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 find your Maestro’s murderer in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
92 of 115 found this review helpful
It Is A Tad Bit Boring
PostedApril 1, 2017
pennmom36
fromHmm, I never knew you could bend jail cell bars with a rag, the water has to be the well kept ingredient key!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat
(155)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The Danse Macabre series is not one of my favorite series, mostly because they all seem the same. It's always about an accomplished artist who gets murdered at the very start, and they are always involved in some type of competition. Almost always, the key suspect is usually innocent and must find evidence that will exonerate them. Sure enough, that's exactly what this game is about, no surprise here. Another problem I have with this latest edition of Danse Macabre, is that the murder victim isn't exactly a likeable character. He's arrogant, conceited, and self centered, not to mention that he treats his music protege as if she were his servant, so honestly, it's not surprising that Maestro Benedetti has made enemies along the way! I'm sure this game will be a fan favorite, but for me, the plot isn't original enough, therefore, it's just a tad boring to me.
This Collector's Edition isn't very appealing in my opinion. Once again, there are 38 Hidden Signs, which is a feature as predictable as the game itself. Other than the usual Achievements, Artwork and Strategy Guide, that's about it, but I suppose that the Morphing Object available in just 12 of the Hidden Object Scenes cout as well.
The Hidden Object Scenes are the same types offered in all Danse Macabre games too. They are mostly in the form of Silhouetted Shape or Sketch finds, some are Progressive or slightly Interactive as you click on an object to move it aside which then exposes the object. In the demo, there is one Interactive List find available within a small Zoom Zone, and one HOP includes a Keywords in sentences once you find the hidden storybook. (it took me a few seconds to realize I was supposed to keep searching) There are 12 Hidden Object Scenes that offer a Morphing Object, a feature I love, but hate when offered in just the HOP's, it's just not as interesting as when they are offered in each location, and half the time, I get so engrossed in the HOS that I forget to look!
The Mini Games are decent, fairly easy to solve, but doesn't have anything new, or wow, I love this puzzle. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Press the keys on the harpsichord in the correct order according to numbered directional arrows, so all keys are used once.
2) Select directional arrows to descend a rope, avoiding obstacles.
3) Click when the ball is within the marked zone.
4) Rotate Roman Numeral cylinders on the lock so the sum equals the year shown on the award.
5) Place the note buttons into the correct positions, so they match with the notes above and below them.
6) Place the moon phases correctly.
7) Sink your opponents ships by selecting squares on their board where you suspect their ships are placed (Battleship)
This Collector's Edition has a Souvenir Room, 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 9 Music Soundtracks, 7 Movies, replayable Match 3 games, 14 replayable Hidden Object Puzzles, 12 Morphing Objects available within some of the HOP's, 18 replayable Mini Games, 38 Collectible Hidden Signs, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A locked room murder awaits you! Was the killer human or something else?
Overall rating
3
/
5
59 of 70 found this review helpful
I Think I'll Just Seal This Game And Forget About It
PostedMarch 31, 2017
pennmom36
fromI couldn't gross a gap until I found a new rope ladder to use as a bridge, but how did I attach the bridge to the other side?
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
It's time once again to solve a Mystery of the Ancients, the supernatural case of "The Rose Petal Murderer" sounds scary right??? Detective Donovan has asked for your help solving a recent murder, that he believes to be supernatural. The victim's body was found in a room that was locked from the inside, well that's certainly supernatural. The locked room was inside a mansion, the mansion's owner has been out of town and doesn't know the victim, super, supernatural. The victim has been adorned with beautiful and aromatic pink rose petals, extremely supernatural. There seems to be no evidence left behind, even when examined using a sophisticated black light, finally a clue that could be viewed as supernatural, if you dig really deep! Moving along at a snail's pace in this investigation, agent Donovan has proven to be a large bag of luggage, because he's totally worthless in this case, but you hang on to him just in case you need that bulky luggage later. He loves barking out orders too and it's really annoying, "I'll stay here and try to open the door" says he. Whilst I'm off doing all the legwork, Donovan hasn't lifted a finger, he hasn't even turned around to face the door!
Eventually, you and agent Donovan are separated (phew, I really needed a break from him) and you discover a walking Tree Stump child, At this point, the demo is winding down and it's the first actual supernatural feature in the entire game! Am I surprised? Am I speechless? After all, it's not everyday that you encounter a living, breathing, tree limb with arms, legs and eyeballs right? Apparently I have met one of these freaks of nature before, because it doesn't puzzle me in the least bit. In fact, it doesn't even puzzle Donovan when we finally reunite, he isn't the least bit surprised, he doesn't even ask about him, but then again, Donovan is a bit peculiar. Here's the good news about the little tree bud, you can choose to ditch him right off the bat, or you can hang on to him as your little helper without affecting the game's story. (after the demo, I save the little sapling once more, and I am given the opportunity to ditch him once again, maybe I should take a hint here that he's more trouble than he's worth) This guy's pretty good, he is able to go where no tree limb has gone before, he's even willing to drink several potions that nobody knows what it is or even how ancient it must be! In the Collector's Edition version, there are 25 fairly well Hidden Clovers, and 6 Collectible Character Figurines to collect as well as the usual extra's and Achievements to earn.
The Hidden Object Scenes aren't bad, but most of the one's offered in the demo are of one type, Progressive, Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds. The scenes are clear though and items are recognizable.
The Mini Games aren't challenging in the least bit, most could practically be done while blindfolded. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Use the Ultraviolet light to find 8 handprints.
2) return each bust to the correct place according to the clues.
3) Use the clue shown to enter the correct number on phone.
4) Select the correct sections of each multi-layered symbol.
5) Arrange books in the correct order to form a completed picture.
6) Find 4 symbols of one theme to learn more about the story.
7) Restore the murals by placing tokens correctly.
8) Flip over two cards at a time to match images.
9) Use rotation buttons to swap tiles to complete the picture.
10) Activate all 3 levers to open the doors in a "blocks" type game.
11) Interact with the mural to find 8 hidden tokens.
12) Put all elements in the correct slots.
The Collector's Edition has 30 Concept Art pictures, 24 Wallpapers, 6 Music Soundtracks, 24 Fresco puzzle pieces, 8 Achievements, 6 replayable Mini Games, 6 Collectible Character Figurines, 25 Hidden Clovers, 6 replayable Videos, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy!
I don't recommend this game.
Join the Viking Brothers on an all-new, humor-filled adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 30 found this review helpful
VIKING BROTHERS TO THE RESCUE
PostedMarch 30, 2017
pennmom36
fromNice sense of humor and interesting Viking factoids.
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
We waited four years for Viking Brothers to release their second edition, and I must say, it's a game well worth the wait! The graphics are really good, the tasks are fun, the music is festive and I love reading the Viking facts in between levels. There are two modes of difficulty, Easy and Normal,and 40 Achievements to earn over 50 levels, what's not to love?
There are the usual Time Management tasks of gathering food and various resources such as wood, stone and gold, as well as fixing bridges, signs and even lighthouses. You will construct Saw mills, Stone Quarries, and Mines, and each of the brothers do their own thing as the brains and the brawn, to help you out. Eventually you will get a Bonus Meter that give you different power up bonuses, Speedier workers, Extra Workers, and even More Resources. If you "catch" the Goldfish, it will add energy to the bonus meter, so you want to keep an eye out for this little gem, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you find your long-lost brother in time?!
Overall rating
5
/
5
219 of 260 found this review helpful
Easy Breezy Game But AWESOME Story!
PostedMarch 30, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhere was Joanne when Adam was taken?
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 20 years since you witnessed a monster kidnap your baby brother Adam, and you never thought you'd ever get closure. All that changed when you received an anonymous letter claiming to have information about his whereabouts, but what happens next is simple unimaginable. Welcome to the Artem Estate, Amy, make yourself comfortable, you're going to be here for a very, very long time. You can check out any time you like, but you can NEVER leave! Or should I say Welcome to my Nightmare?
Tales of Terror has hit the mark with the plot, however, not so much with the gameplay. The storyline is pure genius, and has great potential as a psychological thriller, one that I'm expecting to make many twists, and "oh no you didn't" moves. Tales of Terror proves that you don't have gore to make a game creepy, and they have ended the demo perfectly, you will want to continue this game for the story. Now about that however part, the gameplay is so predictable, you'll know what item you're looking for before you even find it, and the Hidden Object Scenes are the easiest I've seen in quite a while. Logic doesn't seem to be a factor either, I'm trying to escape from mad men, lucky me, I get a rather large and very sharp knife handed to me, yet after using it to cut some vines, I discard it? Later I need a cat to move so I decide to scare the living bejeebers out of him with an alarm clock because opening the cabinet directly above him didn't phase him. The icing on the cake is when I have to shoo away a teeny tiny bug with some "air" and I almost forgot the part where I couldn't put my hand on a spiderweb....while I was trying to escape, keyword escape, I'm sure a spider's web won't be my reason for not escaping! But despite the extreme hand holding, I'm giving this game 5 stars because I love the story, for the same reason that after playing thousands of games, my all time favorite game is still the original Phantasmat because no other game has been able to top that story, but this one comes close.
The Hidden Object Scenes are pretty easy, most requiring you to find a few items that match the Silhouetted Shapes which then open up an Interactive List find. The items you need to open up the list are too easy because the cursor changes to a hand. There are also Bold Text items to find as Keywords in sentences, and some Progressive, Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds as well. Most of the scenes are repeated, a feature I hate, and there are Morphing Objects in the first phase of each HOP.
The Mini Games aren't bad, but nothing really new is offered. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Select a useful object to disarm the trap using your Glowing Orb. (an unnecessary amulet feature)
2) Unlock all 4 photo holders, selecting one may affect others.
3) Fill all slots on the right side by dragging tokens within limited moves, using arrows to move tokens to the desired locations. (Easy/Hard options)
4) Make a bridge using all wooden planks of different configurations.
5) Swap tiles then press the start button to move tiles along a path until the picture is complete.
6) Remove all the triangles by selecting the 3 shapes that are combined in the image, then press the triangle on the board where the shapes intersect.
7) Enter the code according to the cards using knobs to change the image next to them.
8) Lead Amy to the stop button by the door using directional arrows, and avoiding the swinging blades.
9) Lead Harry's token out of the estate while avoiding obstacles along the way.
10) Recreate the picture by rotating hexagonal tiles.
This Collector's Edition has 8 Wallpapers, 8 Concept Art pictures, 14 Morphing Objects within the Hidden Object Scenes, 18 Mini Games, 25 Mini Games, 6 Music Soundtracks, 36 Hidden Drawings, 15 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy the nightmare!
I recommend this game!
Dark Parables: Requiem for the Forgotten Shadow
A dark illness has befallen the townspeople of Anaben!
Overall rating
4
/
5
67 of 79 found this review helpful
If You Disobey The Shadow God, His Rage Will Be The Last Thing You'll Ever Witness!
PostedMarch 29, 2017
pennmom36
fromThe time has come to finish what was started so long ago, Shadow destruction of the world, bwahahaha!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Dark Parables: Curse of Briar Rose Collector's Edition
(49)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Another dark force is at bay, stealing the shadow's from the good people of Anaben! Once void of their own shadow, all that's left behind is a senseless, babbling, incoherent shell of a man, or woman, after all, this illness strikes anyone and everyone, including the Duchess! There is no hope, no cure, but look at the bright side, at least there's no creepy shadows lurking in the night, right?
Dark Parables has returned with another twisted tale, proving that everyone is vulnerable to evil, and the things we take for granted could be the most important things of all. I'm still disappointed with the absence of non-linear Morphing Objects, within the Collector's Edition version, that made Dark Parables so unique. In the earlier versions, DP games, objects didn't morph until it was triggered by an action in an entirely different scene, you never knew what that action was, or whether it was in the previous scene or a scene still ahead, and that was so cool and so challenging. I realize that the collectible Parables morph, but the parables are far and few between, and they morph the first time you see them, it's just not the same. In the CE version, there are 4 different parable stories, Rise of the Shadow God, The Maiden and the Shadow, The First Handmaiden, and Fall of the Shadow God, each parable requires you to find all three morphing parables before the parable can be accessed. In the CE version there are Achievements to earn and each scene has a hidden Candle that will light up when you find it, which I thought was pretty cool.
The Hidden Objects are not the usual HOP's, because one feature that hasn't changed, is with the Dark Parable's famous FROG's. You are tasked with finding several very creatively blended fragments within the scene. There are three sections (DP has a thing for the number 3) of fragments to find that will combine to make a useful inventory item once all frags have been found. If this feature ever changes, I think I'll just hang up my hat and call it a day.
The Mini Games are always entertaining in this series, even some of the normal tasks require you to solve a puzzle, and it's not even considered to be a mini game, you'll see what I mean once you play. Below are brief descriptions of the Mini Games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Rearrange the triangular tiles to complete 4 different images. Then interact with the opening scene using the keywords as clues. This is repeated three more times as the story unfolds.
2) Press the button continually to attack and counterattack your opponent.
3) Use the bishop to remove the pawns before they reach the other end of the board.
4) Rearrange the map square tiles to complete the map.
5) Place all of the tokens with their matching colors, the undo button can only be used twice.
The Collector's Edition has 8 Wallpapers, 6 Concept Art pictures, 10 Music Soundtracks, 22 replayable Mini Games, 16 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 replayable Movies, a Souvenir Room, 39 Hidden Candles to light, Collectible story Parables, 13 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Pop Evil Orbs and help Dr. Von Hammersphere save the world from a life of total bummerness!
Overall rating
1
/
5
37 of 47 found this review helpful
Mouse Controls Way Too Sensitive
PostedMarch 29, 2017
pennmom36
fromI'm pretty sure the paddle is from outer space as well!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Normally, I love a good arcade game based on physics, but this game is so not fun because the paddle used to launch and ricochet the Antiorbiom Balls, is too hard to control. This would however be a fun game for your phone. You can play in several different modes, Adventure, Relaxed (unlimited balls) Duel (play against a friend) or Challenge mode with fewer balls available.
The objectives are the same with each level, destroy all Evil Orbs before running out of balls, the fewer balls you use the more points you will score, and if you earn enough points, you will receive extra balls. You can earn a Gold, Silver or Bronze award, and there are 120 Trophies to achieve.
This game is similar to pinball where you rotate a paddle to help the ball ricochet to hit more targets, if the ball fails to bounce off of the paddle, you will lose that ball. To move the paddle, you have to move the mouse ever so slightly up and down, and I do mean ever so slightly because a jerky movement or too far up and down, the paddle will go haywire. You can also use the keyboard controls but who wants to do that?
I don't recommend this game.
Nostradamus: The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse
Play as Nostradamus and solve puzzles in order to thwart the plans of the four horseman of the apocalypse!
Overall rating
1
/
5
85 of 100 found this review helpful
Click And Drag HO With Horrible Graphics!!!!
PostedMarch 28, 2017
pennmom36
fromI think this game was made by Nostradamus himself.
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Just how old is this game anyway? Don't bother with this one folks, it's so old school, with a click and drag zoom feature, and the darkest, most archaic graphics I've seen in a long long time! I lasted about 10 minutes before deleting this game. You'll have to play this game in a really bright room, not because it's scary, but because it's so dark and unappealing, and all that does is shed some light upon the poor graphics. I made it through one Mini Game where you click square sections to line up maze paths, and then dragging 4 color coded tokens through the maze to their color coded slots. I also stuck around for the first Hidden Object Scene which was a lengthy Listed Item find, but not the fun kind, the eye straining kind. I had to bail on this one and so should you, did I mention the graphics are bad?
I don't recommend this game.
Journey through fantastic landscapes and complete many interesting tasks and exciting puzzles.
Overall rating
5
/
5
97 of 106 found this review helpful
Puzzle Heaven
PostedMarch 28, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhy does the parrot show up in the portal worlds too?
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
Wave of Time is not a game for everyone, but if you love a decent story, beautiful computer generated graphics, old fashioned Interactive Listed Item HO's and some of the most creative (and might I just add never been done before) Mini Games, then what's not to like with this little gem!
Jane and Mike arrive at Aunt Miranda's home in the Alps, when Jane finally explains why they are there. Jane explains that all the pictures she has of her Aunt, are being distorted, all images of Aunt Miranda are disappearing! Turns out, Aunt Miranda passed away.......in August of 1966. There's only one explanation for her death in 1966, because Jane wouldn't have been born yet!
The Hidden Object Scenes are plentiful, yet not over done, and all of them are basically the same. First you have to find 3 color coded objects to open up an Interactive List find Hidden Object Scene and the final object requires a small puzzle to solve.
The Mini Games are never ending! I can't remember a game having so many puzzles. Not just the same old puzzles we've seen a hundred times, new puzzle, fun puzzles, really fun puzzles! I'll list a few examples.
1) Click on cards that are next to each other that have the same card value, the remaining cards will fall into their place.
2) Remove all billiard balls from the field by using one ball to bump others off the board until only one remains.
3) Select the area on a map that matches the shapes shown one by one.
4) Swap tiles so the picture corresponds to the Country's flag.
5) Find each pair of small discs with identical pictures.
6) Connect the colored cells of the same color using directional arrows to move the tiles next to their matching colored tiles to make them all disappear.
7) Rotate the daisies so that all colored petals match on all sides.
8) Find the numbers 1-10 hidden within encrypted scrolls.
9) Find all 10 mistakes on a picture.
10) Click on buttons until all turn green.
This game is honestly worth a coupon at the very least if you love mini games. The graphics are really really well done, and the storyline is pretty interesting, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Collect components, make magic potions and use supernatural abilities to fight evil in this hidden object thriller!
Overall rating
3
/
5
99 of 113 found this review helpful
Tiles Look Too Much Alike
PostedMarch 27, 2017
pennmom36
fromI think this is a leftover Halloween Match 3!
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
First of all, I saw no option to play this game in anything but a race against the clock Timed mode. Many of the tiles look the same which makes it too difficult to differentiate between them, and once you make a match, you have to wait until all the tiles stop falling before you can make another match. If it weren't for these factors, I probably would have given it at least 4 stars because I liked the storyline and the available Hidden Object Scenes.
The goals are the same for each level, collect the necessary amounts of each tile before the timer runs out by swapping tiles to make matches of at least 3 identical tiles. You will earn a bottle of potion that is necessary to break the spell a witch has cast upon your boyfriend.
There are blocked tiles that require matches made of the same type as "blocked" but again, it's difficult to see which tiles are blocked at times. To earn Super Powers, you must collect the necessary amount of bonus tiles first, and then drag the icon onto the board where you want to use it, such as a Hammer or Hourglass to stop time.
Can you give Romeo and Juliet the happy ending they desire?
Overall rating
4
/
5
74 of 82 found this review helpful
Ignore The Romeo And Juliet Scenario It Get's Better After The Demo
PostedMarch 26, 2017
pennmom36
fromI can understand that Juliet doesn't want to dig in the dirt but Romeo doesn't want to get dirt under his nails?
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 have always enjoyed the Dark Romance series, one of the only games I know of that allows you to switch between characters, in this case you will play Romeo and Juliet. I found this game to be slow and super easy at first, and the storyline to be disastrous. I bought the CE version during a sale and I finished the game today, which has 6 chapters. I haven't played the bonus chapter yet, but I wanted to write my review to let you know how I feel about the game now that I have played it through. If you cannot get past the fact that this game butchered the beautiful and tragic Romeo and Juliet classic, you will probably hate the game. I chose to ignore that minor detail and just play the game as two lovers who don't seem to catch a break. You know what? It's not that bad! The puzzles quickly progress in difficulty and I enjoyed the game, in fact, I couldn't wait to foil Gaspar and live happily ever after. So play the game with an open mind, the game does get better after the demo, which is more than I can say for a lot of games lately.
In the Collector's Edition version, you will collect Journal notes, 11 hidden Masks, 13 hidden Scrolls and 89 Coins that allow you to purchase items for the Boudoir. Remember the first Dark Romance? You could purchase interface upgrades which was way cooler than buying virtual wedding items to decorate a room that doesn't exist. This part I can say honestly doesn't become any more exciting.
The Hidden Object scenes are varied with Interactive List finds, Silhouetted Shape finds and Multiples of a single item, after the demo, they are mostly interactive list finds, silhouetted shape finds and uncovering matching pairs. There are smaller zoom zone HOP's as well and you can opt for a Match 3 game instead in the CE.
The Mini Games are available in Easy and Hard modes which is a fantastic feature in my opinion. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo, but keep in mind that they do get harder, I had to opt for the easy mode on a couple of the frustrating types.
1) Match top and bottom tokens on the wheels by rotating and swapping tokens.
2) Guide the golden rose into the far right slot by creating a clear path using other shapes to unblock the path.
3) Interact with the story scene by placing objects and characters correctly according to the storyline.
4) Restore the image by rotating rings, moving one ring may affect others.
5) Push in all of the lock parts, pushing one may affect others.
6) Move all red hearts to the left side and all of the yellow hearts to the right side.
7) Move all 3 goblets to the blood drop slots above the board without getting touched by the arrows.
The Collector's Edition has 36 replayable Movies, 18 Wallpapers, 26 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 11 Collectible Masks, 13 Collectible Masks, 86 collectible Coins to purchase items for the Boudoir, 16 replayable Mini Games, 29 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!