amax is falling into a Pit that they may never be able to claw their way out of. The hand-drawn graphics are out-dated and "old-school" you can't differentiate this game from the last one, in fact, if Dupin wasn't a familiar character, you absolutely wouldn't be able to distinguish a Dark Tales game from a Redemption Cemetery game, or a Shadow Wolf Mysteries game, from a Grim Facade game. The characters look exactly the same as they did in 2009 when the first Dark Tales game was released, and they too look the same as every other game series by this dev. These games are old-fashioned and dated, and Amax refuses to upgrade, they refuse to listen to criticism and adapt to the changing times. We aren't the same HOPA fans that started this revolution because we have evolved while they remain in the year 2009.
I originally thought that this game was different, that this game had promise, but I was wrong, and for that mistake, I apologize! The cliffhanger demo ending, left me wanting to continue onwards...oh no Dupin, what happened? By the middle of the third chapter, I felt connected to the plot, not because it drew me into the game-play, but because I felt like I had been hypnotized as well. I just wanted it to end, I wanted to fall asleep! The same ole same ole features returned and I soon realized that "they were back" they being Amax/ERS, were back, meaning a return to their old ways. This games only redeeming feature was with the CE Morphing Objects and Collectible Cards! Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either, is right for you:
Zula the Illusionist will be entertaining the guests at the Pendulum estate this evening, by invitation only. Detective Dupin will be a special guest star participant, so this will be a party to die for! Dupin had a bad feeling about this performance and begged Zula to reconsider, but "the show must go on" until it doesn't, and it did! It's a good thing you made it to the show on time, unfortunately, this show will be the Grand Final, but is it just an elaborate Grand Illusion?
I will admit that the Morphing Objects become a bit more elusive after the demo, some of which are difficult to spot. I liked how they tied the Morphs into the Collectible Cards. There are 9 Collectible Cards that give a brief description of various "bad guys" in a "before" scenario. To learn about the "now" scenario, you must find all 3 Morphing Objects shown at the bottom of each card to unlock the current situation of that person. I've never seen this feature, so I have to give credit where credit is justly deserved!
The Hidden Object Scenes are just okay, nothing spectacular, nothing really new., and basically the same as they have been for the last 9 years. There are Interactive List finds, Keywords in Sentence finds, Progressive Interactive finds, and several Zoom Zone HOP's where you are tasked with finding 5 Fragments to receive an inventory item.
The Mini-Games are pretty easy to solve, even on the Hard difficulty setting. Typically, I don't really care how hard or easy puzzles are, as long as they are fun, and I did enjoy some of them before and after the demo. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1-Slide buttons to correct positions according to clue shown.
2-Drag latch through symbol without touching borders.
3-Match both card sections correctly within their categories.
4-Select all pictured items to receive the safe code.
5-Turn safe wheel to the correct numbers shown on the clue.
6-Use numbered buttons to push tokens into place.
7-Click when both tokens are aligned (progressive speed)
8-Navigate through a dark maze, picking up and using items.
2-Drag latch through symbol without touching borders.
3-Match both card sections correctly within their categories.
4-Select all pictured items to receive the safe code.
5-Turn safe wheel to the correct numbers shown on the clue.
6-Use numbered buttons to push tokens into place.
7-Click when both tokens are aligned (progressive speed)
8-Navigate through a dark maze, picking up and using items.
The Collector's Edition version has 6 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 5 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 12 Movie Videos, 16 re-playable Mini-Games, 12 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 16 Achievements to earn, 26 Morphing Objects, 9 Collectible Illusionist Cards, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a built-in Strategy Guide.
DARK TALES: EDGAR ALLAN POE'S GAMES AVAILABLE:
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Murder's In The Rue Morgue (December 17-2009) 3.7
2-The Black Cat (September 16-2010) 4.4
3-The Premature Burial (October 7-2011) 4.5
4-The Gold Bug (January 10-2013) 3.8
5-The Masque Of The Red Death (April 25-2013) 4.4
6-The Fall Of The House Of Usher (March 20-2014) 4.0
7-The Mystery of Marie Roget (February 19-2015) 4.1
8-The Tell-Tale Heart (November 14-2015) 2.7
9-Metzengerstein (July 21-2016) 3.5
10-The Raven (December 29-2016) 3.2
11-Lenore (August 10-2017) 2.9
12-Morella (December 16-2017) 3.7
13-The Pit and the Pendulum (April 5-2018) 3.2
2-The Black Cat (September 16-2010) 4.4
3-The Premature Burial (October 7-2011) 4.5
4-The Gold Bug (January 10-2013) 3.8
5-The Masque Of The Red Death (April 25-2013) 4.4
6-The Fall Of The House Of Usher (March 20-2014) 4.0
7-The Mystery of Marie Roget (February 19-2015) 4.1
8-The Tell-Tale Heart (November 14-2015) 2.7
9-Metzengerstein (July 21-2016) 3.5
10-The Raven (December 29-2016) 3.2
11-Lenore (August 10-2017) 2.9
12-Morella (December 16-2017) 3.7
13-The Pit and the Pendulum (April 5-2018) 3.2
by: Amax Interactive Games: Ukraine founded March 25-2006
(Changed name from ERS Games to Amax Interactive in 2016)
(Changed name from ERS Games to Amax Interactive in 2016)
Dark Tales: Edgar Allan Poe's (ERS games 1-9 *Amax games 10-12) Haunted Legends, Puppet Show, Redemption Cemetery, Spirits of Mystery, Grim Facade, Shadow Wolf Mysteries, Queen's Tales, Twilight Phenomena, Reveries, Christmas Eve, Maestro, Ghosts of the Past, Forgotten Books, Beyond the Unknown, Haunted Halls, Flights of Fancy, Azada (games 3-4) Reality Show, Phantasmat (Crucible Peak only), Gothic Fiction, Dark Alley's, Nightfall, Hidden Wonders of the Depths, Pathfinders, Sarah Maribu, Steve the Sheriff, Many Years Ago, Mysterious Travel
I don't recommend this game.
Ann and Jim must venture underground to rescue Ann’s father in this time management adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
32 of 35 found this review helpful
DOESN'T HAVE A GOOD RE-PLAY VALUE BUT DECENT FIRST TIME THROUGH
PostedMay 3, 2018
pennmom36
fromI really liked the morphing chameleons in the second game, I may have thought differently about the CE version!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Haunted Domains
(48)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Some Time Management games are fun to play over and over, but this one gets a bit repetitive. The graphics are really good but items tend to be a bit small, so that could be an issue for some players. As I've said several times now, I rarely see the need for a CE version of a TM game, and I'm glad I waited for this SE version because it still has a lot of features I thought would only be available in the CE, such as the Vases to break open, Relics and Photo Album. Other than a few pictures, some collectibles, and 10 extra levels, you probably won't miss what's missing.
In Chase for Adventure: The Lost City, Ann Windsdoe retraced her father's archaeological expedition in Madagascar, where he disappeared over 20 years ago. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to locate her father and returned to the university empty-handed. In the second episode, Ann embarked on another adventure to locate The Iron Oracle, an ancient device that is able to locate anyone in the world. Ann and her sidekick Jim, along with the help of the Oracle, have pinpointed her fathers' whereabouts, imprisoned within the hollow Earth! It's time to Chase another Adventure, as we travel to Easter Island, The Devil's Triangle and Stonehenge, to uncover the gate which leads to the Underworld!
Although I'm not a fan of a Collector's Edition TM game,(especially with a $13.99 price tag) I gotta give the devs credit for including several collectibles and hidden items, in the CE version of this game. If you don't mind paying twice as much, you'll probably be thrilled with the quantity of collectible's, but there are only 10 extra levels (55 vs. 45) The CE version and the SE version both have hidden Ancient Vases in some of the scenes, which give you resources, artifacts, and other interesting objects. When you spot a vase, you'll need to click on it 3 times to break it open, and they are easily overlooked because there are so many items in each scene.
Although I'm not a fan of a Collector's Edition TM game,(especially with a $13.99 price tag) I gotta give the devs credit for including several collectibles and hidden items, in the CE version of this game. If you don't mind paying twice as much, you'll probably be thrilled with the quantity of collectible's, but there are only 10 extra levels (55 vs. 45) The CE version and the SE version both have hidden Ancient Vases in some of the scenes, which give you resources, artifacts, and other interesting objects. When you spot a vase, you'll need to click on it 3 times to break it open, and they are easily overlooked because there are so many items in each scene.
I like this TM game series in general because the tasks and goals are different than in most TM series games. You have to first find a Shovel to dig up piles of sand, and you have to find a Lantern before you can explore the Ancient Barrows or chase away mischevious monkeys. Some of the sites have a few Camera Icons that are located near important landmarks or other discoveries, and you have to place the camera first, then you have to take the picture, if there is more than one object to photograph, you'll have to click on the camera again, in order to move it to the new site. You will need to strategically construct the correct buildings that will give you the resources you need such as housing for Workers, Sawmills for Wood Canteens to supply Food, or Pumping Stations for Water. Some supplies are constantly being delivered in small amounts by helicopter, mostly food or wood.
There is a Bonus Meter at the bottom of the screen that has to fill up before you can use the bonuses, such as, Faster Workers, Extra Resources, more storage etc. There is also a meter at the top, which shows you your level Star position, but any level can be replayed if you don't earn all 3 Stars.
There are 3 modes of difficulty available, a Relaxed, un-timed mode as well as a Normal or Professional mode for experts.
There are 3 modes of difficulty available, a Relaxed, un-timed mode as well as a Normal or Professional mode for experts.
The Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 20 Photo Album pictures, High Score Tracker, 28 Hidden Relics, 55 hidden Spheres, 55 hidden Amulets, 45 Main Levels + 10 CE Bonus Levels and a Strategy Guide, enjoy!
CHASE FOR ADVENTURE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-The Lost City SE (October 5-2016) 3.3
2-The Iron Oracle (August 1-2017) 2.9
3-The Underworld (April 3-2018) 3.9
2-The Iron Oracle (August 1-2017) 2.9
3-The Underworld (April 3-2018) 3.9
by: Growing Grass Studios
Growing Grass Games Available:
Chase For Adventure, Elven Legend
Chase For Adventure, Elven Legend
I recommend this game!
Can you prove that the town’s creatures are innocent?
Overall rating
3
/
5
126 of 166 found this review helpful
WHERE'S THE CHIMERA???
PostedMay 3, 2018
pennmom36
fromA Chimeras is a female mythological creature with a lioness' body a fire-breathing goat head and a serpent tail. Her father is Typhon, mother Echidna, siblings are Cerberus Hydra Ladon & the Sphinx. She was killed by Bellerophon & his trusty steed Pegasus
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Chimeras: Tune of Revenge Collector's Edition
(127)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
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?
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 prisioners! (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 no longer 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 a Collector's Edition version goes, this game has Morphing Objects, collectible mythical creature Cards and some extremely large Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces to assemble 4 Screensavers. It doesn't however, 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 long, there are only 3 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")
The Mini-Games are fairly easy and mostly involve swapping tiles. 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.
This 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, 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
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) n/a
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) n/a
ELEPHANT GAMES: Yoshkar-Ola Russia founded April 4-2003
("We are making, World is Playing")
("We are making, World is Playing")
Chimeras, Mystery Trackers, Haunted Hotel (games 5-16) Royal Detective, Grim Tales, Christmas Stories, Surface, Halloween Stories, Midnight Calling, Midnight Castle, Mystery Case Files (games 10-11 Dire Grove, Sacred Grove & Fate's Carnival), Riddles of Fate, Hallowed Legends, Death Pages, Unfinished Tales, Detective Quest, Found, Urban Legends, Lost In The City, Super Granny Run, Quark Attack, Up Balloon Up, Ball Craft, Wise Gal, Love Is, Real Stories, Bloom, RIP Trilogy, Road Rush, Jungle Heart, Avalon, Just Bones, Sir Match A-Lot, Ship of Bones, Masquerade Mysteries
upcoming games:
Midnight Calling: Arabella
Grim Tales: The Hunger
Midnight Calling: Arabella
Grim Tales: The Hunger
I don't recommend this game.