pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4700
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:January 15, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you stop an ancient evil and escape in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
95 of 113 found this review helpful
THAT'S GONNA LEAVE A MARK
PostedOctober 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
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 the 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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Explore the scenes and sights of America's beloved Heartland!
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 45 found this review helpful
I DIDN'T HAVE ISSUES DOWNLOADING BUT I STILL GET MISCLICKS ON SOME OBJECTS
PostedOctober 2, 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
When I played the CE version, I kept getting penalized whenever I clicked on the Star or Key Collectibles the first time. This happened on every level, every time I clicked the Key or Star the first time. After getting a red -500 points deducted, I would re-click the same key in the same area (dead center) and the key would be accepted.
On this SE version, it appears they fixed this glitch with the collectibles, but now I get the same results with at least one random item such as the cat in the first scene and the tape measure in the second. I love Boomzap and appreciate their fantastic games, but this glitch sucks all the fun out of playing. Technically I could opt for a mode that has no misclick penalties but the game is already a bit too easy.
On this SE version, it appears they fixed this glitch with the collectibles, but now I get the same results with at least one random item such as the cat in the first scene and the tape measure in the second. I love Boomzap and appreciate their fantastic games, but this glitch sucks all the fun out of playing. Technically I could opt for a mode that has no misclick penalties but the game is already a bit too easy.
There are 4 modes of difficulty, Easy-Medium-Hard, and Custom which allows you to set the Hint & Super Hint Recharge from 5-60 seconds, enable/disable misclick penalty, as well as locking mini-game pieces.
Each Hidden Object Scene has a Hidden Key that unlocks a Fun Fact. You can replay levels to get a new fun fact if desired (5 Total per scene) Each scene has a collectible Star that will unlock that scene in the Unlimited Play mode. There are no Morphing Objects in the SE version, but 2 objects require a task of some sort in each scene, such as placing a slice back onto the pizza. In my opinion, this game needs a Collectibles tab that shows if you have found the Key and/or Star.
There are about 12 Listed or Pictured items to find on each level, none of which are particularly hidden, they are just out in the open which makes the game super easy. I played the entire demo and could max out the combo points on every level without having to speed-click! In the second level, I removed a "nail" that was actually a screw and discovered that a Ladybug does not count as one of the 3 Beetles I was tasked with finding...yes, a ladybug IS a beetle and nails do not have threads and a slit on the top for a screwdriver!
After playing 3 Hidden Object levels, a Mini-game unlocks such as swapping heart-shaped puzzle pieces, or word searches.
The Collector's Edition has 14 Achievements (also available in the SE) 23 Wallpapers, 11 Soundtracks, 54 Re-playable Mini-games (40 in this SE version) a Fun Fact Diary that unlocks when you find Keys (also available in this SE), a Campaign Mode with 40 Main Levels and 14 Extra Levels, and an Unlimited Play Mode which unlocks when you find Stars (also available in the SE) and Morphing Objects.
Come join the fun and connect with fellow gamers at thewoodsforum.boards.net
Only you can end the curse of Bird’s Nest Castle!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 24 found this review helpful
DON'T OPEN THE DOOR!
PostedOctober 2, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game approximately 6.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
19 Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
19 Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
There are a lot of secrets buried behind the closed doors of the Birds Nest Castle, doors that should never be opened. They say curiosity always kills the cat but this time curiosity brought things to life, and apparently, angels aren't the only creatures with wings!
Collectibles/Morphing Objects: (CE version only)
There are 52 Opaque Enchanted Birds (2 per scene) which unlocks (dechants?) 7 Birds in the Extra's Menu, as you collect 5-10-15-20-30-40-52 birds in the game. There are also 52 Morphing Objects and a pull-out tab on the left side to keep track of the collectibles available or found.
There are 52 Opaque Enchanted Birds (2 per scene) which unlocks (dechants?) 7 Birds in the Extra's Menu, as you collect 5-10-15-20-30-40-52 birds in the game. There are also 52 Morphing Objects and a pull-out tab on the left side to keep track of the collectibles available or found.
Gadget/Helper:
Most Friendly Fox Games have a similar gadget/helper feature. This time it is the Keeper of the Legends of Birds Nest Castle, otherwise known as Charlie, who was created by a sorcerer in memory of a mother's love for her daughter. Charlie will indulge you with legendary stories that occurred within the castle walls each time you present him with a Feather Key. To get the Feather/key, you must first play a Chain-type Match 3 game where you are tasked with matching 3 or more specified icons before the numbers on the tiles count down to zero which freezes & blocks sections of the board. When you remove the required amounts of all icons, you'll earn a single feather key. After Charlie tells his "legend", he will reward you with a magical device that is used to remove the enchantments cast upon various characters. (6 Feathers Total in the main game only)
Most Friendly Fox Games have a similar gadget/helper feature. This time it is the Keeper of the Legends of Birds Nest Castle, otherwise known as Charlie, who was created by a sorcerer in memory of a mother's love for her daughter. Charlie will indulge you with legendary stories that occurred within the castle walls each time you present him with a Feather Key. To get the Feather/key, you must first play a Chain-type Match 3 game where you are tasked with matching 3 or more specified icons before the numbers on the tiles count down to zero which freezes & blocks sections of the board. When you remove the required amounts of all icons, you'll earn a single feather key. After Charlie tells his "legend", he will reward you with a magical device that is used to remove the enchantments cast upon various characters. (6 Feathers Total in the main game only)
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 24 Hidden Object Scenes in the main game +7 in the CE Bonus Chapter, and several smaller zoom zone HOs throughout, many of which have small puzzles to solve as well! Most of the HOs are Interactive List Finds, but there are also Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs, Keywords in sentence Finds, Descriptive Item Finds, Slider Bar Overlays, and scenes where you align partial images by turning disk sections.
There are 24 Hidden Object Scenes in the main game +7 in the CE Bonus Chapter, and several smaller zoom zone HOs throughout, many of which have small puzzles to solve as well! Most of the HOs are Interactive List Finds, but there are also Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs, Keywords in sentence Finds, Descriptive Item Finds, Slider Bar Overlays, and scenes where you align partial images by turning disk sections.
Mini-Games:
Hope you like puzzles because there are a whopping 62 Mini-Games +9 in the CE Bonus Chapter which includes the above-mentioned repetitive Match 3 games. In most cases, I'd probably say that they went overboard in the mini-game department but I found most of these to be more like interactive tasks or quick puzzles, rather than lengthy and complicated mini-games. Examples would be connecting the dots, rotating disks, or swapping square tiles to recreate an image versus the more complex puzzles where you are tasked with removing flowers by following a thorny-vine path without backtracking. or stacking & organizing 5 piles of stones correctly.
Hope you like puzzles because there are a whopping 62 Mini-Games +9 in the CE Bonus Chapter which includes the above-mentioned repetitive Match 3 games. In most cases, I'd probably say that they went overboard in the mini-game department but I found most of these to be more like interactive tasks or quick puzzles, rather than lengthy and complicated mini-games. Examples would be connecting the dots, rotating disks, or swapping square tiles to recreate an image versus the more complex puzzles where you are tasked with removing flowers by following a thorny-vine path without backtracking. or stacking & organizing 5 piles of stones correctly.
Bonus Chapter: (CE version only)
In this sequel, you will play Katrina, a doting mother trying to convince her young son that monsters don't exist...until his hair turns icy-blue that is. Has the Baron's Curse returned? This Bonus Chapter spans across 7 additional scene locations with 9 mini-games, and 7 Hidden Object Scenes. You will search for the final 14 Enchanted Birds, and 14 Morphing Objects to unlock the final Enchanted Bird.
In this sequel, you will play Katrina, a doting mother trying to convince her young son that monsters don't exist...until his hair turns icy-blue that is. Has the Baron's Curse returned? This Bonus Chapter spans across 7 additional scene locations with 9 mini-games, and 7 Hidden Object Scenes. You will search for the final 14 Enchanted Birds, and 14 Morphing Objects to unlock the final Enchanted Bird.
Collector's Edition Version Extra's:
7 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Screensavers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 36 Movie Video Cutscenes, 24 Achievements (13 of which are available in 3 categories) 5 graphically stunning Screensavers, 19 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 16 Replayable Mini-Games, 52 Enchanted Birds that removes the curse from 7 Glass Birds (when you find 5-10-15-20-30-40-52 birds within the game) 52 Morphing Objects, 7 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
7 Wallpapers, 12 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Screensavers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 36 Movie Video Cutscenes, 24 Achievements (13 of which are available in 3 categories) 5 graphically stunning Screensavers, 19 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 16 Replayable Mini-Games, 52 Enchanted Birds that removes the curse from 7 Glass Birds (when you find 5-10-15-20-30-40-52 birds within the game) 52 Morphing Objects, 7 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
There's always something interesting going on at my new forum! If you miss chatting with fellow fishies from the Big Fish Forum days, lace up your hiking boots, grab some marshmallows (Woodsy the bear loves 'em), and follow the path to thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Your hometown needs your help building a fabulous World’s Fair!
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
GOLDEN RAILS STRIKE'S GOLD...AGAIN!
PostedSeptember 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
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Golden Rails has always been on my top 10 Time Management games list and World's Fair is one of the best games in the series, with the exception of the original debut! I really love the uniqueness of the tasks that are centered around Railroad stations...it even has Bandits to chase away!
You can play in an Easy Mode with no timer, a Normal Mode with moderate time limits, or Hard Mode with tighter time limits. This is definitely a strategy-based game and you'll have to queue tasks strategically in order to complete the level goals within the allotted time frame to earn all 3-stars. The last several games, in this series and other games by this developer, have been a bit frustrating because they were a bit stingy with the timer on the normal mode. I felt the timer was a bit more lenient this go-round and although I've had to replay a few levels, the goals were obtainable within the allotted time...so much more enjoyable!
Although this game has the usual TM resources and tasks of collecting food and wood that are blocking various paths, chopping down trees, mining for gold or iron ore, repairing and upgrading houses, food mills, forges, sawmills, and warehouses. What sets this game apart from other TM games is the Wild West scenario of repairing Train Stations, loading & unloading cargo, repairing train tracks, guiding trains to the correct stations with switches, putting out fires, herding cattle, and even chasing away bandits!
Each scene has a hidden "Wanted" Owl (45 in the SE version and 60 in the CE version) that peeks out from behind a tree...my favorite part of the game! Normally, I would search for the owl before clicking on anything because that would start the timer, however, they changed this feature and the timer starts when you finish the conversation texts :( I found that you could just take your time to find the owl and then click replay to restart the level & timer... and you still get credit for finding the owl! You can purchase upgrades with the stars collected, and once all upgrades have been made, you'll have access to the Night Exhibition. There are also Shooting Range levels available after completing 5 levels.
The Collector's Edition version has 45 main levels and 15 CE levels, 60 Collectible Wanted Owls, (45 in this SE version) 4 Wallpapers, 5 Music Soundtracks, Exhibition Upgrades, 36 Reward Trophies, (35 in this SE version), and a Built-in Strategy Guide.
Need help with the game or have tips for others? Join us on my new forum: thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Amateur travel blogger Kate is back with a new travel adventure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
52 of 61 found this review helpful
THIS ISN'T OUR FIRST TIME PLAYING AN HOP YA KNOW!
PostedSeptember 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
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I was one of the few people who seemed to like "First Time In Paris" the original game in this new series which ended up with a measly 2.9 average rating. In the first game, I thought the storyline was somewhat interesting and the HO scenes were located in some fairly appealing locations.
I wasn't expecting First Time In Rome to knock my socks off, but wow, this was one boring game with some of the most unappealing HO scenes imaginable...the first scene takes place in the corner of a room (supposedly an office) with a table, a chair, a tiny shelf, and a potted plant. Most of the objects on the list were clip-art sketches etched on the wall. One of the interactive tasks required me to find & place a dollar bill into the wallet which was located on the ceiling...wtflyingpig?
There are 4 modes of difficulty, Easy-Medium-Hard, and Custom which allows you to set the Hint & Super Hint Recharge from 1-60 seconds, enable/disable the misclick penalty, as well as mini-game pieces that lock in place. I played the Custom Mode and chose to enable Misclicks, however, I had issues where the correct object awarded me with -500 points deducted, yet if I clicked the same item a second time, in the same place it would be accepted. I have had this issue with several games by this developer!
Each Hidden Object Scene has a Hidden Question Mark (?) that unlocks a Fun Fact. You can replay levels to get a new fun fact if desired (5 Total per scene) Although a few items move around each time you replay the scene, the tasks are always the same, and the HO mode is always the same so by the time you replay the scene a couple of times, you will be bored out of your mind.
There are about 12 Listed Items, Scrambled Word Lists, or Pictured Items to find on each level, none of which are particularly hidden. Most items are just out in the open and easily spotted. I also noticed that there is more than 1 item that could be considered the same category, for example, the giant red fire alarm "bell" was not the "bell" they were looking for!
After playing a Hidden Object Scene you will play a mini-game such as Rotating Squares or Swapping Strips to complete the image. One of the puzzles required finding the exact location on the image that matches the Swatch and some of those areas were solid black and could literally match multiple areas!
The Collector's Edition has 18 Achievements (SE version has 16 Achievements) 12 Wallpapers, 11 Soundtracks, 38 Photo Journal Re-playable Mini-games (SE version has 26 Photo Journal replayable mini-games) 5 Fun Facts per scene (available in both versions each time you replay a scene), an Unlimited Play Mode (available in both versions, unlock by playing the scene in Story Mode) and 6 Bonus Chapters.
Come join the fun and connect with fellow gamers at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Can you guide a tormented gamer through a trio of terrifying challenges?
Overall rating
5
/
5
134 of 165 found this review helpful
WELCOME TO THE CORNER OF NOWHERE & EVERYWHERE
PostedSeptember 22, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Completed Game approximately 4.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
15 Main Game Scene Locations +8 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate-Expert
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
15 Main Game Scene Locations +8 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate-Expert
The Crossroads Bar only appears to the lost and broken souls of the weary. Its neon lights shine through the dreary mist of the darkest night as fate pushes you toward your destiny. Tonight you will face your darkest fears, but first, you will face the Crossroads barkeep, Mistress Eve!
This is one of the best game series Elephant Games has had in a long time. I've always said that no one does a creepy atmosphere better than Elephant Games, and I love this vibe! I loved how they stuck with this creepy vibe in the Mini-games and the Hidden Object Scenes. I love that the Choices you make matter and that it affects your Character's Traits. Although there are still a lot of statues to place, there are way fewer Emblem Motifs which have become a staple feature in games by this developer lately.
GADGETS/HELPER:
There are no gadgets or helpers, however, the game is loaded with unique "choices" features to choose from throughout your adventure of destiny.
There are no gadgets or helpers, however, the game is loaded with unique "choices" features to choose from throughout your adventure of destiny.
CONVERSATION CHOICES:
As you come to Crossroads during the game you will be tasked with making multiple-choice decisions of morality.
As you come to Crossroads during the game you will be tasked with making multiple-choice decisions of morality.
CHARACTER STATUS:
Each character has a personality profile that outlines their traits, as well as relationships with the other characters. Each decision you make affects your character's traits, such as Bravery, Intelligence, Resilience, Honesty, etc.
Each character has a personality profile that outlines their traits, as well as relationships with the other characters. Each decision you make affects your character's traits, such as Bravery, Intelligence, Resilience, Honesty, etc.
Speaking of Character Status. I really don't understand the need for a particular individual to copy every aspect of my reviews. Be your own writer, adopt your own style, it will appear more genuine if it's original, right? If not, at least give accurate information about these spotlighted features! There are 23 scenes (hence why they have 23 Puzzle Pieces, 1 in every scene) there are no replayable video sequences (don't think E Games has offered this feature in years) just to name a few, I work hard on my reviews, and I do appreciate that you like my style but let's all do our own thing, you do you, I'll do me, & we'll all have fun :)
CHAPTERS:
There are 3 different stories, one for each chapter, so you will be portraying 3 separate characters as you enter a different video game associated with them. After completing the first chapter, you get the opportunity to choose between "Deadly Call" & "Horror on Set" My only complaint was with Olivia's whiny voice and acting like a 5 "I don't wanna do it" scenario that was really annoying!
There are 3 different stories, one for each chapter, so you will be portraying 3 separate characters as you enter a different video game associated with them. After completing the first chapter, you get the opportunity to choose between "Deadly Call" & "Horror on Set" My only complaint was with Olivia's whiny voice and acting like a 5 "I don't wanna do it" scenario that was really annoying!
COLLECTIBLES & MORPHS (CE Bonus Chapter only)
There is a Hidden Crossroads Puzzle Piece in every scene (23 total) and I thought they were nicely blended into the scene for a change. I loved that they are in the scenes themselves and not within zoom zones which is the usual MO for this developer. They allow you to assemble a cool Round-shaped jigsaw puzzle that can be used as a Screensaver.
There is a Hidden Crossroads Puzzle Piece in every scene (23 total) and I thought they were nicely blended into the scene for a change. I loved that they are in the scenes themselves and not within zoom zones which is the usual MO for this developer. They allow you to assemble a cool Round-shaped jigsaw puzzle that can be used as a Screensaver.
There are 12 Phobia Statues to collect that represent all the basic phobias, such as the fear of heights, or those blasted evil dolls! After completing the game, you can enter the Secret Room to search for missing collectibles or jigsaw puzzle pieces.
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES:
Clearly, the devs went to great lengths to revamp their gaming image because I enjoyed these HO's for a change! The graphics are amazing and they are themed to match each chapter's plot, not to mention they appear in interesting locations with interesting variations. There are the standard Interactive List Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Find & Replace, and Silhouetted Shape Finds. I loved the puzzle-like aspect of sliding compartments to search for items where you could access a different area by using different sliding combinations. I liked the areas they were located in, such as paintings on a cave wall, within a graveyard, or trying to find items covered in moss which was a nice change of pace and more challenging than Elephant Games' usual HO scenes. I know a lot of people will not feel the same, but I loved the Phone App HO where you had to find all of the missing hospital sign letters by zooming in on different sections of the picture on the phone. It was sometimes difficult to see a letter hidden in plain site!
Clearly, the devs went to great lengths to revamp their gaming image because I enjoyed these HO's for a change! The graphics are amazing and they are themed to match each chapter's plot, not to mention they appear in interesting locations with interesting variations. There are the standard Interactive List Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Find & Replace, and Silhouetted Shape Finds. I loved the puzzle-like aspect of sliding compartments to search for items where you could access a different area by using different sliding combinations. I liked the areas they were located in, such as paintings on a cave wall, within a graveyard, or trying to find items covered in moss which was a nice change of pace and more challenging than Elephant Games' usual HO scenes. I know a lot of people will not feel the same, but I loved the Phone App HO where you had to find all of the missing hospital sign letters by zooming in on different sections of the picture on the phone. It was sometimes difficult to see a letter hidden in plain site!
MINI-GAMES:
Elephant Games are famous for their mechanical style puzzles, my favorite kind because they usually require a little bit of thought to solve them. Although some are solved by trial and error, most require a bit of tinkering, such as turning latches that required turning in a specific order, otherwise, they would become blocked by a different latch. A few of my favorites were adding shadows of props in the correct order to recreate the pictured image (harder than it sounds) I loved the Angel puzzle where you had to move her to available green-highlighted slots to pick up a Blue Sphere and then a Red Sphere to deposit them in the correct slots while avoiding the Reapers. I even liked the Navigation puzzle where you had to heal yourself by finding First Aid kits to survive the halls of horror!
BONUS CHAPTER: (Collector's Edition version only)
The tables have turned when an unexpected (or was he?) stranger bellies up to the Crossroads bar. Mistress Eve is the honored guest and must solve a series of riddles to pass the stranger's moral tests! This is an average-length Bonus Chapter spanning over 8 additional scenes with 4 Hidden Object Scenes and 7 Mini-Games, as well as a handful of smaller zoom zone HO's. You will continue your search for the final 8 Crossroads Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces and 3 Phobia Statue's Collectibles. The Round Jigsaw Puzzle Screensaver can be completed in The Secret Room, if you missed any pieces (or Collectibles) you can return to the scene to find them in the Expedition Room. After completing the BC you can enter the Archives to replay 13 HO's and 12 Mini-Games as well.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRA'S:
6 Wallpaper, 1 Screensaver Jigsaw Puzzle, 4 Music Soundtracks, 12 Achievements (2 achievements have 3 categories and 2 achievements have 5 categories), 12 Collectible Phobia Statues, 23 Crossroads Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (receive a jigsaw puzzle piece for each one found) a Secret Room to complete the round Jigsaw Puzzle, an Expedition Room where you can search for any missed collectibles, and the Archives where you can replay 13 Hidden Object Scenes, and 12 Mini-Games, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Elephant Games are famous for their mechanical style puzzles, my favorite kind because they usually require a little bit of thought to solve them. Although some are solved by trial and error, most require a bit of tinkering, such as turning latches that required turning in a specific order, otherwise, they would become blocked by a different latch. A few of my favorites were adding shadows of props in the correct order to recreate the pictured image (harder than it sounds) I loved the Angel puzzle where you had to move her to available green-highlighted slots to pick up a Blue Sphere and then a Red Sphere to deposit them in the correct slots while avoiding the Reapers. I even liked the Navigation puzzle where you had to heal yourself by finding First Aid kits to survive the halls of horror!
BONUS CHAPTER: (Collector's Edition version only)
The tables have turned when an unexpected (or was he?) stranger bellies up to the Crossroads bar. Mistress Eve is the honored guest and must solve a series of riddles to pass the stranger's moral tests! This is an average-length Bonus Chapter spanning over 8 additional scenes with 4 Hidden Object Scenes and 7 Mini-Games, as well as a handful of smaller zoom zone HO's. You will continue your search for the final 8 Crossroads Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces and 3 Phobia Statue's Collectibles. The Round Jigsaw Puzzle Screensaver can be completed in The Secret Room, if you missed any pieces (or Collectibles) you can return to the scene to find them in the Expedition Room. After completing the BC you can enter the Archives to replay 13 HO's and 12 Mini-Games as well.
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRA'S:
6 Wallpaper, 1 Screensaver Jigsaw Puzzle, 4 Music Soundtracks, 12 Achievements (2 achievements have 3 categories and 2 achievements have 5 categories), 12 Collectible Phobia Statues, 23 Crossroads Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces (receive a jigsaw puzzle piece for each one found) a Secret Room to complete the round Jigsaw Puzzle, an Expedition Room where you can search for any missed collectibles, and the Archives where you can replay 13 Hidden Object Scenes, and 12 Mini-Games, 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise, lots of exciting Woodsy guests!...join us won't you? thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Help young kitties find love in this whimsical point-and-click puzzler!
Overall rating
3
/
5
69 of 83 found this review helpful
FOILED AGAIN!
PostedSeptember 21, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I was super excited when I saw today's game because I thought BF had finally offered a new Adventure game, and it was all about cats! Unfortunately, this isn't an Adventure game, and it's not exactly a Purr-fect Escape the Room game either, at least not one with a challenge because apparently, you can do no wrong.
It is an adorable game with lots of bright colors, complete with a villainous cat lady granny whose cats have taken on her grumpy personality. None of this will deter our Romeo Tom cat from getting to his true love..with a little help from his Guardian Angel, Cupid kitty.
The goal is to get our love-stricken kitty past the residence cats and through the cat door. There are 50 levels so this must be a fairly large house, lol. Cupid Kitty is the key to achieving this goal, so you just need to figure out where the "hot spots" or interactive areas are. Unfortunately, all this involves is clicking on different areas and sitting back to watch what happens. You aren't required to achieve the goal in a targeted amount of moves so it doesn't really matter what you click, when you click, or whether you clicked in the right sequence.
Unlike most Escape the Room games, there aren't subtle clues to discover that allow you to solve riddles or puzzles so you can progress your way out of the room. All you are really doing is interactively clicking and watching what happens. There are no rewards, no real challenges, and honestly no reason to replay the game because you aren't trying to earn a better score, or accomplish the task in fewer moves.
It's a cute game with a cute concept but it could have been an incredible Escape The Room game if it just included some "thinking" tasks or added some Physics aspect strategies. Because there aren't any challenges, I quickly became bored and found that the cute kitties just weren't enough to hold my interest, but you may love it so give it a try.
If you need game help or have any tips to share, stroll on over to my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
It is an adorable game with lots of bright colors, complete with a villainous cat lady granny whose cats have taken on her grumpy personality. None of this will deter our Romeo Tom cat from getting to his true love..with a little help from his Guardian Angel, Cupid kitty.
The goal is to get our love-stricken kitty past the residence cats and through the cat door. There are 50 levels so this must be a fairly large house, lol. Cupid Kitty is the key to achieving this goal, so you just need to figure out where the "hot spots" or interactive areas are. Unfortunately, all this involves is clicking on different areas and sitting back to watch what happens. You aren't required to achieve the goal in a targeted amount of moves so it doesn't really matter what you click, when you click, or whether you clicked in the right sequence.
Unlike most Escape the Room games, there aren't subtle clues to discover that allow you to solve riddles or puzzles so you can progress your way out of the room. All you are really doing is interactively clicking and watching what happens. There are no rewards, no real challenges, and honestly no reason to replay the game because you aren't trying to earn a better score, or accomplish the task in fewer moves.
It's a cute game with a cute concept but it could have been an incredible Escape The Room game if it just included some "thinking" tasks or added some Physics aspect strategies. Because there aren't any challenges, I quickly became bored and found that the cute kitties just weren't enough to hold my interest, but you may love it so give it a try.
If you need game help or have any tips to share, stroll on over to my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Help Celene save the elven race from a terrible threat!
Overall rating
1
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
INCOMPATIBLE WITH LARGE SCREENS!
PostedSeptember 19, 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
I couldn't play this CE version at all because all of the important tabs were cut off. I tried deselecting the Fullscreen mode but it didn't convert to a windowed mode, it made it worse by stretching out the entire screen sideways. They must have gotten complaints about this issue because the SE version was playable even though it still didn't have a perfect ratio aspect, at least that version was playable!
The gameplay seems a bit too easy and on several occasions, all I was doing was waiting on trees to regenerate so I could continue. This happened so frequently that I thought it was something I was doing wrong but after reading several reviews, it would seem just about everyone was experiencing this same issue.
In my opinion, the tasks didn't progress quickly enough from one level to the next. I felt like I was doing the same thing level after level, removing a gazillion pits and logs, fixing cracks, clearing the river, and finding maps. These are tasks I expect in a Time Management game but most of the time, there are new tasks added to the previous level's tasks to keep it interesting, instead, they just changed the buildings that were necessary such as Libraries, Food Huts, and Magic Towers. etc.
Several times I was left scratching my head when it came to the requirements. I was constantly being prompted to upgrade the worker's hut while I was waiting patiently for something to become available so I could progress. I had to restore or build a Food Hut even though I had plenty of food and lots of time to collect food while waiting for something useful to become available...like those slow-growing trees!
I can't comment on the CE extra's because those tabs were not showing (cut off) I had to wait for the SE version just to be able to play!
Have a gaming tip you'd like to share? Join us on my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
The gameplay seems a bit too easy and on several occasions, all I was doing was waiting on trees to regenerate so I could continue. This happened so frequently that I thought it was something I was doing wrong but after reading several reviews, it would seem just about everyone was experiencing this same issue.
In my opinion, the tasks didn't progress quickly enough from one level to the next. I felt like I was doing the same thing level after level, removing a gazillion pits and logs, fixing cracks, clearing the river, and finding maps. These are tasks I expect in a Time Management game but most of the time, there are new tasks added to the previous level's tasks to keep it interesting, instead, they just changed the buildings that were necessary such as Libraries, Food Huts, and Magic Towers. etc.
Several times I was left scratching my head when it came to the requirements. I was constantly being prompted to upgrade the worker's hut while I was waiting patiently for something to become available so I could progress. I had to restore or build a Food Hut even though I had plenty of food and lots of time to collect food while waiting for something useful to become available...like those slow-growing trees!
I can't comment on the CE extra's because those tabs were not showing (cut off) I had to wait for the SE version just to be able to play!
Have a gaming tip you'd like to share? Join us on my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Help Celene save the elven race from a terrible threat!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 9 found this review helpful
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE ...UNLESS YOU'RE PLAYING A TIME MANAGEMENT GAME!
PostedSeptember 19, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The graphics are colorful but right from the get-go I had issues with the game fitting my large screen which cut off all the tabs on the top & bottom of the screen. I deselected the Fullscreen mode but it didn't convert to a windowed mode, it just made the screen slightly smaller and more stretched out.
The gameplay seems a bit too easy and on several occasions, all I was doing was waiting on trees to regenerate so I could continue. This happened so frequently that I thought it was something I was doing wrong but after reading several reviews, it would seem just about everyone was experiencing this same issue.
In my opinion, the tasks didn't progress quickly enough from one level to the next. I felt like I was doing the same thing level after level, removing a gazillion pits and logs, fixing cracks, clearing the river, and finding maps. These are tasks I expect in a Time Management game but most of the time, there are new tasks added to the previous level's tasks to keep it interesting, instead, they just changed the buildings that were necessary such as Libraries, Food Huts, and Magic Towers. etc.
Several times I was left scratching my head when it came to the requirements. I was constantly being prompted to upgrade the worker's hut while I was waiting patiently for something to become available so I could progress. I had to restore or build a Food Hut even though I had plenty of food and lots of time to collect food while waiting for something useful to become available...like those slow-growing trees!
Have a gaming tip you'd like to share? Join us on my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
The gameplay seems a bit too easy and on several occasions, all I was doing was waiting on trees to regenerate so I could continue. This happened so frequently that I thought it was something I was doing wrong but after reading several reviews, it would seem just about everyone was experiencing this same issue.
In my opinion, the tasks didn't progress quickly enough from one level to the next. I felt like I was doing the same thing level after level, removing a gazillion pits and logs, fixing cracks, clearing the river, and finding maps. These are tasks I expect in a Time Management game but most of the time, there are new tasks added to the previous level's tasks to keep it interesting, instead, they just changed the buildings that were necessary such as Libraries, Food Huts, and Magic Towers. etc.
Several times I was left scratching my head when it came to the requirements. I was constantly being prompted to upgrade the worker's hut while I was waiting patiently for something to become available so I could progress. I had to restore or build a Food Hut even though I had plenty of food and lots of time to collect food while waiting for something useful to become available...like those slow-growing trees!
Have a gaming tip you'd like to share? Join us on my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Come along for an awe-inspiring trip around the world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
84 of 102 found this review helpful
YOU STILL GET 3 CATS, A CAMERA & A PAW PRINT TO FIND IN EVERY SCENE IN THIS STANDARD EDITION!
PostedSeptember 18, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I still think Our Beautiful Earth is an amazing series, but I prefer the nature-themed scenes that were prominent in the previous games. These scenes are a bit more urbanized and mostly take place within commercial tourist destinations or on the lawns of houses. I played about 6 levels before I finally got to a scene in Utah that was more in tune with nature. I expect Urban scenes and tourist destinations when I play the travel-related HOGs, but I loved the naturalistic approach of Our Beautiful Earth where it veered off the beaten track to show us a different side of Mother Nature! There are a ton of travel-related HOGs out there, but only one Our Beautiful Earth, so please, keep it Earthy not Urban.
Each of the 30 scene locations has 3 adorable cats that meow when you click on them (some are located in the Zoom Zone areas) and you'll earn extra points as well. Each level also has a hidden Camera that will reward you with a location screenshot, and there is a hidden Paw Print Tile of various critters in each level, (ignore the fact that dolphins & birds don't have paws lol) Wouldn't it make more sense to have the Pawprint Tile open up to reveal that animals real print, even if it's just a flipper or dorsal fin?
Each scene has 2 Sub-scenes or Zoom Zones that will appear as Boxes on the Right side that come and go as objects are found and new ones added. but unfortunately, there isn't a separate list of items in bold for the sub-scenes.
You can play in a Casual or Challenge Mode, depending on how fast you want the Hint & Puzzle Skip buttons to recharge. There are no Misclick Penalties or Timers so this HOG is very relaxing, peaceful, and enjoyable to play. Each location gives you a little fun fact at the start of each HO scene which I find very interesting. I also like the Magnifying Glass feature, you can right-click anywhere on the scene to pull it up, and right-click again to make it disappear, and the magnifying glass doesn't disappear when you find an object and click on it like some other HOGs.
You can earn up to 3-stars, the first Star is earned for finding all 18 Listed Objects, a second Star for finding all 3 Cats, and a 3rd Star for finding the Paw Print Tile. Coins earned for completing the HOGs and Mini-games are used in the Gift Shop to reveal 14 sections on a beautiful Wallpaper Scene.
After each Hidden Object Scene, you will play a Puzzle or Mini-Game such as Spot the Difference, Memory Matching Animal Pairs, Rotate & Drag Tetris-Shaped Puzzle Pieces into Place, Mahjong, Jigsaw Puzzles, and even Mosaic Griddlers. The Spot the Differences images are really subtle so they can be quite challenging, I don't normally like Mahjong but this was a classic Mahjong that was unusually challenging and held my interest.
The CE version has Bonus Levels, 40 replayable Mini-games, Wallpapers, and Music Soundtracks.
Come join the fun in The Woods at my new forum, we have lots of exciting topics including Nature, Animals, and of course, game discussions at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!