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:
In this unique solitaire adventure, tour a country with a great history and unforgettable architecture.
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 45 found this review helpful
"La semplicità è l'ultima sofisticazione"
PostedOctober 9, 2017
pennmom36
fromMeraviglioso!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Magic Cards Solitaire
(28)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
To quote Leonardo Da Vinci, "La semplicità è l'ultima sofisticazione," Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. I found this Italian themed Solitaire game to be simple, yet somewhat sophisticated, with beautiful graphics and pleasant music. This is a Higher/Lower type solitaire game, despite the tutorial page description that tells you to remove cards of the same rank. That same tutorial page says that you will collect coins and hats, but the special cards have ribbons on them not hats, which leads me to believe that this dev has at least one other Solitaire game available and they didn't bother to change the tutorial accordingly, but I could be wrong!
There are 12 Packs available that require you to earn specific amounts of stars to unlock the next pack. Each Pack has 10 levels, and you can earn 12 different Trophies. There are 4 Italian Themed cards to choose from, and 2 face cards, one with a small font, one with a very large font.
There is a Star Meter at the top of the screen, and it took me a long time to figure out how the star meter worked as far as scoring goes. Basically it boils down to the combo index amount. Each card you remove is worth 10 points, when you reach a certain amount of points, you receive a star, but that also depends on the index which rises when you make combos. The game is over when you remove all special Ribbon cards, even if other cards remain. So it is possible to win the level, but not earn all 3 stars. The good news is that you can replay the level as often as you want.
You can buy items in the shop with the points you earn, that give you wild cards, shuffle and undo features, reveal a percentage of face down cards or tell you how many cards remain in the deck.
I love Solitaire games, although I don't really like the kind that ends the game once all special cards remain. I prefer to have to remove all of the cards, but this really is a beautiful and relaxing game, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you break free from your nightmares in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
61 of 66 found this review helpful
At dawn your soul will be harvested...WAKE UP!
PostedOctober 8, 2017
pennmom36
from"it's my old books, I always enjoyed studying" no wonder he has issues!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I know I sound like a broken record, but I always wait for a good CE sale that make them the same price as a SE version, before buying these games. Then I wait for the Standard Edition release, and play the demo of the game in the SE version first. Then I finish playing the Collector's Edition version, unless the game tanks after the demo, leaving me with no desire to play it all the way through. Nightmare Shadows has a decent storyline that continued to hold my interest after the demo, it even has a few twists that you might not have anticipated. I wasn't thrilled with many of the Hidden Object Scenes, because I thought they were too simplistic, and too brief. This game has several chapters, each chapter is a different milestone in the main characters life or memory, so it's well worth purchasing. Personally, I prefer the CE version because I like collectibles, and this one has 15 Family Portraits and 15 Shadow People to find which gives you a brief description about each one, once you find them, in the Shadow People Encyclopedia. Below is a recap of my review to help you make a decision on which version, if either is right for you:
Our minds tend to block terrifying events as a coping mechanism, to help us survive. Our dreams however, don't always get the memo, and sometimes we're forced to relive horrifying events of the past, events we've tried so hard to forget. On this fateful night, Reynell's nightmares come to fruition, as his dreams open portals of his past from Sullivan River to Norwich Caves University, back to where his troubles first began. A nightmare filled with Shadows of those who haunt his life. It is said that a man who cannot find his deepest memories, will wake up, but what happens if he does find his deepest memory?
I remember when Sullivan River was first released, and I bought the game without hesitation, and loved every minute of it. Since then, Sable Maze has had it's ups and downs, but I continue to enjoy this series, and Nightmare Shadows will definitely join my series collection. The characters are very realistic and have fluid movements (unlike the ones in Dark Romance that glide or walk with jilted movements) The graphics are decent, but tend to be a bit on the dark side.
The Hidden Object Scenes are the same ole, same ole, however, I did enjoy some of the locations. There are items to find that match riddles, Fragment finds, Interactive Progressive Silhouetted Shape finds and even smaller Zoom Zones HOP's with Multiples. One of the scene's were repeated in the demo, which is a feature I really don't like, because its boring a second time around, but fortunately, not too many scenes are repeated in the main game. There is an alternate Match 3 game available if you're not into HOP's, and they seem to be a bit simplistic, and way too brief.
The Mini Games are fairly decent, and not too difficult to solve. A lot of them are the kind that when you rotate one piece, it affects other pieces, which can be frustrating, and some are available with an Easy or Hard difficulty mode. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Overlay a colored lens with the clear lens to scan for stepping stones, using the clues shown on each stone to choose the next colored lens.
2) Move figurines to their matching colored doors, moving a figurine will cause the others to move in the opposite direction.
3) Click rotational arrows and swap picture pieces along the lines to restore the 4 pictures.
4) Rotate circle sections until marbles align with all holes.
5) Find and replace torn book fragments correctly.
6) Use arrows to align two glass shards together.
7) Click on items to uncover fragments, if the selection is wrong, the items will shuffle.
8) Place tiles in their matching slots correctly.
9) Fold the map horizontally and vertically using visual clues on the map.
10) Use the map to find your way out of the maze.
11) Create a path for the ball to travel from left to right using directional arrows to move columns of tiles.
12) Arrange labels according to the timetable.
13) Defeat the shadow by selecting symbols in the scene that are shown in the top right corner.
14) Rotate the disks to swap the pieces to complete the picture.
15) Select and place the gears into the correct slots using the clues shown.
SABLE MAZE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Sullivan River (September 30-12) 4.0
2-Norwich Caves (August 29-13) 4.0
3-Forbidden Garden (July 24-14) 3.5
4-Twelve Fears (May 14-15) 3.6
5-Soul Catcher (December 31-15) 3.7
6-Sinister Knowledge (September 8-16) 4.2
7-Nightmare Shadows (September 9-17) 3.6
2-Norwich Caves (August 29-13) 4.0
3-Forbidden Garden (July 24-14) 3.5
4-Twelve Fears (May 14-15) 3.6
5-Soul Catcher (December 31-15) 3.7
6-Sinister Knowledge (September 8-16) 4.2
7-Nightmare Shadows (September 9-17) 3.6
The Collector's Edition has 13 Developer Diary pictures, 18 Concept Art pictures, 12 Wallpapers, 15 Family Pictures to collect, 15 hidden Shadow People, 4 Music Soundtracks, 15 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, whatever you do, don't fall asleep, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop history from repeating itself?
Overall rating
5
/
5
153 of 188 found this review helpful
HAS THE PAST CAUGHT UP TO THE FUTURE OR HAS THE FUTURE CAUGHT UP TO THE PAST?
PostedOctober 7, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhat's up with the "LOADING........." so annoying!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Emma Roberts the famous journalist from the Fear For Sale magazine, is on another paranormal investigation in Alaska. The small town of Whitefall is experiencing some large issues, of ghostly proportions. Some say these are the spirits of the victims who were burned to death when Whitefall was completely turned to ash in 1912! The spirits became restless when a Spa and Hotel was recently commissioned, and Emma soon finds herself stuck in the past. Has the curse of Whitefall snared Emma in a trap from the past, or has the past caught up to it's future?
WHAT HAPPENED to this series staple features??? There aren't any points to earn for collecting items or achievements. There aren't any collectibles in several categories, there aren't any jigsaw puzzle pieces to find, and you don't get to work your way up the journalistic ladder from Cub reporter to a pulitzer prize winning Emma Robert status! I never thought much about these features to be honest, but now that they're gone, I'm really disappointed! Elefun games includes these staple features in all their games, Witches Legacy, Mayan Prophecies, The Keeper of Antiques, and until now, Fear For Sale. Now that they are gone, I say bring them back, otherwise these games are no different than all the other games out there. They added a new feature that made me gasp with horror, a Tribal Amulet to help Emma overcome mystical objects. Let's not talk about this feature...ever!
What this Collector's Edition version does offer, isn't all that exciting, I love the storyline because it's different, but I will add that because I'm not impressed with the CE bling, I'll probably wait for the SE version to buy this game, unless I take advantage of a good sale. Besides the normal CE features of 12 Achievements to earn, wallpapers and concept art pictures, there are 33 Morphing Objects, one in each scene, (At least they still offer Morphs) and the collectibles are just a stupid Eye sketch. If you go into the journal, you can click the eye symbols to fill in puzzle squares and read a paragraph about the story with each eye you find. This feature does not impress me in the least bit, and it's kind of hard not to spot an out of place eye sketch with huge eyelashes. The cursor also changes whenever you scan across an item that morphs, a feature I wish was an option that can be disabled. You can still interact with a few items in each scene but not as many items as usual for this dev.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied with Interactive List finds, Multiple Item finds, and Keywords in a Story. There are also the usual Zoom Zone HOP's where you find a handful of objects that are spread throughout the scene on the outside of the Zoom Zoned area. Some HOP's have an optional Jigsaw Puzzle to assemble, but the one jigsaw puzzle I assembled, had very dark pieces on a dark background that made it difficult to see the puzzle pieces and where they were supposed to go.
The Mini Games are decent, but fairly easy to solve. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Use the clues shown to enter the correct code, each of the 5 clues tells you where the puzzle piece doesn't go such as this isn't first, or this tile doesn't go before this one.
2) Move figurines along the track to their corresponding articles.
3) Use the Tribal Amulet to find 7 hidden symbols.
4) Find and select the landmark clues to find the correct paths through the forest.
5) Swap photos and notes to the correct labeled category.
6) Follow the recipe directions.
FEAR FOR SALE GAME SERIES IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-The Mystery of McInroy Manor (December 23-2010) 4.1
2-Sunnyvale Story (December 9-2011) 4.1
3-Nightmare Cinema (April 4-2013) 4.4
4-Phantom Tide (April 3-2014) 3.7
5-The 13 Keys (October 23-2014) 4.0
6-Endless Voyage (April 2-2015) 4.5
7-City in the Past (October 22-2015) 4.1
8-The House on Black River (March 17-2016) 4.3
9-The Dusk Wanderer (October 1-2016) 3.6
10-Hidden In the Darkness (April 20-2017) 3.8
11-The Curse of Whitefall (October 7-2017) n/a
2-Sunnyvale Story (December 9-2011) 4.1
3-Nightmare Cinema (April 4-2013) 4.4
4-Phantom Tide (April 3-2014) 3.7
5-The 13 Keys (October 23-2014) 4.0
6-Endless Voyage (April 2-2015) 4.5
7-City in the Past (October 22-2015) 4.1
8-The House on Black River (March 17-2016) 4.3
9-The Dusk Wanderer (October 1-2016) 3.6
10-Hidden In the Darkness (April 20-2017) 3.8
11-The Curse of Whitefall (October 7-2017) n/a
This Collector's Edition has 9 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 3 Screensavers, 3 Music Soundtracks, 12 Achievements to earn, 33 Morphing Objects, 20 Collectible Eye symbols, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you save your sister from her new abilities in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 19 found this review helpful
THE LORD OF STORMS WILL ANNIHILATE ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING TO BRING HIS DAUGHTER OF THUNDER HOME
PostedOctober 6, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhy is it that the spider wouldn't enter the jar without bait, but the fireflies flew right in?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Daughter of Thunder is one of those games that becomes even more intense after the demo, which is a rare feature lately. I do agree with codom, however, that the graphics are a tad bit cartoonish, and even blurry at times, especially within the HOP's. I'm a huge fan of Mad Head games, but they always seem to stick with the same MO on all of their games. All of their CE version games have collectible Spiral signs, lots and lots of symbols plastered everywhere, and basically the same type of music. Most of their games are sci-fi, alien related, and that's why I'm such a fan of their games.
After the demo, you learn more about the fate of Oberon's Stormborn children, and why Mayor Alain has a price on his head. After reading some of the CE reviews, I noticed that some reviewers were either confused by the storyline, or they just misinterpreted the info given during the demo. There are a few twists and turns in the plot, that keep you interested throughout the game. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if either are right for you:
There are two Realms in this world, The Realm of Man and the Realm of Fae which is ruled by a King and Queen. The Queen ruled by day, King Oberon by night, that is, until she left the Fae Realm and escaped to the Realm of Man. An infuriated King Oberon closed the gates between the two worlds, sealing her fate forever. The Realm of Man, is a broken world, a post apocalyptic world, a world that eagerly accepted the stranger who came to rule, to offer its people wisdom and salvation. When a sudden storm produced a violent and deadly tornado, it forces Lynn and Astrid to flee their home, and seek shelter from the stranger, their Mayor.
The sisters discover something amazing on their life saving journey, it seems that the storm has awakened powers deep within Lynn, powers she never knew she had, powers that are strengthened by the medallion she's had since birth. This is Dawn of Hope: Daughter of Thunder, this is an amazing journey! A journey that strengthens the bond between two sisters, sisters not related by blood, but raised as if she were!
Mad Head games has got game! Dawn of Hope is going to be a series of epic proportion, a stormy force to be reckoned with, one that will rise to the top of the HOPA charts, surely this game will qualify for many gaming awards, so hats off and kudos Mad Head, you've done it again! The only features I'm not crazy about, are that we have yet another Amulet/Medallion gimmicky tool to use, recharge, and use again, after playing the same mini game, of dragging colored tiles, in the specified amount of moves, to fill all the grid cells. The Collector's Edition version also has the same hidden Spiral signs located in each scene, and Morphing Objects that are only offered within the Hidden Object Scenes. This game would be absolutely perfect if each scene contained a slowly Morphing Object in each location instead of just in the HOP's!
The Hidden Object Scenes are what you'd expect, I've come to the conclusion that there's just not much you can do with this feature to make it more exciting, other than being creative with the location of the scenes. No longer are the items cleverly blended into the scene, perhaps in an effort to make them easy enough for everyone, but if you've ever played an older HOPA game, you'll notice that items were much more difficult to spot than in the newer games. There are Silhouetted Shape finds and Listed Item finds, usually a combination of both, and in the CE version, each of the 20 HOP's have a Morphing Object to find. I had to wonder about the HOP located inside the Cable Car, because one of the items was a bucket full of ice! How long was that bucket of ice in there? Why didn't the ice melt? How did they make ice in a post apocalyptic era in the first place?
The Mini Games are fairly decent, ranging from simplistic and easy, to medium difficulty, so far nothing super challenging. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Click on the symbol that matches the symbol near Lynn's' hand.
2) Select thorny vines that aren't covered by another vine.
3) Use directional arrows to blow wind on the lock and key parts to move them towards each other.
4) Select and drag the colored tiles to fill the entire grid, each tile has a specific amount of tiles it can cover.
5) Match 3 different corresponding items to each character by rotating circle sections.
6) Select misplaced items and place them into the scene correctly to advance the story.
7) Balance the spheres on the orange surface using directional arrows until the meter is full.
DAWN OF HOPE GAMES AVAILABLE:
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Skyline Adventure (November 5-16) 4.3
2-Daughter of Thunder (September 5-17) 3.7
2-Daughter of Thunder (September 5-17) 3.7
*(just wanted to give a shout out to skullfun who had the fantastic idea to include game series in chronological order)
The Collector's Edition has 8 Profile pictures, a Character Gallery, 20 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 20 Morphing Objects within the HOP's, 30 Hidden Signs one in each location, a Jigsaw Puzzle, 10 Music Soundtracks, 4 Wallpapers, a built in Strategy Guide, an ALTERNATE ENDING, and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy the storm!
I recommend this game!
Can you save the mayor’s wife in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
115 of 141 found this review helpful
I TOLD YOU WE NEEDED A GRIM REAPER PUPPET!
PostedOctober 5, 2017
pennmom36
fromHey look! A candle burning inside a closed mason jar, amazing!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Yep, it's official,the PuppetShow series has died! Someone needs to make the necessary arrangements, while we go into mourning. Does anyone know how to make a puppet? We're going to need a GrimReaper Puppet, and a bunch of mechanical coffins to lay this series to rest once and for all. PuppetShow had a great run, this is the twelfth game, which was about five too many.(the last 5 games have had average game ratings less than 3 stars)
With all this grimness out of the way, I'd like to add that I haven't given up on AMAX! It's clear to see that they are trying very hard to revamp this stagnant game series they inherited from ERS. Although I'm not sure if it's possible to breathe life back into some of their once popular game series, I've got to give them kudos for trying. In my opinion, PuppetShow had a good run, but after 12 games, there's absolutely nothing new that could possibly be achieved, so how about just moving on with the show, put your thinking caps on, and create a new series, something wonderful, something that's never been done before, like a truly suspenseful psychological thriller, one that will keep me on the edge of my seat, one that makes me want to leave the lights on because it's so creepy?
Why is this game so unworthy? Well, because all of their games involve a Mayor whose town has gone bonkers. The Mayor has always done something to warrant this rash behavior. The Mayor never seeks outside help until a member of his family gets abducted. The Mayor is always wealthy. The Mayor doesn't ever want anyone to know he has hired outside help. There's always intimidating messages written in blood all over town. All investigations start with a Carriage cabin scene. All investigations take place at night. There's always that one single dog barking in the quiet of night. It's always the same dog. I always get to choose my male or female character. My female character always gets punched by a dude.The bad guys always wear dark cloaks. The bad guys always have masks (and usually bird beaks) The scenery is always the same. The characters always look the same. There's always a mechanical helper. The mechanical helper always breaks. I always have to find, fix and repair every mechanical lock and gadget throughout the town. I always have to find puppet parts to repair everyone else's broken puppet. I always steal loose change I find in people's houses. Tell me I'm wrong about this?
As far as a Collector's Edition goes, this one barely qualifies for a Standard Edition. Other than the usual achievements, wallpapers etc. all you get to collect are looted coins and a couple of puppet dolls (dolls which btw aren't in the demo section) As you collect the dolls, you also collect their diary, I can hardly contain my excitement.
The Hidden Object Scenes are the same ole same ole, nothing particularly exciting, thankfully there's only a few HOP's. I always wondered why they don't give you the option to skip this feature like you can a mini game? At lest in the demo, there isn't an alternate game available.The HOP's are Interactive List items, Keyword Silhouetted Shape finds followed by Multiple Item finds.
The Mini Games are also the same ole same ole, nothing exciting or new. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Open the puppets fingers in a specific order.
2) Click when the lines are in the green zones.
3) Find matching symbols by flipping over glass shards, one from each side.
4) Remove clothing in a specific order.
5) Play a Match 3 game, removing specific amounts of specific tiles. This game is played each time you use your Hannibal Puppet helper.
6) Play the piano keys according to the directions shown.
7) Place keys in the correct spots according to their shapes.
8) Guide the figure through the street maze, using items you find to overcome obstacles.
9) Guide the translucent fist through the maze while hitting all fists and staying between the lines.
10) Guide the sphere along the path while staying inside the lines.
11) Drag puzzle sections to complete the image.
12) Another Match 3 HannibalPuppet helper game.
This Collector's Edition has 16 Concept Art pictures, 10 Wallpapers, 7 Screensavers, 6 Movie Videos, 4 Music Soundtracks, Collectible Dolls and Coins, 19 replayable Mini Games, 16 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Help Sophia make her dream of starting a successful pizza restaurant come true in this match 3 adventure.
Overall rating
5
/
5
53 of 59 found this review helpful
ALL THESE PIZZA'S ARE MAKING ME HUNGRY
PostedOctober 4, 2017
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've been making pizza's all morning, and I'm getting kinda hungry! I had a blast playing this Match 3 game with Time Management elements. This is a Swap type Match 3 game that can be played in a Relaxed mode, or Medium and Hard difficulty modes. I've been playing the Medium difficulty mode, and it gives you just enough time to make it challenging but certainly doable, to earn Gold, Silver or Bronze Stars, according to the time it takes you to complete the level goals. (there is a star meter shown and you can replay the level whenever you want) There are 23 Trophies to earn, some of which are required to purchase certain upgrades.
You must swap tiles to make matches of at least 3 identical ingredients. Large matches will earn you a color coded Chili bomb on the board, that can be clicked or swapped to activate. A Match 4 gives you a Green Chili that explodes in a 5 tile radius, a Match 5 gives you a Yellow Chili which explodes a 9 tile radius, a Match 6 gives you a Red Chili that explodes a 25 tile radius, and a Match 7 gives you a Violet Chili which explodes all over the board.
As you play the game, customers will pop in to order their pizza and you need to make specific matches of ingredients needed in the amount shown. You need to fulfil their order asap to keep the customer satisfaction rating high, which is needed to purchase upgrades.
There are the usual obstacles, crates to break, aluminum foil tiles, blue package wrap to break and again as aluminum foil, and frozen ingredients to match tiles of the same ingredient that is frozen. After earning money from customers you can visit the shop to purchase furniture, decorations etc, which will also unlock ingredients. Each upgrade requires a certain amount of stars, coins and sometime specific trophies to buy them.
There are mini games and Hidden Object Scenes to play occasionally such as clicking and dragging ingredients to the correct pizza recipe, or finding ingredients and supplies in a HOP.
I really like this Match 3 game, my only complaint is that sometimes it's difficult to find matches because all of the ingredient tiles become rather busy at times. Give it a try, it's really a fun Match 3 game, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Match tasty fruits as you travel with circus animals through the USA, France, Germany and other amazing countries.
Overall rating
3
/
5
27 of 30 found this review helpful
A FIVE STAR GAME FOR KIDS
PostedOctober 3, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhat's in the box? Will someone please tell me, the suspense is agonizing!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Madagascar Circus is a really cute game and it's definitely a great Match 3 game for kids, or adults who want an easy, relaxing time killer. Unfortunately for me personally this game has too many features that I hate in a Match 3 game. This is a Limited Moves Swap type Match 3 (I hate limited moves) You cannot make matches quickly because you have to wait until all tiles finish falling before making the next match (I don't have enough patience for this) It takes forever between levels, because the game keeps playing after you've met all goals, as it plays through unused bonuses and unused moves. (did I mention I don't have patience for this?) And the Tutorial is practically worthless, in fact, the Zebra didn't explain about the bonuses and their uses until around the 10th level! I played the entire demo and I still don't know what happens when I open all of the boxes!
If not for the above mentioned flaws, I think I would have loved this game, the circus music is familiar and catchy, the zoo animals are well drawn and very cute, and it has a ton of exciting obstacles, I loved making matches next to the hats to "pull the rabbit" out of the hat, and making matches next to drums to collect them for the elephant. Each level requires you to collect specific amounts of fruit that is shown next to each animal. You may also need to make matches on top Balloon tiles to collect them for the Clown.
Before you begin each level, you can buy the Boosters you want to be available such as Column and Row busters, Additional Moves, or Magic Fruit to clear all of the same tiles. When you make large matches you will earn boosters on the board to help you clear the tiles. There are also Power-ups that are at the bottom of the screen you can activate. The Hammer destroys 1 tile of your choice, the Cannon clears a row and column, the Shuffle scrambles all tiles on the board, and the Fruit Swap allows you to swap two adjacent fruits to help you set up a match.
The Obstacles are different than most Match 3 games, but the end result is still the same. There are Blocked tiles that require adjacent tiles to bust them, Drums require adjacent matches to collect them, matches next to Hats pulls the rabbit out (some but not all have rabbits) and my favorite is the Candy Necklace that locks tiles inside requiring matches made with whatever tile is under the candy.
The Circus goes to the United States first, followed by France and Great Britain, with 20 levels per country. There are several Boxes to open that require a certain amount of stars to open, the problem is, I have no idea what happens, there's no explanation, and nothing changes that I know of. I thought perhaps, this is where the animals are kept that you're supposed to free (and supposedly invite them to join the circus? Does this even remotely make sense to you, because an animal in the circus is anything BUT free!?!) however, when I go into the section with the monkey icon, of freed animals, none appear. There's a Tiger, White Horse, Bear, Monkey, Cat, Dog, Deer, Fox, Cow, Parrot, Lynx, Penguin, Duck, Koala and a Unicorn (how come I never saw unicorns at the circus?) all that need to be freed, but from where I have no clue, unless it's a glitch.
I highly recommend this game for the kiddies, or for someone who doesn't mind a really easy Limited Moves Match 3 game. For me personally, I enjoyed playing the demo, but it isn't a game I would consider owning.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your friends from the sins of their past?
Overall rating
3
/
5
28 of 32 found this review helpful
FIZZLES A BIT AFTER THE DEMO
PostedOctober 3, 2017
pennmom36
fromI thought Agora was in Greece?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I bought the Collector's Edition of this game because the storyline took place somewhere besides a haunted house of fairytale kingdom, and because I needed a second game for a BOGO sale. I'll be honest with you, I haven't finished playing the game for a couple of reasons, mostly because the storyline kind of fizzled a bit after the demo and became stagnant. I also had problems with the cursor sticking constantly, which is an issue I didn't experience with the demo. Because the storyline piqued at the end of the demo, and came right back down, and the frustration of the uncontrollable cursor, I just didn't have the desire to finish the game. In all fairness, if not for the possessed cursor, I probably would have finished the game just for the unusual location alone, I'm sure the plot thickens back up as you progress and meet more bad guys. Here's a recap of my review so you can decide which version, if either are right for you:
Professor Lomonosov has invited Carol, one of his students, and her best friend, Emma Safer, an antiquity enthusiast and collector, to a famous archeological excavation in Agora. Recently Emma purchased a strange box, known as the Cube of Sins, an artifact capable of exorcising the sins of humanity. Since taking possession of the cube, Emma has experienced horrifying nightmares, dreams so intense, she has made arrangements to meet with a detective who specializes in supernatural phenomenon. Unfortunately, the situation goes from bad to worse, when the contents of the cube are unveiled!
Finally! A game that doesn't take place in a haunted house, and doesn't involve Princesses or glitter! I absolutely love the fresh storyline and locale, I think I even got a little sand in my shoes! Although I'm not a fan of unrealistic gadgets that find hidden symbols, I'm willing to overlook this feature, because of the storyline. Whispered Secrets also has a unique feature, of finding hidden caches with photographs you find during the adventure, by aligning the photo with the correct area of a scene. The Collector's Edition version has 74 hidden Crystals, usually two in each scene (there is a pull out tab that shows if you have located all crystals in that scene) I will admit, that some of these are very well hidden, nearly impossible to spot in some scenes. I enjoyed searching for them, but I don't think offering a bunch of crystals is worthy enough to constitute the CE price, unless you take advantage of a good CE sale, so at full price, this Standard Edition is probably the best option.
The Hidden Object Scenes are decent, I especially liked the Interactive Progressive Silhouetted Shape scenes. There are also Interactive List Finds, Multiples of herbs and spices, requiring you to place them into sections of a grinder and turning the handle to expose compartments on the other sides. One of the location scenes was repeated, and there are several smaller Zoom Zone HOP's. Whenever you use the Cube of Sins against sand magic areas, you will play a HOP/Mini Game where you are tasked with finding 7 hidden symbols in the scene, using a lens to reveal them. I've never been fond of the "mystic" magic lens feature, but it isn't used over abundantly.
The Mini Games range from easy to medium difficulty, nothing really challenging, but some games are quite lengthy. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Swap tiles to complete the key picture.
2) Connect the symbols in one continuous line without overlapping.
3) Use the lense to reveal 7 hidden symbols (repeated each time the Cube of Sins is used)
4) Click on matching pairs of feathers.
5) Swap carpet sections to restore the pattern.
6) Defeat the monkey in a game of Alquerque, by eliminating his pieces, by jumping your marbles over your opponents marbles. Read the blue book for rules of engagement. (available in Casual or Hard modes of difficulty)
7) Rearrange the mannequins apparel to match the photograph.
8) Rotate ornaments using directional arrows, rotating one ornament may affect others.
9) Arrange books according to color, on a shelf.
10) Select directional arrows to guide the camel from obstacles, while using the correct items on the right, a dagger, a shield and goggles.
11) Untangle the rope by dragging knots.
WHISPERED SECRETS GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1- The Story of Tideville (October 7-12) 3.9
2- Into The Beyond (November 14-13) 4.1
3- Into The Wind (October 4-14) 4.2
4- Golden Silence (August 6-15) 4.2
5- Everburning Candle (March 31-16) 4.5
6- Song of Sorrow (November 12-16) 3.7
7- Forgotten Sins (September 2-17) 3.5
2- Into The Beyond (November 14-13) 4.1
3- Into The Wind (October 4-14) 4.2
4- Golden Silence (August 6-15) 4.2
5- Everburning Candle (March 31-16) 4.5
6- Song of Sorrow (November 12-16) 3.7
7- Forgotten Sins (September 2-17) 3.5
The Collector's Edition has replayable Hidden Object Scenes and Mini Games, replayable Movie Videos, 8 Music Soundtracks, 10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art Workshop pictures, 74 Collectible Crystals, a built in Strategy Guide and two Bonus Chapters Her Shattered Dreams & His Frenzy, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Use your puzzle skills to solve mosaics and decorate your garden!
Overall rating
5
/
5
48 of 61 found this review helpful
THE FAR KINGDOMS ARE EXPANDING THEIR BORDERS
PostedOctober 2, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhere's Corvus the white Raven?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I've always loved The Far Kingdoms games, that were first introduced as HO/Match 3 games, and then as Solitaire games. Recently, The Far Kingdoms have been expanding their borders to include these wonderful Mosaic games.
Although the puzzles offered in this edition tend to be on the easy-breezy side of the spectrum, I'm okay with that, because I enjoy the relaxation factor. If you're a hardcore Mosaic fan looking for a challenge, Garden Mosaics probably won't cut it for you, but if you are new to Mosaic games, or you just want to chillax, this game will knock your socks off. Personally, I like both easy and challenging Griddler Mosaics, sometimes I just want to solve no brainer mosaics, other times I want more of a challenge, so I will definitely buy this game when I get another punch coupon.
The object of this game is the same as other mosaics or griddler games, fill in the cells with the correct numbers as shown on both the columns and rows. Each group of numbers must be separated by at least one empty cell. Sometimes it's easier to figure out which cells can't possible be filled in, to reduce the possible filled cells. Some cells contain extra hints, some contain coins that can be used to upgrade your royal Garden. (you can choose the items and where to place them) If you get stuck, you can switch to another color, use an available hint, or, once the Amulet has been fully charged, you can get a mega hint which fills in four random cells for you.
THE FAR KINGDOM GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Release Date***Genre***Average Rating
Title***Release Date***Genre***Average Rating
1-The Far Kingdoms: November 13-13 (Hidden Object) 3.1
2-Winter Solitaire: September 9-14 (Solitaire) 3.6
3-Elements: November 24-14 (Hidden Object/Match 3) 3.4
4-Age of Solitaire: April 13-15 (Solitaire) 3.9
5-Sacred Grove Solitaire: December 29-15 (Solitaire) 4.0
6-Magic Mosaics: April 11-16 (Mosaic Griddler) 4.0
7-Forgotten Relics: April 4-17 (Solitaire) 3.5
8-Garden Mosaics: October 2-17 (Mosaic Griddler) n/a
2-Winter Solitaire: September 9-14 (Solitaire) 3.6
3-Elements: November 24-14 (Hidden Object/Match 3) 3.4
4-Age of Solitaire: April 13-15 (Solitaire) 3.9
5-Sacred Grove Solitaire: December 29-15 (Solitaire) 4.0
6-Magic Mosaics: April 11-16 (Mosaic Griddler) 4.0
7-Forgotten Relics: April 4-17 (Solitaire) 3.5
8-Garden Mosaics: October 2-17 (Mosaic Griddler) n/a
This is a decent multi-colored Griddler Mosaic, that is solved using LOGIC, not by using a ton of hints or guessing, like some griddlers offered. The completed pictures are recognizable and colorful, and the music is nice, but tends to become repetitive. This game is definitely worthy of a credit, coupon or even full price in my opinion. Happy Monday Mosaic, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you save Netville from a dangerous artifact before it’s too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
42 of 49 found this review helpful
KEEPING UP WITH THESE POSSESSED ANTIQUES IS A FULL TIME JOB!
PostedOctober 1, 2017
pennmom36
from"I think the house doesn't want us here" You think!?! Everything from a newspaper to a lampshade says GET OUT, it's safe to assume it wants you to leave!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Alexandra Anderson has taken over the family Antique Store. When Uncle Paul decided it was time to retire, he revealed a secret to his niece, that he had been keeping for years, the Antique Store was no ordinary Antique store! Uncle Paul has been a member of a secret society of Keepers (aren't they all?) whose mission is to sustain peace and life, by finding powerful artifacts that have supernatural powers. One of these supernatural artifacts has just shown up in the town of Netville, a camera that seemingly render the recipient of the picture invisible. Gone, gone, gone, the question is, where did it go, and how do you get it back?
This is the third game in the series, and things are looking up, because this storyline seems much more interesting than the last, but certainly not original. It's sometimes difficult to tell this game apart from Witches Legacy and Fear For Sale games because they all have the same graphics, collectibles and features, one of which is being able to interact with several items in each scene. The Collector's Edition version has Achievements to earn, 33 Morphing Objects, 33 Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (to assemble 3 different Screensavers) and 36 Collectibles (why not 33?) The collectibles are available in 5 categories, and when you find all collectibles in a category, it will reveal plot-relevant information. In my opinion, this game is very CE worthy, so if you can, opt for the CE version, however, if you're not into all the CE bling, or tight on funds, this Standard Edition is perfectly fine.
The Hidden Object Scenes are basic but vary in type, and there's an alternate Matching game available on some of the 26 available HOP's. There are Progressive Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds, Interactive List finds and Keywords in Sentence finds, some of which have a small puzzle to solve. There are also Fragment finds whenever you are tasked with using the Keepers Tool, which seems to vary in type each of the 20 times you will use it during the game.
The Mini Games are kind of boring and simplistic, and they all seem similar to each other, which is one of the reasons I only gave this game 4 stars. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Use directional arrows to slide puzzle strips to form the correct picture.
2) Find 5 artifact traces using the Keepers Tool to locate.
3) Shoot down the blimp by clicking when the lines cross over the targeted area.
4) Move disks along the lines and swap adjacent disks to restore the photo.
5) Select and place the missing items correctly onto the picture.
6) Swap pieces along the lines so that they match the photo.
7) Drag camera fragments correctly in place.
8) Select and place picture tiles correctly.
9) Remove roots that don't have other roots passing through them.
10) Restore the picture by swapping adjacent puzzle squares.
THE KEEPER OF ANTIQUES GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-The Revived Book (June 9-16) 4.5
2- The Imaginary World (January 28-17) 3.3
3- The Last Will (August 31-17) 4.0
2- The Imaginary World (January 28-17) 3.3
3- The Last Will (August 31-17) 4.0
The Collector's Edition has 9 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 3 Music Soundtracks, 3 Screensavers, 36 collectible Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (to assemble 3 screensavers) 33 Morphing Objects, 33 Collectibles (8-200th Anniversary of Netville/6-Richard Moore things/4-The Lee Brothers' things/6-Models of a House/9-Legendary Artifacts) 12 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy
I recommend this game!