pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4728
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 31, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Follow Malcolm on this nonogram adventure as he strives to make the most delicious pie in the world to attract customers to his cafe.
Overall rating
2
/
5
29 of 38 found this review helpful
I LOVE NONOGRAMS, JUST NOT THIS TYPE
PostedOctober 18, 2017
pennmom36
fromNice colors though!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I love playing Nonograms, or whatever they are called at the time, Mosaics, PicCross, Japanese Crosswords, etc. However, I play them for relaxation, and although I also want somewhat of a challenge at times, (sometimes I just want to play a no brainer version) I don't like this type that doesn't block out the grids of unavailable colors. They do however show the colored numbers.
As with all games of this type, the object is to fill in the correct grid cells using logic (even though some devs make you use hints or power-ups because logic is void) The number of cells to be filled are shown on both the columns and rows, and each group of numbers are separated by at least one empty cell. Sometimes it's easier to cross off the cells that can't possibly be filled in, again using logic, hopefully. This will help to eventually narrow down the playing field.
I'll pass on this one, but I'm sure it'll be a hit with hardcore Nonogram fans (Msfox seems to have this game down to a science) but for me, it's just not much fun.
I don't recommend this game.
The little mermaid Fiona has fallen in love with the statue of a warrior and will stop at nothing to bring the statue back to life in this match 3 adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
59 of 66 found this review helpful
A REALLY FUN MATCH 3 GAME, BUT HAS A FEATURE THAT MAY BE A DEAL BREAKER FOR ME
PostedOctober 18, 2017
pennmom36
fromEverything's better down where it's wetter.....
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love this underwater, mermaid themed Match 3 game. It's really fun to play and I love how the power-ups explode the tiles with a realistic underwater muffled sound and the wave that follows. The goal is to break all stone tiles and collect coins, within the allotted time frame, to earn all 3 stars. All was going well until I only earned 2 stars on level 7, and couldn't find a way to replay the level, or any level for that matter, I couldn't even find a way to access the level map! The reason I only earned 3 stars was because the stone tiles are really hard to spot, they are blue but so are all the other tiles. I was willing to overlook the blue tile scenario because in a way it added some challenge, but if I can't replay levels to get a better star rating, it may just be a deal breaker for me. If someone figures out a way to replay a level, please PM me in the forum and let me know :)
You can choose to play in a Relaxed mode, Normal mode or Hard, however, there's a glitch here as well, because none of them explain the features you get or don't get. These are the same devs who brought us Magic Cards Solitaire, and the music is the same, and the characters slide forward when they are talking, just as in Magic Cards Solitaire.
Large matches give you a Power-up on the board, the larger the Match, the larger the explosion. A Match 4 gives you a Blue Magic Pearl that explodes a 5 field radius, a Match 5 gives you a Violet Pearl that explodes a 9 field radius, a Match 6 gives you a Pink Pearl that explodes a 25 field radius, followed by Violet and Red explosions.
Once you earn enough resources you can buy items in the shop that will give you bonuses to use when you want, once they are charged by making matches of that icon. Each Bonus can be upgraded 3 times, and each bonus requires that you meet the requirements shown, such as a specified amount of gold, rocks, etc, some even require that you earn awards.
There are the usual obstructions, sand filled tiles, seaweed covered tiles etc. It's a cute and colorful Match 3 game, but it does have some flaws, so I suggest you try the demo, to see if there are any deal breakers for you, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you delve into a dangerous past and escape in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 27 found this review helpful
MY PSYCHO "HUSBAND" WAS MIA FOR MOST OF THE DEMO
PostedOctober 17, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhy did I need the remote to get into the car that had both windows completely busted out?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Okay, I'm deducting 2 stars for Insidious Dreams from my CE review because I was totally disappointed with the storyline after the demo! The thing that made the demo exciting was the fact that I was trapped in a ghost filled house with a crazed lunatic, and no memory I might add. Well kiss all that goodbye, because after the demo, he rarely makes an appearance, and I no longer feel that sense of urgency, I get a brief glimpse now and then, but I may as well be saying "hey Stan, how,s it going, anything I can help you with?" After the demo, the storyline just isn't anything to write home to Stan's mom about, it's not a bad storyline, but man I was hoping this game was going to be exciting :( Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either is right for you, but keep in mind that most of the excitement happens in the demo:
It's no secret that this is my favorite series of all time, and that the original Phantasmat game is my all time favorite HOPA game. There has never been a game that has a better storyline, or more entertaining. The reason the original Phantasmat is so good in my opinion is that it was produced by Codeminion.
Phantasmat games are not about life or death per se, they are about whether or not you are alive or dead, or just somewhere in between the phantasmal realm of reality. In Insidious Dreams, Ashley probably wishes she were dead, after a car accident that leaves her with a severe concussion and amnesia. Is her mind playing tricks on her, or does this old farmhouse really have otherworldly residents? Ashley tries to fit the missing pieces of the past together, but whose past is it? More importantly, what's in her future?
This isn't one of the best Phantasmat games in the series, but I love the creepy, psychotic vibe, of not knowing who to trust, similar to The Town of Lost Hope. In the Collector's Edition, there are 35 collectible creepy Dolls (should have been clowns) and there are Morphing Objects within 9 of the Hidden Object Scenes (you know how I feel about morphs only being in the HOP's!)
The Hidden Object Scenes are really lengthy and somewhat entertaining, something I rarely say about HOP's nowadays. Most offer two types per HOP with Progressive Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds, Interactive List finds, and Multiple Object finds, some even have smaller Zoom Zone HOP's within the main HOP. As I said earlier, the CE version has a Morphing Object within 9 of the main HOP scenes, a feature I'm never thrilled about in the first place, and why only 9? There is an optional Match 3 game to play if you're not into hidden object finds.
The Mini Games are decent as well, they aren't really difficult, but some of them are difficult to complete on the first attempt. Below are brief descriptions of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1-Place sliders on the corresponding disks by selecting buttons to rotate the sliders around the board. Select the slider when it's at the beginning of the inside rail to move it to the disk at the end of the rail.
2-Use directional arrows to move the slider to pick up 2 tokens at a time and place them on their corresponding slots, by retracing tangled wires.
3-Select left and right flippers in a game of pinball.
4-Remove all but one sphere by jumping spheres to remove them.
5-Place the padlock pins into the four center spaces using directional arrows to move the chains in the direction indicated.
PHANTASMAT GAMES AVAILABLE
Title Collector's Edition Release Date Average Rating
Title Collector's Edition Release Date Average Rating
1-Phantasmat (February 8-2011) 4.5
2-Crucible Peak (December 6-2012) 3.8
3-The Endless Night (January 10-15) 4.0
4-The Dread of Oakville (July 9-15) 4.2
5-Behind The Mask (December 17-15) 4.4
6-Town of Lost Hope (April 7-16) 3.5
7-Reign of Shadows (October 6-16) 4.3
8-Mournful Loche (April 13-17) 3.7
9-Insidious Dreams (September 14-17) 3.7
2-Crucible Peak (December 6-2012) 3.8
3-The Endless Night (January 10-15) 4.0
4-The Dread of Oakville (July 9-15) 4.2
5-Behind The Mask (December 17-15) 4.4
6-Town of Lost Hope (April 7-16) 3.5
7-Reign of Shadows (October 6-16) 4.3
8-Mournful Loche (April 13-17) 3.7
9-Insidious Dreams (September 14-17) 3.7
The Collector's Edition version has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 8 replayable Movie Videos, 9 Music Soundtracks, 12 replayable Puzzles, Alternate Hidden Object Scenes, a Souvenir Room, 35 hidden Dolls, 9 Morphing Objects within the Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Return to the world of Jewel Match in this beautiful Solitaire adventure with 320 levels, multiple play variants, 8 castles to build, and much more!
Overall rating
5
/
5
127 of 142 found this review helpful
JEWEL MATCH SOLITAIRE PULLS IT OFF!
PostedOctober 17, 2017
pennmom36
fromAfter downloading this game for the first time it asked if I wanted to continue or start a new game, then it told me I'd lose my progress. What progress? I just started the game?!?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yesterday these guys unleashed the awesome Zombie Solitaire game and today they have released the first ever (that I'm aware of) Collector's Edition Solitaire game! Not only is it a great Solitaire game with lots of variations, but the Collector's Edition is actually CE worthy because it gives you 120 extra Bonus levels. All in all Jewel Match Solitaire offers a whopping 320 Solitaire levels!
This is a Higher/Lower Solitaire game, but as you progress, you will unlock awesome solitaire games that can be played anytime, such as Klondike, Spider, Freecell, and Pyramid. There are 24 Trophies to earn, and 5 Castles to build in the main game, even more in the Bonus Section, with the Emeralds you earn. You can choose to play in a Relaxed or Normal mode, the Hard mode is timed for a little more of a challenge.
Some cards contain coins that can be used in the Shop to purchase Power-ups, Wildcards that are number specific, Jokers, Undos, Shuffles etc. Some cards are blocked, requiring you to find tool cards to unlock them, such as Keys for Lock cards, Sickles for Vine cards, Scissor for Ribbon cards, and my favorites, Wax Seals requiring color specific cards to be played consecutively, and suit specific cards, or Frozen cards that require 2 plays to remove them.
This Collector's Edition has 24 Trophies to earn, 10 Music Soundtracks, the Making Of, Bonus Trophies, Wallpapers, 4 extra Deck card styles, Bonus Levels, 3 Extra Castles to build, 120 Extra Bonus Levels, 6 Extra Bonus Solitaire types, Shop Extra Power-ups, and a built in Strategy Guide (huh??)
With all the extra levels the CE gives you, I say this is well worthy and certainly qualifies as a CE version. If you pick this game up during a CE sale, what could be better, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Test your Mahjong skills and enjoy the beauty of Africa!
Overall rating
1
/
5
32 of 38 found this review helpful
TIMED MAHJONG THAT GIVES YOU VERY LITTLE TIME
PostedOctober 16, 2017
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
To be honest, there are only a handful of Mahjong games that I love, and this certainly isn't one of them! This is a Limited Time Mahjong game, that gives you very little time to remove available matching tiles, therefore it's almost impossible to earn all 3 Stars. There are 24 Achievements to earn and 24 Bonus Levels available, but they can only be unlocked when you earn the specified number of stars!
The Star Meter is located on the top, and it moves at a break neck speed, so good luck earning all 3 stars on the first attempt, the good news is that you can replay the levels as often as you want. The gear icon allows you to customize the game aspects with 3 different mahjong graphic sets, 6 different tile colors and 5 base colors to choose from. There are 12 African Locations, and 10 Levels per location. There is a Shuffle feature, and a Hint feature that give you 1 free shuffle and 3 free hints to begin with, after using those, you can purchase more with the points or gems you earn. The amount of gems you earn depends on the time spent per level. You can also use the Eye feature that will shade all unavailable tiles.
I don't mind the Timed aspect but the fact that they don't give you enough time to earn 3 stars, even in the first few levels, so this is a definite NO for me!
I don't recommend this game.
A solitaire adventure game chockfull of fun surprises and pesky zombies.
Overall rating
5
/
5
85 of 99 found this review helpful
.............AND THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE CONTINUES
PostedOctober 16, 2017
pennmom36
fromTo drink the water, or not to drink the water, that is the question!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(101)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
In the first Zombie Solitaire, the infamous Tofu Burger, had created a Zombie Virus known as Z1. After surviving all the zombie attacks, you finally made your way to a remote island, seemingly unaffected. As luck would have it, someone snuck in a Tofu Burger, forcing you to flee the island to make your way through thousands of hungry zombies. Rumors were circulating amongst the survivor's, that citizens were being rescued, if you could just make it to the safely of the helicopter landing site, a mere 100 levels away. But this is a Zombie Apocalypse, and that helicopter has crashed, leaving you completely vulnerable to all those bwain lovin' zombies!
This is a Higher/Lower type Solitaire game where you try to make large chains of cards either one higher or one lower than the last card. Each card played will give you coins that fall down and bounce all over the place. (this edition allows you to turn this feature off!) Large chains will fill the Combo Meter to earn more points. There is a Star Meter on the top left, that shows how many cards need removed to fill the stars, and for every level you earn with 3 Stars, you will earn an extra Undo. There is even an icon that tells you how many deck cards remain.
You can use the coins earned to purchase Bonus Cards, number specific cards and Wildcard Jokers. There are only 3 slots available at any given time for either the Zombie Slap which removes 1 card, the Zombie killer which shoots 2 cards off the board, the Zombie Blaster which removes an entire row of cards, or the Joker Wildcard which is especially helpful to help you continue a large combo chain. Throughout the 100 Solitaire levels, you can earn Sticker Achievements, once you collect all Stickers in a category, you will earn extra coins.
There are obstacle cards that require you to first uncover the tool card to unblock them. The Bird Deterrent card releases pesky Infected Bird cards, the Machete Card chops through the Jungle Cards, and the Bolt Cutter cards will remove Chained Cards. You can replay any level, if you aren't satisfied with the score you received.
One of my favorite features in this game was Making Choices along the way. You will come across different choice options, which can sideline your own goals, such as choosing whether or not to drink the water. After a few levels, you can play Mini Games and Hidden Object/Fragment Scenes. The Match 3 game is available in Casual or Normal limited moves mode, but in the casual mode, you can only win 1 star vs. up to 3 in normal mode. The goal is to give the Zombies shown, the type of candy they desire by making matches of those specified candies. I found the Match 3 games to be somewhat difficult to earn all 3 stars in Normal mode, but you can replay the Match 3 levels whenever you want, until you get 3 stars.
Time to go destroy some zombies before they eat my bwains! Good luck, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you defeat dangerous creatures and find your grandfather in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
51 of 55 found this review helpful
I'M NORMALLY A HUGE MAD HEAD GAMES FAN BUT.....
PostedOctober 15, 2017
pennmom36
fromSo how come I couldn't get past the guards without being a Nightcaller, but I could search the tree truck several feet past the guards?
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 usually love games by Mad Head games, but this one just isn't all that exciting. I will say though, after the demo, there was a twist to the plot that I didn't see coming, so I'll give it kudos on that feature. I bought the CE version of this game a while back, because I prefer collectibles, morphs and bonus chapter that it offers, but if you're not into those things, this SE version is fine. The collectible Signs are way to easy to spot, in my opinion, but the Morphs within the HOP's are a different story. Although I prefer Morph's to be in each scene, I will say, Mad Head does a fantastic job blending the morphs, and making the items morph just slow enough to make it challenging. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either is right for you:
The Nightcrawlers are attacking! Oh, I guess that's supposed to be a Night Caller, you know, the ladies of the evening, nope that's not it either. It's a giant creature that comes calling at night, whose energy comes from symbols??? Where do the symbols come from, they didn't appear until the nightcrawler appeared? Are you as confused as I am? It all boils down to one thing, it's Grandpa's fault and I've gotta fix it! I've got to get rid of these Nightcrawlers before it rains, cause ya know what happens when it rains! (I should write these stories)
I love Mad Head games, but all their stories lately seem to be about the same thing, and they all center around symbols. The Collector's edition versions, all have the same Spiral Symbols to collect, and the same HOP Morphs. I do however love the abundance of puzzles offered, which aren't necessarily challenging, but they are fun.
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Interactive List finds, but there was an Interactive Progressive Silhouetted Shape one that had a bunch of puzzles, and was really quite fun. After the demo, there was one I really loved where you had to find symbols in a labyrinth made up of symbols. In the CE version, each of the HOP's have a Morphing Object to find, some of which are cleverly done.
The Mini Games are really entertaining, in my opinion. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Use all wires to connect lights by rotating connectors.
2) Drag symbols to align them with the stationary symbols.
3) Navigate through the maze using directional arrows and using items you find to progress through obstacles.
4) Rotate grate sections to allow an open path to retrieve the saw. Because there's always something of great importance in the sewer.
5) Adjust lock sections to create an open bath to the button, clicking on one section may affect others, because they always do.
6) Swap tiles to complete the picture, click on the button to change the available tile sets.
7) Match the symbols to the shape of the buttons, click until desire shape appears.
8) Swap tiles to assemble the picture. Doesn't anybody have a normal picture to enjoy?
9) Click sections in the correct order.
10) Slide puzzle sections to complete the image, because no picture seems to be normal.
11) Swap the painting to match the outlines on the wall. Finally normal pictures, just not in normal spots!
12) Press arrows to move spheres to their matching colored spots, no picture involved.
13) Swap and rotate triangle puzzle pieces to......you get the picture.
14) Find and replace items on the pages of the book, it's sort of like a pop-up only different.
RITE OF PASSAGE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-The Perfect Show (June 7-12) 4.5
2-Child of the Forest (May 16-13) 4.7
3-Hide and Seek (June 12-14) 4.6
4-The Lost Tide (May 2-15) 3.7
5-Heart of the Storm (January 16-16) 4.0
6-Deck of Fates (October 27-16) 4.0
7-The Sword and the Fury (September 16-17) 3.7
2-Child of the Forest (May 16-13) 4.7
3-Hide and Seek (June 12-14) 4.6
4-The Lost Tide (May 2-15) 3.7
5-Heart of the Storm (January 16-16) 4.0
6-Deck of Fates (October 27-16) 4.0
7-The Sword and the Fury (September 16-17) 3.7
The Collector's Edition has 4 Wallpapers, 10 Music Soundtracks, 17 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 17 Morphing Objects within the HOP's, Characters, 32 Collectible Spiral Signs, 10 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A dangerous spirit has returned from the past!
Overall rating
3
/
5
90 of 117 found this review helpful
JUST ANOTHER MEDIEVAL SORCERER
PostedOctober 14, 2017
pennmom36
from"Whatever the spirit did to him has a prolonged effect" ya think?! He turned to stone, that's about as prolonged as something gets! At least he's already in the garden, it works!
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
During the14th century, the plague known as the Black Death, swept through Europe, killing millions of people. The plague was merciless, and its victims suffered immense and unbearable pain before succumbing to death. There was little the Plague Doctor's could do to ease their patients suffering.Death was inevitable. The Black Death was unstoppable. After losing his entire family, Moro made the moral decision to search for an alternative form of medicine, Dark Magic. It wasn't long before Moro was accused of heresy by the Inquisitor's, and burned at the stake. Moro vowed to return one day, stronger than ever, and now he had indeed returned!
Put on your Magic Glasses that let's you see past events, it's time to investigate the return of yet another angry sorcerer from a Plague ridden era. Everything about this game is predictable and impractical, from the moment you begin your investigation....at the European Museum of History, because that's where all evil sorcerers are reborn.
This game has everything you already know it's going to have, a briefcase sitting on a park bench, that has a patch with something important sewn inside (why would you do that?) AND an old fashioned hairpin. Turn around, you know there's going to be a bulletin board nearby, complete with a crow playing the "mine" game, and of course an object wedged partially inside it's only crevice. Keep searching, you know there's a broken zipper pull, and something mysteriously hidden within the bushes, bushes that of course have thorns. By the end of the game my inventory items consisted of items that I knew exactly what I would use them for, a glass shard, paperclip, eyes, and yes, acid! Of course, you haven't learned from your past mistakes, and you will pick up a pile of Notes, that the wind will immediately scatter throughout each of the games locations, and amazingly, there's only 1 page per scene!
This Collector's Edition version has 15 Morphing Cursed Items and several Coins to collect that allows you to purchase virtual items for your Cursed Items Exhibit. Both collectibles have an Icon located on the top of the Inventory Bar.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied with Interactive List finds, Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds, finding and replacing Keywords in Sentence finds, with an optional Match 3 alternative game to play.
The Mini Games have the option of an Easy or Hard Mode to choose from, but even on the hard mode, most of them are doable on the first attempt. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1-Use directional arrows to rotate tiles to reassemble the picture.
2-Choose two sections of the lock teeth to swap along the top and bottom.
3-Connect the tiles with the specified number of connections for each tile.
4-Move flags along the lines to their correct outlined shapes.
5-Use the clue to turn the correct slots green, press arrows to rotate the clock hands.
6-Move tokens to their color coded slots without overlapping lines.
7-Rotate tiles to connect folders.
8-Remove all tiles by selecting 2 identical adjacent tiles.
MYSTERY TALES GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1- The Lost Hope (January 25-2014) 4.0
2- The Twilight World (January 29-2015) 3.5
3- Alaskan Wild (August 24-2015) 3.8
4- Her Own Eyes (February 18-2016) 4.1
5- Eye of the Fire (September 29-2016) 3.4
6- The Hangman Returns (January 26-2017) 3.7
7- The House of Others (June 29-2017) 3.8
8- Dangerous Desires (October 14-2017) n/a
2- The Twilight World (January 29-2015) 3.5
3- Alaskan Wild (August 24-2015) 3.8
4- Her Own Eyes (February 18-2016) 4.1
5- Eye of the Fire (September 29-2016) 3.4
6- The Hangman Returns (January 26-2017) 3.7
7- The House of Others (June 29-2017) 3.8
8- Dangerous Desires (October 14-2017) n/a
This Collector's Edition has 10 Concept Art pictures, 14, Wallpapers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 17 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 16 replayable Mini Games, 35 Achievements to earn, 15 Morphing Cursed Items, 51 Collectible Coins to buy 15 Cursed Items for the Exhibit, Missing Note Pages, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter.
Mysterious portraits are causing their subjects to transform into monsters!
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 23 found this review helpful
SOMEBODY SURE LIKES GREEN
PostedOctober 13, 2017
pennmom36
fromIf I'm so worried about the minotaur attacking me, why did I hang around searching for objects right next to him?
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
Usually when games go overboard with the color hues, they add way too much blues and purples, but in this episode of Dark Romance: The Monster Within, somebody sure must have liked green, because everything's so green. When the Standard Edition of HOPA games are released, I first play that versions demo, and then I finish the Collector's Edition version, if I felt it was worthy enough to buy during a sale. I tried to finish this game, but after completing the next chapter after the demo, I just found myself too bored to care. I kept trying to make myself return to it, to see if it got any better, or see if perhaps I was just having a bad day before. A week later, I still had no interest in completing the game. I really loved the first game in this series, which was about vampires, and since then, the storylines haven't been as interesting, and certainly not very dark, Dark Romances, and I think that's why. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either are right for you:
Surely everyone knows by now, not to open that last wedding present, that nobody ever knows where it came from. Sure enough, it was a cursed gift, a portrait of the new bride, that's slowly morphing into a beast, and causing Sybil Vane, to morph as well! Nigel and Sybil aren't the only newlywed's hexed by a curse, because this is Dark Romance, this couple must work together to find out who and why, they are being targeted, before the beast within takes control, and Sybil is gone forever.
In true Dark Romance fashion, you will solve this mystery by playing both characters, Nigel and Sybil, which gives you a different perspective, from both characters point of view. In the Collector's Edition version, there are 3 different collectibles, with icons above the inventory bar that open up whenever there's an available collectible. You can choose to disable this function in the custom settings, there are 15 Morphing Objects, 12 Cursed Paintings (with a background bio) and 64 collectible Paint Brushes, which allow you to purchase animals in the Menagerie and paint their portrait. You don't really get to paint the picture, it just appears, and it paints the animal with other animal parts, like the fennec fox with a duck bill and feathers, it just doesn't make sense
I thought this game was going to give us a break with the gimmicky tool feature, but it turns out that the only thing papa had left, was an Amulet. What does the amulet do you ask? Well, it somehow gives us the ability to turn into a falcon and fly! This part leaves me with so many questions, why do I need a real falcon if I can just turn into one using my amulet? Why can't I find an amulet that turns me into a panther and we can both live happily ever after changing into a cat? How does an amulet such as this work in the first place, voodoo, dark magic, alien technology? How do I return to human form? Do I carry the amulet around my falcon neck? Do I eat rodents when I'm a falcon?
The Hidden Object Scenes aren't all that impressive, and you can opt for a Match 3 game in either version, but these alternate puzzles rarely offer a really good Match 3 game. There are Interactive List finds, Progressive Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds, and Keywords in Sentence finds requiring you to find and replace items correctly. There are also Multiple finds in smaller Zoom Zone HOP's as well.
The Mini Games however, I found to be creative and somewhat lengthy. Most games are available with an Easy or Hard difficulty mode option. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Eliminate all but one token by removing tokens located between two matching tokens.
2) Point each dial to one of the symbols shown on the clue, by pressing the blue arrows to rotate the dials the total number of times shown on them. Rotating one dial may affect others.
3) Guide each flower to its matching corner without intersecting paths.
4) Perform first aid on Benjamin logically.
5) Press icons in the correct sequence.
6) Guide Nigel to the gates, avoiding the black hawks.
DARK ROMANCE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Vampire In Love (February 8-14) 3.9
2-Heart of the Beast (April 23-15) 4.0
3-The Swan Sonata (October 17-15) 3.4
4-Kingdom of Death (April 21-16) 3.4
5-Curse of Bluebeard ( October 13-16) 4.7
6-Romeo and Juliet (February 25-17) 2.7
7-The Monster Within (September 7-17) 4.0
2-Heart of the Beast (April 23-15) 4.0
3-The Swan Sonata (October 17-15) 3.4
4-Kingdom of Death (April 21-16) 3.4
5-Curse of Bluebeard ( October 13-16) 4.7
6-Romeo and Juliet (February 25-17) 2.7
7-The Monster Within (September 7-17) 4.0
The Collector's Edition has 15 Wallpapers, 20 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 10 replayable Movie Videos, 30 Achievements to earn, 12 Cursed Paintings, 15 Morphing Objects, 64 Collectible Brushes to buy 12 Animal paintings in the Menagerie, 19 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 19 replayable Mini Games, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
An awesome combination of word puzzles, adventure and charm. Help Nagi island-hop his way through unknown dangers.
Overall rating
3
/
5
48 of 61 found this review helpful
RETTEB EB DLUOW TI SDRAWKCAB SDROW LLEPS DLUOC I FI (read from right to left)
PostedOctober 13, 2017
pennmom36
fromI spelled a word in French and it was accepted!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Amazing Pyramids
(16)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The Title says it all, if I could have spelled the words backwards, this game would be awesome and so much more fun. NagiQ 2 is available in English or Spanish, which would make this an excellent Spanish learning game in my opinion, because you could have fun forming words in Spanish, while learning how to spell the words correctly.
This is a simple game at first, so you'll have to be patient for a few levels, but I can assure you, the levels get increasingly more difficult as you progress. The music reminds me of a jack-in-the-box, xylophone music that has a faster tempo the faster you wind it, and the graphics look like they would appeal to youngsters, but they would not be able to spell words, so I'm a bit confused as to what the targeted age is here?
In a nutshell, there are a few letters on the grid style board to start with, the goal is to form words using the random letters on the bottom, that will eventually connect the gold letters to the letters that are blue, usually on the opposite side of the board. Words can only be formed left to right or top to bottom, not backwards, which would have been awesome.
As you are trying to form words, a list of acceptable words will appear, but it doesn't tell you the value of each letter or word, which made the game less fun for me personally. Once you have spelled the word you want, by first clicking on the letter at the bottom, and then on the tile you want that particular letter placed, you need to click the play button on the bottom right. This will permanently place the word on the board and give you a whole new set of letters.
If the board seems too difficult, you can reset the board, or you can choose the Letters icon to receive a new set of letters. Some of the tiles have gift boxes on them, and if you form a word that includes that tile, you will receive either coins or Lorin's Tokens to help you form words. When the Iron Hand Pirate appears, he throws more letters on the board to complicate things. Forming words will eventually defeat him.
I enjoyed playing the rare Word game offered, however, not enough to want to purchase it. I feel like this game would have been more creative and more challenging if I could have written words that go from right to left, or bottom to top, and I would like to know how much specific words were worth, so being more creative with my choices would net me more coins.
If you like games similar to scrabble, you will probably love this game. For me, it was just an okay game that could have been a really good game with the additional features I talked about.