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:
Can you uncover the secrets hidden in the Alexander Valentine Hotel?
Overall rating
5
/
5
182 of 220 found this review helpful
WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER
PostedSeptember 30, 2017
pennmom36
from"I hope that was a fake scream for the audience, otherwise I need to hurry"......right after I check out the newspapers article on the bulletin board, solve a few puzzles, and snoop around outside first!
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
The Ghost Seekers have invited a special guest host on their latest paranormal investigation of the Alexander Valentine Hotel. Rachael Collins didn't have to pull any strings to have her cousin join the team however, because James is certainly no stranger to the paranormal field, especially when it comes to Haunted Hotels! By the time James arrives, the entire team has disappeared, and he soon realizes that this Hotel holds many secrets, and even more haunted ghosts. The XV Hotel gained a seedy reputation long before it became a Hotel, dating back to 1927, when the entire Valentine family was found viciously slaughtered! Now James is left with no choice but go it alone, to save his cousin from the Evil Inside!
I was a tad bit disappointed with this 15th edition of one of my favorite series, Haunted Hotel. I own every game in this series, including the 3 original Haunted Hotel games that are only available in Standard Editions. I was disappointed that after the last 2 incredibly epic storylines, they took a step backwards, with just a run of the mill plot. I still love this game, but it pales in comparison to the last two games in the series. The second disappointment I have with The Evil Inside, is that for some reason, these devs decided to offer a stupid gimmicky device called Patrick, an acronym for Paranormal Activity TRacker & Interactive Computing Kernel. Why oh why, oh why did they have to do this to my beloved Haunted Hotel???????
At least they didn't mess with the CE bling, HH never disappoints, because I can count on the fact that they offer some type of Morphing Objects, and always in the game locations NOT within the HOP's which is a feature I loathe.There are also 20 hidden Puzzle Pieces that will form 4 different Screensavers when all have been found. There are also hidden Collectible Business Cards to find as well the usual Achievements to earn etc.
The Hidden Object Scenes vary with each one, with Interactive List Finds, Interactive Silhouetted Shape Finds, Listed Items that uncover Fragments, and one of my personal favorites, where you move objects two at a time, to Match 2 of the same items hidden within. There isn't an alternate to the HOP's, but they are fairly well done HOP's.
The Mini Games are all doable, although a few of them are fairly time consuming. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Reveal only the symbols that are shown on the left by flipping tiles, clicking on one tile may affect others.
2) Use Patrick to scan the scene for 7 orbs that can't be seen with the naked eye. (this is me shaking my head <<O>>)
3) Move the knobs on Patrick to focus the image. <<0>>
4) Align the image shown on Patrick with the correct location in the scene. <<0>>
5) Place metal pieces on the disk so that all of the cells are filled, using the rotation button to correct the angle of the pieces.
6) Use directional arrows to guide the ball through the maze.
7) Restore the image by moving horizontal and vertical puzzle strips on Patrick's screen.
8) Find 7 more hidden orbs using Patrick <<0>>
9) Swap adjacent tiles to restore the image shown on Patrick.
10) Swap adjacent tiles in yet another Patrick game <<0>>
11) Direct arrows so that the 3 balls will land on the top spaces at the same time.
12) Move picture pieces into the correct spots using arrows to rotate the pieces that will rotate each time they move over a circle.
13) Move the tiles to adjacent empty slots to reveal the compartment.
HAUNTED HOTEL GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Haunted Hotel (SE only March 2008) 2.9
2-Believe The Lies (SE only January 2009) 2.7
3-Lonely Dreams (SE only September 2010) 3.2
4-Charles Dexter Ward (June 10-12) 3.9
5-Eclipse (October 10-13) 4.1
6-Ancient Bane (May-29-14) 3.9
7-Death Sentence (December 18-14) 4.1
8-Eternity (April 25-15) 3.7
9-Phoenix (August 20-15) 3.7
10-The X (November 12-15) 4.3
11-The Axiom Butcher (April 30-16) 4.1
12- Silent Waters (September 17-16) 3.7
13-The Thirteenth (December 24-16) 3.6
14-Personal Nightmare (May 25-17) 4.1
15-The Evil Inside (September 30-17)
2-Believe The Lies (SE only January 2009) 2.7
3-Lonely Dreams (SE only September 2010) 3.2
4-Charles Dexter Ward (June 10-12) 3.9
5-Eclipse (October 10-13) 4.1
6-Ancient Bane (May-29-14) 3.9
7-Death Sentence (December 18-14) 4.1
8-Eternity (April 25-15) 3.7
9-Phoenix (August 20-15) 3.7
10-The X (November 12-15) 4.3
11-The Axiom Butcher (April 30-16) 4.1
12- Silent Waters (September 17-16) 3.7
13-The Thirteenth (December 24-16) 3.6
14-Personal Nightmare (May 25-17) 4.1
15-The Evil Inside (September 30-17)
This Collector's Edition has 10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 4 Music Soundtracks, 19 Achievements to earn, Collectible Business Cards, 25 Morphing Objects, 20 hidden Picture Fragments that give you 4 different Screensavers when complete, a Secret Room, 12 replayable Mini Games, 15 replayable Hidden Object Puzzles, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter to return to the Hotel, assuming you make it out alive! Enjoy your stay!
I recommend this game!
Can you keep history from destroying the present?
Overall rating
4
/
5
140 of 172 found this review helpful
IT'S A GOOD THING THIS IS A FANTASY THEMED GAME OTHERWISE THERE'S A WHOLE LOT OF "THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE" GOING ON
PostedSeptember 28, 2017
pennmom36
fromHow did my personal Caduceus symbol end up inside the building I just arrived at 10 minutes ago, and tangled up with the mannequin signs at that??
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
Hey, guess what, the very first inventory item I picked up was a can of oil! Not just any oil, this is the good stuff, the kind that not only instantly removes 30 years worth of corrosion, but somehow restores the item to it's former glory! (well, after all I am a healer)
The next item I discover is a bee fogger, and just in the nick of time too, because there's an angry mob of bees guarding THE very area I need to examine more closely (I live on 7 acres of land and have yet to come across an angry swarm of bees in a random place, yet they appear in nearly every game!)
Soon I discover a bottle of water and you know what that means, yep I found a shriveled up plant that looks as if it flatlined about a year ago, maybe longer. Guess what happens next? Ta Dah! I add just a dash of water and this prune of a plant goes through an amazing cellular molecular transformation, and the rejuvenated chloroplasts instantly begin the photosynthesis process. Just when I think I can't be more impressed, poof! In the blink of an eye, my beautiful plant blooms!
Pretty soon I find a Hilt, and it's a good thing because over yonder's a knife with no hilt, and you and I know you can't remove a knife that's stuck in something without a handle. My only question is, if the hilt fell off in the first place, won't it fall off again when I give it a giant King Arthur tug? Did I hang onto the hilt for a while before discarding it in the next location?
There's a fireplace, I'm positive there's a very important object buried deep within it's fiery hot embers. Yes! I'm right, there IS indeed a puzzle piece I need, it's affirmative. Oh wait, I'm going to have to find an oven mitt, otherwise I'll burn my Healer Hands. Oh, here's one, all's good, let me carefully open the screen, careful now, HOT, very hot. Whew! rut row, an ember accidentally fell out, let me just pick that up with my UNgloved hand...got it?????
By now, I've done very little investigating and even less healing, because.....I've got to pick this lock with the hairpin I just found, I've got my priorities straight.
So now that we've completed all of the cliche and very predictable tasks, let's talk a little about the storyline. Clarissa was supposed to be the star of the Dance Imperium show, but was fired by the boss Domenico for the treasonous act of using dark magic.HR didn't get involved, innocent Clarissa meets her demise, leaving behind a bitter daughter named Amber. Amber Brown is not a crayon, but she does cry blue crystal tears. Being the fantastic healer you are, you agree to perform a ritual for Clarissa to help her weakened body reach the underworld. Clarissa assures us that she doesn't believe nor practice the art of dark magic as her mother before her did, so why is she willing to be ritualized by dark magic now?
In this Collector's Edition version there are 15 Morphing Flowers, 15 collectible Statuettes, and 39 Crystals to find that allow you to buy 15 different Medico Imperium Laboratory virtual items. There are also 30 Achievements to earn for all the usual milestones.
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds, but there's also one that requires finding and replacing Keyword items correctly, and there is an alternate Match 3 game to play instead of the HOP's. This CE version has 17 replayable HOP's in the bonus section as well.
The Mini Games aren't bad, and most are available in either an Easy or Hard difficulty mode. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Swap articles of clothing between 4 mannequins, using the sign labels as a reference.
2) Use the Diagnosis Lens to examine the patient, and click on the affected areas. (okay, I'll admit this is a stupid game)
3) Position the dancers limbs to match the image shown.
4) Use directional arrows to move flowers to their matching spots. Some passes may be affected if you cross over the red spinners.
5) Trace the symbol without drawing over lines twice.
6) Place ritual items in the correct space by moving tokens to adjacent spots.
7) Prepare a potion in the Healer Kit by placing all items where you think they logically go, then click the button to test your arrangement. Correctly placed items will light up, but if any are wrong all items will be removed.
8) Paint the canvas using the picture as a reference.
ENCHANTED KINGDOM GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-A Dark Seed (April 6-17) 3.9
2-A Stranger's Venom (September 28-17) n/a
2-A Stranger's Venom (September 28-17) n/a
This Collector's Edition has 10 Concept Art pictures, 16 Wallpapers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 17 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 17 replayable Mini Games, 30 Achievements to earn, 15 Morphing Flowers, 15 Collectible Statuettes, 39 hidden Crystals that allow you to purchase virtual items for your Medico Imperium Laboratory, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Explore a fantasy world and help solve the mysteries in this whimsical match 3 game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
89 of 103 found this review helpful
I WAS EXPECTING A CHEAPLY MADE MATCH 3 GAME, BUT INSTEAD I GOT SOMETHING WONDERFUL!
PostedSeptember 27, 2017
pennmom36
fromEasy Breezy isn't a bad thing!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Cradle of Egypt
(92)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Just looking at the small iconic picture of this game on the new release page today, made me think it was a cheap B list knockoff game. I therefore wasn't expecting much, but I downloaded it anyway. To my surprise, I found this to be a really fun Match 3 game! I will say though, it's a really easy Match 3 game, because in my opinion they give you too much time per level, or perhaps not enough goals to meet. I'm assuming it will eventually get more difficult, but perhaps I was just enjoying the fact that the ease of the game made for a relaxing hour. Unfortunately I used my last PCC on Crossroad Mystery, the other new release of the day, but I'm totally willing to take someone's unwanted coupon code via PM, hint hint lol :)
The graphics are good and the music (Celtic?) is very relaxing, although it does tend to get a bit loud at times. At one point the music changed abruptly and very loudly to an almost modern lively jig, it seemed so out of place to me, but it only lasted briefly, don't know what was up with that?!? You can choose to play in a Relaxed difficulty mode but honestly, they give you more than enough time in the normal Timed mode. There are also Language options besides English, in French, Italian, German and Spanish. Any of the 100 levels can be replayed (you can also swap between relaxed and timed without having to start a new profile) which can be helpful if you want a better score, or if you somehow begin to run out of time.
This is a Swap type Match 3 game that requires you to make matches of specified tiles in specified amounts. The level goals are shown on the top right of the screen, which also may include clearing gold cells, or collecting Clovers by making matches under them until they eventually fall off of the board.
Large Matches of 4 or more will earn you bonuses on the board, with the ability to destroy a single tile, unlock blocked symbols, destroy rocks, etc. Sparkling symbols will charge your special abilities when they are included in a match. After each level, you can access the Shop to buy Power-ups with the gold you earn, and as you progress, upgrades to each of the power-ups become available. There are several types available such as:
1-Bar Blaster: destroys 2 symbols on each side, and the upgrade destroys an entire row.
2-X Spot: destroys 2 symbols diagonally, and the upgrade destroys all symbols diagonally.
3-Key:releases symbols from a lock, the upgrade releases a broader area.
4-Random:destroys a random symbol, and the upgrade destroys 3 random symbols.
There are the usual obstructions but with slightly different visual graphics such as symbols with locks that require matches of whichever symbol is locked, or rocks that cover symbols, requiring you to make matches adjacent to them to chip away the rock.
Give this game a fair chance, the levels are super easy to beat at first, but after 20 levels or so, it begins to become progressively more difficult. This game is perfect for Halloween or anytime for that matter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Help a young woman dig up her past and face her fears in this hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
166 of 191 found this review helpful
STIGMATA
PostedSeptember 27, 2017
pennmom36
fromI like that the scissors break, and the batteries die because they are old. At least its a reasonable explanation as to why I discard a useful tool after one use!
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
This is one of those old school games that you'll either love it or loathe it. The graphics aren't all that great, but they are decent enough to make the game enjoyable, and the iconic old school vibe, adds to the mystery. You can choose the difficulty level from Easy to Nightmare, and all information is logged into your Journal. There is a jump Map available, but it doesn't have icons that tell you which location has an available task, at least none that I noticed.
I was really getting into the storyline, and it has some really good features, such as collectible Wooden Crosses to give you extra Hints (you can also combine 3 elements in a row, I'm assuming in a mini game, to add hints if you run out, but you start out with several hints and I never ran out to find out specifics of this feature) The crosses aren't easy to find either, I'm not sure if they aren't available in every scene or I just didn't always spot them! There are also Conversation Choices at times to make, and the feature I loved the best, was that my decisions actually matter. By this I mean, if I choose the wrong decision, it's GAME OVER! Yep, you must make life or death decisions, so choose wisely! You may not even notice that as you progress, there will be save points, which are automatic, and if you make the wrong decision, you will start back at the last saved position before the incident, how cool is that!!
The Broken Deal is about a woman who remembers nothing about her past, a woman branded with unknown symbol stigmatas on the palms of both of her hands. The last thing she recalls is an old asylum (of course) so she boards a plane and heads to Blackburn, but her destination never arrives......or does it?
The Hidden Object Scenes are all Interactive List finds, at least in the demo. They are decent enough, and the graphics are clear enough, nothing special, but nothing horrible either.
There aren't a whole lot of mini games in the demo, but they really aren't that bad in my opinion, I found them to all be doable and entertaining. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Rotate the knob to set the radio frequency using the light brightness as your clue.
2) Turn all cells green within 14 moves without intersecting cells already lit.
This game probably isn't going to win any awards, and it's certainly not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but I really like the mysterious plot. I've already used a PCC to buy the game because there's just something about this story that intrigues me, I've gotta find out how it ends, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Would you believe in the unbelievable? Find 120 unique mosaic photos and a new Wonderland adventure in Alice's Jigsaw 2!
Overall rating
1
/
5
18 of 20 found this review helpful
IF THE FIRST CHRONICLES TANKED SHOULDN'T YOU TRY TO IMPROVE THE SECOND?
PostedSeptember 26, 2017
pennmom36
fromHey Big Fish, did you realize that you suggest playing the first Alice Jigsaw Chronicles, but also say #2? The link takes you to the first game, but says Chronicles 2, which is this new game!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Jigsaw Mania
(5)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
What do any of these pictures have to do with Alice in Wonderland? I've always said, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but if the first game in the series totally tanked, FIX IT! The first Wonderland Chronicles received a measly 2.8 average rating, in my book, it constitutes some much needed revisions, and the main complaint was with the themed pictures, or lack thereof.
It's no secret that I'm a puzzle geek, but the pictures have to appeal to my tastes, and most of these pictures are ugly, or just plain old boring. As far as Mosaics go, the features are decent, although nothing new. You can play in a timed mode or relaxed untimed mode, and there is a left handed option as well. There is also a visible timer, which is a feature they don't always offer. I found it amusing that the first puzzle gives you 5:00 minutes to place a single large bow, if it takes you five minutes to place a bow, I wouldn't bother with the second puzzle.
The goals are simple, drag picture fragments from the Ribbon (inventory bar on right or left side depending on the option you choose) and place the fragments onto the picture correctly. You will receive a Key for completing the puzzle, a Key for completing the puzzle within the allotted time, and a Key for no mistakes. You can purchase more time or more hints with the coins earned. As you progress, the fragments become smaller and less of the picture is shown at the start which can become quite frustrating in the Timed mode.
There are 6 themed Rooms or in this case Worlds, which are all Chess Piece names such as Rook, Knight, Queen etc. Again, not really Alice in Wonderland staples. You will have to earn a specified number of Keys in order to unlock subsequence Worlds, which each consist of 20 pictures per world.
If these pictures appeal to your inner puzzle geek, then you've got yourself a great Mosaic puzzle game, but if they don't, I'd pass this one up.
I don't recommend this game.
Check out the new chapter in the adventures of Katy and Bob. Head into Safari Park and grow your business in this time management adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
80 of 93 found this review helpful
I LOVE THIS SAFARI THEMED GAME!
PostedSeptember 26, 2017
pennmom36
fromSo where's John?
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
It's been a long time since we've been treated to a really good Diner Dash type Time Management game. The best part about this game is that you don't have to click and drag anything! Although I love this safari themed game, I don't see the need to pay twice as much for a Collector's Edition version. The only thing you get with the CE version, is 10 Concept Art pictures that are very cartoonish, 5 downloadable Music Soundtracks, 12 Trophies to earn for hitting milestones, and 10 Bonus Levels. None of these features are interesting to me personally, so I'll wait for the Standard Edition to buy the game.
Katy & Bob are siblings who have a rich daddy. The dynamic duo are offered the opportunity to get in on the ground floor, of opening up several cafe's in the expanding Safari Park. Daddy thinks this is a great business adventure so they open the first of three cafe's. The graphics and game mechanics are way better than the original Katy & Bob: Way Back Home, which was released in 2012.
This is a point and click TM style game, where you click the customer to give them a menu first, and then click on the item they order, deliver the order and click to check them out. You don't have to drag anybody or anything (a feature I really find annoying) After checking the customers out, they leave you a tip that requires another click on the coins to receive your tip. The slower you are at doing these tasks, directly affects the tip, with gold, silver or bronze coins earned. The "expert" goal amount is shown before the start of each level, and there are Bonus Goals available (but not required) which are shown at the bottom, such as collecting money from three consecutive customers.
As you progress, the menu items increase, and more combo's are orders. a customer may want a steak, or a steak burger with veggies, and or condiments. There are three different fruits available, apples, oranges and grapes. Some customers want fresh squeezed juice which requires you to place the correct fruit in the juicer before serving. If they want it frozen, you have to take the fresh squeezed fruit drink into the freeze machine and wait until it freezes before serving.
After each level, you can use the money you earn to buy items or upgrades from the shop. You can buy extra serving stations, increase the price of items or upgrade flooring etc. to keep customers happier longer. Eventually, you will unlock the Antique Shop, at specific levels, that allows you to buy artifacts that speed up service, give the customers a better disposition, or make them more patient for longer times for example.
I love everything about this game, except for the CE price, so I highly recommend the game, but for me personally, I can't see paying twice as much for this version, just for some concept art pics and a few trophies. If you don't mind the price, or you love the CE bling offered, that's okay, but I do suggest waiting for the Standard Edition to compare the two side by side, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Explore the streets of Paris as you track down the Strangler!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 34 found this review helpful
SLEUTHING THE STREETS OF PARIS
PostedSeptember 24, 2017
pennmom36
fromGreat storyline, MH
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
Uncle Andre has invited you to visit him in Paris, but this trip is anything but a vacation. Andre Baudin is a member of the finer things club, known as the Golden Circle Club. Members of this elite circle include doctors, poets, world renowned travelers, playwrights, composers,and musicians. Lately, the circle has been getting smaller and smaller, as one by one, the members are being systematically picked off, death by strangulation! You've witnessed this phenomenon with your own eyes, first the marks appear, and within seconds, a shadowy figure arrives and chaos ensues, before you can figure out what's going on, you discover the victim has been strangled! Can you stop this evil force of nature before it destroys anyone associated with the club?
I'm a Mad Head games fan because USUALLY their games are unique and have slightly different features, which make them less of a cookie cutter adventure. MH games sure do love their symbols tho, and I just felt like they went a little overboard with them in this game. Things were going along smoothly for me in the demo, I was willing to overlook all the symbols (even the Collector's Edition version bling has a hidden symbol in each scene) then they introduced the Memory Medallion. This futuristic device (keep in mind this game takes place in 1923, cars still require you to crank them by hand!) can not only capture and replay a memory, but swap small items as well, as long as it can fit inside the tiny device! How exactly does this medallion work? Does it tap into your brainwaves? If it does, how does it know whose brain to tap into? Does it project the memory in a holograph? How does it transport objects, telekinesis? Where did this device come from? If someone from the club invented it, why didn't they put all their knowledge towards upgrading the card? I liked this game, but it would have been a fantastic game if they just ditched all the supernatural aspects, and went strictly with the whodunit murder mystery.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied and presented in typical Mad Head fashion. In the CE version, each HOP had a Morphing Object to find. There are a variety of styles offered, such as Multiple Object finds, Interactive List finds, and items that need to be placed into the scene where they logically go.
The Mini Games are fairly easy, most can be solved on the first attempt. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Swap tiles to complete the image.
2) Place sticky notes from each side correctly.
3) Move Donna's token through the maze, avoiding the cab, and using the maps features to navigate.
4) Repeat the pauses in the music from the top track to the bottom.
5) Swap triangular elements to match the sketch.
6) Move chess pieced to highlighted sections on the board until each piece is on their color coded spot.
7) Use a magnifying glass to find items you can't see with the naked eye.
8) Pair each token with its owner using the clues.
9) Match the names and occupations with the portraits.
10) Find the coins in a cup shuffle game.
The Collector's Edition has 33 Collectible Hidden Signs, 19 Morphing Objects within the Hidden Object Scenes, 10 Achievements to earn, replayable Hidden Object Scenes and Memory games, a Character Gallery, 11 Music Soundtracks, Wallpapers, Concept Art pictures, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you save a young heir from Saint Germain in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
17 of 20 found this review helpful
CHARACTER VOICEOVERS ARE REALLY BAD
PostedSeptember 23, 2017
pennmom36
fromI'm glad you're feeling better son, don't try to talk, really don't talk your voice is fake and annoying!
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
That evil dwarf, Saint Germain, is at it again, and he's anything but a saint! SG has his sights set on Sebastian, an innocent little boy, a boy with a gift, or a curse, depending on how it's used. Sebastian has a unique ability, an ability that allows him to mediate between the living and the dead, an ability that SG so desperately desires, an ability that can grant the evil dwarf immortality. Evil that can never be eradicated is bad enough, but evil as annoying as SG is even more frightening! (wheres Lord Tyrion when you need him, am I right?)
I've gotta hand it to the new developers, Amax, (formerly ERS) they were somehow able to revamp a dying series. It's obvious that they have combined new forces with the old, to bring this series up to speed with fresh new ideas and features, while still keeping the original essence, inspired by the father of Russian literature, Alexander Pushkin. The graphics are stunning, the game mechanics are flawless, and the storyline flows well from beginning to end. I'm still disappointed however, in the fact that they continue to overlook the fact that none of their games automatically support widescreen. Their games always require me to either play in windowed mode, or adjust my screen resolution (which is a huge inconvenience, after the game, I have to go back into my screens resolution and readjust back to the original setting) If I don't opt for one of these solutions, the game plays in a stretched manner, and I lose the ability to see anything on either side, particularly during a Hidden Object Scene! If other devs are able to solve this issue, why can't they? The second feature I find annoying, is that the HOP's are always repeated in the same location at least once, which becomes boring a second time around, even though they usually change the type of HO's.
In the Collector's Edition version, each scene has one of three different valued hidden mechanical hearts. The Red Heart is worth 1 coin, the Silver Heart is worth 5 coins and the Gold Heart is worth 10 coins. You can use the coins to repair your humble abode, by removing boards covering the windows, replacing 5 different windows, repairing the front entrance, landscaping the gardens, bring trees back to life, new pavement and even somehow managing to replant an entire forest that sits behind the house! As far as CE value, I'm not so sure this one is worthy of the higher price tag, so in my opinion, unless you really like fixing virtual mansions, and only the outside at that, this Standard Edition version is just fine.
The Hidden Object Scenes are decent, but nothing new is presented in the demo, and so far, there aren't any alternative games offered in lieu of the HOP. There are Keywords in Sentence finds, Multiples of the same item finds, Silhouetted Shape finds, uncovering Matching Pair finds, and several Zoom Zone HOP's with Fragmented item finds. As I stated earlier, several of the scenes are repeated in the same location, but usually with a different type of HOP.
The Mini Games are actually fairly entertaining for the most part, although they tend to be on the easier side of difficulty. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Move all the stones along the lines, to their matching colored slots. In the Hard mode, stones can only be moved when a hand isn't over it.
2) Open all "marked" crates to find matching pairs.
3) Swap tiles to complete the image.
4) Arrange pairs of symbols in the correct order at the bottom, matching symbols must be placed next to each other.
5) Repeat the sequence of stones that light up.
6) Place statue fragments correctly within highlighted areas.
7) Arrange the statues correctly according to color and symbol clues on the base.
8) Follow a recipe in the correct order.
9) Select and drag the circle through each pattern, without going outside of the lines.
HAUNTED LEGENDS GAMES AVAILABLE IN ORDER
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-The Queen of Spades (December 15-10) 4.2
2-The Bronze Horseman (September 11-11) 4.0
3-The Undertaker (November 15-12) 4.4
4-The Curse of the Vox (June 30-13) 4.0
5-Stone Guest (November 15-14) 4.0
6-The Dark Wishes (May 15-15) 3.7
7-The Secret of Life (November 5-15) 3.9
8-The Iron Mask (July 30-16) 4.1
9-Faulty Creatures (December 3-16) 3.1
10-The Black Hawk (March 9-17) 4.3
11-The Cursed Gift (August 24-17) 4.2
2-The Bronze Horseman (September 11-11) 4.0
3-The Undertaker (November 15-12) 4.4
4-The Curse of the Vox (June 30-13) 4.0
5-Stone Guest (November 15-14) 4.0
6-The Dark Wishes (May 15-15) 3.7
7-The Secret of Life (November 5-15) 3.9
8-The Iron Mask (July 30-16) 4.1
9-Faulty Creatures (December 3-16) 3.1
10-The Black Hawk (March 9-17) 4.3
11-The Cursed Gift (August 24-17) 4.2
The Collector's Edition has 5 Screensavers, 9 Concept Art pictures, 9 Wallpapers, 9 Movie Videos, 4 Music Soundtracks, 13 replayable Mini Games, 14 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Achievements to earn, Collectible Red, Silver and Gold Hearts (worth 1-5-10 coins) Upgradable house with earned collectibles, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a ghost bride and save the city?
Overall rating
3
/
5
75 of 99 found this review helpful
THE DEAD ARE COMING FOR US...THE DEAD ARE COMING FOR US!
PostedSeptember 23, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhatever happened to the fennec fox, and the hidden fans for hints?
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
Here I go again! I'm on another paranormal investigation, and right off the bat, I pick up a large vase that seems to have something inside because it's rattling. Do I blow it off, because it's probably just chipped pottery? Do I turn it upside down and shake out the contents? Nope, I search my surroundings for something heavy enough to smash it to pieces! This isn't even my pottery, and I certainly shouldn't claim the prize as my own. Guess what I do next, I find an oil container, and yes, it too has magical anticorrosion properties!
Then I read the bulletin board and low an behold, Martinez is missing!!! (he's that really scruffy looking cat that shows up everywhere) WHAAAT?!? This seems like a much bigger case to me, who cares about another scorned undead bride, Martinez is missing people! Not to mention there's a 1000k reward which is way more than the chump change I just got for my traveling per diem!
On with my case and my first interview with the mother of the undead bride. Turns out her family fortune was squandered by her gambling hubby, which is probably good enough reason to roll over in your grave, but certainly not enough to make you want to get up out of your cozy coffin, so I'll have to investigate further. So I notice some interesting knight statues in the house, and the black bar tip says "I wonder if they are for sale?" Well it's a little too late for helping this poor old woman, and she's been through alot man, am I really going to offer to buy these after the poor woman lost everything? (well technically she still has her daughter )
You all can finish playing this game, I'm going to look for Martinez!
GRIM FACADE GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Mystery of Venice (June 2011) 4.2
2-Sinister Obsession (July 5-12) 4.1
3-Cost of Jealousy (February 28-13) 4.0
4-A Wealth of Betrayal (April 24-14) 3.2
5-The Artist and the Pretender (September 18-14) 3.6
6-Hidden Sins (June 18-15) 4.2
7-Monster in Disguise (May 19-16) 4.0
8-The Red Cat (October 22-16) 3.8
9-A Deadly Dowry (September 23-17) n/a
2-Sinister Obsession (July 5-12) 4.1
3-Cost of Jealousy (February 28-13) 4.0
4-A Wealth of Betrayal (April 24-14) 3.2
5-The Artist and the Pretender (September 18-14) 3.6
6-Hidden Sins (June 18-15) 4.2
7-Monster in Disguise (May 19-16) 4.0
8-The Red Cat (October 22-16) 3.8
9-A Deadly Dowry (September 23-17) n/a
This Collector's Edition has 16 replayable Mini Games, 13 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 10 Movie Videos, 4 Music Soundtracks, 4 Screensavers, 10 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art pictures, 24 Achievements to earn, Hidden Roses in every scene so you can buy flower bouquets for even more undead brides (how many of them are there, it might be a pandemic!)
I don't recommend this game.
Follow Girl Lily as she investigates the Duchess and uncovers a dark plot against the royal family.
Overall rating
5
/
5
93 of 113 found this review helpful
DO YOU LOVE CLUTTER GAMES? THEN YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THIS GAME
PostedSeptember 21, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhat do the crystals give you, it doesn't say what they are for??
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
Who'd've thunk this game would be way more exciting than today's Collector's Edition release! If you love clutter games, this is basically the same, without the "Joe" part at least. You can choose between 3 different modes of difficulty, Very Casual with no time limits, Casual with just enough time (well, not always) or Hard which gives you 20% less time than casual.
The "Plot" is about a young thief who is offered the thieving job of all time, one that will net her enough money to put her thieving career in the rear view mirror forever. All she has to do, is break into a wealthy mans mansion, and steal some papers he keeps hidden within a secret room. That seems simple enough, so on with the puzzle details.
Although most of the puzzles are Clutter type games, there are also the occasional jigsaw puzzles or slider type puzzles available as well. If you've never played Clutter, these are HOP's where you must find matching pairs, triple matches or both, in a huge pile of clutter. Crystals can be collected with a single click. My favorite Clutter puzzle was finding a black and white match to a colored match, and I will admit, this one got me and I had to make several attempts before finding all the matches within the specified time! There are hints available, and more hints can be earned by completing the jigsaw puzzles.
At the end of each Clutter round, your score is tallied with the number of items found, hints used, crystals found, and even your longest run of matches without mistakes. I definitely had a blast with this game, and for me, it's an immediate purchase, enjoy the junk!
I recommend this game!