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:
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
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'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
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)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
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)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
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)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!
Let's celebrate Thanksgiving Day together! All the shades of autumn in 500 new photos!
Overall rating
4
/
5
47 of 50 found this review helpful
I JUST WISH THE PICTURES WERE MORE INTERESTING
PostedNovember 11, 2015
pennmom36
fromI lost the last piece!
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've always been a jigsaw puzzle junkie, the bigger the better, and I have a hard time pulling myself away from a puzzle until they are completed. I prefer the good old fashioned physical jigsaw puzzles, but sometimes virtual puzzles are more practical. The puzzles offered in Thanksgiving Day however, just aren't that appealing to me, I like pictures of animals or beautiful sceneries, and most of these puzzles (not all) are staged pictures, with winter mittens and a cup of hot cocoa, or a fancy Thanksgiving Day dinner, they are okay, but I wouldn't choose these scenes if I were buying a physical puzzle.
There are 100 puzzles available in each of the 5 categories, Decorations, Autumn, Family, Food and Countryside. These are the same categories that are offered in the Halloween 3 edition with the exception of Costumes being replaced by Countryside, and btw, Countryside doesn't really have pictures of the countryside, it's mostly pictures of kids and farm animals such as bunnies and chicks. Any puzzle can be modified with the amount of pieces you want, the style of cut and whether or not you want the pieces to rotate. You can choose four different colored backgrounds, pink, blue, green and white, as well as choose your resolution.
There are several tools available, you can choose to ghost the image of the puzzle on the background, or have a real picture shown in three different sizes. There is a Magnifying glass and a Hint icon, you can use the Border only option or the Sort option, and you can store extra pieces in the box until you have more room. I just wish the pictures were more diversified, enjoy!
Artifacts are mysteriously disappearing from the museum exhibit. Thread your way through a maze of deceit in this epic Greek Drama!
Overall rating
5
/
5
204 of 229 found this review helpful
EVEN THE HARDY BOYS MAKE AN APPEARANCE IN THIS PRODUCTION
PostedNovember 11, 2015
pennmom36
fromNancy Drew's more like a master snoop than sleuth
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
It's not often that Nancy Drew has a trial demo available, which has it's benefits, but may also discourage many first timers because Nancy Drew adventures are so much different than HOG's. These games have nothing to do with Hidden Object Puzzle Games, and probably won't be a good match for those hardcore fans. If you have an open mind however, and are looking for an adventure game that doesn't hold your hand throughout the game, makes you think about your every move, and challenges you to think outside the box, you just might become a Nancy Drew fan too! Some Nancy Drew adventures are better than others, but I haven't played one that has disappointed me yet. They are not impossible games to figure out but they are different than a HO game, and navigation is probably the hardest feature to get used to, some will dig it, some will not. We Nancy Drew fans are hooked however, and we purchase them sight unseen, no trial necessary, and we look forward to the next one with great anticipation!
This Nancy Drew adventure takes us to Greece, when the curator of the museum hires your sleuthing skills to investigate the mysterious disappearances of several ancient artifacts. Could the production being held in the amphitheater have anything to do with this? There are two modes of difficulty, Amateur Sleuth which has regular puzzles, hints available and a detailed task list, and Master Sleuth which has more difficult puzzles, no hints available and a very basic tasklist. The biggest difference between the two modes are with the task list, there are several tasks to complete, more are added as you progress, and you are able to check the tasks off one by one when complete, and in Amateur mode you can click on most of the tasks to get a more in depth nudge in the right direction. Not detailed hints, it's more like putting an idea in your head as to how to find the answers you are seeking.
Your phone is used to make calls, as well as take pictures of clues, you will need to read directions, talk to the different characters you meet (several predetermined questions are available) and listen carefully. Everything means something so you will need to pay attention to the people you talk to and use your notes and task lists to guide you throughout the adventure.
I know it's hard to get "into" Nancy Drew games at first because you're used to picking up inventory items in every scene and playing the same old puzzles, as well as using a map to transport everywhere. Once you get used to navigating Nancy, you'll find yourself totally immersed in the adventure. This Large File game isn't going to knock off everybody's socks, but if you have to dip your toes in the water, this is one of the few ND games that has a demo available, and this is a fantastic series to get you used to large file games, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Help Angelo collect the resources he needs to build his palace of wonder in The Trials of Olympus!
Overall rating
5
/
5
101 of 122 found this review helpful
EXCELLENT MATCH 3 BEGINNING TO AN EXCITING TRILOGY
PostedNovember 10, 2015
pennmom36
fromSunrise, Sunset......
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
Angelo was an archaeologist who built magnificent palaces for the Gods, his accomplishments were truly a work of art! All that changed when Angelo set his eyes upon Amara, a beautiful Princess on Earth. This angered the Gods, so they exiled Angelo to Earth.......as a mortal! He decided love is worth the struggles he will endure, but the Grecian King was not impressed. The King gave Angelo an impossible task, build a palace masterpiece in the uninhabitable corners of the kingdom, were only creatures dwell. Thus, you will help Angelo travel the kingdom searching for the most beautiful gems to to build the most beautiful palace Amara (and her father) have ever seen!
I love this game, the storyline is fantastic, the music is surprisingly relaxing, and the gameplay itself is fun, I look forward to the next two games of this Trilogy. The goal is to achieve 3 Stars per level, you must swap tiles to make matches of at least 3 identical tiles, and you must clear all gold cells and the required number of resources. As you match elements, the mana meter will fill and allow you to use the bonuses. An Axe clears a single tile, the Potion Bomb clears a 4 tile range, and the Magic Pendant collects all of the same tiles you choose.
Some tiles have chains or double chains that require matches of the same tile that the chains bind, once or twice for double chains, then again to clear the gold cell. Spiders need to be destroyed by making matches under them or they will build webs on several tiles. Some icons have bubbles around them and the image inside is constantly changing. You must click on the bubble to pop it before you can make a match, but you can wait for the desired image to appear before clicking which can help you win.
The challenges each level presents is really good, whenever I am playing a game and get so engrossed in the gameplay that I'm surprised when the trial ends, I know it's a good one, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Assemble patchwork mosaics while you travel with Alice and the famous characters of Wonderland and Looking-Glass Land!
Overall rating
5
/
5
117 of 175 found this review helpful
MOSAICS THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
PostedNovember 9, 2015
pennmom36
fromi'm late, i'm late, the clock is running out!
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
I love patchwork mosaic puzzles, but they can be very frustrating when you have a timer clicking away. You can opt for a relaxed game with no timer however, and there is a left handed option as well. This game claims to have special trophies and levels for gamers who are exceptional players, but I can barely complete a puzzle within the allotted time frame so I can't give you much information on that feature.
The mosaic puzzles will take you through the adventures of Alice in Wonderland as you meet all the familiar characters and solve puzzles such as the famous teapot. There are 6 worlds to visit and each world has 20 puzzles, in order to unlock the next world, yo have to earn enough keys. You will earn a key for completing the puzzle, a key for completing the puzzle with no mistakes, and a key for completing the puzzle within the allotted time given. Hints and extra time can be added for coins, and you can replay the level as often as you want to try for a better score enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Off the Record: The Final Interview
A man is dying, and you’re the prime suspect!
Overall rating
4
/
5
52 of 58 found this review helpful
A DEADLY CONFESSION
PostedNovember 8, 2015
pennmom36
fromOff the Record, 'cause nobody uses records anymore!
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
You have just regained consciousness, dazed and confused, you come to the realization that you have been in an automobile accident. However, it looks like this was no accident, the brake lines to your car have been cut, causing you to lose control and careen over the hillside, you're lucky to be alive! When the police arrive, their motive is unclear, rather than investigating the obvious attempt on your life, it seems as if they are blaming you for Calvin Reedley's sudden cardiac arrest! The police claim, you interviewed Calvin, a well respected horse breeder, just prior to his sudden illness. Amnesia is making it difficult for you to remember details, but slowly, bits and pieces of your memory are starting to return. Calvin may have given you information that was never intended to surface, information that may just be worth killing you to keep it secret!
The Final Interview is bittersweet, this is a well known series that captivates its audience and provides us with solid entertainment from beginning to end. We've traveled all corners of the globe, from Paris to Devonshire, and uncovered thieves of every kind imaginable, Off The Record of course. We can only hope that Final Interview is the end because there's something epic in store for the beginning of a brand new adventure, perhaps On The Record next time!
I'm partial to the Collector's Edition because they threw everything they had into the game. It's jam packed with all kinds of goodies (I even think I saw the kitchen sink) Complex inventory items, Achievements, Morphing Objects, Hidden Alphabet Letters, Collectible Hats (finding 6 Hats will unlock bonus HOP's & Mini Games) and 43 Hidden Teapots. Let me tell you, they are cleverly blended into the scenery, some are only partially visible, which make them more of a challenge and way more entertaining to find.
The Hidden Object Scenes are incredible, most of them are just plain ole fun. There are several types of HOP's and in the Collector's Edition, there is at least one Morphing Item in each HOS (there is an icon that will indicate if a morph is present) Most of the HOP's have more than one type, text listed items, finding icons to match text, descriptions of items, multiples of a single item, Fragmented pieces, silhouetted shape finds and even sketches of 2 items that give you clues of an item when combined or associated with. There's a Hidden Object Puzzle to please just about everyone.
The Mini Games are a bit on the easy side, but I have played a lot of games, and maybe it's just that I'm too familiar with them. If you don't want to know what puzzles are in store for you, skip the next section, I'll list brief descriptions of a few memorable puzzles:
1) Climb a rope by matching identical pairs (this makes no sense to me)
2) Recreate symbols combining different shapes.
3) Use directional arrows to guide a knob from top to bottom through paths that can be manipulated open and closed.
4) Steer a scooter using directional arrows.
5) Arrange different obstacles around a horse racetrack so that all horses arrive at the finish line at the same time.
The Collector'd Edition has a Souvenir Room, 17 Hidden Object Scenes, 20 Mini Game Puzzles, 9 Music Soundtracks (which are recordable) 7 replayable Videos, 11 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art pictures, 6 Collectible Hats (which unlock bonus HOP's & Puzzles) Morphing Objects within the HOP's (one of which has multiples) 43 Hidden Teapots (very fun to find because they are cleverly hidden) a built in Strategy Guide, a Bonus Chapter and a must see Tribute Video......farewell, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Golden Trails 3: The Guardian's Creed
Track the treasure and solve the riddles of the past with Golden Trails 3: The Guardian’s Creed game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 16 found this review helpful
Golden Trails 3: The Guardian's Creed
PostedNovember 8, 2015
pennmom36
fromLove the bandits that "pop" out of nowhere, the anticipation is the worse part.
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
Jacques wakes up in a tavern with no recollection on how he got there, (not uncommon) to add to his confusion, there is a strange seal branded on his arm! Jacques is determined to put the pieces back together to find out what happened the night before. All Golden Trails games are unique, different than any other HO game, but all three games have the same features.
You choose different locations to search for some very well concealed or blended items, some of those items will go into your inventory list to be used at some point in the game. Items outlined in blue require the use of an inventory item, and you may have to visit another location to find or use that inventory item. Items outlined in yellow usually just require a click to expose the item inside or behind, and items that sparkle usually have a really fun mini game to solve to proceed such as finding 16 beads to repair a necklace or a Hidden Object Scene where you can move items around to find items underneath.
Bandits will pop up throughout the game and your cursor will turn into a gun so you can shoot the bandits for extra hints! There are several Achievements or Trophies to earn for accomplishments such as collecting a specific number of items, completing levels without using hints and accuracy clicking from 5-30 items without misclicks. Each scene contains a lost or missing item that will twinkle when your cursor hovers over the item (there's an achievement for finding all 21 lost items, and each scene contains several hidden Fleur-de-lis symbols (250 total) if you find 150, a secret mission is unlocked.
I recommend all 3 Golden Trails games, but I must say I'm partial to Golden Trails 2: The Lost Legacy mostly because I liked the storyline, but the hidden items are very challenging to find, and the hidden Clovers were sometimes even harder to find. I wish these devs would consider a fourth edition, the game never gets old, I have replayed all three games several times, enjoy!
I recommend this game!