pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4712
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:April 24, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Detective Riddles: Sherlock's Heritage
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of the true detective! Solve all the villain's riddles! A True Detective Griddlers!
Overall rating
3
/
5
57 of 64 found this review helpful
Did I Solve The Case? What Case Did I Solve?
PostedMay 19, 2015
pennmom36
fromWhat's with the howling wolf, does it have anything to do with my mystery case?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I don't understand why these games of late are making it sound as if you are solving a mystery of some sort. From what I can tell, there isn't a storyline of any kind, just dark backgrounds with a chimpanzee who can apparently fly because he has a set of wings. As far as the tutorial goes, I experienced the opposite of what Logiebaby commented on. I didn't find an option at all for the tutorial, I usually opt for the tutorial so I can critique it. I played both the Beginner training levels and the Expert training single level and neither one showed me how to play this Griddler puzzle, it just gave me 5 x 5 easy grids to play. If I didn't know how to play this type of puzzle, I would have to figure it out on my own, so why bother? If you are new to this type of game, I would suggest passing on this one, the tutorial isn't very informative and the grids progress quickly, the storyline is nonexistent, the grids only have one basic color, and the final picture often leaves you scratching your head as you try to figure out what it represents.
Griddlers or Mosaic puzzles require you to fill in squares on grids of different sizes. There are numbers on each column and row, and each set of numbers must be separated by at least one empty cell. If the grid is a 5 x 5 grid and the number on the first row is 2 2, you would fill in the first two cells, the third would be left blank (or crossed off with a right click) and the final two cells are filled in. You continue this process of deduction until all cells are filled in, if you get stuck, there are hints available that will fill in a random cell for you. Some cells contain hints or coins when filled in correctly, the coins can be used to purchase 2 starting hints, the right to make 3 mistakes instead of 2, or you can refill the available hints on that level.
I really don't recommend this game for beginners, most grid lovers choose the Fantasy Mosaic series, or the World Mosaics, which have brilliant and vivid colors that really pop, enjoy!
Grim Tales: The Final Suspect Collector's Edition
There’s a corpse in your house, but who killed him?
Overall rating
5
/
5
198 of 223 found this review helpful
The Gray Family Turmoil Continues!
PostedMay 17, 2015
pennmom36
fromOh no, not the pruners!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Anna Gray has amnesia! Jackie quickly fills in the blanks for her Aunt Gray who has no idea who's responsible for the death of Howard Kelly, the man she found dead in her own house! The police seem to think Anna Gray killed this man in self defense, but there's only one way to find out. Anna never thought she would have to solve her own murder mystery, but she knows the only way to find out the truth, is to visit her past and find out who, what, where, when and why this murder took place!
Grim Tales has given us another fantabulous episode of the Gray family saga. This game has just about any feature you can imagine, Morphing Objects, an Evidence Panel, Panoramic Scenes, Dialog Options to choose, Plus Sign interactive inventory items and a whole bunch of Achievements that will make you feel downright proud of your gaming efforts! Stuff all those features into a top notch game with excellent graphics and one of the best whodunit, time traveling, mysteries available!
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly Silhouetted Shape finds, and they are a bit scarce, at least within the demo time. There are however, a ton of entertaining Mini games and puzzles, ranging from simple tasks, swapping tiles or clicking on gems to change colors, others are longer and slightly more complicated. My favorite was the Fishing game where you attempt to catch fish by dropping the hook upon the desired fish, but, a frog protects the fish and you must either be faster or outwit him. The goal is to score 100 points, large and slow blue fish are worth 8 points, Orange fish are worth 10 points and the small Red fish are worth 15 points.
This Collector's Edition has Concept Art, Achievements, Morphing Objects, Collectibles, Wallpapers, Music, a Secret Room, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Ominous Objects: Phantom Reflection
A mysterious mirror is causing havoc in your client's house!
Overall rating
4
/
5
60 of 70 found this review helpful
The (Phantom) Man In The Mirror
PostedMay 15, 2015
pennmom36
fromOk Patrick, let me just whip up a quick sketch of the butler!
Skill Level:Expert
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Lilith Armstrong thought the antique mirror she purchased at the auction was a bargain. (10k seems over the top to me) Unfortunately, she got way more than she bargained for, because this mirror has a Phantom reflection that came along with the deal! When the Phantom begins to prey upon the Armstrong household, they turned to Leia Gofford for help. Leia is a detective who specializes in cases dealing with Ominous Objects, because she experienced paranormal phenomena herself, and has dedicated her life to helping others with similar problems. Leia arrives just in time to witness this dark Phantom in action, the butler narrowly escapes the possessed mirror, but young Patrick isn't so lucky! Can you save the Armstrong family and stop this madness before it's too late?
This game just didn't knock my socks off. The graphics are overwhelming shades of blue and purple, (Blurple) which made the game seem too fairytaleish, and certainly no where near Ominous! There are Plus Sign's on almost every inventory item, requiring you to perform some type of interaction with the item before using, such as opening up packages or combining with another inventory item. You are also equipped with special Goggles that allow you to see through the Ominous Object's mist and reveal it's true nature. Some areas require the feline services of Mr. Jenkins, as you gently guide him from his comfy throne to the areas you can't seem to reach on your own. The Collector's Edition allows you can equip Mr. Jenkins' posh abode with over the top decorations and toys with the Collectible Cat Coins that are located throughout the game, in not so hidden places.
The Hidden Object Scenes add a new color, bright gold! Not very challenging, mostly list finds or progressive finds with an occasional interactive game such as placing items into the scene correctly. You can opt to play a Match 3 game instead of the Hidden Object Puzzle by making matches of a least 3 mirrors of the same design. The Mini Games are on the easy breezy side as well, such as sliding a mirror around a shadow box to collect all figurines. The mirror moves forward three cells at a time or until it hits an obstacle, and you can only visit a cell once.
The Collector's Edition has a Developer Diary, Game of Dots, Collectible Cat Coins, Concept Art, Wallpapers, a Cat Room, Music, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Sable Maze: Twelve Fears Collector's Edition
Your daughter's lost in the Maze of Fears, but you'll face more than her disappearance if you dare to enter.
Overall rating
5
/
5
184 of 226 found this review helpful
Facing Your Fears
PostedMay 14, 2015
pennmom36
fromDo you want to play a game?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A fun day at the amusement park turns out to be a nightmare! When your daughter enters the Maze of Fears, that's exactly what she receives, ALL 12 FEARS! This attraction seems to be more of an experiment than an amusement, invented by a psychologist, and he's holdin nothin back, fear of water, fear of fire, fear of snakes, you name it you'll face it! Can you face each fear head on.......and survive?
There are 12 Fears to "collect" throughout the game and plenty of Achievements to earn. Some of the inventory items have plus signs indicating further action is needed before that item can be used such as combining that item with another inventory item.
I hope you like a lot of of puzzles and games because this game has a ton of them! The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly progressive, interactive list finds where you find the first item on the list and use it somewhere in the scene to obtain the next item and so forth. There are also silhouetted shapes, and you have the option to play a Match 3 game instead. The Mini Games are around every corner, clever puzzles requiring you swap panels to allow a path for a ball to drop, or turn disks to match up color coded paths. My favorite game required you to swap disks so that the multi colored ring around the disks match all disks around them, left, right, top and bottom.
This Collector's Edition has Wallpapers, Concept Art, Developer's Diary, Achievements, Music, Mini Games, Collections, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Escape the Museum
Solve a series of puzzles, find hidden objects, and search for a way back to your daughter in this great Adventure game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Escape The Museum
PostedMay 13, 2015
pennmom36
fromDid I just hook up a cordless drill to live wires?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This would be a decent game if the graphics weren't grainy and dark! To make matters worse, the game has nothing to do with the movie which is what I thought the game was about. Your daughter Caitlin is waiting patiently for you in the security room of the museum so you could investigate the damage done by an earthquake. The quakes become stronger and you have to figure out a way to escape each room of the museum and reach your daughter. The museum curator, Marcus, has other plans, he wants you to collect specific items of value to keep them safe as you make your way through the debris!
Marcus sends you Lists on your phone of the items he wants from each room you clear, which is basically a Hidden Object List Scene. The first thing you must do is figure out how to escape the room, by finding 3 items to accomplish that task and then figure out how and where those items can be used. You can visit any room in any order to complete the HOP, once the room has been escaped from. The scenes are all very grainy, and dark, and the items are so small that it's difficult to figure out what the items actually are! Each item you find is worth specific amounts, and you are scored with accuracy percentages as well. Good concept, but the game becomes frustrating when you can't distinguish one item from the next.
I don't recommend this game.
Monument Builders: Big Ben
In Monument Builders: Big Ben, oversee the building of the famous clock and discover the many legends which surround it!
Overall rating
5
/
5
55 of 63 found this review helpful
Let The Bells Toll
PostedMay 13, 2015
pennmom36
fromThe leaning Clock Tower?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I absolutely love Monument Builders because of all the interesting facts you learn about the building. This edition takes us step by step through the production of Big Ben the Clock Tower whose 16 chimes was heard for the first time in Westminster, July 11, 1859! This is a Time Management game which requires strategy as you strive to achieve each level's goals and earn three stars.
The first step is to clear debris from the road to allow the mules to deliver their loads. The roads may also need to be repaired by clicking on the repair and then on the improvement icon. Trees will need to be cleared, for resources, stray dogs need fed, and criminals need to be chased away. Banks need to be built to earn pounds sterling, Quarries to produce stone, Factories for winches, and Tea Rooms for food. Each building requires you to deliver the resources by clicking on the mules each time they are loaded.
This is a really good game for beginners because of the excellent tutorial, but seasoned TM players will like it as well. What better way is there to learn interesting facts about the world's great monuments, than playing a game? Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Escape the Lost Kingdom
Help Escape the Lost Kingdom! After being invited to a newly opened museum, a cursed pharaoh has trapped the whole family!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Escape The Lost Kingdom
PostedMay 12, 2015
pennmom36
fromIt seems that Jinxie is an appropriate name!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a very unusual Hidden Object Adventure. The Reed family, Laura and Henry, and their two children, Emily and Francis, visit a museum featuring Egyptian art. When their cat Jinxie gets away from them, they follow the mischievous feline and discover the Lost Kingdom. When they encounter hidden passages and traps, the entire family gets separated which allows you to choose individual family members and join them as you try to escape, eventually you will choose all members to portrait.
If you own a pair of 3D glasses, you can choose this feature in the options section, I didn't use this feature. Francis has a pair of Glyph goggles which will allow you to "see" which parts of the scene you can interact with, but it's really a worthless feature, unless it's more difficult to spot in the 3D mode. Emily has a Time Amulet which let's you "see" the past which basically shows you how items or secret passages worked in the past, therefore in the present. Mom and dad have a Tool Bag with basic tools such as a crowbar, shovel, and hammer.
The Hidden Object Scenes are fairly easy list finds (some multiple items) well lit, but with basic graphics and there are usually at least 2 HO's in each location. The Mini Games are decent, but not too complex such as repeating the pattern sequence shown or clicking on several lights until all of them are blue. My favorite game was similar to Shape Shifter where you click to pick up items from the inventory bar and place them on their matching slots that are moving in 3 or 4 rows at the top of the screen. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Mahjong Detective: The Stolen Love
Join Margaret to complete mahjong puzzles, help her get rid of the family curse and find her stolen love!
Overall rating
5
/
5
135 of 145 found this review helpful
That's Thinking Outside Of The Box!
PostedMay 12, 2015
pennmom36
fromNot stopping till I get a 15 tile chain!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Mahjong is one of my least favorite games because they are all the same. This game however is really unique and challenging, part mahjong, part solitaire! The object of the game is to match identical mahjong tiles in the usual mahjong manner, BUT, you can earn more coins if you are able to make a chain, the longer the chain, the more coins you earn.
To make a chain you can start with any number, let's assume you match two mahjong tiles that represent the number one. You can keep matching ones, or place a tile representing two and so forth, or you can create a chain backwards 9, 8, 7 etc. Some tiles are jokers which can represent any number, gold tiles are worth more than silver tiles, Silver worth more than regular tiles. Chains are maxed out at 15 tiles or if you can no longer place more tiles consecutively. Chains can also be created with identical symbols and you will earn stars that can be used to purchase Bonuses.
Some bonuses are given to you in the form of tiles as you progress, such as the Joker, or a Battery which recharges the bonuses you have used, more quickly. The Bonuses you purchase must be unlocked, once you have earned enough stars, and you will need to unlock slots for your chosen bonuses. The bonuses can be used to undo your last move, swap 2 tiles, remove all available matches, unlock a tile, or even qualify for more coins. Each level gives you 3 available shuffles, and you can accumulate up to 10 shuffles, which is a necessity once you reach the harder levels.
When familiar genre games get a radical overhaul, they always get mixed reviews, some people fear change. Because this game has such a different style than normal Mahjong, I strongly suggest you download the one hour trial to see if it's a mahjong match for your taste. I didn't really see the point to the "Detective" story that goes along with it, because it was moot, it takes a few levels to get into the groove, and then you find yourself plotting your next strategy, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
In this reality TV show, find out if a series of mishaps is the result of cheating competitors or something really beyond this world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
180 of 196 found this review helpful
Nancy Drew Fans Unite!
PostedMay 11, 2015
pennmom36
fromI'm never going to finish this game, I'm hooked on the cow game!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I understand the disappointment many Hidden Object fans get when a new Nancy Drew episode is released with no demo available. These games have nothing to do with Hidden Object Puzzles, and probably won't be a good match for those hardcore fans. If you have an open mind however, and are looking for an adventure game that doesn't hold your hand throughout the game, makes you think about your every move, and challenges you to think outside the box, THIS GAME IS FOR YOU! I'll go one step further, ANY Nancy Drew game is fantastic, so try this one or any of the other Nancy games because they are all exceptional games. They are not impossible games to figure out but they are different than a HO game, some will dig it, some will not. All Nancy Drew fans are hooked however, and we purchase them sight unseen, no trial necessary, and we look forward to the next one with great anticipation!
This Nancy Drew adventure takes us to New Zealand as a contestant on Pacific Run, an adventure reality show where groups of two contestants compete to gain 5 Medallions and more points than the other contestants to win the game. There are two modes of difficulty, Amateur Sleuth which has regular puzzles, hints available and a detailed task list, and Master Sleuth which has more difficult puzzles, no hints available and a very basic tasklist. The biggest difference between the two modes are with the task list, there are several tasks to complete, more are added as you progress, and you are able to check the tasks off one by one when complete, and in Amateur mode you can click on most of the tasks to get a more in depth nudge in the right direction.
Your phone is used to make calls, as well as take pictures of clues, you will need to read directions, talk to other contestants (several predetermined questions are available) and listen carefully. Everything means something so you will need to pay attention to the people you talk to and use your notes and task lists to guide you throughout the adventure. Because this is a reality game show, there are a lot of mini games, unusual mini games. I found myself playing the cow game over and over, a game much like minesweeper.
I know it's hard to buy a game you may not like, if you can use a credit. This isn't going to knock off everybody's socks, but if you have to dip your toes in the water this is a fantastic series to get you used to large file games, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Myths of the World: The Heart of Desolation
It was supposed to be a routine mission. But when a dragon attacks your plane, crash-landing in a lush valley, you're drawn into the adventure of a lifetime!
Overall rating
5
/
5
72 of 85 found this review helpful
A Land Forged By Fire
PostedMay 10, 2015
pennmom36
fromHe's an angry dragon because he can't see anymore!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Myths of the World has brought us another fantastic legend from an ancient land forged by fire, a land that had been nearly desolated by a greedy dragon! The dragons of the five elements eventually sealed the dark dragon's soul into the Golden Heart, but something or someone has awakened this angry dragon once again. Legends have been foretold of the dragonslayer with a Golden Heart, but do you have what it takes to stop the dragon and his Terracotta army before he enslaves humanity forever more?
The Hidden Object Scenes are never boring in this game, but just in case, you have the option of playing Mahjong. There is such a variety of HOP's, silhouetted shapes, interactive list finds, multiples of a single item, descriptions and even items associated with the combination of several silhouettes! The Mini Games are FANTASTIC, just the ones within the Golden Heart are entertaining and unique let alone the full length ones. I'm always surprised when a single new puzzle pops up but all of them, wow!
The Collector's Edition comes with replayable Puzzles and Hidden Object Scenes, Achievements, Music, a Souvenir Room, Art, Mahjong, Golden Heart Puzzles, Collectibles, Morphs, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Adventure, enjoy!
I recommend this game!