pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4700
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 15, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Return to the Middle Ages and become a powerful alchemist!
Overall rating
1
/
5
75 of 91 found this review helpful
DO THEY SUFFER FROM FOBO?
PostedNovember 1, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
It looks like Melon Games has picked up the Mystery Solitaire series but don't hold your breath waiting on changes that will never come because this is their 3rd game in the series and so far nothing has changed!
Everything is exactly the same, all the way down to the same level layouts as all the other games. There is still no option to continue playing after the Gold Cards are removed, and the Shop still only has the same 3 features, a Mulligan (Undo) to purchase for 2500, a Shuffle for 2500, or a Joker to purchase for 5000.
The graphics are decent and there's a nice selection of creepy-themed card styles available, but that's about all this game has going for it. There's no mystery to this solitaire game, and there's no story.
You can choose from 9 Raven-themed card backs, and 3 different face cards, one of which is a large font. You begin the game in Newbie mode, which allows you to replay any hand, Professional mode only allows you to replay the entire pack of 10 levels. There are 20 different Packs, and each pack has 10 levels, you need to earn the specified amount of points to unlock the next pack, and the scoring is similar to bowling.
Another feature I don't like in this devs games is that the tutorial makes you click another card off the deck even though there are several more cards available on the board. I'm reluctant to skip the tutorial just in case they have added a new feature, which never happens, but one never knows.
I also hate that when you remove a card with a Rose Seal, it takes forever to explain what the card gives you, as it freezes continued gameplay to tell you what you won. Most of the time it gives you +499 extra points, but occasionally, a Joker, Shuffle, or a Mulligan. Finding two of these cards back to back is agonizing!
Reconnect with long-lost fishes from the Big Fish Forum days at my new gaming forum. Come as you are and chillax for a bit by the campfire, there's always an endless supply of smores! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Help the Walker family open Animalville's first antique store!
Overall rating
2
/
5
38 of 53 found this review helpful
GRAB THE KIDS/GRANDKIDS THEY'LL LOVE THIS GAME
PostedOctober 26, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Could the objects get any larger? On second thought, the kiddo's probably won't like the game either because it has some pretty boring objects, like giant suitcases and giant broken vases! (they do go well with the giant suns when ya think about it)
Why do I have to erase "player" before putting my name in the profile? Why can't I skip the conversations? Why are there more Sun Hints than objects to find on each level? Why does the developer feel the need to show his Fancy Bear scores with twice the amount of points as everyone else on every single level? Why does the Walker Family name their kids whatever species they are, such as Squirrel, or Hare? Why do I not know where Canadian Geese migrate to after leaving Ohio for the winter...do they migrate north to Canada where it's colder or do they migrate south like a normal bird? Why are there Canadian Geese in Ohio in the summer in the first place, were they just too lazy to make the final flight to Canada?
There are only two modes of difficulty, Easy Mode which has no time restraints, and Difficult Mode with a time limit that gives you 500 extra points for not using Hints, and 10 extra points for time remaining.
There are only two modes of difficulty, Easy Mode which has no time restraints, and Difficult Mode with a time limit that gives you 500 extra points for not using Hints, and 10 extra points for time remaining.
There are 140 Clutter levels and 20 mini-games, most of which are simple square swap variations with complicated mechanics, such as swapping adjacent squares, and each time you swap a square the orientation changes. I hate these types of puzzles because they are frustrating, not to mention that the completed image is basically the same picture... 18 games running!
Do you know the answer to the Canadian Geese question above? Swing by my new forum with your answer at, thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Asgard is cut-off, and all the realms are at risk!
Overall rating
3
/
5
65 of 86 found this review helpful
THE TIMER IS TOO STINGY FOR THE NUMBER OF TASKS
PostedOctober 25, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I used to love the Viking Brothers/Heroes series but now it's become a frustrating game because the timer has become way too stingy and it's nearly impossible to complete levels with 3 stars...and I'm referring to the Normal Mode! Sure, I could play in the Easy Mode but I've never seen the point of playing a Time Management game without time restraints? I like the challenge of trying to complete the tasks before losing a star, but lately, most of the games by this developer have been the same way (with the exception of Golden Rails) and it has sucked all the fun out of the gameplay for me personally.
You can play in an Easy, untimed Mode, a Normal Mode, or Hard Mode. Perhaps Yustas would consider adding an in-between mode where the Normal Mode would have a Normal difficulty, and for those who love to play at a break-neck speed, you could add an Extreme, or Hardcore Mode?
The Viking Heroes have quite a task at hand when they become stranded on the Bifrost Bridge to Asgard. The goal is to clear a path to free our heroes who possess different skill sets which help us progress.
You can play in an Easy, untimed Mode, a Normal Mode, or Hard Mode. Perhaps Yustas would consider adding an in-between mode where the Normal Mode would have a Normal difficulty, and for those who love to play at a break-neck speed, you could add an Extreme, or Hardcore Mode?
The Viking Heroes have quite a task at hand when they become stranded on the Bifrost Bridge to Asgard. The goal is to clear a path to free our heroes who possess different skill sets which help us progress.
Naturally, you will clear & repair the pathways, repair bridges, build sawmills and farms, and collect resources along the way. Most of the resources come from Resource Chests that regenerate over time, such as Food, Gold, Stone, and Crystals...crystals that are ironically used to remove large crystals???
I loved the location terrain of most of the original Viking Brothers games, but I have to admit, this one wasn't that appealing it just seems sci-fi-ish. These are Vikings and Asgard was one of the sacred nine realms overseen by Odin. Vikings who died during battle were brought to Valhalla, a great majestic hall within Asgard, and considered by Vikings to be a tremendous honor! Asgard itself was a celestial city of high towers surrounded by a great wall which is clearly not depicted in these scenes. I get that it's just a game, but ya gotta have curb appeal!
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
14 Wallpapers, 16 Music Soundtracks, 21 Collectible Owls, 42 Achievements, 50 Main Levels, and 15 Bonus Levels.
We all miss the Big Fish Forums, which is exactly why I created The Woods Forum. Come join the fun at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I loved the location terrain of most of the original Viking Brothers games, but I have to admit, this one wasn't that appealing it just seems sci-fi-ish. These are Vikings and Asgard was one of the sacred nine realms overseen by Odin. Vikings who died during battle were brought to Valhalla, a great majestic hall within Asgard, and considered by Vikings to be a tremendous honor! Asgard itself was a celestial city of high towers surrounded by a great wall which is clearly not depicted in these scenes. I get that it's just a game, but ya gotta have curb appeal!
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
14 Wallpapers, 16 Music Soundtracks, 21 Collectible Owls, 42 Achievements, 50 Main Levels, and 15 Bonus Levels.
We all miss the Big Fish Forums, which is exactly why I created The Woods Forum. Come join the fun at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
An activist group plans to steal, sell, and donate for a good cause, but a conspiracy threatens to tear the group apart.
Overall rating
1
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
I LOVE ADVENTURE GAMES BUT THIS ONE ISN'T VERY EXCITING
PostedOctober 24, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The graphics are above-average considering this game is so old. Even though the characters move rather stiffly and look awkward when sitting, they are realistic and fit the part of their portrayed character.
I love adventure games but I just couldn't get into this game, when I exited the game I always found an excuse to play a different game which says a lot. I think it would have been more interesting if you didn't have to spend most of the demo inside the Loft making small talk and not having anything important to do other than look at a million objects because you can't actually "take" many objects.
The biggest flaw with older adventure games is that they usually aren't very user-friendly (not to be confused with hand-holding features). You can click the spacebar to bring up directional arrows, but even then it's difficult to navigate around and the camera angles often make it difficult to get a lay of the land. I found myself backtracking or choosing corridors that took me right back to where I was and it became frustrating, even annoying at times...and I play a lot of adventure games so I consider myself to be a seasoned player.
Because of the mechanics, I don't think many beginners will enjoy this game...not to mention they might not play another adventure if this is the game they chose to dip their feet in for a 1st attempt!
I hate having to give a low star-rating to a rare Big Fish adventure game, but this one isn't the greatest :(
Come visit me at my new forum, thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Help Hercules uncover the secret of the messages in bottles!
Overall rating
3
/
5
54 of 67 found this review helpful
NOT A BAD GAME BUT I'LL WAIT FOR THE SE VERSION
PostedOctober 22, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a decent Time Management game with some interesting tasks, I loved the turtles and crabs that shoot up in the air at warp speed when you click on them...I don't know why they do it, or what its purpose was but it entertained me lol!
You can play in a Relaxed, Casual, or Expert Mode, and there is a Game Speed slider that can be set from 50-150%. You will be tasked with clearing roads, finding Messages in a Bottle, collecting wood (from dead trees or platform resources that regenerate) removing piles of sand, destroying Venus flytrap plants, collecting crystals, building farms, workshops, etc., and of course, collecting berries from bushes or wheels of cheese (hope that cheese is okay after sitting out in the sun all day?) Bonuses are available after a short recharge and there are Speed buttons to collect along the paths as well.
They ditched the Strategy Guide several games back to opt for a feature that uses a blue arrow to point to the resource or task in the correct order. Most of us only use a SG when we can't earn Gold after a few attempts and only want to use it to get us out of an occasional rut or point us in the right direction. I thought I'd give this a try on one of the levels and I followed every blue arrow correctly but failed to get gold on 3 attempts. When I gave up on the arrows and did my own thing, I got gold on the first try...just saying!
Collector's Edition Extras:
5 Bonus Levels, 1 Super Bonus Level, 9 Wallpapers, 6 Movie Cutscenes, and Hidden Puzzle Runes (somewhere close to the giant sign with a puzzle piece) that allow you to complete Jigsaw Puzzles (Pearl Hunter, Gotcha!, No Lunch Today, and Toreador) 23 Trophy Achievements, a Blue Arrow Strategy Guide (sort of?) a High Scores Leader board (per level or game total)...usually they offer most of these features on the SE version, including the puzzle runes!
5 Bonus Levels, 1 Super Bonus Level, 9 Wallpapers, 6 Movie Cutscenes, and Hidden Puzzle Runes (somewhere close to the giant sign with a puzzle piece) that allow you to complete Jigsaw Puzzles (Pearl Hunter, Gotcha!, No Lunch Today, and Toreador) 23 Trophy Achievements, a Blue Arrow Strategy Guide (sort of?) a High Scores Leader board (per level or game total)...usually they offer most of these features on the SE version, including the puzzle runes!
There's always something interesting going on at my new forum! If you miss chatting with fellow fishies from the Big Fish Forum days then grab a thermos full of coffee, throw on your favorite jeans & t-shirt, and lace up your hiking boots...ah who are we kidding...just keep your comfy fuzzy slippers on, and chillax with us by the fire at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Can you guide a tormented gamer through a trio of terrifying challenges?
Overall rating
4
/
5
57 of 76 found this review helpful
ELEPHANT GAMES DESERVES MORE CREDIT-THIS IS A GREAT GAME & NOT A COOKIE-CUTTER
PostedOctober 21, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Completed Game in approximately 4.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
15 Main Game Scene Locations +8 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate-Expert
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
15 Main Game Scene Locations +8 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate-Expert
The Crossroads Bar only appears to the lost and broken souls of the weary. Its neon lights shine through the dreary mist of the darkest night as fate pushes you toward your destiny. Tonight you will face your darkest fears, but first, you will face the Crossroads barkeep, Mistress Eve!
This is one of the best game series Elephant Games has had in a long time. Elephant Games deserves more credit when they offer a game that is unique and targeted at players that aren't beginners for a change! I've always said that no one does a creepy atmosphere better than Elephant Games, and I love this vibe! I loved how they stuck with this creepy vibe in the Mini-games and the Hidden Object Scenes. I love that the Choices you make matter and that it affects your Character's Traits. Although there are still a lot of statues to place, there are way fewer Emblem Motifs which have become a staple feature in games by this developer lately. Give it a fair shot, you may find a great new series with an open-mind.
GADGETS/HELPER:
There are no gadgets or helpers, however, the game is loaded with unique "choices" features to choose from throughout your adventure of destiny.
There are no gadgets or helpers, however, the game is loaded with unique "choices" features to choose from throughout your adventure of destiny.
CONVERSATION CHOICES:
As you come to Crossroads during the game you will be tasked with making multiple-choice decisions about morality.
As you come to Crossroads during the game you will be tasked with making multiple-choice decisions about morality.
CHARACTER STATUS:
Each character has a personality profile that outlines their traits, as well as relationships with the other characters. Each decision you make affects your character's traits, such as Bravery, Intelligence, Resilience, Honesty, etc.
Each character has a personality profile that outlines their traits, as well as relationships with the other characters. Each decision you make affects your character's traits, such as Bravery, Intelligence, Resilience, Honesty, etc.
Speaking of Character Status. I really don't understand the need for a particular individual to copy every aspect of my reviews. Be your own writer, and adopt your own style, it will appear more genuine if it's original, right? If not, at least give accurate information about these spotlighted features! There are 23 scenes (hence why they have 23 Puzzle Pieces, 1 in every scene) there are no replayable video sequences (I don't think E Games has offered this feature in years) just to name a few, I work hard on my reviews, and I do appreciate that you like my style but let's all do our own thing, you do you, I'll do me, & we'll all have fun :)
CHAPTERS:
There are 3 different stories, one for each chapter, so you will be portraying 3 separate characters as you enter a different video game associated with them. After completing the first chapter, you get the opportunity to choose between "Deadly Call" & "Horror on Set" My only complaint was with Olivia's whiny voice and acting like a 5 "I don't wanna do it" scenario that was really annoying!
There are 3 different stories, one for each chapter, so you will be portraying 3 separate characters as you enter a different video game associated with them. After completing the first chapter, you get the opportunity to choose between "Deadly Call" & "Horror on Set" My only complaint was with Olivia's whiny voice and acting like a 5 "I don't wanna do it" scenario that was really annoying!
COLLECTIBLES & MORPHS (CE Bonus Chapter only)
There is a Hidden Crossroads Puzzle Piece in every scene (23 total) and I thought they were nicely blended into the scene for a change. I loved that they are in the scenes themselves and not within zoom zones which is the usual MO for this developer. They allow you to assemble a cool Round-shaped jigsaw puzzle that can be used as a Screensaver.
There is a Hidden Crossroads Puzzle Piece in every scene (23 total) and I thought they were nicely blended into the scene for a change. I loved that they are in the scenes themselves and not within zoom zones which is the usual MO for this developer. They allow you to assemble a cool Round-shaped jigsaw puzzle that can be used as a Screensaver.
There are 12 Phobia Statues to collect that represent all the basic phobias, such as the fear of heights, or those blasted evil dolls! After completing the game, you can enter the Secret Room to search for missing collectibles or jigsaw puzzle pieces.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
Clearly, the devs went to great lengths to revamp their gaming image because I enjoyed these HOs for a change! The graphics are amazing and they are themed to match each chapter's plot, not to mention they appear in interesting locations with interesting variations. There are the standard Interactive List Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Find & Replace, and Silhouetted Shape Finds. I loved the puzzle-like aspect of sliding compartments to search for items where you could access a different area by using different sliding combinations. I liked the areas they were located in, such as paintings on a cave wall, within a graveyard, or trying to find items covered in moss which was a nice change of pace and more challenging than Elephant Games' usual HO scenes. I know a lot of people will not feel the same, but I loved the Phone App HO where you had to find all of the missing hospital sign letters by zooming in on different sections of the picture on the phone. It was sometimes difficult to see a letter hidden in plain site!
Clearly, the devs went to great lengths to revamp their gaming image because I enjoyed these HOs for a change! The graphics are amazing and they are themed to match each chapter's plot, not to mention they appear in interesting locations with interesting variations. There are the standard Interactive List Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Find & Replace, and Silhouetted Shape Finds. I loved the puzzle-like aspect of sliding compartments to search for items where you could access a different area by using different sliding combinations. I liked the areas they were located in, such as paintings on a cave wall, within a graveyard, or trying to find items covered in moss which was a nice change of pace and more challenging than Elephant Games' usual HO scenes. I know a lot of people will not feel the same, but I loved the Phone App HO where you had to find all of the missing hospital sign letters by zooming in on different sections of the picture on the phone. It was sometimes difficult to see a letter hidden in plain site!
MINI-GAMES:
Elephant Games are famous for their mechanical style puzzles, my favorite kind because they usually require a little bit of thought to solve them. Although some are solved by trial and error, most require a bit of tinkering, such as turning latches that required turning in a specific order, otherwise, they would become blocked by a different latch. A few of my favorites were adding shadows of props in the correct order to recreate the pictured image (harder than it sounds) I loved the Angel puzzle where you had to move her to available green-highlighted slots to pick up a Blue Sphere and then a Red Sphere to deposit them in the correct slots while avoiding the Reapers. I even liked the Navigation puzzle where you had to heal yourself by finding First Aid kits to survive the halls of horror!
Elephant Games are famous for their mechanical style puzzles, my favorite kind because they usually require a little bit of thought to solve them. Although some are solved by trial and error, most require a bit of tinkering, such as turning latches that required turning in a specific order, otherwise, they would become blocked by a different latch. A few of my favorites were adding shadows of props in the correct order to recreate the pictured image (harder than it sounds) I loved the Angel puzzle where you had to move her to available green-highlighted slots to pick up a Blue Sphere and then a Red Sphere to deposit them in the correct slots while avoiding the Reapers. I even liked the Navigation puzzle where you had to heal yourself by finding First Aid kits to survive the halls of horror!
BONUS CHAPTER: (Collector's Edition version only)
The tables have turned when an unexpected (or was he?) stranger bellies up to the Crossroads bar. Mistress Eve is the honored guest and must solve a series of riddles to pass the stranger's moral tests! This is an average-length Bonus Chapter spanning over 8 additional scenes with 4 Hidden Object Scenes and 7 Mini-Games, as well as a handful of smaller zoom zone HO's. You will continue your search for the final 8 Crossroads Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces and 3 Phobia Statue's Collectibles. The Round Jigsaw Puzzle Screensaver can be completed in The Secret Room, if you missed any pieces (or Collectibles) you can return to the scene to find them in the Expedition Room. After completing the BC you can enter the Archives to replay 13 HO's and 12 Mini-Games as well.
The tables have turned when an unexpected (or was he?) stranger bellies up to the Crossroads bar. Mistress Eve is the honored guest and must solve a series of riddles to pass the stranger's moral tests! This is an average-length Bonus Chapter spanning over 8 additional scenes with 4 Hidden Object Scenes and 7 Mini-Games, as well as a handful of smaller zoom zone HO's. You will continue your search for the final 8 Crossroads Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces and 3 Phobia Statue's Collectibles. The Round Jigsaw Puzzle Screensaver can be completed in The Secret Room, if you missed any pieces (or Collectibles) you can return to the scene to find them in the Expedition Room. After completing the BC you can enter the Archives to replay 13 HO's and 12 Mini-Games as well.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRA'S:
6 Wallpaper, 1 Screensaver Jigsaw Puzzle, 4 Music Soundtracks, 12 Achievements (2 achievements have 3 categories and 2 achievements have 5 categories), 12 Collectible Phobia Statues, 23 Crossroads Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (receive a jigsaw puzzle piece for each one found) a Secret Room to complete the round Jigsaw Puzzle, an Expedition Room where you can search for any missed collectibles, and the Archives where you can replay 13 Hidden Object Scenes, and 12 Mini-Games, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
6 Wallpaper, 1 Screensaver Jigsaw Puzzle, 4 Music Soundtracks, 12 Achievements (2 achievements have 3 categories and 2 achievements have 5 categories), 12 Collectible Phobia Statues, 23 Crossroads Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (receive a jigsaw puzzle piece for each one found) a Secret Room to complete the round Jigsaw Puzzle, an Expedition Room where you can search for any missed collectibles, and the Archives where you can replay 13 Hidden Object Scenes, and 12 Mini-Games, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise, lots of exciting Woodsy guests!...join us won't you? thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
A magical mystery across three of the world's largest cities!
Overall rating
4
/
5
85 of 100 found this review helpful
THE STORY GETS A LITTLE BORING AT TIMES
PostedOctober 20, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game in approximately 4.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
Detective Agatha has certainly made a name for herself after solving crimes in London, Munich, Vienna, Dublin, Budapest, and Paris. Her expertise in Dark City crimes will soon become an International reputation when her services are requested to investigate some very unusual cases in three of the World's largest cities. These are no ordinary crimes, a Phoenix has been sighted setting fires in New York, London is plagued with paranormal monsters, and statues are coming to life in Paris!
The most intriguing part about this game was the fact that it wasn't even posted until after 10 pm (EST) and then most of us spent a couple of more hours trying to actually purchase the game but all we got was a spinning wheel! Even more intriguing was that one member miraculously was able to play the entire game 20 minutes after it was released...where's Detective Agatha when we have a real mystery on our hands?
Collectibles/Morphing Objects:
Normally, this developer has some of my favorite collectibles and morphs. In most Friendly Fox games the collectibles are opaque and can be challenging to spot, (I LOVE the opaque collectibles) and their morphing objects are really good because they are not so-obvious objects like windowpanes, weather vanes or building decorations and adornments. (one FF game had a morphing moon if memory serves me correctly, genius!)
Normally, this developer has some of my favorite collectibles and morphs. In most Friendly Fox games the collectibles are opaque and can be challenging to spot, (I LOVE the opaque collectibles) and their morphing objects are really good because they are not so-obvious objects like windowpanes, weather vanes or building decorations and adornments. (one FF game had a morphing moon if memory serves me correctly, genius!)
This isn't the case this time! The Collectibles are 2 large beige-colored playing cards that can't be overlooked and the morphing objects are just additional objects added, such as a large planter. All I had to do was look for something that didn't quite match the scene's color scheme to spot them within seconds which has never been the case with this developer's games...HOWEVER, with Ukraine's current situation, I can certainly understand why their creativity was stifled, and why they need to get their games back into production! I have and always will stand with Ukraine, therefore, I stand with Friendly Fox!
There are 50 Morphing Objects and 50 Collectible Playing Cards that are used in a card game after completing the set. Each scene has 2 of each and there is a pullout tab on the left side to help you keep track of them (a feature I do LOVE)
Gadget/Helper:
Detective Agatha has two Gadgets at her disposal, a Journal and the power of Deduction! The Journal is used to collect Evidence which is done in the form of a mini-game requiring you to correctly place characters' photos onto the correct descriptions of events that took place (drag the photos from the top of the page to the blank sentences to fill in the gaps of the story with an actual name)
Detective Agatha has two Gadgets at her disposal, a Journal and the power of Deduction! The Journal is used to collect Evidence which is done in the form of a mini-game requiring you to correctly place characters' photos onto the correct descriptions of events that took place (drag the photos from the top of the page to the blank sentences to fill in the gaps of the story with an actual name)
The EYE DEDUCTION is made to draw a conclusion by playing a quick Hidden Object Scene where you are tasked with finding 4-6 pieces of evidence. Afterward, Detective Agatha recreates the scene of the crime, followed by a reenactment video clip to fill you in on the story.
Hidden Object Scenes:
The Hidden Object Scenes tend to be a bit dark, but otherwise decent. Besides the repetitive Hidden Object Scenes associated with the Eye Deduction Gadget and several smaller zoom zone HO's, they vary with Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs, Placing Items into the scene, and one where you place Zoo animals into their correct habitats. Some of the scenes uncover objects that are required to overcome a task, such as uncovering several silver keys required to open a locked box, and some HO scenes have quick puzzles to solve.
The Hidden Object Scenes tend to be a bit dark, but otherwise decent. Besides the repetitive Hidden Object Scenes associated with the Eye Deduction Gadget and several smaller zoom zone HO's, they vary with Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs, Placing Items into the scene, and one where you place Zoo animals into their correct habitats. Some of the scenes uncover objects that are required to overcome a task, such as uncovering several silver keys required to open a locked box, and some HO scenes have quick puzzles to solve.
Mini-Games:
Most of the mini-games are doable on the first attempt, and I wish some of them were a bit more complex. I love games where you have to swap fuses by following tangled, color-coded wires that match the top & bottom colors, but this particular game simply required swapping the fuses until they all lit up. Another game required selecting two different flame emblems that would join two halves of an image and the goal was to find the correct 2, but the matches were all directly opposite instead of being randomly placed :(
Most of the mini-games are doable on the first attempt, and I wish some of them were a bit more complex. I love games where you have to swap fuses by following tangled, color-coded wires that match the top & bottom colors, but this particular game simply required swapping the fuses until they all lit up. Another game required selecting two different flame emblems that would join two halves of an image and the goal was to find the correct 2, but the matches were all directly opposite instead of being randomly placed :(
Bonus Chapter: (CE version only)
You will play one of my favorite characters from the first chapter, Lieutenant Liz Brooks as she investigates the disappearance of the Treasure of the Maharaja during a charity auction, and of course, everyone is convinced that the ghost of Maharaja is responsible. There are 7 Mini-Games and 9 Hidden Object Scenes, including the Evidence Journal Mini-Game and Eye Deduction Hidden Object Scene. In reality, there are several tasks that may be considered a mini-game by some, such as entering codes or matching pairs to remove them. You will continue searching for the final 14 Morphing Objects and 14 Playing Cards which allows you to play a card game against your villainous opponent.
You will play one of my favorite characters from the first chapter, Lieutenant Liz Brooks as she investigates the disappearance of the Treasure of the Maharaja during a charity auction, and of course, everyone is convinced that the ghost of Maharaja is responsible. There are 7 Mini-Games and 9 Hidden Object Scenes, including the Evidence Journal Mini-Game and Eye Deduction Hidden Object Scene. In reality, there are several tasks that may be considered a mini-game by some, such as entering codes or matching pairs to remove them. You will continue searching for the final 14 Morphing Objects and 14 Playing Cards which allows you to play a card game against your villainous opponent.
Collector's Edition Extra's
8 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art Pictures, 7 absolutely beautiful Screensavers, 6 Music Soundtracks, 34 Movie Video Cutscenes, 25 Achievements, 19 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Replayable Mini-Games, 50 Collectible Playing Cards (play a card game when the collection is complete) 50 Morphing Objects, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
8 Wallpapers, 11 Concept Art Pictures, 7 absolutely beautiful Screensavers, 6 Music Soundtracks, 34 Movie Video Cutscenes, 25 Achievements, 19 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 12 Replayable Mini-Games, 50 Collectible Playing Cards (play a card game when the collection is complete) 50 Morphing Objects, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Fellow Fishies, if you miss the Big Fish Forums then join us on my new nature-themed game forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Explore the beauty of The Emerald Isle through more than 14,000 engaging puzzles!
Overall rating
3
/
5
55 of 67 found this review helpful
THIS IS THE DEVELOPERS 1ST ATTEMPT AT A JIGSAW PUZZLE...JUST NEED A FEW TWEAKS!
PostedOctober 18, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Most of you know I am a puzzle geek, jigsaws are my favorite genre and I do at least 1 computer puzzle daily, it's my Zen! I also love this developer, Tiny Little Lion, and I think this will be an amazing series...with a few tweaks. It has a ton of features, including a Swap-type Mode, good features that puzzle geeks like myself consider to be necessities, but there are a few over-sites that need to be addressed but this is their first attempt at a Jigsaw Puzzle game so this is to be expected.
Let's start with the things I think the game needs or things I didn't like because there aren't many!
-The 5 available Backgrounds are way too dark, even the light background option is a bit too dark.
-The puzzle pieces are too dark and it's nearly impossible to see the color variations or details (this seems to be the case with all new jigsaw devs)
-The "Preview" picture is way too dark, offering an opaqueness slider or % feature would solve this issue.
-There was no option to "grab" Border pieces only?
-It would be nice to have an option to organize the puzzle pieces neatly around the assembly board or preview picture.
-There are no options for large puzzles (400 piece max)
-There needs to be a folder or some type of indication for "saved" puzzles. The game does save your progress but the only way to find saved puzzles is to select the exact settings you started the puzzle with originally and a "Resume" tab will appear next to play (size, rotation, puzzle shape) Good luck remembering this!
-There is no option to create a puzzle using your own images. This option not only allows the player to choose their personal favorites, but it gives it a better value when the game is potentially endless!
-A personal request: a simple Square puzzle piece option (even better to be able to choose the size, such as 1/4" or 1/2" squares
FANTASTICAL OPTIONS (Jigsaw Puzzle Mode)
-There are 8 Categories, Scenery (15) Historic (26) Waters (18) Plants (9) Animals (14) Food (14) Rustic (13) Others (16)
-You can choose from several different puzzle shapes and the shape selected is displayed on the Image sample! Shapes Available: Animals, Artistic Cut, Blobs, Circle Jumbles, Circles & Squares, Concentric, Knobbed Triangles, Rectangle Jumble, Ripples, Shards, Sunburst Squares, Traditional, Warped Concentric, Warped Regular Traditional, Warped Traditional.
-Puzzles are available in different sizes, depending on the puzzle style but the largest seems to be only 400 pieces.
-Rotation options: Easy (only rotates 2 directions) Medium, Hard, or Off.
-Hints can be disabled or you can select Plenty, Moderate, or Minimal.
FANTASTICAL FEATURES: (once the puzzle has been selected)
-Trays: there are 4 Trays to sort pieces, which also shows the number of pieces within.
-Timer: keeps track of the time it takes to complete the puzzle
-Preview: Ghosts the image of the puzzle in the center.
-Recenter: I have no idea what this does, it doesn't organize pieces and the puzzle pieces snap into place on the board, so what exactly does it do?
-Shuffle: Shuffles puzzle pieces...why?
-All Pieces: I assume pieces in the trays are shown on the board.
-Zoom: you can also use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
-Hide: hides the above tabs.
FANTASTICAL OPTIONS (Swap-style Puzzle Mode)
-If jigsaws aren't your cup of tea, no worries, there are a ton of Swap Puzzle styles...some are very creative! You can choose the number of pieces, each style has a different amount of pieces available, ranging between 10-150 pieces.
-Shapes available: Bands, Circles & 1/2 Squares, Circles & 1/4 Squares, Circles & Squares, Circles & Stars, Concentric Circles, Concentric Rectangles, Double Bands, Double Split Squares, Double Strips, Octagon & Squares, Rectangle Landscape, Rectangles Portrait, Split Rectangles, Strips, Triple Bands, Triple Strips.
I do love many of the features, but as I said above, the jigsaw puzzles need some tweaking to brighten the puzzle pieces, and it needs a few features tweaked or added...however, for the normal casual Jigsaw player I think this will be the great game.
Do you miss the BF forums? If you do, I think you will love my new forum whether you are a hardcore gamer or you just want a place to chat, we've got you covered thewoodsforum.boards.net
Let's start with the things I think the game needs or things I didn't like because there aren't many!
-The 5 available Backgrounds are way too dark, even the light background option is a bit too dark.
-The puzzle pieces are too dark and it's nearly impossible to see the color variations or details (this seems to be the case with all new jigsaw devs)
-The "Preview" picture is way too dark, offering an opaqueness slider or % feature would solve this issue.
-There was no option to "grab" Border pieces only?
-It would be nice to have an option to organize the puzzle pieces neatly around the assembly board or preview picture.
-There are no options for large puzzles (400 piece max)
-There needs to be a folder or some type of indication for "saved" puzzles. The game does save your progress but the only way to find saved puzzles is to select the exact settings you started the puzzle with originally and a "Resume" tab will appear next to play (size, rotation, puzzle shape) Good luck remembering this!
-There is no option to create a puzzle using your own images. This option not only allows the player to choose their personal favorites, but it gives it a better value when the game is potentially endless!
-A personal request: a simple Square puzzle piece option (even better to be able to choose the size, such as 1/4" or 1/2" squares
FANTASTICAL OPTIONS (Jigsaw Puzzle Mode)
-There are 8 Categories, Scenery (15) Historic (26) Waters (18) Plants (9) Animals (14) Food (14) Rustic (13) Others (16)
-You can choose from several different puzzle shapes and the shape selected is displayed on the Image sample! Shapes Available: Animals, Artistic Cut, Blobs, Circle Jumbles, Circles & Squares, Concentric, Knobbed Triangles, Rectangle Jumble, Ripples, Shards, Sunburst Squares, Traditional, Warped Concentric, Warped Regular Traditional, Warped Traditional.
-Puzzles are available in different sizes, depending on the puzzle style but the largest seems to be only 400 pieces.
-Rotation options: Easy (only rotates 2 directions) Medium, Hard, or Off.
-Hints can be disabled or you can select Plenty, Moderate, or Minimal.
FANTASTICAL FEATURES: (once the puzzle has been selected)
-Trays: there are 4 Trays to sort pieces, which also shows the number of pieces within.
-Timer: keeps track of the time it takes to complete the puzzle
-Preview: Ghosts the image of the puzzle in the center.
-Recenter: I have no idea what this does, it doesn't organize pieces and the puzzle pieces snap into place on the board, so what exactly does it do?
-Shuffle: Shuffles puzzle pieces...why?
-All Pieces: I assume pieces in the trays are shown on the board.
-Zoom: you can also use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
-Hide: hides the above tabs.
FANTASTICAL OPTIONS (Swap-style Puzzle Mode)
-If jigsaws aren't your cup of tea, no worries, there are a ton of Swap Puzzle styles...some are very creative! You can choose the number of pieces, each style has a different amount of pieces available, ranging between 10-150 pieces.
-Shapes available: Bands, Circles & 1/2 Squares, Circles & 1/4 Squares, Circles & Squares, Circles & Stars, Concentric Circles, Concentric Rectangles, Double Bands, Double Split Squares, Double Strips, Octagon & Squares, Rectangle Landscape, Rectangles Portrait, Split Rectangles, Strips, Triple Bands, Triple Strips.
I do love many of the features, but as I said above, the jigsaw puzzles need some tweaking to brighten the puzzle pieces, and it needs a few features tweaked or added...however, for the normal casual Jigsaw player I think this will be the great game.
Do you miss the BF forums? If you do, I think you will love my new forum whether you are a hardcore gamer or you just want a place to chat, we've got you covered thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Tour ten European countries from the comfort of your home!
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 18 found this review helpful
I WISH THIS DEVELOPER WOULD OFFER A NATURE/ANIMAL-THEMED GAME
PostedOctober 17, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is a really good Hidden Object game but I'm so tired of the Travel-themed games, it's as if the developers can't think of a different subject! The graphics are really good, it's almost identical to the much-beloved Vacation Adventure series and I think it would be more popular as a nature-themed game, versus a travel-related game. They copied the format down to every single feature of Park Ranger so they may as well use the Park theme too, perhaps visiting scenes from popular parks across the country. If they used animals, or nature-related objects instead of random objects like Paper Bags, Tablets, Ropes, Spears, and Napkins the game would be way more appealing and it would capture both animal & nature lovers.
You can only play in a Relaxed Mode, there are no Timed options to search for 16 Listed Items, as you progress there are also Multiples of the Same Object Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Find & Replace Items, Descriptive Item Finds, and Placing Pictured Items Into the Scene. Items in "pink" text are hidden in or behind other objects (a magnifying glass appears over these areas) and items listed in "blue" are objects that require a task such as "search woman" which I found odd, especially when the task didn't directly involve the "woman" (don't worry, it was an airport security scene location) Each scene has two Zoom Zones that will appear and disappear as the objects shown on the list are found or added, collectibles can be found in the Zoom Zones as well.
You can only play in a Relaxed Mode, there are no Timed options to search for 16 Listed Items, as you progress there are also Multiples of the Same Object Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Find & Replace Items, Descriptive Item Finds, and Placing Pictured Items Into the Scene. Items in "pink" text are hidden in or behind other objects (a magnifying glass appears over these areas) and items listed in "blue" are objects that require a task such as "search woman" which I found odd, especially when the task didn't directly involve the "woman" (don't worry, it was an airport security scene location) Each scene has two Zoom Zones that will appear and disappear as the objects shown on the list are found or added, collectibles can be found in the Zoom Zones as well.
Each HO scene has a Collectible Raccoon, a Postage Stamp, a Suitcase Item, and 3 Silhouetted Shape Finds. You will earn a Red Star for completing the Hidden Object location, a Blue Star for finding all of the Silhouette Contours) and a Yellow Star for finding all of the Collectibles.
There is no Magnifying Glass or zoom enlargement feature but there is a Hint Feature that will show you the location of a single random object and a Super Hint feature that briefly shows you all remaining available items.
There is no Magnifying Glass or zoom enlargement feature but there is a Hint Feature that will show you the location of a single random object and a Super Hint feature that briefly shows you all remaining available items.
After each Hidden Object Scene, you will play a mini-game, such as Placing sections of a picture, dragging a white pool ball along tracks so that it touches all the pool balls without backtracking, Spot The Differences, and a Memory Match game where you had to match related items versus identical objects.
This Collector's Edition version has 30 HO Scenes, 8 Extra Hidden Object Scene Locations, 30 Mini-Games, 8 Extra Mini-games, 30 Suitcase Items, 30 Postage Stamps (in an Album) 8 Extra Postage Stamps, 12 Wallpapers, and 20 Music Soundtracks.
Come join us for tons of fun at my new Nature-themed gaming forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Develop your own tropical island in the south seas!
Overall rating
1
/
5
45 of 57 found this review helpful
AH, COCONUTS! THERE ARE SO MANY BUTTONS TO CLICK!
PostedOctober 17, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The only challenge here is trying to remember which buttons to click! A simplistic task, such as harvesting coconut trees requires multiple extra steps because you can't just click on the coconut tree to harvest coconuts. I have to click to assign a worker, click to extract the pulp, click to sell coconuts, click to sell coconut pulp, click on how many to sell, click another tab to collect money, etc. There are so many extra steps that it just becomes annoying to play.
As if this game wasn't enough to confuse the most seasoned of Time Management players, they threw in a task that made absolutely no sense. For some odd reason, we need to collect our coconuts and then turn the field into a Sandbox where we can eventually harvest seashells...WHY?
The only feature I liked was finding the opaque Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces some of which are hidden very well. If you miss finding the jigsaw puzzle piece you can replay the level to just search for the jigsaw puzzle piece and then exit. As long as you don't click on any task, the original score earned will remain intact and you will earn that level's puzzle piece!
There are 50 Main Levels and 5 Bonus Levels which are unlocked as you find the puzzle pieces:
Level 51 requires 10 Jigsaw Pieces
Level 52 requires 20 Jigsaw Pieces
Level 53 requires 30 Jigsaw Pieces
Level 54 requires 40 Jigsaw Pieces
Level 55 requires 50 Jigsaw Pieces
Level 52 requires 20 Jigsaw Pieces
Level 53 requires 30 Jigsaw Pieces
Level 54 requires 40 Jigsaw Pieces
Level 55 requires 50 Jigsaw Pieces
This CE version has 16 Achievements, 5 Music Soundtracks, 10 really boring Concept Art sketches, 50 Hidden Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces, 50 Levels, and a whole lotta cocoa-clicking tasks.
If you miss the BF forums then check out my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
If you miss the BF forums then check out my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.