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:
Mystery awaits in this Match-3 puzzle adventure! Special tools transform the board, giving you the power to change your game in new ways.
Overall rating
5
/
5
76 of 89 found this review helpful
FANTASTIC MATCH 3 GAME HOWEVER...........
PostedSeptember 4, 2017
pennmom36
fromFigures, I find an interesting Match 3 game and have issues!
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
I loved this Match 3 game, but I kept having freezing issues. I remember that the first game in this series, Lost Gems Egypt (Jan. 2016) had an issue with losing power-ups in the 3rd city, which was immediately addressed and updated to solve the issue, so if this is a glitch and not my computer's fault, I'm sure it too will be fixed. Don't let that deter you from trying the demo, because it's a really good Match 3 game with very unique features and fantastic graphics. (and it's probably my computer's issue not the game) You can set the graphics with 3 different option choices, I tried the highest, and then the lowest graphics, and I really didn't notice that much of a change, they are still excellent on the lowest setting.
In Lost Gems Egypt, you searched diligently for your missing Cousin Emily, and discovered that she was trapped inside of a cursed book, the Book of Souls. Hiding within the book's binding, was a map that led to her rescue. The sites of the rituals that created the book, manifests dark energy on the map. Using the board to purify corresponding sites, in physical London, will purify the map and weaken the book, one Match 3 at a time.
This is a swap type Match 3 game, available in a Casual mode or Limited Moves mode, and there are several Achievements to earn as well. The level goals are shown at the bottom of the board, and usually consist of clearing all Silver cells and removing a specific number of specific tiles. Matching 4 tiles will earn you an explosive Bomb on the board, which is color specific, and must be used in a match of that color to detonate. A Match 5 will give you a Color Destroying Pearl on the board to destroy all identical colored tiles, of whichever tile it is matched with, on the board.
Some tiles are Locked, and cannot move until they are used in a Match with whichever tile is locked, some of them require multiple matches. As you progress, Power-Ups become available with upgrades. The power-ups can be used several times, but must be refilled after each use by matching special Lost Gems. The Slide Row power-up, allows you to slide the tool up or down to select a specific row, and then you can drag that chosen entire row, to the left or right, to help you line up matching tiles. The Rotate Tile Power-Up allows you to choose a 4 cell area (2x2) by first dragging it to the chosen cell, and then rotating all 4, 2x2 cells, to line up a match. This feature is usually a necessity when a silver or locked tile is being blocked by an unmoveable blockage. Special Lost Tiles must be collected to refill this meter as well.
Because of my freezing issues, I wasted a lot of demo time, and didn't get the opportunity to discover what other power-ups were available, but the two features I mentioned are truly unique and make the game really interesting. I'm hoping I can solve the issue and continue playing this addicting little Lost Gem Match 3 game, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the truth behind a string of strange thefts?
Overall rating
4
/
5
44 of 50 found this review helpful
IT'S LIKE THREE GAMES IN ONE
PostedSeptember 3, 2017
pennmom36
fromWouldn't acid damage the statue of Ra as well as the net?
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
One of the features I love about Vermillion Watch, is that they have different areas to investigate, and you can choose which areas or chapters you want to play in whatever sequence you choose. In Order Zero, The areas you'll investigate are the Zoological Garden, Ahab's Ship and the Museum, all of them are unique, and even though they are all part of the same investigation, it's like playing three different games! I also love the London factoids they give, when the game is loading, such as the fact that the Victorian London Postal Service ran deliveries 12 times a day! The graphics are really good, and the characters are very lifelike, this is a solid game throughout, one that actually peaks after the demo, in my opinion. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if any, is right for you:
Vermillion Watch doesn't disappoint when it comes to graphics, this game has some of the best graphics I've ever seen! I knew the graphics were going to be good when the opening scene showed a close-up of the raven blinking. (reminds me of the 3 eyed raven from GOT) Far too often, the animals portrayed in these games have jilted movements, and walk without moving their limbs, as they glide across the ground. The Giant Schnauzer in this game actually moves realistically and even runs out of the room like an actual dog would at that pace. The only grief I have with this episode, is with the lame character names, based upon the Wizard of Oz. I get it, the game is all about the introduction of the American, Order Zero or OZ, team, but it seems to me, that this game loosely represents Jules Verne, the Father of Science Fiction, with Captain Nemo and Captain Ahab as characters, so why did they use characters from the Wizard of Oz?
The Red Queen is at it again, always calling the shots from behind the scenes, always one step ahead of Young Hawkes (who will soon be referred to as Old Hawkes) and Phileas Fogg! During the last investigation, there was an unusual amount of robberies, and the Vermillion Watch has been asked to accompany Charles Marlow, the Verne museum curator, as he delivers an Egyptian treasure, a statue of Ra to its unveiling party hosted by the wealthy Lord Kingsbury. Hawkes discovers that the Watch isn't the only secret organization interested in this organized crime ring, when he meets Dorothy and her undercover cohorts, from the US. In the Collector's Edition version, there are 42 Hidden Stars (and eventually Ruby Boots and Souvenir Collectibles)
The Hidden Object Scenes aren't all that creative, but I will give them kudos on the fact that they were able to stump me a few times, because some of the objects are either well hidden or cleverly blended into another object. There are Multiple finds of Objects pertaining to a Riddle, Keywords in Sentences, and Listed item finds. Also in the Collector's Edition version, most of the HOP's have a Morphing Object. I love Morphing Objects, but I hate it when the Morphs are only offered within the HOP's. One of my must have features in a game used to be Morphs, but lately I've had to give up on this feature because Morphs that are available in each scene, seem to be a thing of the past. If you love Morphs, and you love a challenge, you should try some of the earlier Dark Parables, which have non-linear Morphs that don't morph in the scene until it has been triggered by an action in a completely different scene, now that's creativity!
Some of the Mini Games are awesome, but there are far too many Target games where you click when the target is in the green zone. (these are just too easy and not really fun) Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Select and rotate the rings to uncover the correct number of each symbol, as indicated on the clue.
2) Stop the moving circle when it turns a ring green.
3) Select and drag a continuous line between all of the dots without crossing over any flowers.
4) Stop the blue lines when they are on the artifact.
5) Create your disguise by selecting the correct mask pieces based on the photo.
6) Guide the token through the maze using directional arrows. The token will glow green the closer you get.
VERMILLION WATCH GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
1-Moorgate Accord (June 23-16) 3.8
2-Fleshbound (December 31-16) 3.7
3-Order Zero (August 5-17) 3.9
2-Fleshbound (December 31-16) 3.7
3-Order Zero (August 5-17) 3.9
The Collector's Edition has 15 Achievements to earn, 9 Concept Art pictures, 9 Wallpapers, 9 Before and After Dev pictures, 13 replayable Movie Videos, 12 Music Soundtracks, 14 Morphing Objects within the HOP's, 14 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, Collectible item searches and a Souvenir Room, Collectible Ruby Boots, 31 replayable Mini Games, 42 Hidden Stars, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you save your young nephew from an unimaginable fate?
Overall rating
4
/
5
41 of 46 found this review helpful
UNIMAGINABLE FATE? I CAN IMAGE A LOT OF FATES!
PostedSeptember 2, 2017
pennmom36
fromCome on dad, get in my purse, I've got to go save little Billy!
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
The review page blurb asks if I can save my nephew from an unimaginable fate, but I have a huge imagination! I haven't finished playing the entire game yet, but I did check out this Standard Edition version, midstream of the Collector's Edition version that I purchased. For me personally, I prefer the CE version, because I love Morphing Objects and collectibles, so if you don't care about those features, this version is perfectly fine. One thing I did notice (both versions) is that the children's characters are really cartoonish, and for the life of me, I can't understand why! I remember playing the beta version of Bloody Mary several years ago, and in one of the scenes, there as a class picture hanging on the wall, that required some type of interaction. On the survey afterwards, I asked why the picture of the children was so cartoonish and fake looking, when all the other characters and animals etc.were fantastically realistic. They actually did change the picture to look slightly more realistic, but it was still cartoonish and looked out of place, it was a photo, not a drawing by one of the kids. That's all worthless information, but after seeing those same cartoonish graphics again in The White Lady, I have to wonder why their graphics department still can't portrait more realistic, lifelike kids after 4 years! Other than that flaw, this is a great game, not the best Grim Tales, but a solid game with good entertainment value. Here's a recap of my review to help you decide which version, if any, is right for you:
Aunt Anna to the rescue once again! Little Billy has disappeared yet again, this time, from the boarding school that was once the Evergreen Mansfield Mansion. Rumors of a ghostly apparition have spread throughout the school, shortly before Billy and his friend Sarah went missing. Could this be the Lady in White? Could this be the ghost of Laura Mansfield?
The Grim Tales series is one of my favorite storylines, I own and have played all 12 previous games. Although The White Lady isn't one of the best games in the series, it's still an awesome game. The storyline in this game is just a little too familiar, and the HOP's are a bit dull, but the puzzles are in abundance to help even it out. I'm not sure why they chose to have Brandon's oldest son Billy, as the victim again, but perhaps the two storylines intertwine at some point in the story. In the Collector's Edition version, there are Collectible Emblems, Morphing Objects and Portraits that give a background history about various areas of the former Mansfield Mansion.
Anna Gray is a Private Detective with a unique ability to travel back in time. All she needs is a personal item from the victim, and she's whisked away, back in time, before the tragedy occurred. This part is never fully explained and I have sooo many questions! Does Anna actually disappear when she time travels, or does she just stand there looking all weird? How does Anna always manage to time travel to the perfect time frame, does she ever go back too far or not far enough? If all she has to do is touch a personal item to initiate the time travel, how does she keep from time traveling when she touches other items, does she wear gloves? A trip to the grocery store or museum could be a nightmare for poor Anna! All questions aside, well, there is another unanswered question, does Anna take Daddy Richard's skull with her everywhere she goes, or does she just pop his skull into her purse, only when there's an investigation?
As I stated earlier, the Hidden Object Scenes aren't very creative, but honestly, this is a feature that needs to either be phased out, or reverted back to the good ole days when objects were actually "hidden" Nowadays, the HO's are just huge junkpiles, or random cluttered items that in real life would make us look like hoarders. The objects are all in plain sight, not cleverly blended into a normal scene. The HO's in this demo are mostly Interactive List finds, but there are also Silhouetted Shape finds, and uncovering Pairs of identical objects.
The Mini Games are entertaining, ranging from super simple to medium difficulty. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Assemble a puzzle by correctly placing torn fragments.
2) Move all dowels through their corresponding holes using directional arrows on the dowels.
3) Use clue to enter the code on the panel.
4) Place sliders next to their corresponding images, sliders can only move clockwise along the tracks.
5) Complete the photo album pictures by placing the correct piece from the left and place on the right.
6) Hit the apple target by clicking when the sliders are within the green zone.
7) Light all the circles around the board by matching 3 or more identical tiles in a column to remove them.
8) Reconstruct a diary page by selecting a piece of the page and placing it in an adjacent empty space, pieces can't move over each other.
9) Use the clue shown to land on the correct symbols using left and right directional buttons to look through the different symbols.
10) Select directional arrows to move the character through the maze, searching for levers to open other parts of the maze.
GRIM TALES GAMES AVAILABLE
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating
-Bloody Mary (8-1-13) 4.3
-Color of Fright (11-6-14) 3.8
-Crimson Hollow (8-25-16) 4.1
-Graywitch (2-2-17) 4.0
-The Bride (11-19-11) 3.8
-The Final Suspect (5-16-15) 3.8
-The Heir (2-25-16) 4.3
-The Legacy (1-5-12) 4.6
-The Stone Queen (1-3-13) 3.9
-The Vengeance (5-15-14) 4.5
-The White Lady (8-3-17) 3.9
-The Wishes (7-12-12) 4.5
-Threads of Destiny (10-7-15) 3.9
-Color of Fright (11-6-14) 3.8
-Crimson Hollow (8-25-16) 4.1
-Graywitch (2-2-17) 4.0
-The Bride (11-19-11) 3.8
-The Final Suspect (5-16-15) 3.8
-The Heir (2-25-16) 4.3
-The Legacy (1-5-12) 4.6
-The Stone Queen (1-3-13) 3.9
-The Vengeance (5-15-14) 4.5
-The White Lady (8-3-17) 3.9
-The Wishes (7-12-12) 4.5
-Threads of Destiny (10-7-15) 3.9
The Collector's Edition has 1 Screensaver, 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks 20 Achievements to earn, Archives, 36 Collectible Emblem pieces, Morphing Objects, 14 Portraits, a Secret Room, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you save your friends from the sins of their past?
Overall rating
5
/
5
131 of 154 found this review helpful
EXORCISING THE SINS OF HUMANITY
PostedSeptember 2, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhere was the second camel at? Was he parked out back?
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
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. This 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 the 2 for 1 Labor Day sale, however, it does offer 2 Bonus Chapters!
The Hidden Object Scenes are decent, I especially liked the Interactive Progressive Silhouetted Shape scene. 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 search for 7 hidden symbols in the scene, using a lens to reveal them.
The Mini Games range from easy to medium difficulty, nothing really challenging, but some games are 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) n/a
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) n/a
This 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!
Win bingo battles to be the ruler of the seven kingdoms and collect relics to mark your conquests!
Overall rating
4
/
5
53 of 60 found this review helpful
I NEVER THOUGHT I'D ENJOY A COMPUTER VERSION OF BINGO!
PostedSeptember 1, 2017
pennmom36
fromDoes this mean that all the other kings and queens are 16, or does the Bingo battle go on indefinitely?
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
Turns out, that on your sixteenth birthday, you get to claim your rights to rule the Seven Kingdoms! Is it because of your skills in weaponry? Nope! Is it because of the strength of your army? Wrong again! It's because you are a wiz at BINGO! (well that's certainly an original story) There's only one thing left to do, blow out the birthday candles. Nope to that too, you must duke it out with Kings and Queens from faraway lands, in a battle bingo royale!
You can choose to play with one, or two Bingo cards, and you will be playing against other kings and queens, with no more than 3 opponents. The first one to achieve Bingo wins, and unfortunately they, aka the computer, seem to win more often than not. Three numbered balls are given at one time, each numbered ball also has a letter (b-i-n-g-o) and you click (daub) the cells on your boards if they match up. You get ample time to daub your numbers, and you can click the CALL icon located under the numbered balls to bring up the next set of numbers more quickly. Once the set of balls disappear, you can no longer daub those numbers on your cards. The first player to hit the Bingo icon wins that level.
Bingo examples are shown on the top left, any horizontal or vertical lines completely filled wins, diagonal lines in either direction wins, all four corners filled wins, and each level has a "special jackpot pattern" as shown that will earn you coins for winning. Some of the board cells have icons on them, that if filled, will earn you special items. Diamonds must be earned to unlock final battles, Quest Keys allow you to unlock side quests (side quests are similar to regular bingo, you ply side by side with your opponent, 3 numbers are given at one time, the board has less cells to fill, and there are no letter categories, first to fill board wins a relic) Luck Tokens allow you to take a free spin of the lucky wheel to earn coins, and Treasure Chests give you extra Power-ups.
Power-ups can be used to help you win, and you start out with one of each power-up, multiples have to be earned. The Hourglass puts a random opponent to sleep for one minute, The Bomb daubs a random unmarked cell on the board, The Sorcerer's Magic Hat will allow you to win the game if only one cell remains, and The Potion freezes all opponents for a period of time.
I had fun playing this game for the demo length, it's a great change of pace, and totally different than most of the games available. I'm on the fence wondering if this game will grow old and become boring after a while, so I'll wait until I have a PCC available to buy it, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you save Netville from a dangerous artifact before it’s too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
111 of 134 found this review helpful
REALITY SHIFT
PostedAugust 31, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhat happened to the new feature option of NOT having the cursor change to a hand when you come across a collectible or morph???
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. This 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.
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) n/a
2- The Imaginary World (January 28-17) 3.3
3- The Last Will (August 31-17) n/a
This 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!
Help Ebbo and Alice collect the materials they need from each of the five nearby islands in this fantasy match-3 game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 90 found this review helpful
I HATE IT WHEN THE DEMO ENDS JUST WHEN I WAS CLOSE TO BEATING THE LEVEL!
PostedAugust 30, 2017
pennmom36
fromThey could have made the characters a wee bit more attractive!?!
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
I always know a Match 3 game is good when the demo expires and I'm so engrossed that the abrupt ending takes me by surprise.Although this game is similar to all the Match 3 games by this dev, same music, same morphing tile bubbles to pop, same features, I really enjoyed playing it. It's even better with today's sale price! You can play in a Timed or Relaxed mode with no time restrictions.
Ebbo the Halfling, was strolling through the forest one day, when he discovered a dead man holding an artifact. The artifact was rumored to give its owner great powers, but little did he know, the artifact would cause him so much grief! Wars erupted over the artifact, humans made alliances with Elves and Dwarves, against the evil Orcs. Eventually the artifact was destroyed, but so was the Halflings village, and they blamed Ebbo for everything! With a heavy heart, Ebbo decided to take another stroll, and this time he met a sorceress named Alice, who agreed to help him rebuild his village, and his reputation, one Match at a time.
The only complaints I have with this game, are that the tile elements are so alike and "busy" that at times, its difficult to tell them apart or see available matches. I'm also a little disappointed that you don't earn any bonuses or power-ups when you make large matches.
This is a swap type Match 3 game, where you swap elements to make Matches of at least 3 identical elements, over all "Jeweled" or colored Cells, while gathering the required amount of elements needed per level, to rebuild the village. Elements inside of bubbles, morph (I think they appear when you make large matches, but I'm not positive) you can wait until the desired element appears inside the bubble, and pop it to help set up matches.
There are the usual obstructions of jewel tiles that require two matches over them, chained and double chained elements that require one or two matches of whichever element is chained, and there's even pesky spiders that will spin webs over the tiles if they aren't destroyed by a match under them. Some levels require you to collect Potions by dropping them off of the board as you make matches under them.
There are three different types of Power-ups available, and each one requires a Mana Meter refill after each use. The Hammer destroys a single element or chain, the Explosion Spell has a four element range of destruction, and the Magic Charm will destroy all elements of one chosen type.
Although there aren't really any new features offered, it is a colorful, swap type Match 3 game. The levels progress nicely with slightly more challenge with each one. The power-ups are easily accessible, and the goals are obtainable. You can earn up to 3 Stars per level, which is a little more difficult than you'd think, to earn all three, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Lost Artifacts — a unique strategy game about the Tonauak world. Restore the ancient city and defeat the dark priest!
Overall rating
3
/
5
84 of 91 found this review helpful
ANOTHER ANCIENT CITY NEEDS REBUILT
PostedAugust 30, 2017
pennmom36
fromBF claims this game has unique strategy features, I've yet to find any!
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
This Time Management game just doesn't appeal to me. It's not horrible, but for me personally, it isn't all that entertaining either. I will say that at least this Standard Edition version makes more sense, I just couldn't understand what was so special about the Collector's Edition version. The storyline and graphics are decent, and the tasks are doable within the time frames given. With today's sale price, this game is worthy enough to purchase, but there are a ton of TM games out there that are so much better.
In reality the only extra's you get with the CE version, is some Music Soundtracks, some cartoonish Concept Art pictures and Achievements to earn, features that can all be rolled into one category, who cares! It doesn't even have a Strategy Guide built in, which would somewhat constitute the CE price.
There are the usual tasks to perform of gathering resources of Food, Wood, Ore, Gold, Lumber, and the usual buildings to repair such as Huts for workers, Sawmills for Lumber, and a Blacksmith. At least in the demo, you don't get the chance to construct new buildings, you just repair them, personally, I like the strategy of figuring out which building to construct strategically to achieve the goals. (eg: Rescue Team)
I would recommend this game to those who haven't played a lot, if any, TM games, because this one is very easy to play. I would also recommend this game to those who want to play in an untimed mode, because unlike some Time Management games, this game has an untimed mode. However, I would still recommend this Standard Edition version, versus the Collector's Edition.
I recommend this game!
Lead a team of specialists as they unravel the darkest secrets of the first decades of human space exploration in this graphical text based thriller.
Overall rating
4
/
5
31 of 40 found this review helpful
THE ORPHEUS MISSION
PostedAugust 29, 2017
pennmom36
fromTo boldly read what no man has read
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 get it, this game can be quite boring if you don't like to read endless dialog conversations. This game is very similar to Lifeline, however, with this game, you don't have to wait in real time for missions to be completed! The first few minutes of the game are very boring, but I stuck with it, and discovered that it has an amazing sci-fi storyline, and likeable characters. The best part about this game, is that you are in control of the mission, the choices you make, really do have an impact, and the choices you make, could get everyone killed. (you know that sounds cool)
Zarya-1 begins with a confidential encrypted e-mail from United Nations Space Exploration and Exploitation Direct, also known as UNSEED. You have been given a new assignment as Liaison-in-Command, sent to investigate an unidentified signal coming from the far side of the moon. Your team includes the leader Sarg, camera technician Savvy, doctor Bones, and my personal favorite character, Chase, the wise cracking civilian weapons and defense guy. I'm not sure if the Star Trek references are intentional (Jim, Bones etc) or coincidence.
You don't need to do anything other than read the dialog boxes and choose which questions to ask or directives to assign. Other reviewers have stated that the dialog moves way too slow, but if you go into the games settings, you can choose the dialog speed. This game will utterly bore you if you're not into reading, because there's nothing else to do or really see, but if you don't mind reading and decision making, the storyline is a fantastic sci-fi, is it humans or aliens plot!
Unlike the game Lifeline, which is the same exact concept, that requires you to wait for hours at a time for missions to be completed in real time, Zarya-1 gives you the opportunity to Fast-Forward the time frame, or if you prefer, you can wait, sometimes as long as two hours. The really cool part, is that IF you fail the mission by making the wrong decision (yep, I somehow managed to get everyone killed) this game allows you to Rewind the mission and start over. You can either rewind to the very beginning or to a later specified spot, allowing you to make different decisions that will hopefully change the outcome.
This obviously isn't a game for everyone, there aren't any puzzles to solve or inventory items to collect. There aren't any fancy graphics or cutsie helpers. There's just a black screen, with lots of dialog texts to read. Again, if you don't enjoy reading, you're going to hate this game. But if you can look at this as more of an interactive sci-fi online book, I think you'll find the storyline fascinating, so keep an open mind and enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Your favorite doctor Allison is back in a gripping hospital time management game that you'll never forget!
Overall rating
5
/
5
80 of 99 found this review helpful
THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE!
PostedAugust 29, 2017
pennmom36
fromThe heat is on!
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 Little Creek Hospital is going up in flames! Most people are running away from the fire, but Allison Heart is running towards it, because that's what she does, she saves lives! As usual, we don't get to find out if Allison makes it out of the hospital alive, until later in the game, of course. So this story begins in the Pediatrics unit, with those two little love bugs, Allison and Connor. (hope HR doesn't find out about this!)
As patients arrive at the waiting room, a bubble will appear over their heads (as well as the patients patience hearts) with a picture of what form of treatment they require. You click on the patient and then the area needed such as a hospital bed. If the bubble is Green, that treatment is usually quick but also requires item to finish treating the patient, such as a thermometer. If the bubble is Purple, this means an action or set of movements is required, if the bubble is Blue, this means a Mini Game needs to be played to successfully treat the patient. When all treatments have been given, you simply click on the computer (instead of cash register) to check the patient out.
The patients will have a Heart meter above them and they will lose a Heart if you aren't quick enough. If you are fast or perform chain treatments, you will receive bonus points, if the patients Heart Bar is full, their hearts will turn gold at which point they cannot lose their heart score and you'll receive extra points as well.
Points can be used in the shop to purchase extra waiting room chairs, comfy beds etc. You can also buy decorations all of which keep the patients happy and hopefully keep all their hearts. Some levels unlock Bonus levels that will allow you to earn Diamonds. Diamonds can be used in the Diamond shop to purchase items for the Doctor's lounge. In the Doctor's lounge section, you can play an arcade game similar to asteroids, and you can spar with a co-worker in a karate workout. Each level has a Guinea Pig named Oliver to catch, just like the Carl the mouse in the other TM series.
The goal is to earn 3 stars on each level and you can replay the levels as often as you want to try for a perfect score. There are 20 Trophies to earn for different milestones along the way. This is a really fun TM game with some interesting features, certainly better than Cathy's Crafts and Angela's Fashion, but nowhere near as fun as the Delicious series, enjoy!
I recommend this game!