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:
Investigate a virtual reality program that’s turning some players comatose.
Overall rating
4
/
5
66 of 85 found this review helpful
CRACKING THE BINARY CODE OF VIRTUAL REALITY (but really only scratching the SURFACE)
PostedDecember 30, 2016
pennmom36
fromThe Nexus 2000 sure beats those goggles.
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
When the Collector's Edition of Virtual Detective was first released, I didn't get a chance to play it for about a week. After playing the demo, I was somewhat baffled with all the rave reviews this game received, because I didn't feel blown away by it. Before writing my review, I read some of the 5 star rating reviews, and then most of the 1-4 star reviews. One of the reviewers stated that you shouldn't be fooled by the title, because the title implies that this is a game on the cutting edge of technology, futuristic technology, right? The title implies that this game will be different than so many other games with the same story told a million different ways. Virtual Detective has a great start, the latest and greatest Virtual Reality capsule, the Nexus 2000, has just arrived at your residence. You have joined the Virtual Detective Agency to investigate a strange phenomena that is responsible for some of it's users becoming comatose in reality, and one of your friends has now gone missing in the virtual world. Just when you think this game has crossed the threshold of same ole, same ole, to wow, this really is different, you get a reality check of epic proportions. Yep, you guessed it, the game instantly reverts back to the same storyline, stuck in the past, do all of the same meaningless and predictable tasks, only this time, it just seems like everything is confusing and mismatched as if the virtual world is part of a vivid dream where things seem to make sense at the time, but they in fact don't make sense. I'm not saying this is a horrible game, it's not, but, it's also not a cutting edge sci-fi game that will blow your mind because it's so creative.It has all the familiar aspects, creepy little girl who seems lost, an evil witch who calls the shots, ghostly apparitions, skeletal remains of hero's who have failed their missions. There's still graveyards that have mysterious things recently buried that you must find a shovel to uncover, well's that are missing buckets so you can find that missing puzzle piece at the bottom, gargoyles that are missing stone pieces, and let's not forget to visit the chapel where magic books give us much needed recepies to enter portals once we find all the ingredients hidden in every nook and cranny, need I say more?
The Collector's Edition bling includes the ever so famous collectible Flowers that the Surface games are known for. Now I will say that I love the "new" flowers, that have replaced the Red and White pansies (or whatever kind of flowers they used to be) Perhaps the new modern flowers are just temporary to go along with the virtual aspect theme, but they are way more challenging to find because not only are they smaller, but they blend into the scenery much easier, especially when they hide them in a zoom zone. The CE also has 12 Collectible Morphing Characters and the usual achievements to earn as well.
The Hidden Object Scenes are decent but nothing new is really offered. There are Multiples of the same item finds, Silhouetted Shape finds, and one scene requires you to click on dots of lights to find the symbols or animals shown, and after they have been found, an Interactive word list is given.
The Mini Games are decent as well, all are doable and fairly entertaining. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Reply to your employer by typing your response on the computer keyboard. (I had fun with my responses but still just got generic answers)
2) Arrange the polygons so that all the parts connect.
3) Use the boat to carry the living to the right shore and the reapers to the left. The boat doesn't move if empty and if the reapers outnumber the living you will lose.
4) Close the reapers fingers in the right order so that the numbers add up to the sum shown.
5) Create a path to the claw on the left of the web by lining up red dots located on 3 different wheels that can be swapped.
6) Drag the stained glass puzzle pieces and rotate them to fit correctly in the window.
7) Arrange each channel so liquid will flow through it from the top to the bottom.
The Collector's Edition has 12 Collectible Morphing Character, Collectible Flowers, a Secret Room (requires flowers to progress through the puzzle) 9 Achievements to earn, 10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 2 Screensavers, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The enemy of your enemy is your friend, or are they?
Overall rating
4
/
5
153 of 183 found this review helpful
THE DAY OF THE CROW
PostedDecember 29, 2016
pennmom36
fromIf I'm investigating for a corpse, how do I get paid?
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
Allen Dillinger uncovered an ancient artifact (sure are a lot of these, but I guess nobody's interested in a modern day artifact) during one of his archeological digs of a Sumerian King. It is believed that this artifact can raise the dead, if buried with the artifact. Something strange began to happen to Allen shortly afterwards, his nightmares became reality, reality became his nightmares. Insanity consumed him, and sadly he took his own life. Detective Dupin has been asked to investigate his suspicious death, the only clue lies within his suicide note, penned to his lover, Lenore. The only problem is, she doesn't exist....or does she?
This is probably one of the better Dark Tales offered in a long time, and the hand drawn graphics are top knotch. I'm still not blown away with this version of Edgar Allan Poe's: The Raven, because they all seem the same to me. The games always take place at night, the characters all look the same, the scenery always looks the same. There's just not much creativity, and the only CE bling offered is "Little Devils" collectibles, and even then, there are only 12 of them, and they aren't hidden or even a morphing object which would have made the feature more appealing. One of my biggest complaints with all ERS games, is that on my large screen monitor, the game stretches too much and I don't have access to anything along the edges of the screen, so I have to play their games in a small windowed mode.
The Hidden Object Scenes are sparse in the demo, although some of the vast Mini Games could qualify for an HOP. At least the scenes aren't repeated, which is usually the case from this dev. In this demo, really there are just a couple HOP's offered, an Interactive list find and a Multiple of the same objects find.
The Mini Games are pretty good, and most are offered in a Casual or Hard mode of difficulty. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Ring the bells in the correct sequence as shown in the clue.
2) Get the scarab to the finish, avoiding enemies.
3) Follow the card with the green mark to defeate your enemy.
4) Arrange the weapon card halves to create the correct image matches.
5) Press buttons in the correct order.
6) Place the tokens beside the images they correspond to.
7) Decrypt and enter the safe code by figuring out the number each shape on the clue represents based on the equations.
8) Find the phone number by trial and error.
9) Use arrows to move the birds skull into the correct slot which will continue until it hits an obstacle or trap.
Find identical masks by selecting two cloaked figures at a time.
This Collector's Edition has 23 replayable Movies, 29 replayable Mini Games, 20 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 11 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 6 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 49 Achievements, 12 Collectible Devil Imps, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Restore castles in a royal match-3 adventure to help Matthew marry a Princess!
Overall rating
5
/
5
134 of 161 found this review helpful
I Couldn't Justify The Collector's Edition Price So I'm Glad The SE Has Finally Arrived!
PostedDecember 28, 2016
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Jewel Match games are quickly becoming my favorite Match 3 games, (but I'm still addicted to the Cradle of Rome series) and this one has such an interesting story!. The graphics are stunning in all of the Jewel match games, but I'm not as impressed with the graphics or tile selections, offered in Royale. Compared to the last seasonal Jewel Match games, Snowscapes and Twilight, there is a vast difference in my opinion. The good news is that all of the games in this series has so much to do that it's extremely entertaining, and never boring, especially once you start to advance to the higher levels.
You can play on a Timed Mode, a Limited Moves Mode or a Relaxed Mode, and this game is designed to be compatable with touchscreen computers as well. Each level has several "rooms" to complete, when one room is cleared, you click on the arrows to visit the next room. If you have time remaining after completing a level, you can either continue or go to the previous room and search for bonus items. I don't know of any other Match 3 that has this feature. The coins and amulets you earn are used to build your castle estate, which can be set at anytime as your wallpaper. Stars are used to purchase extra's for your castle such as trees or decorations.
Matches of 4 will earn you a Rainbow tile that can be matched with any tiles, matches of 5 tiles or more awards you with a Royal Arrow that clears rows, columns and diagonal lines. The object is to clear all gold cells by making matches over the gold cells. Some items require you to make matches under the items such as keys or amulets until they fall off the board. Coins that appear can be clicked on but they will disappear eventually, and bags of coins must be dropped off the board.
Some tiles are blocked with crates, chains, double chains, ice, or dark fog, requiring matches next to them or of the same type of tile contained within. There are Safe Tiles that require a specific number of matches to break as displayed inside. You earn a new life every 50,000 points and are given the option to use one of your lives for extra time shortly before the timer runs out. This is a fantastic Match 3 game, with a fantastic storyline, and even better now that it's available in the SE, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Become the best flight attendant the airlines have ever seen.
Overall rating
5
/
5
93 of 104 found this review helpful
Love The Game But Not The Price
PostedDecember 27, 2016
pennmom36
fromI've never been offered fresh pinapple on a plane before!
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
This is a really unique and addicting Time Management game, however, I don't see the need to spend the extra money. From what I can tell, the only CE bling you get is a pat on the back with Achievement Trophies awarded to you.
You have the option of playing this game in a relaxed untimed mode as well.
You have the option of playing this game in a relaxed untimed mode as well.
The goal is to serve all passeners as quickly as possible, with the exact item or items they desire, as indicated by their thought bubbles. There are two sections of the airplane, requiring you to click a forward/backward arrow to reach passenges when their call light is activated. There is another button that takes you to the storage room, where all the items are stored. You will have to visit the storage room often to restock items. You will be serving easy dishes at first, candy, soda, fruits and even ice cream cones, as you progress, the items become more complicated and may require combining tow or more ingredients before serving. The faster you serve them the more points you will earn.
You can purchas upgrades with the money you earn to keep passengers happy and patient, earn more points, or give you larger storage capacity. I don't think I have ever played a TM game quite like this and it's a refreshing change of pace. If you don't mind the CE price, this is a fun game, but hopefully, a SE version will be offered down the road, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Solve mysterious crimes and expose insidious criminals in this exciting, multilevel hidden object game.
Overall rating
1
/
5
65 of 75 found this review helpful
I'm Going To Let You In On This Secret...It's Horrible
PostedDecember 26, 2016
pennmom36
from7 hours of gameplay? I didn't last 7 minutes!
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
Oh yeah, it's that bad. all you do is search scene after scene for very large out of place objects. A bicicle in a tree, a giant pea pod on the front lawn, a pillow in the conferenc room, check! To make matters worse, in between every scene is an elderly gentleman who tells his mafai story in the form of a quickly moving dialog box (which is a good thing) but he just stands there grinning and it's creepy. The music is annoying, and one item requires you to find it's logical mate, such as a candle and a candle holder, then drag it to the correct place, it's painful I tell ya, pass it up completely!
I don't recommend this game.
Help the Elf prepare the town for Christmas in this beautiful match 3 adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 25 found this review helpful
Not As Good as The Last Christmas Puzzle
PostedDecember 26, 2016
pennmom36
fromIt's not a very holly jolly Match 3 game.
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
This is a cute Christmas themed Match 3 game that let's you purchase decorations to prepare the town with snowmen etc. I would have found this game more appealing if the Match 3 items were more colorful, instead the various items to match are bland and drab. There are Moons, Santa Sleighs, Ornaments, Stars, Snowflakes and even Cupcakes to match. Some levels have limited moves which I don't really care for, and the goal is to complete the game to earn 3 gold stars (you can re-play any level) You will need to swap tiles in groups of at least 3, as you drop coins from the top to the bottom. There are tiles that are locked, and even tiles that are covered in snow, and you need to make matches on all silver and gold cells as well. The decorations can be purchased after each level with the coins you have earned, but you don't have to buy them to progress. There are power ups to earn such as a Mighty bomb which clears a group of tiles, a Chameleon which can be matched with any tile and directional Rockets which clears an entire line in the direction the rocket is facing. There are even tiles with lumps of Coal which can only be removed by using a power up, I just wasn't in the Christmas spirit on this one I suppose.
I don't recommend this game.
Shoot and clear strings of moving bubbles along a path by matching groups of three or more.
Overall rating
2
/
5
27 of 30 found this review helpful
Excellent Game For Kids But Boring For Me
PostedDecember 26, 2016
pennmom36
fromGrab the kids, I'm sure they will enjoy this one.
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Bird's Town
(45)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I normally love bubble popping games such as Tumblebugs, but I just couldn't get into this one. The idea is to launch the farm animals at the constantly moving line of critters, to make a match of 3 or more identical animals. If the animals reach the grate, it's game over and you'll have to start all over.
You will earn coins for every match and you will earn horseshoes if you set up combos. You can purchase bonuses with the coins and horseshoes as well as unlock new characters. This is probably a really fun game for the kids, but for me the music was annoying and it just didn't appeal to me.
I don't recommend this game.
Yuletide Legends: The Brothers Claus
Can you save the holidays before it's too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
48 of 52 found this review helpful
DON'T SHAKE THE SNOWGLOBE!
PostedDecember 26, 2016
pennmom36
fromWho knew!
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
It all started when Santa and his brother were young boys. Santa was a kind boy, an obedient boy, a good boy, but his brother Varyk wasn't any of those things, he was naughty! They both went their separate ways, Santa of course, made his home at the north pole, befriending Elves and caring for his herd of Reindeer. Together he and Mrs. Claus worked diligently to deliver presents to all the good boys and girls of the world. We know this story all so well, but we didn't know that Santa's brother Varyk tried to destroy everything that Santa and the elves worked so hard to achieve. Santa had no choice but to imprison his own brother for the greater good. None of the elves including Tinsel, knew Santa had a brother, until today!
Either this game was glitchy, or my computer has too many unfinished games loaded on it, because it took forever to load when I went into a zoom zone or switched between scenes. That doesn't matter because I love this game, it is 10 times better than the Christmas Story game released at the first of the month. The story is imaginative, the graphics are beautiful and the characters are loveable. (except for the elves with the black eyes!) There is so much going on in every location that you hardly know where to look first because you want to take it all in. I loved the part where you have a conversation with the gingerbread man, and nobody ate his gumdrop buttons either! Tinsel is Santa's right hand elf, and he's determined to save Christmas no matter what the cost. Only an elf can wield the powers of the Magic Star, so Tinsel uses the Star to dispel the evil that Varyk has caused. (of course you get to play a Match 3 type mini game each time) The Collector's Edition version has the usual Achievements to earn, and there are Morphing Jigsaw Puzzle pieces that allow you to assemble 4 different Jigsaw Puzzles once you have found all the morphing pieces. There are also Collectible Crystal Bulbs that are needed to open up all 10 Christmas Gifts.
The Hidden Object Scenes are offered in most of the typical HO styles. Most require you to find 5 items to open up the inventory lists, to expose Interactive List finds, Multiple item finds, and Keywords in a story finds. Every HOP is theme appropriate with reindeer, snowmen, Santa's, presents and even candy canes, and I found them to be delightful.
The Mini Games are also Christmas themed, they tend to be on the easy breezy side, but this game is intended to be played by the entire family. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Swap books to create a picture on the book spines.
2) Find matching pairs of presents.
3) Connect like colored wheels by dragging a line from one wheel to the other without crossing lines.
4) Magic Star Match 3 game, this game is played each time the star is used. You click and drag lines to connect as many identical colored gifts as possible, to fill the star. Large matches will give you a star that will earn you extra points when included in the match
5) Rotate pipes so the mouse can complete the maze from one end to the other.
6) Interact with a game board by moving the figurines to the correct spots on the board to match the storyline.
7) Rotate lines on a 3d type puzzle until a picture is formed.
The Collector's Edition has 14 Developer's Diary pictures, 15 Concept Art pictures, 8 Wallpapers, 10 Collectible Crystal Bulbs which are needed to open up presents, 40 Morphing Jigsaw Puzzle pieces, 4 Jigsaw Puzzles, 4 Music Soundtracks, 7 replayable levels of Match 3 games, 19 Achievements, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Race to save your son from beyond the grave!
Overall rating
5
/
5
147 of 175 found this review helpful
SOMETIMES IT'S COMPLICATED
PostedDecember 25, 2016
pennmom36
from"I'm a ghost, but at least I'm not dead" are there dead ghosts and alive ghosts?
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
First of all, I get where LogieBaby is coming from, this game certainly is "dark" and I too would not have chosen to release this game on Christmas Eve. But, I happen to love "dark" games, and although this game had poor timing, I absolutely love it! It has a fresh storyline, and an interesting plot, something I would have expected more in the Phantasmat series, because.....I'm dead!
This is Haunted Hotel's version of the Hatfield's and the McCoy's, where two close families become bitter rivals, both believing their causes are just. Both families became obsessed as they searched for infinate life. They did indeed find an ancient artifact to grant their quest for immortality, but the two families couldn't agree on how this powerful artifact should be used. The Baker family chose darkness, the Barlow family chose light, thus The Son's of Dusk, and The Som's of Dawn were created. The Baker family needs to kill 13 members of the Barlow family, you are number 12, your son Matt, will be number 13, unless you can stop the madness!
This Collector's Edition has it all, Morphing Objects, Achievements, hidden Jewels, and Ghostly Portraits to collect that will give you insight on the Baker family tree. You are indeed, dead! You will need energy to be able to pick items up, in the form of a Mini Game of somesort of course. This is a feature similar to the "filters" in the latest Mystery Trackers game.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied with several different types, including Interactive List finds, Keywords in sentences, Silhouetted Shapes and moving items to uncover two identical objects to match.
The Mini Games are fairly easy, but there are a couple of trickier puzzles and multi layered puzzles available. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Energy game where you use your ghostly hand to catch energy orbs.
2) Fish a key out of the water by clicking when the ball is inside of the increasingly smaller target red zone.
3) Move the buttons into the correct spots based on their images.
4) Move the blue lock parts from the right and left disks into the center disk using rotation and directional arrows.
5) Collect energy by untangling spectral spheres.
6) Use the hint to complete the combination code.
7) Follow a recipe to make explosive powder.
8) Place all dishes correctly according to the clue .
9) Move the rods so they don't crooss over each other.
10) Arrange arrows so they all point downward, moving one arrow may affect another.
This Collector's Edition has: 10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 1 Screensaver, 18 Achievements, 4 Music Soundtracks, 12 Collectible Baker Family Portraits, a Jewel Room, 20 Morphing Objects, 20 Collectible Jewels, a Secret Room, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Uncover the mystery of Huxley's Boarding House before time runs out!
Overall rating
5
/
5
115 of 145 found this review helpful
THE HOUSE OF HUXLEY'S HORRORS
PostedDecember 23, 2016
pennmom36
fromMy half hours are broken too!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Ever wish you could turn back the hands of time, back to a simpler way of life? Welcome to Huxley's Boarding House, where they have turned back the clock to the Victorian era where life moves at a much slower pace. No phones, no technology (say what! I'm outta here!) no modern day hustle and bustle, race against the clock drama. As long as you can agree to follow a few simple rules, and a strict schedule, you'll find yourself enlightened and refreshed after your stay....well, only IF you survive the horrifying secrets held within the Huxley's Boarding House!
This just might be another one of MCF's famous series ranking right up there with Madame Fate and the famous Ravenhearst games. This game will be tough for beginners, but doable, because this is not a hand holding type of game, and I love it. Many of the tasks require you to reference codes and clues you've seen previously, and your journal doesn't always have the exact clue written in it, or there may be more than one clue that may seem applicable which can be confusing. After the demo, things seem easier once you get into the swing of things. Then again, MCF has made those Super Puzzles famous, and they can be really challenging, but, they do let you skip sections of the super puzzle if one of the multi-layered puzzles boggles your brain, which has happened to me, especially by the end of the game, lol! There aren't any fuzzy wuzzy helpers to assist you in finding the Queen's Royal Photographer, George Pritchard, whose last known whereabouts was at the Huxley's Boarding House. In the Collector's Edition version, each scene has a Morphing Object to find, some are very well hidden and the cursor doesn't change to scream :here I am" I absolutely love that I have to actually use my brain to solve this case!
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Interactive List finds but MCF games are all about the Mini Games and solving tasks. The HOP's are well done and entertaining, but nothing compared to the puzzles, especially the Super Puzzles. The CE version has Hidden Ladybugs, one in each HOP.
The Mini Games are fantastic, even the tasks themselves are more like a mini game than just a mindless operation of turning a key etc. Below are brief descriptions of some of the mini games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Locate and enter the right code.
2) Memorize the darkened squares, then insert the punch card an press those same memorized squares.
3) Super Puzzle which is a multi-layered puzzle using a decoder to solve the encryption and learn a story.
4) Set the time on the clock by pressing on the cogs to rotate the hands.
5) Place the 5 different clock hands onto the correct clock and then set the correct time by referring to your journals clues.
6) Super Puzzle, another fantastic multi-layered puzzle following blueprints and solving several puzzles within.
The Collector's Edition has 27 replayable Mini Games, 14 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, a Developer's Hunt game, Case Files, Concept Art, Wallpapers (most require you to earn and spend tokens in the Hunt game to access) 11 replayable Movies, 9 Music Soundtracks, 42 Morphing Objects, 14 Lucky Ladybugs within the HOP's, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!