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:
Dive into an enchanting Eastern atmosphere and solve the mysteries of the wise ones in Asian Riddles 4! 180 new Griddlers!
Overall rating
1
/
5
19 of 27 found this review helpful
Same Devs, Different Graphics, Still Not Logic Based
PostedFebruary 17, 2017
pennmom36
fromDid anybody else get the memo that logic is no longer required in a Griddler game?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This is yet another griddler game that is NOT based on logic. Instead it's based on using a hint, only the first 9 or so levels can be solved using logic. All games by this dev are the same the only feature that changes is the graphics, which at least these graphics are pleasing. I get that the devs can really make bank with these games because all they have to do is add a few different backgrounds and the name, which even that just requires adding a number next to the previous version.
All of the features are the same with this dev, you can play a Beginner Training course with 6 levels of tutorial, or brush up on your skills in Expert Training mode with a single tutorial grid. There are however more grids offered in this game than the usual, with 12 available Rooms, and each room has 15 levels that you earn up to three Red Flowers, a flower is deducted with each mistake you make. Some cells have coins that are earned when you fill in the cell correctly, and you must earn enough coins to unlock the next room or series of grids.
All of the features are the same with this dev, you can play a Beginner Training course with 6 levels of tutorial, or brush up on your skills in Expert Training mode with a single tutorial grid. There are however more grids offered in this game than the usual, with 12 available Rooms, and each room has 15 levels that you earn up to three Red Flowers, a flower is deducted with each mistake you make. Some cells have coins that are earned when you fill in the cell correctly, and you must earn enough coins to unlock the next room or series of grids.
You can visit the Shop and purchase 2 more Starting Hints, the Right to Make a Mistake X3, or Refill Hints on the current level with the coins you earn. There are so many really good Griddler games available, that require you to use logic not hints.
I don't recommend this game.
A dark fog is taking over Bremen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
294 of 328 found this review helpful
The Musicians Are The Key
PostedFebruary 16, 2017
pennmom36
fromI gave the donkey a single carrot, but he's eating a whole pile!?
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
I absolutely loved this beastly edition of Living Legends! Lately, these games have bored me, either during the demo, or a couple of chapters afterwards, either the story is lame or the tasks are so repetitious that I don't want to continue, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying both the storyline and the tasks. The graphics are beautiful and this is just a fantastic fairytale, one that I'm looking forward to finishing.
Rosabella and Emily Dorner are identical twins who have pursued unidentical lifestyles. Rosabella is a talented musician, Emily chases down Living Legends, but Emily never dreamed she'd have to save her own sister from a Living Legend! The entire town of Bremen, where Rosabella was performing with three other musicians, has been transformed into beasts by the Mistress of the fog. It doesn't take Emily long to figure out that the musicians are the key to everything, but can Emily resist the fog long enough to save her sister?
Each scene has a Morphing Object and a Paper Doll Collectible, and although the cursor doesn't change, they aren't very challenging to find which is my only disappointment in this game. You will eventually find an amulet that can neutralize the dark magic curse, and naturally you have to play a Mini Game before using it.
The Hidden Object Scenes are indeed basic, with only two different types offered, Interactive List finds and finding 12 Musical Notes. I really don't care about varieties, I actually prefer the interactive list finds.
The Mini Games are very doable, but that doesn't matter to me either, easy doesn't mean its not fun. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Move blocks to allow the key to enter the lock.in a "blocks" game variation.
2) Recreate the face by swapping tiles then place the magicians where they belong.
3) Restore the key by selecting tiles until the correct image is shown.
4) Restore the fresco by swapping two free tiles and then select the button to change which tiles are covered by moss to complete.
5) Block the cats path on a honeycomb grid to surround him.
6) Remove all tiles from the board by dragging a line of at least 3 identical tiles to remove, repeat 3 different levels.
This Collector's Edition has 22 Achievements to earn, 10 Wallpapers, 4 Screensavers, 12 Concept Art pictures, 25 Collectible Paper Dolls, 25 Morphing Objects, 5 Music Soundtracks, 35 Videos, 21 replayable Mini Games, 16 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Build the perfect Popper Lands Colony for your villagers in this bubble popper adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
49 of 61 found this review helpful
A Decent Marble Popping Game But........
PostedFebruary 15, 2017
pennmom36
fromPop, pop pop!
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 probably would have purchased this game, but there were two features that convinced me otherwise. The biggest problem I had while playing this game was that I had no mouse cursor to guide me, but that could just be a glitch of incompatibility with my computer for whatever reason, I'll give it the benefit of doubt. I had to move my mouse around until the icon I needed to choose, would light up for me to click on it, such as the play icon, or even to "buy" a new building, or simply exit out of the game, but I got pretty good at guessing where the cursor was. The second feature I disliked was the annoying voice giving me shoutouts for combos, "great job" or "awesome combo" just got to be annoying after a couple of levels.
The gameplay itself is pretty simple, aim your cannon located at the bottom of the screen, and shoot the ball using the Left mouse button, to make matches of at least 3 identical colors to remove all the balls. Right clicking will swap the first colored ball with the second ball, but it doesn't necessarily give you a different color, or one you actually need at the time. To earn all three stars, you will need to complete the level goals within a limited number of moves, but there is no time limit. You can opt for a Relaxed mode that has unlimited moves instead of the Challenge, limited moves mode, and there is an Expert mode that has limited move AND you don't get any of the Power-ups either.
Once you remove all of the balls, you still need to hit the gold chunks at the top to win the game but if you play strategically, you can hit the gold and remove a group of balls at the same time. As you progress, obstacles are added to make it more challenging such as removing Diamonds by making matches above them so they fall, Ice Balls turn balls into ice when they are touched, Metal balls also need matches above them, and the Rotating Wheels will turn with each move until they are removed by making matches above them until they fall.
Power-ups are eventually earned, such as the Joker Rainbow Ball which can be used as a wild card that matches any colored ball. I didn't finish the demo, so I'm not sure if other power-ups are offered in the demo. The balls that are released will fall into different barrels at the bottom, which will earn you points. Those points are used to build a city with the typical buildings and decorations such as sawmills, houses and a City Hall. This game is similar to Panda Pop, it's a really fun game, but because I couldn't use my cursor, it was a frustrating endeavor, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Wedding Salon 2: Open and develop a chain of wedding salons located all around the world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
40 of 48 found this review helpful
Great Time Management Sequel But Really Fast Paced
PostedFebruary 14, 2017
pennmom36
fromHappy Valentine's Day :)
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 haven't played the first game in this series that was released in 2011, but this second edition is a decent Time Management game. In my opinion, it's a little too fast paced, right at the get go which turned me off a bit. Apparently in the first Wedding Salon, Holly ran a successful Wedding Salon, and in this episode, Holly has been asked to come to London to help Sir Barrington improve his waning Salon.
The goals are simple but fast paced, and in many ways it's similar to Fabulous Angela's Fashion Fever game. When client's come into the salon they will sit down in the chair with a thought bubble above them and you need to drag them to their desired showcase such as the Earring counter, the Unique Gift counter or the Hair Styling booth. When they are at the earring booth, a mini game will pop up and you must choose the two identical earrings. When at the Unique gift booth, a pop up window display's about 5 items to begin with and you must choose the gift that has no matching or similar gift. Sometimes the client wants to visit more than one booth, and you'll drag them to wherever their thought bubble shows until they are done at which point you click on the register to check them out.
Occasionally, smiley faces and gold bars show up and you need to click on them to earn more profits or improve client's mood. Your profits are used to buy more showcases to serve more clients at a time or improve their mood, you can even make Holly move a tad bit faster. If you achieve Expert goal times, you will be able to upgrade Holly's new house, beginning with the outside (new windows, door, swings, fences, paver stones and pond decorations) eventually you work on the kitchen and then the bedroom, each upgrade comes in three different design choices.
I think this is a really good Time Management game, it's just a bit too fast for my taste, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
120 new Japanese crosswords – stroll through the most romantic locations!
Overall rating
1
/
5
34 of 38 found this review helpful
GRIDDLER GAMES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SOLVED USING LOGIC
PostedFebruary 14, 2017
pennmom36
fromHappy Valentine's Day :)
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
This is another holiday themed griddler game that is NOT based on logic. Instead it's based on using a hint, only the first few levels can be solved using logic. All games by this dev are the same, in fact I'm almost positive that the grids are exactly the same as the last one, and the same as in the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter versions 1,2,3,4,5,600, however many they have at this point it's hard to keep up with. Nothing changes, same features, same grids, same music (which is really annoying btw) I get that the devs can really make bank with these games because all they have to do is add a few different backgrounds and the name, which even that just requires adding a number next to the previous version, come on guys....change something, anything.
This is supposed to be a Valentine's Day griddler, yet this version as well as last year's version are blue in color. To make matters worse, it isn't even a pretty blue, picture in your head what the cells would look like if you took a blue colored pencil and roughly sketched in the cell, its not very interesting picture is it? At least in the demo, as far as I can tell, none of the grids form an actual picture when complete, obviously as you get into the larger puzzles they form hearts etc. because the pictures shown for this game clearly show actual pictures when completed. (I'm pretty sure one of the grids formed a snake)
All of the features are the same with this dev, you can play a Beginner Training course with 6 levels of tutorial, or brush up on your skills in Expert Training mode with a single tutorial grid. There are 6 Rooms, each room has 20 levels that you earn up to three Gold Stars, a star is deducted with each mistake you make. Some cells have coins that are earned when you fill in the cell correctly, and you must earn enough coins to unlock the next room or series of grids.
You can visit the Shop and purchase 2 more Starting Hints, the Right to Make a Mistake X3, or Refill Hints on the current level with the coins you earn. There are so many really good Griddler games available, this one is way to bland, and unappealing,
I don't recommend this game.
Discover more match 3 fun in this exciting sequel to Artifact Quest!
Overall rating
4
/
5
92 of 99 found this review helpful
Two Different Types Of Match 3 Available And One Wicked Game of Catching And Placing Falling Shapes
PostedFebruary 13, 2017
pennmom36
fromThey're dropping too fast aarrgh!
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
There are two different Match 3 game types, most levels require you to swap tiles to make identical matches, but some require clicking on groups of 2 or more identical tiles. You can play in a Timed or Relaxed mode and the goal is to match tiles over all highlighted cells to break them. To earn all three stars, you'll have to make as many large matches as possible.
There are the usual obstacles such as Wooden Crates, Planks, and Snow filled cells, that require matches adjacent to them, or Ice filled tiles that require matches made of the same piece as the frozen piece to break. Large matches earn bonuses on the board such as Bombs or Lightning, some even give you extra coins. There are Bonuses that can be used once they are charged, on the tile pieces of your choice such as a Hammer, but many of the levels have directional firecrackers and TNT that are placed strategically on the board which will explode and cause a chain reaction when a match is made next to them.
After a few levels you will play a Mini Game where you must grab falling shapes and place them into the cells with the identical shape. Pieces you can't place can be grabbed and placed into the recycle bin on the right side of the screen. If too many pieces land on the ground and "fill up" the space on the ground, you will lose. I'm not sure if the rules change or the pace of falling symbols slows down when you are playing in Relaxed mode because I played in the Timed mode.
I liked the Swap type Match 3 game, but I'm not a fan of the Group type where you must click on groups of at least two identical tiles, to remove them. Fortunately, most levels are the swap type, and I did find it confusing at the start of the levels, until I figured out which type of Match 3 game it was. The mini game's with dropping tiles is a fast paced game, which was both fun and nerve wracking at the same time, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a new jigsaw puzzle game made in the spirit of love and romance.
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 28 found this review helpful
The Picture's Just Aren't That Appealing To Me Personally, Otherwise A Decent Jigsaw Variety
PostedFebruary 13, 2017
pennmom36
fromLot's of staged pictures, but at least there are several puzzles with horses, dogs, birds and fish!
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
I've always been a jigsaw puzzle junkie, the bigger the better, and I have a hard time pulling myself away from a puzzle until they are completed. I prefer the good old fashioned physical jigsaw puzzles, but sometimes virtual puzzles are more practical.
The puzzles offered in Holiday Jigsaw Valentine's Day 4 however, just aren't that appealing to me, and it's just more of the same as within the last one, and the one before that. I like pictures of animals or beautiful sceneries, but this puzzle of course is Valentine's Day inspired with pictures in 5 categories: Couples, Gifts, Decor, Romance, and Wedding. Although there are several animal "couples" I wouldn't choose these scenes if I were buying a physical puzzle, therefore there's nothing that excites me enough to buy these puzzles either.
Any puzzle can be modified with the amount of pieces you want, the style of cut and whether or not you want the pieces to rotate. You can choose four different colored backgrounds, pink, blue, green and white, as well as choose your resolution. There are several tools available, you can choose to ghost the image of the puzzle on the background, or have a real picture shown in three different sizes. There is a Magnifying glass and a Hint icon, you can use the Border only option or the Sort option, and you can store extra pieces in the box until you have more room. Who knows, maybe # 5 will have more appealing pictures, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you save a group of students before it’s too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
66 of 86 found this review helpful
The Wilford School For Girls Is Brutal
PostedFebruary 12, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhy do I always have to put bandages on people's wounds, it's just a scratch, man, put your own bandage on!
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
Ellie Brown and her best friend Susie had found a hidden room at the Wilford School they attended, and inside the hidden room they discovered a mysterious book. Out of curiosity they performed one of the rituals written within the pages of the book. Unfortunately, the ritual went horribly wrong, and the girls were being haunted by a revengeful spirit who caused Ellie to fall and become comatose. Ellie didn't want to leave Susie behind, so her spirit remained at the school to protect her friend. (how Ellie's spirit was able to remain was never explained) The girl's unknowingly awakened the angry spirit of Megan Williams a former student who lost both of her parents in a fire, but despite her trauma, was a kind young girl who just wanted to "fit in" at the Wilford School for girls. Megan was never accepted by the other girls, and lost her life in a horrible accident in 1966. Now, with the help of Ellie's spirit, you must figure out how to stop Megan from hurting more students, which won't be easy, because she's out for revenge!
In my opinion, The Cursed Castle was the only Spirit of Revenge that was top notch, and the only one with fantastic graphics. The last game in this series, Florry's Well was a complete disaster, this game is way better, but I just don't get what's up with the cartoonish graphics. One minute they are realistic, the next, sloppy, especially when it comes to the Hidden Object Scenes. One of the reason's I liked this game better than the last one, is that there are a ton of Mini Games, most of which are super easy. I actually don't mind easy puzzles, as long as they are fun, who cares whether you solved it in 20 seconds flat, if it's fun, that's what matters.
In the Collector's Edition version, there are 41 Morphing Objects that give you a Hint for each one you find. I'm not sure what happens if you run out of hints, or don't collect any morphs, but there's always the built in Strategy Guide to help you. There is a good jump map available, that shows where an available task is located, as well as alerting you of an available morph, so you probably won't need to use a hint anyway. There are also 9 Collectible Character figurines, available in the CE as well, and each one has a small bio that sheds more light on the story than the game itself does.
The Hidden Objects are almost as plentiful as the puzzles. There are Interactive List finds, Multiples of a single item or type, and most Progressive, Interactive Silhouetted Shape finds. This is where you find an item that matches the silhouetted shape shown in the inventory bar, and use that item back in the scene interactively to expose the next item. There is usually a puzzle, sometimes two, to solve, which I list in the next section.
The Mini Games are in abundance. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Select and swap elements between several certificates.
2) Rotate carved wooden discs to complete the image.
3) Arrange the medals in order from 1 to 5 by swapping medals that share the same circular tracks.
4) Arrange items correctly according to the images on the pockets and the images across the top.
5) Swap key sections so the top half matches the bottom half.
6) Put misplaced items where they belong in a storybook as a story unfolds.
7) Rotate dials to create a continuous line from left to right.
8) Swap pie sections to their color coded slots.
9) Select buttons in the correct order according to the clue shown.
10) Place wooden bird shapes correctly.
11) Swap circular puzzle sections along tracks and then rotate to complete the picture.
12) Use the clue to select the correct stone sections by clicking until the desired image appears.
13) Set the correct combination using the code shown, by selecting circular ring sections to rotate.
To help you decide between the two versions, the Collector's Edition has 9 Achievements to earn, 14 VG Team pictures, 9 Collectible Character Figures, 11 Music Soundtracks, 6 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art pictures, 41 Morphing Objects to use as extra hints, replayable Videos, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Explore 12 unforgettable periods in a relationship
Overall rating
4
/
5
28 of 34 found this review helpful
Another Holiday, Another Solitaire Game
PostedFebruary 12, 2017
pennmom36
fromIt says I'm exploring 12 unforgettable periods in a relationship. I don't remember those in this game, do they have anything to do with a solitaire date night?
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
Last year's Valentine's Day Solitaire game was offered as Match 2, mahjong style Solitaire game, which is my least favorite type. I'm glad they decided to present this year's Solitaire game as a Higher/Lower type where the goal is to remove cards that are either one higher or one lower than the base card, while making as large of a chain as possible to receive more points. There are 12 Rooms and 10 levels in each room, and you will need to earn enough points to unlock the next room. If you play in Newbie mode you can replay any level, in Professional mode you must replay the entire 10 level pack. There are 10 card background styles to choose from and 3 styles of face cards, which are mostly Valentine's Day themed, with lot's of pink hues and hearts, and a soothing music to set the romantic mood.
In this devs game's the goal of all levels is to remove all Gold cards which will give you a perfect score, even if standard cards remain. Some cards have ribbons on them that are Bonus Cards, when removed, you will earn 499 points, and sometimes an extra reshuffle, or an extra undo. The points can be used in the shop to purchase Joker wildcards, an extra Shuffle or a Mulligan undo feature.
This dev releases these games for every holiday and the features never change, the only change they make is with the background setting. I'm not really a fan of this type of Solitaire game either, (removing just gold cards) I would prefer the standard Solitaire where the goal is to remove all of the cards on the board, which to me, seems more interesting and challenging. If you're in the mood for romance, or a nice relaxing game of solitaire, and don't mind that this game is exactly the same as many others offered lately, then you will love it, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop these stone-cold conspirators in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
203 of 242 found this review helpful
I SWEAR I SAW THAT STATUE MOVE
PostedFebruary 11, 2017
pennmom36
fromPoor granny, she's got no one to scrape the moss off of her!
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
Oh what a tangled stone web we weave, and oh what an unbelievable storyline we have! You're going to have to use a lot of imagination with this game's plot, because Tristan has found a way to return loved one's from the grave, and back into the loving arms of their families, in the form of walking, talking statues! The only problem with this procedure, is that the statues don't feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and their loved ones are having a difficult time loving something that's not all warm and fuzzy on the outside. This has led the statues to form a coup d'etat which is even more unbelievable, do the statues also have a brain but no soul?
None of the Royal Detective games have been as epic as the first game in this series, but I loved the storyline on this game as well. Another comparison I will make with the original Lord of Statues is that the graphics have gone downhill ever since, especially when compared with the last three games. I think somebody decided to switch from computer generated graphics to hand drawn graphics, they have done a beautiful job, but I prefer crisp computer generated graphics. As I stated earlier, you are going to have to use a lot of imagination here, just in the demo alone, I witnessed stone statues running, I glued a stone wing onto a parrot so a stone parrot could flap its stone wings, I pulled nails out of boards that were nailed into a stone fence, and I was chased by a stone doberman. Even though all this is impossible, I still found myself enjoying the demo, unlike some game demo's I wasn't bored, hoping the demo would just end. In this Collector's Edition version there are 28 Morphing Objects, and 12 Morphing Talisman's to collect as well as the usual Achievements to earn.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied, and have done an amazing job of making them somewhat challenging. There are Keywords to find in sentences, Interactive List finds and Silhouetted Shape finds as well.
The Mini Games are very doable, somewhat on the easy side, but again, I didn't find any of the games to be boring. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Swap and rotate square tiles to recreate the image.
2) Open a clasp by matching colors, by clicking two tokens at a time.
3) Restore the picture by selecting one of the 4 hands, then selecting one of the arrows to rotate pieces of the disc, rotating one, may affect others.
4) Swap drawer labels so that they match the combined images of each column and row image.
5) Press musical notes in the correct order by trial and error.
6) Complete the pattern shown by pressing piano keys to toggle the squares off an on.
7) Move amulets along tracks to their matching slots.
8) Select the gold rays in the correct order until all rays have filled the slots.
This Collector's Edition has 5 Music Soundtracks, 20 Achievements to earn, 13 replayable Mini Games, 13 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 3 Screensavers available, 14 Wallpapers, 16 Concept Art pictures, 12 Morphing Talisman's to collect, 28 Morphing Objects to find, a built in Strategy Guide, and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!