pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4713
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:May 8, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The royal couple's honeymoon turns sour when an evil lord enters the picture, and now it's up to you to rescue them (or laugh trying)!
Overall rating
5
/
5
204 of 217 found this review helpful
Now That's A Honeymoon!
PostedMarch 9, 2016
pennmom36
fromWill the Royal couple return to the Merry Castle next year for their Anniversary?
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
Loreen and Nathaniel are newlyweds who decide to visit the Merry Castle on their honeymoon to have a little fun. Well, they sure do get their money's worth when they discover they are locked in their rooms with no escape routes....or so they thought. The Royal couple are separated when Nathaniel falls through a trapdoor, but Loreen is quick witted and soon finds a secret passageway. The story splits back and forth from one character to the other, as they make their way through uncertainty, hoping to be reunited, and hoping to survive this "funhouse"
There is a really good sense of humor in this cartoonish style game, but don't let the graphics deter you, the graphics are sharp and crystal clear, and with this game, the cartoon style actually works. There are 15 Achievements to earn and 29 Hidden Collectible Lions to adorn Nathaniel's Family Crest, two features you don't often get in a Standard Edition! Some of the inventory items can be combined by dragging the correct inventory item to the inventory item marked with a plus sign. There aren't really any Hidden Object Scenes, but every scene is jam packed with inventory items to collect and several areas of interest as well, not to mention the fact that a lot of the tasks require you to think outside the box.
There might not be HOP's but there are a lot of Mini Games. Most of the puzzles are doable on the first attempt, and they are decent games but nothing really new. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Place books in the correct order once you find the clue.
2) Reconstruct a stained glass window by fitting triangle and square shaped pieces correctly.
3) Repeat the sequence of piano keys played in three different reps.
4) Arrange a mosaic puzzle by swapping round puzzle pieces.
5) Open all of the skeleton's fingers to release the crystal, selecting one finger may trigger other fingers to close.
This is a great addition to Royal Trouble, the devs have found a unique niche that I'd personally like to see more of, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Play 7 different types of mahjong and find out about the greatest temples of the world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
104 of 117 found this review helpful
Excellent Variety!!
PostedMarch 9, 2016
pennmom36
fromAfter yesterday's Mahjong, I appreciate the unlimited Shuffle feature!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I always complain that there's never any excitement in a Mahjong game, but this game proved me wrong! For starters, this is the first time I've ever seen a customizable difficulty setting for Mahjong. You have the options of a Casual setting that has no timer and shows all available tiles, Normal setting gives you ample time to finish the level, shows all available tiles and the hint and shuffle features recharge slowly, the Expert setting only gives you a small amount of time to finish each level, free tiles are not highlighted and the hint and shuffle features recharge very slowly. There's also a Custom setting offered that allows you to use a timer, choose the recharge times from 10-120 seconds, whether to show available times and allows for a time bonus. There are Mahjong games available in seven different locations with a total of 140 different layouts. You can choose which layout you want to play within the current level but other locations aren't unlocked until you finish the layouts in the current location, or earn enough points. You can earn up to three gold stars per layout, extra points are given for speed matches, and there is a meter that shows how many matches are consecutively achieved, pausing will stop the meter.
There are several different types of Mahjong available and each new type gives you clear directions on how to play. There is the Traditional Mahjong where you simply match available free tiles and remove the hidden Gold tiles. Great Wall Mahjong requires you to remove two matching tiles, but the tiles must be on opposite sides of the wall in the middle, AND they must equal the number 7 combined. Solitaire Mahjong requires you to match tiles of the same suit that equal the number 14, Kings are worth 13, Queens 12, Jacks 11, Aces 1 and the rest face value. One Pair requires you to find logical matches of pictured tiles (key and lock) each layer has only one logical match. Balance Mahjong requires you to match tiles of either blue or red, keeping the balance bar equal (red then blue then red etc) if the balance bar reaches the maximum point, game over. Shuffle Mahjong is basically speed mahjong, the tiles will shuffle if you do not remove a pair of tiles within 10 seconds. Memory Mahjong requires you to turn over one of four tiles (shows for 10 seconds) at the bottom over and find the matches on the board.
Some of these games are quite challenging, and the only one I found to be somewhat boring was the traditional Mahjong. Give this game a try, surely one of these Mahjong game types will change your mind about Mahjong as well, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Play mahjong puzzles and crack the case of the missing antiques in Mahjong Museum Mystery!
Overall rating
4
/
5
93 of 102 found this review helpful
Could Have Been Great But....
PostedMarch 7, 2016
pennmom36
fromI just spent 1000 coins and still had to replay the level!
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
This Mahjong game could have been really fun, but just about every game required me to use Power-ups that cost 500 coins every time. To make matters worse, once you use a costly power-up, you can't use that type again on that level. The power-ups consist of: Shuffle, which shuffles the remaining tiles, a Random Remove feature that removes a random tile, Explode which also removes a tile but of your choosing, and a Swap feature which swaps a tile with another.
There has been a robbery at the Museum so you must find clues which are basically puzzle pieces you receive after each game, that will form a recovered item (12 items total) in the form of a trophy. Each themed game has two exhibits each exhibit has 15 levels, Egypt, India, China, Mayan, Roman, and the Royal Palace for a total of 180 games.
Each regular Mahjong tile matched, earns you 10 coins, each gold tile matched earns you 50 coins, and you can earn up to three gold stars for each game. You can replay the levels as often as you want to try to earn a better score, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A killer is on the loose in a remote European castle. Track them down before they strike again!
Overall rating
3
/
5
99 of 115 found this review helpful
Pride of Humanity
PostedMarch 6, 2016
pennmom36
fromThis is the second Punished Talents, perhaps there should have been none!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The nominees for the prestigious Pride of Humanity award are all gathered together in a beautiful castle, making their final preparations for the upcoming events. A sudden storm wipes out the only road leading in or out of the property, and knocks out the electricity as well as all communications! (this scenario is flawed in oh so many ways, as you will notice) There's a storm brewing inside as well it would seem, not only are the nominees bitter rivals, but someone has been dealing some poetic justice to the contestants, one by one. First a poem about the attempted murder, then an attempt at murder, which is only thwarted by your quick wits and skills as a doctor. If you ask me, this would be the perfect way to cinch the award, after all, you are the hero each and every time!
The graphics are actually very good, and the characters are real actors, but there's just something about this game that's not exciting. Everything is predictable, and the games are too simple. There are plus sign inventory items requiring further action before the items can be used, and there are the usual Achievements to earn. Each scene has a hidden Morphing Invention Card which tells you about some of the early inventions that changed our lives forever.
The Hidden Object Scenes are just okay, mostly list finds with slight interactions or progressive silhouetted shape finds. I did enjoy the HOP where you had to click on morphing items when the item was in the correct form, but the morphs could have been slower to present more of a challenge.
The Mini Games are too simple in my opinion, although I don't necessarily want puzzles that make me want to pull my hair out from frustration, I do want puzzles that challenge me, at least a little bit. Below are brief descriptions of the Mini Games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Open a safe once you find the combination.
2) Examine Dr. Hopkins using the different medical instruments in your kit by selecting the instrument then where to use the instrument.
3) Change the pattern within the purple jar to match the pattern shown.
4) Arrange castle sections to match the picture shown by sliding parts along unblocked rails.
5) Press the compression button whenever the red line touches the green heartbeat, if you make 3 mistakes you'll have to start over.
6) Rotate the stained glass pieces until they match the colored outlines by rotating sections.
This Collector's Edition has 25 Hidden Morphing Invention Cards, 9 Concept Art pictures, 12 Achievements, Music Soundtracks, Videos, replayable Mini Games, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, but you cannot view most CE extras until you complete the main game.
I don't recommend this game.
You're a surgeon. You can handle anything, right?
Overall rating
3
/
5
72 of 88 found this review helpful
The Pied Piper Of The Seas
PostedMarch 6, 2016
pennmom36
fromThank goodness my documents survived the sinking ship scenario!
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
Pirates are responsible for sinking several trading vessels en route to Puerto Valiz, so Captain Woodhouse has asked Doctor Norton to accompany his escort convoy ship. Unfortunately, the pirates show no mercy, using their latest weapon, "The Siren". This pied piper of the seas has just called for backup, a giant tentacled Kraken, that rips through the hull of your ship, sending Doctor Norton and most of the crew to the bottom of the sea. The shores of Puerto Valiz are nearby, but the pirates are relentless, and they attempt to cut off all sources of communication to and from the small town of Elberton. You'll need to prove your worthiness to the crew members and gain their trust before they will allow you to plan a strategy against these ruthless pirates, after all you are only a surgeon!
This is another great addition to The Sea of Lies, although none of them seem to hold a candle to the original episode. The graphics have improved, but I just found myself a little bored with the motions at times, there's just no real wow factor to make me want to purchase this game, it's a take it or leave it kind of game. There are plus signs on some of the inventory items requiring an extra step before the items can be used, some of which are in the form of a small simple puzzle to solve. The Collector's Edition has 12 Achievements to earn as well as a Hidden Sign (ship's wheel) in each of the 45 locations throughout the game.
The Hidden Object Scenes are not bad, but again, there's no wow factor. There are small zoom zone HOP's and there is an optional Match 3 game to play. Most of the HOP's are interactive list finds, but there are silhouetted shape finds, descriptions of items to find and even scenes that require you find 5 of the same objects on each side which gives you a tool to unlock the list of items.
The Mini Games are sea worthy, but rather simple to solve, which isn't necessarily bad, just not very challenging. Below are brief descriptions of the games you'll encounter in the demo:
1) Complete the picture to use the spyglass by selecting directional arrows.
2) Use arrows to rotate the ship's wheel and avoid the monster's tentacles.
3) Collect the correct roots by pulling flowers until you find a match.
4) Use the ship's log to select and place ships correctly on a map.
5) Lead the wheel on the left to the ship on the right through obstacles.
6) Use levers to move flags to match the diagram, selecting one affects others.
2) Use arrows to rotate the ship's wheel and avoid the monster's tentacles.
3) Collect the correct roots by pulling flowers until you find a match.
4) Use the ship's log to select and place ships correctly on a map.
5) Lead the wheel on the left to the ship on the right through obstacles.
6) Use levers to move flags to match the diagram, selecting one affects others.
The Collector's Edition has 12 Achievements, 45 Hidden Collectible Signs, 9 Videos, 8 Concept Art pictures, 8 Wallpapers, 9 Music Soundtracks, 15 replayable HOP's, 17 replayable Mini Games, a Souvenir Room, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
Grim Facade: Sinister Obsession
Can you uncover the truth before you become the next page in the killer’s diary?
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Grim Facade: Sinister Obsession SE
PostedMarch 4, 2016
pennmom36
fromA more interesting case to solve: Why this town has gold coins in every nook and cranny and even buried alongside a wrench!
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 never did figure out who the person is that has a Sinister Obsession, in fact, I played the Collector's Edition first and by the time the demo ended, I had forgotten what the story was about. Very little of the story is unveiled as you progress, so for me, it was just another game that had little substance. The game begins with a young woman playing the piano as an older gentleman (presumably her father) enjoys the music and a good cigar from his favorite chair. A short time after, the maid opens up the walk in freezer to find a woman hanging from a meat hook in between the freezer beef. The maid makes a call to you, a famous detective, to inform you that she has discovered a book containing descriptions of the murders of five women who happen to be friends of the Conti family, her employers. During the demo, there are several meaningless tasks to accomplish, repairing just about everything broken along the way, that really have nothing to do with the storyline. Throughout the game you will find and collect coins that can be used at Giovanni's Shop to purchase some inventory items.
The Hidden Object Scenes are usually repeated, with interactive list finds, multiple finds or progressive silhouetted shape finds. Collecting on hand fans within the HOP's will give you extra hints, if you run out of hints, you're on your own until the next HOP.
The Mini Games aren't bad, but they are fairly simple. Below are brief descriptions of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Move the coin to the box by clicking on numbers on the phone dial to move the coin that number of spaces, the arrows determine which direction the coins move.
2) Dress scarecrows with clothing that is misplaced, some items are for a male scarecrow, others for a female scarecrow, use arrows to switch between the two.
3) Place the octagonal bolts into the matching slots by clicking groups of bolts to rotate that group.
2) Dress scarecrows with clothing that is misplaced, some items are for a male scarecrow, others for a female scarecrow, use arrows to switch between the two.
3) Place the octagonal bolts into the matching slots by clicking groups of bolts to rotate that group.
The Collector's Edition has 4 Music tracks, Screensavers, Wallpapers, Concept Art, a built in Strategy Guide and Bonus Chapter, but you cannot see the content until the Bonus Chapter has been completed.
I don't recommend this game.
Grim Facade: Sinister Obsession Collector’s Edition
Can you uncover the truth before you become the next page in the killer’s diary?
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 6 found this review helpful
Grim Facade: Sinister Obsession CE
PostedMarch 4, 2016
pennmom36
fromWhy didn't the maid tell the detective about the meat locker?
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
Some games just don't age well, this is one of those games, mostly because the hand drawn graphics are so old school, and there's not much of a storyline here. In fact, by the time I finished the demo, I had pretty much forgotten how the story began, so I played the Standard Edition to remind myself what the game was about. You watch a young woman play the piano as an older gentleman (presumably her father) enjoys the music from his favorite chair. During this time, the maid opens up the walk in freezer to find a woman hanging from a meat hook in between the freezer beef. The maid makes a call to you, a famous detective, to inform you that she has discovered a book containing descriptions of the murders of five women who happen to be friends of the Conti family, her employers. During the demo, you are tasked with several things to accomplish that really have nothing to do with the storyline. Throughout the game you will find and collect coins that can be used at Giovanni's Shop to purchase some inventory items.
The Hidden Object Scenes are usually repeated, with interactive list finds, multiple finds or progressive silhouetted shape finds. Collecting on hand fans within the HOP's will give you extra hints, if you run out of hints, you're on your own until the next HOP.
The Mini Games aren't bad, but they are fairly simple. Below are brief descriptions of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Move the coin to the box by clicking on numbers on the phone dial to move the coin that number of spaces, the arrows determine which direction the coins move.
2) Dress scarecrows with clothing that is misplaced, some items are for a male scarecrow, others for a female scarecrow, use arrows to switch between the two.
3) Place the octagonal bolts into the matching slots by clicking groups of bolts to rotate that group.
This Collector's Edition has 4 Music tracks, Screensavers, Wallpapers, Concept Art, a built in Strategy Guide and Bonus Chapter, but you cannot see the content until the Bonus Chapter has been completed.
I don't recommend this game.
Golems are taking over Glanville, and only you can stop them!
Overall rating
4
/
5
83 of 100 found this review helpful
Gargantuan Beasts
PostedMarch 4, 2016
pennmom36
fromWe're gonna need really big handcuffs detective!
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
The annual Crafts Fair in Glanville has a new exhibition, gargantuan sized golems! The first golem to show up was awkward and slow, the second one a little less awkward. Golem number three however was more advanced, and angrier. It all began when Ronald Marlo, known throughout the world for his clay creations, presented his latest masterpiece, a clay Golem. When the Golem opened his eyes, the townspeople became frightened, even though Ronald assured them that the Golem was harmless, the townsfolk destroyed the abomination and turned their anger upon Ronald, in front of his young daughter. This wasn't the end, but rather a new beginning, and now the Golem's have returned, each day a new Golem a little faster a little less clumsy, and a lot angrier. It's time for the Royal Detectives to pull up their sleeves and get to work finding a way to defeat these stone giants!
The graphics are really good, and I loved the features available in the Collector's Edition, 14 Collectible morphing Figures and each scene has a Morphing Object to find. The best part is that your cursor doesn't change, and some of the morphs are difficult to find. You are hired by a wooden leprechaun character that also gives you some insight to what is happening in Glanville as well as it's past history. Eventually you are aided by the Dwarven Miner, and you'll follow directions to make your very own baby golem to help you defeat the giant golems that just keep coming!
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied and pretty well done. There are smaller zoom zone HOP's, silhouetted shape finds, progressive interactive list finds and even story type HOP's where you find items matching the words in bold print as a story is being told.
The Mini Games are quite entertaining, the following are brief descriptions of some of the games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Connect the dots.
2) Scroll through different parts of cakes to replicate the picture shown.
3) Press a total of 15 buttons connected with a particular item in the square window.
4) De-mine the board, the figurines show how many bombs are around the open cells.
5) Alter the letter using positive words.
6) Interact with the game elements in a super puzzle.
7) Select symbols from each of the two disks so that they combine to create the creature displayed on the amulet in the center.
8) Roll the dice and move the baby Golem figure along the board, completing the tasks from the game cards. (each card is a mini game)
9) Shoot an arrow when in the green zone.
2) Scroll through different parts of cakes to replicate the picture shown.
3) Press a total of 15 buttons connected with a particular item in the square window.
4) De-mine the board, the figurines show how many bombs are around the open cells.
5) Alter the letter using positive words.
6) Interact with the game elements in a super puzzle.
7) Select symbols from each of the two disks so that they combine to create the creature displayed on the amulet in the center.
8) Roll the dice and move the baby Golem figure along the board, completing the tasks from the game cards. (each card is a mini game)
9) Shoot an arrow when in the green zone.
The Collector's Edition has 15 Wallpapers, 13 replayable HOP's, 12 replayable Mini Games, 5 Music Soundtracks, 3 Screensavers, 14 Collectible Figurines, 25 Morphing Objects, 12 Concept Art pictures, 19 Achievements, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
In Wishville, all dreams come true, for a price.
Overall rating
5
/
5
323 of 367 found this review helpful
A Rose By Any Other Name......
PostedMarch 3, 2016
pennmom36
fromI've been enjoying playing this demo, I haven't been voting
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
What would you do to achieve your dream? Hopefully you don't sign a contract with Mayor Tom, he'll grant your wishes but every wish has a price, and your debt must be paid, even if you die! When your husband returns to Wishville to pay his "debt" he assures you that he won't be gone long. After several days, you fear that something has happened to him so you make the journey to Wishville to find your beloved. What you find are aggressive and deadly roses, surely cursed by dark magic. The Mayor assures you that one way or another, you will be with your husband Jack, but not until his debt has been paid! What wish was Jack granted, but more importantly, what was the price of his debt?
I love this fairytale twist about a witch with a spindle, a Mayor who takes advantage of the curse, and an emboldened and unlikely hero, who ironically happens to be a product of the curse. As she tries to save her husband from uncertainty she finds her true calling to be helping the spirits who were unable to pay their debts before death. Could this be her redemption?
To find out more about the residents and debtors of Wishville, you will come across Augustine's Casket, a rose adorned box with a thirst for blood. A magic box with the ability to tell you a tale about the persons plight, but only with a drop of familiar Wishville residents blood. There are several complex inventory items that require some type of interaction before being used, and there are several Achievements to earn as well. There are 25 Collectible (not hidden) Roses, and 25 slow Morphing Objects to discover in this Collector's Edition.
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly interactive List finds with an abundance of interactions, but there are also Multiple finds and Bold Text findings while a story is told about Wishville. There are several Zoom Zone puzzles as well that require you to find several useful items such as acorns or apples.
The Mini Games are familiar, some very easy and others a bit more difficult. The following are brief descriptions of the Mini Games you'll encounter during the demo:
1) Light up the Tokens by pressing them, clicking on one token affects others.
2) Arrange the squirrels according to the sketch by swapping two at a time.
3) Swap blades of the windmill until they match the correct element.
4) Connect the matching symbols by choosing a symbol and dragging an unbroken path between them, without crossing.
5) Restore the image by swapping the tokens and rotating them until all the lines connect, swap tiles, click to rotate.
6) Select section to paint crest then choose one of the bottles to paint that section, the area you paint must be adjacent to the valve.
7) Swap the prince statues so each one is holding a medal, each type has a different weight moving one may shift another statues weight.
8) Arrange the Portraits according to the other character they are connected to using vines and central symbols to guide you.
9) Remove the Runes by matching them. Each round will increase in difficulty and the runes will hide and shift after you choose them.
This Collector's Edition has 25 Collectible Flowers, 21 Achievements, 7 Wallpapers, 7 Screensavers, 6 Music Soundtracks, 16 Concept Art pictures, 35 Videos, 25 Morphing Objects, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Complete a massive variety of puzzles, recover the missing ancient amulets, and restore nature's harmony!
Overall rating
5
/
5
102 of 121 found this review helpful
Impressive Mahjong Game
PostedMarch 2, 2016
pennmom36
fromBINGO!!!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I fell in love with Lost Amulets: Stone Garden, and Mystic Land does not disappoint! They have added a Hidden Object feature to this edition, with listed items, silhouetted shapes and multiple finds, and they are actually creative and quite challenging. The main game consists of Mahjong requiring you to find all available tiles that match any of the four tiles shown at the bottom, and you should choose tiles that have several free tiles to get double and even triple points. When the Lucky Kitty tile shows up at the bottom, you can choose which tile to match with out of any free tile. Extra points are earned if you find all letter tiles and spell the bonus word at the top of the screen such as TREE or RAINFOREST. Uncovering Jade Pearls will allow you to purchase bonuses: Hints, Shuffles, and mega bonuses that remove 10-15 free tiles, each of these features cost various amounts of Jade Pearls which are found not only in the Mahjong game but in the HOG's and Wheel of Fortune games. After each Mahjong game you can spin the Wheel of Fortune wheel to play a mini game to earn Jade Pearls, but you can skip this section. There are several games available on the wheel, a Memory game, a Tiling game and my favorite, Bingo where you click mahjong tiles on a Bingo board that match the color coded and numbered balls that are moving from the top right until they disappear on the bottom left, matching numbers on the board will shorten the line, once they all disappear, game over. I strongly recommend both of the Lost Amulet games, enjoy!
I recommend this game!