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:
Save Dracula from the unspeakable horror of pesky relatives in this thrilling new adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
109 of 123 found this review helpful
HE WHO WAS LOCKED IN THE CELLAR HAS ESCAPED
PostedJanuary 17, 2017
pennmom36
fromWould you like flies with that...er, I mean fries?
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
Poor Count Dracula, he never seems to catch a break, now he'll have to catch a monster if he wants enjoy some peace and quiet. Dracula's entire family have packed their bags, and moved into his castle, all because Dracula purchased HIM when he was just a boy, and HE has escaped! Now the Count is forced to pack his bags, and hit the road to find the beast, or deal with the invasion of his very needy family, in his own castle!
Rufus the undead, has joined Dracula for the third time now, without him, it gets awfully quiet, with him, well, it's still pretty quiet because all he can say now is a moan of some sort, but he is a zombie after all. Dracula never realized this adventure would be so difficult, but he has many obstacles to overcome, swamps, weeds, logs, stones and crystals block his paths, and collecting food for his undead workers is a daunting task. Dracula's job isn't easy either, he has to deal with all kinds of people to get essential equipment, magic beans to plant, special tools to acquire, and gods to appease.
Just like most TM games, you will still need to build Sawmills, Stone Mines, and even Crystal Mines. My favorite is the food supply needed to feed the crew, the famous Blood Donalds, home of the very rare burger, fries with lot's of catsup and of course a large type AB negative drink. Some of the tasks require combining collected items, to receive a useful item such as a magnifying glass. There is a Lightning Bolt on the top right of the screen that allows you to complete this task by clicking on the ingredients once all supplies have been collected. As you progress, you will receive Bonuses to help you earn the three star, expert status of each level, such as freezing the Timer or Speeding up the workers.
In this Collector's Edition there are several extra's which may make a big difference when deciding on which version to purchase. Each scene has a Collectible Figurine, and some of the scenes also have a wrapped Present which contain a collectible sticker, and there are also a handful of Pet Food Bags to find. I always look for the collectibles before I click on anything, which will automatically start the timer. There are 38 Trophies, which are achievements you earn for doing random things such as not clicking on anything for 15 seconds. I usually read over the Trophy requirements before playing a new game to see what needs to be done differently in order to earn a Trophy.
This Collector's Edition has 38 Trophy Achievements to earn, 8 Wallpapers, 5 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 11 Stories to read, 30 collectible Presents with Stickers, 5 collectible Pet Food Bags, 60 collectible Figurines (one in each scene) an available built in Strategy Guide and a few Bonus Levels. This is only the third game offered in this fairly new series, but it is by far my favorite Time Management game. I love the graphics, I love the storylines, most of all, I love the humor, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Help Aurora collect the resources she needs to make the world a better place with the power of her chants!
Overall rating
3
/
5
71 of 80 found this review helpful
I Hear The Voices But I Can't See The Elements For The Trees
PostedJanuary 16, 2017
pennmom36
fromCan you imagine what would happen with rock-n-roll?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Cradle of Egypt
(92)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I thought the storyline in this game was fantastic, but the elements and the tiles are way too small, which make it difficult to tell what tiles still need matches made on top of. This is a Match 3 game which require you to collect elements so that Aurora can sing her enchanting songs to heal that which is broken, starting with the land belonging to the elves.
Aurora was found by an old woman who was searching for supplies in the forest, on a cold blistery evening. As she grew, it became apparent to the old woman that Aurora was no ordinary girl, her voice could heal wounded animals, and even the forest itself. Aurora is deceived by a young man, who convinces her that her gift is needed to cure the Emperor, what she doesn't know is that he will be well compensated for his "good deed" During the adventure, Aurora finds that just about everyone can use her gift, but not everyone is deserving.
This is an ordinary Match 3 game, there's really no new or exciting features. You can play in a Relaxed untimed mode or Normal, against the clock mode, and it's a swap type Match 3, requiring you to make matches of three or more identical elements until all gold celled tiles are cleared by making matches on top of them. Large matches will give you a bonus on the board such as 5 matches that give you a Star that destroys surrounding tiles, or 6 matches give you a Lightning Strike that destroys an entire horizontal line.
As You progress, you will earn Power-ups that charge as you match elements such as a Magic Wand to destroy a single chosen element, a Potion Bomb that destroys a small group, a Fire Bomb that scatters several explosives, or a Storm Stone which releases Lightning to destroy several random elements. There are obstacles on some tiles such as wooden crates or chains that need matches next to them or a match of identical tiles that are chained.
You will earn up to three gold stars for each completed level, and you will use the coins you earn playing the Match 3 levels, to allow Aurora to sing her song of enchantment to remove the doom and gloom that has plagued the different lands. It is kinda cool to watch the transformation of the dark and gloomy areas, such as the Elder Tree of Life, blossom into a colorful, vibrant happy place. The only problem I had, was with the size of the tiles, and the fact that it's too difficult to see the gold tiles, which are basically just outlined in gold. If you don't have a problem with small tiles, then you'll be good to go, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Myths of the World: Bound by the Stone
Can you stop the evil beasts before it’s too late?
Overall rating
2
/
5
73 of 81 found this review helpful
All That Which Is Evil Within One Entity
PostedJanuary 15, 2017
pennmom36
fromDon't make the mistake I did, play the demo before buying this game, it isn't as good as the other Myths of the World games!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
You are a Defender apprentice who must demonstrate to the Master that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to fly solo. There's no better time than now to prove your worthiness, because your limo just got ambushed by a pack of ferocious wolves, and the Master has been injured. Okay, so it's not a limo, it's just a single horse and cart and there were really just two mangy wolves who probably just have rabies in reality, but I'm trying really hard to make this story more interesting. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a Forest Sprite, well, she's probably not a sprite because she's pretty big, she's more like a 7-up, she tells you to do what you gotta do and she will do what she's gotta do, help the Master, hmf, epic fail number one. So after you spend hours beating a teeny tiny gear back into shape, to allow the heavy bridge to work properly, you look around for anything that will be useful on your journey. Aha! that solid cast iron cauldron is perfect, you'll just lug that puppy into town (keep in mind that you no longer have transportation) (wait a minute, what happened to the horse, did 7-up take him too?) Turns out, this was indeed a wise decision, because the village well doesn't have a bucket, what are the odds of that!
A wizard, good or bad, needs something magical to help him wiz , I was thinking more along the lines of a staff or an owl, but nope, it's a Medallion that fends off evil, and rabid wolves too. You will have to take a few minutes to solve a puzzle before using it's powerful abilities, so it's never going to work in a time constraining situation. The Medallion will need to be recharged after each use, and I'm pretty confident that this village doesn't have AA batteries, after all, they didn't even have a bucket for their well! In the Collector's Edition version, don't forget to search each scene for giant wolf fangs, complete with a wolf head, eventually you'll need to find a really big toothbrush, I hear that the girl with the red cloak can help you out with that.
The Hidden Object Scenes are scenes where objects are hidden.
The Mini Games, I'm not going to lie, I skipped most of them because I was bored by this game. But, just in case you want to know more, the following are brief descriptions of some of the scenes you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Medallion game-press an empty square between 2 symbols to combine them until only one remains,
2) Use directional arrows and rotation buttons to clear a path for the red pin, in 2 progressively harder puzzles.
3) Find symbols that match the symbols shown, on several sketches.
4) Create a continuous path that use all the lines only once, collecting new flowers along the way.
5) Match the trophies with the correct antlers and knives based on color and symbols using L&R arrows to switch between trophies and U&D arrows to see more trophy parts.
The Collector's Edition has 13 Achievements, replayable Skipping Stones games, 11 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 18 replayable Mini Games, Morphing Objects within the HOP's, a Souvenir Room, 38 Hidden Wolf Fangs, 10 Music Soundtracks, 6 Videos, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save a group of students before it’s too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
133 of 145 found this review helpful
Fire Drills Must Be Very Traumatic For This Ghost!
PostedJanuary 14, 2017
pennmom36
from"can you hang up this certificate on your way out the door?" is she serious??
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
Megan Williams lost both of her parents in a fire, but despite her trauma, she was a kind young girl who just wanted to "fit in" at the Wilford School for girls. Unfortunately, Megan was never accepted by the other girls, and she too, lost her life in a horrible accident in 1966. Wilford has been relatively peaceful since then, but something, or someone, has triggered her return, and she's no longer a good girl, she's a Spirit of Revenge, and she wants class dismissed, permanently!
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 just a hot mess, 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, 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. I'm a Grandmother, and I'm not afraid to admit that I love to color right alongside the Grandkids, we build sandcastles with indoor colored sand, and we build crazy things with lego's, it's easy breezy stuff,they love, I love it, it's fun!
In this 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, but in the demo alone, I believe you find at least 3 or 4 out of the nine.
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.
This 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!
For many years, locals have avoided the manor by the woodside. Solve the manor’s mystery and save the journalist before it's too late!
Overall rating
3
/
5
90 of 110 found this review helpful
I Solved The Murder Mystery By The Second Scene
PostedJanuary 13, 2017
pennmom36
fromThere's an unconscious man on the floor, so I did the right thing and checked out the enormous chain on the fridge!
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 almost want to play this old game through, because it's kind of comical. The lip syncing aspect doesn't even come close to matching with the words spoken, there are several typo and grammar mistakes, and there are a ton meaningless tasks that make me chuckle because they are so ridiculous.
The storyline is decent but very predictable, 15 years ago the local sheriff and his wife were murdered in their family home, but the two children were unharmed. You have been asked to return to the Wisbey manor to search for Mark Tigascas, a journalist who is also a personal friend of the police detective who hired you. For whatever reason, the police are not permitted to go into the Wisbey home, after all, the house is owned by a deceased sheriff, and there is probable cause if a journalist entered the house but didn't come back out, right?
The pros in this game do not outweigh the cons, but there is a jump map available which tell me that this game isn't as old as I first thought. The graphics aren't horrible, but they are definitely low budget. Your inventory bar will be stuffed full at all times because every location has 4-5 areas of interest via a magnifying zoom zone, and every area of interest has 2-3 random items to pick up. It's a good thing there is a jump map because all you do is go from point A to point B picking up an item and placing it down in another. This is the majority of game, because in the demo there are only a couple of Hidden Object Scenes, which are simple listed items with no interactions, and there was a simple puzzle to solve, swapping and rotating stained glass circular sections that turn green when correctly placed.
This isn't a total waste of money, or better yet use a coupon, because it has a good storyline, but unless the game takes a few twists, it's a predictable outcome. It appears to be a game that was designed with a different language and then poorly translated into English, but I could be wrong about that, because it's about an American Sheriff. If you can overlook the flaws, and you like easy gameplay, or just want to kick back and relax, this game might surprise you.
Jig Art Quest
This jigsaw puzzle gives you a meditative and intriguing combination of art and music to help you relax.
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Jig Art Quest
PostedJanuary 12, 2017
pennmom36
fromWhere has this game been hiding?
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 bought this game after completing just two puzzles. One of the complaints I read from fellow reviewer mrm2006, was that all of the puzzles are too dark, with the exception of the puzzle shown in the description. That statement is correct, I haven't assembled all of the puzzles yet, but they are pretty dark, in fact some of the puzzle tiles are practically black. Being the puzzle geek that I am, I decided that I welcome the challenge, besides, this game gives you the option of downloading your own pictures, so I'm looking forward to doing some of my own pictures as well as the pictures offered.
There were no instructions other than a single page that explained some vague features, but fortunately, the game mechanics are fairly simple. You are shown one square picture tile at a time (there is no completed picture example) you can rifle through several available tiles, but not all tiles are available, more are offered as you place tiles. There is no timer and no penalities, at least when playing in Normal mode, you can place a tile on the grid type board, and move them around as often as necessary, and for me this puzzle game is relaxing. There is a Hard and an Extremist mode as well which probably is timed, but I haven't done any puzzles in any other mode.
There are a couple of bonuses available to help you place pieces correctly, one that places a square tile in the slot you choose, the other places pieces in an entire row of your choice. As I stated eariler, you can download your own pictures and you can download your own music, which is a good thing because the music is very annoying, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you stop evil forces from taking over the kingdoms?
Overall rating
5
/
5
225 of 258 found this review helpful
HE'S BACK........
PostedJanuary 12, 2017
pennmom36
fromIt is NOT me, never was, never will be
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
Isa the evil sorcerer has returned! He has conjured up a wicked batch of hatred as he carries out the biddings of the master of all evil. Isa knows that every 20 years, on the night of a full moon, the heirs to each of the four Kingdoms gather to crown the new ruler of all Kingdoms. Isa also knows that if this ceremony doesn't take place, chaos and war will ensue, and this is exactly what he's counting on when he kidnaps the Princess! It's time to stop evil in it's tracks, it's time to put an end to Isa before his nefarious plan becomes reality.
This is one of the best Spirits of Mystery game yet, which actually takes place between the Chains of Promise and Family Lies. The graphics are beautifully hand drawn which ERS has become famous for in all of their games. The storyline does a nice job of tying old vs. new Spirits of Mystery plots together, as they explain the how's and why's of rise of Isa, the villian of all Kingdoms. ERS seems to love their floating magic devices which are presented in some form or another in all of their series, including this one which is a Moon Mirror. The mirror can destroy the Eclipse Blossom that releases a fatal poison when it blooms. Naturally, you will play a Mini Game to recharge the mirror by capturing 7 floating crescent moons that can't be seen by the naked eye. There are also Collectible Crowns which give you a brief description of it's origins as well as how it was forged. There are Collectible Portraits and eventually their are collectible Cats but I didn't find any in the demo itself. The Achievements are pretty cool, as you earn them, you receive information and artwork about the Kingdoms and characters.
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Interactive List finds, the scenes are beautifully drawn and there are a ton of interactive items, most of the scenes have a small puzzle to solve as well. Each HOP has a hidden Crescent moon available in this Collector's Edition. There are several small Zoom Zone Hop's where you find multiples of one item such as 5 feathers or flowers.
The Mini Games are easy to medium in difficulty, but fairly entertaing. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Find items that match the Keywords in each sentence.
2) Swap puzzle tiles to complete the picture.
3) Remove vines by clicking on matching flowers.
4) Click on the meter when the arrow is in the red zone.
5) Swap gems so they are in their matching color coded slots.
6) Slide symbols along tracks to the correct spots.
7) Create a continuous line of stone blocks from one end to the other by dragging various blocks of ice, stone, spikes and fire.
8) Capture 7 crescent moons with the Moon Mirror by scanning the entire scene with the mirror.
9) Fill 5 color coded vials by connecting color coded orbs with a horizontal or vertical line.
10) Select 3 piano keys with symbols, that when combined will create the symbol that is circled.
This Collector's Edition has 10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 9 Avatars, 6 Screensavers, 16 replayable Mini Games, an Endless MG, 10 collectible Portraits, 4 Music Soundtracks, 22 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 8 Collectible Cats, replayable Movies, Collectible Moons in the HOP's (view them in moon room and get horoscope) Test, 20 Collectible Crowns, 20 Achievements, a built in Strategy Guide, a Bonus Chapter and an extra Bonus Chapter (Isa's Story), enjoy a peaceful kingdom Princess!
I recommend this game!
Help the Elves overcome tragedy and awake their ancient ancestors in this Mahjong Adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
58 of 68 found this review helpful
BEAUTIFUL QUEST DRIVEN MAHJONG
PostedJanuary 11, 2017
pennmom36
fromNice graphics, and a great storyline!
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
The game itself has a lot going on, if you like quest driven games and you enjoy Mahjong, then you'll love this game. I've never been a fan of Mahjong, but this is by far the most interesting concept I've seen, which does make the Mahjong games less boring.
The goal is to accept quests given to you by the different characters you meet on your journey, and then play Mahjong or puzzles to find the materials needed to fulfil those quests. There are several locations available, and as you progress, other areas will unlock, or you can pay to unlock a specific area. When you "find" an item, it will be plaved in the inventory section, until that specific item can be used, most often, several item are required to complete a quest. Basically you will play several levels of Mahjong in each area, and you can play in an Easy, Normal or Hard mode of difficulty, and the Mahjong boards are fairly decent.
You will earn experience points, coins, gems, collections, achievements, chests, amulets and even keys, and you can use these items to complete the quests. Every quest requires a specific item, which may just be a few gems, or it might require inventory item that you must find first in order to progress.
I have always liked Quest driven games such as Midnight Castle or Awakening but those are Hidden Object Quests. I've just never been a fan of Mahjong, because it get so boring after just a few levels of the same old thing. At least this game has found a way to make things less boring, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Plunge into the world of the Middle Ages! Use magical runes to strengthen your buildings and weaken those of the enemy!
Overall rating
2
/
5
24 of 27 found this review helpful
I Bet This Is A Fantastic Game, But I Have No Idea How To Play It!
PostedJanuary 10, 2017
pennmom36
fromThe teeny tiny horses are kind cool, how'd they make 'em so small?
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
I read all four pages of the "How To Play" section, got it. Then I followed each step by step directions (think there was prolly 4 steps) of the tutorial, got it. Then I clicked on the play button to start the first level, I was clicking and dragging castles like a champ, got it. Then what I thought I knew, must not have been right because all the enemy's chariots started multiplying and coming straight towards me, they were coming out of the woodwork I tell ya! Nothing I did seemed to work at that point, I could no longer click and drag any castles anywhere, don't got it! I'll go one step further, I don't want it!
I don't recommend this game.
Build powerful weapons and plan cunning protection strategies in this unique Tower Defense game. Enjoy colorful graphics, exciting plot and engaging gameplay!
Overall rating
5
/
5
76 of 87 found this review helpful
THE ROMANS ARE COMING! THE ROMANS ARE COMING!
PostedJanuary 10, 2017
pennmom36
fromI panic everytime a Roman makes it past my last weapon.
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The Legions of Rome are evading Egyptian boarders, Cleopatra and Anthony have made their orders clear: "throw the Romans back into the sea"
I love the Egyptian themed graphics, and the storyline that goes with it, as Egypt tries to defend it's borders from the Romans who seek to own everything and everyone! I have to admit that this isn't the easiest Tower Defense to navigate, and it has a few game flaws that bogg the game play, but once you get the hang of it, it's a really addicting game. The biggest problem I had, was that I had to be very specific where I clicked, otherwise nothing would happen. I have a large screen which caused this game to stretch a little too far, and some of the icons were barely visible on the right side of the screen. If I would have taken the time to adjust my monitors screen resolution, it probably would have solved this problem.
The goal of this game is simple, you click on available Towers and choose which weapon to build on it in order to keep the Roman enemies from reaching the city. As the enemy is destroyed, you will collect coins and diamonds which allows you to upgrade the weapons. You can improve your tools in the workshop by choosing gears and improving them, and you can buy defense weapons to join the fight personally by throwing lightning, granades, meteroids etc.
There are bonus levels you can play at anytime, and side quests are given to you by Cleopatra and Anthony, that will reward you with diamonds when the quests are complete. Although this game has it's flaws, and is a bit difficult to navigate through, it is a decent TD game well worth overlooking the flaws, enjoy!
I recommend this game!