pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4706
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:March 1, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you solve the mystery of the mansion?
Overall rating
1
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
DO I SEE THE WRITING ON THE WALL?
PostedNovember 6, 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
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
This isn't a good sign, do you remember when Mariaglorum Games released a similar style of games just before they closed their doors (League of Light: Growing Threat followed by Bonfire Stories: Manifest Horror) Some loved the new style, and some hated it but it was a sign, it was the Writing On The Wall so to speak and those were the last two games created by that developer! Although they are still in business, this same scenario happened to Brave Giant, the last couple of HOPAs they developed were lacking the quality we had come to expect. The Writing On The Wall was clear and shortly after, they stopped making HOPAs and opted for an easier market selling small casual games like Cat Lovescapes. The same could be said for Mad Head Games as well...man I miss them!
I can't help thinking Domini is creating its own demise! They are getting bad advice from BF and they refuse to listen to reviewers who are demanding better quality.
With that being said...I totally agree with Domini's decision to release a simple HOG, in fact, I suggested they do this! I suggested they designate a portion of their team to create simple HOGs to fulfill their contract needs between creating HOPAs of better quality...Quality NOT Quantity!
I do think they made a tragic mistake when they debuted this as a CE version rather than just releasing it as a SE. I truly believe Domini is one of the best HOPA developers that entered the market (they used to be on my top 3 list back in the day) I know what they are capable of! Clearly, they are just being pushed by BF to spew out games at a reckless pace which is burning out Domini's creative spark! SLOW DOWN the break-neck pace of releasing a new series every week, throw out some filler HOGs as a distraction so you can focus on creating a HOPA of the same quality as you did in the beginning...Change The Writing On The Wall!
Obviously, this is just a Hidden Object Game (HOG) and not the usual Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) Unlike the title suggests, there are only 10 Doors to explore, perhaps this is by design and the plan is to explore 10 additional doors on the sequel? Each Door has a different story related to Fairies, Witches, Detectives, etc. There are no voiceovers, as a matter of fact, there is no sound or music whatsoever as you read the dialog boxes which seems awkward as if something isn't working correctly but I'm pretty sure it's intentional.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
There are a total of 52 Hidden Object Scenes, 99% of which are HOs that were previously offered in other Domini games. The HO's vary from scene to scene with Listed Item Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Progressive-Interactive Finds, Spot the Difference Finds, Matching Pairs, Descriptive Clue Finds, Find & Replace, and Fill in the Blanks (? + ? =__) or Combo Finds where you find objects that are created when you combine 2 different objects.
MINI-GAMES:
There are only 11 Mini-games and their solutions are the only thing shown within the Strategy Guide. Although the graphics have been changed, they are basically the same games we've played hundreds of times, such as Connecting Gears of matching colors without overlapping paths, Moving Glowing Spheres along tracks, Navigational Maps, Moving Blocks, Hex-shaped puzzles, or rotating candles correctly. There is an option to select Easy or Difficult before the start of each Mini-game.
BONUS CHAPTER (CE Version only)
The Bonus Chapter contains 4 additional Doors each offering 4 Hidden Object Scenes and a final Mini-game at the end of each chapter or door.
CE EXTRAs (CE version only)
10 Wallpapers, 7 Concept Art, 5 Music, and a Strategy Guide that only shows the solution for the Mini Games. Because the CE content is so basic, I cannot recommend this version, but I do recommend the SE version.
Like most of you, I too missed the BF forums so I created my own forum! Come join us (it's Free!) and reconnect with familiar friends, join group Adventure games, access handy Game Series Lists, find gaming help & share tips, or just chillax by the campfire and enjoy nature at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I can't help thinking Domini is creating its own demise! They are getting bad advice from BF and they refuse to listen to reviewers who are demanding better quality.
With that being said...I totally agree with Domini's decision to release a simple HOG, in fact, I suggested they do this! I suggested they designate a portion of their team to create simple HOGs to fulfill their contract needs between creating HOPAs of better quality...Quality NOT Quantity!
I do think they made a tragic mistake when they debuted this as a CE version rather than just releasing it as a SE. I truly believe Domini is one of the best HOPA developers that entered the market (they used to be on my top 3 list back in the day) I know what they are capable of! Clearly, they are just being pushed by BF to spew out games at a reckless pace which is burning out Domini's creative spark! SLOW DOWN the break-neck pace of releasing a new series every week, throw out some filler HOGs as a distraction so you can focus on creating a HOPA of the same quality as you did in the beginning...Change The Writing On The Wall!
Obviously, this is just a Hidden Object Game (HOG) and not the usual Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (HOPA) Unlike the title suggests, there are only 10 Doors to explore, perhaps this is by design and the plan is to explore 10 additional doors on the sequel? Each Door has a different story related to Fairies, Witches, Detectives, etc. There are no voiceovers, as a matter of fact, there is no sound or music whatsoever as you read the dialog boxes which seems awkward as if something isn't working correctly but I'm pretty sure it's intentional.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
There are a total of 52 Hidden Object Scenes, 99% of which are HOs that were previously offered in other Domini games. The HO's vary from scene to scene with Listed Item Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Progressive-Interactive Finds, Spot the Difference Finds, Matching Pairs, Descriptive Clue Finds, Find & Replace, and Fill in the Blanks (? + ? =__) or Combo Finds where you find objects that are created when you combine 2 different objects.
MINI-GAMES:
There are only 11 Mini-games and their solutions are the only thing shown within the Strategy Guide. Although the graphics have been changed, they are basically the same games we've played hundreds of times, such as Connecting Gears of matching colors without overlapping paths, Moving Glowing Spheres along tracks, Navigational Maps, Moving Blocks, Hex-shaped puzzles, or rotating candles correctly. There is an option to select Easy or Difficult before the start of each Mini-game.
BONUS CHAPTER (CE Version only)
The Bonus Chapter contains 4 additional Doors each offering 4 Hidden Object Scenes and a final Mini-game at the end of each chapter or door.
CE EXTRAs (CE version only)
10 Wallpapers, 7 Concept Art, 5 Music, and a Strategy Guide that only shows the solution for the Mini Games. Because the CE content is so basic, I cannot recommend this version, but I do recommend the SE version.
Like most of you, I too missed the BF forums so I created my own forum! Come join us (it's Free!) and reconnect with familiar friends, join group Adventure games, access handy Game Series Lists, find gaming help & share tips, or just chillax by the campfire and enjoy nature at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
A race against time to stop an evil witch from destroying a magical forest!
Overall rating
3
/
5
39 of 51 found this review helpful
IT'S PRETTY DIFFICULT TO EARN ALL 3 SPIDERS ON SOME OF THE LEVELS
PostedNovember 6, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I played the demo of the CE version in Limited Moves Mode and I played this SE version in the Limited Time mode and noticed that it's more difficult to earn all 3 Spiders on many of the levels. When I played the Limited Moves Mode I was lucky to have a few moves left so I figured the dev was just a bit stingy with the number of moves they dished out, but on the Timed Mode, I usually had at least 2-minutes remaining but never earned the third Spider! How much time, or how many moves have to be remaining to earn that 3rd Spider? It sure would be nice to know how the scoring works, at this rate I'll never make it to the Expert option of play!
They finally fixed the large screen compatibility issue, the music soundtrack issue that used to stop playing or freeze up for several seconds in each loop, and they improved the graphics for the characters which used to look like a creepy claymation cartoon. They did add a "skip conversation" button but it only seemed to work after a few sentences appeared in a slightly faster manner which doesn't really qualify as a "skip conversation" feature which should just move on to the next window.
You can play in a Casual or Expert Mode and then choose between a Timeless Mode, a Timed Mode, or a Limited Moves Mode. There are 14 Achievements to earn and 21 House Repairs that cost between 100 and 55,000 Coins to purchase. As stated above, you can earn up to 3 Spiders per level but I haven't figured out what the criteria are for earning the 3rd Spider because, in the CE version, I had 24 moves left on level 5 and met all the goals yet only earned 2 Spiders, and I played Limited Time on this SE version & still didn't earn 3 spiders so maybe it is a points issue?
They finally fixed the large screen compatibility issue, the music soundtrack issue that used to stop playing or freeze up for several seconds in each loop, and they improved the graphics for the characters which used to look like a creepy claymation cartoon. They did add a "skip conversation" button but it only seemed to work after a few sentences appeared in a slightly faster manner which doesn't really qualify as a "skip conversation" feature which should just move on to the next window.
You can play in a Casual or Expert Mode and then choose between a Timeless Mode, a Timed Mode, or a Limited Moves Mode. There are 14 Achievements to earn and 21 House Repairs that cost between 100 and 55,000 Coins to purchase. As stated above, you can earn up to 3 Spiders per level but I haven't figured out what the criteria are for earning the 3rd Spider because, in the CE version, I had 24 moves left on level 5 and met all the goals yet only earned 2 Spiders, and I played Limited Time on this SE version & still didn't earn 3 spiders so maybe it is a points issue?
Large Matches award you with a Small or Large Pumpkin Bomb, Column/Row Destroyers, or Triple Column/Row Destroyers (depending on the direction the original match was made, either vertically or horizontally) as well as a Column & Row x3 Destroyer. There are 3 Bonuses available for unlimited use but they have to recharge between uses, a Hint to show you an available move, a Shuffle feature, and a Hammer to destroy a single chosen tile. TIP: when swiping a powerup into position, try to swipe it to a regular cell because if it is placed on a gold cell, it will clear every cell except the one it was swiped to (it won't clear the gold cell it is placed upon)
There are several Obstacles to overcome or unusual features, and most levels have several variations available. I felt they are worthy of adding to my review so you can see the benefits of the game.
-Single Brown Tiles: requires a single match on the tile to remove.
-Double Purple Tiles: requires two matches on the tile to remove.
-Rocks/Double/Triple Rocks: requires 1-3 adjacent matches to destroy.
-Board Keys: requires dropping off the board to unlock the giant Lock.
-Star Essence/Covered Essence: requires an adjacent match to collect.
-Weights/Dynamite: requires dropping weights to trigger the dynamite explosion.
-Exploding Tiles: requires an adjacent match to detonate.
-Exploding Rune Locks: requires matches of the selected Rune.
-Rune Locks: locks some tiles, requires matches of selected tiles.
-Defended Exploder: requires an adjacent match on unprotected sides.
-Levers: require an adjacent match to change areas of the board.
-Chain/Double Chain Generator: converts nearby tiles to chained tiles.
-Infinite Exploder: requires adjacent matches to explode, again & again.
-Corrupted Tiles: morph and requires an adjacent match when non-corrupted.
-Fog Tiles: requires adjacent match.
-Frozen Tiles: requires spreading fire with adjacent matches.
-Fire Source: spreads by making adjacent matches.
-Fire Source Spawner: requires an adjacent match on any unprotected side.
-Chained/Double Chained Tiles: requires a match of the chained tile.
-Dart Thrower: adjacent match shoots a dart in the direction shown.
-Fire-Breathing Tiles: requires a manual adjacent match to explode,
-Rainbow Tiles: matches any tile matched manually.
-Achilles Heel: requires an adjacent match on the unprotected side.
-Flip-Flop Tiles: morphs between Weak & strong (#'s count down then up)
-Double Purple Tiles: requires two matches on the tile to remove.
-Rocks/Double/Triple Rocks: requires 1-3 adjacent matches to destroy.
-Board Keys: requires dropping off the board to unlock the giant Lock.
-Star Essence/Covered Essence: requires an adjacent match to collect.
-Weights/Dynamite: requires dropping weights to trigger the dynamite explosion.
-Exploding Tiles: requires an adjacent match to detonate.
-Exploding Rune Locks: requires matches of the selected Rune.
-Rune Locks: locks some tiles, requires matches of selected tiles.
-Defended Exploder: requires an adjacent match on unprotected sides.
-Levers: require an adjacent match to change areas of the board.
-Chain/Double Chain Generator: converts nearby tiles to chained tiles.
-Infinite Exploder: requires adjacent matches to explode, again & again.
-Corrupted Tiles: morph and requires an adjacent match when non-corrupted.
-Fog Tiles: requires adjacent match.
-Frozen Tiles: requires spreading fire with adjacent matches.
-Fire Source: spreads by making adjacent matches.
-Fire Source Spawner: requires an adjacent match on any unprotected side.
-Chained/Double Chained Tiles: requires a match of the chained tile.
-Dart Thrower: adjacent match shoots a dart in the direction shown.
-Fire-Breathing Tiles: requires a manual adjacent match to explode,
-Rainbow Tiles: matches any tile matched manually.
-Achilles Heel: requires an adjacent match on the unprotected side.
-Flip-Flop Tiles: morphs between Weak & strong (#'s count down then up)
After playing a few levels, a puzzle or mini-game becomes available, varying between Jigsaw Puzzles, Slider Blocks, Pipe Connections, or Memory Match Games.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
14 Achievements, Wallpapers, 66 Bonus Levels, 5 additional Jigsaw Puzzles, 10 additional Block Slider puzzles, 10 additional Pipe Connection puzzles, and exclusive mini-games according to the BF synopsis...however...you are required to play at least 30 levels before you can access any of the CE content! I don't appreciate the "buy it to find out what and how much you will get scenario"
14 Achievements, Wallpapers, 66 Bonus Levels, 5 additional Jigsaw Puzzles, 10 additional Block Slider puzzles, 10 additional Pipe Connection puzzles, and exclusive mini-games according to the BF synopsis...however...you are required to play at least 30 levels before you can access any of the CE content! I don't appreciate the "buy it to find out what and how much you will get scenario"
Like most of you, I too missed the BF forums so I created my own forum! Come join us (it's Free!) and reconnect with familiar friends, join group Adventure games, access handy Game Series Lists, find gaming help & share tips, or just chillax by the campfire and enjoy nature at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Transform your garden with the epic beauty of nature!
Overall rating
5
/
5
161 of 189 found this review helpful
TINY LITTLE LION SHOULD CONSIDER CHANGING ITS NAME CUZ THIS LION'S ALL GROWN UP & PACKS A MIGHTY ROAR!
PostedNovember 5, 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
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Other developers are surely taking notice of the new kid on the block, a developer who has already mastered the art of Hidden Object Games! Tiny Little Lion pounced into the BF pond with one of the best Hidden Object Games in decades (I Love Finding Cats) and just when we thought they couldn't possibly top our beloved animal-themed Hidden Object series...[insert ominous ROAR] along comes Nature Escapes!
The graphics are not only beautiful but crystal clear even when you zoom or use the Magnifying Glass features! This is the only HO game I know of that mastered the art of Zoom. You can scroll to enlarge the scene, or use the Magnifying Glass to search small areas and the best part is that a simple right-click prompts the magnifier which doesn't disappear once you find an object like most games...and all you have to do is right-click a second time to flick it away instantly. You can also zoom the entire scene & use the magnifier even within the Zoom Zones, a feature many devs tend to overlook. In reality, most HO fans are aging and in my opinion, this is o must-have feature!
There are no Timers or Misclick penalties but you will earn more points for making fast consecutive finds (Combo x1, x2, x3, x4, etc.) and you'll earn more points if you don't use the Hint feature. Even though you aren't racing against the clock, you will earn a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Star depending on how many points you earn, so making combos is vital.
Each scene has a hidden Polaroid Picture that converts to Coins which allows you to purchase 20 Plants & Flowers in the My Garden Section. You can even choose where to place the plants or select multiple's of the same plant! You can click the Camera icon to take a picture of your arrangement as well.
Each scene also has 3 Shapeshifting Morphing Objects that are incredibly well blended, they morph at a perfect pace and can be quite challenging to spot! (morphs can appear in Zoom Zones too) Each Morph found converts to a flower you can plant in the wild, in the Nature Album. After "planting" you will receive 3 puzzle pieces for each morph found and you simply drag the puzzle piece to the correct spot on the picture. Once a flower has been completed, that picture becomes available as a Wallpaper.
After every HO Scene, you will play a mini-game, one of which I'm hoping was a teaser of a coloring game in the making where you click & hold an area on the canvas and drag the area to paint it. There are also Rotating Puzzle Piece games and one I have never really come across before where you have to drag colored squares to a grid according to the shade, from light to dark across a row. When you complete a row of colors, the row reveals an image row by road.
My only suggestion is that I think the CE version needs to have a Strategy Guide that shows the location of the collectibles & morphs. If not a SG, perhaps a Hint Button for just the Collectibles & Morphs?
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
24 Wallpapers, 16 pictures of the Developer's personal Plants, 11 Music Soundtracks, 18 Main Scene Locations +6 Extra Bonus Locations, 72 Shapeshifting Morphs, (54 in the Main Locations + 18 in the CE bonus locations) 24 Polaroid Pictures (18 in the main locations +6 in the CE bonus levels) 20 Flowers & Plants to purchase (Polaroid pictures found are converted to coins to purchase flowers & plants, 5 CE Extra Flowers, 24 Flower Fun Facts.
24 Wallpapers, 16 pictures of the Developer's personal Plants, 11 Music Soundtracks, 18 Main Scene Locations +6 Extra Bonus Locations, 72 Shapeshifting Morphs, (54 in the Main Locations + 18 in the CE bonus locations) 24 Polaroid Pictures (18 in the main locations +6 in the CE bonus levels) 20 Flowers & Plants to purchase (Polaroid pictures found are converted to coins to purchase flowers & plants, 5 CE Extra Flowers, 24 Flower Fun Facts.
Miss the BF forums?
Like most of you, I too missed the BF forums so I created The Woods Forum so everyone could enjoy all the benefits of a community built by like-minded gamers. Reconnect with friends, join group play games, check out the Game Series Lists, find gaming help & share tips, or just chillax by the campfire and enjoy nature at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Follow the heroic Theseus on his adventure through ancient Greece!
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 53 found this review helpful
THIS GAME ALREADY MADE IT TO THE #2 SLOT...THAT SAYS IT ALL!
PostedNovember 4, 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
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The Adventures of Theseus is the third game in this series and in my opinion, is the cream of the crop! Match 3 games seem to be a hit or miss lately but this turned out to be a decent game with all kinds of interesting features to hold your interest, such as clearing a path for Delphi or dropping tools to collect resources that are used to build the Altar of Athens!
There are 3 Modes of difficulty, Bronze/Easy with a 30-second hint/skip feature and no timer, Silver/Medium a 500-second Timed option with a 60-second hint/skip feature, and Gold/Hard a 300-second Timed option with no available hints/skips.
Each level goal requires making matches over all Gold Cells, and you must collect a specified amount of each resource shown at the top. Collecting resources is a two-part scenario. First, you drop the tools to the resource by making matches under them, such as a Sickle to harvest Wheat, a Pickax to collect Stone, or an Axe to chop Wood. (once the tool has dropped close enough to the resource, the tool icon can simply be dragged when it displays a downward arrow on the icon)
After using the tools, the resources are ready to be harvested/collected by making adjacent matches. The collected resources are then used to build the Altar of Athens...a much more realistic method than simply earning amulets to build a glittering "world" which is the typical MO from the developer who releases one cookie-cutter game after another here on BF...this is definitely a welcome change of pace!
Bombs appear on the board when you make large matches and can be swiped to detonate. Powerups eventually become available as you progress. You must first fill the powerup by collecting its designated icon with a single click.
-Athena's Blessing (Owls) destroys tiles/obstacles in a Snowflake formation.
-Herme's Blessing (Caduceus) destroys a 2-tile range.
-Poseidon's Blessing (Trident) destroys a row of tiles/obstacles.
-Apollo's Blessing (Lyre) destroys a column of tiles/obstacles
-Aphrodite's Blessing (Shell) destroys tiles/obstacles diagonally
-Dionysus Blessing (Leaves, Grapes?) destroys a 3-tile range
-Zeus's Blessing (Eagle) destroys all of the same kinds of icons.
Obstacles include Wood Crates, Stone Blocks, Chains, Conveyor Belts, Collections where you need to collect a specified number of a specified icon, and one of my favorites is Dead Items where you must clear a path to the meeting point and then destroy the remaining items that are covered in bones!
To break up the monotony, there are several mini-games or puzzles so clearly, this game has a ton of options and features to keep even seasoned Match 3 players happy!
Speaking of happiness, join us at The Woods Forum for some great conversation with fellow BF gamers at thewoodsforum.boards.net
-Herme's Blessing (Caduceus) destroys a 2-tile range.
-Poseidon's Blessing (Trident) destroys a row of tiles/obstacles.
-Apollo's Blessing (Lyre) destroys a column of tiles/obstacles
-Aphrodite's Blessing (Shell) destroys tiles/obstacles diagonally
-Dionysus Blessing (Leaves, Grapes?) destroys a 3-tile range
-Zeus's Blessing (Eagle) destroys all of the same kinds of icons.
Obstacles include Wood Crates, Stone Blocks, Chains, Conveyor Belts, Collections where you need to collect a specified number of a specified icon, and one of my favorites is Dead Items where you must clear a path to the meeting point and then destroy the remaining items that are covered in bones!
To break up the monotony, there are several mini-games or puzzles so clearly, this game has a ton of options and features to keep even seasoned Match 3 players happy!
Speaking of happiness, join us at The Woods Forum for some great conversation with fellow BF gamers at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Can you stop an ancient evil and escape in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
48 of 55 found this review helpful
I LOVE HALLOWEEN & THIS GAME HIT THE MARK FOR ME!
PostedNovember 4, 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
3
/
5
Completed Game in approximately 4 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Main Game Scene Locations +6 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
18 Main Game Scene Locations +6 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
I may be the odd man out here, but actually think this is a decent game. I wasn't bored, I found the tasks to be less mundane than most Elephant Games because I wasn't constantly being tasked with placing a gazillion emblems and motifs. I've always loved the graphics and atmospheres this developer creates so naturally I have no complaints there. The only reason I'm not 5-staring this game is that the storyline was hard to keep up with at times; it seems fragmented and rely's on the player to fill in too many missing blanks to get into the plot, but maybe that was just my take?
HELPER/GADGETS:
There are NO gadgets or Helpers however, for some reason, as a Mystic you have a secret revealing potion that can also reveal your "Pet Spirit" in a mirror. Why? This made the game seem less credible! Again, it's hard to understand the plot when you are supposed to be a Cold-Case-solving Mystic who delves into the supernatural...a game with a dark, creepy, mystical vibe, a fairly believable scenario until I summoned a pet monster in my handy-dandy mirror! Thankfully, my pet doesn't require interactions and I'm pretty sure they threw this feature in to make it less intense (evil-demon-wise)
There are NO gadgets or Helpers however, for some reason, as a Mystic you have a secret revealing potion that can also reveal your "Pet Spirit" in a mirror. Why? This made the game seem less credible! Again, it's hard to understand the plot when you are supposed to be a Cold-Case-solving Mystic who delves into the supernatural...a game with a dark, creepy, mystical vibe, a fairly believable scenario until I summoned a pet monster in my handy-dandy mirror! Thankfully, my pet doesn't require interactions and I'm pretty sure they threw this feature in to make it less intense (evil-demon-wise)
MORPHING OBJECTS/COLLECTIBLES: (CE version only)
There are 24 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments that allow you to assemble 2 different Mosaic-type Puzzles in the Puzzle Room. There are 12 Collectible Items to adorn your Haunted Castle, each item has a brief description as well. These CE extras are certainly unimpressive! Most of you know that I fell in love with Elephant Games when I first started playing HOPAs. Once I discovered my first Morphing Object while playing Mystery Trackers: The Void, I became obsessed with them and searched high & low to find games that had morphing objects. I soon realized that other than the original Dark Parables games, this developer had the best Morphs, hands-down! The objects morphed slowly and were never obvious because they changed into something similar that complimented the scene's theme, such as a single window pane, a small area of a painting, or a weather vane.
There are 24 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments that allow you to assemble 2 different Mosaic-type Puzzles in the Puzzle Room. There are 12 Collectible Items to adorn your Haunted Castle, each item has a brief description as well. These CE extras are certainly unimpressive! Most of you know that I fell in love with Elephant Games when I first started playing HOPAs. Once I discovered my first Morphing Object while playing Mystery Trackers: The Void, I became obsessed with them and searched high & low to find games that had morphing objects. I soon realized that other than the original Dark Parables games, this developer had the best Morphs, hands-down! The objects morphed slowly and were never obvious because they changed into something similar that complimented the scene's theme, such as a single window pane, a small area of a painting, or a weather vane.
Eventually, this developer started getting lazy and the once amazing Morphs stuck out like a sore thumb because they became huge in size, morphed at a break-neck pace, and turned into out-of-place objects like a white baseball, the size of a baby elephant, sitting in the middle of the emerald-green lawn of an ancient haunted mansion! Morphs simply became "clickables" not collectibles and it was no longer a challenge and certainly wasn't something to look forward to like they were in previous games.
HOPA Fans noticed the difference and we begged for the return of quality Morphs, a feature that made us loyal Elephant Games fans in the first place! Instead of making improvements to this once beloved feature, they simply abandoned Morphs altogether! Nothing says "I don't care about you" better than removing a beloved feature, right? Show us you really do care about your fans, show us you care about the quality that once was. Bring back Morphs with the same quality and passion that inspired us to seek out your games in the past to get our HOPA Morphing Object fix!
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied and what I am noticing from this developer in the last few games, is a marked improvement. The objects are smaller and less obvious which shows they are clearly making an attempt to blend the objects into the scenery by choosing objects that will blend into the scene rather than stick out like a sore thumb. In the past I could literally find 95% of the objects without even looking at the list, they were that obvious...but now I'm having to actually "search" versus having a free for all clickfest! (why can't they apply this method to the Morphing Object scenario?) There are Listed Item Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Symbols or Matching Symbols, Find & Replace Scenes, Multiples or Pairs (such as finding specific colored handprints), and Keywords in Sentence Finds as well as a handful of smaller Zoom Zone HO's. There are no alternate games available in lieu of the HOs.
.
MINI-GAMES/PUZZLES:
I've always been a fan of this developer's style of puzzles which tend to be mechanical, or require thinking several steps ahead to solve. This time, many of the puzzles are actually just that...variations of jigsaws, and surprisingly, some were a tad challenging like when you had to recreate a picture by rotating octagonal-shaped pieces on a honeycomb grid! For the most part, they did a good job putting twists on standard do-over games to make them Halloween-themed or at least character-related, but they could have been more challenging like the mechanical-style puzzles are.
The Hidden Object Scenes are varied and what I am noticing from this developer in the last few games, is a marked improvement. The objects are smaller and less obvious which shows they are clearly making an attempt to blend the objects into the scenery by choosing objects that will blend into the scene rather than stick out like a sore thumb. In the past I could literally find 95% of the objects without even looking at the list, they were that obvious...but now I'm having to actually "search" versus having a free for all clickfest! (why can't they apply this method to the Morphing Object scenario?) There are Listed Item Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Symbols or Matching Symbols, Find & Replace Scenes, Multiples or Pairs (such as finding specific colored handprints), and Keywords in Sentence Finds as well as a handful of smaller Zoom Zone HO's. There are no alternate games available in lieu of the HOs.
.
MINI-GAMES/PUZZLES:
I've always been a fan of this developer's style of puzzles which tend to be mechanical, or require thinking several steps ahead to solve. This time, many of the puzzles are actually just that...variations of jigsaws, and surprisingly, some were a tad challenging like when you had to recreate a picture by rotating octagonal-shaped pieces on a honeycomb grid! For the most part, they did a good job putting twists on standard do-over games to make them Halloween-themed or at least character-related, but they could have been more challenging like the mechanical-style puzzles are.
BONUS CHAPTER: (Collector's Edition version only)
The town is celebrating Adamini Castle's newest resident. Theresa's inheritance of a giant castle pales in comparison to what lies ahead, a deceiving Fiancee with ulterior motives! Turns out her "dearly beloved" was only interested in resurrecting the "not so beloved" Evil Castle Spirit so she seeks the help of her mystic grandmother, Agatha. There are 6 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the remaining 3 Haunted items and 6 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments which allow you to complete the final puzzle in the Puzzle Room. After completing the Bonus Chapter the Secret Room becomes available which allows you to search for any missing collectibles. The Archives Room becomes available as well, allowing you to replay 14 Hidden Object Scenes and 13 Mini-Games.
The town is celebrating Adamini Castle's newest resident. Theresa's inheritance of a giant castle pales in comparison to what lies ahead, a deceiving Fiancee with ulterior motives! Turns out her "dearly beloved" was only interested in resurrecting the "not so beloved" Evil Castle Spirit so she seeks the help of her mystic grandmother, Agatha. There are 6 additional Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the remaining 3 Haunted items and 6 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments which allow you to complete the final puzzle in the Puzzle Room. After completing the Bonus Chapter the Secret Room becomes available which allows you to search for any missing collectibles. The Archives Room becomes available as well, allowing you to replay 14 Hidden Object Scenes and 13 Mini-Games.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS:
7 Wallpapers, ZERO video movie sequences, 2 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 21 Achievements, 12 Collectible Haunted Castle Items (with descriptions) 24 Zoom Zone Jigsaw Puzzle Fragments to assemble 2 Jigsaws, Archives to replay 13 Mini-Games & 14 Hidden Object Scenes, a Secret Room which allows you to return to the scenes to search for missed collectibles, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
7 Wallpapers, ZERO video movie sequences, 2 Screensavers, 4 Music Soundtracks, 21 Achievements, 12 Collectible Haunted Castle Items (with descriptions) 24 Zoom Zone Jigsaw Puzzle Fragments to assemble 2 Jigsaws, Archives to replay 13 Mini-Games & 14 Hidden Object Scenes, a Secret Room which allows you to return to the scenes to search for missed collectibles, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Miss the forums and familiar friends? Come join us at my new forum for game talk, general chats, and great company at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Visit a brand-new fantasy world where your decisions matter!
Overall rating
3
/
5
152 of 173 found this review helpful
DAD ASKED ME FOR A PEN SO I RAN OUTSIDE, SHOT A HOLE IN HIS BOAT, CAUGHT SOME FIREFLIES, REPAIRED THE WELL & 3 SCENES LATER RETURNED WITH A QUILL?
PostedNovember 3, 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
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Completed Game:
Nope, couldn't even finish the 1st chapter!
21 Main Game Scene Locations +7 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range:
Suited for those who have never played a great HOPA from yesteryear only-OR for seasoned players who ran out of other things to do, like organize their closet, paint the bedroom, or sit in the line at the BMV.
Nope, couldn't even finish the 1st chapter!
21 Main Game Scene Locations +7 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range:
Suited for those who have never played a great HOPA from yesteryear only-OR for seasoned players who ran out of other things to do, like organize their closet, paint the bedroom, or sit in the line at the BMV.
Right off the bat, I get a pop-up window telling me "If you pay attention you can find interesting things" Then a large pointer says "Take This" and points to Evelyn's scarf...or so I thought. I clicked on the scarf, and I clicked on the gem holding the scarf but nothing happened. I started randomly clicking anything and everything, I practically clicked every single eyelash on this poor maiden's face, and still, nothing happened. Alas, turns out you have to close the window first! Was that supposed to be the interesting part?
The next thing you know, I've been involved in an accident...in the middle of the forest, not a soul in sight...except for that unfortunate Bard, man, he came out of nowhere! All's good, not only is the Bard good-looking, but he's pretty agile too, considering I just ran him over with a 1200-pound horse! So I bring the Bouncy Bard home to meet dad but he doesn't make a particularly good first impression when the Po-po bangs on the Pa-pa's door to issue a BOLO.
I get another pop-up at pops place to explain that Dialog Choices have an input on the game's storyline. Now, THIS is interesting! Well, the concept isn't really interesting, what IS interesting is the fact that the Strategy guide doesn't show an alternate plot at any point which can only mean one thing...the only plot alteration is the immediate response given depending on which choice you made...the plot UNthickens...
After "remaining silent" I'm faced with yet another pop-up window to explain another amazing feature...surely, this will be a cutting-edge feature... I shiver with anticipation! Hmmm, there's an arrow pointing to the Morphing Collectible explaining that "some items should be assembled" Wait, WHAT! my morphing "Useful Trinkets" requires assembly? How cool is that! With a steady finger on my Mouse, both feet planted squarely on the floor to brace myself for incredible happenings, I carefully click on the trinket and you'll never guess what happened...literally, you'll never guess because nothing actually happened? Did it just assemble itself? Was I being punished for not having the bounce-back Bard's back?
What a letdown, so I say to myself "Self, let's take a break and spend some hard-earned Gold to buy items for my Boudoir" (okay, a little bit of an exaggeration, they are actually Gold-colored Leaves..were you expecting Forest-dwellers to use actual gold as currency? Gold doesn't grow on trees ya know, but leaves do!) WOW-wee-WOW my Boudoir is HUGE! Oh crap, this isn't my Boudoir, this is my log cabin living room... must be a typo? Awe, I can buy an adorable kitty for just a handful of leaves! As I carefully count my leaves, praying for kitty's sake that they didn't crumble to dust in my pocket, I notice something odd and confusing. The description says I'm purchasing a Black Cat but I want the adorable Grey Tabby shown snuggling up in a ball on the sofa...surely this is a "Bait & Switch Scam"?!
Obviously, Domini Games is desperate to redeem itself from a whole slew of subpar game offerings of late. Clearly, they are just coming up with new series by simply re-titling games and now they are taking it one step further by pretending to offer new & exciting features within the games when in reality, they are bogus.
The last 10 or so games have been riddled with glitches, and typo's that are actually occurring because they copy/pasted features from the previous game and didn't bother to match the name with the feature. The last game had 3 different names for the featured collectible in 3 different places (the Extra's menu-the pull-out tab-strategy guide) and this game is riddled with oversights as well.
We don't want "shiny" we just want a game that challenges us a bit, makes us have to think about what to do next, a game that isn't cloned over & over...just like the games that were created when Domini first jumped into the BF pond! What happened to your pride Domini? Why can't you break the mold to create something better than the 2.5 average rating games you keep offering? We prefer quality over quantity...have you read any of your reviews? How many reviewers have to say they gave up on your games and will just go replay an older game...that say's it ALL!
Collectibles/Morphing Objects (CE version only)
There are 14 Morphing Useful Trinkets, 14 Magical Beasts, and 70 Zoom Zone Leaves that are used to purchase 14 Boudoir Items (the Boudoir is actually a living room in a log cabin) and the black cat is actually a grey tabby but whose keeping track?
There are 14 Morphing Useful Trinkets, 14 Magical Beasts, and 70 Zoom Zone Leaves that are used to purchase 14 Boudoir Items (the Boudoir is actually a living room in a log cabin) and the black cat is actually a grey tabby but whose keeping track?
Hidden Object Scenes:
The Hidden Object Scenes were varied, such as Keywords in Sentence Finds which was very difficult to find objects on a black stone with sketches made of white chalk, not to mention that the correct object didn't seem to correlate with the description. I did enjoy the HO where you had to find items on a picture map as riddled descriptions (? + ? = Tools of a Woodcutter) and the next item was related to the first one but had the first word filled in, such as, Axe + ? = Tools of the Woodcutter. I think they missed the make a tad bit by attempting to make it more challenging, the objects weren't very sensible most of the time. There are also several smaller Zoom Zone HO's where you were tasked with finding 6 Silhouetted Shapes shown.
The Hidden Object Scenes were varied, such as Keywords in Sentence Finds which was very difficult to find objects on a black stone with sketches made of white chalk, not to mention that the correct object didn't seem to correlate with the description. I did enjoy the HO where you had to find items on a picture map as riddled descriptions (? + ? = Tools of a Woodcutter) and the next item was related to the first one but had the first word filled in, such as, Axe + ? = Tools of the Woodcutter. I think they missed the make a tad bit by attempting to make it more challenging, the objects weren't very sensible most of the time. There are also several smaller Zoom Zone HO's where you were tasked with finding 6 Silhouetted Shapes shown.
Alternate Match 3 Game:
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. It's the same M3 game, the same boards, the same icons offered in every game. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type once in a while???
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene. It's the same M3 game, the same boards, the same icons offered in every game. Why not at least change the icons or the M3 type once in a while???
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
15 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 35 Movie Video Cutscenes, 41 Achievements, 21 Replayable Mini-Games, 21 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 14 Morphing Useful Trinkets, 14 Magical Beasts, and 70 Zoom Zone Leaves that are used to purchase 14 Boudoir Items, 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
15 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 35 Movie Video Cutscenes, 41 Achievements, 21 Replayable Mini-Games, 21 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 14 Morphing Useful Trinkets, 14 Magical Beasts, and 70 Zoom Zone Leaves that are used to purchase 14 Boudoir Items, 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
If you miss the BF forums, fear not! Come to my new forum which has even more features to enjoy, including game help & chats, Series Lists, Group Play Adventure Games, and lots of familiar names...not to mention a few hungry Bears who love smores! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
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.