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:
The Big Secret of a Small Town
Find out what is hidden behind the mysterious disappearance of the Mayor.
Overall rating
5
/
5
133 of 149 found this review helpful
My Brain Hurts
PostedMarch 2, 2015
pennmom36
fromAaaarrrrrhhhhh!!!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
If you discovered a power source that produced energy, yet needed no energy to produce, would you do anything in your power to possess this device? Suspicions and accusations start flying when the Mayor disappears from a room with only one door, and that door was guarded by security the entire time. You must find out how the Mayor managed to disappear, where he disappeared to, and whether or not he disappeared of his own free will......and if he did willingly disappear, why?
PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAP! This game isn't easy, it seems uncomplicated at first, almost simplistic, but trust me, it requires you to search for cyphers, clues and symbols to solve problems every step of the way. This isn't a Hidden Object game, there are several puzzles to solve, and the story is unique, but HOS fans will be disappointed with this game. At first the mini games seemed simple, turning discs to complete a picture, but slowly they morphed into hardcore, frustrating scenarios. The puzzles require you to search for clues and use those clues as cyphers, you will need to figure out what the clues mean and then how to apply that information!
You will have to have a keen eye, most of the inventory items you find are small and barely recognizable, if you are anything like me, you will have to re-visit locations to find things you missed. If you need a hint, you will receive nothing more than a nudge in the right direction, which can be frustrating. I suggest you play this game on Casual which has a faster hint recharge then Detective mode, unless you really love hard core, on your own games.This game has Achievements to earn, and there are hidden Elephant sketches (listed as Bishops??) that will make a trumpet sound when you click on them, but I have no idea how many of these symbols are available.
This isn't going to be a walk in the park, but if you're in the mood for a challenge, this is your lucky day, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Dreamland
An evil dwarf collects the souls of those who enter the neglected park! Will you be able to rid the world of his presence?
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 14 found this review helpful
Dreamland
PostedMarch 1, 2015
pennmom36
fromI'm never going to an amusement park after dark again!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
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 don't usually find an older game (2011) worthy of 5 stars, but this is a really entertaining game! Jimmy's younger brother disappeared two days ago, when he finally returned, he was very sick and his doctors were clueless as to what was causing his illness. Jimmy was clinging onto a note for dear life which read, " just take the invitation and come to the old amusement park!" Naturally, big brother would do anything to make his brother well again, so he goes to the creepiest amusement park in the world, to seek the answers he is looking for. He is greeted by a sinister man who tells him that once he steps inside, he is agreeing to solve this mans riddles....if he fails, he will meet his brother Jimmy's fate!
If you don't enjoy repetitive Hidden Object Scenes, steer clear, because this game has a ton of them, and all the scenes are repeated at least once, but with different items to find. Some of the hidden objects are slightly interactive, such as finding a propeller and placing the propeller onto an airplane, or using a pencil sharpener to sharpen a pencil. The mini games are carnival type games, such as playing a Match 3 game, making matches under the ticket until the ticket drops to the bottom, or restoring a round portrait puzzle of a clown. This game even has Achievements to earn as well as hidden Collectible Starfish and your brothers lost Marbles, so keep the lights on and enjoy the game!
I recommend this game!
Sea of Lies: Burning Coast
A mysterious plague is sweeping through towns along the coast, and you're the only one who knows the truth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
94 of 102 found this review helpful
Is This Plague A Punishment?
PostedMarch 1, 2015
pennmom36
fromIs anybody going to help the puppy evacuate?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I must admit that I was a tad bit disappointed with this latest Sea of Lies. The graphics are basically bland hues of yellow with very little detail, the storyline has been rehashed, and it lacks that heart pumping excitement that the other Sea of Lies have, in fact I don't think any of the sequels can hold a candle to the original one. If it wasn't for the entertaining Mini Games, I would have only given this game three stars. The "Chemist Plague" has arrived on the shores of Port Talbot and a mandatory evacuation has been ordered for all citizens. Nurse Bridget Tramell has been assisting the local doctor as they feverishly try to find a cure to stop this mysterious disease, some believe it's a punishment for not allowing a ship carrying the same disease 20 years prior, to disembark!
The Collectors Edition has 44 Collectible Ships in a Globe, hidden throughout the game, with plenty of Achievements to earn for the usual tasks of not skipping a puzzle or using the map to quickly transport to another location, but unless you simply must have collectibles, this edition is a better value. Some of the inventory items you find have Plus Signs which indicate that further action is required before using that items such as combining that item with another inventory item or repairing the item.
The Hidden Object Scenes are lengthy and have an unusual style associated with all of the Sea of Lies games, where you start out searching for interactive list finds, followed by silhouetted shapes (usually in multiples of three such as 3 fish, 3 ships, 3 bobbers) and the final item is in the form of a description. Many of the HOP's actually moves slightly to another section as the camera pans to the right or left and sometimes up or down. There is a Match 3 game available instead of the HOP (CE) just in case you're not into the hidden objects. I did enjoy the Mini Games, some of them were actually new, or variations of classics. The game I enjoyed the most (and was the most challenging) was dropping 5 coins from the top of a board, in a specific order so that all of the latches would be lowered. Some latches would affect other latches to either raise or lower, and the game resets after all 5 coins have been released.
The Collectors Edition has replayable HOP's and Mini Games, Achievements, 44 Collectible Ships, Souvenirs, the Making of, Pictures, Movies, Music, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Game, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Witches' Legacy: Slumbering Darkness Collector's Edition
The legacy of the witches continues when Lynn and her husband are lured into a trap by a mysterious sorcerer…
Overall rating
5
/
5
191 of 210 found this review helpful
Happy Anniversary Kids
PostedMarch 1, 2015
pennmom36
fromHow did the sorcerer manage to stand behind the kids in the photo booth undetected?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
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 fell in love with this game from the very beginning, and I'm still loving the ongoing saga endured by Edward and Lynn. This legacy began when Carrie rescued Lynn from Elizabeth, a terrible witch who killed Lynn's family, and turned her dog into an Imp! The legacy continued with the Queen witch, Morgana who tried to lure Lynn to the darkside, Lynn resisted and since then has only used her powers for good. She met Edward and fell in love with him, but their relationship hit a bump when Lynn discovered that Edward was a witch hunter! They worked this minor problem out, and were married one year ago. Slumbering Darkness brings us even more drama when a powerful sorcerer kidnaps Edward and demands that Lynn follows willingly, or she will never see Edward again!
I wish this game would have stuck to the circus theme, because I loved the atmosphere of that creepy circus under the big top, but just like the other Witches Legacy's, Lynn will use her powers to create portals that allows you to travel to weird places as Carrie and Lynn attempt to rescue Edward from the evil sorcerer. That cute Imp (wonder what he looked like as a dog?) has his bags packed and is ready at a moments notice to retrieve items that otherwise would have to be written off. There are plus items on some of the inventory items which indicate that some type of interaction is required before you can use that item such as combining that item with another inventory item. There are also several achievements to earn, including using the Imp's assistant. There are 36 hidden jigsaw pieces that can be assembled when you find all pieces, to learn a story about that character. There are also 33 Morphing objects to find which is my favorite feature.
The Hidden Object Scenes are extremely interactive, you might have to find items such as keys or masks, to unlock the list first, and then there are several items that are interactive within the listed objects. You can opt to play a Matching game, by flipping over two cards at a time to match identical pictures, but the HOP's are really entertaining and none are boring in my opinion. Mini games are just as entertaining, there are small games in zoomed in areas where you have to find several objects on the outside of the zoom, and there are longer, more complicated games such as leading a train to the tunnel. There are three trains of different lengths, that need to be guided to different slots in order to clear the tracks to allow the train that the imp is conducting, to the tunnel.
This Collectors Edition has Wallpapers, Screensavers, Achievements, an Art gallery, 36 hidden Puzzle Pieces, 33 Morphing Objects, Soundtracks, Puzzles, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Nightfall Mysteries: Haunted by the Past Collector's Edition
Track down the truth about your grandfather's death!
Overall rating
4
/
5
87 of 92 found this review helpful
Moral Of The Story: Treat Everyone You Know With Kindness And Respect, You May Live Longer!
PostedFebruary 25, 2015
pennmom36
fromLily wants to know "what's up with all the visitors today" aren't people expected to pay their respects?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I found this story rather odd, Christine just learned that her Granddad, Charles Crenshaw, has passed away. She didn't find out through a letter, nor did an attorney contact her, not even a distant family member bothered to send her a quick text. Nope, she read about her Granddad's passing in the newspaper! If that isn't odd in itself, it would seem that granddad was writing a desperate letter to Christine, stating that he was being followed and was fearful for his own safety. He signed the letter with a simple name, Charles. I don't know about you, but my grandparents signed letters to me, with what we called them, grandma and grandpa! Another feature I will never understand, is collecting 15 audio tapes spewn about the town. Some of the tapes are recorded by granddad Charles, some recorded by granddad's caregiver, Lily. Who does that, who sit's down, pops in a blank cassette, records a 30 second rundown of another persons behavior, and then hides the cassette in the church, or in another random building for safe keeping? I know, I know, it's just a game right!
Besides a few imperfections in the story, the story is still a good who-dun-it mystery. The graphics are decent, and the game has definite entertainment potential. There are 15 Audio Cassette Tapes to locate, which gives you insight to the story from that characters perspective. There are 46, very well hidden masks to collect throughout the game. Each scene has one happy face mask and one sad faced mask, and there is an icon on the bottom left of the screen to help you keep track of which masks have been found. If you enter the bonus room where the masks are stored, you can access a bio of the characters as you collect specific amounts of masks.
The hidden Object Scenes are a hodgepodge of variations, interactive silhouetted shapes, requiring you to find items that match the silhouetted shape shown, standard list finds, and finding several items of one kind such as 12 napkins. The most unusual HOP, required you to find items to feed a very hungry hamster, one at a time as indicated by the hamsters "thought bubble". Some of the Hidden Object Scenes are repeated, however, the second time around is usually a different style of HOP. The Mini Games are good, nothing new, but nothing mind boggling either, such as lighting all purple candles and distinguishing all yellow candles (clicking on one candle would affect the results of other candles) Another game required you to swap tiles to create pathways that allow a blue, green and purple gem to travel from the top to the bottom.
This Collectors Edition has 15 Audio Cassette Tapes to locate, 46 hidden Masks, an Art Gallery, Wallpaper, Music, Achievements, re-playable Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Solitaire Perfect Match
Entirely new Solitaire Game! Match cards to clear the decks, get valuable rewards.
Overall rating
5
/
5
123 of 155 found this review helpful
Perfect Match, Perfect Solitaire!
PostedFebruary 25, 2015
pennmom36
fromI love how the board "pops" whenever you make a Perfect Match
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Finally, something new and unique in a solitaire game! This type of solitaire game requires you to make matches of the same card, not necessarily the same suit, but if you match the same colors, you score a higher multiplier, AND if you make a PERFECT MATCH, same number, same suit, same exact card you get even more points. Before each level you will be able to choose Boosters, a Reserve Deck (gives you 2 cards at a time, which will also allow you to make matches within the deck for points), Jokers (places two wild cards randomly within the deck), and Undo (which allows you extra chances to undo a missed match). You earn trophies as well which gives you coins, but you must go into the trophy room and accept the trophy to get the coins associated with that achievement. The coins you earn can be used to purchase bonuses which help you achieve the level goal and hopefully earn three gold stars per level. You can buy a Stock Pile (shows how many cards are left in the deck), an Ace In The Hole (3 joker wild cards), Pack Of Jokers (10 extra joker wild cards), Ouch (3 extra undo's), Reshuffle Fund (10 extra reshuffles), or Insurance (10 extra undo's). Some of the bonuses can be purchased while still trying to master a hand, if you run out of Jokers, or undo's for example, if you click on the icon and they have been depleted, it will add another one and just deduct the coins from your earnings. Sit back and relax with this game, it's a game well worth the bucks, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Magic Gate: Faces of Darkness
Venture into a magical world and experience the struggle of good versus evil!
Overall rating
4
/
5
131 of 145 found this review helpful
The Magical World Of Elyrium
PostedFebruary 24, 2015
pennmom36
fromFYI a drill is actually a drill bit!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Nathaniel and his fiancee, Gloria have just moved into their first home together. Gloria couldn't be more excited with the trove of treasures the previous owners left behind, except for the creepy antique mirror in the corner of the room. Her suspicions prove her right when the mirror seems to come to life, as it grabs her and yanks her through the mirror portal. Nathaniel may be in disbelief, but her certainly doesn't hesitate to enter the mirror portal, and enter another world....the magical world of Elyrium!
This game won't qualify for game of the year, but it does qualify for a game with solid entertainment. The graphics aren't the best, but it doesn't hamper the game mechanics in the least bit, besides that, you will be too engrossed in the story to notice.
The Hidden object Scenes are very well done, although some of the items are tiny, they are still identifiable, and there are plenty of interactive list finds to satisfy any HOS fan. The Mini games were uncomplicated, but fun. My favorite game was guiding a ship through a winding river, avoiding cyclones, rocks, sharks and giant octopus. If your ship doesn't avoid these obstacles you must start the course all over.
Most of the tasks are logical, and there are plenty of activities to do in each scene. Although it wasn't a new task, I loved the talking old man in the door who asks you to solve three riddles before allowing you to enter the house, this really is an enjoyable game, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Dark Tales™: Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget Collector's Edition
A newlywed is threatened, and supernatural forces are afoot!
Overall rating
5
/
5
133 of 145 found this review helpful
A Mystery Only Detective Dupin Could Solve
PostedFebruary 24, 2015
pennmom36
fromYou know it's gonna be good when the one eyed crow squawks
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Only Edgar Allen Poe can write a book this suspenseful, and only Dark Tales can convert those stories into a suspenseful thriller Hidden Object Adventure. Detective Auguste Dupin's investigative skills have been requested by an old friend, Jacque, who's not sure what to make of his wife's strange behavior. Shortly after their marriage, Marie Roget became depressed and strange things occurred throughout the house, floors creak, the sound of a woman weeping can be heard all night, and anything made of glass, shatters! Even Batman needs his Robin, so naturally Detective Dupin needs your help to solve this mystery, The Mystery of Marie Roget!
Jacque's grandmother had given him a Magic Mirror, and once you discover this mirror, it becomes a vital piece of equipment to your investigation. Any inventory item that has a checkmark, can be combined with this mirror to reveal it's original origin. Even a threatening note written to Marie, and found in the fireplace, badly burned and illegible can be restored! Personally I think magical items should be saved for fairy tales and otherworldly games. There are two pull down tabs at the top left and right, one to access the Achievements you have earned, the other accesses your Aquarium which gets decorated with the Morphing Creatures you locate during the game. There is a circular icon located on the bottom left next to the inventory bar which allows you to access your Notes, a Map, your Badge, the Menu and the Strategy Guide as well.
The Hidden Object Scenes are mostly interactive list finds, however some of the scenes are repeated in the same scene with different items to find. I was disappointed with this feature because in my opinion, the second time around is boring and to easy. The mini games aren't complicated at all, with mostly small puzzles such as remembering codes in a correct order, or placing books in the correct order according to associated symbols on the binder and the bookshelf.
The Collectors edition has Collectible Morphing Creatures, Achievements, Movies, Wallpapers, Concept Art, Screen Savers, replayble Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Mystery Tales: The Twilight World
A stay at a peaceful hotel turns into a nightmare when a witch from the Twilight World takes your daughter!
Overall rating
4
/
5
97 of 113 found this review helpful
Which World Would The Witch Want?
PostedFebruary 23, 2015
pennmom36
fromWhich way did the witch wander?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The Silver Lake Inn seems like the perfect place to catch some shut eye after a long road trip. This newly remodeled Inn looks peaceful, but looks are always deceiving, throw in some eye of newt witchcraft and what you get is anything but peaceful! You barely have time to kick off your shoes when the wicked witch of the East, attacks your daughter Nancy, rendering her unconscious, what on earth is happening here? The Innkeeper isn't much help either, although he seems genuinely concerned, something about him is "off" so instead of calling for professional help, (guess that would be an awkward call) we're just going to snoop around the Inn's grounds, play a game of toss with the puppy and fix a few thousand broken gadgets until Nancy wakes up!
Just prior to the attack on Nancy, she finds a large hat box. This is anything but a normal hat box, this is a Magical Chest which stores magical artifacts. This box can defend it's owner from the negative energy generated by the magical artifacts within. (how'd that work out for Nancy)? Eventually this box will hold several artifacts, but for now there's just one, the Witch's ice bucket which can cool and freeze any liquid instantly. You can access your Dossier within the map, which is basically a journal that keeps track of your notes and clues you find as well as information about devices you come across. Some of the inventory items have plus signs, indicating that further action is required before you can use that item. The Collectors Edition has 40 Collectible Cats, Rabbits, and Postcards as well as a ton of Achievements to earn as well.
The Hidden Object Scenes are decent, but nothing to write home about. The HO's are mostly silhouetted shapes that you find in groups, such as astrological symbols, once the group has been found, they automatically get placed where they belong which usually exposes the next group of items you need to find. The Mini Games seem to be on the easy side, such as turning three small triangles until they align with the main triangle (turning one triangle affects others) or clicking on different colored stars in the correct color sequence, following the clue given, Mr. ROY G. BIV.
The Collectors Edition has Music Soundtracks, Arts, Achievements, Collectibles, Wallpapers, a built in Strategy Guide and a Bonus Chapter. In my personal opinion, the CE doesn't have enough features to persuade me, I think the Standard Edition has enough bang for my buck so to speak, enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Living Legends: Wrath of the Beast
Help Goldilocks's son protect his village from invading bears!
Overall rating
3
/
5
80 of 92 found this review helpful
Goldilock's Son And The Magic Bears
PostedFebruary 23, 2015
pennmom36
fromSomebody ate my magical porridge
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Puzzle
Current Favorite:
Phantasmat Collector's Edition
(100)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
As fate would have it, Goldilocks met her demise from the attack of one of those porridge eating magical bears! The fairy tale lives on however, with the son of Goldilocks, who has a personal vendetta against the bear that took his mothers life. There's no time to celebrate graduating from the local Hunting Academy, where you gained the knowledge needed to hunt bears. This quaint village has been plagued with vicious bear attacks, which has increased because dearly departed Goldilocks presumably took something from the magic bears, and they want it back! The academy needs to step up their academics because three students can't control a bear who is attacking their village. Perhaps it's because the only hunting gear they are equipped with are small leather straps with silver and blue balls attached for weights. This school certainly didn't prepare the students for real life eh?
This game tends to be on the easy side, almost everything within the game is predictable and logical, the puzzles and mini games are short and not in the least bit complicated. The mini games range from small puzzles within the plus items in your inventory, to matching identical tokens by flipping two tokens at a time, if you don't find an exact match, the tokens rotate to a different spot. The Hidden Object Scenes are entertaining, I liked the HOS where you had to find silhouetted shapes, and use those shapes interactively between two different scenes.
The Collectors Edition has 34 Morphing Objects, Wallpapers, Screensavers, Music, Concept Art, Movies, replayable Mini Games and Hidden Object Scenes, Achievements, a built in Strategy guide and a Bonus Chapter, enjoy!
I recommend this game!