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:
Gravely Silent: House of Deadlock
Save your sister from the grave! After receiving a troubling phone call from your brother-in-law, you’re off on an adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Gravely Silent: House of Deadlock SE
PostedNovember 19, 2015
pennmom36
fromHave the police been notified about the mysterious deaths of five wives?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
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 bought this game several years ago, I liked the game back in the day, and after replaying the entire game, I still like the story and the challenge. I never got around to playing the Collector's Edition until recently, and can tell you in all honesty, this game is the better value. It can be a challenging game without a Strategy Guide, but most of the tasks are within one or two nearby locations so it is doable without the SG. Many reviewers complained about the HOP's being too hard or items too well hidden, personally I really enjoyed the challenge. I'm a little tired with the simplicity of today's HOP's, nothing's hidden, the items are just strewn about in a large junkpile. This story begins when Ann wakes up from a terrible nightmare that her sister Jennie is in trouble. Moments later she gets a call from Jennie's husband, Richard telling her that Jennie has passed away. To add to Ann's suspicions, Richard tells her that the funeral will be held privately at the Rainheart estate! Ann ignores Richard's request and travels to the Rainheart manor, where Jennie's spirit appears to tell her she's not dead yet. To break her curse, Ann must find 5 wedding rings, a ring belonging to each of Richard's wives who all died mysteriously!
The graphics are simple, but effective, creating a dark, creepy atmosphere with cobwebs, spiders, and gothic style statues that show their age. There are no voiceovers, but I'm okay with that and in my opinion, there isn't that much reading involved. You can choose between two modes of difficulty, Casual or Challenge which basically gives you either a fast Hint refill or a slow refill.
The Hidden Object Scenes are in every scene, which at times seemed too much. Some of the objects are very difficult to spot because the graphics are dark and many items are too small, but I enjoyed the challenge. Most of the scenes are slightly interactive list finds, but there are also scenes requiring you to match pairs of objects, or find 15 mirror fragments.
The Mini Games are decent, and not too frustrating. Below is a list of brief descriptions:
1) Move tokens to the correct color coded slots using an empty slot on a cross.
2) Click on several segments to align a spiders legs to the indentations on the door.
3) Interact with the scene using various tools to recreate a herbarium.
4) Rotate 4 disks so that when combined they would create the image shown on the center disk.
5) Arrange Roman Numeral tokens in the correct order on a clock using a rotation button and spiders who will swap the positions of two numerals.
6) Correctly place mirror fragments to complete a broken mirror.
2) Click on several segments to align a spiders legs to the indentations on the door.
3) Interact with the scene using various tools to recreate a herbarium.
4) Rotate 4 disks so that when combined they would create the image shown on the center disk.
5) Arrange Roman Numeral tokens in the correct order on a clock using a rotation button and spiders who will swap the positions of two numerals.
6) Correctly place mirror fragments to complete a broken mirror.
The Collector's Edition has Wallpapers, Music Soundtracks, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Who is trying to destroy the Kingdom of Barsia?
Overall rating
5
/
5
283 of 332 found this review helpful
A Righteous War?
PostedNovember 19, 2015
pennmom36
fromDidn't Jack learn his lesson with those magic beans?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well Detective, you've managed to get yourself involved in a war between two kingdoms! It looks like the little boy didn't cry wolf when he told the story of finding an ancient artifact, a malevolent queen controlling mechanical beasts, and the beautiful Princess Leda who has a golden touch! Queen Valla of Barisa, has rallied her people for the eminent war at hand, but she may have an ulterior motive, is this truly a righteous war? Jack has beat you to the scene this time, but he's looking for something entirely different, a Shooting Star to grant wishes.....is this a fairytale or a reason for war?
I am disappointed, one of my favorite features in Dark Parables, have been the Morphing Objects. These were the really cool morphs, morphs that are triggered by a non-linear action that may not begin to morph until you are several scenes ahead, so you never knew! For whatever reason they have abandoned this feature, perhaps it's too difficult to program? At least they still have Parables! Parables are collectibles that tell a tale once all three sections of a Parable has been collected. There are also some very well hidden Snowflakes, 40 of them, and some of them are nearly impossible to find, the good news is that you get a chance to go back and find the ones you missed!
The Hidden Object Scenes are actually FROG's, a feature these games are famous for. The items you search for are actually fragments scattered cleverly about the scene. There are three different sections, and once you have found all the fragments the three sections will combine to give you the completed inventory item.
The Mini Games are always a treat, almost everything in the land of Dark Parables requires finding emblems, including the puzzles. Below are brief descriptions of the puzzles you will encounter during the game:
1) Rotate ruin stones correctly, turning one stone affects others.
2) Interact with the scene of the story Goldilocks.
3) Move tokens to designated spots at the bottom of the board using only spaces with the same shape.
4) Rotate cylinders to create a path for three different shapes from right to left.
This Collector's Edition has 8 Wallpapers, 6 Concept Art pictures, 9 Music Soundtracks, 21 replayable Puzzles, 20 replayable FROGS, 14 Movie trailers, 11 Achievements, 40 Hidden Snowflakes, Collectible Parables, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure (with bad boy Jack!) Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Gourmania 3: Zoo Zoom
Help Victoria patch things up with her estranged father by launching a chain of exotic restaurants in Gourmania 3: Zoo Zoom!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
Gourmania 3: Zoo Zoom
PostedNovember 18, 2015
pennmom36
fromWhy does the Chef ghost care about a patron's respect in the afterlife anyway?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Victoria's father has cut her off of the family fortune until she can learn the values of her family's seal. Daddy left her the family's Restaurants but it's up to her to make them successful. This game is a mixture between a Time Management game and a Hidden Object game where you search the area to find all the ingredients to make the dishes they want, then either chop, mix, boil, cook or fry the ingredients, as fast as possible to keep them happy thus receiving a larger tip. Each scene contains bonus coins and bonuses such as % tickets to get more money from a customer, candy to keep them happier, presents or butterflies to show you where ingredients are. The money you earn will be used to build a zoo (makes no sense to me me what a zoo has to do with a restaurant) each category will have three different options, each costing a little bit more. There are Mini Games in between where you place items into the scene where they belong by referencing a photo, or interacting with the scene to complete certain tasks. Oh yea, I almost forgot, there is a ghost of a Chef who assists you to gain Victoria's father's respect back so he can move on with his afterlife. All this is just weird and makes no sense.
I don't recommend this game.
Gravely Silent: House of Deadlock Collector's Edition
Save your sister from the grave! After receiving a troubling phone call from your brother-in-law, you’re off on an adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 11 found this review helpful
Gravely Silent: House of Deadlock CE
PostedNovember 18, 2015
pennmom36
fromMaybe Jennie would have benefited from snooping around like Ann.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Ann wakes up from a terrible nightmare that her sister Jennie is in trouble. Moments later she gets a call from Jennie's husband, Richard telling her that Jennie has passed away. To add to Ann's suspicions, Richard tells her that the funeral will be held privately at the Rainheart estate! Ann ignores Richard's request and travels to the Rainheart manor, where Jennie's spirit appears to tell her she's not dead yet. To break her curse, Ann must find 5 wedding rings, a ring belonging to each of Richard's wives who all died mysteriously!
The graphics are simple, but effective, creating a dark, creepy atmosphere with cobwebs, spiders, and gothic style statues that show their age. There are no voiceovers, but I'm okay with that and in my opinion, there isn't that much reading involved. You can choose between two modes of difficulty, Casual or Challenge which basically gives you either a fast Hint refill or a slow refill.
The Hidden Object Scenes are in every scene, which at times seemed too much. Some of the objects are very difficult to spot because the graphics are dark and many items are too small, but I enjoyed the challenge. Most of the scenes are slightly interactive list finds, but there are also scenes requiring you to match pairs of objects, or find 15 mirror fragments.
The Mini Games are decent, and not too frustrating. Below is a list of brief descriptions:
1) Move tokens to the correct color coded slots using an empty slot on a cross.
2) Click on several segments to align a spiders legs to the indentations on the door.
3) Interact with the scene using various tools to recreate a herbarium.
4) Rotate 4 disks so that when combined they would create the image shown on the center disk.
5) Arrange Roman Numeral tokens in the correct order on a clock using a rotation button and spiders who will swap the positions of two numerals.
6) Correctly place mirror fragments to complete a broken mirror.
2) Click on several segments to align a spiders legs to the indentations on the door.
3) Interact with the scene using various tools to recreate a herbarium.
4) Rotate 4 disks so that when combined they would create the image shown on the center disk.
5) Arrange Roman Numeral tokens in the correct order on a clock using a rotation button and spiders who will swap the positions of two numerals.
6) Correctly place mirror fragments to complete a broken mirror.
This Collector's Edition has Wallpapers, Music Soundtracks, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Art Mahjong 3 offers three exciting variants for the traditional Chinese board-game. Try Dragon-Mahjong, Dragonmaster and Classic Mahjong.
Overall rating
3
/
5
48 of 56 found this review helpful
Dragon Mahjongg Was The Only One I Liked
PostedNovember 18, 2015
pennmom36
fromThere's really not much you can do to make Mahjong exciting.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
All three games are fast paced and offer no relaxed mode, at least none that I could find. The First of three types of Mahjongg games available is Dragon Mahjongg. In this game, you must select a matching tile from the board that is shown on the Dragon tiles at the top. If you make a mistake, a new tile is added to the Dragon tiles, and if the Dragon reaches the end, you will lose.
The second Mahjongg game is a Classic Mahjongg, where you select unblocked available matches, and remove all gold tiles. This game is a race against the clock however, if you want to earn all three gold stars. Eventually you will not be able to proceed with new levels because a certain amount of gold stars are necessary to unlock more levels.
The third is Dragon Master Mahjongg, where you play Mahjongg against the Dragon Master. The goal is to remove matching tiles on the board, and you can use the 6 available bonus tiles that automatically refill with a new tile. You can place one of those tiles on the board, but if there are no available moves, the Dragon Master will take his turn as he tries to block you from making matches. This game was confusing, and for me had no entertainment value.
I don't recommend this game.
Humanity's days are numbered in this amazing sequel to Iron Heart: Steam Tower! Use your tower defense mastery to crush the steel legions before it's too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 30 found this review helpful
A Few Disappointing Features But Otherwise A Decent Tower Defense Game
PostedNovember 17, 2015
pennmom36
fromThose are some pesky mosquitoes!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Strategy
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 love Tower Defense Games, especially ones such as Iron Heart where the rules of engagement are uncomplicated for the most part. There are a couple of features that disappointed me, the first is that you have no idea which direction the enemy will begin the attack from, which is actually more realistic, but I like being able to place my weapons at the beginning, using the icon as my clue. The icon to begin the wave is still available, but it's always at the bottom of the screen, not where the enemy will enter. (you will earn more gold if you click on the icon to start the next wave early) The other feature is more of a confusion standpoint, at times, it's difficult to know the pattern the enemy takes because of the layout of the paths, which have depth. The rules of engagement are fairly simple, place weapons such as Machine Guns, Cannons and Energy Emitters upon the available Towers, and keep the enemy from reaching the Steam Locomotive and enslaving humanity. Each weapon can be upgraded for a broader range, and more damage, once you have earned enough funds from destroying the enemy. After each battle which consists of 5 or 6 waves, you can visit the shop to purchase upgrades that will make each individual weapon more powerful, or have a broader range, or cost less to buy. You can also select common bonuses that allow you to reap more money from the enemy, or even give you a larger starting fund which will allow you to purchase more weapons in the beginning, or more health. Each level gives you a new type of defense weapon, and of course a faster, stronger enemy to go along with it. At the beginning of each new level, you are given a brief description of the new weapon available as well as the capabilities of the new enemy, so you need to have a variety of weapons to cover all enemy types. If you are looking for a fast paced, action packed game requiring strategy, you will like this addicting Tower Defense game, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Help restore the charm to this French bakery world in Sweetest Thing 2: Patisserie!
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 40 found this review helpful
Needs More Sugar
PostedNovember 17, 2015
pennmom36
fromI think Mr. Pepper needs a stick.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
There haven't been any improvements, this game has the same tasks as the original, and it just becomes boring and repetitive. You would think this is a game for children, but I must admit that some levels are difficult to achieve three stars on the first attempt, if you don't build the correct factories at the correct time. There are three modes to choose, Normal, Multi-click or Relaxed, and there are 18 Achievements to earn.
As I said, the goals are the same, collect resources of Chocolate, Butter, Jelly, and Sugar cubes, and clear obstacles of stone, holes, and Lollipop Shards. Repair Bridges, repair Houses, and build Sugar, Butter, Jelly and Chocolate Factories or mines. Most levels require you to build a house for Mr. Pepper, and he will chase away the giant Ants. There is a Bonus Meter that charges to allow you to use bonuses such as an extra Worker, extra Resources or Freeze Time briefly. This isn't a horrible Time Management game, it's just not that exciting to me.
I don't recommend this game.
Gourmania 2: Great Expectations
Gourmania 2 serves up a smorgasbord of Hidden Object fun as you manage quaint cafes in three locations around the world!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Gourmania 2: Great Expectations
PostedNovember 15, 2015
pennmom36
fromI think we need to clean up the inside of the restaurant, there's food laying everywhere!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
After the original Gourmania, I didn't have any "expectations" and this one's a little better, but I guess it just doesn't float my boat. You can play this game in a Timed or Relaxed mode, and the goal is to serve customers, keep them satisfied and therefore receive higher ratings for your cafe. You will eventually revamp three different locations. There are tedious tasks to improve the looks of the place by clicking on the tools icon and buying sponges or paint, finding fragments to repair the sign, or clicking on all the trash. Once inside the customers show up with an image of what food they want, and they have three red hearts. If you serve them quickly, they will stay satisfied and your chef's rating will become higher and you'll earn more money. You search the scene for the ingredients listed, some items need cooked or sliced etc, icons will pop up for you to choose the correct feature. When the customer finishes, you collect the money. You can only serve one customer at a time, the original Gourmania would allow you to select ingredients for any or all of the customers. There are coins and paper money, scattered about to collect, and also tools to help you temporarily, a Magnifying glass to enlarge the search area, or even a pair of glasses that will briefly highlight the ingredients you need for the next order.
I don't recommend this game.
Your wedding day goes dark... and your fiancée has no idea who's behind it all.
Overall rating
3
/
5
57 of 64 found this review helpful
Such A Letdown!
PostedNovember 15, 2015
pennmom36
fromGet into the cage my little friend with no match and lead the way!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Prince Siegfried has fallen in love with Odette, a common garden servant, but the court Magician Rothbart has other plans for the Prince. Rothbart has cooked up a special magical potion for the Prince as he tries to trick Siegfried into marrying his own daughter, but Odette is strong, and she will fight the villainous magician, tooth and nail to keep her man. All this sound familiar? That's because it's the same story told over and over again, almost word for word.
I loved the original Dark Romance, a clever tale portrayed by both the Vampire and the mortal woman who stole his heart. The second game was still good, but the storyline was not as interesting, this game however, is just pitiful.
Most of the tasks are ridiculous, first I have to grow a magical nut in split seconds to give to a talking owl which speaks in third person. The talking owl gives me the key to Granny's chest which contains her secret revitalizing potion, (not to be confused with the several bottles of poison she has on a shelf) The next thing I have to do is hop on good ole Pearl and begin my pursuit, but rut row, the magician has a few things in store for us. Instead of a single path, there's now three. Instead of traveling the familiar path to the castle, I have to look behind haystacks and underneath tree stumps to find matching pairs of squirrels. Once the matching squirrels have been matched, the last one for some strange reason jumps into a cage! Where did the cage come from in the first place? Why would the unmatched squirrel jump into the cage? After detangling the ropes that bind the cage, the squirrel senses freedom and runs, this direction surely is the correct path to the castle right? Just to be sure, I repeat the process with ducks, and once more with fuzzy bunnies adorned with colorful ribbons!
Most of the tasks are ridiculous, first I have to grow a magical nut in split seconds to give to a talking owl which speaks in third person. The talking owl gives me the key to Granny's chest which contains her secret revitalizing potion, (not to be confused with the several bottles of poison she has on a shelf) The next thing I have to do is hop on good ole Pearl and begin my pursuit, but rut row, the magician has a few things in store for us. Instead of a single path, there's now three. Instead of traveling the familiar path to the castle, I have to look behind haystacks and underneath tree stumps to find matching pairs of squirrels. Once the matching squirrels have been matched, the last one for some strange reason jumps into a cage! Where did the cage come from in the first place? Why would the unmatched squirrel jump into the cage? After detangling the ropes that bind the cage, the squirrel senses freedom and runs, this direction surely is the correct path to the castle right? Just to be sure, I repeat the process with ducks, and once more with fuzzy bunnies adorned with colorful ribbons!
I actually purchased the Collector's Edition, thinking it would improve, after all the first two versions were really entertaining. It doesn't improve, well to be fair, I didn't even finish the game. There are several "extras" available in the Collector's Edition, the usual Achievements to earn, Dossier notes to discover, Collectible Character Figurines, Stained Glass pieces and Collectible Feathers. The Feathers are used like coins that will allow you purchase items for the honeymoon Boudoir, such as flowers, harps, rocking chairs and other decorations. In my opinion this feature is lame, the items to purchase are boring, and it's a feature I believe few gamers ever get excited about.
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Silhouetted Shape finds of different types. Some are progressive interactive finds where you find the first item and use that item in the scene interactively to expose the next item. Some require you to find several items matching the silhouettes to "fill them up" and there are also multiples of one item, and typical listed item finds and fragmented finds where you find several pieces of items scattered about the scene. You can play a Match 3 game instead of the Hidden Object Puzzles.
The Mini games range from simple to frustrating, below is a list of some of the games you'll encounter so skip the numbered section if you don't want to know what's in store for you:
The Mini games range from simple to frustrating, below is a list of some of the games you'll encounter so skip the numbered section if you don't want to know what's in store for you:
1) A Lock and Key puzzle where you figure out the correct sequences.
2) A three part game where you first uncover objects to match identical animals, then free a caged animal by untangling ropes and following the freed animals path.
3) Position pictures correctly by looking at fragmented clues.
4) Swap heads to the correct body.
5) Pop bubbles that contain skulls.
6) Move tokens to the correct matching slots according to a pattern.
7) Swap pie shaped pieces to create an image.
The Collector's Edition has 20 Stained Glass pieces to collect, 5 Music Soundtracks, 15 Concept Art pictures, 13 Wallpapers, 19 Free Search HOP's, 23 replayable Mini Games, 15 Achievements, 15 Collectible Character Figurines, Collectible Feather's, a Boudoir to decorate, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter.
I don't recommend this game.
Gourmania
Slice and dice your way to the top of the gourmet food chain in this nutritious Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
1
/
5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
Gourmania
PostedNovember 14, 2015
pennmom36
fromWhat kind of meat is that?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This is basically a Time Management game where you find food items needed to complete the customer's orders. The items aren't hidden, they are just scattered about the room or kitchen in this case, they are also the same ingredients so you know what you are searching for every time. There are no voiceovers, therefore, instructions are given to you in texts, which would be alright normally, but in this game the instructions are written in a light brown color right on the graphics of the scene and most if not all words cannot be read. Are you telling me that the devs didn't bother to play their own game and notice this huge flaw? If they had simply used a dialog box with a solid background color the problem would have been solved!
At least this game is simple enough to figure out without instructions. Customer's arrive at your fast food restaurant and the icons are shown at the top of the screen along with the food they want and the items you need to find. You then click on the ingredients needed, you can collect ingredients for any sandwich in any order. You can earn up to 5 gold stars per level, but you have to achieve expert level goals to earn all 5 stars. Some items need to be cut up so you click and drag those items to the cutting board at the top. Some items need cooked and those items need to be clicked and dragged to the skillet at the top as well.
With the money you earn selling sandwiches, you can buy upgrades in the shop, such as extra cutting boards or skillets. None of the upgrades tell you what they give you or what they do other than you get another board or skillet. After 3 levels or so, you play a bonus game to add new sandwich items. This is basically a game of Shape Shifter where you click and drag items to the moving bars where they match their silhouetted shapes. This game is too easy, and too boring for either a TM or HO game.
I don't recommend this game.