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:
Powerful magic is at your fingertips as you protect your island home!
Overall rating
2
/
5
79 of 91 found this review helpful
I'VE CHANGED MY MIND ON THIS GAME'S RATING
PostedJanuary 12, 2018
pennmom36
fromAre there any bonuses that will give my computer mouse more speed?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
After playing the Collector's Edition version, and now this Standard Edition demo, I've come to the conclusion that this game isn't worthy of a 5 star rating. I have always loved the Moai Time Management series, and this game would have, and should have been another fantastic game. But no matter how many times I replay a level, I just can't earn 3 stars, in fact I'm luck if I earn ANY stars! I'm not talking about level 30, or even level 15, I'm talking right from the get go.
I consider myself to be a fairly seasoned Time Management player, so I thought I would appreciate the challenge this game presented, but it's nearly impossible to finish the tasks within the time limits given. Sure, I COULD play in the Easy mode with no time limits, but what's the point? For me, that just makes the game a mindless point and click game, I don't mind a challenge, and I don't mind replaying a level over and over, until I earn all 3 stars, because it gives me a sense of accomplishment to finally earn what I worked so hard to achieve. If earning the stars in this game is impossible, well, that's not very fun is it? Bottom line is, I am convinced that this game is too difficult for me personally, however, if you're okay with playing in an Easy mode, or you are really, really good (and wicked fast) at managing your time, this game is perfect, and my hats off to those of you who can easily earn all 3 stars! Here's a recap of my review, to help you decide wich version, if either, is right for you:
It has been several hundred years since the comet has passed over the lost island of Tapa-Tui. During this rare celestial event, the high priests hold a ceremony to honor the spirits of the elements, and ask for their protection. When Fimi-Am, the High Priest becomes ill, the Chief's twin children, Hika-Ri and Kao-Ri volunteer to perform the traditional rituals. Before performing the ritual, they must find four ancient constructions, known as the Elemental Gates, and learn to use mana and negotiate with the spirits of the elements. And so the saga continues......
Moai has always been one of my favorite Time Management game series, because it's not just a point and click here and there game, you actually have to use strategy! Moai V is crazy busy, and crazy challenging, right from the get go! Fair warning: if you don't do things just right, it's very difficult to finish the level with all 3 stars! These levels are certainly some of the busiest levels I've seen, and it's easy to overlook some minute tasks, not to mention making the right trading decisions to allow you to reach level goals.
Each level has treasure chests available which contain valuable artifacts and bonuses such as the Sandals of Speed which give the Moai a little more speed to get the job done. There are several different Artifacts to earn that will help you progress by increasing resources by a specific percentage, and other perks such as that. The Artifacts are kept in your backpack and you can choose a handful to apply before each level if you choose. Because you are playing this episode as the twins, both characters backpacks can be equipped.
There are the usual Time Management tasks to remove obstructions from pathways, plant crops for food, build sawmills for wood, quarries to produce stone, gold mines to build, repair destroyed property, fix broken bridges, collect resources, trade goods at the market and from merchants. Some of the building sites give you the choice of which building to construct, and you'll have to build them strategically in order to complete level goals. (some may even need destroyed after obtaining all necessary resources so that a different building can be constructed to produce a different resource) Trading items with merchants also have several options as well as quantities, which are super exciting, especially when playing in a Timed mode, it truly gets the adrenaline flowing!
MOAI GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
-Moai I: Build Your Dream (June 24-13) 4.3
-Moai II: Path To Another World (May 5-15) 3.7
-Moai III: Trade Mission (December 26-15) 4.2
-Moai IV: Terra Incognito (July 2-16) 4.6
-Moai V: Generation (August 22-17) 3.5
-Moai II: Path To Another World (May 5-15) 3.7
-Moai III: Trade Mission (December 26-15) 4.2
-Moai IV: Terra Incognito (July 2-16) 4.6
-Moai V: Generation (August 22-17) 3.5
The Collector's Edition version has 9 Wallpapers (which are actually vivid and colorful for a change) 9 Music Soundtracks, 10 Character Biographies, 69 Achievements to earn, Bonus Levels, and a Strategy Guide.
I don't recommend this game.
The city is being taken over by dark forces!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 29 found this review helpful
TIMBER............
PostedJanuary 11, 2018
pennmom36
fromWow, I must be a good magician, I was thrown to the bottom of a lake, managed to swim to the top, with a shovel, a chain, a flower petal, a scraper and a plate part still intact!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
What a beautiful Fantasy game! I was impressed with the demo of this game, but I didn't get a chance to finish it until now. What amazed me the most, was how taken aback I was, once again, to see such colorful and detailed graphics. The story has been done before, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, and it piqued my interest throughout the 5 available chapters. I'm a fan of most Collector's Edition's, and the CE of this one had everything I enjoy, so I highly recommend that version over this Standard Edition, if you like Morphing Objects (flowers) and several Collectibles to search for. One thing I liked about the Morphing Objects, is that if you missed one, you could go into the Morphs section and see an outline of the one you missed and it also tells you which area it was located if you hover the cursor over the outlined flower. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either is right for you:
One minute King Altus was admiring the beauty of the magic trees in his kingdom, the next, he was ordering his people to cut them down, cut them all down! Surely the king was under a spell, an evil spell, but who would do such a thing to their beloved king? Well, King Altus has always believed that the Magic has to serve the people, but he never said anything about dark magic!
Boolat games is one of those devs who obviously takes pride in their work. They are somehow able to create adventure games with some of the most vivid colors, and don't get me started on the detail! When I zoomed into one of the scenes the first thing I noticed, was two dried and crumbling leaves! Wow, you might say, who cares? Look at those two leaves, pay attention, because those 2 leaves are incredibly realistic, look around each scene, don't just look for the next obvious task, admire the beauty and the detail, because their artists CARED enough to pay attention to detail. Now if they could just work on the jilted character movements....
I have to admit that I actually enjoyed searching each scene for the colorful twinkling gems the CE version. Because the colors are so bright and vivid, these gems don't always slap you in the face, and some of them are hidden within zoom zones just to catch you off guard. Some of the scenes have Morphing Flowers to discover as well.
You play the role of a Magician in training who gets thrown to the wolves. In the demo, the first lesson Regis the chief Wizard teaches you, is the Healing Glyph.(eventually a Sleeping Glyph and Vision Glyph) I'm pretty sure you eventually learn to walk on water but that's just my guess lol. Fire blows from your fingertips as you work your magic on everything and everybody who needs a heal or two, including an overly dramatic archer named Dana. If I wasn't being hunted down at that point I'd probably have held off on my healing thingy just to see if I could get a couple more dramatic moans, coughs, and gurgles from this chick, way to milk it girl!
The Hidden Object Scenes are well done and very creative. I have been playing these games so long that I can usually just click on items without looking at the list because they are that obvious. Not this time! although some are obvious, I actually had to stare at a couple of scenes intently, one of which was a very cleverly blended pearl. Most of the scenes are multi layered offering Interactive Listed item finds, Silhouetted Shape finds, Keywords in sentences, and finding Matching Pairs. There are also several Zoom Zone scenes, and usually the last item requires you to leave the scene to find an item to use, and then return.
The Mini Games are actually quite entertaining, although they do tend to lean towards the easy side of the scales. I'm okay with any difficulty as long as they are fun. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Swap books to create an image on their binders.
2) Find matching pairs of symbols by flipping over two cards at a time.
3) Repeat the sequence in the correct order.
4) Move tokens to their correct matching colored slots.
5) Arrange the plates in the correct order based on the center symbols.
6) Use directional arrows on columns and rows to move square tiles to create a picture (arrrr)
7) Balance objects on both sides of the scales.
8) Guide the giant Rooster to the forest by choosing the correct turns to make based upon the signs before the turns.
9) Swap mirrors to direct the beams of light from gem to gem based upon their color.
DREAMPATH GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-The Two Kingdoms (June 14-2014) 4.5
2-Curse of the Swamps (June 4-2016) 4.4
3-Guardian of the Forest (November 18-2017) 3.8
2-Curse of the Swamps (June 4-2016) 4.4
3-Guardian of the Forest (November 18-2017) 3.8
The Collector's Edition version has 18 Concept Art pictures, 18 Wallpaper Posters, 14 Movie Videos, 8 Music Soundtracks, 21 re-playable Mini Games, 19 re-playable Hidden Object Scenes, 20 Achievements to Earn, 15 Morphing Flowers to find, 90 collectible Gem Twinkles (allows you to play a bonus Match 3 game once all have been found) a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The contract must be fulfilled, but your girlfriend will pay the price!
Overall rating
2
/
5
94 of 124 found this review helpful
THE ETERNAL DANCE WILL NOT BE DENIED, BUT I WAS DENIED EXCELLANCE
PostedJanuary 11, 2018
pennmom36
fromDoesn't everyone keep a full sized typewriter in the passenger seat of their car?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The Eternal Dance is just another story about someone who makes the devil a deal, but refuses to honor the contract when payment is due. Although there is a slight twist to Theo's motive for making the deal in the first place, there's nothing new, nothing exciting about it, and it certainly doesn't hold a candle to the original Cadenza, Music, Betrayal and Death.
One thing I loved about the Cadenza series was that it was realistic and believable, so I was really disappointed that not only did the story seem far fetched, but when they introduced a gadget, I knew it was game over. The Cryptex is used to activate various musical machines, which as far as gadgets go, isn't on the upper scale of Ripley's believe it or not, but still......? In this Collector's Edition, there are 33 Dancing Pair Collectibles, and 33 Treasure Hunt Collectibles (Bonus section) and 14 Hidden Object Scene Morphing Items to find. (why not 13, MH seems to have a number 3 fascination in their games)
The Hidden Object Scenes are basically all the same, but they are multi-layered, some have a small Mini Game, and this CE version has a Morphing Object to find in each one. There are Interactive List finds, Silhouetted Shape finds and items to place into the scene where they logically belong.
The Mini Games aren't that fun, and most are far to easy to solve. I don't expect games to be so challenging they're frustrating, and I don't mind easy puzzles, as long as they are fun, but for me personally, these were not that fun. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1-Rearrange the numbers to match the sequence on the clue, by moving chips to available highlighted slots.
2-Arrange the 4 lyre symbols around the center using rotational arrows.
3-Cryptex puzzle requiring you to swap jewels to make matches of 3 identical jewels until all have disappeared.
4-Set the pressure gauge to zero by adjusting valves of different numbered values (+ or-)
5-Find and place the missing pieces of the image correctly.
6-Play the bells in the correct order as shown on the clue.
7-Place puzzle pieces correctly by clicking and dragging pieces to their correct highlighted slots.
CADENZA GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Music, Betrayal and Death (April 12-2014) 4.8
2-The Kiss of Death (April 4-2015) 4.1
3-Havana Nights (March 19-2016) 4.0
4-Fame, Theft and Murder (March 4-2017) 3.8
5-The Eternal Dance (January 11-2018) n/a
2-The Kiss of Death (April 4-2015) 4.1
3-Havana Nights (March 19-2016) 4.0
4-Fame, Theft and Murder (March 4-2017) 3.8
5-The Eternal Dance (January 11-2018) n/a
by: Mad Head Games
This Collector's Edition has 4 Wallpapers, Concept Art pictures, 8 Music Soundtracks, 10 Achievements to earn, 14 Hidden Object Scenes, 14 HOS Morphing Objects, 33 Dancing Pair Collectibles, 33 Treasure Hunt Collectibles, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter.
I don't recommend this game.
Beyond the Invisible: Darkness Came is a stunning hidden object adventure game that will challenge even the most seasoned detectives.
Overall rating
3
/
5
85 of 123 found this review helpful
BEYOND DISAPPOINTMENT
PostedJanuary 10, 2018
pennmom36
fromWhy was I so determined to write a report when I found a flair shell in the sewer, yet moments later unwilling to take the blame for catching the town square on fire? (those bricks sure can burn)
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
Beyond the Invisible: Evening was a really good game with an excellent creep factor, so naturally I was super excited to see that Darkness Came, was finally released today. After playing the demo however, my excitement turned to disappointment. There's no creep factor other than the fact that the gamma correction controls are darker than most games. The hand drawn graphics are well done, but basic and cartoonish in appearance, I'm more impressed with the CG in the game itself.
In Beyond the Evening, the town of Woodville was shrouded in a strange dark mist, anyone who dared to venture into the darkness, never returned. The Detective had just solved the case, when a distress call came in from the neighboring town of Gateville. Was his fatigue getting the best of him, or did a phantom just appear in the middle of the road?
You know the game's going to be predictable when it starts out with a mysterious cloaked dark figure standing in the middle of the road. The first game in this series was so creative, so unique, and the orphan girl made the story come to life. What happened? Why did the devs make us wait nearly 3 years, just to give us the same ole same ole?
The Hidden Object Scenes are Interactive List finds, with somewhat creative interactions. The graphics are decent, but there's nothing here to write home about.
The Mini Games range from easy to medium difficulty, they are decent games, but some of the directions are a bit vague, fortunately, they are solvable, and easy enough to figure out. Below are brief descriptions for some of the Mini Games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Use the buttons to arrange the contacts in the order shown on the clue.
2) Find matching pairs of ampules.
3) Turn all switches green by rotating circuit paths.
4) Dial the number on the disc, using buttons to arrange and apply codes.
BEYOND THE INVISIBLE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Average Rating
1-Beyond the Invisible: Evening (March 10-2105) 3.3
2-Beyond the invisible:Darkness Came (January 10-2018) n/a
2-Beyond the invisible:Darkness Came (January 10-2018) n/a
by: Graphium Studio
This game may appeal more to someone who hasn't played the first game in the series, but if you have, it will probably disappoint you as well. I think the game is worthy enough of a credit, PCC, or a good SE sale, hopefully the game gets a little creepier and less predictable after the demo?
An innovative puzzle game with realistic physics and multi-tiered levels!
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 47 found this review helpful
K3Y APPEALS TO MY INNER PHYSICS PUZZLE GEEKINESS
PostedJanuary 9, 2018
pennmom36
fromNot sure why I have to dress the octopus in disguises?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love physic based puzzles and this game is similar to "Jar of Marbles" with the added challenge of physics. I think however, this game would be more awesome as a phone app to while away the hours.
I'll be honest, at first I wasn't digging this game at all, but after just a few levels, the physics kicked into gear, and I quickly became addicted to the challenge. The rules of engagement are fairly simple. You just aim the ball shooter at the top of the screen, to shoot the same colored marbles that are strategically hanging below. If 3 or more identically colored balls touch, they will disappear, and you will consequentially receive another move.
The goal is to release all 3 keys to open up the next level, until you reach the final level (more on this in a moment) Each of the 3 keys are encased in several multi-colored layers marbles. You must first shoot a marble of the same color as the outer casing, to release the hanging marble. You must then shoot marbles to make matches of at least 3, to chip away the casings, until all 3 key marbles touch each other to unlock the gate, which drops open. The goal is to match all 3 keys, it doesn't matter if marbles remain hanging, (other than you can get extra moves when they are matched) but any remaining unmatched marbles that aren't hanging, that are laying on the gate, will drop through the gate when it opens. (sometimes it helps you, sometimes not, as they then hit the hanging marbles on the next level which knocks them down)
When you get to the fifth and final level, the goal changes to "Don't let anything fall through the gate" So if all 3 keys are matched before you are able to match any marbles remaining on the gate floor (not the ones hanging) it will feed the octopus when the gate opens, and you will loose one out of three available stars for the level. It is a little difficult to keep track of the levels, because it's easy to forget that you're on the final level, but the levels you earned keys on, are shown on the left of the screen.
If you run out of moves, you will have to start the entire level over from the top floor. It sound easy in theory, but the further you progress, the more difficult it becomes, as they add way more marbles, more colors, and more layers around the keys. And of course, these are glass marbles which don't always land where you want them to because they bounce, and the hanging marbles can create a log jam as well!
As I said earlier, this is a fun and addicting game, but I think it would be more fun to play on a phone when you're really bored. I'll use a coupon for this one, I'm just not sure how long you can play this game before it potentially becomes boring?
I recommend this game!
Do you have quick reflexes? Wanna prove it? Join the fruit adventure of a lifetime now and exercise your match 3 skills.
Overall rating
1
/
5
213 of 222 found this review helpful
THERE HAS TO BE SOME KIND OF A MISTAKE
PostedJanuary 8, 2018
pennmom36
fromThere are NO Jewels, and NO adventure!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Cradle of Rome
(35)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Surely the game I downloaded wasn't the same game as described in the synopsis???
*Levels with various modes
*Beautiful graphics
*Entertaining music
*Lots of difficult levels
*Beautiful graphics
*Entertaining music
*Lots of difficult levels
First of all, there are no "Levels with various modes" on my game, in fact, the only customization my game has, is to mute the "Entertaining music", which isn't really music, it's just a pop, pop, pop, every time you make a match. There is no tutorial, no illustrations to show you what to do or what the level goals are. I'm assuming the level goals are all the same, I only lasted 10 levels before bailing, in those levels my only goal was to fill the bar by making matches. There are no "Beautiful Graphics" in fact, the fruit tiles are rather large and blurry. There probably are "Lot's of levels" but they are anything but "difficult"
In the game I downloaded, I had to first click on the tile I wanted to swap, then I had to click on the tile I wanted to swap the first tile with. You can't simply swipe the tiles to make a match, and you can't make another match until all the tiles have finished dropping and matching, therefore, you cannot quickly make matches to earn a bigger score, as also described in the synopsis. My game also didn't have a timer, and didn't have a Limited Moves counter either. All my game had was a Match 3 Board with blurry fruit, a Light Bulb icon which gives you a match hint, a Musical Note icon that allows you to mute that so called beautiful music pop pop sound, and an icon with three lines on it that asks if you're sure you want to exit the game (which then takes you to the main page that has no Exit option whatsoever!) YES! I'm quite sure I want to exit!
All that I've just described isn't even the bad stuff! The real kicker is that there are no Power-ups or Bonuses given for large matches (at least not in the first 10 levels that I so painfully endured) It get's worse folks! You cannot make L shaped matches, well, you can make them but it only excepts the Match 3 that you made the swap with, such as the three vertical matches, but not the three horizontal matches it made with the L formation! This game also doesn't accept a match 3 of one tile and a consequential match 3 of another kind by default.
When you make a match of 4 identical tiles, the only thing you get is the word "good" if you make a match 5, the only thing you get is the word "Awesome". YES YES YES, I am quite sure I want to exit this game, as soon as I find an exit button that is!
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop an old evil from wreaking its vengeance?
Overall rating
4
/
5
162 of 195 found this review helpful
HE IS COMING
PostedJanuary 6, 2018
pennmom36
fromDr. Martin concluded that Katherine died of a heart attack caused by paranoia?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Burned at the stake, purified by fire (nope, its not a marshmallow) accused of atrocious, unspeakable crimes and witchcraft. Such a savage punishment, yet, before the flames engulfed his entire body, Malefic vowed to return. "You and all your descendants will suffer" That was two hundred and fifty years ago, but Detective Pike fears the "Man of Shadows" has returned to enact his revenge upon the distant relatives who so barbarically ended his life.
Detective Pike seems to be the only one who believes that Katherine Garrison-Oaks was murdered, much less at the hands of a city legend superstition. He has asked Claire Arlington to join his investigation, and help him get proof that the Man of Shadows has once again returned. Claire has a supernatural gift, one that allows her to see past events with the help of an all seeing Amulet. I know, I know, another amulet, another psychic medium that sees into the past while in a trance, been there done that. But this story line is somewhat different, and not once did I grow weary from boredom in the demo, the graphics are well done, and I thought the Hidden Object Scenes and Mini Games were very well constructed. I want to see more from Deep Shadow Games, I think they're on to something here!
In this Collector's Edition version, each scene has a Hidden Symbol, and most of the Hidden Object Scenes have a Morphing Object, as indicated by a drop down icon that appears and disappears once found. The Eye Amulet is used about 3 or 4 times within the demo, but you don't have to scan the room or complete a mini game to use it, the only thing the amulet is actually used for, is to show a brief movie clip of a past event. Evidence is gathered in groups of usually 3 items, and will automatically go into the Evidence icon.
One of the Hidden Object Scenes I'm happy to report, was actually cleverly constructed. (unfortunately this game is a bit lite in the HOP department) I don't usually find HOP's all that impressive nowadays, because in most games they are just random items thrown into a pile of junk. I particularly enjoyed the HOP where you had to find listed objects in pairs, such as 2 arrows or 2 ink impressions. The other one was a simple Interactive List that opens up once you find the silhouetted shapes and placed them into the matching sections. There are a total of 20 Hidden Object Scenes total in this game.
The Mini Games are decent, but tend to lean towards the easy side of the scale.Several of the puzzles are categorized as super puzzles, which simply means puzzles that are back to back in a 3 pack. There are a total of 18 Super Puzzles available in this game. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Click on puzzle sections until the box image matches te pictured clue.
2) Move color coded tiles to their matching colored slots, by clicking tiles in that will move 1 space at a time in an indicated direction. The direction will change when the tile passes over a directional arrow, and tiles can push each other as well. (challenging and somewhat lengthy but I really liked this one)
3) Swap tiles to complete the pattern.
4) Restore the image by rotating discs, rotating one disc may affect others. (look for the pattern)
5) Move the colored chains to their matching colored cells. (medium challenge but doable and enjoyable)
6) Swap labels to match the symbols shown on the label and the bottles. (part 1/3)
7) Recreate the photo by finding matching symbols flipping 2 tiles at a time (part 2/3
8) Use directional arrows to scroll through the pictures to find a matching hair sample (part 3/3)
This Collector's Edition has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 6 Music Soundtracks, 15 Achievements to earn, 10 Morphing Objects within the HOP's, 32 Hidden Symbol Signs, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Go on an unforgettable adventure to restore Atlantis and defeat the villain!
Overall rating
3
/
5
91 of 99 found this review helpful
ATLANTIS REALLY DOES EXIST
PostedJanuary 5, 2018
pennmom36
fromTurns out that a bathyscaphe is real, and is apparently better than a bathysphere, who knew!
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
I actually just finished playing both versions of the demo today, back to back. I was actually shocked by the fact that the Collector's Edition version had so little to offer, for such a high price tag! There were no Collectibles, no Morphing Objects and no Strategy Guide available. The only difference between the two versions, are that with the CE version you get 5 downloadable Music Soundtracks, 10 cartoon style Concept Art pictures, 23 Trophy Achievements to earn and a handful of Bonus Chapters. Are these exciting enough extra's to warrant double the price? As for the Time Management game itself, this is just an average game, neither bad nor good, and certainly forgettable. In my opinion, a Time Management game should be exciting enough to make you want to re-play the game, at least once, perhaps in a different difficulty mode, and for me, this is more of a one and done, kind of game, than one that I'd find myself playing several times. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either is right for you:
I used to think that no TM game could benefit from being a CE at twice the cost, but after playing both versions of Elven Legends 5, I realized that I did actually enjoy finding the Morphing Objects, that were only offered within the CE version. For me, that feature was challenging because I was on the clock so to speak, to not only finish the levels with 3 stars, but I also had to take time away from my TM tasks, in order to look for the Morphs. However, I still don't feel the need to pay a CE full price, even with Morphing Objects, but I now realize that I might opt for the CE on sale at an SE price, IF it has Morphing Objects, and collectibles and only IF it's a really good TM game. One of the features I didn't like in Lost Artifacts, is that there aren't any real boosters available to speed up workers or temporarily add a worker, for example.
In the first Lost Artifacts game, the archaeological team was able to stop the Dark Priest from doing his Dark deeds, and the team regretfully had to say goodbye to their newfound native friends. Unfortunately, the airplane was no match for a hurricane they encountered, and they crashed on a large but remote island in the middle of the ocean. They discovered a tribe of Atlantean's that had survived when the city of Atlantis was sunk by another evil-doer, and the team has once again agreed to help them return to their beloved city, after defeating the evil-doer of course!
There are the usual tasks to perform of gathering resources of Food, Wood, Ore, Gold, Lumber, and the usual buildings to repair such as Huts for workers, Sawmills for Lumber, Farms for food, Mills or a Blacksmith barn. Some levels require that you upgrade certain buildings to a level 2 as well. You may need to build a house to accommodate a specialized person to rid the paths from certain obstructions such as a Mages house to restore statues, defenders houses to rid the path of snakes or repair a beehive so the swarming bees will return to the hive. At least in the demo, you don't get the chance to construct new buildings, you just repair them, personally, I like the strategy of figuring out which building to construct strategically to achieve the goals, similar to Rescue Team TM games.
I would recommend this game to those who haven't played a lot, if any, TM games, because this one is very easy to play. I would also recommend this game to those who want to play in an Easy mode, because this game has an Easy mode with no timer AND you still get to earn 3 stars, which is something I really don't understand, it kind of makes playing in a timed mode worthless? If you are a seasoned Time Management fan, I think you'll find this game to be a bit bland, with not a whole lot of challenge.
LOST ARTIFACTS GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Lost Artifacts (July 18-2017) 3.0
2-Lost Artifacts: Golden Island (September 19-2017) 3.0
2-Lost Artifacts: Golden Island (September 19-2017) 3.0
by: 8 Floor Games
Go on an unforgettable adventure to restore Atlantis and defeat the villain!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
DECENT TIME MANAGEMENT GAME BUT UNNECESSARY CE OPTION
PostedJanuary 5, 2018
pennmom36
fromIs Atlantis considered a Lost Artifact or is it the bathyscaphe?
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
Once again we are offered a Time Management game as a Collector's Edition, and once again, I'm going to gripe about the unnecessary need for a CE version, especially when it has very little to offer! There are no Puzzle Runes to find, no Morphing Objects to discover, and no Strategy Guide, at least none that I could see.
I used to think that no TM game could benefit from being a CE at twice the cost, but after playing both versions of Elven Legends 5, I realized that I did actually really like finding the Morphing Objects. For me, that feature was challenging because I was on the clock so to speak, to not only finish the levels with 3 stars, but I also had to take time away from my TM tasks, in order to look for the Morphs. I still don't feel the need to pay a CE full price, even with Morphing Objects, but I now realize that I might opt for the CE on sale at an SE price, IF it had Morphing Objects, and collectibles and IF it was a really good TM game.
In the first Lost Artifacts game, the archaeological team was able to stop the Dark Priest from doing his Dark deeds, and the team regretfully had to say goodbye to their newfound native friends. Unfortunately, the airplane was no match for a hurricane they encountered, and they crashed on a large but remote island in the middle of the ocean. They discovered a tribe of Atlantean's that had survived when the city of Atlantis was sunk by another evil-doer, and the team has once again agreed to help them return to their beloved city, after defeating the evil-doer of course!
There are the usual tasks to perform of gathering resources of Food, Wood, Ore, Gold, Lumber, and the usual buildings to repair such as Huts for workers, Sawmills for Lumber, Farms for food, Mills or a Blacksmith barn. Some levels require that you upgrade certain buildings to a level 2 as well. You may need to build a house to accommodate a specialized person to rid the paths from certain obstructions such as a Mages house to restore statues, defenders houses to rid the path of snakes or repair a beehive so the swarming bees will return to the hive. At least in the demo, you don't get the chance to construct new buildings, you just repair them, personally, I like the strategy of figuring out which building to construct strategically to achieve the goals, similar to Rescue Team TM games.
There are the usual tasks to perform of gathering resources of Food, Wood, Ore, Gold, Lumber, and the usual buildings to repair such as Huts for workers, Sawmills for Lumber, Farms for food, Mills or a Blacksmith barn. Some levels require that you upgrade certain buildings to a level 2 as well. You may need to build a house to accommodate a specialized person to rid the paths from certain obstructions such as a Mages house to restore statues, defenders houses to rid the path of snakes or repair a beehive so the swarming bees will return to the hive. At least in the demo, you don't get the chance to construct new buildings, you just repair them, personally, I like the strategy of figuring out which building to construct strategically to achieve the goals, similar to Rescue Team TM games.
I would recommend this game to those who haven't played a lot, if any, TM games, because this one is very easy to play. I would also recommend this game to those who want to play in an Easy mode, because unlike Bloom, this game has an Easy mode with no timer AND you still get to earn 3 stars, which is something I really don't understand, it kind of makes playing in a timed mode worthless? If you are a seasoned Time Management fan, I think you'll find this game to be a bit bland, with not a whole lot of challenge.
LOST ARTIFACTS GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Lost Artifacts (July 18-2017) 3.0
2-Lost Artifacts: Golden Island (September 19-2017) 3.0
2-Lost Artifacts: Golden Island (September 19-2017) 3.0
by: 8 Floor Games
Accompany Diana as she chases the thief of an ancient artifact into another world in this hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
27 of 34 found this review helpful
ANOTHER FANTASTIC LEGACY
PostedJanuary 5, 2018
pennmom36
fromYuck, I just got flushed down the sewer drain!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love games that have Aztec type graphics, and this game reminds me of the Mayan Prophecies series. There are 6 chapters, so it's well worth the money as far as I'm concerned. Yes, it's basically the same scenario as the first game in the series, but it works for me, just like it does in the Lost Lands, or Nightmares of the Deep. It stays on track throughout the game, and does a great job of not letting you forget the main plot (The Prisoner) even though Diana is sidetracked with different missions, of helping first the High Wizard and then the Elder, etc, who all try to help her return, but also to fix the prisoner situation. I haven't yet started the Bonus Chapter, because I like to finish my review before getting the main story line confused with the BC which is usually a whole different subject matter. I love this game, but have only given this Standard Edition version 4 stars because I preferred the Collector's Edition version which offers Collectibles & Morphing Objects. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either is right for you:
Diana has gotten herself into another predicament! She just returned home from the last portal that swallowed her, and she hasn't yet learned her lesson, don't mess with ancient gadgets! Once again she has tampered with an ancient portal, and once again, Diana is trapped in another world, a prison at that! The good news is that she's not alone, this prison has two other prisoners, one of which is supposedly a volunteer. The prison was built to imprison Rhitoris, an evil demon, and Kitron has sacrificed his freedom, using his own magical powers to block the demon's evil powers. Diana will need to use her skills to avoid traps, and help the people of this strange new world, as she searches for a way to return home, that is IF there's a way home!
Five-BN Games have created some powerful games before, but this sequel has to be their best creation yet. I'm a fan, I can honestly say that every game series they have created is amongst my favorites, and they are truly worthy of a 5 star rating! Lost Lands, Darkness & Flames, New York Mysteries, House of 1000 Doors, Sacra Terra, Eternal Journey, and one of my top 5 favorites, Forbidden Secrets: Alien Town, are just a few of their epic games available. The Legacy is quickly becoming a Legacy adventure in my book.
The sights and sounds are so realistic, I have surround sound speakers hooked up to my computer and I can't tell you how many times my poor little dogs and cat, have perked their ears up and looked all around the room, to try and figure out where those birds were coming from. They have done a fantastic job of creating an atmosphere to make you feel as if you were there. I love the abundance of Collectibles and Morphing Objects, and that they unlock puzzles and mini games in the Extra's section of the Collector's Edition version. Each and every scene has them, they blend in with the scenery very well, AND you can choose whether or not you want the cursor to change when you scan across an item, and if you want the items to be included on the map as to whether or not they have all been found, how awesome is that!
The Hidden Object Scenes have the standard Interactive Listed items, that includes finding all the cliche objects, a hat, shoe, teddy bear, spoon, necktie, wrench and necklace with missing beads. However, they also have a very creative HOP style that was a staple in the original game, and if I'm not mistaken, I think they were also in Darkness & Flames. The Progressive, Interactive, Silhouetted Shape find type, in my opinion is one of the best HOP's I've ever played, they are creative, items and tasks are very well blended, they are logical, and extremely entertaining, but most of all I love this type because they make me have to think! Some of the HOP's have a small puzzle to solve as well, but at least in the demo, there isn't an alternative game available.
The Mini Games are all solvable, non frustrating, and well crafted, although not really original. I love that most of the Mini Games are Aztec themed as well. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Enter the correct code on the keypad using the clue you found earlier.
2) Place exhibit items correctly using the photo as reference.
3) Enter the number of the lost artifact into the GPS, recalling by memory or referring to the Journal. (YEA, a journal to recap the story and use for referral, has returned!)
4) Rotate the circle parts to align the fragments into their matching grooves.
5) Using the hint you found, draw a line to connect the dots of the constellation.
6) Select the matching plates until all but one tile remains.
7) Move the block with the emerald to the exit on the opposite side in a game of "blocks" where you must move other sections to clear a path.
THE LEGACY GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Forgotten Gates (March 11-2017) 4.1
2-Prisoner (December 5-2017) 4.4
2-Prisoner (December 5-2017) 4.4
The Collector's Edition has 21 Wallpapers, 37 Concept Art pictures (I love that they have a feature that allows you to download All Wallpapers and Concept Art, or just the ones you want) 16 re-playable Movie Videos, 8 Music Soundtracks, 13 re-playable Mini Games, 7 re-playable Puzzles, 22 Achievements to earn, 30 Morphing Objects that will unlock a Bonus Game in the extra's, 48 Collectibles (4 Vases, 4 Masks, 4 Golden Dishes, 7 Seashells, 5 Beetles, 6 Skulls, 12 Statuettes) that will unlock a new Bonus Puzzle for each Category Completed, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!