pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4709
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:March 15, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Explore a decrepit mental asylum and find your missing boyfriend in Haunted Halls – Green Hills Sanitarium!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 5 found this review helpful
Haunted Halls: Green Hills Sanitarium
PostedApril 22, 2016
pennmom36
fromI'll never look at eyeballs the same way again!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Your boyfriend Tim told you everything would be fine, that he'd be back as soon as he finished his investigation of the Green Hills Sanitarium. There have been horrible speculations and rumors of tortured patients by Doctor Blackmore and Tim wanted to investigate first hand and see for himself if these terrible atrocities were occurring. You haven't seen or heard from Tim in over a week and you travel to the decrepit mental institution to search for him. The horrors you discover behind the closed doors of this asylum will haunt you for the rest of your life!
I love the storyline of Haunted Halls with the crazy doctor who conducts unethical experiments on his patient victims, he even conducted an experiment on himself, which left him with the torso of a man and octopus tentacles for legs, lots of legs! There aren't very many frills with this CE, and none of the extras can be accessed in the demo, and this edition didn't thrill me enough to want to purchase the CE to find out more. The graphics are hand drawn, they are really decent for an older game but I'm a fan of Computer generated graphics.
The Hidden Object Scenes are simple Listed Item finds, there's no interactions, no frills. I must say, I miss this style of old school HOS, today's games try so hard to mix it up and keep it fresh that they lose sight of what made HOPA's the number one genre in the first place, I also like the fact that the objects within the HOS are creepy and are objects you'd totally expect to see if you were investigating a mental health facility that has been closed down.
The Mini Games are just as creepy, the very first one has you place different colored eyeballs (which you collected in strange places around the grounds of the sanitarium) into sockets and then use right and left arrows to move each row of blocks so that the eyeballs can drop to the bottom. Each row of blocks have one or two missing blocks that allow the eyeballs to drop through these openings, but you have to restart the entire game if your eyeball gets stuck because you chose the wrong path.
This Collector's Edition has Wallpapers, Screensavers, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
Every family has secrets. Will yours be your downfall?
Overall rating
4
/
5
76 of 87 found this review helpful
ONCE UPON A TIME
PostedApril 22, 2016
pennmom36
fromWhat good does it do to lock the door when there's a second doorway leading outside that doesn't even have a door?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Once upon a time, there was a Princess named Theresa who married King Leo, because it was her duty. Queen Theresa gave birth to a baby girl, the only heir to the throne. Imagine everyones surprise when the dark magician, Isa accused the King and Queen of keeping a secret from him. It's been 25 years since the Princess was born, and Isa has returned, determined to unveil this family secret. Nanny gives the Princess a special Amulet and tells her she must search for answers herself, and find out what this deep dark family secret is all about and why they kept the truth from her for 25 years!
The first thing I noticed with this newest edition of Spirits of Mystery, was how much the graphics have improved, they really are quite impressive. The only props you have for this adventure is the family heirloom the Queen has kept safe for you (hoping you'll never need to use it), an Amulet that will allow you to remove the thorny branches that Isa has used to keep you from leaving. Each time you use the Amulet, you will have to search the scene to find all of the thorny flowers with the amulets lens. The Collector's Edition has the usual Achievements to earn as well as Collectible Pearls which are used to purchase royal items, which isn't very impressive for a CE.
The Hidden Object Scenes are just okay in my book. There are Interactive List finds that leave behind symbol fragments that will be used for clues, and HOP's that require you to find two key items within a story, one of which requires an interaction.
The Mini Games range from super simple to frustrating, some of them have two different modes of difficulty available, Casual and Hard. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Open the lock by selecting the correct number by multiplying two numbers.
2) Memorize the picture positions on two rows of cards and then match the cards dealt with the cards on the board once they have been flipped over, repeat two more times.
3) Remove thorny branches and complete three different puzzles, selecting sections on two castles that match the symbol shown when combined, spot the difference in jewelry worn by the Queen, and place picture fragments correctly.
4) Follow the directions on a sleeping potion recipe step by step.
The Collector's Edition has 10 Movies, 12 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 15 removable items using Collect Pearls, 5 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 14 replayable Mini Games, 20 replayable Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
It's time for adventures at sea with 120 unique griddlers to make your vacation even more fun!
Overall rating
3
/
5
39 of 45 found this review helpful
BROADEN YOUR INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES
PostedApril 22, 2016
pennmom36
fromIs that a dog? A squirrel? I give up what is it?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This Mahjong game promises to broaden your intellectual abilities and to exercise your mind. It certainly does all that because the puzzles present a nice challenge, but I've come to expect multi-colors and I want the puzzles to form some sort of picture when they're completed.
There are 6 different Beach Locations and each beach has 20 different levels. You can earn up to 3 stars per level depending on how many mistakes you make, but you must earn at least one star to unlock the next level. There are 15 Summer Trophies to earn as well.
Every filled cell contains coins, some contain bonus coins. The coins can be used in the Shop to buy 2 Starting Hints, the right to make a Mistake x3, refill Hints on this level, and you can use your coins to unlock other levels if you haven't earned enough stars.
This isn't a bad Mahjong game, it just didn't thrill me personally. I think I'll stick with Mr. Penguin.
Can you save your true love from the God of Death?
Overall rating
5
/
5
310 of 342 found this review helpful
HADES AND POSEIDON VERSUS ZEUS
PostedApril 21, 2016
pennmom36
fromDidn't Nanny say she just needed a couple drops of blood not a cupful?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Hades and Poseidon have set a trap to lure Zeus into the underworld and their bait is Persephone, Zeus' beautiful daughter. Zeus knows he cannot help his daughter without jeopardizing his safety, Elias is on his own and must find his way to the underworld to save his fiance.
Dark Romance has done it again! They have presented us with a beautiful love story where love has no boundaries. As with all Dark Romance game, you get to play the game from both lovers perspectives, switching flawlessly between Persephone's character in the land of Hades and Elias character who's desperately trying to find his beloved. There are lots of Achievements to earn, 14 Artifacts of the Gods to find, 38 Olive branches to collect that allow you to purchase items for the Muse Statues in the Boudoir, and even collectible Power-Ups for the Match 3 games (bombs, lightning, Rainbows)
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied with familiar favorites such as Interactive List Finds, as well as Progressive Silhouetted Shape Finds and Spot the Differences, there are even small Zoom Zone HOP's where you find Multiples of items. You can opt for a Match 3 game instead of the HOP's and use the bonus tokens you have collected throughout the game.
The Mini Games are fairly easy, although some are a bit time consuming and a tad frustrating. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Choose the matching symbols on the note and the scroll to reveal coded words.
2) Move items to clear a path for a net to catch a fish, which are grid size related.
3) Cover the board with more green than blue stones. If you move one space, the stone will duplicate leaving one behind. If either colored stone touches a different color, the different stone and all adjacent stones will change color.
4) Arrange the plates so that they match the charms hanging below.
5) Place each of the animals on its constellation so the stars line up to key points.
6) Open all the flowers, clicking on some flowers will affect other flowers.
This Collector's Edition has 24 Achievements, 9 Boudior muses to adorn, 28 Concept Art pictures, 19 Wallpapers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 14 Collectible Artifacts of the Gods, 10 Movies, 38 Collectible Olive Branches, Journal Notes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The fate of mankind hangs in the balance as a buccaneer strikes out to destroy an ancient evil intent on wiping out humanity.
Overall rating
3
/
5
105 of 128 found this review helpful
TURNS OUT THE WORLD KEEPERS ARE DOLLS!
PostedApril 20, 2016
pennmom36
fromAncient Evil must really be scared, those dolls have voodoo magic!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Elizabeth Robinson is the Captain of the Sea Star, a young buccaneer born and raised on the ship, it's all she's ever known. The Sea Star was designed and engineered by Ethan Brown, a close friend of Elizabeth's father, who has asked for her help finding his son Adam. Adam managed to escape a calamity, when a strange fog rolled onto the island and killed everyone, instantly. The Sea Star was nearly to the port when the fog engulfed her, killing her entire crew, with the exception of Elizabeth of course.
Up to this point, I said to myself, "self" this ain't a bad pirate story. Then the plot took on a strange twist, when the World Keepers came into play, which sounds awesome in theory, but they are nothing more than burlap ragdolls, one of which seems very angry, the other has been dressed in a pirate outfit by Adam who thought he'd look more like a doll if he were dressed like one. Supposedly, they are Spirits that are trapped in a rag shell, the first doll is the Ice Spirit that can freeze those whom evil has possessed, the next doll is the Knowledge Keeper who's really just a glorified Hint Icon. There are other spirit dolls to rescue after the demo that use fire, lightning and time to help you fight the evil smoke, but the demo itself only offers 2 dolls. I really wouldn't mind the makeshift dolls if this were a fantasy type game, but it's so out of place and unnecessary in a swashbuckling pirate genre, it made the game kinda cheesy.
The Hidden Object Scenes are all the same, Interactive List Finds, and most of the scenes have at least one repeated HOP which I really hate because even though the items to find are different, you know where everything is because you just scoured the scene a few moments prior.
The Mini Games however are fairly decent, they aren't difficult, but they are different, and most have a pirate or nautical theme. Below are brief descriptions of some of the Mini Games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Choose three icons with the same theme as shown in the center by clicking the arrows, when you find the correct icon, click to choose (it will turn red at that point, I'm giving more detail on this game because I thought the directions were too vague)
2) Press buttons in the correct order by trial and error.
3) Connect the snake parts correctly to fill the bowl.
4) Turn roller sections to the correct sequence as you found earlier in a clue.
The graphics in this game are hand drawn, not bad, but it lacks the crisp details of computer generated graphics, there are no voiceovers, so you'll have to read the dialog boxes (which btw have several typos!) The music was okay, but does get a bit repetitive. As I stated before, the storyline had promise, after all, everybody loves a good pirate story, but I felt a little let down when the ragdolls came into play. I probably would have purchased this bargain HOPA, or at least used a credit, but for now, I'll sit on the fence until I feel that I simply must find out what happened to Adam and the other ragdolls.
Travel back in time and become the person in charge of building the famous Mount Rushmore!
Overall rating
5
/
5
87 of 106 found this review helpful
A MONUMENTAL TASK IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE
PostedApril 19, 2016
pennmom36
fromThis monument certainly put this town on the map!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
President Calvin Coolidge authorized the Mount Rushmore project and construction began on the mountainside of Mount Rushmore in 1927. John Gutzon Borglum was selected to sculpture the busts of four presidents in one of the most daring and dangerous projects of all time. President Coolidge and his entourage will be attending the inauguration, which will require yet another project, clearing the land and preparing for an appropriate stage for the President who made all this possible.
I love the Monument Builders series which allows you to be the Project Manager of the biggest and most iconic monuments around the globe. As a PM, you are responsible for clearing roadways and repairing damaged roads that will allow the Mules to deliver the materials needed throughout the building sites. You must prioritize the construction of Factories, Grocery Stores supply revenu,Cake Shops provide food for the workers, and Cement Factories provide the building materials needed for construction. All supplies are stored in the Warehouse, this is where you'll order supplies needed as well as recruiting new workers. Monument Builders is a different kind of Time Management Game, if you need to repair a road, you'll need to click on the repair needed and then select the improvement icon, clicking on the Factory will allow you to order specific items needed such as Sculpting tools, Ropes and Pickaxes, then you'll have to select the Delivery option. This game is designed to replicate the duties of a Project Manager as you strive to meet your goals on time, and you can earn up to 3 Stars per level depending on the amount of time it takes you to achieve your goals, I will say that it's a lot harder than you'd think to earn the third star on the first try.
The most interesting feature this series offers is that you will learn very interesting facts about whichever monument you're building whether you're building Big Ben, Alcatraz (my favorite) or Rushmore. This game makes learning history really fun, they should let students play these games for a unique way to learn while having fun! This is a fairly easy TM game and would be a great game to start out on if you've never played a TM game, but the game is just as fun if you're a pro.
The goals are shown at the top of the screen as well as an inventory bar that displays the quantity of your supplies such as wood, cement, food and cement. Trees need cut to make room for construction sites, and dogs need fed to get them to move out of the way of progress, thieves need to be dealt with (by clicking on them rapidly) before they have a chance to steal valuable cement. As you progress, you will get bonuses to choose before the level starts, you can choose only one at a time to Tone up the workers, have Faster Production and my favorite, Automatic Delivery of all goods, otherwise you have to click on all carts to send them to their delivery destination, which eats up valuable time. You're in for a treat with this TM game, Enjoy
I recommend this game!
Explore a dream-world filled with sweet jellies! Help Alissa and Bunbun get back home in this sweet match-3 adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
61 of 67 found this review helpful
KIDS VERSION OF GUMMIES
PostedApril 18, 2016
pennmom36
fromThis game makes me hungry
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This Match 3 game is definitely designed for the youngsters swimming in the pond, and its a knockoff of the popular gummies series. To be honest, its not that bad once you get past the cutesy storyline and turn off the repetitive lullaby music. The goal is to make matches of at least 3 jellies, and this can be horizontally, vertically or diagonally. This is a limited moves type match 3, if you fail to break all goal tiles, you will have to replay the level, but it does give you the option of skipping the level and continuing, allowing you to replay the level at a later time.
Large matches will earn bonuses on the board that are color specific, when you include the bonus in a match it will destroy tiles in the direction the arrow shows. Eventually you unlock bonuses that can be used once the meter refills. As you progress you will come across obstacles such as Frozen Jellies, and my favorite feature was the rotating board, every few seconds, an entire square row rotates clockwise which presents a really fun challenge.
In my opinion, this games storyline is geared towards younger kids, but the Match 3 game itself presents enough of a challenge to keep an adults interest if you like limited moves type Match 3.
Can you escape the mysterious musician's melody?
Overall rating
3
/
5
62 of 74 found this review helpful
CADENZA LOST ITS MOJO
PostedApril 17, 2016
pennmom36
fromI'll just take a souvenir with me, the bartender's knife will do!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Ernesto Ceres has asked his brother to join him in expanding his night club Diamante, but his past is catching up with him when his friend Raul Sanchez returns from the dead to seek revenge. Somehow Raul is able to hypnotize anyone in ears range of his guitar, and the police are not only blaming you, they're trying to kill you! Could these strange events have anything to do with the "red box" Ernesto has kept under lock and key?
Normally I love the Cadenza series, but I really think they should stick with New Orleans as the location, and the 50-60's era as well. For me, something was lost in translation, and that something is the mojo that sparks the N'Awlins nightlife. This certainly is an easy game to play, there's no challenge to speak of, even the Collectible Diamonds (in the Collector's Edition only) are large and hard to miss! I felt that the graphics were subpar, the neon lights and bedazzle of New Orleans coming to life at night were so impressive you could almost smell the jambalaya, red beans and rice. Havana Nights doesn't do that, it's just another game, there's nothing to draw you in and make you feel as if you were there. (or at least make you want to be there) There are a few newer features available, Conversation options, the ability to slide items or interact with items as you would do if it was real, Sliding, panning or even flipping zoom zone scenes, and an Awareness Mode designed to make you feel a sense of urgency.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied, but again, lacks the creativeness normally found in this series. There are 16 HOP's, the Collector's Edition has a single Morphing Object to find, personally, I prefer Morphs to be in the main game, especially when they are nonlinear and require a particular action in another scene to activate them (I miss the good ol' days...) There are interactive list finds, progressive finds, items in bold print during a tape recording, and even one that switches back and forth between finding an item and placing the item into the scene, which is a feature this series created if I'm not mistaken. Most of them have fragments left behind after finding the items that form a code of some sort to solve a small puzzle.
The Mini Games weren't bad, but they also lack creativity and most are very easy to solve. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Select the ball when it is inside the yellow area, the yellow area moves as well as the ball.
2) Select and move buttons to spaces with the same shape, creating highlighted lines that don't intersect.
3) Select and place horizontal picture tiles to form pictures, as well as a sliding puzzle using one empty space.
4) Press the corresponding trumpet buttons when the bubbles cross into the colored circles. As you progress, pressing the bottom buttons of the correct color mixture will allow you to "play" two notes.
The Collector's Edition has 20 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art pictures, 9 Music Soundtracks, Trumpet Lessons, Character Bios, 40 Collectible Diamonds, 10 Achievements, 16 Morphing Objects within the HOP's, 16 replayable HOP's, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter.
I don't recommend this game.
Uncover secrets about a murdered woman and her missing daughter.
Overall rating
5
/
5
195 of 235 found this review helpful
************* DEMONS BEGONE************
PostedApril 16, 2016
pennmom36
fromDawn needs to start recruiting some Demon Hunters, that's a whole lot of evil!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Dawn is on her own now, the last Demon Hunter standing! It's been over 20 years since the Archdemon Ragner killed her father, and now the man who raised her, Professor Ashmore is gone as well. Even the Amulet that protected her is gone, shattered to bits and pieces! There's no time for grief however, Dawn's good friend and demonic believer, Sheriff Artur Brown (did someone misspell Arthur?) has asked for help in solving the murder of Olivia Martin. Olivia's only child, Lila is nowhere to be found, and this case has all the signs of supernatural and demonic activity surrounding it. Evil does exist, and as long as there are demons to torment humans, the Demon Hunters will risk their lives to protect mankind.
I've always been a fan of this series, and I'm so glad BF has finally offered this game as a Collector's Edition. Chronicles From Beyond was a really good game, but the graphics were less than desirable, A New Chapter came along with a very intriguing storyline and much improved graphics, Revelation however has got it all, beautiful computer generated graphics, creative puzzles and a super exciting plot, simply perfect. There are complex inventory items to fidget with, Achievements to earn and 45 Hidden Collectibles in three different categories, Coins, Dolls (creepy dolls) and Scrolls which are basically Family Tree portraits with bios.
The Hidden Object Scenes are very well done but nothing to write home about, there are Interactive List Finds and Silhouetted Shape Finds, Symbols to Find in a storybook, some of which leave behind or expose fragments or keys needed to find the final object. Some of the scenes have Morphing Objects that must be in their correct form to click on. There is an optional Match Pair Game where you flip over two tokens at a time and try to find matching pairs of images.
The Mini Games however are top notch, but then again, this entire series has always offered creative puzzles. The following are brief descriptions of some of the Mini Games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Turn all crystals green by rotating them left or right, left turns crystals 2 fields left, right turns crystals 3 fields right.
2) Find symbols shown by interacting with a storybook.
3) Discover the order in which the symbols hanging from chains on each door should be pressed by uncovering clues in the correct order.
4) Rotate cylinder sections to complete the image.
5) Place and rotate the gears on to the designated surface in a correct order so that each of them rotate.
This Collector's Edition has replayable Mini Games and Hidden Object Puzzles, 5 Music Soundtracks, 24 Concept Art Pictures, 6 Wallpapers, 15 Hidden Coins, 15 Hidden Dolls, 15 Hidden Scrolls, 8 Achievements available in Gold, Silver and Bronze, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Is fear the price or the reward?
Overall rating
5
/
5
126 of 155 found this review helpful
FOR SALE> ONE SLIGHTLY HAUNTED BLACK RIVER RANCH HOUSE
PostedApril 15, 2016
pennmom36
fromJust exactly what does my job description entail?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Emma Roberts is on assignment at The Black River Ranch, investigating the disappearance of Jack Neilson a freelance journalist, whose last known whereabouts was at this house of horrors. This house has had it's fair share of drama, it's original owner Martin Spencer was thought to be a sorcerer responsible for several deaths that occurred, and a frightened mob burned down the house, killing Martin and his entire family. One year ago, Alex Dean moved into the house, which would allow him the freedom to work on his paintings in seclusion, bad idea! He watched helplessly as a ghostly figure appeared through a doorway that wasn't there before, kidnap his daughter, and return through the door that vanished into thin air! His grief stricken wife, Sarah passed away shortly afterwards leaving Alex alone and desperate. The further Emma delves into the investigation, the more she fears that Alex may be planning some sort of ritual, a ritual that allows ghosts to possess the bodies of living souls who share something in common!
After a few shaky releases, it would appear that Fear For Sale has gotten back on track with excellent visual effects and an equally as impressive storyline. Just about everything in the game can be interacted with, animals react when clicked upon, candles lit, fireplaces ramped up, and paintings that transform into a paranormal freak show. There are complex inventory items to interact with, and the Collector's Edition has several Achievements to earn throughout your investigation. The Collector's Edition also has 34 Beyond Objects and 5 different Collectibles for 5 different categories. As with all of the Fear For Sale games, finding these extras will earn you points and allow you to Rank up your Journalistic skills.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied with Interactive List Finds that give you props to open up secret niches, leave behind fragments or puzzle pieces with puzzles to solve, Silhouetted Shapes and Multiple finds of a single object. There are several smaller HOP's that require you to find 5 items belonging to items such as a doll, newspaper or a phone, scattered about the room. There is an alternate Jigsaw Puzzle available if you're not into HOP's.
The Mini Games aren't bad, but tend to be on the easy side. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Join the halves of Dean's portraits by moving blocks out of the way.
2) Drag the three portraits to the house of matching color without letting their paths cross.
3) Assemble torn photo fragments.
4) Restore the painting of Dean's house by clicking on panels until the correct sections are displayed.
5) Rotate the tiles to form a continuous path leading from the mob at the bottom to the manor at the top using all tiles.
6) Restore the picture by locating all missing objects and placing them where they belong.
The Collector's Edition has 9 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 3 Screensavers, 3 Music Soundtracks, 25 Collectible items, 9 Achievements, 34 Beyond Objects, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!