pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4711
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:March 30, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Solve a series of near-hopeless cases full of suspense and drama!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 14 found this review helpful
GREAT GAME IF YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A DIRTY COP
PostedApril 7, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Completed Game in about 4.5 hours
29 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
I'm not gonna lie, I'm getting really bored being a detective in every game Domini makes. Heck, I'm willing to play the villain at this point. I may as well because this game makes it clear that I "don't follow protocol" and they test that character flaw on almost every conversation choice, urging me to do something slightly illegal, "in the name of justice," of course! It literally feels like you are being encouraged to be a dirty cop if you want the option of extended gameplay.
To make matters worse, if you do choose the extended gameplay option, they plaster an icon of a giant pearly-white smile on the top right of the screen. I'm a detective investigating three different homicides, three individuals who were brutally murdered and I have a giant Cheshire grin on my face. Does that make sense?
EXTENDED PLAY OPTION:
You will come across several conversation options, 14 to be specific (+2 in the CE Bonus Chapter) If you choose the first conversation option, it unlocks a side quest with additional scenes, extra mini-games, and hidden object scenes. They do give you the option to change your mind by clicking on the icon with locked chains on the top left. To be clear, these are just optional extras and won't affect the main game's story or its outcome.
COLLECTIBLES/MORPHS (CE version only)
There are 15 Morphing Evidence items, 15 Collectible Vinyl Records, and 70 Zoom Zone Free Beverage Stickers that are used to purchase 15 Boudoir Items (which are actually Bar items) Apparently Domini didn't feel energetic enough to rename the Boudoir label to a Bar? What's even weirder is that my currency is a "FREE BEVERAGE STICKER" so I was expecting to purchase various cocktails with my vouchers....nope, the first thing I purchased with my free beverage coupon was Electric Eels for the aquarium behind the bar. wtf?
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
The Hidden Object Scenes are located in the most unimaginative locations possible. A suitcase stuffed with random objects that no one would even think about packing. Finding icons for places of interest on a cartoon map that match the description of two silhouetted shapes combined. Swatches of areas in a lab that somehow helps you analyze fingerprints. They just don't put forth much effort nowadays.
ALTERNATE MATCH 3 GAME:
An alternate Match 3 game is available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. Unfortunately, it's the same M3 game, with the same boards and the same icons offered in every game for over a decade. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type occasionally???
29 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
I'm not gonna lie, I'm getting really bored being a detective in every game Domini makes. Heck, I'm willing to play the villain at this point. I may as well because this game makes it clear that I "don't follow protocol" and they test that character flaw on almost every conversation choice, urging me to do something slightly illegal, "in the name of justice," of course! It literally feels like you are being encouraged to be a dirty cop if you want the option of extended gameplay.
To make matters worse, if you do choose the extended gameplay option, they plaster an icon of a giant pearly-white smile on the top right of the screen. I'm a detective investigating three different homicides, three individuals who were brutally murdered and I have a giant Cheshire grin on my face. Does that make sense?
EXTENDED PLAY OPTION:
You will come across several conversation options, 14 to be specific (+2 in the CE Bonus Chapter) If you choose the first conversation option, it unlocks a side quest with additional scenes, extra mini-games, and hidden object scenes. They do give you the option to change your mind by clicking on the icon with locked chains on the top left. To be clear, these are just optional extras and won't affect the main game's story or its outcome.
COLLECTIBLES/MORPHS (CE version only)
There are 15 Morphing Evidence items, 15 Collectible Vinyl Records, and 70 Zoom Zone Free Beverage Stickers that are used to purchase 15 Boudoir Items (which are actually Bar items) Apparently Domini didn't feel energetic enough to rename the Boudoir label to a Bar? What's even weirder is that my currency is a "FREE BEVERAGE STICKER" so I was expecting to purchase various cocktails with my vouchers....nope, the first thing I purchased with my free beverage coupon was Electric Eels for the aquarium behind the bar. wtf?
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
The Hidden Object Scenes are located in the most unimaginative locations possible. A suitcase stuffed with random objects that no one would even think about packing. Finding icons for places of interest on a cartoon map that match the description of two silhouetted shapes combined. Swatches of areas in a lab that somehow helps you analyze fingerprints. They just don't put forth much effort nowadays.
ALTERNATE MATCH 3 GAME:
An alternate Match 3 game is available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. Unfortunately, it's the same M3 game, with the same boards and the same icons offered in every game for over a decade. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type occasionally???
MINI-GAMES:
Nothing new here, folks, the same simple puzzles we've solved hundreds of times before. Move 3 different levers to align a camera, which, btw, congratulated me with an achievement even though I had not yet aligned all 3 targets. Restore an image by swapping squares and flipping a switch to reveal more squares. Turn the outer ring and click on fragments when the are aligned with the shapes on the inner circle. The only game I really enjoyed was guiding 3 tokens to the correct objects by clicking on various patterns to move the tokens into place.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS (CE version only)
9 Wallpapers, 9 Concept Art Pictures, (less is more?) 5 Music Soundtracks, 18 Movie Video Cutscenes, 35 Achievements, 17 Replayable Mini-Games, 16 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Evidence Items, 14 Vinyl Albums, and 70 Zoom Zone Free Beverage Stickers that are used to purchase 15 Bar Items, 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Join us by the campfire and enjoy nature at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
Nothing new here, folks, the same simple puzzles we've solved hundreds of times before. Move 3 different levers to align a camera, which, btw, congratulated me with an achievement even though I had not yet aligned all 3 targets. Restore an image by swapping squares and flipping a switch to reveal more squares. Turn the outer ring and click on fragments when the are aligned with the shapes on the inner circle. The only game I really enjoyed was guiding 3 tokens to the correct objects by clicking on various patterns to move the tokens into place.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS (CE version only)
9 Wallpapers, 9 Concept Art Pictures, (less is more?) 5 Music Soundtracks, 18 Movie Video Cutscenes, 35 Achievements, 17 Replayable Mini-Games, 16 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Evidence Items, 14 Vinyl Albums, and 70 Zoom Zone Free Beverage Stickers that are used to purchase 15 Bar Items, 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Join us by the campfire and enjoy nature at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Solve a series of near-hopeless cases full of suspense and drama!
Overall rating
2
/
5
7 of 14 found this review helpful
NOTHING LIKE BEING ENCOURAGED TO BE A DIRTY COP!
PostedApril 7, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Completed Game in about 4.5 hours
29 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
29 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
I'm not gonna lie, I'm getting really bored being a detective in every game Domini makes. Heck, I'm willing to play the villain at this point. I may as well because this game makes it clear that I "don't follow protocol" and they test that character flaw on almost every conversation choice, urging me to do something slightly illegal, "in the name of justice," of course! It literally feels like you are being encouraged to be a dirty cop if you want the option of extended gameplay.
To make matters worse, if you do choose the extended gameplay option, they plaster an icon of a giant pearly-white smile on the top right of the screen. I'm a detective investigating three different homicides, three individuals who were brutally murdered and I have a giant Cheshire grin on my face. Does that make sense?
EXTENDED PLAY OPTION:
You will come across several conversation options, 14 to be specific (+2 in the CE Bonus Chapter) If you choose the first conversation option, it unlocks a side quest with additional scenes, extra mini-games, and hidden object scenes. They do give you the option to change your mind by clicking on the icon with locked chains on the top left. To be clear, these are just optional extras and won't affect the main game's story or its outcome.
You will come across several conversation options, 14 to be specific (+2 in the CE Bonus Chapter) If you choose the first conversation option, it unlocks a side quest with additional scenes, extra mini-games, and hidden object scenes. They do give you the option to change your mind by clicking on the icon with locked chains on the top left. To be clear, these are just optional extras and won't affect the main game's story or its outcome.
COLLECTIBLES/MORPHS (CE version only)
There are 15 Morphing Evidence items, 15 Collectible Vinyl Records, and 70 Zoom Zone Free Beverage Stickers that are used to purchase 15 Boudoir Items (which are actually Bar items) Apparently Domini didn't feel energetic enough to rename the Boudoir label to a Bar? What's even weirder is that my currency is a "FREE BEVERAGE STICKER" so I was expecting to purchase various cocktails with my vouchers....nope, the first thing I purchased with my free beverage coupon was Electric Eels for the aquarium behind the bar. wtf?
There are 15 Morphing Evidence items, 15 Collectible Vinyl Records, and 70 Zoom Zone Free Beverage Stickers that are used to purchase 15 Boudoir Items (which are actually Bar items) Apparently Domini didn't feel energetic enough to rename the Boudoir label to a Bar? What's even weirder is that my currency is a "FREE BEVERAGE STICKER" so I was expecting to purchase various cocktails with my vouchers....nope, the first thing I purchased with my free beverage coupon was Electric Eels for the aquarium behind the bar. wtf?
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
The Hidden Object Scenes are located in the most unimaginative locations possible. A suitcase stuffed with random objects that no one would even think about packing. Finding icons for places of interest on a cartoon map that match the description of two silhouetted shapes combined. Swatches of areas in a lab that somehow helps you analyze fingerprints. They just don't put forth much effort nowadays.
The Hidden Object Scenes are located in the most unimaginative locations possible. A suitcase stuffed with random objects that no one would even think about packing. Finding icons for places of interest on a cartoon map that match the description of two silhouetted shapes combined. Swatches of areas in a lab that somehow helps you analyze fingerprints. They just don't put forth much effort nowadays.
ALTERNATE MATCH 3 GAME:
An alternate Match 3 game is available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. Unfortunately, it's the same M3 game, with the same boards and the same icons offered in every game for over a decade. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type occasionally???
An alternate Match 3 game is available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. Unfortunately, it's the same M3 game, with the same boards and the same icons offered in every game for over a decade. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type occasionally???
MINI-GAMES:
Nothing new here, folks, the same simple puzzles we've solved hundreds of times before. Move 3 different levers to align a camera, which, btw, congratulated me with an achievement even though I had not yet aligned all 3 targets. Restore an image by swapping squares and flipping a switch to reveal more squares. Turn the outer ring and click on fragments when the are aligned with the shapes on the inner circle. The only game I really enjoyed was guiding 3 tokens to the correct objects by clicking on various patterns to move the tokens into place.
Nothing new here, folks, the same simple puzzles we've solved hundreds of times before. Move 3 different levers to align a camera, which, btw, congratulated me with an achievement even though I had not yet aligned all 3 targets. Restore an image by swapping squares and flipping a switch to reveal more squares. Turn the outer ring and click on fragments when the are aligned with the shapes on the inner circle. The only game I really enjoyed was guiding 3 tokens to the correct objects by clicking on various patterns to move the tokens into place.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS (CE version only)
9 Wallpapers, 9 Concept Art Pictures, (less is more?) 5 Music Soundtracks, 18 Movie Video Cutscenes, 35 Achievements, 17 Replayable Mini-Games, 16 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Evidence Items, 14 Vinyl Albums, and 70 Zoom Zone Free Beverage Stickers that are used to purchase 15 Bar Items, 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
9 Wallpapers, 9 Concept Art Pictures, (less is more?) 5 Music Soundtracks, 18 Movie Video Cutscenes, 35 Achievements, 17 Replayable Mini-Games, 16 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Evidence Items, 14 Vinyl Albums, and 70 Zoom Zone Free Beverage Stickers that are used to purchase 15 Bar Items, 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Join us by the campfire and enjoy nature at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Explore our beautiful Earth with vibrant locations around the world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 16 found this review helpful
OUR BEAUTIFUL WORLD-JURASSIC PARK STYLE
PostedApril 7, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
The Tiny Bang Story
(175)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
You can't say Our Beautiful Earth doesn't have a wide selection of animals to find because this game has Emus, Alpacas, giraffes, elephants, butterflies, bunnies, and even a Brontosaurus! I really wish devs would do their homework and correctly identify the listed animals...
A Gerbil is not a Mouse; they are both rodents, but a gerbil is native to China, Mongolia, and Russia and has fur on their tails. A mouse has a hairless tail and large round ears.
An Emu & an Ostrich are two different birds, both are flightless birds An ostrich is over 9' tall, and an emu is only 5' tall. An ostrich can weigh over 300# but the maximum weight for an emu is only 132#. Male ostriches are You can earn up to 3-stars, the first Star is earned for finding all 18 Listed Objects, a second Star for finding all 3 Cats, and a 3rd Star for finding the Paw Print Tile. Coins earned for completing the HOGs and Mini-games are used in the Gift Shop to reveal 14 sections on a beautiful Wallpaper Scene. larger than females, but the female emu is larger than a male emu. The ostrich only has 2 toes, the emu has three. Emus are native to Australia, Ostriches are native to Africa. There are no ostriches in Australia and no emus in Africa.
As for that shiny blue bird that looked like an Indigo Bunting, he must have been from the Jurassic era as well because it didn't look like any hummingbird I've ever seen!
You can play in a Casual or Challenge Mode, depending on how fast you want the Hint & Puzzle Skip buttons to recharge. There are no Misclick Penalties or Timers. Each location gives you a little fun fact at the start of each HO scene which I find very interesting. I also like the Magnifying Glass feature, you can right-click anywhere on the scene to pull it up, and right-click again to make it disappear, and the magnifying glass doesn't disappear when you find an object and click on it like some other HOGs.
Each of the 30 scene locations has 3 adorable cats, a hidden Camera that will reward you with a location screenshot, and a hidden Paw Print Tile of various critters in each level, (ignore the fact that dolphins & birds don't have paws lol) Wouldn't it make more sense to have the Pawprint Tile open up to reveal that animals real print, even if it's just a flipper or dorsal fin?
Each scene has 2 Sub-scenes or Zoom Zones that will appear as Boxes on the Right side that come and go as objects are found and new ones are added, but unfortunately, there isn't a separate list of items in bold for the sub-scenes.
After each Hidden Object Scene, you will play a Puzzle or Mini-Game such as Spot the Difference, Memory Matching Animal Pairs, Rotate & Drag Tetris-Shaped Puzzle Pieces into Place, Mahjong, Jigsaw Puzzles, and even Mosaic Griddlers. The Spot the Differences images are really subtle so they can be quite challenging, I don't normally like Mahjong but this was a classic Mahjong that was unusually challenging and held my interest.
We'd love to see you at my new, nature-themed forum! thewoodsforum.boards.net
A Gerbil is not a Mouse; they are both rodents, but a gerbil is native to China, Mongolia, and Russia and has fur on their tails. A mouse has a hairless tail and large round ears.
An Emu & an Ostrich are two different birds, both are flightless birds An ostrich is over 9' tall, and an emu is only 5' tall. An ostrich can weigh over 300# but the maximum weight for an emu is only 132#. Male ostriches are You can earn up to 3-stars, the first Star is earned for finding all 18 Listed Objects, a second Star for finding all 3 Cats, and a 3rd Star for finding the Paw Print Tile. Coins earned for completing the HOGs and Mini-games are used in the Gift Shop to reveal 14 sections on a beautiful Wallpaper Scene. larger than females, but the female emu is larger than a male emu. The ostrich only has 2 toes, the emu has three. Emus are native to Australia, Ostriches are native to Africa. There are no ostriches in Australia and no emus in Africa.
As for that shiny blue bird that looked like an Indigo Bunting, he must have been from the Jurassic era as well because it didn't look like any hummingbird I've ever seen!
You can play in a Casual or Challenge Mode, depending on how fast you want the Hint & Puzzle Skip buttons to recharge. There are no Misclick Penalties or Timers. Each location gives you a little fun fact at the start of each HO scene which I find very interesting. I also like the Magnifying Glass feature, you can right-click anywhere on the scene to pull it up, and right-click again to make it disappear, and the magnifying glass doesn't disappear when you find an object and click on it like some other HOGs.
Each of the 30 scene locations has 3 adorable cats, a hidden Camera that will reward you with a location screenshot, and a hidden Paw Print Tile of various critters in each level, (ignore the fact that dolphins & birds don't have paws lol) Wouldn't it make more sense to have the Pawprint Tile open up to reveal that animals real print, even if it's just a flipper or dorsal fin?
Each scene has 2 Sub-scenes or Zoom Zones that will appear as Boxes on the Right side that come and go as objects are found and new ones are added, but unfortunately, there isn't a separate list of items in bold for the sub-scenes.
After each Hidden Object Scene, you will play a Puzzle or Mini-Game such as Spot the Difference, Memory Matching Animal Pairs, Rotate & Drag Tetris-Shaped Puzzle Pieces into Place, Mahjong, Jigsaw Puzzles, and even Mosaic Griddlers. The Spot the Differences images are really subtle so they can be quite challenging, I don't normally like Mahjong but this was a classic Mahjong that was unusually challenging and held my interest.
We'd love to see you at my new, nature-themed forum! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
A dark story is creeping into the streets of Paris.
Overall rating
2
/
5
43 of 73 found this review helpful
BEING A MAGIC CITY DETECTIVE IS A DIRTY JOB; EVERYTHING I NEED IS BURIED IN THE DIRT
PostedApril 7, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Completed Game in about 4.5 hours
22 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
22 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
Ah-hoo, werewolves of London, Ah-hoo, Animages in London again. The names have been changed to protect the innocent developer from appearing to rehash the same old story. Be prepared to tape wires, feed cute little animals, remove mysterious goo, fix and even forge new keys, unlock several two-pronged locks, and of course, dig several inventory items buried in the dirt...you know, all the cliche tasks Do loves to throw at us in every game.
Collectibles/Morphing Objects (CE version only)
There are 15 Morphing Building Models, 15 Creature Dolls, and 70 Zoom Zone Tokens that are used to purchase 15 Boudoir items that are extremely uninteresting.
There are 15 Morphing Building Models, 15 Creature Dolls, and 70 Zoom Zone Tokens that are used to purchase 15 Boudoir items that are extremely uninteresting.
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are Listed Items, Silhouetted Shapes, Find & Replace, _ + _ = a Silhouetted Shape, Multiples of the same Object, and Related Pairs. Most of the HO were so boring and located in uninteresting locations (such as a suitcase) that I opted to play the Alternate Match 3 game which was slightly less boring.
There are Listed Items, Silhouetted Shapes, Find & Replace, _ + _ = a Silhouetted Shape, Multiples of the same Object, and Related Pairs. Most of the HO were so boring and located in uninteresting locations (such as a suitcase) that I opted to play the Alternate Match 3 game which was slightly less boring.
Alternate Match 3 Game:
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. The M3s still don't allow you to make consecutive matches quickly because you have to wait for all tiles to stop falling before you can make the next match, and they are the same boards with the same tiles used in every Do Game!
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. The M3s still don't allow you to make consecutive matches quickly because you have to wait for all tiles to stop falling before you can make the next match, and they are the same boards with the same tiles used in every Do Game!
Mini-Games:
These were the simplest games Do games has yet to offer! Swap sections to create a path of wires, rotate arrows to point at various icons, repeat a pattern, untangle wire, rotate rings of a round maze, recreate symbols, fix the steps by placing boards, move spiders along the web to their color-coded slots, click on symbols in the correct order...we've done these a million times before!
These were the simplest games Do games has yet to offer! Swap sections to create a path of wires, rotate arrows to point at various icons, repeat a pattern, untangle wire, rotate rings of a round maze, recreate symbols, fix the steps by placing boards, move spiders along the web to their color-coded slots, click on symbols in the correct order...we've done these a million times before!
Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only)
The story continues with more cliché tasks and repetitive gameplay! There are 10 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes taking place over 9 additional scene locations. You will continue searching for the final 4 Morphing Building Models, 5 Creature Dolls, and 9 Zoom Zone Tokens to purchase the final items for the Boudoir...whoo-hoo, my life is complete now!
The story continues with more cliché tasks and repetitive gameplay! There are 10 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes taking place over 9 additional scene locations. You will continue searching for the final 4 Morphing Building Models, 5 Creature Dolls, and 9 Zoom Zone Tokens to purchase the final items for the Boudoir...whoo-hoo, my life is complete now!
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
10 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 28 Movie Video Cutscenes, 38 Achievements, 23 Replayable Mini-Games, 25 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, an Extra Footage/Gameplay option, 15 Morphing Building Models, 15 Creature Dolls, 70 Zoom Zone Tokens used to purchase 15 Boudoir items, 4 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
10 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 28 Movie Video Cutscenes, 38 Achievements, 23 Replayable Mini-Games, 25 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, an Extra Footage/Gameplay option, 15 Morphing Building Models, 15 Creature Dolls, 70 Zoom Zone Tokens used to purchase 15 Boudoir items, 4 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
There's nothing better than de-stressing and chillaxing by the campfire so stroll on over to my new Woodsy-themed forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
The magical medieval world of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales continues!
Overall rating
1
/
5
17 of 33 found this review helpful
AN EASY SOLUTION TO AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM
PostedApril 6, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
On the first tutorial level, you will be able to remove all but one or two cards from the board. The developer wants you to believe that there is a possibility of removing all the cards from the board moving forward. Don't be fooled! It becomes absolutely impossible to remove all the cards because they purposely place the Special Gold Cards on top of piles of regular cards. Once you remove the last special card, the level ends with a "perfect score," leaving several cards remaining on the board, which is anything BUT a perfect score!
I get that some people enjoy playing a game that doesn't require them to remove all of the cards, but the majority of solitaire fans don't like this feature. Most solitaire fans will replay a level until they are able to remove every single card from the board.
If there are two different types of solitaire players, why wouldn't you add an option that would satisfy both types of players? I can't imagine that it would be that difficult to add an option that allows the player to continue the game after removing the special cards. I would be okay with this even if the score did not change at that point. In fact, nothing would have to change other than allowing us the choice to keep playing. The developer could get really creative if they so desired by having the player spend the earned coins for the opportunity to continue playing! I'd rather pay 5000 Coins to continue playing versus paying 5000 coins for a Joker or 8000 coins for a worthless Mulligan feature, wouldn't you?
This scenario seems like a no-brainer to me? Fans of this type of "Special Card" removal would still buy these games, assuming they are currently buying them now, because that scenario wouldn't change. But more importantly, solitaire fans who currently give this type of game a hard-pass NO, when it comes to purchasing, would be delighted with this option!
Adding a simple optional feature to these games would appeal to a much broader fan base. The largest majority of solitaire fans insist on removing all cards, (which is why all other developers steer clear of the special card removal scenario) Sales would double...at a bare minimum. Heck, I'd buy this game if it had the option to continue playing, in fact, I'd probably buy every new release!
There are 9 Card Graphic Themes to choose from and 3 Font sizes (traditional, themed, and large font) You are forced to start the game with a tutorial in the Newbie Mode which allows you to replay any level, After completing the tutorial, you can choose the Professional Mode which only allows you to play the entire 10-level pack.
When you remove cards with a round blue flower, you will receive either +499 points, a Joker, a Shuffle, or a Mulligan (undo), and you can purchase Jokers, Shuffles, and Mulligans within the Shop with the coins you have earned, at a ridiculous price point of 2500-8000-5000.
Does anyone else get an Error Access violation that terminates the game when you first click the play button? This happens to me with every game by this developer. After clicking the okay button on the "error" popup, you can click the "play" button, and it will work.
Do you miss the BF forums? You're in luck! Join us at my new forum and catch up with long-lost forum members thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
A magical adventure awaits!
Overall rating
2
/
5
70 of 120 found this review helpful
GNOME BODY KNOWS THE TROUBLE I'VE SEEN; GNOME BODY KNOWS MY SORROW
PostedApril 6, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Gnome pun intended I used to like this Time Management series back in the day. Although they have added a few new features to the game, most of the resources and tasks are the same as the previous eight Gnomes Garden games. (Note to developer: can you add the resolution 3840 x 1600 so it is compatible with larger screen monitors?) I had 2 giant black bars on either side and the SG was so stretched I couldn't see tasks on the outer edges...maybe they have a tool to fix this issue at Gnome Depot?
Before I played a single level, I checked out the features and discovered that I had already earned the Trophy for "collecting the entire collection," which I am assuming was the Artifacts, huh? Speaking of Artifacts...apparently, there are 5 different artifacts that require finding 6 pieces to complete each one. During the second level, a drop-down banner appeared with a countdown timer telling me I had 20 seconds to find the artifact. What artifact? What am I looking for? What happens to the artifact after the time ends? I played with the tutorial hints, so you'd think they would explain this mysterious feature! The Strategy Guide doesn't show them either! Did I not have artifacts because the game already thought I completed my entire collection? (note to developer: why is it spelled Artefacts in the main menu and then spelled as Artifacts during the game?)
Collector's Edition Extras:
15 Trophies, 49 Levels, 5 Different Artifacts with 6 parts each, 6 Music Soundtracks, and Wallpapers (if you click on the wallpaper icon, it goes to an automatic download so you can't pick & choose which ones you want) and a built-in Strategy Guide (that doesn't show where the artifacts/artefacts are located!
There's gnome place like gnome. Join us at my new forum where you'll feel right at gnome. It's good to be gnome with gnome worries
@ thewoodsforum.boards.net :)
Before I played a single level, I checked out the features and discovered that I had already earned the Trophy for "collecting the entire collection," which I am assuming was the Artifacts, huh? Speaking of Artifacts...apparently, there are 5 different artifacts that require finding 6 pieces to complete each one. During the second level, a drop-down banner appeared with a countdown timer telling me I had 20 seconds to find the artifact. What artifact? What am I looking for? What happens to the artifact after the time ends? I played with the tutorial hints, so you'd think they would explain this mysterious feature! The Strategy Guide doesn't show them either! Did I not have artifacts because the game already thought I completed my entire collection? (note to developer: why is it spelled Artefacts in the main menu and then spelled as Artifacts during the game?)
Collector's Edition Extras:
15 Trophies, 49 Levels, 5 Different Artifacts with 6 parts each, 6 Music Soundtracks, and Wallpapers (if you click on the wallpaper icon, it goes to an automatic download so you can't pick & choose which ones you want) and a built-in Strategy Guide (that doesn't show where the artifacts/artefacts are located!
There's gnome place like gnome. Join us at my new forum where you'll feel right at gnome. It's good to be gnome with gnome worries
@ thewoodsforum.boards.net :)
I don't recommend this game.
Spring into fun and relaxation just in time for Easter!
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 36 found this review helpful
GRAPHIUM STUDIOS ALWAYS TAKES NOTES & ALWAYS IMPROVES
PostedApril 4, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
What I love the most about this developer is that they always listen to what reviewers are saying. They take suggestions and even criticism to heart and go back to the drawing board to make the next game even better! That's exactly what they have done with the My Hobby: Needlework series. Features have improved with each new release...features or changes that reviewers have asked for!
I was a fan from the get-go! I love the texture of the filled cells with yarn, and I love the custom "needle" cursor. I love that the colors are spools of thread lined up at the bottom and that they disappear when all corresponding cells have been filled. I love that the current cells are grey with a white circle around the number because they are easily spotted (I don't have to search for eons to find them; they really are easily spotted)
Some of the images were very appealing, especially the ones with wild birds. I wasn't crazy about most of the Easter images that seemed too generic, such as Easter Eggs, Baskets, Chicks, and Bunnies, but it IS an Easter version, so it makes sense that they are included.
There are 3 Chapters; the first and second chapter has 24 levels, and the third chapter has 21 levels. Each picture tells you how many cells are available. Your progress is saved if you aren't able to complete the image, and will keep track of your progress as a percentage.
Mostly, this type of game is all about the images...throw in some colorful pictures with lots of curb appeal, such as adorable kittens, mandolins, colorful flowers, castles, old barns, unicorns & horses, dragons, fairies, etc.; the broader the variety, the larger the audience it will attract!
I was a fan from the get-go! I love the texture of the filled cells with yarn, and I love the custom "needle" cursor. I love that the colors are spools of thread lined up at the bottom and that they disappear when all corresponding cells have been filled. I love that the current cells are grey with a white circle around the number because they are easily spotted (I don't have to search for eons to find them; they really are easily spotted)
Some of the images were very appealing, especially the ones with wild birds. I wasn't crazy about most of the Easter images that seemed too generic, such as Easter Eggs, Baskets, Chicks, and Bunnies, but it IS an Easter version, so it makes sense that they are included.
There are 3 Chapters; the first and second chapter has 24 levels, and the third chapter has 21 levels. Each picture tells you how many cells are available. Your progress is saved if you aren't able to complete the image, and will keep track of your progress as a percentage.
Mostly, this type of game is all about the images...throw in some colorful pictures with lots of curb appeal, such as adorable kittens, mandolins, colorful flowers, castles, old barns, unicorns & horses, dragons, fairies, etc.; the broader the variety, the larger the audience it will attract!
There's something for everyone at my new nature-themed forum... thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Follow Morgan and his team to reveal the mystery of a missing ship!
Overall rating
1
/
5
18 of 46 found this review helpful
WHY ARE THE TILE ICONS BLURRY? ARE THEY HAUNTED?
PostedApril 3, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
If you don't already own one of these games by e-FunSoft, you will probably love this game. Normally, the graphics are bright and colorful, and they still are, but for some odd reason, the icons are blurry this go-round.
There are only so many new customers you can reach, and eventually, everyone else will notice that every game is exactly the same as the last game and won't have a need for another identical Match 3 game. I'd like to see this developer stretch their imagination and put on their thinking caps to create unusual power-ups or at least add a few that do something different the next time. Add some creative features like fire to melt ice, Morphing Blocked Tiles, or a Volcano that spews molten lava to encrust a few tiles that would require an identical match with the encased tile or perhaps just a few adjacent matches to break free.
One of my favorite features was the Spiders that covered tiles with spiderwebs if left unattended. The web-covered tiles were challenging because you had to stay one step ahead of the spider until you could destroy it; otherwise, the whole board could potentially become webbed & blocked! Unfortunately, this entertaining little feature didn't last long; it was ditched to appease those who dislike spiders...I don't like REAL spiders either, but it's pretty easy to distinguish between clip art & reality, especially when it's an entertainment factor! Here's an outside-the-box solution...Change the Spider to a Caterpillar who undergoes metamorphosis, which encases some tiles within the cocoon (actually, it's called a chrysalis). When the correct match is made, out pops a beautiful Butterfly, and butterflies couldn't possibly give a player the heebie-jeebies!
In past games, making large matches would fill the Energy Mana Meter, allowing you to use any power-up tool that had been previously purchased. Now they randomly give you 2-3 tools, at the start of each level, to use at your discretion (once recharged) while adding small & large Bombs to the board for a Match 4 or Match 5. The Bombs are worthless because they can only be detonated where they land; you cannot manipulate them by swiping them up, down, or over to the desired direction, as is the case with every other Match 3 game!
The same "Worldly" goal of purchasing four World Upgrades before you can progress to the next Chapter, with the single Star you earn for completing each level. There are never any options to choose a particular style, and it doesn't allow you to manually place the new construction to create your own visionary world. Without options, the repetitiveness becomes rather boring, so put on your thinking caps, devs, and get creative, please!
If you miss the BF forums, fear not, my friends! Just don a pair of hiking boots and head on over to the campfire to chat about games or whatever's on your mind...in between bites of Smores, of course! (just keep your eye on Woodsy, the Bear; he thinks Smores are a Bear Necessity! thewoodsforum.boards.net
There are only so many new customers you can reach, and eventually, everyone else will notice that every game is exactly the same as the last game and won't have a need for another identical Match 3 game. I'd like to see this developer stretch their imagination and put on their thinking caps to create unusual power-ups or at least add a few that do something different the next time. Add some creative features like fire to melt ice, Morphing Blocked Tiles, or a Volcano that spews molten lava to encrust a few tiles that would require an identical match with the encased tile or perhaps just a few adjacent matches to break free.
One of my favorite features was the Spiders that covered tiles with spiderwebs if left unattended. The web-covered tiles were challenging because you had to stay one step ahead of the spider until you could destroy it; otherwise, the whole board could potentially become webbed & blocked! Unfortunately, this entertaining little feature didn't last long; it was ditched to appease those who dislike spiders...I don't like REAL spiders either, but it's pretty easy to distinguish between clip art & reality, especially when it's an entertainment factor! Here's an outside-the-box solution...Change the Spider to a Caterpillar who undergoes metamorphosis, which encases some tiles within the cocoon (actually, it's called a chrysalis). When the correct match is made, out pops a beautiful Butterfly, and butterflies couldn't possibly give a player the heebie-jeebies!
In past games, making large matches would fill the Energy Mana Meter, allowing you to use any power-up tool that had been previously purchased. Now they randomly give you 2-3 tools, at the start of each level, to use at your discretion (once recharged) while adding small & large Bombs to the board for a Match 4 or Match 5. The Bombs are worthless because they can only be detonated where they land; you cannot manipulate them by swiping them up, down, or over to the desired direction, as is the case with every other Match 3 game!
The same "Worldly" goal of purchasing four World Upgrades before you can progress to the next Chapter, with the single Star you earn for completing each level. There are never any options to choose a particular style, and it doesn't allow you to manually place the new construction to create your own visionary world. Without options, the repetitiveness becomes rather boring, so put on your thinking caps, devs, and get creative, please!
If you miss the BF forums, fear not, my friends! Just don a pair of hiking boots and head on over to the campfire to chat about games or whatever's on your mind...in between bites of Smores, of course! (just keep your eye on Woodsy, the Bear; he thinks Smores are a Bear Necessity! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop your lookalike from destroying the flow of magic?
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 45 found this review helpful
I'M INNOCENT, I TELL YA!
PostedApril 3, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game in approximately 4.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Main Game Scene Locations +6 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
I would have given this game 5-stars if Anna Gray was lugging daddy Richard's skull around in her purse! What is going on at Elephant Games lately? Not only is Richard still MIA, but the Morphing Objects are no longer available in any Elephant Game, and now the replayable Mini-games & HO scenes are MIA?!
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Main Game Scene Locations +6 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
I would have given this game 5-stars if Anna Gray was lugging daddy Richard's skull around in her purse! What is going on at Elephant Games lately? Not only is Richard still MIA, but the Morphing Objects are no longer available in any Elephant Game, and now the replayable Mini-games & HO scenes are MIA?!
First, they ditched Elf in the Mystery Trackers series, which was clearly the worse decision a person could make in a long-running, successful series. The ratings fell, and they haven't added a new MT game in two years.
Then they ditched Rick Rogers from the beloved Paranormal Files series. This series WAS Rick Rogers; after helping a ghost in the first game, he opened his own Paranormal Files agency. Fans are upset because they want Rick Rogers to return, but game after game, Rick is MIA, and fans are no longer fans.
Grim Tales is suffering the same fate. First, they surprised us with a long-lost daughter that Anna knew nothing about. That didn't seem to go over well, so they ditched the daughter. As a reward, Elephant decided to surprise us by ditching daddy Richard and replacing him with Mommy Dearest, Anastasia. What a disaster! Richard was sarcastic, funny, delightful...and clearly dead, but we loved him!
All three of these series have taken drastic turns, and all three have one major thing in common...Fans don't like the change and are begging Elephant Games to make it right...but they don't. How exactly did Elephant Games come to the conclusion that it was a great idea to ditch beloved characters, and who is making the decision to ignore the fans?
웃 Gadgets/Helper: 웃
Anastasia is a gadget and a helper. Whenever her Cameo glows, she has something on her mind...followed by a random inventory item she just happened to stumble upon. This scenario happens 6 different times in the main chapter, and neither adds to the story's charm nor takes away from it other than replacing a beloved Richard.
♪Audio/Visuals:♪
I've always loved the graphics in Elephant Games. Even though they took a drastic turn a few years ago, you can certainly see a shift lately with graphics that look more realistic and more up-to-date.
☽☾ Collectibles & Morphing Objects (CE Version Only): ☼
Unfortunately, there are no Morphing Objects...a huge disappointment :(
There are 12 Collectible Mismatched critters, such as a Catbird or a Chimeras. There are 24 Zoom Zone jigsaw puzzle pieces that allow you to assemble a Jigsaw Puzzle in the Secret Room, which can be accessed anytime. After completing the Bonus Chapter, you can search for missed collectibles in the Expedition Room.
◔ Hidden Object Scenes: ◕
The Hidden Object Scenes are better than they have been in the past, the objects are identifiable, and the scenes are clear and bright. They have the usual Listed Items, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Swatches of specific areas in the scene, Descriptive Find, and Matching Pairs in a very colorful mushroom patch. There are a handful of small Zoom Zone HO scenes as well.
♙ Mini-Games: ♙
They tried to stick to a detective theme when it came to the Mini-games, such as reconstructing and matching fingerprints or moving Anna via a map. But they also included match 3 against opponents, selecting buttons to connect 2 circuits, pattern recreations, and catching flowers by anticipating the pattern of movement. I felt that the games were rather simplistic, such as rotating rings to recreate pictures. This is unusual because Elephant usually has more complex puzzles that require several steps to follow, which is one of the features I love in their games.
✯ Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only) ✯
It seems Lady A still has a few tricks up her sleeve, and it's up to you to stop her once and for all as The Keeper of the Portals! There are 6 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the final 3 Collectible Animals and 6 Jigsaw Puzzle pieces over 6 additional scene locations.
♕ Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only) ♕
5 Wallpapers, 1 Screensaver, 5 Music Soundtracks, 21 Achievements, Zero Replayable Mini-Games, Zero Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Collectible Mismatched Animals, 24 Zoom Zone Jigsaw Puzzles (in the Secret Room) Expedition Room (search for missed collectibles), 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
All three of these series have taken drastic turns, and all three have one major thing in common...Fans don't like the change and are begging Elephant Games to make it right...but they don't. How exactly did Elephant Games come to the conclusion that it was a great idea to ditch beloved characters, and who is making the decision to ignore the fans?
웃 Gadgets/Helper: 웃
Anastasia is a gadget and a helper. Whenever her Cameo glows, she has something on her mind...followed by a random inventory item she just happened to stumble upon. This scenario happens 6 different times in the main chapter, and neither adds to the story's charm nor takes away from it other than replacing a beloved Richard.
♪Audio/Visuals:♪
I've always loved the graphics in Elephant Games. Even though they took a drastic turn a few years ago, you can certainly see a shift lately with graphics that look more realistic and more up-to-date.
☽☾ Collectibles & Morphing Objects (CE Version Only): ☼
Unfortunately, there are no Morphing Objects...a huge disappointment :(
There are 12 Collectible Mismatched critters, such as a Catbird or a Chimeras. There are 24 Zoom Zone jigsaw puzzle pieces that allow you to assemble a Jigsaw Puzzle in the Secret Room, which can be accessed anytime. After completing the Bonus Chapter, you can search for missed collectibles in the Expedition Room.
◔ Hidden Object Scenes: ◕
The Hidden Object Scenes are better than they have been in the past, the objects are identifiable, and the scenes are clear and bright. They have the usual Listed Items, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Swatches of specific areas in the scene, Descriptive Find, and Matching Pairs in a very colorful mushroom patch. There are a handful of small Zoom Zone HO scenes as well.
♙ Mini-Games: ♙
They tried to stick to a detective theme when it came to the Mini-games, such as reconstructing and matching fingerprints or moving Anna via a map. But they also included match 3 against opponents, selecting buttons to connect 2 circuits, pattern recreations, and catching flowers by anticipating the pattern of movement. I felt that the games were rather simplistic, such as rotating rings to recreate pictures. This is unusual because Elephant usually has more complex puzzles that require several steps to follow, which is one of the features I love in their games.
✯ Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only) ✯
It seems Lady A still has a few tricks up her sleeve, and it's up to you to stop her once and for all as The Keeper of the Portals! There are 6 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the final 3 Collectible Animals and 6 Jigsaw Puzzle pieces over 6 additional scene locations.
♕ Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only) ♕
5 Wallpapers, 1 Screensaver, 5 Music Soundtracks, 21 Achievements, Zero Replayable Mini-Games, Zero Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Collectible Mismatched Animals, 24 Zoom Zone Jigsaw Puzzles (in the Secret Room) Expedition Room (search for missed collectibles), 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Reconnect with long-lost forum friends and become an official Woosdey when you join us on my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Sometimes there is far more than meets the eye.
Overall rating
3
/
5
58 of 87 found this review helpful
THIS GAME IS SO GENERIC THE NAME PLATE ON MY DESK JUST SAYS "CRIME REPORTER"
PostedApril 1, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game in about 7.0 hours
22 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
"Solving this case is as easy as ABC" couldn't be a more accurate statement! Put yourself on auto-pilot and start clicking to figure out why someone is murdering people in alphabetical order. You know what to do, Fix that leaky steam pipe, fix that wheelbarrow blocking your path so you can expose that freshly dug pile of dirt, look for a coin screwdriver, use that cork as a handle, find something to clean up the pile of glass shards, find matching motif's to open drawers, prop up that sofa that is missing a leg, (why would a sofa be missing one leg in the 1st place?) use something to rip out stitches because someone decided to sew something into the lining of a brand new coat. Of course, you will need that hairpin spoke the detective endowed you with! The murderer will be pretty easy to spot in a crowd; just look for someone wearing a cloaked hoodie! When you get finished with all these tasks....don't worry; chapter two will give you another chance to complete the same tasks, lather, rinse, repeat!?!
DIALOGUE CHOICES:
If the game isn't boring you out of your mind, you can opt for extended gameplay via Conversation Choices. The story itself will not be affected if you opt out, but if you opt in, you will get an extra quest with additional puzzles and HO scenes. This option would be amazing if the tasks weren't so cliche and repetitive. Can you imagine this feature in a game like Lost Lands?!
COLLECTIBLES/MORPHING OBJECTS (CE version only)
Can't they come up with anything different to add or change? Okay, in all fairness, they did change one of the collectibles in the last game to 14 versus the usual 15 per game! Does that count as a change? There are 15 Miniature Invention items, 15 Morphing Evidence items, and 70 Zoom Zone Broaches that are used to purchase 15 uninteresting Boudoir items. I'm sorry, but purchasing 15 Boudoir items such as a hat or a dollhouse just screams, "we don't really care about this CE extra, but BF makes us add them" Is it because you don't care what the player thinks, or you just don't want to have to recode a game to make the collectibles more appealing?
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
WOW! They have really lowered the standards on a lot of these HO scenes! Several of the HO scenes are identical to the scenes offered in their simple HOGs (Connected Worlds & The Intersection of Worlds) This is where they list 3 words at a time, some of which are x3 (multiple's of the same object) and as the player finds an item, another listed word takes its place. If you have played the HOGs mentioned above, you will realize that the objects aren't hidden, and the HO scene is over within seconds! There are also Interactive Listed Items, Silhouetted Shapes, Spot the Differences, Find & Replace, and Keywords in Sentence Finds. Many of the scenes are dark, which makes it difficult to recognize objects...I don't consider this to be "challenging" just because they have poor graphics! The HO scenes are located in uninteresting and very typical locations. They were so boring that I opted to play the Alternate Match 3 game which was slightly less boring.
ALTERNATE MATCH 3 GAME:
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. NOTHING has changed in this Match 3 game for decades! Not only are the icons & features exactly the same in every match 3 game, but you cannot make consecutive matches quickly because you have to wait for all tiles to stop falling before you can make the next match.
MINI-GAMES:
They did try to add a few new games, one of which I just couldn't figure out why my solution wasn't correct when sliding icons to the correct spot according to the clue shown. I finally referred to the SG where they were showing the placement of one of the icons, which was nowhere near the location of the clue shown. All the other icons were correct and did match the clue shown, so the only thing I can figure out is that it was a glitch of some sort. I really enjoyed the Key puzzle; although there have been several variations of this game in the past, it was still fun to swap key sections on the left & right to align 2 sections because the sections that matched were hidden behind a panel.
BONUS CHAPTER (CE Version Only)
In the Bonus Chapter, you play as Fred Jones, a character from the main chapter who is being sued by a famous actress who claims Mr. Jones used inferior materials that caused an allergic reaction. There are 10 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes taking place over 9 additional scene locations. You will continue searching for the final 5 Morphing Evidence items, 4 Miniature Inventions, and 9 Zoom Zone Broaches that are used to purchase the final items in the Boudoir.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS: (CE version only)
15 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 21 Movie Video Cutscenes, 38 Achievements, 21 Replayable Mini-Games, 23 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Miniature Invention items, 15 Morphing Evidence items, and 70 Zoom Zone Broaches that are used to purchase 15 uninteresting Boudoir items, 4 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
We are having a water balloon fight; come join the fun! thewoodsforum.boards.net
22 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
"Solving this case is as easy as ABC" couldn't be a more accurate statement! Put yourself on auto-pilot and start clicking to figure out why someone is murdering people in alphabetical order. You know what to do, Fix that leaky steam pipe, fix that wheelbarrow blocking your path so you can expose that freshly dug pile of dirt, look for a coin screwdriver, use that cork as a handle, find something to clean up the pile of glass shards, find matching motif's to open drawers, prop up that sofa that is missing a leg, (why would a sofa be missing one leg in the 1st place?) use something to rip out stitches because someone decided to sew something into the lining of a brand new coat. Of course, you will need that hairpin spoke the detective endowed you with! The murderer will be pretty easy to spot in a crowd; just look for someone wearing a cloaked hoodie! When you get finished with all these tasks....don't worry; chapter two will give you another chance to complete the same tasks, lather, rinse, repeat!?!
DIALOGUE CHOICES:
If the game isn't boring you out of your mind, you can opt for extended gameplay via Conversation Choices. The story itself will not be affected if you opt out, but if you opt in, you will get an extra quest with additional puzzles and HO scenes. This option would be amazing if the tasks weren't so cliche and repetitive. Can you imagine this feature in a game like Lost Lands?!
COLLECTIBLES/MORPHING OBJECTS (CE version only)
Can't they come up with anything different to add or change? Okay, in all fairness, they did change one of the collectibles in the last game to 14 versus the usual 15 per game! Does that count as a change? There are 15 Miniature Invention items, 15 Morphing Evidence items, and 70 Zoom Zone Broaches that are used to purchase 15 uninteresting Boudoir items. I'm sorry, but purchasing 15 Boudoir items such as a hat or a dollhouse just screams, "we don't really care about this CE extra, but BF makes us add them" Is it because you don't care what the player thinks, or you just don't want to have to recode a game to make the collectibles more appealing?
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
WOW! They have really lowered the standards on a lot of these HO scenes! Several of the HO scenes are identical to the scenes offered in their simple HOGs (Connected Worlds & The Intersection of Worlds) This is where they list 3 words at a time, some of which are x3 (multiple's of the same object) and as the player finds an item, another listed word takes its place. If you have played the HOGs mentioned above, you will realize that the objects aren't hidden, and the HO scene is over within seconds! There are also Interactive Listed Items, Silhouetted Shapes, Spot the Differences, Find & Replace, and Keywords in Sentence Finds. Many of the scenes are dark, which makes it difficult to recognize objects...I don't consider this to be "challenging" just because they have poor graphics! The HO scenes are located in uninteresting and very typical locations. They were so boring that I opted to play the Alternate Match 3 game which was slightly less boring.
ALTERNATE MATCH 3 GAME:
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. NOTHING has changed in this Match 3 game for decades! Not only are the icons & features exactly the same in every match 3 game, but you cannot make consecutive matches quickly because you have to wait for all tiles to stop falling before you can make the next match.
MINI-GAMES:
They did try to add a few new games, one of which I just couldn't figure out why my solution wasn't correct when sliding icons to the correct spot according to the clue shown. I finally referred to the SG where they were showing the placement of one of the icons, which was nowhere near the location of the clue shown. All the other icons were correct and did match the clue shown, so the only thing I can figure out is that it was a glitch of some sort. I really enjoyed the Key puzzle; although there have been several variations of this game in the past, it was still fun to swap key sections on the left & right to align 2 sections because the sections that matched were hidden behind a panel.
BONUS CHAPTER (CE Version Only)
In the Bonus Chapter, you play as Fred Jones, a character from the main chapter who is being sued by a famous actress who claims Mr. Jones used inferior materials that caused an allergic reaction. There are 10 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes taking place over 9 additional scene locations. You will continue searching for the final 5 Morphing Evidence items, 4 Miniature Inventions, and 9 Zoom Zone Broaches that are used to purchase the final items in the Boudoir.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS: (CE version only)
15 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 21 Movie Video Cutscenes, 38 Achievements, 21 Replayable Mini-Games, 23 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Miniature Invention items, 15 Morphing Evidence items, and 70 Zoom Zone Broaches that are used to purchase 15 uninteresting Boudoir items, 4 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
We are having a water balloon fight; come join the fun! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.