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:
The latest Big City Adventure is here! With the perfect blend of modern and traditional influences, the renowned metropolis of Shanghai awaits you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
306 of 364 found this review helpful
SHANGHAI BOUND
PostedNovember 4, 2015
pennmom36
fromI just got back from Barcelona!
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
Big City Adventure is a fantastic HOG series taking us to famous cities all around the world. There are 10 other BCA games available, this adventure takes us to some of the most famous tourist locations in Shanghai. This is purely a Hidden Object game, with a puzzle available after each location is complete. You will visit popular tourist attractions throughout Shanghai such as, Zhujiajiao, Longhua Temple, Huxinting Teahouse, St. Ignatius Cathedral, Nanjing Road and Donata Road. You can choose a Timed or Relaxed mode, and you can opt to show zoomed in areas or turn off riddle descriptions.
Each Hidden Object Scene has a hidden Qilin Dragon to find, that isn't on the list, for a total of 60. Each scene also has Bonus Coins (again, not on the list) there are Hint Coins, Time Coins that add either 2 or 5 minutes to the timer, Point Coins that add either 1 or 5k points to your score, and Skip Coins which will allow you to skip any puzzle. Each scene has one area that can be zoomed into, and usually has 2 items hidden within, that are listed in blue text. Unless you opted for no riddles in the option settings, there will be at least one item listed in the form of a riddle, or brief description.
After each and every HOG, you will solve a Mini Game or puzzle such as, a small Jigsaw puzzle, connecting Firecrackers from the top left to the bottom right, clicking on groups of two or more identical tile pieces and my favorite where you hang 4 different colored lanterns on hooks until they are in the correct order as indicated by green lights mean the lantern is in the correct place, yellow means the lantern is in the wrong place and red means the lantern isn't used.
This is a wonderful series that takes us to beautiful countries, and explains interesting facts about some of the most popular tourist attractions. In my opinion, this game is meant to be enjoyed as a family activity, easy enough for the kids (or grandkids) to participate, and interesting enough for adults to enjoy too. Pack your bags HOG fans, you're Shanghai Bound, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Join the world famous Rescue Team and set off on an adventure you'll never forget!
Overall rating
5
/
5
116 of 137 found this review helpful
ON MY WAY!
PostedNovember 3, 2015
pennmom36
fromWhy all the burgers lately?
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
I love Rescue Team Time Management games because it's different than most TM games. There are three modes of difficulty available, Normal (allows you to assign tasks only when a worker is available) Multi-Click (allows you to queue several tasks until a worker is available, and a Relaxed mode (no time constraints) There are 28 Achievements available and you can earn up to three Gold Stars for each level, any level can be replayed to achieve a faster score.
There are the usual tasks like most TM games, collect resources such as food, money and wood, clear roadways of debris, fix potholes, and repair bridges and damaged buildings. Because this is a Rescue game however, it's all about rescuing people from natural and manmade disasters. Once you have rescued somebody, they become a helping hand to allow you to get the work done faster. People aren't the only ones that need rescued, you will be tasked with rescuing cats, dogs and other trapped or endangered animals as well!
You need to construct buildings, sometimes in a specific order because Houses will earn money, Sawmills provide wood to repair and reconstruct, Burger Shacks provide food for the workers, Hospitals provide doctors to treat the sick and wounded, and Gas Stations provide fuel for ATV and Boat rescues. I always recommend planning a strategy before clicking the play button, you will be able to see most of the area on the field, and the timer doesn't begin until you click on the screen, so read the tasks list and at least plan the paths of least resistance. Not every road needs to be cleared to achieve the goals, but some roads may provide beneficial resources.
Besides the regular Rescue workers on the ground, you will have people that require an ATV to rescue because of the terrain, and Rescue Boats to rescue people stranded in the water (you will also use the boat to catch fish to feed everyone) There are generators that will suck up excess water that blocks roadways, and generators require fuel, there are gas leaks that need stopped before any rescue attempt can be made as well.
This is one of the better Time Management games, personally I think they are all entertaining, give it a try, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Travel back to the 18th century and uncover the secrets of bygone days with Golden Trails 2: The Lost Legacy!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
GOLDEN TRAILS 2: THE LOST LEGACY SE
PostedNovember 2, 2015
pennmom36
fromWhat's the problem Henry? Billy the Kidd's your Grandfather, how cool is that!
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 a ton of special features in the Collector's Edition, so I wanted to play this Standard Edition to see what features were exclusive to the Collector's Edition. There are 3 different Golden Trail games currently available, and I own all of them. It's just one of the most entertaining Hidden Object games out there. This episode takes place in England when Captain Charley Morgan arrests your grandfather, Baron Edward Moore, AKA Billy the Kid. Captain Morgan tells you he will release your father if you can find his shipping logs, but for some reason grandfather is being closed lipped about everything. Could your grandfather really be Billy the Kid?
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 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 aligning books on bookshelves according to clues shown, selecting the correctly shaped skeleton keys or put together torn fragments in a jigsaw type puzzle.
Bandits will pop up throughout the game and your cursor will turn into a gun so you can shoot the bandits for extra hints! This Edition still has 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 item that will glint when your cursor hovers over the correct item, and each scene contains several hidden Lucky Clovers (250 total) if you find 150, a secret mission is unlocked.
The only difference between the two editions is that the Collector's Edition has Wallpapers, Soundtracks, the Making Of section, a Comprehensive Guide, Bonus Challenges and a Shooting Gallery, which btw is really fun to play and try to beat your previous score. This game is really fun you should check it out, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Home Makeover 3 is bigger and better than ever! Hidden Object, Match-3 and decoration all in one game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
127 of 148 found this review helpful
Count With Me BF, 1-2-3....Where's # 2?
PostedNovember 2, 2015
pennmom36
fromDon't forget to click on gold coins and look for the Origaming logos
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Something must have happened to the second edition of Hidden Object: Home Makeover 2 because the first one was just released to BF a few weeks ago and this is apparently the third edition, what's up with that? I thought the original edition was very entertaining, but this edition isn't that entertaining so perhaps we're better off without the second edition. There's just too much going on in this game, they have added a "Quest" feature where you can earn extra hints and coins when you complete different quests such as buying a particular item for your garden. Instead of a Home Makeover, you are renovating your garden with plants, trees, fences, shrubs, fountains and other decorations. In order to buy items for the garden, you have to have sales, in the form of a seek and find game of course. The customers arrive and are shown with the random item they are in need of, along with the price they are willing to pay and 3 hearts. If you don't find the item quickly enough, the will become impatient and the hearts will diminish as well as the price they are willing to pay. You can choose to play this game in a Timed or Untimed mode, but you won't collect money for time remaining, and some Achievements may not be available in the untimed mode. Most of the scenes (15 different rooms available) show you a picture of the exact item you are looking for, but there are also Silhouetted Shape finds, descriptions of items, and even Memory scenes where the customer tells you several items they are looking for, then you search for those items by memory when the list disappears. There are also Match 3 games (not exciting in the least bit) where items the customers want can be collected by making matches below the item until they drop off the board. The first game was entertaining, this game not so much in my opinion.
I don't recommend this game.
The arts-loving town of Everton has been overrun by sentient shadows. Race to escape before you're trapped in the darkness forever!
Overall rating
3
/
5
69 of 83 found this review helpful
NOT SO DARK DIMENSIONS
PostedNovember 1, 2015
pennmom36
from"I hope Ashley's okay" you just hung up the phone, it's only been 2 seconds since you talked to her?!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Your good friend Ashley McNamara, needs your help in the quaint town of Everton. Something dark and paranormal has been stalking her, the police say it's not unusual for a radio station celebrity, and her physician thinks she's just a nervous person. Both of those theories are dead wrong, by the time you arrive, the "Shadows" have taken over the entire town. These Dark Dimensions are capable of taking on any form, they can even possess living entities!
Dark Dimensions has always been one of my favorite series, mostly because of the genre and certainly because of the superior computer generated graphics DD is known to have. Until now. Why have the devs abandoned the crisp, well defined graphics that made this series great, for the inferior graphics presented in Shadow Pirouette? The overabundance of pink and purple hues, make this game seem more like a fairytale than a game that's supposed to be "dark". I was waiting for a poof of glitter and a magical unicorn to show up, so I could be whisked away to another pastel colored dimension! Dark Dimensions usually center their focus around the paranormal, somewhere between the living and those who have passed on but still have lot's of attitude. With this game however, we get a Magic Lantern that's powered by a magic crystal, to make matters worse, the lantern looks like a star studded Christmas ornament, I just can't take it seriously.
The magical crystal powered lantern is used to ward off the Shadows, each time you use the lantern you will play a quick mini game of untangling the ropes, that get slightly more complicated each time, as more ropes are added and the pattern becomes a little tighter. The Collector's Edition has the addition of collectible figurine silhouettes in groups of three, for 10 separate scenes. Once you collect a set of three silhouettes, you can watch a very short clip of a movie that eventually tells you the story about the evil entities. The Collector's Edition also has 16 Achievements to earn as well.
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Interactive Listed Items, most of the scenes have some type of puzzle to solve such as arranging bottles on shelves to create an image. There are also silhouetted shape finds in multiples such as a mug x 2, or a ballerina x 2.
Below are brief descriptions of some of the Mini Games and Puzzles you will solve:
1) Use directional arrows to move the center jigsaw puzzle piece towards the other puzzle pieces to interlock.
2) Adjust the power grid switches to connect wires to fuses.
3) Find missing musical instruments and place them correctly within the scene.
4) Use rotational arrow buttons to rotate stained glass pieces to match the image shown.
The Collector's Edition has 6 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art pictures, 19 Developer's Diary photos, 16 Achievements, Figurine Silhouettes, 12 Mini Games, 12 Hidden Object Puzzles, 8 Bonus Puzzles, 6 Soundtracks, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I don't recommend this game.
This Halloween, enjoy Halloween Riddles: Mysterious Griddlers – it's terribly exciting!
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 28 found this review helpful
IT'S SCAREY ALRIGHT/SCAREY HOW BORING IT IS
PostedOctober 31, 2015
pennmom36
fromHAPPY HALLOWEEN <| : o
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
I guess I've just been spoiled by my favorite mosaic series, Fantasy Mosaics, which offers creative designs in three different vibrant colors. This game has no story, this game has only color (purple) and this game doesn't even create an actual picture, if it does create a picture, I don't see it. There's nothing about this game that makes you want to continue playing, it doesn't even have a feature to automatically cross of squares. There are 6 Locations and each location has 20 mosaic puzzles within. There is a Training or Tutorial section for Beginners (7 tutorial puzzles) and for Experts with a single tutorial puzzle if you're a little rusty at Griddler's/
The object of these Griddler games are fairly easy, and you don't have to be a math wiz to figure them out. You simply figure out which cells are filled in and which cells are crossed out according to the number sets on each column and row, using logic and deduction. Each set of numbers must have at least one crossed off cell between them, it simplifies the puzzle if you figure out which cells cannot possibly have a filled square, for example, if a single cell is filled on a row, and the column number is 3, you can cross off all cells in the column with the exception of two cells above and below.
You will earn up to 3 stars for each puzzle, one star is deducted for each mistake, you need at least one star to unlock the next puzzle. Each cell contains coins, some contain bonus coins which can be used in the Shop to unlock levels or purchase helpful tools such as, 2 starting Hints, the right to make 3 Mistakes, or refill the Hints on that level. Seriously, you should give any of the Fantasy Mosaic games a try, those games are super fun (I believe the 3 color choices begin with the 4th installment)
I don't recommend this game.
An old nemesis returns but only as a forbearer of something even more malevolent in the epic Weather Lord: Following the Princess!
Overall rating
4
/
5
74 of 87 found this review helpful
The Graphics Could Be Better
PostedOctober 31, 2015
pennmom36
fromHAPPY HALLOWEEN <| : o
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After the warlock Victor defeated his Uncle and became ruler, Victor grew bored. Naturally, Victor jumped at the chance to travel to the Fairyland kingdom of Lorraine to save Princess Olivia who has been imprisoned in her own tower!
I love the "weather" feature that Weather Lord Time Management games offer allowing you to click and drag Clouds to water the crops, the Sun to dry up swamps and deter ghosts, and the Wind to swoosh away the cobwebs. There are two modes of difficulty available, Casual which is untimed and Expert which is timed, and you can earn Gold, Silver or Bronze status for each level, which can be replayed as often as you want to try for a faster score.
Just like most TM games, you will clear paths of debris, fix damaged roads, bridges and buildings, collect gold, harvest crops, cut trees for lumber and build various buildings such as Sawmills, Houses, Mines, Grain Mills, Forges and even Jewelry Shops to produce resources. Some of the levels contain treasure chests that contain collectible Artifacts, Axes, Shovels, Rakes, and Staffs, and there are several Awards or Achievements to earn. Each level also gives you an icon Bonus such as an Extra Worker, Faster Workers or More Resources, which only last briefly, but can be used again once the meter refills.
This Collector's Edition has 9 Music Soundtracks, 6 Wallpapers, Awards, Artifacts, a built in Strategy Guide and Bonus levels available. Compared to Tuesdays game, Incredible Dracula......well there is no comparison, it's a really good game just not as top notch as Dracula, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A visitor arrives through Prof. Bennett's portal, seeking help.
Overall rating
4
/
5
60 of 72 found this review helpful
I'M STILL A FAN
PostedOctober 30, 2015
pennmom36
fromHarmonium isn't very harmonious!
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
What was once whole, now is split in half, balance has been disrupted with mankind's discovery of Harmonium. You cannot have light without the dark, there cannot be good if there isn't evil, you cannot destroy until you create! Dr. Bennett has made a major breakthrough with her otherworldly portal, and someone has just arrived on her doorstep! Kraixx might look like you and I but he's definitely from another world, a world being consumed by the dark energy of Harmonium. If balance isn't restored in his world, our world will surely perish!
Fortunately, Kraixx has equipped you with a Gauntlet capable of collecting both dark and light Harmonium energy, breaking barriers and discharging it's energy as needed. The Collector's Edition has the addition of 43 Hidden Collectible Owls or Freyy's Apprentice, there is no cursor change to help you out, but they seem to all be pink which seems a bit odd. The Collector's Edition also has several Achievements to earn, and many of the inventory items have plus signs indicating some type of interaction is necessary before using the item. (available in both editions)
The Hidden Object Scenes are typical for this series, and many of the scenes have slight movement in the scene or entirely different locations as the camera pans to a different area. Most of the Hidden Object Puzzles are silhouetted shape finds, or multiple finds, but there's also an extremely interactive and progressive scene where you fidget with all kinds of gadgets, and another where you are tasked with finding symbols or glyphs written on the walls on 3 sections, which was somewhat challenging and a nice change of pace. You can opt for an alternate Bubble Shoot game if you're not into HOP's.
The Mini Games are fantastic! Every time you use the Gauntlet you will play a small mini game of either matching the identical symbols or drag ropes across every star point. Below are brief descriptions of some of the games you will encounter:
1) Assemble the CCPP logo by dragging different tetris shapes into the individual letters.
2) Swapping or Rotating molecules until they are in the correct outlined shape slots.
3) Use arrows to adjust the frequency of radio soundwaves.
4) A series of mini games within one puzzle (super fun) the first step is to swap tokens to the correct slot, then use arrows to move color coded balls to their matching slots, followed by choosing several shapes that will recreate the image shown, and swapping the blue and purple tokens to the right and left.
5) Match identical owls until only one remains.
6) Slide different color coded suns to their matching slots on a star shaped track.
2) Swapping or Rotating molecules until they are in the correct outlined shape slots.
3) Use arrows to adjust the frequency of radio soundwaves.
4) A series of mini games within one puzzle (super fun) the first step is to swap tokens to the correct slot, then use arrows to move color coded balls to their matching slots, followed by choosing several shapes that will recreate the image shown, and swapping the blue and purple tokens to the right and left.
5) Match identical owls until only one remains.
6) Slide different color coded suns to their matching slots on a star shaped track.
The Collector's Edition has 12 Achievements, 18 replayable Puzzles, 15 replayable HOP's, replayable Bubble Shoot Games, 13 Videos, a Souvenir Room, 43 Collectible Owls, 5 Music Tracks, 8 Concept Art pictures, 8 Wallpapers, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Enjoy a new Mahjong game with a Halloween atmosphere! Get ready to fight the might sorceress at her favorite game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
39 of 43 found this review helpful
GOOD DEGREE OF CHALLENGE
PostedOctober 30, 2015
pennmom36
fromDress the twins up as matching mahjong tiles for Halloween
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
One of the reasons Mahjong is my least favorite genre is because there's usually no challenge involved, it's just a matching game that quickly becomes boring. Not so with this game, because in order to achieve the goal of earning three keys for each level, you pretty much have to match all gold tiles with gold tiles. Each level has three requirements: Remove all Gold tiles, Remove all Gold tiles within a specific number of moves, and earn a specific amount of points. If you match gold tiles with regular tiles, you most likely won't earn enough points unless you are wicked fast and build up the point index by removing tiles quickly. There are three different tiles to choose from, one of which is a Halloween themed tile. This game should be worth the money if you like Mahjong, becauses there are 6 Rooms and each room has 20 levels. You can replay the levels as often as you'd like to try to improve your score, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Saddle up for fun and become a sheriff in Golden Trails: The New Western Rush. Find the culprits behind a bank robbery!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Golden Trails: The New Western Rush
PostedOctober 29, 2015
pennmom36
fromThere's a new sheriff in town!
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
This is the first game in the Golden Trails series, it's a little less polished than the next two, the graphics aren't nearly as good, but keep in mind how old this game is. Even though it's an older game, it's still an excellent game and should not be overlooked. The New Western Rush takes place in Sunnyvale, close to Dallas where Sheriff Jack has been sent for some R & R. He doesn't have any time for rest however, because the Sunnyvale Bank has been robbed and Sheriff Jack didn't want to go on vacation in the first place!
Each location has several pictured items to find, and believe me, they are very well blended into the scenery, it's no cake walk. Some items you find will be placed in you inventory list for use in that scene or perhaps another. Items outlined in yellow when your cursor hovers over an item contain a hidden item, items with a blue outline require the use of an inventory item. There are lost items that will sparkle when the cursor hovers over the item, and each scene contains very well hidden Sheriff's Badges that will unlock a secret mission once you find 150 of them.
My favorite feature in this series is the Gangsters that pop up in random places, if you shoot them, you get an extra hint for each one. There are Mini Games available between sets where you replace items into a scene or a shooting gallery game. You can also play any shooting gallery freestyle where you try to shoot as many gangsters as possible and beat the high scores.
This game has a Comprehensive Guide, Wallpapers, the Making of, Original Soundtracks, a Shooting Gallery, 150 Collectible Sheriff Badges and a Bonus Challenge, enjoy!
I recommend this game!