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:
You won’t need to call her three times… She’s already here!
Overall rating
4
/
5
82 of 100 found this review helpful
I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FAN OF THE BLOODY MARY HORROR PLOT
PostedJune 25, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Completed Game approximately 5.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
24 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
24 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
Nope, you won't catch me saying her name three times! I've always been a fan of the Bloody Mary horror plot (although the big E did a better job story-wise) so for the story alone I'm giving this game an extra star.
I probably would have given it 5 stars had it not been for:
-a shiny inventory item buried in the dirt
-the use of boards, nails, & a heavy object
-feather dusters to brush away the impossible
-corkscrew, corks, belts, etc. as handles
-makeshift magnet lock openers
-keys on the opposite side of doors
-random smoke to fan away
-animals that don't budge until you scare the bejeebers outta them
-rulers that somehow fit between doors
-makeshift tweezers
-makeshift wrenches
-makeshift screwdrivers
-makeshift hammers
-missing water valves
-missing wheels
-instantly recharging devices
-wires taped with anything handy
-solvents that instantly remove dried paint layers
...and then I made it to the second chapter bwahaha
Collectibles & Morphing Objects (CE Version Only):
Do-h!, ya might want to invest in a quality control manager. The collectibles have different names depending on where you look! If you go to the Extra's menu, they have them listed as 15 Writer's Desk Items, 15 Mirror Traps, and 70 Bookmarks (as the currency). If you look at the pull-out Collectible's Tab in the game itself, they are listed as 15 Utensils, 15 Ghosts, and 70 Bookmarks. If you go to the Strategy Guide they are listed as 15 Collectible Photos, 15 Morphing Objects, and 70 Bills?? Are we searching for collectible ghosts or mirrors? Are we searching for vintage writer's desk items, photos, or utensils? Are we searching for Bookmarks or dollar bills to purchase Office items? I guess in the long run, it doesn't matter what they are called because they are so teeny-tiny that it's impossible to tell what you've collected anyway!
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 16 Hidden Object Scenes +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter. The Hidden Object Scenes vary with Interactive Listed Item Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Finding & Replacing Item Finds, Progressive-Interactive Silhouetted Shape Finds, and Multiples of the Same Object. One of the 1st HO scenes was on a computer screen with pictures that were so small it was difficult to find the objects...and I have a 38" curved Alienware monitor!
-a shiny inventory item buried in the dirt
-the use of boards, nails, & a heavy object
-feather dusters to brush away the impossible
-corkscrew, corks, belts, etc. as handles
-makeshift magnet lock openers
-keys on the opposite side of doors
-random smoke to fan away
-animals that don't budge until you scare the bejeebers outta them
-rulers that somehow fit between doors
-makeshift tweezers
-makeshift wrenches
-makeshift screwdrivers
-makeshift hammers
-missing water valves
-missing wheels
-instantly recharging devices
-wires taped with anything handy
-solvents that instantly remove dried paint layers
...and then I made it to the second chapter bwahaha
Collectibles & Morphing Objects (CE Version Only):
Do-h!, ya might want to invest in a quality control manager. The collectibles have different names depending on where you look! If you go to the Extra's menu, they have them listed as 15 Writer's Desk Items, 15 Mirror Traps, and 70 Bookmarks (as the currency). If you look at the pull-out Collectible's Tab in the game itself, they are listed as 15 Utensils, 15 Ghosts, and 70 Bookmarks. If you go to the Strategy Guide they are listed as 15 Collectible Photos, 15 Morphing Objects, and 70 Bills?? Are we searching for collectible ghosts or mirrors? Are we searching for vintage writer's desk items, photos, or utensils? Are we searching for Bookmarks or dollar bills to purchase Office items? I guess in the long run, it doesn't matter what they are called because they are so teeny-tiny that it's impossible to tell what you've collected anyway!
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 16 Hidden Object Scenes +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter. The Hidden Object Scenes vary with Interactive Listed Item Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Finding & Replacing Item Finds, Progressive-Interactive Silhouetted Shape Finds, and Multiples of the Same Object. One of the 1st HO scenes was on a computer screen with pictures that were so small it was difficult to find the objects...and I have a 38" curved Alienware monitor!
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available, which still doesn't allow you to make consecutive matches quickly because you have to wait for all tiles to stop falling before you can make the next match which makes the game super boring. It's always the same exact M3 game, the boards never change! They never add obstacles or new features to make it progress in difficulty. FYI: one of the achievements requires you to play the alternate Match 3 game in place of the HOS. (just once)
Mini-Games:
There are 26 Mini-Games +7 in the CE Bonus Chapter. You can choose to play them in an Easy or Hard difficulty mode and you can choose which mode to have them start out in the Custom Setting (you can still switch between modes for each individual game) I actually enjoyed several of the mini-games, although none of the games were original. I particularly enjoyed the mechanical-type puzzles where you make electrical connections, etc.
There are 26 Mini-Games +7 in the CE Bonus Chapter. You can choose to play them in an Easy or Hard difficulty mode and you can choose which mode to have them start out in the Custom Setting (you can still switch between modes for each individual game) I actually enjoyed several of the mini-games, although none of the games were original. I particularly enjoyed the mechanical-type puzzles where you make electrical connections, etc.
Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only)
A writer's work is never done so we're off to investigate another infamous ghost, La Llorona. There are 7 additional Mini-Games and 5 Hidden Object Scenes that take place over 9 additional scene locations. You will continue your search for the final 3 Utensils/Writer's Desk Items? 3 Morphing Photos/Ghosts/Photos, and 8 Bills/Bookmarks, I have no idea what they are called at this point lol to purchase the final Office Items.
A writer's work is never done so we're off to investigate another infamous ghost, La Llorona. There are 7 additional Mini-Games and 5 Hidden Object Scenes that take place over 9 additional scene locations. You will continue your search for the final 3 Utensils/Writer's Desk Items? 3 Morphing Photos/Ghosts/Photos, and 8 Bills/Bookmarks, I have no idea what they are called at this point lol to purchase the final Office Items.
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
11 Wallpapers (basically giant photos of each character), 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 28 Movie Video Cutscenes, 35 Achievements, 20 Replayable Mini-Games, 21 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Writer's Desk Items,15 Mirror Traps, 70 Zoom-Zone Bookmarks to purchase 15 Office Items, 7 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
11 Wallpapers (basically giant photos of each character), 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 28 Movie Video Cutscenes, 35 Achievements, 20 Replayable Mini-Games, 21 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Writer's Desk Items,15 Mirror Traps, 70 Zoom-Zone Bookmarks to purchase 15 Office Items, 7 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Reconnect with long-lost forum friends and become an official Woosdey when you join us on my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Restore ancient castles in a fantasy world in this Solitaire adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
YOU'LL NEVER MISS WHAT'S MISSING IN THIS SE VERSION CUZ THERE'S STILL A TON OF CONTENT!
PostedJune 24, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
In all honesty, I haven't finished playing the last two Solitaire games in this series. These games are massive and there is so much content that unless you play the game for hours every day, you're probably not going to finish one before the next game is released!
I like the main solitaire games, but I love the supersized levels so I basically just play the main game so I can unlock the Challenge & Supersize levels...it would be super cool if they offered a smaller game with just Supersize & Challenge levels! I could care less about the other solitaire variations you unlock as you progress, and I hate Mahjong so I NEVER play those bonus games.
They have added a few new features in the solitaire levels that have really made those levels challenging! There are Lock & Key Cards, Frozen Cards that require two Plays to remove them, Chained Cards that require Hammer Cards, Ribbon Cards that require Scissor Cards, Vined Cards that require Sickle Cards, Red & Black Sealed Cards or Suit Specific Cards that require removing Red and Black Suit Cards or cards in a specific Suit, such as Clubs, Hearts, Diamonds or Spades.
They now have Up & Down Arrow Cards that change their value either up or down with every card removed from the board (tackle these asap!) Thorn Bushes grow & disappear for the specified number of plays (a #3 means you have to remove 3 cards before the obstacle disappears and it will reappear if not removed after 3 more cards are removed) Color Cards can mess you up or make it easier! They are similar to Jokers, a Heart Card can be played on a heart card on the deck pile which allows you to continue a chain at whichever card denomination you choose (There are Color Cards available for each suit) They have also added Bonus Cards that award you with Extra Cards (+3 +4 +5 extra deck cards)
Some Cards contain Coins that can be used in the Shop to purchase Power-ups, Wildcards, or convenience features such as a Deck Card Counter~Earn Extra Gold~Remove a Random Card~Remove a Specific Card~Reveal some Face Down Cards~Extra Shuffle and Undo features~Card Specific Wildcards~Jokers, and the Chance to Receive Wildcards and Jokers during the Levels.
As you progress, you can opt to participate in Quests that involve playing 3 different games, such as the Sliding Solitaire or a Challenge level. The best part is, that you'll earn Emeralds on each level that allows you to build gorgeous Castles, piece by piece
There are 32 Kites, Balloons, Birds, and Lanterns to decorate your Castle Screens, 24 Achievement Trophies, 3 Card Fonts & 4 Card Graphics, 6 Wallpapers (Castles) 6 Bonus Classic Solitaire games (Klondike-Spider-Freecell-Yukon-Pyramid-Baker's Dozen) 60 Supersized Levels, 60 Challenge levels. 60 Match 2 Levels, 60 Sliding Levels (you have to play all cards on the right or left side to slide the board & reveal more cards on the field) 60 Mahjong Levels, 12 Bonus Solitaire variants (Free Klondike Double-Daisy Garden-Free Cell X-Carlton-32 Thieves-Fanny-Castle of Indolence-Deuces-Sir Alan-Wish-West Cliff-Thirty Six)
The CE version has all of the above, plus The Making Of, 10 Music Soundtracks, 8 Extra Trophies, 9 Extra Castle Wallpapers, 4 Extra Card Backs, 5 Extra Castles, 200 Extra Levels, 5 Extra Solitaire Variants (Fuego Fatvo-Theresa- A Plan-Castles in France-Double Streets) 120 Extra Mahjong Levels, 120 Extra Challenge Levels, 120 Extra Supersized Levels, 120 Extra Match 2 Levels, 120 Extra Sliding Levels. Clearly, this game is worthy of its price!
Lets talk about Jewel Match...join the fun at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Restore ancient castles in a fantasy world in this Solitaire adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
YOU DEFINITELY GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH WITH JEWEL MATCH SOLITAIRE GAMES!
PostedJune 24, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
In all honesty, I haven't finished playing the last two Solitaire games in this series. These games are massive and there is so much content that unless you play the game for hours every day, you're probably not going to finish one before the next game is released!
I like the main solitaire games, but I love the supersized levels so I basically just play the main game so I can unlock the Challenge & Supersize levels...it would be super cool if they offered a smaller game with just Supersize & Challenge levels! I could care less about the other solitaire variations you unlock as you progress, and I hate Mahjong so I NEVER play those bonus games.
They have added a few new features in the solitaire levels that have really made those levels challenging! There are Lock & Key Cards, Frozen Cards that require two Plays to remove them, Chained Cards that require Hammer Cards, Ribbon Cards that require Scissor Cards, Vined Cards that require Sickle Cards, Red & Black Sealed Cards or Suit Specific Cards that require removing Red and Black Suit Cards or cards in a specific Suit, such as Clubs, Hearts, Diamonds or Spades. They now have Up & Down Arrow Cards that change their value either up or down with every card removed from the board (tackle these asap!) Thorn Bushes grow & disappear for the specified number of plays (a #3 means you have to remove 3 cards before the obstacle disappears and it will reappear if not removed after 3 more cards are removed) Color Cards can mess you up or make it easier! They are similar to Jokers, a Heart Card can be played on a heart card on the deck pile which allows you to continue a chain at whichever card denomination you choose (There are Color Cards available for each suit) They have also added Bonus Cards that award you with Extra Cards (+3 +4 +5 extra deck cards)
Some Cards contain Coins that can be used in the Shop to purchase Power-ups, Wildcards, or convenience features such as a Deck Card Counter~Earn Extra Gold~Remove a Random Card~Remove a Specific Card~Reveal some Face Down Cards~Extra Shuffle and Undo features~Card Specific Wildcards~Jokers, and the Chance to Receive Wildcards and Jokers during the Levels.
As you progress, you can opt to participate in Quests which involve playing 3 different games, such as the Sliding Solitaire or a Challenge level. The best part is, that you'll earn Emeralds on each level that allows you to build gorgeous Castles, piece by piece
There are 32 Kites, Balloons, Birds, and Lanterns to decorate your Castle Screens, 24 Achievement Trophies, 3 Card Fonts & 4 Card Graphics, 6 Wallpapers (Castles) 6 Bonus Classic Solitaire games (Klondike-Spider-Freecell-Yukon-Pyramid-Baker's Dozen) 60 Supersized Levels, 60 Challenge levels. 60 Match 2 Levels, 60 Sliding Levels (you have to play all cards on the right or left side to slide the board & reveal more cards on the field) 60 Mahjong Levels, 12 Bonus Solitaire variants (Free Klondike Double-Daisy Garden-Free Cell X-Carlton-32 Thieves-Fanny-Castle of Indolence-Deuces-Sir Alan-Wish-West Cliff-Thirty Six)
There are 32 Kites, Balloons, Birds, and Lanterns to decorate your Castle Screens, 24 Achievement Trophies, 3 Card Fonts & 4 Card Graphics, 6 Wallpapers (Castles) 6 Bonus Classic Solitaire games (Klondike-Spider-Freecell-Yukon-Pyramid-Baker's Dozen) 60 Supersized Levels, 60 Challenge levels. 60 Match 2 Levels, 60 Sliding Levels (you have to play all cards on the right or left side to slide the board & reveal more cards on the field) 60 Mahjong Levels, 12 Bonus Solitaire variants (Free Klondike Double-Daisy Garden-Free Cell X-Carlton-32 Thieves-Fanny-Castle of Indolence-Deuces-Sir Alan-Wish-West Cliff-Thirty Six)
This CE version has The Making Of, 10 Music Soundtracks, 8 Extra Trophies, 9 Extra Castle Wallpapers, 4 Extra Card Backs, 5 Extra Castles, 200 Extra Levels, 5 Extra Solitaire Variants (Fuego Fatvo-Theresa- A Plan-Castles in France-Double Streets) 120 Extra Mahjong Levels, 120 Extra Challenge Levels, 120 Extra Supersized Levels, 120 Extra Match 2 Levels, 120 Extra Sliding Levels. Clearly, this game is worthy of its price!
Lets talk about Jewel Match...join the fun at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
Lets talk about Jewel Match...join the fun at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Can Claire survive the strange world inside the Mysterious Book?
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 14 found this review helpful
IT'S A PRETTY GAME BUT NOT VERY ENTERTAINING
PostedJune 24, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
We have had some phenomenal Time Management games lately so this game felt rather dull because there wasn't anything special about it. The graphics are colorful but then again, there isn't a whole lot to look at, the tasks are large but they aren't numerous, the resources and tasks are just spread out to make it look like there's something going on!
It wasn't until I got to level 7 that my task list actually involved more than two goals! Seriously, in level 5 my two goals were to Kill the Tentacles and repair the Druid Hut. Level 6 I kid you not had only one goal, to kill a Tentacle! Obviously, I earned all 3 stars on both levels, and that was without using the Speed Boots!
There are the usual tasks to perform, clearing paths, repairing and upgrading Workers' Houses, Sawmills for Lumber, and Farm Plots to produce various crops. Each level has the same resources, a square plot to harvest in the middle of the screen, piles of wood neatly bundled along the pathway, blue Diamonds that look like crystals, the infamous berry bush, and random Tentacles sticking up out of the ground. I just became bored very quickly because of a lack of interesting tasks...it is a pretty game tho!
The CE version has 60 Levels and 10 CE Bonus Levels as well as 22 Achievement Trophies to earn, 4 Music Soundtracks, 6 Concept Art Pictures, a Strategy Guide, Lost Artifacts to find and the Map shows you when there is an Artifact to collect. This SE version still has 60 Levels, 22 Achievements, and 40 Artifacts to find (7 Torches-7 Crystal Balls-9 Swords-9 Necklaces-8 Gold Bags) I think this version is the better option, it's an easy game so you probably won't need a SG!
It's always beautiful in The Woods, so stroll on over and share some smores with the bears at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Can Claire survive the strange world inside the Mysterious Book?
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
IT'S KIND OF A PLAIN JANE GAME
PostedJune 24, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
We have had some phenomenal Time Management games lately so this game felt rather dull because there wasn't anything special about it. The graphics are colorful but then again, there isn't a whole lot to look at, the tasks are large but they aren't numerous, the resources and tasks are just spread out to make it look like there's something going on!
It wasn't until I got to level 7 that my task list actually involved more than two goals! Seriously, in level 5 my two goals were to Kill the Tentacles and repair the Druid Hut. Level 6 I kid you not had only one goal, to kill a Tentacle! Obviously, I earned all 3 stars on both levels, and that was without using the Speed Boots!
There are the usual tasks to perform, clearing paths, repairing and upgrading Workers' Houses, Sawmills for Lumber, Farm Plots to produce various crops. Each level has the same resources, a square plot to harvest in the middle of the screen, piles of wood neatly bundled along the pathway, blue Diamonds that look like crystals, the infamous berry bush, and random Tentacles sticking up out of the ground. I just became bored very quickly because of a lack of interesting tasks...it is a pretty game tho!
This CE version has 60 Levels and 10 CE Bonus Levels as well as 22 Achievement Trophies to earn, 4 Music Soundtracks, 6 Concept Art Pictures, and a Strategy Guide. There are also Lost Artifacts to find and the Map shows you when there is an Artifact to collect.
This CE version has 60 Levels and 10 CE Bonus Levels as well as 22 Achievement Trophies to earn, 4 Music Soundtracks, 6 Concept Art Pictures, and a Strategy Guide. There are also Lost Artifacts to find and the Map shows you when there is an Artifact to collect.
It's always beautiful in The Woods, so stroll on over and share some smores with the bears at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Time is running out when a killer targets a fellow detective!
Overall rating
3
/
5
42 of 51 found this review helpful
3.5 STARS - STRANGE INVESTIGATIONS 2 IS A VAST IMPROVEMENT
PostedJune 24, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game approximately 5.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
27 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
27 Main Game Scene Locations +9 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
Dana Strange has returned and wouldn'tcha know it, a new case falls right into their laps just when boredom was at an all-time high! If you think this investigation is strange, try to figure out why Elephant Games is NOT listed in the game credits!? The only credits are given to Big Fish Games yet the Big Fish synopsis says "Elephant Games AM proudly presents..."
This prompted me to do my own Strange Investigation and BF now has them listed under their developer spotlight section as: "Big Fish Games presents the Elephant Games AR LLC collection" Well, this is different than the "AM" listing in the synopsis, so now I'm even more confused. My Strange Investigation continued and it appears Elephant's headquarters [supposedly] moved to Yerevan, Armenia which still doesn't explain why Elephant Games isn't in this game's credits? My conclusion is more of a gut feeling, I suspect that this is just a corporate cup & shell game, a creative loophole to bypass Russian sanctions by relocating headquarters, at least virtually?
As for the game, surprisingly, it is a significant improvement over games that have been offered by this developer lately! If BF is the developer, it's a step in the right direction, a direction they should never have abandoned in the first place! (BF handed off most of the original series to various devs) If Elephant Games is truly still the developer, it would seem that they got a much-needed reality check and finally realized that they need us just as much as we need them!
Helper/Gadget
There are no Gadgets and no Helpers!
There are no Gadgets and no Helpers!
Morphing Objects/Collectibles: (CE version only)
There are no morphing objects which had been a staple feature from Elephant Games, a feature I truly wish would return :(
There are no morphing objects which had been a staple feature from Elephant Games, a feature I truly wish would return :(
There are 12 Collectible Playing Cards representing each of the Characters and 48 Zoom Zone Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces that allow you to assemble four, 12-piece Jigsaw Puzzles that can be set as wallpapers. The puzzle pieces are nicely blended into the scenery and they have finally allowed you to return to the scenes to search for puzzle pieces & cards that you may have missed within the Expedition Room!
Video/Audio Quality:
Elephant Games has always been one of my favorites when it comes to graphics, hands-down, and their story-telling abilities are phenomenal. I cut my teeth on Mystery Trackers: The Void and fell in love with HOPA games because of this developer! (and because they had amazing morphs back in the day) For the first time in a long time, the game didn't freeze a single time, in fact, I had no issues whatsoever!
Elephant Games has always been one of my favorites when it comes to graphics, hands-down, and their story-telling abilities are phenomenal. I cut my teeth on Mystery Trackers: The Void and fell in love with HOPA games because of this developer! (and because they had amazing morphs back in the day) For the first time in a long time, the game didn't freeze a single time, in fact, I had no issues whatsoever!
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 7 Hidden Object Scenes +6 in the CE Bonus Chapter, 5 smaller zoom zone hidden object scenes where you are tasked with finding 1 object at a time that matches the silhouetted shape or listed items. The objects are pretty easy to spot, but there were lots of HO variations which include Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Finding & Placing Misplaced Items, and Multiples of the Same Object Finds (such as finding Bee's among several symbols), There are no alternative games available for non-HO lovers, unfortunately.
There are 7 Hidden Object Scenes +6 in the CE Bonus Chapter, 5 smaller zoom zone hidden object scenes where you are tasked with finding 1 object at a time that matches the silhouetted shape or listed items. The objects are pretty easy to spot, but there were lots of HO variations which include Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Finding & Placing Misplaced Items, and Multiples of the Same Object Finds (such as finding Bee's among several symbols), There are no alternative games available for non-HO lovers, unfortunately.
Mini-Games:
There are 16 Mini-Games +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter. Most of the mini-games were really easy to solve but I found them to be enjoyable overall. Even though they were easy, I was delighted that they had a couple of multi-layered puzzles, similar to the MCF door puzzles. I would love to see more of these, especially if they were puzzles that were closer to the infamous Rube Goldberg puzzles! Here are a few of my personal favorites:
There are 16 Mini-Games +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter. Most of the mini-games were really easy to solve but I found them to be enjoyable overall. Even though they were easy, I was delighted that they had a couple of multi-layered puzzles, similar to the MCF door puzzles. I would love to see more of these, especially if they were puzzles that were closer to the infamous Rube Goldberg puzzles! Here are a few of my personal favorites:
1-Move character without crossing paths with the criminals by choosing the correct path (3 different patterns) paying attention to the timing.
2-Swap triangular sections to assemble each of the suspect's photos.
3-Dress the puppet in 3 different outfits, click the arrow to drop down a picture of the puppet, repeating the process for each attire.
4-Complete the circuits by choosing nodes on the left with the correct path on the right.
5-Untangle ropes by placing sections on various hooks.
2-Swap triangular sections to assemble each of the suspect's photos.
3-Dress the puppet in 3 different outfits, click the arrow to drop down a picture of the puppet, repeating the process for each attire.
4-Complete the circuits by choosing nodes on the left with the correct path on the right.
5-Untangle ropes by placing sections on various hooks.
Least Favorite puzzles
1-Press when balls are inside cross-hairs.
2-Place labels according to shape...really??
3-Win a game by placing white stones next to rivals' black stones, adjacent moves will change opponents' stones to white.
4-Depress the correct buttons, pressing one may affect others.
5-Paint unfinished sections the correct color...blue is black?
1-Press when balls are inside cross-hairs.
2-Place labels according to shape...really??
3-Win a game by placing white stones next to rivals' black stones, adjacent moves will change opponents' stones to white.
4-Depress the correct buttons, pressing one may affect others.
5-Paint unfinished sections the correct color...blue is black?
Bonus Chapter (Collector's Edition version only)
Fear not, detectives, Jack Goldwin has a Strange request and money is not an issue! Grandpa Ralph passed away and heired a single key to his beloved grandson...the problem is, Jack has absolutely no clue what the key goes to, but Grandpa was a master at riddles so surely the mysterious key will unlock a puzzling treasure! This is an average-length Bonus Chapter spanning over 9 Scene Locations with 5 Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes. You will search for the remaining 3 Collectible Playing Cards and the final 12 Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces which allows you to complete the fourth and final Jigsaw Puzzle.
Fear not, detectives, Jack Goldwin has a Strange request and money is not an issue! Grandpa Ralph passed away and heired a single key to his beloved grandson...the problem is, Jack has absolutely no clue what the key goes to, but Grandpa was a master at riddles so surely the mysterious key will unlock a puzzling treasure! This is an average-length Bonus Chapter spanning over 9 Scene Locations with 5 Mini-Games and 6 Hidden Object Scenes. You will search for the remaining 3 Collectible Playing Cards and the final 12 Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces which allows you to complete the fourth and final Jigsaw Puzzle.
Collector's Edition Version Extra's
5 Wallpapers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 21 Achievements, 13 Replayable Mini-Games, 13 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, a Secret Room where you will return to each of the scenes for a Timed Hidden Object Game, an Expedition Room that allows you to return to the scenes to pick up any missed Jigsaw Puzzles or missed Collectible Playing Card, 48 Zoom Zone Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces to assemble Four, 12-piece Jigsaw Puzzles, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
5 Wallpapers, 5 Music Soundtracks, 21 Achievements, 13 Replayable Mini-Games, 13 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, a Secret Room where you will return to each of the scenes for a Timed Hidden Object Game, an Expedition Room that allows you to return to the scenes to pick up any missed Jigsaw Puzzles or missed Collectible Playing Card, 48 Zoom Zone Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces to assemble Four, 12-piece Jigsaw Puzzles, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Throw on your hiking boots and head on over to my new forum. Chat about the game or chat with fellow game fans, and maybe even reconnect with long-lost fishies from the Big Fish Forum days, or join us on our Group Game Plays. Come as you are and chillax for a bit by the campfire, there's always an endless supply of smores! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Embark on a high-altitude adventure with Mia Faircroft!
Overall rating
3
/
5
82 of 103 found this review helpful
NICE HO VARIETY-DECENT GRAPHICS-A LOT OF CONVERSATION INTERRUPTIONS
PostedJune 23, 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
Once again, this would be a fantastic HOG if they would just stop interrupting the HO scenes mid-stream with more conversation dialog! There is already way too much dialog before every scene, and for me personally, the story isn't that interesting in the first place so the added interruption is just an annoyance... It's just a HOG, not a visual novel?
You can choose to play in an Easy Mode with a 15-second Hint Recharge and mini-game pieces that lock when correctly placed, a Medium Mode with a 30-second Hint Recharge where some of the mini-game pieces lock, or a Hard Mode with a 45-second Hint Recharge and no mini-game pieces that lock. There are several HO varieties, Listed Items, Pictured Images, Riddled Descriptions, Silhouetted Shapes, Scrambled Letters, and Collections, such as finding all of the Pigeons.
The mini-games are decent with a good variety as well. There are Spot the Differences between 4 almost identical images, several shaped puzzle varieties, and of course Memory Matches such as flipping two postcards at a time to find matching Flags from around the world.
This CE version seems vague, there are no tabs in-game that show you what the extras are. According to the BF synopsis, there are 6 additional Chapters set after the main story, 2 Bonus locations, and 30 new levels. There is also an Unlimited Mode available once you unlock the scenes in the main game.
Need game help from fellow BF gamers? Come join us at my new Woodsy-themed forum: thewoodsforum.boards.net
Help Tristan build Atlantis and make it the greatest kingdom on Earth!
Overall rating
3
/
5
36 of 45 found this review helpful
LOVE THE NEW GAME MECHANICS BUT WISH THEY HADN'T INCORPORATED THE SAME OLE-SAME OLE
PostedJune 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
Current Favorite:
Ancient Spiders
(2)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game has a new look with beautiful graphics and modernized fonts. For the first time in a long time, I enjoyed playing this Match 3 game by eFunSoft because the level goals were actually quite challenging on the Timed Mode and the level layouts were different than the ones they have been revamping on every game lately.
I was on the fence about my star rating, on one hand, I enjoyed playing this game, but on the other hand, it still seems like the same game because the developer stopped short of revamping the game in its entirety :( As I said, the levels were challenging, and the boards were finally unique, but just when I was ready to click the Buy Now button, along came Artifacts that you have to drop off the board, and clearly, the Bonuses were the same bonuses as offered in all Match 3 games by this developer, even the Morphing Bubbles had returned :(
I think eFunSoft is missing the point here. When The Chronicles of Noah's Ark (the 1st one) was released, it was fun and they received 26 Five Star reviews. A few years later and a ton of Match 3 games later, their ratings have dropped significantly because they may all have a different story, but Match 3 fans quickly discovered that every game was basically a clone. After purchasing 2-3 games, even if they are from a different series, we all realized that we were wasting our money because the level layouts were all the same, the goals were all the same, and the bonuses simply had different names but did the same exact thing. We knew we had to upgrade 4 worlds in one chapter to progress, the voiceovers were the same. Unless you wanted a game for a different story, there was no need for another replica and players reflected their disappointment with their star ratings!
Eventually, the new fan base became seasoned fans with no need for another clone, eventually, players who had never played a game by this developer became scarce because there have been a LOT of new Match 3 games by this developer, several per month in fact!
It's almost as if the developer got cold feet midway through this game. They revamped the graphics and fonts so the curb appeal instantly grabs your attention. The storyline is very unique, it's almost a hybrid cross between Ancient Aliens & Greek Mythology. The main character is very appealing and I was even more impressed when the option to play in a Timed Mode was offered which usually isn't the case! Right from the get-go, the Match 3 levels had different layouts, a slew of various Obstacles, and Goals that were not the norm for this developer and I found myself having to replay levels because I ran out of time and the Obstacles were numerous!
Every level offered a new bonus, but it doesn't take long to realize they are the same bonuses with different names. The Morphing Bubble tiles returned and then came the Artifacts that you drop off the board...even worse, those artifact levels had identical layouts where the artifact is on a single top column that was blocked directly underneath by a double roped tile!
They changed the Upgrades slightly, selecting various options from a ribbon-type inventory bar to progress the Clan's way of life with Industry, Livestock, Agriculture, and Mining. Several of the options were just black silhouettes that have no price (how many Stars to purchase) it was almost as if they forgot they were there?
Honestly, this game was amazing at first glance, but it's as if they didn't know how to make a different game from scratch. You could tell they were trying but just couldn't imagine a different scenario in the long run, therefore, I can only give them 3 stars...BUT if they dive in and decide to go all the way, if they ditch the same old scenarios, I can assure you I will be the first one to give it 5 stars. I think they are beginning to realize that most players have already purchased some of their games and don't want another game that is just the same. They have to create something entirely different if they want to get more sales!
Come chat with us about games at my new Woodsy-themed forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Experience Edgar Allen Poe’s dark poem through classic solitaire gameplay!
Overall rating
2
/
5
57 of 70 found this review helpful
COUNT WITH ME 1-2-3! ...WILL THE NEXT BLACK RAVEN BE #5 OR #4?
PostedJune 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
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Someone got off-track with this series because they released #1 followed by #3 and now #2 is finally available? If you are just looking for a game to pass away the time and it doesn't bother you to receive a perfect score once you remove all Special Gold Cards, even though several cards remain on the board, then the Mystery Solitaire series will be a perfect fit!
We like what we like, but Fortunatus-ly those who do not enjoy this type of gameplay have a right to voice their opinion as well, otherwise, why would Big Fish provide a Star rating system beginning with 1 star? For the record, I used to enjoy most of the games provided by this publisher, in fact, my favorite Puzzle was the Earth Chronicles series and I frequently gave them 5-stars!
It wasn't until they started to slack on the quality that I lowered my star ratings, not vice-versa. The quality of their jigsaws declined and the majority of the pictures offered became staged stock images. They began to cut corners on their solitaire games as well, they changed the title, and occasionally the graphics, but they literally began recycling the level layouts on every new game. In what market would this practice be considered okay? In what market is it okay to attack those who have an opinion that differs from their own?
You can choose from 9 Raven-themed card backs, and 3 different face cards, one of which is a large font. You begin the game in Newbie mode, which allows you to replay any hand, Professional mode only allows you to replay the entire pack of 10 levels. There are 12 different Packs or Rooms, and each pack has 10 levels, you'll need to earn the specified amount of points to unlock the next pack, and the scoring is similar to that of bowling.
After completing the first level, it always tricks you into believing that you'll be able to remove all cards from the board when in reality the game ends when you remove the final Gold Card. When I played the second level. I literally removed all 3 Gold Cards in a single chain from the first deck card offered. I thought the game was glitching because it ended within seconds! When I got to level 7, I spent the rest of the demo time replaying this level and was lucky to remove a single gold card attempt after attempt with just 21 deck cards. I'm curious to find out if anyone else experienced this scenario, or if it was just luck of the draw? If others experience this scenario, you have to wonder if it's a marketing strategy to get people to purchase the game just to beat this level?
Throw on your hiking boots and head on over to my new forum. Chat about the game or chat with fellow game fans, and maybe even reconnect with long-lost fishies from the Big Fish Forum days, or join us on our Group Game Plays. Come as you are and chillax for a bit by the campfire, there's always an endless supply of smores! thewoodsforum.boards.net
Throw on your hiking boots and head on over to my new forum. Chat about the game or chat with fellow game fans, and maybe even reconnect with long-lost fishies from the Big Fish Forum days, or join us on our Group Game Plays. Come as you are and chillax for a bit by the campfire, there's always an endless supply of smores! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Help Emi run her country store and farm in this unique puzzle matching game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 7 found this review helpful
REMINDS ME OF AN OLDER GAME CALLED CONNECT TWO
PostedJune 20, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Back in the day, I used to play a free game that I believe was called Connect Two. I'm talking about an old Pogo game that was offered for free to AOL members...that was a long, long time ago. Emi's Country Store & Farm is basically the same concept with updated graphics!
This is a very simple but addicting game, the goal is to match all identical images with a line that has no more than two corners. The longer the line is, the more points you will earn, keep this in mind, otherwise you won't earn all 3 stars.
The game begins in an untimed mode, a timed option becomes available after 54 minutes for some strange reason? You start out with 3 Free Hints and 1 Shuffle feature, I didn't notice a shop to purchase extra hints or shuffles but you probably won't need either.
Some tiles have Bonus Coins, and you earn extra points if you "catch" the mouse that appears on the screen randomly, however, I noticed that you have to click dead center on him, otherwise, it's a hit or miss if the game recognizes you caught him. The extra points and coins don't seem to progress the star meter and as I said, I didn't see a Shop to purchase anything so I'm not sure what the point of points actually is here?
I like that the Tile icons change with every level, some have Pasteries, Alphabet Cookies, or Fruits while other levels have Stuffed Animals, Shirts & Sweaters, and even Flowers or Egyptian Art! As you progress, Brick Walls are added to make the game more challenging because they cannot be removed.
Emi's Country Store & Farm isn't a bad game and can be quite relaxing to play a few levels when you just want to chillax, and is worthy of a PCC or a sale price.
Take a stroll on over to my new Woodsy-themed forum to chat about the game or chat with fellow game fans, and maybe even reconnect with long-lost fishies from the Big Fish Forum days. Come as you are and chillax for a bit by the campfire, there's always an endless supply of smores! We've just started a new HOPA group play game so won't you join us at The Woods Forum?... thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!