pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4700
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 15, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The sun, the sea, and a wedding in peril!
Overall rating
3
/
5
59 of 109 found this review helpful
THE GAMPLAY IS GETTING BETTER BUT MOST OF THE SCENES AREN'T VERY EXOTIC?
PostedFebruary 18, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
One would think that the scenes in a Hawaiian-themed game would be very lush and exotic. I was expecting scenes to show how beautiful Hawaii is, but the first scene takes place in a resort room, and the next was on a typical golf course, followed by a close-up of a floatplane. The fun facts bored me to tears with facts about resorts & their owners, golf courses, planes, and political offices, not to mention a weird fun fact about syphilis & gonorrhea! You would think they would focus on how and when the islands formed...heck, hearing various Hawaiian legends would be even more enjoyable!
Here's an interesting fun fact legend:
Pele, the goddess of fire, and her older sister Nāmaka, the goddess of the sea, were sworn enemies. When Pele became angry, she caused volcanic eruptions, started fires, or created fire pits. Nāmaka would put them out with the water from the sea. The fighting between siblings started in Kauai and moved southeast to Moloka‘i and Maui, where Pele created the Haleakalā volcano. Nāmaka mistakenly believed she had killed Pele in Maui, but was proved wrong when Pele created Mauna Loa on the big island of Hawaii. Pele now lives at the top of Kīlauea in the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which to this day is still active and is currently erupting.
Here's an interesting fun fact legend:
Pele, the goddess of fire, and her older sister Nāmaka, the goddess of the sea, were sworn enemies. When Pele became angry, she caused volcanic eruptions, started fires, or created fire pits. Nāmaka would put them out with the water from the sea. The fighting between siblings started in Kauai and moved southeast to Moloka‘i and Maui, where Pele created the Haleakalā volcano. Nāmaka mistakenly believed she had killed Pele in Maui, but was proved wrong when Pele created Mauna Loa on the big island of Hawaii. Pele now lives at the top of Kīlauea in the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, which to this day is still active and is currently erupting.
Several interactions are available in most scenes, such as dragging one item to another to complete a task. They also added a locked zoom zone that requires a "key," but the key may actually be a simple decal that needs to be found and placed on the door. They have added a simple mini-game in each HO scene as well.
Each scene has a "?" to find to receive a fun fact. There are five fun facts per scene which means that you have to replay the same scene five different times. The items to find are usually different each time, but unfortunately, the mini-game feature they added to each scene doesn't change. It wasn't so bad to replay the memory match card game because the card images were random (same images but in different spots), but when playing a simple puzzle like the mermaid puzzle, it was almost unbearable to have to assemble the same puzzle five times!
The Hidden Object Scenes weren't bad; I just thought the scene locations could have been less ordinary...we should have taken one look at the scene and said, "that's definitely Hawaii"; instead, we get a scene with an ordinary golf cart on a golf course as if Hawaii is only known for their golf courses. When I find a fun fact, I want to learn about Hawaii's culture or unique attractions and how they came about...not when the first resort was opened in Hawaii or who the first Asian-American politician was! Don't get me wrong, this is history to be proud of, but the fun facts could have been so amazing...we're talking about Hawaii!
Again, some of the items had to be clicked on a couple of times, but this glitch seems to be improving from past games. I'm not sure if this is a translation issue but some of the objects had weird names for common items, such as a Spanner=Wrench, and a Bunting=Flag Banner (I thought it was a bird?), not to mention searching for a mouse that was clearly a rat.
Collector's Edition Extras:
6 Bonus Chapters, 18 Achievements, 12 Wallpapers, 11 Soundtracks, 40 Photo Journal replayable Mini-games, Fun Facts (Five per scene), and an Unlimited Play Mode.
6 Bonus Chapters, 18 Achievements, 12 Wallpapers, 11 Soundtracks, 40 Photo Journal replayable Mini-games, Fun Facts (Five per scene), and an Unlimited Play Mode.
Come join the fun and connect with fellow gamers at thewoodsforum.boards.net
Play solitaire and solve the mysteries of the world of dreams!
Overall rating
1
/
5
54 of 102 found this review helpful
WHEN BIG FISH DOESN'T BOTHER TO RELEASE DREAMCATCHER #2 FIRST, IT'S A SIGN THAT THESE GAMES AREN'T HITTING RECORD SALES, PROLLY NOT EVEN NORMAL SALES
PostedFebruary 16, 2023
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
It's pretty bad when a Thursday HOPA release is replaced with a solitaire game. It's not even a decent solitaire game; it's just another lousy 8 Floor Productions game (Somer Games) , AND they didn't even bother to offer them in sequential order because Dreamcatcher #2 was never offered!
If you don't care that you'll never remove all of the cards, then your dreams will indeed be captured by this game. If you are like me and believe that all cards should be removed to get a perfect score, then the dreamcatcher will be a nightmare.
All I want is the option to remove ALL of the cards on the board to receive a perfect score, not just four or five "special" cards. I will play a level over and over until I achieve my goal of what I consider a perfect score... removing every single card from the board. For the life of me, I can't understand why they can't adjust the settings to allow continued play for points once all of the "special" cards have been removed. How difficult can that be?
All I want is the option to remove ALL of the cards on the board to receive a perfect score, not just four or five "special" cards. I will play a level over and over until I achieve my goal of what I consider a perfect score... removing every single card from the board. For the life of me, I can't understand why they can't adjust the settings to allow continued play for points once all of the "special" cards have been removed. How difficult can that be?
Shuffle on over to The Woods Forum and have some real fun at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Unwind with the sweetest solitaire adventure yet!
Overall rating
1
/
5
42 of 86 found this review helpful
FOR THE LOVE OF BONBONS, NOT ANOTHER ONE!
PostedFebruary 12, 2023
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
You'll either love it or hate it when it comes to solitaire games by 8 Floor Productions. If you don't care that you'll never remove all of the cards, then you'll love Solitaire Bonbon. If you are like me, and it drives you freakin' bonbon crazy to have the game end abruptly once all the "Special" cards have been removed, then you will probably hate it!
Even if a hundred regular cards remain. I still want to have the option to remove ALL of the cards on the board to receive a perfect score, not just four or five "special" cards. I will play a level over and over until I achieve my goal of what I consider a perfect score... removing every single card from the board. For the life of me, I can't understand why they can't adjust the settings to allow continued play for points once all of the "special" cards have been removed. How difficult can that be?
When you get your fill of bonbons, shuffle on over to The Woods Forum, it's way more fun at thewoodsforum.boards.net
When you get your fill of bonbons, shuffle on over to The Woods Forum, it's way more fun at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Revisit Moonfell Wood in this stunning remaster of the hidden object classic!
Overall rating
4
/
5
77 of 110 found this review helpful
I'M STILL A FAN, THANKS FOR REMASTERING AWAKENING GAMES BOOMZAP
PostedFebruary 10, 2023
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Completed Original Awakening Series & Remastered Versions
44 Main Game Scene Locations +10 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate-Advanced
(choose how much hand-holding you want)
44 Main Game Scene Locations +10 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate-Advanced
(choose how much hand-holding you want)
BoomZap has made this Awakening fan very happy! I want to explain a few misconceptions because this developer deserves more credit. This is an old-school game, some may love the style, and others who are used to playing cloned games by the usual developer may hate it. BoomZap remastered this game... they did not create a new game! They upgraded the graphics, added collectibles, and a Bonus Chapter. They made the game compatible with newer computers...this is what a remastered game is. If you love the original Awakening series, as I do, you will be delighted!
BTW: The original Awakening: Moonfell Wood was only available as a Standard Edition. Awakening fans submitted a staggering 180 reviews, and 135 of those reviewers gave the game five stars and a 4.4 average star rating...for an SE! This Remastered version is the same beloved story with the same game mechanics; the only addition was a Bonus Chapter and Collectibles! This remastered version is still that same 4.4 average-rated game, maybe even more because it now has collectibles, an additional Bonus chapter, bonus content, and better graphics, not to mention it now works on newer computers!
On the CE version, one reviewer complained about repeating the scenes after the demo. This is what the entire story is about and why it's called Moonfell Wood. Sophie enters Moonfell Wood at night; in fact, the night doesn't end. You will notice that some tasks explain that Sophia will have to investigate the task further in daylight. Eventually, Sophia brings daylight back to Moonfell Wood; therefore, she revisits the scenes again, this time in daylight! As Sophia returns to a location, new characters, puzzles, tasks, and of course, collectibles become available!
There weren't voiceovers in the original game other than a narration recap at the start of the game explaining Sophia's background of a dreamless sleep for 100 years and her journey to find her family or any human for that matter. Again, they simply remastered Moonfell Wood; they didn't change the game itself; just touched it up & added collectibles & a BC.
GADGETS & HELPERS
Mira the fairy has returned to help Princess Sophia in her quest to find her family and other humans. Mira is actually the Hint icon, and although she does chime in once in a while via Text dialog, she doesn't actually do anything.
Mira the fairy has returned to help Princess Sophia in her quest to find her family and other humans. Mira is actually the Hint icon, and although she does chime in once in a while via Text dialog, she doesn't actually do anything.
Eventually, you discover a pocket pet Dragon. Once you tame his growling belly, he sticks around to help light things up with his tiny dragon breath. He doesn't wiggle, and he doesn't say anything, so he's not obtrusive or distracting.
MINI-GAMES:
Yes, this game is chock-full of mini-games; however, they are actually puzzles that are easily solved, none of which are complicated or frustrating. You may have to untangle ropes or rearrange figurines according to descriptions, but mostly they are jigsaws with fragmented pieces or puzzles that require swapping and rotating pieces. I thoroughly enjoyed the puzzles, sometimes I want a relaxing game with fun puzzles to solve that don't require brain strain, and Moonfell Wood was just that!
Yes, this game is chock-full of mini-games; however, they are actually puzzles that are easily solved, none of which are complicated or frustrating. You may have to untangle ropes or rearrange figurines according to descriptions, but mostly they are jigsaws with fragmented pieces or puzzles that require swapping and rotating pieces. I thoroughly enjoyed the puzzles, sometimes I want a relaxing game with fun puzzles to solve that don't require brain strain, and Moonfell Wood was just that!
JOURNAL:
There is a Journal...a practical journal! Not only does it contain a more detailed version of the story, but it has a unique feature found only in the Awakening Series (that I'm aware of). The journal allows you to "Pin" a page, as well as drag the picture to a desired spot to reference drawings or clues that help solve a picture or puzzle! I miss the days when Journals and Diaries were valuable tools!
There is a Journal...a practical journal! Not only does it contain a more detailed version of the story, but it has a unique feature found only in the Awakening Series (that I'm aware of). The journal allows you to "Pin" a page, as well as drag the picture to a desired spot to reference drawings or clues that help solve a picture or puzzle! I miss the days when Journals and Diaries were valuable tools!
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
Technically, there aren't a lot of Hidden Object Scenes, well, not in the traditional sense. There are several Interactive List Finds available, but there are also several smaller HOs where you are tasked with finding multiple butterflies, birds, or symbols on various Forest Cards. There are a lot of Matching Pairs, and some are hidden behind leaves requiring you to open two leaves at a time, while others give descriptions of the shape, etc., that you need to find.
COLLECTIBLES & MORPHING OBJECTS:
The original Awakening: Moonfell Woods did not have collectibles or morphs. There are 88 Morphing Characters and 88 Tri-Peaks Cards, 2 of each in every scene. (44 scenes total) if you click on the Crown in the bottom left corner, it will show you how many have been found in the current scene. They are relatively easy to spot, but that's understandable because they were added to existing scene graphics, which is more difficult. I still enjoyed this feature even though they were easily spotted.
Technically, there aren't a lot of Hidden Object Scenes, well, not in the traditional sense. There are several Interactive List Finds available, but there are also several smaller HOs where you are tasked with finding multiple butterflies, birds, or symbols on various Forest Cards. There are a lot of Matching Pairs, and some are hidden behind leaves requiring you to open two leaves at a time, while others give descriptions of the shape, etc., that you need to find.
COLLECTIBLES & MORPHING OBJECTS:
The original Awakening: Moonfell Woods did not have collectibles or morphs. There are 88 Morphing Characters and 88 Tri-Peaks Cards, 2 of each in every scene. (44 scenes total) if you click on the Crown in the bottom left corner, it will show you how many have been found in the current scene. They are relatively easy to spot, but that's understandable because they were added to existing scene graphics, which is more difficult. I still enjoyed this feature even though they were easily spotted.
TRI-PEAKS SOLITAIRE:
During the game, you are challenged to a tri-peaks game with a goblin. Many people enjoyed this feature, so they have added 46 Bonus Tri-peaks games to play with your new-found Cards in the Extras section!
During the game, you are challenged to a tri-peaks game with a goblin. Many people enjoyed this feature, so they have added 46 Bonus Tri-peaks games to play with your new-found Cards in the Extras section!
BONUS CHAPTER:
Sophia takes to the skies aboard a Griffin to meet her family...there's just one problem. The Griffin has ulterior motives and heads for a remote island! You will discover the What's and Whys in this newly added Bonus Chapter that wasn't available in the original version!
Sophia takes to the skies aboard a Griffin to meet her family...there's just one problem. The Griffin has ulterior motives and heads for a remote island! You will discover the What's and Whys in this newly added Bonus Chapter that wasn't available in the original version!
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
12 incredibly gorgeous Wallpapers (the best I've ever seen), 18 before/After Concept Art (called Devs Journal), 46 Tri-peaks Solitaire Games (Higher/Lower), 20 Achievements, 88 Morphing Characters, 88 Collectible Cards (2 of each in every scene), a Bonus Chapter, and a built-in Strategy Guide.
12 incredibly gorgeous Wallpapers (the best I've ever seen), 18 before/After Concept Art (called Devs Journal), 46 Tri-peaks Solitaire Games (Higher/Lower), 20 Achievements, 88 Morphing Characters, 88 Collectible Cards (2 of each in every scene), a Bonus Chapter, and a built-in Strategy Guide.
Reconnect with fellow fishies, check out my series game lists, chat, or just chill by the campfire at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Welcome to Catstown, a scenic village with beautiful views, quaint cobblestone pathways, and stunning architecture!
Overall rating
3
/
5
103 of 183 found this review helpful
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE BONUS CHAPTER IN IN THE CHRISTMAS TREE FOREST ABOUT CATSTOWN?
PostedFebruary 9, 2023
pennmom36
fromNo voting is kind of lame don't you think. Did you push kids off the monkeybars when you were a kid too?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game in about 4.5 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Main Game Scene Locations +6 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-possibly Intermediate
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Main Game Scene Locations +6 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-possibly Intermediate
There was something familiar about this game when I started playing Knight Cats; it hit me once they said they were in Catstown. If you played the CE Bonus Chapter of Christmas Stories: The Christmas Tree Farm, you will probably remember the story about foul play in Catstown when they started receiving fake presents. I just have one question, what does "Leaves on the Road" have to do with this game's plot?
I'll be honest, when I first saw this game advertised a while back, I was hoping a new developer created it. It didn't seem like the usual genre by the usual two developers. Unfortunately, it is an Elephant Game. I say "unfortunately" because even though it has a unique theme with cats depicted as people, it's the same Elephant Games M.O. that didn't do this game any justice! Most of the tasks can be completed in the same scene. You'll find an object and use that object within the same scene, and most of those tasks simply require the player to find and place shaped motifs. I don't mind a short game; I prefer a short game over a game with a zillion mind-numbing, repetitive tasks, designed to stretch out a game and give it the appearance of length, as offered in games by the other developer.
GADGET/HELPERS:
There are no helpers in the game, but you do have a special skill set (technically, all cats have this skill), the ability to see in the dark. The Cat Vision feature is used 8 times during the Main Chapters and twice in the CE Bonus Chapter. It isn't obtrusive because it simply lights up a dark area when you click the Eye Icon on the top left corner.
There are no helpers in the game, but you do have a special skill set (technically, all cats have this skill), the ability to see in the dark. The Cat Vision feature is used 8 times during the Main Chapters and twice in the CE Bonus Chapter. It isn't obtrusive because it simply lights up a dark area when you click the Eye Icon on the top left corner.
MORPHING OBJECTS/COLLECTIBLES: (CE version only)
There are no Morphing Objects once again, a feature that Elephant Games have always had in the past :(
There are no Morphing Objects once again, a feature that Elephant Games have always had in the past :(
There are 24 Shields that convert to Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces. The puzzle pieces allow you to assemble a single Screensaver. There are 12 Collectible Weapons that are easily spotted because they are large and seem out of place. NOTE: you get an opportunity to return to scenes to find missing collectibles in the Expedition Room.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
The Hidden Object Scenes were fairly well done. I particularly enjoyed the scene where you had to select two buildings at a time to match objects on the list, each cubby had several items, and you had to re-match one cubby with another to match all the objects. There are Listed Item Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Pictured Items to Find & Replace, Swatch Finds, Multiples of the same Item Finds, Matching & Related Pairs, Keywords in Sentence Finds, and scenes with 3 different locations requiring you to use directional arrows. and a handful of smaller Zoom Zone HO's. There are no alternate games available in lieu of the HOs.
.
MINI-GAMES/PUZZLES:
The mini-games were good, but some of them I found to be more frustrating than fun, such as restoring an image by selecting arrows on columns & rows. Other games were super simple such as swapping square tiles, swapping strips to recreate an image, or rotating circles.
The Hidden Object Scenes were fairly well done. I particularly enjoyed the scene where you had to select two buildings at a time to match objects on the list, each cubby had several items, and you had to re-match one cubby with another to match all the objects. There are Listed Item Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Pictured Items to Find & Replace, Swatch Finds, Multiples of the same Item Finds, Matching & Related Pairs, Keywords in Sentence Finds, and scenes with 3 different locations requiring you to use directional arrows. and a handful of smaller Zoom Zone HO's. There are no alternate games available in lieu of the HOs.
.
MINI-GAMES/PUZZLES:
The mini-games were good, but some of them I found to be more frustrating than fun, such as restoring an image by selecting arrows on columns & rows. Other games were super simple such as swapping square tiles, swapping strips to recreate an image, or rotating circles.
BONUS CHAPTER: (Collector's Edition version only)
The Bonus Chapter is a continuing story, playing as Alvin, the Mayor of Fishtown, a town you visited in the Main Chapter. Alvin is preparing for a date with his beloved Valerie when it becomes clear that she has been kidnapped. There are five additional Mini-Games and five Hidden Object Scenes that take place over six additional scene locations. You will continue your search for the three remaining Collectible Weapons and six Shields that convert to puzzle pieces. After completing the Bonus Chapter, the Expedition Room becomes available, which allows you to search for any missing collectibles, and you can complete the jigsaws in the Secret Room. (FYI: the jigsaw puzzles can be placed as you collect them, you do not have to wait to complete the Main Game!)
The Bonus Chapter is a continuing story, playing as Alvin, the Mayor of Fishtown, a town you visited in the Main Chapter. Alvin is preparing for a date with his beloved Valerie when it becomes clear that she has been kidnapped. There are five additional Mini-Games and five Hidden Object Scenes that take place over six additional scene locations. You will continue your search for the three remaining Collectible Weapons and six Shields that convert to puzzle pieces. After completing the Bonus Chapter, the Expedition Room becomes available, which allows you to search for any missing collectibles, and you can complete the jigsaws in the Secret Room. (FYI: the jigsaw puzzles can be placed as you collect them, you do not have to wait to complete the Main Game!)
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
5 Wallpapers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 22 Achievements, 12 Collectible Weapons, 24 Collectible Shields that convert to Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces, (in the Secret Room) 13 Mini-Games & 13 Hidden Object Scenes, an Expedition Room which allows you to return to the scenes to search for missed collectibles, a Secret Room to assemble a 24 piece Screensaver, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
5 Wallpapers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 22 Achievements, 12 Collectible Weapons, 24 Collectible Shields that convert to Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces, (in the Secret Room) 13 Mini-Games & 13 Hidden Object Scenes, an Expedition Room which allows you to return to the scenes to search for missed collectibles, a Secret Room to assemble a 24 piece Screensaver, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Miss the forums and familiar friends? Come join us at my new forum for game talk, general chats, and great company at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Take an amazing trip to Europe's most iconic locations!
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 63 found this review helpful
SAME GAME, DIFFERENT SCENES
PostedFebruary 7, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This is a decent HOG, but there isn't really anything new when compared with the last 3 Big Adventure: Trip To Europe games. Honestly, I think the travel HOGs are just getting old, they are the same games that take place in countries or cities that no one will remember a week later...but that's just a personal thing.
You can only play in a Relaxed Mode, there are no Timed options, and no penalties for using the Hint or Mega Hint features. The HO scenes vary with Listed Items, Multiples of the Same Object Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs, Find & Replace Items, and Descriptive Item Finds. Items in "pink" text are hidden in or behind other objects (a magnifying glass appears over these areas), and items listed in "blue" are objects that require a task such as "placing a flag." Each scene has two Zoom Zones that will appear and disappear as the objects shown on the list are found or added, collectibles can be found in the Zoom Zones as well.
Each HO scene has a Collectible Raccoon, a Postage Stamp, and 3 Silhouetted Shape Finds for extra points. (what are the points used for?) Some scenes have a Souvenir Item; however, you'll either have to guess or go to the souvenir shelf and search for the item by scene location. You will earn a Red Star for completing the Hidden Object location, a Blue Star for finding all of the Silhouette Contours, and a Yellow Star for finding all the Collectibles.
There is no Magnifying Glass or zoom enlargement feature, but there is a Hint Feature that will show you the location of a single random object and a Super Hint feature that briefly shows you all the remaining available items.
After each Hidden Object Scene, you will play a mini-game, such as swapping numbers on a clock using a set point to swap 2 numbers, placing matching flowers on each row using directional arrows on each column & row, or rotating a gear to place the ball in the center hole.
This Collector's Edition version has 30 scene locations (across 15 countries), 8 Bonus Hidden Object Scene Locations, 8 Bonus Mini-games, 20 Collectible Souvenir's, 30 Postage Stamps (in an Album), 8 Bonus Postage Stamps, 12 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks.
Travel on over and join us for tons of fun at my new Nature-themed gaming forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
A celebration of love and romance, just in time for Valentine's Day!
Overall rating
4
/
5
44 of 106 found this review helpful
A UNIQUE NEEDLEPOINT BY NUMBERS
PostedFebruary 6, 2023
pennmom36
fromLooks like our resident NO-voter is a little more cranky than usual. Could it be because reviews don't go thru?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I wasn't crazy about the Valentine's images. Graphium Studios should have offered a wider variety of pictures to capture a larger audience because once Valentine's Day is over, it will basically become obsolete for most people until next year anyway. With that being said, if the images had a broader range, this would have been a 5-Star game for me personally!
The game mechanics were flawless, and I loved the fact that when you click on a numbered spool of thread, the corresponding numbered cells turned grey and were so easy to spot, unlike the Pixel Art series. The colors were beautiful and easy to select because all the Spools of thread were lined up in numerical order on the bottom. I've always been annoyed by the number selection window in the pixel art series because you must click up/down arrows to reveal half of the numbers on the chart. These are tiny little details, of course, but they make a huge difference, so thank you, Graphium, for paying attention to the details!
The bottom line is if you like pixel art games, this is basically the same concept. However, instead of a plain static cell, it has the texture of needlepoint thread. It made the game unique because the developer dared to put on his thinking cap to create something a bit different...why can't we just give them credit? We are constantly asking BF to offer something different. They just gave us something different!
Now for the cons of the game. (besides the image selection)
I don't see the need for the large Buttons to Zoom (+ or -). Yes, they do obstruct the view of the picture. You can scroll the mouse wheel to zoom in or out, so just ditch these buttons altogether.
I would also ditch the large "OK" button as well, or place it in the top right corner. You can't see the completed needlepoint because of it.
There are 3 Chapters; the first chapter has 27 levels, the second level has 24 levels, and the third chapter has 18 levels. Mostly, this type of game is all about the images...throw in some colorful pictures with lots of curb appeal, such as adorable kittens, mandolins, colorful flowers, castles, old barns, unicorns & horses, dragons, fairies, etc.; the broader the variety, the larger the audience it will attract!
There's a ton of variety at my new forum, from game talk to kitten memes; there's something for everyone at thewoodsforum.boards.net
The game mechanics were flawless, and I loved the fact that when you click on a numbered spool of thread, the corresponding numbered cells turned grey and were so easy to spot, unlike the Pixel Art series. The colors were beautiful and easy to select because all the Spools of thread were lined up in numerical order on the bottom. I've always been annoyed by the number selection window in the pixel art series because you must click up/down arrows to reveal half of the numbers on the chart. These are tiny little details, of course, but they make a huge difference, so thank you, Graphium, for paying attention to the details!
The bottom line is if you like pixel art games, this is basically the same concept. However, instead of a plain static cell, it has the texture of needlepoint thread. It made the game unique because the developer dared to put on his thinking cap to create something a bit different...why can't we just give them credit? We are constantly asking BF to offer something different. They just gave us something different!
Now for the cons of the game. (besides the image selection)
I don't see the need for the large Buttons to Zoom (+ or -). Yes, they do obstruct the view of the picture. You can scroll the mouse wheel to zoom in or out, so just ditch these buttons altogether.
I would also ditch the large "OK" button as well, or place it in the top right corner. You can't see the completed needlepoint because of it.
There are 3 Chapters; the first chapter has 27 levels, the second level has 24 levels, and the third chapter has 18 levels. Mostly, this type of game is all about the images...throw in some colorful pictures with lots of curb appeal, such as adorable kittens, mandolins, colorful flowers, castles, old barns, unicorns & horses, dragons, fairies, etc.; the broader the variety, the larger the audience it will attract!
There's a ton of variety at my new forum, from game talk to kitten memes; there's something for everyone at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Merge ingredients to cook food, serve customers, and grow your restaurant!
Overall rating
1
/
5
54 of 113 found this review helpful
I Have Played Some Worthless Games Over The Years, But... WOW THIS IS A SKUNK!
PostedFebruary 5, 2023
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I have played several "Merge" games, including EverMerge and Dragon Merge, but this game is worthless! To serve someone a double burger, I had to merge ridiculous items a zillion times over.
First, I had to click on the fridge TWICE and then drag one frozen patty to the other, which somehow created a cooked burger.
After getting a cooked burger, I had to repeat the process and drag the cooked burgers to one another to get a burger with a bun.
I'm still repeating this process, merging single burgers with buns to create a double burger. But we're not done yet! It appears that when you merge two double burgers with buns together, you get a fully loaded burger with lettuce! Guess what happens if you keep merging burgers...you create a solid black burger, YUM!
After serving my customer, a get to slap a fresh coat of paint on the walls of my restaurant. Apparently, I merged paint with wallpaper because after painting the walls, a blue spotted wallpaper appeared on one of the walls?
Okay, this was the tutorial, so let's give it a chance, say's I. Ohhh, pizza, now we're talking! Now I'm tasked with merging boxes of a mystery ingredient to unfreeze other boxes that I've stored in a dresser? The pizza dough looks like a frozen chicken patty, but who's judging?
The pizza is more complicated than a triple burger because merging plain pizza makes a pizza with vegetables....several merges later, I finally created a simple pizza with pepperoni!
I'm sure this game will be wonderful for someone who likes to play a Mobile game converted to a PC game and is looking for a game where they get to serve customers food after about 15 minutes of mindless tile dragging.
If you get bored, click the exit button and drag yourself over to The Woods Forum for a much better experience thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
An inspiring journey through Earth's natural beauty!
Overall rating
5
/
5
128 of 231 found this review helpful
TINY LITTLE LION DOES IT AGAIN!
PostedFebruary 4, 2023
pennmom36
fromHuman predators are all around us. They are bullies, outwardly charming and secretly manipulative. Their lies, risk-taking, manipulation, and rage ruin lives and imprint lasting trauma upon their prey.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I just made a comment a couple of days ago, on my review of the Amazing Vacation game, that developers needed to ditch the cliche objects they repeatedly use that have nothing to do with the game's theme. Nature Escapes is a perfect example of how to do a HOG justice! Although they still use a few random, non-related objects, those objects are rustic variations that fit in perfectly...it's incredible what can be accomplished when a developer goes the extra mile and uses their creative imagination!
The graphics are not only beautiful but crystal clear even when you zoom or use the Magnifying Glass features! This is the only HO game I know of that mastered the art of Zoom. You can scroll to enlarge the scene or use the Magnifying Glass to search small areas, and the best part is that a simple right-click prompts the magnifier, which doesn't disappear once you find an object like most games...and all you have to do is right-click a second time to flick it away instantly. You can also zoom the entire scene & use the magnifier even within the Zoom Zones, a feature many devs tend to overlook. In reality, most HO fans are aging, and in my opinion, this is o must-have feature!
There are no Timers or Misclick penalties, but you will earn more points for making fast consecutive finds (Combo x1, x2, x3, x4, etc.), and you'll earn more points if you don't use the Hint feature. Even though you aren't racing against the clock, you will earn a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Star depending on how many points you earn, so making combos is vital.
Each scene has a Hidden Photo that converts to Coins that allows you to purchase 20 Plants & Flowers in the My Garden Section. You can even choose where to place the plants or select multiple's of the same plant! You can click the Camera icon to take a picture of your arrangement and set them as wallpaper. I wish you could place the plants in any arrangement versus placing them on preset snap points, such as grouping a set of plants together.
Each scene also has 3 Shapeshifting, Morphing Objects that are incredibly well blended. They morph at a perfect pace and can be quite challenging to spot! (morphs can appear in Zoom Zones too) Each Morph found converts to a flower you can plant in the wild in the Nature Album.
The Mini-games are nature-related as well. I love the Spot The Difference games, but I really loved the puzzle where you had to swap Circles & Squares and then rotate them. The first one was a forest image with a stream, and it was more challenging than I expected!
I'm still going to keep urging this developer to include a Strategy Guide showing the location of the Morphing Objects. I love the challenge but some of them are difficult to find and it would be wonderful to be able to check the SG when a morph proves to be too challenging. Technically, they could add a Hint button for the morphs, but I'd prefer to have to look at the SG.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
18 Scene Locations, +6 Bonus Locations, 12 Bonus Mini-games, 24 Wallpapers, 10 Dev Plants, Bonus Plants, 11 Music Soundtracks, 72 Shapeshifting Morphs, (54 in the Main Locations + 18 in the CE bonus locations), 24 Hidden Photos (18 in the main locations +6 in the CE bonus levels) 20 Flowers & Plants to purchase & place (multiples of plants can be selected), 24 Flower Fun Facts.
18 Scene Locations, +6 Bonus Locations, 12 Bonus Mini-games, 24 Wallpapers, 10 Dev Plants, Bonus Plants, 11 Music Soundtracks, 72 Shapeshifting Morphs, (54 in the Main Locations + 18 in the CE bonus locations), 24 Hidden Photos (18 in the main locations +6 in the CE bonus levels) 20 Flowers & Plants to purchase & place (multiples of plants can be selected), 24 Flower Fun Facts.
Miss the BF forums?
Like most of you, I missed the BF forums, too, so I created The Woods Forum so everyone could enjoy all the benefits of a community built by like-minded gamers. Join us at the campfire and enjoy nature: thewoodsforum.boards.net
Like most of you, I missed the BF forums, too, so I created The Woods Forum so everyone could enjoy all the benefits of a community built by like-minded gamers. Join us at the campfire and enjoy nature: thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Princess Mercedes has been kidnapped, and the throne is at stake!
Overall rating
3
/
5
95 of 187 found this review helpful
THE PLOT IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP UP WITH - THE GAMEPLAY IS REPETITIVE - THE COLLECTIBLES ARE DIFFICULT TO ACCESS, other than that...
PostedFebruary 2, 2023
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
What's up with the popup windows in games by this developer lately? Every game starts with a cutscene that sets up the story, but for some odd reason, a huge popup window appears smack dab in the middle of the screen, with a large arrow bouncing up & down, urging you to pick up a collectible. You can't see the movie video because the popup covers most of the screen. You can't get rid of the popup because, obviously, there's no collectible available to pick up in the cutscene! This same scenario has happened in the last 5 or 6 Do games, even though I customized the difficulty and selected "No Tutorial"
Let's take this annoying glitch one step further. Why is it that every time you earn an Achievement, the popup telling you what you achieved, swooshes on-screen and disappears at lightning speed? Most of the time you'll earn an achievement at the same time a window pops up showing you the Inventory Item you just earned from playing a Hidden Object Scene. The achievement popup window then gets covered up by the popup window for the inventory item you just earned. The achievements either whizzes past you at warp speed, or get's buried under a second popup window, so you're clueless as to which achievements you've just earned unless you go to the Achievements section.
EXTENDED PLAY OPTION:
You will come across conversation options that allow you to choose Extended Gameplay. There will be two conversation options; if you choose the first option, it unlocks a side quest with additional scenes, mini-games, and hidden object scenes. In the last Do Game, there were four additional quests per chapter; however, this time, there is only three total. The first and second chapters each have an Extended Play option, while the third & final chapter does not. The CE Bonus Chapter has one Extended Play option as well. The extended play blends into the story so well that you'd never know it was a side quest if they didn't tell you! I have to give Do Games kudos for that! To be clear, these are optional quests that won't affect the game's story or its outcome.
COLLECTIBLES/MORPHS (CE version only)
This feature has a ton of issues; in fact, there have been issues with the collectibles ever since they added the extended play option to their games. (could be a coincidence?) The issue I had was not being able to access the collectibles or the room to purchase items from any of the associated pull-out tabs. They don't even have an access tab on the map as they did in past games. The only way to open the collectibles is to exit the game and select the CE Extras Tab on the main menu, which is a total inconvenience! Who wants to do this every time you want to purchase a Boudoir Item?
The other issue I came across, (in several of their newest games) is that the collectibles are called something different, depending on where you look. On the CE Extras Tab, they have a section called "Collectibles," which is pretty generic. The tabs in-game call them Mercedes' Jewelry, which, indeed, there are 15 different pieces of jewelry to collect. However, in the CE Extras menu, there is a section called "Morphing Objects" In the game itself, the pull-out Collectibles Tab calls them "Arron's Belongings," and they are definitely filled with 15 manly items, and they do actually morph. The most confusing part is when you click on a Morphing Arron's Belongings collectible, a popup window appears that says, "Congratulations! You've found a Building"...did I miss something? What kind of building is made using a shaving kit or a horse saddle?
There are 15 Morphing Objects, AKA: Arron's Belonging, AKA: buildings, depending on where you look, 15 Collectibles, AKA Mercedes' Jewelry, 15 Boudoir Items, AKA: Makeup Vanity with no boudoir in site, and 64 Zoom Zone Roses, AKA currency. Most of the collectibles are so tiny that they are difficult to spot and darn near impossible to recognize which items they actually are. The Zoom Zone Roses are hidden in the deepest, darkest corners and would totally be overlooked if not for the fact that the zoom zone doesn't close until you collect the blue roses.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
Do Games sure does know how to pick boring HO locations! It's pretty bad when your spidey senses already know there will be an HO when you finally open that Globe. They had a lot of scenes that were introduced in their newest HOGs where you are tasked with finding three of each listed item, shown three at a time. There was a Silhouetted Shape Combination scene where you had to find the item that would logically make sense if you added this item plus that item...the problem was that all of the final products were a stretch of anyone's imagination because none of them made sense! Most of the scenes are dark, drab, and very unappealing.
ALTERNATE MATCH 3 GAME:
An alternate Match 3 game is available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. Unfortunately, it's the same M3 game, with the same boards, and the same icons offered in every game. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type once in a while?...what's it been, 5 years, 10 years with the exact same Match 3 boards?
BONUS CHAPTER: (Collector's Edition only)
There are seven additional Mini-games, and six Hidden Object Scenes in the Bonus Chapter that takes place over nine new scene locations. There is another Extended Play option for additional gameplay. You will continue to search for the final 4 Morphing Arron's Belongings, 4 Mercedes' Jewelry Items, and 9 Roses that are used to purchase the final Boudoir Items.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS (CE version only)
10 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 30 Movie Video Cutscenes, 42 Achievements, 22 Replayable Mini-Games, 19 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Arron's Belongings, 15 Collectible Mercedes' Jewelry, and 64 Zoom Zone Roses that are used to purchase 15 Boudoir Items, 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
EXTENDED PLAY OPTION:
You will come across conversation options that allow you to choose Extended Gameplay. There will be two conversation options; if you choose the first option, it unlocks a side quest with additional scenes, mini-games, and hidden object scenes. In the last Do Game, there were four additional quests per chapter; however, this time, there is only three total. The first and second chapters each have an Extended Play option, while the third & final chapter does not. The CE Bonus Chapter has one Extended Play option as well. The extended play blends into the story so well that you'd never know it was a side quest if they didn't tell you! I have to give Do Games kudos for that! To be clear, these are optional quests that won't affect the game's story or its outcome.
COLLECTIBLES/MORPHS (CE version only)
This feature has a ton of issues; in fact, there have been issues with the collectibles ever since they added the extended play option to their games. (could be a coincidence?) The issue I had was not being able to access the collectibles or the room to purchase items from any of the associated pull-out tabs. They don't even have an access tab on the map as they did in past games. The only way to open the collectibles is to exit the game and select the CE Extras Tab on the main menu, which is a total inconvenience! Who wants to do this every time you want to purchase a Boudoir Item?
The other issue I came across, (in several of their newest games) is that the collectibles are called something different, depending on where you look. On the CE Extras Tab, they have a section called "Collectibles," which is pretty generic. The tabs in-game call them Mercedes' Jewelry, which, indeed, there are 15 different pieces of jewelry to collect. However, in the CE Extras menu, there is a section called "Morphing Objects" In the game itself, the pull-out Collectibles Tab calls them "Arron's Belongings," and they are definitely filled with 15 manly items, and they do actually morph. The most confusing part is when you click on a Morphing Arron's Belongings collectible, a popup window appears that says, "Congratulations! You've found a Building"...did I miss something? What kind of building is made using a shaving kit or a horse saddle?
There are 15 Morphing Objects, AKA: Arron's Belonging, AKA: buildings, depending on where you look, 15 Collectibles, AKA Mercedes' Jewelry, 15 Boudoir Items, AKA: Makeup Vanity with no boudoir in site, and 64 Zoom Zone Roses, AKA currency. Most of the collectibles are so tiny that they are difficult to spot and darn near impossible to recognize which items they actually are. The Zoom Zone Roses are hidden in the deepest, darkest corners and would totally be overlooked if not for the fact that the zoom zone doesn't close until you collect the blue roses.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
Do Games sure does know how to pick boring HO locations! It's pretty bad when your spidey senses already know there will be an HO when you finally open that Globe. They had a lot of scenes that were introduced in their newest HOGs where you are tasked with finding three of each listed item, shown three at a time. There was a Silhouetted Shape Combination scene where you had to find the item that would logically make sense if you added this item plus that item...the problem was that all of the final products were a stretch of anyone's imagination because none of them made sense! Most of the scenes are dark, drab, and very unappealing.
ALTERNATE MATCH 3 GAME:
An alternate Match 3 game is available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. Unfortunately, it's the same M3 game, with the same boards, and the same icons offered in every game. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type once in a while?...what's it been, 5 years, 10 years with the exact same Match 3 boards?
BONUS CHAPTER: (Collector's Edition only)
There are seven additional Mini-games, and six Hidden Object Scenes in the Bonus Chapter that takes place over nine new scene locations. There is another Extended Play option for additional gameplay. You will continue to search for the final 4 Morphing Arron's Belongings, 4 Mercedes' Jewelry Items, and 9 Roses that are used to purchase the final Boudoir Items.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS (CE version only)
10 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 30 Movie Video Cutscenes, 42 Achievements, 22 Replayable Mini-Games, 19 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Arron's Belongings, 15 Collectible Mercedes' Jewelry, and 64 Zoom Zone Roses that are used to purchase 15 Boudoir Items, 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Like most of you, I missed the BF forums, so I created The Woods Forum so everyone could enjoy all the benefits of a community built by like-minded gamers. Come join us to reconnect with friends, or just chillax by the campfire and enjoy nature at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.