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:
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
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
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
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 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
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
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.
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
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.
A scream in the night... a brutal crime... a mysterious figure with eyes red as blood. Can you get to the heart of this shocking murder?
Overall rating
4
/
5
174 of 210 found this review helpful
Warning: This Game Contains Violence And Some Disturbing Scenes? I Don't Think So!
PostedNovember 14, 2015
pennmom36
fromNo wonder there's been a murder, the police station wasn't open yet!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'm a little disappointed in this game for a few of reasons, #1-the game is way too short, even the demo is short, I was able to complete the demo within 45 minutes. #2-I beta tested this game last month and stated that the screen didn't automatically adjust to my screen resolution and had to play the game in windowed mode, that problem was not solved and I still had to play the game in windowed mode. #3- this game doesn't show much graphic violence, so there's no need to try to hype it up to get people to buy the game. The good news is that the graphics have improved since the last Dark Tales, but perhaps it's because I played the game with a tighter resolution.
If you are a fan of Dark Tales games which are based from the Edgar Allan Poe classics, good news, there are several Collectible Cards throughout the game. There are 6 cards for each game, Premature Burial, Gold Bug, The Black Cat, The Mystery of Marie Roget, The Fall of the House of Usher, and The Mask of the Red Death, finding all cards in all the groups will unlock bonus Mini Games, when you unlock the crystal skulls. The Tell Tale Heart converts this story into a game, where you are the assistant to the ever so famous Detective Auguste Dupin. On September 5, 1851, a woman was brutally murdered and ritualistically hung on a tree for all to see. There's just one witness to the crime, Katrina, who was working that evening "due to her current financial situation" if you catch my drift. She remembers only one thing about the murderer...His Blood red eyes!
You have packed your bags wisely, and throughout the game you will need to produce and use the items it contains, a good transport map (all the good detectives have one) your ID, a purse with money (how 'bout that, I don't have to look around for abandoned coins) and Examination Goggles with special lenses (of which the blue lens breaks but I'm fortunate to find a replacement of the exact color I need all wrapped up in a nice wooden box, what luck!)
The Hidden Object Scenes are scarce, only 10 in the entire game. The first one involves interacting with things in the scene to find all the necessary items to pack your detective's bag. Most of the HOP's involve this same type of scene interactions, as you are tasked with finding clues to open items, and moving objects around so that you can piece together fragments to complete an item.
There are more Mini Games than HOP's but in my opinion some Mini Games could qualify for an HOP. Below are brief descriptions of some of the Mini Games you'll encounter, all of which are pretty easy to solve:
1) Find and select pairs of crime scene photos that correspond to the story being told.
2) Complete the image by selecting keys to rotate disks.
3) Select the correct lenses to examine a body to coincide with the notes shown.
4) Drag Mask halves to their matching half.
5) Assemble the picture using buttons to rotate groups of images.
This Collector's Edition has 12 Movie Videos, 7 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 4 Music Soundtracks, 36 Collectible Edgar Allan Poe game cards, 13 replayable Mini Games, 10 replayable Hidden Object Puzzles, 12 Achievements to earn, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A dark prophecy threatens to destroy the city of Munich!
Overall rating
4
/
5
49 of 58 found this review helpful
A Secret Society, An Unexplained Eclipse, A Wanderer, A New World Order And A Detective To Determine The Outcome!
PostedNovember 13, 2015
pennmom36
fromMy suitcase contains 1 coin, a white rag and a note asking for my services. I hope this investigation doesn't last too long, I don't even have a toothbrush!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
The Prophecy has begun in Munich, the skies have darkened with an unexplained solar eclipse, and Chimeras have come to life. Soon the waters will darken, the trees will wither and die, and the Wanderer foretold by the four Keepers of the Prophecy, will be exposed. It's no coincidence that you are here, Detective, you play an important role in this apocalyptic transformation! The path you choose will determine the Wanderer's path, you can direct him towards the path of creation, or destruction, there will be darkness, but, a light hides within the darkness, it's up to you Detective, to save us all!
You can always count on Chimeras to deliver us a fantastic story! The graphics and ambience are perfect for this "end of days" scenario, and exactly what you'd expect during an unexpected and unexplained total eclipse, where uncertainty and a sense of uneasiness prevail, where speculations run wild and panic ensues. The star of this show is the Chimera, once a slab of stone representing a mythical Greek monster, has now come to life! This creature has the head and front legs of a lion, the head and back legs of a goat the head and wings of a fire breathing dragon and the tail of a snake. The only defense you'll have against this Chimera is an Ancient Amulet (because there is no such thing as a Modern Day Amulet) you discovered that repels any living statue. There are Plus Sign inventory items available that require some type of interaction or even a small puzzle to be solved before the item can be used. The Collector's Edition has the typical Achievements to earn and several Collectibles, 13 Tarot Cards to find, 19 Morphing Chimeras, and 27 random Morphing Objects throughout the game. I was a little disappointed in the Morphing Objects, although the cursor doesn't change to a hand to give away their location, the Morphs are very large and morph so quickly that you cannot overlook them. I prefer Morphs to change slowly, better yet I like it when games are nonlinear and you have to trigger the morphing action in another scene, never knowing when and what triggers the action, that's so much more challenging and fun.
The Hidden Object Scenes are a bit scarce, but I suspect that the devs realize that the HOP are getting old, and today's gamers want more Mini Games and puzzles. There are traditional Interactive listed items, Silhouetted Shape finds and Story oriented finds where you find items that match the Keywords in a small story. Not bad, but then again, there's not a whole lot that can be changed in a Hidden Object Puzzle.
The Mini Games are decent, but not very challenging, most games can be solved within the first attempt. I'll briefly "describe" some of the games within the demo:
1) Sliding gears and boxes around so that the gears on the inside will connect to the gears on the outside.
2) Changing the amount of liquid within several bottles as shown on a diagram.
3) Pressing cash register buttons a specific number of times as shown as roman numeral clues.
4) Swap Books to create an image on the spines.
5) Swap feathers on an owl correctly.
6) A multi puzzle game where you tinker with 4 different types of puzzles, lighting all lights, removing tangled bars, finding matching pairs, and creating 3d images with stars.
The Collector's Edition has 18 Wallpapers, 16 Concept Art pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 1 Screensaver, 13 Tarot Cards, 19 Morphing Chimeras, 27 Morphing Objects, Achievements, a Secret Room, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Complete Match 3 levels as you search for a lost civilization.
Overall rating
4
/
5
91 of 99 found this review helpful
I'm Not Lost Yet
PostedNovember 12, 2015
pennmom36
fromHow exactly does a fountain work under water?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
There are two modes of difficulty available in this Match 3 game where you swap tiles to make matches over all the marble plaques. With the coins and gems you earn, you can buy and upgrade buildings, statues and even fountains (seems redundant) to build an underwater menagerie, and of course each new purchase gives you a new tile or bonus to use. There is little to no tutorial, so it might be difficult to figure out the features if you haven't played this type of Match 3 game before. Some tiles are blocked with obstacles such as Wooden Crates, Stone Blocks, Chains and Double Chains, but not all of them necessarily need to be broken if there are no hidden marble plaques underneath them or if they aren't blocking the path to other marble plaques. In timed mode, if you run out of time, you are given the option to increase your time with gems, or you can replay the level. Relaxed option gives you limited moves. There are presents along the way that give you the option to complete a special level quest to earn more gems, or contain bonuses such as a Hammer that will destroy a single tile or a Bomb which destroys several tiles, and you can earn up to three gold stars if you complete the level within a specific time and complete the level goals. The tiles are bright and colorful, but in my opinion, the game lacks a wow factor to set this game apart from all of the other available Match 3 games.
I recommend this game!
Decades ago, a brutal crime occurred at the Lexington Hotel. Are you brave enough to uncover the truth about what happened there?
Overall rating
5
/
5
297 of 327 found this review helpful
"NANNY HATES IT WHEN PEOPLE WALK HERE"
PostedNovember 12, 2015
pennmom36
fromNanny doesn't like you or your sister, you need to leave!!!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Freddie Toppan and his wife revamped what was once a nursery, into the Lexington Hotel. Well, that's always a bad idea, and sure enough, Freddie was brutally murdered after his wife died mysteriously, and the Hotel was shut down and abandoned. Well, not entirely abandoned, because there are things that go bump in the night, a creepy little girl who doesn't seem to know she's dead, and then there's the Nanny. Naturally your sister Samantha, couldn't resist filming a documentary about the ghosts that haunt the Hotel, but these aren't your average ghosts, these ghosts are angry , and deadly. Now little sister is missing, and you must enter the Hotel of Horrors and save sis before she becomes a permanent resident of the Lexington Hotel!
I love the creepy vibe the graphics instill upon you, every scene has something going on in the background, hands that burst through glass, ghosts that shouldn't be in reflections, and spiders that spew out of crevices, not to mention all the moaning, groaning, creaking and pleas for help, it's really cool. Somehow you find Samantha's camera before you enter the Haunted Hotel, even though camera footage clearly shows the camera being dropped by Samantha in the upstairs hallway. Anyway, as you find cassettes throughout the Hotel, you place them in the camera, press play, to watch the footage, and press the print button to receive a photo that will be used in the same area to find clues or instructions when matched with the correct scene. There are also several Achievements to earn, 34 Collectible Flower Petals, 21 Morphing Objects and several Morphing Orphan Photographs.
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Silhouetted Shape finds, but some are interactive list finds and even scenes that task you with uncovering 6 identical items. There are also several Zoom Zone's with small HOP's where you find fragments or multiples of the same item.
The Mini Games are around every nook and cranny, the only complaint I have is that they are all super simple and can be done within seconds. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you will come across during the game:
1) Set 3 different knobs to the correct positions using diagrams.
2) Push down all buttons in the correct order by trial and error.
3) Paint a canvas using a color coded symbol method.
4) Swap puzzle pieces to create an image.
5) Lift four levers to the upright position, some levers affect others.
6) Enter the code shown in diagram.
7) Recreate an image from torn photo pieces.
8) Place all weights onto the scales so that they are all even.
This Collector's Edition has 10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art pictures, 4 Music Soundtracks, Achievements, Morphing Orphan Photographs, 24 Collectible Flower Petals, 21 Morphing Objects, 12 replayable Mini Games, 15 replayable HOP's, a Secret Room, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!