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:
Jason and his friend Hercules are tasked with finding the Golden Fleece, but their adventure is becoming more and more dangerous.
Overall rating
4
/
5
49 of 64 found this review helpful
DEFEAT THE DRAGON FLEECE THE FLEECE
PostedJune 20, 2017
pennmom36
fromLove the Indiana Jones theme music!
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
Jason and Hercules have yet another adventure to embark upon, Fleecing the Fleece! Before this dynamic duo can steal the fleece from the land of Colchis, they must build a boat to cross the treacherous sea, and defeat a powerful dragon!
Number seven isn't a charm in my opinion, for whatever reason, I just didn't think this one was as much fun, and even though the synopsis states that the graphics are in stunning HD, but I didn't notice anything spectacular.
There are three different modes of difficulty, Relaxed, Casual and expert, and every level that is completed within Gold Time, will reveal a part of the Magic castle. Each level has a puzzle piece to find which looks like an ancient rune tile, which allows you to assemble 5 different puzzles. I always look for the puzzle piece before clicking on anything which starts the game, that way I don't forget about the puzzle piece or waste time searching for it. You can replay any of the levels to try to get a better score or if you forgot the puzzle piece. There are 20 Achievements or Trophies to earn for tasks such as collecting a resource after completing the level tasks, completing the level without using bonuses or finding 10 puzzle pieces. As you progress, different bonuses are made available that can be used each time the meter refills, such as more Resources, or Faster workers, but the effects are only temporary.
There are the usual tasks of building and upgrading farms, sawmills, goldmines, and even outposts that house workers that are far from home, clearing and repairing paths, and collecting food. Each task requires a certain amount of resources to complete and when you scan over a task, the requirements needed are shown as well as the resources you are lacking to complete the task. You can click on several tasks to have the workers complete, a checkmark will appear on the item for every available worker, and flags will queue the rest in numerical order until a worker is free. In Relaxed and Casual modes, the tasks available are circled in green, yellow indicates you will be able to complete the task once the resources collected are delivered to the base camp, red indicates the item is either blocked or you don't have enough available resources. Hercules is the go to guy for removing things no mere mortal could accomplish, (and there's always an abundance of boulders and landslides in every game of the 12 Labours series) and his wife Megara, takes care of the saplings.
This Collector's Edition has 9 Wallpapers, 20 (to the best of my knowledge) Trophies or Achievements to earn, (which can be viewed on the level map) Collectible Puzzle Pieces, Puzzles to complete once all the pieces have been collected, a built in Strategy Guide, and Bonus Level chapters, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
What will you do when a fairy tale curse shows up on your doorstep?
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 42 found this review helpful
NO WONDER GRANNY WAS SO GOOD AT TELLING FAIRYTALE STORIES!
PostedJune 19, 2017
pennmom36
fromHow does the Golem hand me items, where does he keep them, and how did he get them in the first place if he is part of the mountain?
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
You can't always judge a book by it's cover, and you can't always judge a game by its demo. (although it's a really good indication) Throughout the years I've learned by experience, that a bad game demo isn't always a harbinger of a bad game in its entirety. When I played the demo of the Collector's Edition, I wasn't all that impressed, but I also didn't think the demo was as bad as some gamers perceived it. For me, the demo was just an average story with average features, certainly nothing to write home about. I decided to purchase the CE version during a BOGO sale and I finished playing the game. I actually found that the game improved almost immediately after the demo ended. Yes, The Forgotten Fairytales has a storyline that's easily forgotten, yes it's a rather strange game, yes it's an easy game with easy puzzles, and yes the plot is basically the same as all the other fairytale stories out there. On the other hand, no it's not a horrible game, and no the storyline isn't as predictable as you might think, I did enjoy playing the game, there just weren't any wow factors. If you like fairytale games, you'll probably like this one as well, as long as you don't mind that it's not a challenging game. Here's a recap of my original review, so you can decide which version best suits your desires:
If Fear For Sale got together with Lost Lands, this is what their offspring game would look like. The graphics at times, are almost foggy in appearance and I'm not sure if this was a particular fairy tale look they were going for, or they didn't have a large enough budget and cut some corners in the graphics department. The biggest mistake they made however, was with the storyline. If you have played a lot of HOPA games, you'll notice that they have used bits and pieces of other games. For starters, there's the Orb Eyeballs, minions of evil, that have been in several different games, with and without eyeballs. Mom is a professor (granted they aren't usually Folklore professors) and has been "chosen" as guardian of the portal (Lost Lands) Hubby and daughter are in peril and turning into stone (Surface, Myths of the World and just about every other series games) Otherworldly Bracelet that give mom super powers (probably easier to list the games who don't have a magical bracelet but how about Echos of the Past: Wolf Healer)
The Bottom line is, that this is a brand new entry in the HOPA genre. I found the game to be easy, but not necessarily boring. I bought this game, because I want to play this new series through. I really think that if given a chance, this series could pick up the pace and make a better attempt at originality, with a "fairytale" theme, the possibilities are endless.
The Bottom line is, that this is a brand new entry in the HOPA genre. I found the game to be easy, but not necessarily boring. I bought this game, because I want to play this new series through. I really think that if given a chance, this series could pick up the pace and make a better attempt at originality, with a "fairytale" theme, the possibilities are endless.
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Interactive List finds, but some items are fairly well hidden. There are also several Zoom Zone scenes where you have to find 5 items hidden in the background scene while the zoom zone is open, just like in Witches Legacy and Fear For Sale. My favorite scene was also the most challenging, where you were tasked with finding items that match the Keywords during a story. I will admit that some of the logical item matches were hard to find in a black and white sketch. If you're not into HOP's, there is an alternate Puzzle where you swap and rotate triangle puzzle pieces to complete the image.
The Mini Games are fairly easy, and again, forgettable and not original. The following are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Repeat the sequence by clicking on color coded arrows.
2) Use a scope to aim at the targets.
3) Use the symbol code decipher to spell the word Spectra.
4) Slide horizontal and vertical blocks to clear a path for the amber block to exit.
5) Swap items on the doorknockers to match the examples shown.
6) Mix primary colors to make the required secondary colors, you can match the symbols but they are easy colors, purple, green....
7) Find and place missing items into the scene correctly.
8) Follow directions to make a drum.
9) Lead a character through a labyrinth avoiding obstacles.
The Collector's Edition has 9 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 3 Screensavers, 3 Music Soundtracks, 10 Achievements to earn, 18 Bestiary collectibles, 6 collectible Feathers, 40 Light Crystals that are used to cleanse the Room of Spectra History to learn the secrets of the Spectra World, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Saddle up for a wild west solitaire adventure and join outlaws Shannon and Red Wolf as they try to resurrect an abandoned town.
Overall rating
5
/
5
106 of 131 found this review helpful
I'M BLAZING A SOLITAIRE TRAIL THROUGH THE WILD WEST
PostedJune 19, 2017
pennmom36
fromDon't they need houses in this town?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Magic Cards Solitaire
(28)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Shannon Ferguson was just 16 years old when she left the comforts of her home to tame the wild, wild west. Her father was killed by a group of bandits robbing the bank, her mother passed shortly thereafter. Her immigrant parents never fulfilled their dreams of living out west, so Shannon hit the trail and left her Louisiana childhood home behind. She befriended a young Native, Red Wolf, who suffered a similar fate at the hands of these ruthless bandits. When they came across an abandoned town, they knew this was the place they could hang their hats and call home.
As you play this Higher/Lower Solitaire game, a new citizen will arrive in town, each time you earn a star. One of the goals for each level, is to leave no more than 4 cards remaining. If you remove all cards you will earn 3 Stars. If you reach the minimum number of cards needed to obtain the goal, you will earn 1 Star. If the number of cards remaining is between the two values, you will receive 2 Stars. Some citizens have a quest to fulfill, and those quests are given as one of the goal levels. You can replay any level as often as you want to earn a better score, and you can play an optional Match 3 game with Limited Moves, to earn more gold.
With the Gold you earn, you can rebuild the town with Banks, Train Stations, General Stores, Souvenir Carts, and even a good ole Saloon. You can buy upgrades in the Shop, such as extra Undo's, Number specific Wildcards, a Cards Remaining icon, a Bow to destroy a card of your choice, or even Dynamite that randomly destroys 3 face up cards. Occasionally you will receive Jokers on the board which can be used as the card of your choice, but you can't purchase Jokers. There are also several Achievements to earn.
Shield cards require you to uncover Tomahawk Cards to unlock them, Royal Locks require removing Royal Cards (KQJ) of a specified number. Some cards have numbers on them requiring you to make matches of that card multiple times. Between levels, there are Fun Facts given, mostly about the origin of Playing Cards, but some of the facts are lengthy and there just isn't enough time to read them before the next level loads.
I love a good Solitaire game, and I found this game to be a bit on the easy side, but interesting enough to hold my attention. It also has all the features I want when playing Solitaire, Higher/Lower type, and replayable levels are a must in order for me to purchase the game. Happy Trails, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you find the Flower of Life, before the Dragon Clan does?
Overall rating
5
/
5
169 of 204 found this review helpful
WHAT IF A SIMPLE FLOWER COULD CONTROL LIFE ITSELF? WHAT IF THIS FLOWER FELL INTO THE WRONG HANDS!
PostedJune 17, 2017
pennmom36
fromOf course those batteries still work after several years in the Amazon!
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
Sarah Pennington is a modern day Time Traveler with The Order of the Griffins, a secret organization her father founded. Her mother joined the Order to protect the helpless, and volunteered her medical services in the Amazon basin, her mission....sabotage! The Order was created to thwart the nefarious deeds of it's nemesis, The Dragon Clan. Sarah's mother has been searching the Amazon for a flower of miracles, a flower that if possessed by the wrong person, would become a deadly flower, she has been searching for The Flower of Life, a flower that cures ALL illness! Looks like Sarah is back on the job, because the Dragon Clan has kidnapped mom, they will return her unharmed in exchange for the flower of life. We're about to find out what will happen if the Flower of Life falls into the wrong hands!
Hold on to your computer chair folks, this is going to be an amazing Amazon adventure! The graphics are stunning, I loved every second of this game, the sights the sounds, the beautiful Amazon wildlife and the abundance of Collectible Animals and all those morphing Amazon critters. Eventually you will take possession of a Cube artifact which will give you special powers after playing a mini game, and I believe there are 3 different "powers" to use throughout the game. A small monkey takes a liking to you, and he will assist you when you need something that's too high to reach, but he's realistic and unobtrusive and at least in the demo, he's not annoying in any way.
Where has The Secret Order been hiding lately? (apparently the Amazon) This series is fantastic, but it's hard to keep up with the storyline when they take so long in between releases, New Horizon was released in December of 2011, then we waited for 2 years before Masked Intent was released March 2013. Ancient Times followed in it's footstep a year later in April of 2014, Beyond Time the following year March 2015, and last game was released in May of 2016, The Buried Kingdom. I guess all that waiting has paid off, because they took the time to get it right, and this is a definite buy for me.
The Hidden Object Scenes mostly Silhouetted Shape finds, some are the Progressive Interactive ones, but there are also the standard Listed item finds, and one scene where you are tasked with finding items and following instructions that mom gives you. If you're not into HOP's, there is a Pair Matching game to play instead.
The Mini Games are plentiful, and so far, none of them seem too difficult to solve. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Follow ingredient clues, mix to achieve the correct color, then use a 5 oz. and 3 oz. beaker to achieve the correct amounts of each color.
2) To use the cube's power. move the lens around the scene to reveal and select each symbol shown on the lens frame to reveal hidden places.
3) Recreate the colored symbols from the paper by using the colored wires to connect two different shapes that when combined will form the correct symbols.
4) Escape the burning plane by interacting with the scene.
5) Enter the correct combination by first solving the match equations and applying those color coded sums.
6) Put the discs into their correct places by swapping tiles.
7) Find the object that matches the keywords in a story and then place those items correctly.
This Collector's Edition has 7 Collectible Poster Magazines by Dale Kingsley, 7 Collectible Parrot statues, 7 Collectible Alligators statues, 7 Collectible Panthers statues, 7 Collectible Chameleon statues, 24 Achievements to earn (12 skill based-12 story based), 20 Morphing Objects to discover, replayable Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Wallpapers, 9 Soundtracks, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy!
Hold on to your computer chair folks, this is going to be an amazing Amazon adventure! The graphics are stunning, I loved every second of this game, the sights the sounds, the beautiful Amazon wildlife and the abundance of Collectible Animals and all those morphing Amazon critters. Eventually you will take possession of a Cube artifact which will give you special powers after playing a mini game, and I believe there are 3 different "powers" to use throughout the game. A small monkey takes a liking to you, and he will assist you when you need something that's too high to reach, but he's realistic and unobtrusive and at least in the demo, he's not annoying in any way.
Where has The Secret Order been hiding lately? (apparently the Amazon) This series is fantastic, but it's hard to keep up with the storyline when they take so long in between releases, New Horizon was released in December of 2011, then we waited for 2 years before Masked Intent was released March 2013. Ancient Times followed in it's footstep a year later in April of 2014, Beyond Time the following year March 2015, and last game was released in May of 2016, The Buried Kingdom. I guess all that waiting has paid off, because they took the time to get it right, and this is a definite buy for me.
The Hidden Object Scenes mostly Silhouetted Shape finds, some are the Progressive Interactive ones, but there are also the standard Listed item finds, and one scene where you are tasked with finding items and following instructions that mom gives you. If you're not into HOP's, there is a Pair Matching game to play instead.
The Mini Games are plentiful, and so far, none of them seem too difficult to solve. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Follow ingredient clues, mix to achieve the correct color, then use a 5 oz. and 3 oz. beaker to achieve the correct amounts of each color.
2) To use the cube's power. move the lens around the scene to reveal and select each symbol shown on the lens frame to reveal hidden places.
3) Recreate the colored symbols from the paper by using the colored wires to connect two different shapes that when combined will form the correct symbols.
4) Escape the burning plane by interacting with the scene.
5) Enter the correct combination by first solving the match equations and applying those color coded sums.
6) Put the discs into their correct places by swapping tiles.
7) Find the object that matches the keywords in a story and then place those items correctly.
This Collector's Edition has 7 Collectible Poster Magazines by Dale Kingsley, 7 Collectible Parrot statues, 7 Collectible Alligators statues, 7 Collectible Panthers statues, 7 Collectible Chameleon statues, 24 Achievements to earn (12 skill based-12 story based), 20 Morphing Objects to discover, replayable Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Wallpapers, 9 Soundtracks, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
He can’t be stopped. And he’s digging your grave!
Overall rating
5
/
5
70 of 88 found this review helpful
GATHER AROUND THE FIRE, HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ABOUT THE FACELESS GRAVEDIGGER? IT GOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS........
PostedJune 16, 2017
pennmom36
fromHave you made all the necessary arrangements?
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
Grab your flashlights, and come sit down by the campfire, have I got a story to tell you! You aren't afraid are you? Well you should be, because this is no ordinary Bonfire story, this is the true story of the Faceless Gravedigger, told by the one and only person who ever made it out alive! It goes something like this........
Quiet Grove was once a breathtaking Resort. A place where people were just dying to get in, but now, are dying trying to get out!. Many years ago, after four guests mysteriously disappeared without a trace, Quiet Grove was forced to close its gates for good. Time hasn't been kind to the resort, the mortar has begun to crumble, and weather erodes all that remain. Deep within the shadow of ruins, lurks the Faceless Gravedigger who patiently awaits for his next victim, his beastly companion always by his side. The Beast and it's master were here long before you were, and will be here long after you're gone. You can fight the beast, but you will never win, after all, the Faceless Gravedigger has already begun digging a grave, your grave!
In my opinion, the Collector's Edition version, could have been epic if the devs would have chosen to have some really good Morphing Objects from beyond the grave. But nooo, instead they chose to offer Character figurines and hidden Paw Prints! This isn't a game about puppies and kittens, it's a game about an Urban Legend (Bonfire Story) the Faceless Gravedigger! Wouldn't you agree that finding a Morphing Faceless Gravedigger is more appealing? At least exchange the puppy paw prints with grave markers or a scythe! Could've, Would've, Should've. Because I was unimpressed with the selection of "extra's, the CE version offered, I'm totally on board with this Standard Edition version.
The Hidden Object Scenes are really well done and are located in interesting scenes. There are Multiple finds, Interactive list finds and Keywords in sentence finds, all of which have plenty of interactions to hold your interest, some even have puzzles to solve. My only complaint is that some of the objects are a little too small and unrecognizable.
The Hidden Object Scenes are really well done and are located in interesting scenes. There are Multiple finds, Interactive list finds and Keywords in sentence finds, all of which have plenty of interactions to hold your interest, some even have puzzles to solve. My only complaint is that some of the objects are a little too small and unrecognizable.
The Mini games are doable, but not necessarily simplistic. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Drag a wire from the starting point to it's color coded node without crossing wire paths.
2) Arrange pipes to restore the water flow by swapping directional pipe sections.
3) Select buttons to replicate the punch card template, some buttons affect others.
4) Use the map to navigate the basement tunnels. You will have to explore dead ends as well, to find necessary inventory items to progress.
5) Aim and press to shoot a tennis ball when horizontal and vertical moving lines are centered in the target.
6) Create the correct pictural by selecting either the bowls of glowing mushrooms or segments of the mural.
The Collector's Edition has 8 Music Soundtracks, 9 Achievements to earn, 9 Character Figurines, 25 hidden Paw Prints of the beast, 17 Wallpapers, 36 Concept Art pictures, 6 Videos, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
On the quest for the ultimate treasure, join Lily in her grandfather’s backyard as she digs for archeological fame and glory!
Overall rating
5
/
5
60 of 67 found this review helpful
THE FIRST FEW LEVELS I HATED, THEN IT BECAME ADDICTING WITH OUT OF THE BOX THINKING FEATURES!
PostedJune 16, 2017
pennmom36
fromSure Lily, you go right ahead and dig some dangerous tunnels through the back yard, it's perfectly safe!
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
When I first saw Lily's Epic Quest, I thought for sure it was another RPG. Then I discovered that it was a Match 3 game, and figured it was probably an outdated game BF found hidden in the vault. The cartoonish storyline didn't help sway my already made up mind, and Lily's voice (imagine an adult pretending to talk like a child) almost had me scrambling to the exit door. The tutorial came next, Grandpa's extremely large hand makes a cameo (fingereo?) to shows you how to move the tiles, about as basic as you can get.
I played the first level, not impressive, I had no idea what to do, or where to go, and why I could move some tiles, not others. The second level was a little better, I was finally discovering what to do, but not where to go to do the things I needed to do. By the third level, I found myself baffled and running out of moves before achieving the goals. I played the third level over twice before I had that, aha moment!
You don't always have to find a treasure, sometimes you need to backtrack, you can't pick up a bonus you already have (so use it or lose it) some items are more valuable than others (so pick and choose) if you finish the goal levels with moves to spare, you can choose to continue the level and possible find more treasure, (or you can simply move on to the next level) some terrain requires you to progress further to be able to dig further down (mud, dirt, sand, pebble etc.) And Lily can't dig through stone (she's just a kid)
Basically, when you make a Match of 3 or more blocks, horizontally, vertically or both (I'm not positive, but I believe you uncover Power-ups when you make larger matches) the blocks matched will be removed, which opens up a path. You must strategically make matches that will allow Lily to be able to move in the desired direction. Then you simply drag Lily through the freshly blown path, and continue this process. Each Match you make counts towards your specified number of Limited Moves, but moving Lily doesn't count, so move her all you want or need to. Power-ups that are uncovered, must be picked up quickly, or they will disappear, and you need them! The Drill power-up is one of the most useful bonuses, because you can choose where to place it, then drag the direction you wish to drill, either vertically or horizontally, and it will blow through the entire row or column. Another useful power-up is the Detector, placing the detector almost anywhere will show you the area you want to work towards to find an amazing treasure.
Treasures vary as far as value goes, gems, crystals, even dinosaur bones have a star value of 1-5, so you may find the same treasure, and even though it's identical, the first one you find may only be a worth one star, the next may be worth two stars. At the beginning of each level, the goals are given to you. You may be required to find a specific item, or you may only need to drill downward for 20-25 meters. Finding treasure on these levels are still possible, but not required to pass the level.
Just two suggestions for playing this game. First of all, EXPLORE! That's what this game is all about, exploring and finding things you didn't know were there. Secondly and probably more importantly, give the game a chance. If you stick with it long enough to catch on, you will realize that this Match 3 game requires some "out of the box" thinking! I applaud the devs for being able to take an ordinary Match 3 game, and turn it into a game that's never been done before to my knowledge, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Our Wonderful World is a slider puzzle game, featuring 180 beautiful images in various themes.
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 21 found this review helpful
I'VE NEVER BEEN A FAN OF SLIDER PUZZLES
PostedJune 15, 2017
pennmom36
fromThis game isn't going to be a part of My World!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Jigsaw Mania
(5)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'm a huge jigsaw puzzle geek, and I prefer the real deal, over a virtual computer jigsaw. I love the relaxation and calming effect I get when concentrating on the puzzle pieces. Slider Jigsaw puzzles however, are frustrating and more aggravating than appealing to me. Although I love the challenge Our Wonderful World slider puzzles presented, I quickly became bored after doing the same thing over and over again.
You can download your own pictures, or select pictures offered in several categories, Animals, Lightning, Cities, Cakes, Waterfalls, Forests, Flowers and Beaches. Each category has 20 different pictures, but the possibilities are endless when you download your own pictures. You can also choose how many sliders across the grid, 3, 4, 5 or 6 pieces (# of pieces refer to the number of slider tiles per row) If you start out with one number, but decide to up the ante or lower the ante, you will have to start over with the chosen group of pictures, which unlock one at a time.
Personally, I didn't have a problem with the pictures, they seem nice enough, but they are fairly simplistic in nature. The help feature can be activated by clicking the box in the "need help" section. All this feature does, is number the tiles, in the order they will go correctly. When you complete a picture, you will receive the stats for the Time it took to complete the puzzle as well as the number of moves it took you to complete it.
If you're a fan of Slider puzzles, you'll probably love this game, otherwise, it's just a lot of the same thing. Recently I've been playing the game, Jigsaw Mania, which also allows you to download your own pictures. There are several different shapes and sizes of pieces to choose from, my favorite being small square pieces. If you love jigsaw puzzles, you have to give Jigsaw Mania a try.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop darkness from taking over the kingdoms?
Overall rating
4
/
5
130 of 164 found this review helpful
FULFILLING THE PROPHECY...........AGAIN
PostedJune 15, 2017
pennmom36
fromNanny sure can be dramatic, but then again, when she asked for water, I gave her a glass of pond water!
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 Fire Kingdom is the only Kingdom remaining. All other Kingdoms have been systematically destroyed by the Cursed Princess, as she emphatically pursues her quest to take back what she believes is rightfully hers. The Cursed Princess has proclaimed herself Queen Mortis, a mistress of Illusion, a master of evil deception, and she'll stop at nothing to obtain the final Princess of Fire. (that's you!) The Princess of Fire has evoked protection from the Spirits of Mystery, to protect the Kingdom, but does little to protect her when she's forced to enter a portal to the Metal Kingdom, to save her beloved Nanny from the evil clutches of Queen Mortis herself. Can the Princess of Fire expel the Cursed Princess forever, and put an end to the war that's been raging for over 500 years?
There's something different about this Spirits of Mystery game, something's just a bit "off" I'm not sure what it is, perhaps the storyline is just stale, it seems as though we've had the battle of good Princesses against evil Princesses for over 500 years ourselves. Perhaps the graphics threw me off, they haven't improved either. More than likely, it's because Spirits of Mystery has become far too gimmicky. Supposedly the Prophecy tells of a Princess, armed only with a Bow, will expel the Cursed Princess forever. But the Prophecy didn't mention she would also have a Magic Mirror! I don't understand why ERS feels the need to include this "Mirror" in every series. You know the one, the one you have to use to "catch" the evil entities to dispel the curse, but you can only see them through the mirror a.k.a Orb Catcher. There is a Morphing Object in almost every scene, but you can only collect it when it's in the shape of a bright red triangle emblem, which makes it difficult not to spot. Most of the scenes also have a collectible Jigsaw Puzzle Piece, some of which are available in the scene itself, some are within a zoomed in zone. Once you have collected all 6 puzzle pieces, you can assemble the super easy puzzle and use it for a screensaver. (there are 6 different puzzle screensavers, each containing 6 pieces)
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied each time, and in true ERS form, some scenes are repeated in the same area, a feature I find very boring the second time around. There are Keywords to find during a story, Multiples of the same item finds, Silhouetted Shape finds and Interactive List finds.
The Mini Games are quite easy for the most part, some of them are impossible not to solve, because they light up in neon green. Below are brief descriptions of some of the Mini Games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Hit all 3 targets with your family Bow and Arrow (hard to miss targets)
2) Turn disc sections until they click into the correct position, using directional arrows. (again, all you have to do is click an arrow all pieces fall into place and turn green)
3) Move a tile to an empty place to slide square tiles to complete the image. The second half of the puzzle requires you to flip over all tiles, clicking one tile may affect others.
4) Use your magic mirror to find 6 evil illusions. This mini game is played every time you come across a human who has been cursed by the Queen's illusion.
5) After finding all 6 illusions, the mirror shows you a chain that you must trace its path without being hit by a floating orb.
6) After tracing the chain, you must then find that persons most treasured items, which are highlighted on or around them, and return them.
7) Use directional arrows to find the constellations shown in the inventory bar.
8) Move the lines so they don't cross over each other by moving connectors to an empty slot.
9) Place tiles on the board based upon their symbols, all tiles must be used.
SPIRITS OF MYSTERY GAMES AVAILABLE:
Amber Maiden (CE 1-5-12)
Chains of Promise (CE 8-13-15)
Family Ties (CE 3-24-16)
Illusions (CE 6-15-17)
Song of the Phoenix (CE 4-12-12)
The Dark Minotaur (CE 12-27-12)
The Fifth Kingdom (CE 1-12-17)
The Silver Arrow (CE 12-12-13)
Chains of Promise (CE 8-13-15)
Family Ties (CE 3-24-16)
Illusions (CE 6-15-17)
Song of the Phoenix (CE 4-12-12)
The Dark Minotaur (CE 12-27-12)
The Fifth Kingdom (CE 1-12-17)
The Silver Arrow (CE 12-12-13)
This Collector's Edition has 11 Movie Videos, 13 Wallpapers, 23 Concept Art pictures, 6 Screensavers (collect all 36 puzzle pieces to assemble) 4 Music Soundtracks, 15 replayable Mini Games, 22 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 14 Achievements to earn, Morphing Objects, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Join Alicia Quatermain in traveling and treasure hunting!
Overall rating
5
/
5
73 of 81 found this review helpful
THE PRICE TAG IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VERSIONS!
PostedJune 14, 2017
pennmom36
fromGreat TM game, but not even close to the entertainment Rescue Team 7 offers!
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
A stranger met with Alicia one day, and told her to search for her Grandfather Allen's secret treasure, if she wants to find out what happened to her father, who vanished mysteriously, several years ago. Alicia figures she has nothing to lose,and a treasure hunting journey across 5 different islands,could be the adventure of a lifetime, and who knows, she may very well find the answers she's been searching for all these years!
The graphics are some of the best I've seen in a TM game. The critters are realistic, the trees actually look like trees, there are beautiful flowers and shrubs, even the fish swimming in the pond are lifelike. You can play in an Easy untimed mode, Normal or Expert mode, and if you earn expert status of 3 stars, on any level, it allows you to help Alicia clean and decorate her office. When I first played the Collector's Edition version, I assumed that this feature would only be offered in the CE version, but I was wrong, this feature is still available within this Standard Edition version.
I love the different quests available, such as saving the panda cubs. There are a ton of tasks available in each level, and both versions have a collectible Stone Puzzle Rune to discover, which allows you to collect your own treasure in each scene. Both versions seem to offer Achievements as well.
The level goals are shown at the top of the screen, a meter on the left of the screen shows your level status and how much time you have left before losing a star rating. A Bonus Meter is shown on the right side of the screen that give you various bonuses such as an extra worker or speeding up the existing workers.
I will admit, that I had to restart a few of the levels, to change the order of tasks I queued, so that I was constantly moving rather than waiting idly for a needed resource. This is certainly an entertaining Time Management game, but I like this Standard Edition version just as much, and at half the price! The only feature remotely worthy, that only the CE offers is a built in Strategy Guide.
The Collector's Edition version has 6 Wallpapers, Achievements to earn (CE & SE) a Hidden Jigsaw Rune in each scene, (available in this SE as well) items to clean and decorate Alicia's office, (also available in this SE version) Bonus Chapters and puzzles, and a built in Strategy Guide, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Mother Nature has met her match! When the Earth trembles, volcanoes rumble and thunder splits the sky, the Rescue Team is there to save the day.
Overall rating
5
/
5
115 of 135 found this review helpful
RESCUE TEAM 7 HAS HIT THE MARK WITH THE BEST ONE YET!
PostedJune 13, 2017
pennmom36
fromThe tutorial had me rescue the only man in the water, not the 3 women, bet Larry and Barry would have rescued the women and children 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
Rescue Team is one of the most entertaining Time Management series available, and this edition is by far the best one yet! This is a point and click type TM game, but you do have to use a little bit of strategy to earn all 3 stars, particularly when choosing which structures to build. You can play in a Relaxed, (untimed mode), a Normal mode (can only assign available workers) or a Multi-click mode ( allows you to queue workers) The best part is, Larry and Barry the Saint Bernards have returned to help Ron rescue people!
There are the usual tasks like most TM games, collect resources such as food, money and wood, clear roadways of debris, fix potholes, and repair bridges and damaged buildings, and strategically construct Sawmills, Burger Cafe's, Houses to rent, Pet Shops to feed Barry and Larry, and Gas Stations that will produce the required resources. Because this is a Rescue game however, it's all about rescuing people from natural and manmade disasters. Barry and Larry, will do their own type of rescue, searching demolished buildings and debris to find any trapped people. People aren't the only ones that need rescued, you will be tasked with rescuing cats, dogs and other trapped or endangered animals too.
If you earn 3 Stars on a level, you will receive coins that can be used in the Shop to purchase Bonuses. There are also Bonus chips on some of the levels that will make the rescue workers run, or produce gas, food, wood etc. faster, but for a brief period of time. In the Shop you can purchase bonuses in 4 different categories: Cruising Speed (speeds up workers, construction, repairs and obstacle removal) Emergency Help ( people become colder slower, fires spread slower, disease spreads slower) Turbo Mode ( speeds up all machines, speeds up medics firefighters and police, dogs find people quicker) and Boost (planes deliver freight faster, cranes clear debris faster, pumps operate faster)
You need to construct buildings, sometimes in a specific order because Houses will earn money, Sawmills provide wood to repair and reconstruct, Burger Cafe's provide food for the workers, Hospitals provide doctors to treat the sick and wounded, and Gas Stations allow you to use power equipment such as boats, Helicopters and Lifts etc. You will use various equipment to rescue people, Cranes are used to clear debris from mines, Pumps will drain flooded areas, Generators will produce light in dark mines, Boats rescue people from the water, Ski Lifts rescue people trapped on the mountain tops etc. There is an excellent tutorial, so even if you've never played this type of game, you'll easily catch on.
This is the second Rescue Team offered as a Collector's Edition. This one has 9 Concept Art pictures, 14 Music Soundtracks, 7 Character Biographies, 5 Gifts, 38 Achievements to Earn, a built in Level by level Strategy Guide and Bonus Levels. Rescue Team is a really entertaining Time Management series that has different features offered than most TM games, I personally just don't see the need for a CE in this type of game, so I'll wait for the SE to be released, enjoy!
I recommend this game!