pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4714
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:May 15, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you save your best friend before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
129 of 152 found this review helpful
Human Trafficking?
PostedSeptember 10, 2016
pennmom36
fromDid I just take my BFF's last coin?
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
Another great series bites the dust! If this game was offered as a new series, I may have felt differently about it, but when compared to other Danse Macabre games, it's just a middle of the road addition, neither bad nor good. I'm sure there will be many rave reviews, but honestly, there's nothing special about this game, and the storyline isn't even very in-depth or interesting, I have to agree with Sunnyglow on this one, as I've been saying, lately the well known series have been releasing one game after another at such a fast pace, they just can't keep up with the demand. It's almost as if they muddled several old games together to rehash the same ole same ole with slightly different graphics. You know what theses devs need? They need to have a panel of BF reviewers that can give them input on what they would like to see in a game, what features we like and dislike, and I bet you the storyline would be Epic if we were able to write the plot, or at least give them our fresh ideas!
Danse Macabre games are all about talented artists who rise and fall usually at the hand of a familiar person who has hidden nefarious plans. When your best friend Maria Reiter is chosen to be cast in a movie by a renowned producer in New York, you accompany her to the docks to say your farewell's. Before the ship even leaves port, you witness a stranger kidnap Maria, using one of the ship's lifeboats! It's now up to you to uncover a nefarious plot, and save your best friend from human artist trafficking!
The storyline is ho-hum and so are the Collector's Edition extras. SURPRISE, there are 39 Hidden Signs, one in each scene to look for. Bet you didn't see that one coming! You have no sidekick, and no props to help you sleuth, but naturally this Collector's Edition has Achievements to earn, and the Hidden Object Scenes have a Morphing Object to find, I love Morphs, but I really don't care for them when they are only offered in the HOP's. In my opinion, they know we like Morphing Objects so they include them in the HOP's of the CE, so that it's easier to "remove" this feature from the SE. I imagine it is difficult to remove them from each scene in the main game, it's almost like creating a second game, but on the other hand, the programmers are geniuses, I bet they can handle it.
The Hidden Object Scenes offered are the same as the other games offered by Epix with the typical "find 5 of this item and 5 of that item" which gives you an item to use as a tool to open up the interactive lists such as a broom to sweep the dust covering the list. There are also Descriptive list, Multiple item finds and matching pair finds where you click items that are covering the matching pairs. Each scene has a Morphing Object and you can opt for a Match 3 game instead of the HOP.
The Mini Games are okay, but most are fairly easy to solve. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Rotate the moveable parts of the gate until the two wings of the gate are identical.
2) Send the ships to the correct ports based on their flags, with the specific number of moves indicated without backtracking.
3) Use the clues from the leaflet to find the exact address of the theater.
4) Select and place the tokens in the correct order to complete the picture, each new token placed will push the previous token to the next slot.
5) Position the note on the right side so they mirror the ones on the left side.
6) Connect the ribbons to all the buttons so that every pattern on the ribbon on the top of the heap matches the pattern of the tile below.
This Collector's Edition has 9 Music Soundtracks, 7 Videos, Match 3 games 22 replayable Puzzles, 16 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 8 Concept Art pictures, 8 Wallpapers, 39 Hidden Signs, a Souvenir Room, 16 Morphing Objects within the Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you save your new friend before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
74 of 82 found this review helpful
Mr. Jenkins Is Truly The Star Of The Series
PostedSeptember 9, 2016
pennmom36
fromMy favorite feature in the entire game was watching Mr. Jenkins play in the puddle on the very first scene!
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 ended up purchasing Lumina Camera in the Collector's Edition when I needed a second CE to take advantage of a 2-4-1 sale. I started to play the full version this morning, but found myself distracted easily, straightening up my computer desk, getting up to pour myself some tea, I even unloaded the dishwasher at one point. The point is, the game just wasn't holding my attention, and to be honest, I'm glad that Morganna (your camera expert) went into the negative world! Her voice annoyed me, really annoyed me! It was so fake sounding, as if the woman who was doing her voiceover was trying to sound like a baby, yet she would pronounce the letter T in words that sounded prim and proper. All in all, this is just an okay game, neither bad nor good. If it weren't for Mr. Jenkins, this series would be nothing in my opinion. I'll stop complaining and get on with the review, lol.
Gerald Dewitt was kicked to the curb and told he lacked talent and his inventions were worthless. As Gerald contemplates his life's work. worthiness, a stranger hands him a camera and tells him that his inventions will be limitless, but the time will come when the stranger returns to collect his dues. Gerald's camera does become famous, but for all the wrong reasons, the Lumina Camera captures peoples souls and traps them in the negative world. Leia Gofford and Mr. Jenkins have been asked to scrutinize the camera before the museum puts it on display, to be sure that the camera is safe for the public, but the Lumina Camera is not safe, it's most definitely an Ominous Object!
My Jenkins is the star of the show, once again, using his four paws to investigate like no human could ever do, and soaring to heights (gently of course) of epic proportions to reach those items that somehow manage to find their way to the top of some really weird places. Equipped with your newest Ominous Object Camera, you will take pictures, and match photos to their original origins, the only way to break free from the cameras grasp is to align the photo with the victims inside to the exact place the photo was taken. In the Collector's Edition, there are 15 Collectible Photos located throughout the game and each scene has a Morphing Object, some of which are very difficult to find which leads me to believe that the game is non-linear and may require an action elsewhere's to activate the morph. There are also plenty of Achievements to earn in the Collector's Edition version.
The Hidden Object Scenes are decent, and include smaller Zoom Zone puzzles where you find fragments that match the silhouetted shapes shown in the scene outside of the zoom zone. There are Multiple Finds, Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pair Finds and even Fragment Finds. You can opt to play a Match 3 game instead of the Hidden Object Scenes.
The Mini Games vary in terms of difficulty, most are doable and entertaining. The following are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Create a patch for the coin to travel from left to right selecting reels to move them.
2) Restore the picture using arrows to rotate the pieces.
3) Restore the photo by swapping tokens and using blue arrows on either side of the frame to make other tokens available.
4) Move the red block to the right, blocks can only be moved in the direction they are facing.
5) Create a path for the bird latch to travel through, by selecting and dragging deadbolts with the red circles to move them, moving one deadbolt affects others.
6) Move the figures so that their hand are touching.
7) Move the camera through all of the buildings within 7 moves.
8) Recreate the ship from the picture using arrows to cycle through your options.
The Collector's Edition has 42 Morphing Objects, 15 Collectible Photos, 6 levels of Dots games, 4 Music Soundtracks, 8 Concept Art photos, 7 Developers Diary photos, 6 Wallpapers, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter. Because I'm not very impressed wit this game, I suggest you try the demo first, maybe it's just not for me, but you may feel differently.
I don't recommend this game.
What secrets are hidden in the legendary McCordan Library?
Overall rating
5
/
5
166 of 183 found this review helpful
"In A World Of Secrets, Literature Is Our Only Truth"
PostedSeptember 8, 2016
pennmom36
fromQuick, read "I Spy and To Catch A Thief" problem solved!
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
Lars McCordan has been missing since 1930! Who is Lars McCordan? Lars McCordan was a collector of fine literature, his library was filled with books from all genres, but rumor has it that Lars had a secret library, a dangerous library! This secret library is said to contain 5 Tomes, and the first Tome of Truth can activate the other four. Lars certainly knew how dangerous these books would be in the hands of the wrong person, so he and other members of The Secret Society Of Tome Keepers, built a separate and hidden library. This is no ordinary library, this library contains literature's finest genre's hidden within a labyrinth maze, a Fantasy section, a Horror section, Adventure and even a Mystery section. No one knows what happened to the creator of the McCordan library, but when the last known McCordan relative passed away, the Lars McCordan estate was purchased by your newest employer, Colin Englund. Mr. Englund has invited you, an accredited literary historian, to witness the unveiling of this magical library. Mr. Englund has been unsuccessful at disarming the vast locks and traps that protect the library that can supposedly come to life within the real world! But of course, that's our job right, one mini game lock at a time!
I really enjoyed this game and bought it immediately after the demo ended, and I might add that the game will hold your interest after the demo as well. The graphics are very realistic, at least as realistic as it can be considering the book's characters have just come to life. There are plenty of Collector's Edition extras, Collectible Coins that are used to purchase different storybook characters (and game characters) Morphing Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces, that you can assemble and set as a Screensaver, and of course, Achievements to earn for different milestones.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied, nothing really new or exciting, but they aren't bad either. You can opt to play a Match 3 game if you're not into the hop. There are Interactive List finds, Interactive Progressive Silhouetted Shape finds, and even FROG's, one of my personal favorites. There are also several Zoom Zone's that have Multiple Item finds and each time you "travel" to a new book genre, you must first find several torn picture fragments within the entire scene, and reassemble them together. This is super simple because there are outlines of each piece displayed.
The Mini Games are pretty good. I will admit that several of them have a feature that drives my bonkers (moving on one affects others) but for the most part the games aren't too difficult. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Arrange the symbols in the correct order.
2) Spot the difference in three different pictures.
3) Turn over the stones so that all symbols are visible, clicking on one stone may affect others.
4) Place items in the scene correctly.
5) Select the bells until the image on the bells are the same as the image above them, selecting one bell may affect others.
6) Rotate the circles to the correct positions and then select the tiles to position them.
7) Help the horseman reach the castle by finding and using the correct items to overcome obstacles along his path.
8) Pull the chains to the correct heights, pulling one chain may affect others.
9) Rotate the circles to their correct positions.
10) Paint the image according to the clue. Select the areas you want to paint and then select the color at the top. Only adjacent selected areas will be painted.
11) Move the token to the other side, you can only move forward to a highlighted area.
This Collector's Edition has 19 Developer Diary pictures, 16 Concept Art pictures, 10 Wallpapers, Morphing Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces to create 6 different Screensavers, 5 Music Soundtracks, Collectible Coins to purchase 8 Character figures, 6 levels of Tome-Maze puzzles, 15 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Help young Sam save Princess Aurora and stop the villain from seizing control of the Kingdom of Aurelia in this puzzle adventure.
Overall rating
4
/
5
105 of 129 found this review helpful
A MAN OF MANY FACES IS WATCHING YOU
PostedSeptember 7, 2016
pennmom36
fromDid I really have to read Leonard's mind to find out he wanted to be freed from the ropes that bind him?
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 Sam was born twelve years ago, the Royal Kingdom of Aurelia was captured by tyrants, and the entire Royal Family was imprisoned, well, almost everyone. Sam's cousin, Princess Aurora, managed to escape unnoticed for 12 years! With the help of the Great Magician, Pharion who lives in the Ancient Forest, they were able to overthrow the Tyrants and take back the Kingdom. But the young Princess was still naive, and allowed an old man to read her palm. Instead of reading her palm, the stranger sliced open her hand with a poisoned dagger and Princess Aurora fell gravely ill, the old man fled, but unknowingly left behind an amulet. With no cure to save her life the King turns to young Sam asking him to find the person responsible and hopefully the antidote as well. Sam may only be 12 years old, but he is proving himself to be quite mature on this epic journey to save his cousin's life, as he faces many dangers,and learns that no one can be trusted.
This is a strange game, the steampunk graphics to me are cold and impersonal because everything is mechanical yet old fashioned, similar to the Clockwork and Ink games. There are two icons available, the Eye icon will show you all active areas within that scene and the Return icon will take you back to the previous scene, but you can still click the bottom of the screen as usual to go back one scene. Throughout the game you will come across several Diary note pages from the Royal Treasury about their ongoing investigation of stolen dangerous artifacts. Among these artifacts were a Cursed Dagger and the Amulet of Transformation which will give the owner complete control of the victim's mind after a ritual has been performed,so time is of the essence for the Princess. Tim the flying robot is going to be your right hand man on this royal mission, whose ability to fly to unreachable areas will be a tremendous help, but he isn't used as much as you'd think, and he's neither cuddly or cute, and in my opinion unnecessary. The final device you eventually receive is a Mindscope which allows you to read the thoughts of anything, including robots, which don't really have any thoughts, right?
The Hidden Object Scenes are all about the same, most are Interactive, Progressive Silhouetted Shape finds where you find the first item that matches the Silhouetted Shape and then use that item back in the scene interactively to expose the next scene and so forth. I did enjoy the one that had listed items to find on a mechanical mural. When you click on the item that matches the listed word, the item doesn't disappear, but it tilts to the side. If you make a mistake however and pick a wrong item, all of the correct choices reset and you have to start over from the beginning, very clever.
There are a lot of Mini Games some of which are decent, others are too simple. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Rotate the inner circle until the runes match the ones on the outer circle.
2) Set clock hands to the correct time according to the clues you found earlier.
3) Click on the countries in the same order as the flags as displayed in a clue found earlier.
4) Crush all the crabs in the mouth of a mechanical alligator by chasing the crabs towards the gator's mouth by clicking near the crabs to direct them.
5) Repair the mechanical soldiers' head using the part correctly.
6) Swap cats and mice to the opposite sides, cats and mice can only move forward.
7) Move the bulbs so that the red ones match the red circles and the green ones match the green circles.
This game uses the first person aspect as you play as the character Sam, presumably to make it more personable, but for me, the graphics make it hard to get into the game as if you were part of it, but maybe that's just me. I must admit, I was a little baffled by some of the graphics in this game. It seems to take place in "ye olden days" yet there are robots, flying machines, mechanical spies and even a fire hydrant which is near the horse stables that are supposedly used for transportation as you'd expect. This game does have an interesting storyline, and there are lot's of mechanical gadgets to tinker with, and you can even earn Achievements. In my opinion this game is worthy of using a credit or coupon on at the very least, enjoy!
This is a strange game, the steampunk graphics to me are cold and impersonal because everything is mechanical yet old fashioned, similar to the Clockwork and Ink games. There are two icons available, the Eye icon will show you all active areas within that scene and the Return icon will take you back to the previous scene, but you can still click the bottom of the screen as usual to go back one scene. Throughout the game you will come across several Diary note pages from the Royal Treasury about their ongoing investigation of stolen dangerous artifacts. Among these artifacts were a Cursed Dagger and the Amulet of Transformation which will give the owner complete control of the victim's mind after a ritual has been performed,so time is of the essence for the Princess. Tim the flying robot is going to be your right hand man on this royal mission, whose ability to fly to unreachable areas will be a tremendous help, but he isn't used as much as you'd think, and he's neither cuddly or cute, and in my opinion unnecessary. The final device you eventually receive is a Mindscope which allows you to read the thoughts of anything, including robots, which don't really have any thoughts, right?
The Hidden Object Scenes are all about the same, most are Interactive, Progressive Silhouetted Shape finds where you find the first item that matches the Silhouetted Shape and then use that item back in the scene interactively to expose the next scene and so forth. I did enjoy the one that had listed items to find on a mechanical mural. When you click on the item that matches the listed word, the item doesn't disappear, but it tilts to the side. If you make a mistake however and pick a wrong item, all of the correct choices reset and you have to start over from the beginning, very clever.
There are a lot of Mini Games some of which are decent, others are too simple. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Rotate the inner circle until the runes match the ones on the outer circle.
2) Set clock hands to the correct time according to the clues you found earlier.
3) Click on the countries in the same order as the flags as displayed in a clue found earlier.
4) Crush all the crabs in the mouth of a mechanical alligator by chasing the crabs towards the gator's mouth by clicking near the crabs to direct them.
5) Repair the mechanical soldiers' head using the part correctly.
6) Swap cats and mice to the opposite sides, cats and mice can only move forward.
7) Move the bulbs so that the red ones match the red circles and the green ones match the green circles.
This game uses the first person aspect as you play as the character Sam, presumably to make it more personable, but for me, the graphics make it hard to get into the game as if you were part of it, but maybe that's just me. I must admit, I was a little baffled by some of the graphics in this game. It seems to take place in "ye olden days" yet there are robots, flying machines, mechanical spies and even a fire hydrant which is near the horse stables that are supposedly used for transportation as you'd expect. This game does have an interesting storyline, and there are lot's of mechanical gadgets to tinker with, and you can even earn Achievements. In my opinion this game is worthy of using a credit or coupon on at the very least, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Delicious: Emily's Message in a Bottle Collector's Edition is a heartwarming stroll through Emily's past as the family seeks the perfect recipe for happiness.
Overall rating
5
/
5
165 of 189 found this review helpful
The Delicious Secret Ingredient
PostedSeptember 6, 2016
pennmom36
fromGreat, I'm going to be singing "message in a bottle", all day now!
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
Nothing could be better than a long holiday weekend followed by a new Delicious Time Management game! This edition takes us back thirty years, to Napoli, Italy, where it all began. Emily was just a toddler approaching her third birthday at her Grandma Emilia's Italian restaurant. Grandma has passed away, but Emily seems to be Grandpa Vitto's little angel and the two of them are practically inseparable. Emily's Uncle's are pushing their father to retire and leave them the family business, now that Grandma has passed, but it's upsetting a heartbroken Grandpa Vitto.
Emilia and Vitto started their business with only a dollar to their name, and their boys have no clue as to why the restaurant is so successful, it's because of a special ingredient! You will learn more about the roots of Edward's family as you manage the family business in Italy as well as Emily's restaurant in Snuggford, present day.
You can choose from three modes of difficulty, Beginner, Normal or Expert, and there is an excellent tutorial as well as a "how to play" section to help you get started. The gameplay is simple, wait for the customers to decide what they want at either one of the tables or the counter, then you click on the item or items they want as indicated inside the thought bubble, then click on the customer to serve the food and click on the register when they are ready to pay, and finally, click on the table to clean up the mess. The cute little mouse has returned, and you will receive extra points if you are able to "catch" him whenever he pop up in random places. Some of the customers want to toss a coin into the fountain to make their wishes come true, you have to give the customer a special coin and then click on the meter when the bar is in the green zone which will earn you extra points or money.
As you progress, more food items become available, and dishes become more complicated. Some of the food items require you to combine several ingredients before serving them such as adding spaghetti noodles to the sauce, making a pizza with different toppings or making ice cream cones of different scoop or flavor amounts. There are some ingredients that require restocking as indicated by a quantity number, such as picking tomatoes for the spaghetti sauce.
Once you have earned enough money, you can purchase upgrades, like new Tables and Chairs, Serving Counters, Pizza Ovens, and decorative or entertainment items designed to keep the customers happy, patient and willing to pay more. You will eventually get to choose menu items before each level, and as with all the Delicious games, you get to take 14 pictures of the O'Malley's to display in Emily's scrapbook. Diamonds that are earned playing challenges and bonus levels can be used to invite the family to the reunion. This Collector's Edition has 14 different Achievements to earn in the form of Messages in a Bottle. Each bottle contains brief messages from Delicious Emily fans, which is kind of a cool idea. Enjoy, it's simply Delicious!
I recommend this game!
Match different combinations of fire, earth, wind and air to create an entire universe!
Overall rating
4
/
5
56 of 63 found this review helpful
Doodle God With Just A Touch Of Magic
PostedSeptember 6, 2016
pennmom36
fromWhat would Doodle God Do?
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 totally get this puzzle game, that also offers Hidden Object games to unlock. One type of HOP, I thought was very unique, challenging and entertaining. There are the usual listed items to find as well as silhouetted shape finds, the third type is something I have never seen done before. Two icons are shown that require you to either find the object of which the two pictures would produce if combined ( such as fire and a bird=a phoenix) or the missing object could be one of the two elements before the equation ( Blank and seeds=a tree) The HO's however are unlocked during the main game which has nothing to do with Hidden Objects.
There are three different categories, the Stone age, the Middle Ages and the Modern age. To advance you must combine different Elements starting with the basics, Earth, Water, Fire and Air, and this time, a little dab of magic, to evolve and make over a hundred different elements. If you combine two correct elements, you will receive a sub-category, those sub-categories can then be combined with other elements to make even more elements. Eventually you will create all kinds of fantasy based items such as Angels, Demons, and yes, even Zombies!
You can use the points earned to purchase three different types of hints-one that shows you elements that could be used-one that shows you two groups where elements will react-and one that will automatically perform 1 random reaction. You can also earn bonuses that will help you such as a bonus that will eliminate all unnecessary elements. You can earn Achievements or awards, and eventually unlock Quests or mini games along with the Hidden Object puzzles.
This is a simple game, but I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out which two elements to combine, especially when trying to discover a specific element to complete a task. There's no penalty for combining incorrectly, and sometimes you are plain old surprised when two random elements produce a new element. I think I actually preferred the Doodle God without the fantasy aspect because it really was like creating everything from...In the beginning, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
After an explosion at Stonehenge, fiery and icy portals appear!
Overall rating
4
/
5
78 of 86 found this review helpful
They Had Me At Stonehenge!
PostedSeptember 5, 2016
pennmom36
fromI'm going in!
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 was instantly intrigued when I read the title, Stonehenge Legend, because I've always been fascinated with Stonehenge. How in the world, or should I say otherworldly, did they have the technology back then to build them, much less to move those huge monoliths? We still don't know for sure why they built them which is even more fascinating. I will say the game has an over abundance of purple hues, but after all it's supposed to be a fantasy themed game so I'll cut them some slack, so on with the juicy stuff.
Margaret has gotten herself into yet another pickle, good thing you're an expert in the paranormal field. Margaret was personally selected for an internship at Stonehenge, studying the recent fluctuation of it's magnetic field. Things went south very quickly and an explosion occurred, Margaret was the sole survivor thanks to MI6 Agent David Redford. After further investigation, you discover portals to other worlds within Stonehenge, worlds that are suffering dangerous weather phenomena caused by someone or something her on earth!
Labyrinths of the World games are one of those games that flies under the radar, they aren't epic games, but they are surprisingly entertaining games with really interesting storylines and features. The Collector's Edition version has Collectible Character Statuettes, Hidden Artifacts, Morphing Objects and Hidden Marsh Lights that give you the option of "buying" 11 different Zoological Garden Creatures, and an abundance of Achievements to earn.
The Hidden Object Scenes are basically the same type, Interactive List finds, with a handful of Silhouetted Shape finds thrown in for good measure. There is one HOP that allows you to interact with the scene as it relates to Keywords told in a story as you are tasked with finding the related items and replacing them within the scene correctly. You can also opt for a Match 3 game if you're not into the HOP's.
The Mini Games aren't bad, and each game gives you the option of choosing an Easy Mode or Hard Mode. Even better, if you can't beat the puzzle in Hard Mode, you can always switch to easy mode. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Press 5 buttons in the correct order, pressing one button may affect others.
2) Choose and drag the sliders to adjust them so that every symbol turns green, clicking on one slider may affect others.
3) Enter the code shown on the tag by swapping adjacent tiles.
4) Restore the picture by swapping pie shaped sections.
5) Move the mirrors up or down so the beam of light bounces off each mirror and through the portal.
6) Lower all of the magic vines, lowering one vine may affect others.
7) Use the glowing flower to find the animal that will be drawn to the light.
8) Arrange the flowers so they match the same colors as the leaves.
The Collector's Edition has 17 Collectible Character Statuettes, 20 Hidden Artifacts, 83 Otherworldly Particles that allow you to buy 11 different Marsh Creatures for the Zoological Garden, 35 Morphing Objects, 22 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 27 replayable Mini Games, 5 Music Soundtracks, 22 Videos, 40 Achievements, 19 Concept Art Pictures, 17 Wallpapers, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you bring peace to the kingdoms in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
144 of 153 found this review helpful
This Game Is The Perfect Example Of What I've Been Saying Lately!
PostedSeptember 5, 2016
pennmom36
fromYou did it! No, you did it!
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 last several reviews I have submitted have been one and two star ratings. I talked about how lame some of the games from the top dog producers have been, how, in my opinion they are releasing games at a wicked fast pace and seemingly not caring about the quality of entertainment the games provide. I also stated that some of the "lesser known" series are ramping up their game as they try to compete with the well known series, and are producing some really good games that are highly entertaining. Dark Realm: Lord of the Winds by Mad Head games, is EXACTLY what I've been saying, quality through and through! Is this game perfect? No, there's always room for improvement, but it is very entertaining, has really good graphics, and offers a variety of HOP's and Mini Games.
Queen Valera has made a very important decision, one that could endanger the entire Kingdom and it's peaceful citizens. Queen Valera has offered a Peace Treaty with it's long time rivaling neighbor kingdom ruled by King Harlon. She knows how dangerous it is, but she must lower the protective shield to allow King Harlon to enter so the treaty can be signed. King Harlon offers Queen Valera a gift, but as soon as she opens the chest, a powerful force attacks the Queen, taking her breath away, literally, removing her life force! Both sides panic, both sides begin blaming each other, but the Queen is dying! Queen Valera's best friend and right hand man, Nathaniel, offers to exchange places with the Queen, giving her his breath, so she may live, and save the Kingdom. A local healer is able to exchange the curse, and slow down the process on Nathaniel to buy some time, until the cure can be found. Queen Valera must travel to the Wind Colossus, to reverse the affects of this powerful orb, to save not only Nathaniel, but hopefully, stop the war between the two Kingdoms and establish peace going forward!
Nathaniel has given the Queen his Bow, this is no ordinary Bow, this Bow has unlimited and powerful abilities. The first of many Arrows you have, allows you to retrieve anything the arrow hits. The Arrow will return along with the item that the arrow hit, but of course, there's a Mini Game involved with each use. Each time you use the Bow, you will play a variation of "Blocks" where you move blocks until the arrow has a clear path, each game becomes increasingly more difficult to solve as more blocks are added to the board. Eventually, you will find other arrows that have special abilities, an Arrow that has explosives, and one that freezes it's target, others are added after the demo. This Collector's Edition has bonus features such as 35 Hidden Feathers, one in each scene, Achievements to earn and a Morphing Object in each Hidden Object Scene.
The Hidden Object Scenes are fairly entertaining, which Mad Head is well known for. They have very interesting scenes with Silhouetted Shape finds, Interactive List finds, and even Keywords or Symbol find during a story. One of my favorite scenes is finding shapes that are carved on the Ship's Wheel, turning clockwise or counter clockwise to steer the ship by finding the symbols shown in the center, one at a time.
The Mini Games are also entertaining, not to easy, but not too difficult either. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) The Bow and Arrow game of Blocks requiring you to move blocks until the arrow has a straight path to travel from the bottom to the top.
2) Select and rotate the blue rings to create a continuous line for the energy to flow through. Selecting one ring may affect the others.
3) Move sliders to aim the cannon both up and down and left and right, that select the fire bottom to shoot.
4) Find and fill in the shapes indicated on the pillars with corresponding colors. Select the stone shapes to enable or block flow of color. Fill shapes with color by pressing gems.
5) Guide the light through the maze by selecting empty highlighted circles to move the beam of light.
6) Select and guide the ball through the maze without touching the path walls.
This Collector's Edition has 12 Concept Art pictures, 18 Wallpapers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 17 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, Collectible Hunt games, Constellations Mini Games, 14 Achievements, 35 Hidden Collectible Feathers, Morphing Objects within the Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the secret of the Qin dynasty?
Overall rating
2
/
5
119 of 133 found this review helpful
I'm Almost Afraid To Play These Games Lately
PostedSeptember 3, 2016
pennmom36
fromI broke a nail, Sam I'm going to be your boss!
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
I have played thousands of games and lately I've been left to ponder an important question. Am I getting bored with these games or are they getting lame? The answer I can assure you is that I'm not bored playing a GOOD game, an interesting game. There have been some real duds lately by some of the top ranking series titles, because, in my opinion, the devs are working at lightning speed to release one game after another. I get it, I'm a business owner, and the bottom line is net profit, as long as a series is selling like hotcakes, you keep offering them until they aren't. Here's another thing I realized lately, the Lesser Known series (the one's who aren't working at breakneck speeds) are putting out REALLY GOOD games that are interesting and fun, such as Shadowplay and Bridge To Another World. Oh well, tomorrow's another day, on with the review.
Your mission, should you decide to accept, is to babysit! H.E.L.P. will spare no expense to keep Professor Huang Son Jiang and his colleague Anna Chan happy, safe and secure. You will be expected to solve all of the intricate puzzles and locks located throughout the Emperor's Tomb, unassisted, while everyone annoys you from behind. The Tomb is full of Mercury and booby traps (that's latin for you're going to get killed by something you'll never see coming, yet they all seem to go off in front of you?) All's going well, then Sam gets hurt AGAIN, seriously, I think he does it on purpose to get promotions. Out of nowhere, BAM, it happens, didn't see that one coming! ......
No agent would be complete without lugging around a huge H.E.L.P Box. It's a good thing I lugged this 40 pound box down the mine with me because believe it or not, there are actually Fact Cards hidden in the Emperor's Tomb! Can you believe it? This tomb has been closed for thousands of years! Surely this is Ancient Alien work, how is that possible? There are also 40 Hidden Signs and 22 Achievements to earn in the Collector's Edition.
The Hidden Object Scenes are always the same in the HE series. That's not necessarily a bad thing, at least they are familiar. There are the typical Silhouetted Shape Finds that are usually presented in at least a couple of phases where once you find all the items, another set of shapes is presented and then a third set with a final object to find. There are also Interactive List finds and finding Keywords in a story being told. Each HOP has a Morphing Object available.
The Mini Games are the reason I continued the demo, they aren't bad at all and most are doable on the first attempt. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Move levers until all of the arrows are in the green zone.
2) Complete the circle by selecting and dragging the animal shapes to the correct position.
3) Create paths for the dragons heads to fall onto it's matching body by using directional arrows to move rows of blocks below them.
4) Move the pieces to the center of the board to form a complete symbol, pieces must be selected in the correct order.
5) Arrange bells from the largest to the smallest animals shown on the bells.
6) Select the arrows to move the figurine to the yin-yang which stops whenever it encounters an obstacle.
7) Move the coins to the correct side of the board based on color, select arrows to select pairs of coins at a time.
8) Create a path for the mercury to flow from the pearl to the empty circle in a labyrinth.
This Collector's Edition has 17 replayable Puzzles, 15 replayable HOP's, 8 Concept Art pictures, 8 Wallpapers, 9 Music Soundtracks, a Souvenir Room, 40 Hidden Signs, 11 Videos, 22 Achievements, 15 Morphing Objects within the HOP's, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I don't recommend this game.
Stop the evil Princess of Hearts and discover your true destiny!
Overall rating
5
/
5
104 of 122 found this review helpful
I Hate It When My Shadow Gets Stolen!
PostedSeptember 2, 2016
pennmom36
fromI reckon this is how games should 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
Alice was distracted by a large red top hat adorned with playing cards, laying on the road, when she was taking an evening run. Curiosity got the best of her so she stopped to get a closer look, but this turned out to be a very bad decision. Alice is broadsided by an old man who pushes her over the bridge and into the river below! Alice panics and grabs the first thing she sees, a mirror shard that swooshes her into a portal of Another World! This isn't the Wonderland that Alice discovered in the fairytales, this is Shadowland, and the old man is none other than the white rabbit, well Rabbitson, to be more specific. Things go from ugly to worse when he realizes he has the wrong Alice, this Alice isn't the one the prophecy awaits to save Shadowland, and the Princess of Hearts has put a price on her head! Just when you think things couldn't get worse, Alice's very own shadow is taken, and without your shadow, you cannot survive in the real world, Alice can't go home without her shadow, don't you just hate it when someone steals your shadow?
What a fantastic twisted fairytale! This game is awesome, and you can't help but think about the good old days when you were a child. I remember watching Alice In Wonderland for the first time, I thought the Cheshire Cat was scary with those humongous teeth, nobody told me he was a grinning kitty at the time! I have to give kudos to the devs, this is thinking outside of the box, this is genius in the making and they should recognized for their efforts! Alice will find some very useful devices along her journey to recover her shadow, among them is a very special Watch. This watch is used to transfer from your body, into your shadow , and back using the hands of the clock. (this part didn't make sense to me, how does she transfer into her shadow if the Bandersnitch stole her shadow?) Alice also briefly uses a special Compass that helps locate lost items but only when used with another item connected to it. The compass will reveal what happened when you move the compass around the scene and click on the matching image as shown.
Several of the scenes have a Panning Feature that allows you to pan the scene right or left to create a broader range. The Collector's Edition also has usual Achievements to earn as well as 31 Morphing Objects and 37 Collectible Playing Cards. Each Scene may contain more than one of each object so there are pull out tabs on the left of the screen that will tell you how many cards and morphs are available in each location. I found this feature entertaining and was enough to persuade me to purchase the Collector's Edition over this Standard Edition.
The Hidden Object Scenes are really well done and had interesting locations as well. There are Interactive List finds, Keywords to find in a story and one of my favorites was finding several Metal Alphabet letters.
The Mini Games are numerous and varied with a mixture of super simple puzzles to lengthy more complicated games. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Click to open two roses at a time to match identical colored flowers.
2) Arrange the photos for each step of the kidnapping plan.
3) Jump over the symbols so that only one is left remaining, only opposing symbols can eliminate each other. This puzzle is repeated with 2 more games that become increasingly more difficult.
4) Click on different components of flower arrangements on a horse statue to change the arrangements to mirror the clue shown.
5) Find the objects shown on Alice's Compass to reveal what happened by moving the compass until the necessary image is visible and clicking to select the image.
6) Grab strong ropes, toeholds and icicles to help Alice climb the cliff safely.
7) Touch the spots in the correct order to recreate the symbol, if you choose the wrong one you'll have to start over from the beginning.
8) Trap the spider by removing the web hexagons blocking it's way, the spider can only move to neighboring hexagons.
9) Use the clues to traverse the maze, choosing the paths based on the statues shown on your phone.
10) Remove all the symbols from the shield by selecting and dragging a chain of 3 or more identical adjacent tiles in a Match 3 variation game.
The Collector's Edition has 15 replayable Mini Games, 12 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 13 Wallpapers, 4 Screensavers, 15 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 52 Movie Videos, 31 Morphing Objects, 37 Collectible Playing Cards, 20 Achievements, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!