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:
Decipher the code of the Emerald Stone and discover the ancient secrets of the Inca temple in this entertaining Match 3 adventure!
Overall rating
1
/
5
35 of 39 found this review helpful
SAME EXACT GAME AS TREASURES OF PERSIA WITH THE SAME HORRIBLE FEATURES
PostedFebruary 1, 2018
pennmom36
fromI'm still trying to find the "treasures"
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Cradle of Rome
(33)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I have a feeling that several more "Treasures" Match 3 games are heading down the pike. This is the same game, as Treasures of Persia, with all the same horrible features. This is a Limited Moves, swap type Match 3 game, with decent graphics, but many of the Icons look too similar to tell them apart at times! In the Settings option, you can only choose to turn the sounds on or off, and once again, the annoying FX feature of an audience clapping constantly, is included, so you definitely want to turn the FX off.
Once again, I'm totally clueless as to how the scoring is figured out, because on the first level, I scored more than the required amount of points, and still had moves remaining, but only earned 1 Star. On the second level, I scored the required amount of points, but less points than I scored on the first level, and only had a few moves remaining, yet I scored 3 Stars!??!!
Once again, I'm totally clueless as to how the scoring is figured out, because on the first level, I scored more than the required amount of points, and still had moves remaining, but only earned 1 Star. On the second level, I scored the required amount of points, but less points than I scored on the first level, and only had a few moves remaining, yet I scored 3 Stars!??!!
Before each level, you are shown a single illustration showing you what happens when you make a Match 4, the next level a Match 5, L shapes etc. You can also see pictures with vague descriptions, when you click on the question mark icon, it shows you what you receive when you make large bonuses, but it doesn't tell you what happen when you use those bonuses. This is a no frills Match 3 game, there are no Power-ups available to use on stubborn tiles, all you get are the bonuses on the board when you make large matches, and they must be matched with specific tiles.
On several occasions, I made large matches, but didn't receive the bonus tile on the board. On one level the board is fairly large with large tiles, the next level the board itself is larger and includes twice as many tiles, that have suddenly shrunk in size. After completing the level goals, I have to wait an eternity for all of the bonuses to do their bonus thingy, before my score is finally totaled, isn't it bad enough that I have to wait after every match I make before matching again?
I strongly suggest you try the demo before buying this game, or even wasting a coupon, this is a very bad Match 3 game, and it's no different than the previous game, Treasures of Persia.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you survive the island and save your brother?
Overall rating
5
/
5
178 of 221 found this review helpful
THE DEAD ARE RISING
PostedFebruary 1, 2018
pennmom36
fromI'm breathing in the chemicals....I feel it in my bones....whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh..
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Three years ago, there was an accident at the Corp Tex facility on Ambrose Island, rendering the environment extremely toxic. Drones deployed to search for survivors, were unable to detect any signs of life, so everyone is presumed to be dead, including your brother Mark, that is, until an emergency beacon was activated less than 12 hours ago! How was anyone able to survive for three years in a toxic environment? Better question is, who or what is the survivor!?
Welcome back Mad Head Games!! Thanks for returning to your Shadowplay roots, with another amazing game that tops the creep charts. At one point in the game, I actually jumped because I was startled by an action in this game. This has NEVER happened to me before EVER! I will even go as far as to say that this game has by far, the best cliffhanger demo ending, an ending that leaves you hanging, an ending that entices you to click the "buy now" icon as fast as you can. This is exactly what I did, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that when I return to the Island, to finish the story, it won't let me down, but after all, this is a very, very, Mad Head World! My only disappointments are that the only CE bling offered are those same boring collectible Spirals (they stick out like a sore thumb!) and they once again only offer Morphs within the HOP's.
The Hidden Object Scenes are decent, but nothing special, nothing new offered. There is a Morphing Object within the main HOP's in this Collector's Edition version, a feature that would make me jump for joy, IF they were offered in each location scene of the main game, NOT within just the HOP's Some of the HOP's require you to locate 4 items that will then open up an Interactive List find, and some where the items found move aside to expose a puzzle fragment, as well as Silhouetted Shape finds, or combinations of both types of HOP's. There are several Zoom Zone HOP's that have just a handful of Silhouetted Shape finds, but at least in the demo, there are no alternate puzzles offered to play instead of the HOP's. There are also Keywords in Sentence finds, but they are categorized as Mini Games not HOP's.
The Mini Games are actually entertaining, and for the most part, are fairly easy to solve on the first attempt. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Select a button to move the dial either 3 spaces clockwise or 2 spaces counterclockwise, to land on each symbol shown on the clue.
2) Select arrows to move the spheres into their matching colored disks.
3) Repeat the sequence of images lighting in the order shown.
4) Select a series of numbers that equal the sum shown, by clicking highlighted available numbers, and ending with the highlighted red button on the bottom right corner.
5) Swap fragments to fit correctly into their matching patterned slots.
6) Select matching pairs of symbols (MH does love their symbols)
7) There are several story based puzzles that require you to find items that match the keywords shown in each paragraph of the story.
SHADOWPLAY GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Darkness Incarnate (August 20-2016) 4.1
2-Whispers of the Past (July 27-2017) 3.4
3-The Forsaken Island (February 1-2018) n/a
2-Whispers of the Past (July 27-2017) 3.4
3-The Forsaken Island (February 1-2018) n/a
by: Mad Head Games
This Collectors Edition version has 4 Wallpapers and Concept Art pictures, 6 Music Soundtracks, an Ultimate Puzzle, replayable Hidden Object Scenes, a Showcase Room, 10 Achievements to earn, 32 collectible Spirals to find, 18 Morphing Objects within the Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy your stay on Fantasy/Forsaken Island!
I recommend this game!
Bring your sweetheart along in this lovely Solitaire adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
118 of 136 found this review helpful
L'AMOUR TOUJOURS
PostedJanuary 31, 2018
pennmom36
fromIls ont fourni un effort absolument remarquable.
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
The Chronicles of Emerland Solitaire
(147)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Love is definitely in the air, because I have fallen in love with the Jewel Match Solitaire games. Suricate Software has always given us top notch Match 3 games, and lately has put their foot in the door of the Solitaire genre. There are 200 Solitaire Levels, and 50 Bonus Mahjong Levels to unlock, 24 Trophy Achievements to earn, and 6 beautiful Wallpapers available. You can choose from four different Card Theme Designs and 2 different Face Card Font Styles. You can play in a Normal mode with normal rules, Hard mode with limited time to pick up the cards, or a Relaxed mode which has more than one deal.
One of the features I love in Jewel Match Solitaire games, is the fact that after each level, all 3 stars (or however many you earn) immediately pop into place at the same time as a group. I hate it when you have to wait for an eternity as one star appears, after it's placed, the second one arrives and finally the third. To me, it's equivalent to dial-up as you sit there waiting for what seems like an eternity, for all of the stars to make their appearance.
This is a Higher/Lower Solitaire game, which is my favorite type, but it is also a Mahjong game because as you progress through the Solitaire levels, you unlock groups of Mahjong Games. Each group of Mahjong games are available every fifth level, but will only unlock once you have acquired enough Stars on the Solitaire Levels. The Stars however don't align this time, because I earned all 3 stars per level, but I didn't have enough stars to unlock it, until I was a level or two past the Mahjong Gate level!? In my opinion, offering Mahjong as bonus levels is a big mistake, it's an okay feature in their Match 3 games, but they should have offered different types of Solitaire Games such as Spider or Tri-Peaks Solitaire.
Some cards are blocked with obstacles that require finding the tool card, such as a Key Card to open Locked cards, Hammer cards to break the Chained cards, Scissors to snip the Ribbon cards (some cards have multiple ribbons) and Sickle Cards to whack down Vine cards. Frozen cards require 2 plays to remove them, Wax Sealed cards require playing a specific colored card, red or black, and some seals have specific suits that require you to include the specified suit and color from the board.
Some cards are blocked with obstacles that require finding the tool card, such as a Key Card to open Locked cards, Hammer cards to break the Chained cards, Scissors to snip the Ribbon cards (some cards have multiple ribbons) and Sickle Cards to whack down Vine cards. Frozen cards require 2 plays to remove them, Wax Sealed cards require playing a specific colored card, red or black, and some seals have specific suits that require you to include the specified suit and color from the board.
Some of the cards on the board have Heart Shaped Jewels under them, the collected jewels are what you will use to buy Scene sections with. This is another mistake in my opinion,, because everyone loves to build the Castles, which is a feature made famous by Jewel Match! Some cards have hidden coins under them which allows you to purchase items in the shop to help you win. Combo's begin at a 5 card chain which will raise the coin index, and allow you to buy even more power-ups. Items in the Shop include a remaining card counter,additional undos and shuffle's, remove a specific or random card on the board, reveal a percentage of face down cards, more deck cards, earn more gold per level, specific numbered Wildcards, Jokers or increase the chance of getting jokers and wildcards.
JEWEL MATCH GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
(Jewel Match Solitaire Games)
*Jewel Match Solitaire CE (October 17-2017) 4.3
*Jewel Match Solitaire SE (December 13-2017) 4.3
*Jewel Match Solitaire: Twilight (October 30-2017) 4.8
*Jewel Match Solitaire: L'Amour (January 31-2018) n/a
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
(Jewel Match Solitaire Games)
*Jewel Match Solitaire CE (October 17-2017) 4.3
*Jewel Match Solitaire SE (December 13-2017) 4.3
*Jewel Match Solitaire: Twilight (October 30-2017) 4.8
*Jewel Match Solitaire: L'Amour (January 31-2018) n/a
by: Suricate Software
(Jewel Match M3 Games)
*Jewel Match 1 (March 14-2007) 4.1
*Jewel Match 2 (March 11-2009) 4.2
*Jewel Match 2: Reloaded (July 20-2015) 4.4
*Jewel Match 3 (April 13-2011) 4.3
*Jewel Match 4 (June 16-2014) 3.8
*Jewel Match Royale CE (November 24-2016) 4.6
*Jewel Match Royale SE (December 28-2016) 3.8
*Jewel Match Royale 2: CE (January 23-2018) 4.5
*Jewel Match Winter Wonderland (December 3-2007) 4.2
*Jewel Match Snowscapes (January 13-2015) 4.3
*Jewel Match Twilight (October 28-1015) 4.9
*Jewel Match 1 (March 14-2007) 4.1
*Jewel Match 2 (March 11-2009) 4.2
*Jewel Match 2: Reloaded (July 20-2015) 4.4
*Jewel Match 3 (April 13-2011) 4.3
*Jewel Match 4 (June 16-2014) 3.8
*Jewel Match Royale CE (November 24-2016) 4.6
*Jewel Match Royale SE (December 28-2016) 3.8
*Jewel Match Royale 2: CE (January 23-2018) 4.5
*Jewel Match Winter Wonderland (December 3-2007) 4.2
*Jewel Match Snowscapes (January 13-2015) 4.3
*Jewel Match Twilight (October 28-1015) 4.9
I wish they had Castles to build instead of just landscapes, and I really wish the bonus levels were different Solitaire Game versions, because I'm not a fan of Mahjong games (to make matters worse, the Mahjong Games are Timed!) other than that, this is an excellent Solitaire game, with beautiful graphics and relaxing music. For me, it's worthy of a purchase with or without a coupon code, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
When a Myth Seekers agent goes missing, you’re called in to discover the truth in this hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
87 of 103 found this review helpful
THE MYTH SEEKERS IS A CROSS BETWEEN MYTHS OF THE WORLD AND VERMILLION WATCH
PostedJanuary 30, 2018
pennmom36
fromWow! I used the same scalpel 4 different times.....mind blown!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Agent Phillip Miller was working on a top secret mission when he mysteriously vanished. Foul play is suspected to be responsible for his sudden disappearance, so The Myth Seekers have assigned a new recruit to follow his trail. Agent Miller had been trying to locate the mythological Hammer belonging to the Roman God, Vulcan. Myths tell the story of a legendary blacksmith to the gods, who became crippled when he was cast to Earth by his own mother at birth, a legendary blacksmith, with a legendary Hammer. Think these gods never existed? Think again! Very few know the truth about fairy tales from bygone eras, and even fewer know the real truth of why The Myth Seekers exist!
At first, I thought this game was going to be a poor attempt at replicating Myths of the World, because it starts out almost the same way. (the voice that says this myth takes place yada yada yada) But I soon realized that this game was different, it's kind of a cross between MOTW and Vermillion Watch. It takes place in the 1920's, and you play the role of a new Myth Seekers agent, Amelia, who has been tasked with picking up where missing Agent Miller left off before his disappearance, and of course, there are puzzles to solve and decode to peel back the layers of conspiracies and paranoias.
Sunward Games has done an amazing job with the graphics and the story, but I did notice the games to be a bit too simple at times. I love it when I see fresh blood enter the HOPA world, Sunworld has given us some great games in the past (The Secret Order & Endless Fables) and I HOPe to see more coming down the BF pike (or is it stream?) As far as a CE version goes, I think this one fits the bill there as well, because there are Collectibles and Morphing Objects offered along with the usual Achievements, Wallpapers, and re-playable puzzles etc.
The Hidden Object Scenes vary with each new scene, and there is an alternative Pair game where you match related pairs. Some of the Mini Games, in my opinion, would qualify as a Hidden Object Scene, but are clearly listed as a Mini Game. If I had to complain, I would say that they should have more objects to find, because they are kind of short. There are even FROG finds, where you must find several fragments that are listed in 3 sections, and each section goes together to form one useful inventory item, once all pieces have been found. I really enjoyed the Progressive, Interactive HOP, where you find one object, and then place that object in the scene logically, which exposes the next interactive object and so forth,
The Mini Games as I stated earlier, are a bit too simplistic, but that's probably just me, I don't mind easy puzzles, or hard puzzles for that matter, but I do prefer puzzles that require me to use my brain, not just completing a puzzle by instinct because there's a pattern or because I've done the same exact puzzle so many times before, that I could solve it in my sleep (does that make sense?) Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Swap the books so that the images on the spines form a complete picture. This is repeated on two more puzzles as the scene scrolls to the following two shelves.
2) Rotate Hexagonal tiles to complete the image and learn the story of Vulcan, in a set of different pictures.
3) Place items correctly on the table, using the sketch as reference.
4) Find and replace objects logically to uncover the first-aid kit (once you find the kit, you will bandage the victims head, pay attention to his torn and tattered white shirt, before bandaging and afterwards, it's a miracle I tell ya!)
5) Move the fireball to the door on the right, making sure you pass through all points only one time.
6) Follow the pattern on the clue so that only the darkened pins stick out, moving one pin may affect another.
7) In a two part puzzle, first rotate the rings to align the pattern correctly. Then swap the inner circles to match the symbols above their frames.
This Collector's Edition version has 8 Background Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 6 Movie Cutscenes, 6 Character pictures and bios, 8 re-playable Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, 18 Achievements to earn (9 story based/9 skill based) 13 Morphing Objects, 15 Collectibles, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
It's more than your average survival show...
Overall rating
2
/
5
32 of 52 found this review helpful
RIDICULOUS PLOT TEDIOUS GAME PLAY
PostedJanuary 29, 2018
pennmom36
fromEver wonder why all the statues in every HOPA game is missing a part, and the statue becomes helpful AND flexible once you replace the part?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Unfortunately, the only feature I enjoyed in this second addition to The Unseen Fears series, was finding the collectible Masks, that were very cleverly hidden in each scene location. And to double up on the unfortunateness, the Masks are only available within the Collector's Edition version. I actually gave the CE version, 3 Stars on my review of the demo, but I quickly discovered that after the demo, there was very little improvement, in fact, the plot just kept getting more ridiculous chapter by chapter, until I had finally had enough!
Not all my feelings are negative about this game, there are 5 Chapters total, and the chapters are quite lengthy, so IF you like this story line, it's well worth the money, even more so with the CE version which also has a Bonus Chapter AND a Hidden Chapter! Shortly after posting my CE review, another reviewer contacted me in the forums, telling me that it was only a game, because I had made a comment that the plot was so over the top. I get it, but The Unseen Fears should be about the paranormal, not about a million different weird features that are about this and that, going in a million different directions. For instance, after the demo there's a man glued to the wall, and he's a shapeshifter, but it has nothing to do with how things got the way they are, it wouldn't matter if he wasn't a shapeshifter. Then I use a curse antidote on the lizard lady, and it appears to burn a hole into her shoulder. The next thing I know, A Hidden Object Scene appears on her shoulder! It's just weird, and this isn't a fantasy game, well it is, but it's not supposed to be! For what it's worth, here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either is right for you:
Nathaniel Wilson is a brilliant detective (he's brilliant, the newspapers say so) with some pretty sweet tatts. (that part isn't in the newspaper, I totally made that part up) What's so sweet about Nathaniel Wilson's tattoos you may ask? Well, for starters, the tattoos give him supernatural abilities. With a quick flick of his wrist (after rolling up his sleeves first of course), zap! The unseen is now visible, ta-dah! It's okay, I wasn't impressed either, but eventually he sees peoples memories (not very newsworthy either) Nathaniel has just finished up his Amsterdam investigation, so he decides to do a little R&R at the Outlive Bar. He doesn't even get the chance to crack open a beer when the next supernatural case lands right in his lap, what are the chances of that!? (cuz he has supernatural abilities and a supernatural phenomena has just occurred at THIS exact place and time, turn the page)
Looks like vacation's over Nathaniel, time to roll up your sleeves and start flashing that tattoo all over Los Angeles.
Nathaniel could sure use some Mystery Tales sunglasses, because everyone in the entire city has blinding beams of lights streaming from their eyeballs! These death rays can only mean one thing.......the force won't be with them for much longer at this rate! Nathaniel brilliantly uses his spidey-senses (because he's brilliant, remember?) and picks up a newspaper, where he discovers that strange death's have been occurring for a couple of weeks! After much deliberation, he deduces that the cause of death is because they were all drained of energy. I'm sorry, what???? How exactly does a coroner determine whether or not a person has been drained of energy? Does he have an energy meter? Is there a posthumous test to prove this? Wouldn't ANY dead person be void of energy? Am I the only one who questions these ridiculous statements?
Nathaniel could sure use some Mystery Tales sunglasses, because everyone in the entire city has blinding beams of lights streaming from their eyeballs! These death rays can only mean one thing.......the force won't be with them for much longer at this rate! Nathaniel brilliantly uses his spidey-senses (because he's brilliant, remember?) and picks up a newspaper, where he discovers that strange death's have been occurring for a couple of weeks! After much deliberation, he deduces that the cause of death is because they were all drained of energy. I'm sorry, what???? How exactly does a coroner determine whether or not a person has been drained of energy? Does he have an energy meter? Is there a posthumous test to prove this? Wouldn't ANY dead person be void of energy? Am I the only one who questions these ridiculous statements?
Moving right along to the Hidden Object Scenes, or lack thereof. Granted, I may not have made it as far through the demo as most, because I was taking notes with my life's energy before it depletes, but I only came across one very small Interactive List Zoom Zone HOP, and one regular sized HO Interactive List find puzzle, which was repeated in the same location as a Multiple Item find puzzle! I'm not a huge fan of most HOP's, in fact, I've always wished they would add a skip feature to the HOP's, but shouldn't there be more HOP's in a HOPA game? So I guess this is more of a PAG, but I was HOPAn for a little more. There is an alternative Match 3 game to play, but there are no large matches or power-up boosters available to make it a little more appealing.
The Mini Games are far too easy to master. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Restore the broken TV glass is a 2 part puzzle, by dragging glass shards correctly. The first puzzle has 3 huge chunks, the second puzzle has about 8, slightly smaller chunks of glass.
2) Rotate the small triangles to match the tiles' colors, use the arrows to rotate the large triangles.
3) After finding the balls to the pinball table, you won't become a pinball wizard, because you don't even get to play a pinball game?
4) Select green circles to find the correct route to the TV studio. Or you could use your newfound x-ray vision, if your life energy levels are good to go.
5) Free the ladies from their shackles by finding matching pairs of shackles. Of course you can use a chainsaw to cut through metal shackles, wires, rope and heavy gauge chain links, which btw, are frighteningly close to the "ladies"
6) Rotate the rings of the disks in a two part puzzle in between your chainsaw scenarios, moving one disk may affect others, actually moving one disk will affect others, all of them.
7) Choose the correct answers on the screen based on the clues in the album.
8) Swap the petals to their matching colored masks, using directional arrows to swap adjacent petals.
9) Mix ingredients to create a Curse Antidote. Any curse. Yep, with just a few household items, you too can whip up a batch of Curse Antidote. Does someone you know have a mask stuck to their face? Curse Antidote. Does someone you know have beams of light piercing through their blank eyes? Curse Antidote. Does someone you know have missing life energy? Curse Antidote. It slices, it dices, it even julienne fries. Curse Antidote. (available at participating stores, tax, title, fees and licensing are not included) Curse Antidote.
THE UNSEEN FEARS GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Body Thief (March 16-2017) 4.0
2-Outlive (December 30-2017) 3.7
2-Outlive (December 30-2017) 3.7
by: Grandma Studios
The Collector's Edition has 10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, re-playable Movie Videos, Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Achievements to earn, 72 Collectible hidden Masks, a built in Strategy Guide, a Hidden Chapter ( Until it Sleeps) and a Bonus Chapter (Arisen) Curse Antidote!
I don't recommend this game.
Go on an adventure with Sophia. Play match 3 levels to fight evil beasts and solve mini games to unlock the lost relics.
Overall rating
3
/
5
25 of 29 found this review helpful
I'D USE A PCC ON IT
PostedJanuary 29, 2018
pennmom36
fromIf you like Chain type Match 3 games give Cradle of Persia a try as well :)
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Cradle of Persia
(26)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Sophia's Adventures is a Chain type Match 3 with Limited Moves, similar to the Battle Match Royal genre. Similar but not quite, because you don't take turns with the "enemy" like most Battle type Match 3's. The game mechanics are a bit disjointed and clunky at times, especially when you are trying to drag to make matches. The graphics are decent, and the tiles or runes, are colorful, and fairly large.
There are a lot of typo's, which really drives me nutz (pun intended) such as artefacts and the fact that this game is titled "Sophia's Adventures, but the professor refer's to the main character as Sofia, in the introductory paragraph. I may misspell a word or two here and there, on my reviews, but I can't imagine releasing a game that potentially could have millions of people playing it, without checking it. Isn't there some sort of spellcheck program available? At the very least, have someone Beta test the game, who is fluent in whichever language it's intended to target!
The goal is to "battle" various enemies in each level, that are shown on the top right, with specific numbers of specific runes that must be matched to defeat them, and you must accomplish this within a specified number of moves. You can however, earn more moves, if you are able to make matches of 3 or more runes that say "extra move" but there aren't a whole lot of runes available of that type. To make the matches you must form a chain of at least 3 runes by clicking on a tile and holding the mouse button, as you drag the line to the end of the matches, which can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or any combination of directions.
Long Chain matches will earn you a power-up on the board that can be used with a single click, and does not count as a move. There are horizontal and vertical Bombs that destroy an entire row or column, Bombs that destroy 8 surrounding runes or bombs that destroy all runes of the same color.The longer the chain of matches, the more damage is dealt to the enemy, and you can earn up to 3 Stars per level, which can be re-played as often as you'd like.
At least in the demo, there are only 2 Boosters available. The +2 booster will double the damage dealt to the enemy in the next move, but takes time to recharge before it can be used again. The Eagle Attack bonus causes 3 HP damage to all of the enemies remaining, and requires you to make matches of the Eagle runes to refill the booster.
There are Obstacles that will limit the amount of runes available, until they are destroyed, such as Stone Blocks, and Stone Blocks with chains, that require either a single match, or a double match near them, to be destroyed. In the Boss Level, you must clear the runes to allow Daggers to drop down to the bottom and hit the enemy, which destroys them.
I liked the change of pace offered in Sophia's Adventures, it's a different kind of Match 3. I'm not a huge fan of Chain type Match 3 games, but it actually works for this game. I would definitely use a PCC to buy this game to play as a time filler during those times you just want to relax. I'll add this game to my long wish list of games to buy as I acquire PCC's, but for now, I'm all out, so it'll have to wait :(
I recommend this game!
The idyllic Fairy Land is threatened by chaos. Help King Feodor restoring peace and order to his realm in this solitaire adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
61 of 75 found this review helpful
I LIKED FANTASY QUEST BETTER AS A MATCH 3 GAME
PostedJanuary 29, 2018
pennmom36
fromLook out Fairy, there's a zombie behind you! Well I did hear them!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
The Chronicles of Emerland Solitaire
(147)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
In the first episode of Fantasy Quest, an evil sorcerer cast a spell that sucked all of the magic out of the fairies enchanted kingdom. The fairies became ill afterwards, and needed help to heal and free them.
In the second episode of Fantasy Quest, the fairies were once again faced with a calamity, when a dark shadow was cast over the kingdom. The Holy River was poisoned and the fairies and animals who drank from the poisoned river became deathly ill.
In this third episode of Fantasy Quest, the Holy Tree have been healed, the Towers reactivated, and they have restored the kingdoms equilibrium. The King has asked the fairies to assist him, by completing 9 very important tasks. (hey, at least they're not ill!)
For some reason, they have changed this Match 3 series to a Solitaire game, and it didn't work for me. I actually liked the Match 3 games, and although I love a good game of Solitaire, this one is no different than Zombie Solitaire, and is far too easy at that. There are still Match 3 levels available, as well as HO"s and Time Management levels, to give you a break from Solitaire, but I'd rather it be the other way around.
This is a Higher/Lower type solitaire game, available in a Casual or Normal difficulty mode which allows you to earn more money. There is a Star Meter at the top which shows you how many cards you'll need to remove before earning each star. If you earn 3 stars on a level, you will earn an extra Undo.
Some cards contain Collectible Stickers in four different categories, once you find all 5 stickers in a group, you will receive a reward. As you remove cards, coins fall to the ground, and they have added an option to enable or disable the coin bounce feature, that drove some players crazy in Zombie Solitaire.
You can use the coins in the Shop to buy cards to help you win, such as a Fairy Spell Card which removes 1 card of your choice, a Twin Lightning Card which shoots down 2 cards of your choice, a Powerful Curse Card which removes an entire row of cards or a Mighty Redeemer Card which allows you to click on cards to remove them, while active. You can only arm yourself with 3 different bonus cards per level, but occasionally, these bonus cards are available on the levels as part of the solitaire game. You can also buy extra Wildcards that are number specific, but you will also earn them on some levels, a single click will remove them from the board, to use at any given time or level.
There are Nuisance Cards eventually that block some cards from being played until you uncover the a appropriate Fairy Card to unblock it. There are Cloud Covered Cards, Rock Covered Cards and Cards Covered in Thin Ice that require you to uncover and use the Turquoise, Red and Blue Fairy Cards, before you can include those cards.
The Match 3 game is a Swap type M3 with Limited Moves, that can be played in a Casual or Normal mode as well, but you won't be able to earn more than 1 Star in Casual Mode. Large Matches will give you power-ups such as a M4 will give you a Bomb, a M5 will give you a Rocket, and making a M3 of 2 different tiles in the same match, gives you Lightning. The power-ups can be activated with a single click, and the object is to make matches of the same tiles encased in bubbles around each fairy, to pop them.
FANTASY QUEST GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Release Date***Type***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Type***Average Rating
*Fantasy Quest 1---April 8-2014 (Match 3) 3.6
*Fantasy Quest 2---April 5-2016 (Match 3) 3.3
*Fantasy Quest 3---January 29-2018 (Solitaire) n/a
*Fantasy Quest 2---April 5-2016 (Match 3) 3.3
*Fantasy Quest 3---January 29-2018 (Solitaire) n/a
by:Rokapublish
For me personally, I found the Solitaire and Match 3 levels to be far to easy, and that was while playing in the Normal Mode. You earn too many coins too easily, so its easy to buy Power-up cards that make it nearly impossible to win. If you like Zombie Solitaire, you will like this one too, but I already have both ZS games and this one has nothing new or different to add, even the zombie moans are still present which makes no sense to me, so I'll pass.
Donna’s childhood friend is overwhelmed by a cursed tree that poisons everything it touches!
Overall rating
2
/
5
110 of 138 found this review helpful
THIS SERIES GOES FROM A STRANGLER IN PARIS TO KILLER TREE ROOTS?????
PostedJanuary 27, 2018
pennmom36
fromDo you think the cards are strung all over the mansion because of his special Herb stash?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Donna Brave could hardly wait to see her friend Kathi, after all she hasn't seen her since they hung out together at school. When Donna arrives, she is greeted by a very nervous Kathi, who explains that she needs Donna's help to solve a deadly mystery. Is it a whodunit murder mystery? Nope, its a killer tree!
Mad Head Games should have made this new series more like an Agatha Christie murder mystery. Instead, they went from a Strangler in Paris to Killer Tree Roots.To make matters worse, the graphics are horrible at times, close ups in some scenes make everything look like it was drawn for a cartoon. I'm more than a little upset that MHG dropped the ball with this uninteresting plot.
There are so many inconsistencies and logic fails, that one is left scratching one's head, trying to keep up with the story. For starters, the game supposedly takes place somewhere around 1923, yet Kathi is spelled wit an i not a y, which I can't imagine parents in the 1900's doing. The clothes also don't seem period appropriate. I find a wooden tool box that of course is missing a handle, and I simply can't open the lid until I find a replacement. Oh looky here, an iron handle, I simply place it on the lid, and it lifts the lid with ease. Are there magnets involved here, how did it stay attached? Next up, I've got to melt some ice, do I use my matches, do I use my kerosene lantern, of course not, they won't do the job, but I can use a single match to catch a stick on fire without any fuel! Once I rescue my bestie from the killer tree, and drag her body inside, her father decides to help, so I heave Kathi's limp body into dads arms. Now dad informs me that her wounds are lethal and she has 24 hours to live. Kathi's dad has figured out the solution! I must destroy the vile death tree, or Kathi will die in less than a day! He seemed so sure she would live 24 hours, just a second ago, but now she has less than a day? If the wounds caused by the tree are fatal (and you have 24 hours to live give or take a few hours) how will it fix things if I destroy the tree? Are the wounds one and the same as the tree?
I may not like the story, but I loved the Collector's Edition bling available! Each scene has a Morphing Object to find, and each HOP has one as well, now that's more like it! Each scene also has a hidden Magnifying glass to find as well, which unlocks Bonus Content once they have all been collected.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied, and each HOP has a Morphing Object to find. There are Silhouetted Shape finds, Matching Pairs and scenes where you place objects into the scene instead of taking them out. There aren't a whole lot of HOP's or MG's for that matter , and there are no alternate puzzles available
The Mini Games are far too simplistic in my opinion, and there just aren't enough of them, at least not in the demo. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Rotate tiles to create an unbroken path.
2) Swap shoes to match their silhouetted shape shoe prints
3) Choose a card from your hand, then select however many cards necessary to equal the sum of the card in your hand. (if you choose an 8 as your hand card, you must then choose cards whose sum equal 8 such as a 5 and a 3) the first person to take use 15 or more cards wins.
4) Place animals on their correct habitat continent.
5) Rotate disks to align the images.
6) Move knights to their color coded board spots.
7) Play the piano keys in the correct order according to the clue.
DONNA BRAVE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Donna Brave: And the Strangler of Paris (August 26-2017) 4.3
2-Donna Brave: And the Deathly Tree (January 27-2018) n/a
2-Donna Brave: And the Deathly Tree (January 27-2018) n/a
by: Mad Head Games
This Collector's Edition version has 4 Wallpapers, Concept Art pictures, 10 Music Soundtracks, 10 Achievements to earn in 3 categories each, 8 Character Gallery pictures, Card Game to play(once all Morphing Objects have been found), 28 hidden Collectible Magnifying Glasses, 47 Morphing Objects (1 in each scene and 1 in each HOP) 19 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a dark vision from coming true?
Overall rating
1
/
5
55 of 71 found this review helpful
JUST WHEN YOU THINK THIS GAME COULDN'T POSSIBLY GET ANY BETTER THAN IT ALREADY IS, YOU WAKE UP!
PostedJanuary 26, 2018
pennmom36
fromskullfun: medium or extra large...that's hilarious tee hee hee
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I have played the Demo for both the Collector's Edition, and the Standard Edition of this game, and I feel like I should earn an Achievement for being able to endure it! Normally, I play the CE demo when it's released, wait for a really good sale to buy it, then play the SE demo version when it comes out, to refresh my memory, and finally go back to the CE version I purchased, to finish up the game. I did buy this game during a BOGO sale, and I tried really hard, to continue the adventure today, but I failed miserably. I had the entire day off, so I had no excuses, other than the fact that the game nosedives after the demo, and did a poor job of drawing me into the plot. Because I didn't complete the game, I can't really comment on the game in its entirety, in all fairness, this game may have picked up speed in the final couple of chapters. You should probably refer to my friend, skullfun's review, because that review is based upon the completed game. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either, is right for you:
Either I'm experiencing Deja-vu or this story is hauntingly familiar, and nowhere near as good either! The Message is loud and clear, Madame Esperance (that's way too long of a name, let's just call her Madame E) is a physic medium who foresees the future, even her own! Unfortunately, things aren't looking too good for Madame E, but at least her vision will buy her some time to contact a detective, to get the ball rolling on her own pre-murder investigation.
Once again, I play the role of a Detective, and apparently I'm not very good at it, because I never have a single penny to my name. To make matters worse, I have to resort to thieving coins in order to buy objects from shady vendors. I never get a receipt so I'm assuming these are stolen goods, which is surely another reason I'm not a very good detective. As with most of these games, you get to choose your profile picture avatar. There are 3 different male characters and 3 different female characters to choose from. Basically a brunette, blonde and red haired detective available for either male or female avatar. Another unfortunate scenario in my detective career, I once again get equipped with a Spirit Collector. I don't want to talk about it, seriously disappointed, nuff said!
Amax Interactive is definitely digging their claws into these older series games, as they desperately try to revitalize these long time standing series' they inherited from ERS. Each game they release lately, are ever so slightly better, (by better I mean better than the last game, not a good game that gets even better) it's clear to see they are putting forth great effort, (gotta give 'em kudos for not abandoning the sinking ship right?) but in the process, they seem to have lost sight of what a Collector's Edition is all about. I expect more collectibles in a CE, not less, and they've never even attempted to add Morphing Objects or any new features, why? Besides looting coins, the only collectibles offered in the Collector's Edition version, are a handful of Madame E's personal belongings! I remember filling out a BF survey a while back that was intended to provide insight from game buyers, as to what they desired within a CE. Did they receive hundreds and hundreds of requests to remove CE bling?
The Hidden Object Scenes are in typical form by this dev, but fortunately, they have called for a cease fire, on doubling up HOP's in repeated locations. There are Interactive List finds, but most of the Hidden Object Scenes are in the form of Keywords in a sentence, which is a very popular way devs use to incorporate more details of the plot. When I say popular, I mean that almost all of the devs use this method, which is why I loved the method used in Phantasmat, of telling the story through unexplained "visions" which is so much more realistic and far creepier. There aren't any alternative puzzles to opt for, but there are some HOP's that have a small puzzle of some kind to solve.
The Mini Games are just okay, neither good nor bad. Most of the games are available in a Casual or Hard difficulty mode. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Move the dial hands so they land on their matching symbols, by selecting a dial and swapping icons to a highlighted slot.
2) Several mini games that require you to click buttons, piano keys etc. in a specific order by trial and error.
3) Move the inner lock pieces so they fit in the outer lock pieces by swapping one key piece from each side.
4) Use directional arrows to guide the ball through the labyrinth to the hole.
5) Assemble the dream-catcher by attaching the string and hanging feathers.
6) Make matches of at least 3 identical tiles by swapping adjacent tiles, in a Match 3 game to collect 12 Fists and 12 Shields.
7) Move the ropes by selecting and swapping 2 rings making sure none of them intersect.
8) Use a map to navigate through the tunnels.
9) Use a magnet to drag a pin through the paths without going outside of the lines.
GRIM FACADE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Mystery of Venice (June 2011) 4.2
2-Sinister Obsession (July 5-12) 4.1
3-Cost of Jealousy (February 28-13) 4.0
4-A Wealth of Betrayal (April 24-14) 3.2
5-The Artist and the Pretender (September 18-14) 3.6
6-Hidden Sins (June 18-15) 4.2
7-Monster in Disguise (May 19-16) 4.0
8-The Red Cat (October 22-16) 3.8
9-A Deadly Dowry (September 23-17) 3.2
10-The Message (December 28-2017) 3.4
2-Sinister Obsession (July 5-12) 4.1
3-Cost of Jealousy (February 28-13) 4.0
4-A Wealth of Betrayal (April 24-14) 3.2
5-The Artist and the Pretender (September 18-14) 3.6
6-Hidden Sins (June 18-15) 4.2
7-Monster in Disguise (May 19-16) 4.0
8-The Red Cat (October 22-16) 3.8
9-A Deadly Dowry (September 23-17) 3.2
10-The Message (December 28-2017) 3.4
by: Amax Interactive
The Collector's Edition version has 6 Wallpapers, 6 Concept Art pictures, 6 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 11 Movie Videos, 16 re-playable Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, 20 Achievements to earn (one of which is to skip a mini game?) 7 Collectible Madame E personal items, collectible looted Coins, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter. Good Luck!
I don't recommend this game.
Return to Nerinia and save the neighboring kingdom Merovina in this epic match-3 adventure! Build majestic monuments for the prosperity of the realm!
Overall rating
5
/
5
120 of 127 found this review helpful
ANOTHER JEWEL MASTERPIECE
PostedJanuary 25, 2018
pennmom36
fromNormally I don't recommend CE versions on a Match 3 game, but 60 extra levels alone seems worthy!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Cradle of Rome
(33)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Only Jewel Match can deliver one fantastic Match 3 game after another, each one better than the one before. Not only is this a Match 3 masterpiece, but it's a Match 3 masterpiece with brilliant customization's! Jewel Match games are on my personal top 5 favorite Match 3 games, my favorite being the Cradle of Rome series. As usual, the graphics are stunning, but I will admit that I prefer the shiny, colorful gems that are featured in the regular Jewel Match games (not Royale)
You couldn't possibly ask for more custom options, or at least I can't think of any that are missing! For starters, you can choose to disable or enable the Hint Arrows or the Interactive Help tutorial. Then you can choose to play in a Timed Mode, a Limited Moves Mode or a Relaxed Mode. Then you get to choose to play whichever type you selected, in a Normal OR Advanced difficulty mode! How cool is that! The icing on the cake, is that you can switch back and forth between modes or difficulty WITHOUT canceling your progress!
Each level has several "rooms" to complete, when one room is cleared, you click on the arrows to visit the next room. If you have time remaining after completing a level, you can either continue or go to the previous rooms and search for bonus items. I don't know of any other Match 3 that has this feature. Coins that appear can be collected with a single click (they will disappear after a brief amount of time) and Bags of Coins must be dropped off of the board to collect by making matches under them. The Coins earned can be used to purchase upgrades of power-ups, such as a Hammer to remove specific tiles. Stars are collected by dropping off the board as well, and the Stars are used to purchase decorations such as Statues, Flowers and Animals.
Large matches will reward you with power-ups, such as a Match 4 gives you a Chroma Piece that can be matched with any tiles, and a Match 5 or more, awards you with a Royal Arrow that clears rows or columns or both. The object is to clear all gold cells by making matches over them. Some items require you to make matches under the items such as keys, until they fall off the board. Mana Bottles must be collected to cast spells, and Treasure Chests can be upgraded to hold a greater number of tiles, because once full, other tiles collected will go unused.
There are various obstacles such as Wooden Crates, Chains, Double Chains, Dark Fog, Amber Trapped tiles, and even Safe tiles that require a specified number of matches made next to them, according to the number inside. Some levels have a Garden Room, that will unlock once the other rooms have been emptied. Inside the Garden Room you can collect more Coins, Stars and occasionally a Butterfly. Once you collect the Butterfly, the Crystal Room will unlock, which in turn will unlock Bonus Mini Games. In the Crystal Room, however, new tiles are NOT generated, so a little strategy may be necessary.
JEWEL MATCH GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
*Jewel Match 1 (March 14-2007) 4.1
*Jewel Match 2 (March 11-2009) 4.2
*Jewel Match 2: Reloaded (July 20-2015) 4.4
*Jewel Match 3 (April 13-2011) 4.3
*Jewel Match 4 (June 16-2014) 3.8
*Jewel Match Royale CE (November 24-2016) 4.6
*Jewel Match Royale SE (December 28-2016) 3.8
*Jewel Match Royale 2: CE (January 23-2018) n/a
*Jewel Match Snowscapes (January 13-2015) 4.3
*Jewel Match Twilight (October 28-1015) 4.9
*Jewel Match 2 (March 11-2009) 4.2
*Jewel Match 2: Reloaded (July 20-2015) 4.4
*Jewel Match 3 (April 13-2011) 4.3
*Jewel Match 4 (June 16-2014) 3.8
*Jewel Match Royale CE (November 24-2016) 4.6
*Jewel Match Royale SE (December 28-2016) 3.8
*Jewel Match Royale 2: CE (January 23-2018) n/a
*Jewel Match Snowscapes (January 13-2015) 4.3
*Jewel Match Twilight (October 28-1015) 4.9
This Collector's Edition has 9 Extra Wallpapers, 5 Character Portraits Jigsaw Puzzles, 16 Extra Mahjong Layouts, 3 Extra Castles, Making Of pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, 6 Custom Cursors, 60 Extra Levels (wow!) and a built in Strategy Guide, happy matching, enjoy!
I recommend this game!