pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4706
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:March 1, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Help your favorite puzzle-solving wizard build beautiful scenes!
Overall rating
5
/
5
131 of 150 found this review helpful
I'M DOING MY HAPPY DANCE AGAIN
PostedJune 4, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
There are a few game series that you're always confident are purchase-worthy, no demo necessary, and Spellarium is one of them! I've never been disappointed with ANY game by this developer and I felt like this version was the most enjoyable to date, I'm doing my happy dance!
You can play in a Relaxed Mode or a Limited Moves or Limited Time Mode, and you can Enable/Disable the Hint Feature. After each Match 3 level, you can play a Solitaire, Mahjong, Tetras Blocks mini-game, and of course, my personal favorite, Spot the Difference with differences that aren't as obvious as you'd expect. You can skip the mini-games, and now there is a feature that allows you to revisit the mini-games via a tab on the right side. The tutorial is pretty vague but you can click on the Book at the top of the screen to read everything you need to know, including tips & tricks.
Spellarium is a Match 3 game where the only things that matter are Collecting the Coins and Collecting Colored Tiles, but those goals are tricky to obtain because there are so many variables. There are plenty of obstacles to make those goals really challenging to obtain, and more than likely, you'll have to replay many of the levels when playing with Limited Moves or Time...this ain't your granny's kind of Match 3 game!
There are several types of Coins available:
•Gold Coins: requires an adjacent match to collect.
•Dirty Coins: require 2 adjacent matches.
•Frozen Coins: requires activating torches.
•Half Coins: requires joining 2 halves by making matches between.
•Locked Coins: requires creating a path for the Key.
•Coin Molds: requires guiding liquid gold to the mold to form a coin.
•Gold Coins: requires an adjacent match to collect.
•Dirty Coins: require 2 adjacent matches.
•Frozen Coins: requires activating torches.
•Half Coins: requires joining 2 halves by making matches between.
•Locked Coins: requires creating a path for the Key.
•Coin Molds: requires guiding liquid gold to the mold to form a coin.
There are several Obstacles preventing you from getting to the Coins, however, if they aren't blocking a coin there's no need to overcome some obstacles. Power-ups will destroy most obstacles as well:
•Crates: requires an adjacent match to remove.
•Shielded Crates: requires an adjacent match on the unshielded portion.
•Ground Tiles: requires adjacent matches.
•Clay Tiles: requires adjacent matches to remove.
•Stone Tiles: requires 2 adjacent matches to remove.
•Fog Covered Tiles: requires an adjacent match to remove the fog.
•Ice Tiles: requires a match 3 of whichever tile is trapped in the ice.
•Locked Coins: requires making matches to create a path in front of the key(s)
•Vials: requires filling with purple drops by matching vertically.
•Torches: melt ice by making adjacent matches to spread the flames.
•Bugs & Bug Coins: chase away or make adjacent matches.
•Red & Green Hot Stones: adjacent matches on Red & Green Cells will destroy the stones.
•Stumps: requires specified amounts of matches of whichever tile icon is shown on the stump.
•Crates: requires an adjacent match to remove.
•Shielded Crates: requires an adjacent match on the unshielded portion.
•Ground Tiles: requires adjacent matches.
•Clay Tiles: requires adjacent matches to remove.
•Stone Tiles: requires 2 adjacent matches to remove.
•Fog Covered Tiles: requires an adjacent match to remove the fog.
•Ice Tiles: requires a match 3 of whichever tile is trapped in the ice.
•Locked Coins: requires making matches to create a path in front of the key(s)
•Vials: requires filling with purple drops by matching vertically.
•Torches: melt ice by making adjacent matches to spread the flames.
•Bugs & Bug Coins: chase away or make adjacent matches.
•Red & Green Hot Stones: adjacent matches on Red & Green Cells will destroy the stones.
•Stumps: requires specified amounts of matches of whichever tile icon is shown on the stump.
Large Matches will earn Power-ups on the board, however, there are times when a Power-up can hurt rather than help (read the Tips & Tricks Book) Most power-ups can be moved or double-clicked to activate.
•Rockets: selects a target in order of importance. (order shown in Tips & Tricks)
•Bombs: explodes with an adjacent match (usually w/ a chain reaction)
•Toggles: matches on the toggle switches opens inaccessible board sections.
•Cannons: requires an adjacent match on the Red Cell to activate.
•Permanent Bombs: usually sets off chain reactions with an adjacent match.
•Rockets: selects a target in order of importance. (order shown in Tips & Tricks)
•Bombs: explodes with an adjacent match (usually w/ a chain reaction)
•Toggles: matches on the toggle switches opens inaccessible board sections.
•Cannons: requires an adjacent match on the Red Cell to activate.
•Permanent Bombs: usually sets off chain reactions with an adjacent match.
If you need help with the game, stop by my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Can the twin detectives stop another murderous evil?
Overall rating
2
/
5
133 of 170 found this review helpful
WAKE ME UP WHEN IT'S OVER
PostedJune 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
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Completed Game approximately 4.0 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
24 Main Game Scene Locations +8 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
24 Main Game Scene Locations +8 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
The long HOPA hiatus has not reset Domini Games. They had plenty of time to do some homework and improve their games, clearly, they didn't use their time wisely because the storyline is dreadfully boring and the gameplay has the same MO. Every HOPA cliche was thrown into just 3 chapters, in fact, most of them were in the first chapter! At least the other developer attempted to improve last week's game!
Audio/Visuals & Game Mechanics:
Domini has always had crisp, detailed graphics even though they sometimes struggle with the color palette which tends to have an overabundance of one dominant color for each game. The audio always seems spot on and you'll probably never notice looped soundtracks, but that's exactly how background music should work, it should go unnoticed while subconsciously stimulating the brain to recognize the ebbs, floes, and climaxes of the storyline. Domini is famous for adding items that can be interacted with, however, they seem to be far and few between lately. This is the only area where Domini shines, it's a pity because back in the day, they had the best fantasy storylines and their games were so entertaining!
Domini has always had crisp, detailed graphics even though they sometimes struggle with the color palette which tends to have an overabundance of one dominant color for each game. The audio always seems spot on and you'll probably never notice looped soundtracks, but that's exactly how background music should work, it should go unnoticed while subconsciously stimulating the brain to recognize the ebbs, floes, and climaxes of the storyline. Domini is famous for adding items that can be interacted with, however, they seem to be far and few between lately. This is the only area where Domini shines, it's a pity because back in the day, they had the best fantasy storylines and their games were so entertaining!
Gadgets/Helper:
You will switch between playing both "twins"
Elenor Jones: a carefree spirit with Paranormal Sensitivities
Randall Jones: a Detective who doesn't believe in his twin sister Elenor's Paranormal sensitivities, in fact, he believes everything has a logical or scientific explanation.
You will switch between playing both "twins"
Elenor Jones: a carefree spirit with Paranormal Sensitivities
Randall Jones: a Detective who doesn't believe in his twin sister Elenor's Paranormal sensitivities, in fact, he believes everything has a logical or scientific explanation.
Collectibles & Morphing Objects (CE Version Only):
Once again, there are a gazillion Missing Notes to discover, 15 Morphing Randall's Equipment Items (why not Elenor & Randall?) and15 Movie Posters to collect. Once again, there are 64 Zoom Zone Movie Tickets that are used to purchase 15 Projection Booth items. There is an optional Collection Icon Tab that can be enabled or disabled in the settings menu that lights up when a clickable is available in the scene. You can also choose to show/hide the availability of collectibles on the Map.
Once again, there are a gazillion Missing Notes to discover, 15 Morphing Randall's Equipment Items (why not Elenor & Randall?) and15 Movie Posters to collect. Once again, there are 64 Zoom Zone Movie Tickets that are used to purchase 15 Projection Booth items. There is an optional Collection Icon Tab that can be enabled or disabled in the settings menu that lights up when a clickable is available in the scene. You can also choose to show/hide the availability of collectibles on the Map.
Hidden Object Scenes:
I found the HOs to be rather boring, the locations are unappealing, and the objects are unimaginative. There was a movie projector HO scene that required you to place objects pictured on film strips but it was difficult to tell where they went in the 3 different scenes because everything was the same drab color and some of the objects were impossible to tell what they were!
I found the HOs to be rather boring, the locations are unappealing, and the objects are unimaginative. There was a movie projector HO scene that required you to place objects pictured on film strips but it was difficult to tell where they went in the 3 different scenes because everything was the same drab color and some of the objects were impossible to tell what they were!
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. The levels never change, most of the time they don't even bother to change the icons. The M3 boards are always square and 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.
Mini-Games:
I did enjoy most of the mini-games, many of which were mechanical where you have to fill certain levels or move the main gears in various patterns to change paths carved out of gears. 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 did enjoy most of the mini-games, many of which were mechanical where you have to fill certain levels or move the main gears in various patterns to change paths carved out of gears. 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)
Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only)
I'll be honest, I didn't pay much attention to the Bonus Chapter's plot about a love triangle because I was extremely bored at this point. There are only 4 additional Hidden Object scenes and 8 Mini-games spread out over 8 additional scene locations. You will continue your search for the final 3 Randall's Equipment Items, 3 Movie Posters, and 8 Projection Booth items.
I'll be honest, I didn't pay much attention to the Bonus Chapter's plot about a love triangle because I was extremely bored at this point. There are only 4 additional Hidden Object scenes and 8 Mini-games spread out over 8 additional scene locations. You will continue your search for the final 3 Randall's Equipment Items, 3 Movie Posters, and 8 Projection Booth items.
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 29 Movie Video Cutscenes, 40 Achievements, 21 Replayable Mini-Games, 22 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Randall's Equipment Items, 15 Movie Posters, a gazillion Missing Notes, 64 Zoom-Zone Movie Ticket Coins, 15 Projection Booth Items (purchase with tickets) 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
10 Wallpapers, 10 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 29 Movie Video Cutscenes, 40 Achievements, 21 Replayable Mini-Games, 22 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Randall's Equipment Items, 15 Movie Posters, a gazillion Missing Notes, 64 Zoom-Zone Movie Ticket Coins, 15 Projection Booth Items (purchase with tickets) 3 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Join me at my new nature-themed forum where we encourage feeding the bears cuz they love smores! Reconnect with long-lost forum friends, play group Adventure Games, or just chat about BF games when you become an official Woosdey...thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Master magical knowledge with your young witch friend!
Overall rating
1
/
5
30 of 37 found this review helpful
IF THE DEVS WOULD ADD AN OPTION TO CONTINUE PLAYING AFTER REMOVING GOLD CARDS I WOULD GIVE THEIR SOLITAIRE GAMES 5-STARS
PostedJune 1, 2022
pennmom36
fromRemembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away, until we meet again on the Rainbow Bridge one day. დ Loki
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
It never ceases to amaze me of the vast amount of cookie-cutter games this dev spews out, they can't possibly sell that many? They never bother to change or add any features, they simply change the title and the graphics and pretend that it has a story (it definitely doesn't!) Every game has the same format, the same level layouts, the same repetitive music loop, and the same mechanics and features.
Once again, this is a Solitaire version where the game ends once all of the Gold Cards have been removed, even if a hundred regular cards remain. Almost everyone wants the option to remove all of the cards from the board to receive a "perfect score" not just the Gold Cards! Most solitaire fans will play a level over and over until they remove all of the cards because that's the point of a Higher/Lower Solitaire game!
For the life of me, I can't understand why they can't make an adjustment to allow the OPTION of continuing to play for points once all of the gold cards have been removed, how difficult can that be? Heck, I'd be okay with not earning any extra points, I just want to remove all of the cards, but the second you click the last Gold Card, it's game over as far as this developer is concerned, and seeing all those extra cards on the board drives me nutz, especially when that particular hand had several cards that could have been removed after the last gold card! I can assure you, if they added this option, I would give their solitaire games 5-stars every time!
There are 20 Different Locations or Packs and each location has 10 Levels, scoring is similar to Bowling scores, in the event of a perfect score, the points from that level are added to the next, and so forth. You can choose from 9 colorful Card Backs and 3 different face card fonts, a traditional, a large font, and a themed font. You are always forced to begin the game in Newbie mode, which allows you to replay any hand, then, if you prefer, you can switch to the Professional mode which only allows you to replay the entire pack of 10 levels.
Another annoying feature in all solitaire games by this developer is that the tutorial forces you to click a particular card with no other cards available, if you skip the tutorial there is always an option to make a really long chain...why would the tutorial suggest a dud move? I'm always reluctant to skip the tutorial just in case they have added or changed a new feature, but who are we kidding here, this developer isn't about to go the extra mile to create a new program, even though they would only have to write the code a single time and just sit back & reap the rewards of all their newfound fans!
I also hate that when you remove a Bonus card with a Flower, it takes forever to explain what the card gives you, as it freezes continued gameplay to tell you what you won. Most of the time it gives you +499 extra points, but occasionally, a Joker, Mulligan, or a Shuffle that can also be purchased in the Shop (which only has a Joker, Mulligan & Skip purchase option). The bonus feature takes so long that removing two of these cards back to back is super agonizing and I'm tempted to not click on them if they aren't blocking a gold card!
If this developer would simply take the time to code a tiny adjustment into their programs, I would love these games! It's become pretty obvious that games by this developer are only used for emergencies when BF doesn't have a new game to release because they are always super old releases that have been offered on other portals for years!
Please join me and other fellow gamers on my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Complete incredible works of art to create a colorful world of masterpieces!
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 47 found this review helpful
GORGEOUS COLORS!
PostedMay 31, 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
This is by far one of the best coloring games on the market and no one even comes close when it comes to color selection, Art By Numbers is the winner hands-down! 90% of the images are beautiful this go-round but a handful are just small circular images in the center and don't have a background to color. This is the one feature I hate about the "other" art coloring game, so please Awigor, don't get lazy on us :) PS: most of us hate the robot named Helper, ditch him!
I love that I can choose ANY of the images right from the start, and my favorite picture was the one with the cow & flowers in the last group of images, the colors were so striking! Unlike the "other" painting series, there are no thick black lines, no drab brown & black colors used, and none of those ugly pictures of a cup of coffee or a single lemon sitting in the center of the picture.
If you don't like the chosen colors, all you have to do is go to the Freeplay section... problem solved! The Freeplay section is by far one of the best features offered in a coloring game. This feature allows you to choose your own colors from a complete, full-scale color palette so you can be as creative as you want to be, you can paint the cow pink and purple, or use earth tones, you're the artist here!
My second favorite feature is that each color tells you how many cells you'll need to fill in and it keeps track of the ones you've filled in so you know exactly how many remain unfilled.
When you get done painting, head on over to my new woodsy-themed forum for some relaxing conversation with fellow BF fans. There's always something interesting going on and we are about to start a new group play adventure so come have some fun at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Embark on an epic match-3 mystery and explore haunted caves under Cliffmont Castle!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
I'D GIVE IT A 3.8 STAR RATING
PostedMay 30, 2022
pennmom36
fromYou are dearly missed Chris. Rest peacefully knowing that Tearstone was a huge success!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
MatchVentures has added a new feature where you have to keep a Donky named Princess happy & healthy. She can carry extra Gold for you from the castle, but you have to keep her fed, brushed, fresh horseshoes, water, hay, and food. The Meter at the top left of the Map screen shows you when to replenish supplies that can be found in the castle, or you can purchase supplies using Gems but those gems are pretty hard to come by and they are also required to purchase any of the powerups!
Quests from various characters are available as well, the character appears to offer a powerup in exchange for whatever task they need assistance with. Once the task has been fulfilled, the character reappears and the reward must then be "claimed" There is a slot machine that allows you to spin a wheel for free gold, gems, supplies, etc. every 60 minutes, but this seemed really bizarre to me, I like getting free supplies to help me beat the levels, but a slot machine seems out of place in this game and seems more like a mobile app feature than a PC feature.
There are two features that annoyed me, the first one was trying to figure out how many stars you have actually earned. Every level showed that I had 2 stars or 2.5 stars when the level ended, but when the score window popped up, I would suddenly have full stars? I also got super-bored with the endless conversations but there was no "skip conversation" feature available so I would participate in a click-fest between every level!
You can choose to play in a Relaxed Mode which gives you more moves per level, or a Normal Difficulty Mode, and you can choose from 8 different profile Avatars and 3 custom Cursors. As you progress, you can upgrade the Castle with the coins you earn while playing the Match 3 levels.
The goal for each level is to clear all Gold Tile Cells, however, there are multiple boards to navigate and each board requires a specific tool or item to unlock them. To find these items you'll need to bust Crates, dig through Dirt Patches, break Chains, disperse Fog, blow up Grids, find gems for Gem Shaped Boxes, chisel through Rocks, burn Cobwebs, Melt Ice, search for Hidden Maps, drop Amulets off the board, Duel Enemies, warp through portals, or unlock Treasure Chests.
Once you complete all of the boards and meet all level requirements, you can choose to Continue to the next level or keep playing to earn Badges and more gold, however, you must earn 3 Stars and Collect every item with your remaining Moves available. Keep in mind that you will not earn a Gold Badge if you choose to end the level and continue to the next, and the badges allow you to earn the Gems needed for the Donkey or to purchase powerups.
Once you complete all of the boards and meet all level requirements, you can choose to Continue to the next level or keep playing to earn Badges and more gold, however, you must earn 3 Stars and Collect every item with your remaining Moves available. Keep in mind that you will not earn a Gold Badge if you choose to end the level and continue to the next, and the badges allow you to earn the Gems needed for the Donkey or to purchase powerups.
You will earn Amphora's with a Match 4 and a Bomb with a Match 5 or more, and you can combine the Power-ups for an even bigger explosion. As you progress, Power-ups become available for purchase with the Gems you earn, such as Bombs and Lightning which can be placed on the board at your discretion.
Need game help? Join us at my new forum and talk about this game and more at thewoodsforum.boards.net ㋡
I recommend this game!
This is more than just a painting game – explore incredible artwork and let your creative side shine as you complete these colorful paint-by-numbers puzzles.
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
DON'T GET LAZY ON US!
PostedMay 30, 2022
pennmom36
fromYou are dearly missed Chris. Rest peacefully knowing that Tearstone was a huge success!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is by far one of the best coloring games on the market and I do enjoy Art By Numbers, but...please Awigor, don't get lazy on us! I kept noticing that several of the pictures have intricate details, separated by black lines of course, but then it was all filled in by the same color, at least make them different shades, it's a coloring game! (the portrait of several colorful dogs is a prime example) I only loved about half of the picture selections, the other 50% was plain ole boring so make sure all of the pictures are interesting, otherwise, this game will borderline in comparison with the other painting game which has dreadful pictures! PS: most of us hate the robot named Helper!
I love that I can choose ANY of the images right from the start, unlike the "other" painting series, and having a Freeplay section is most impressive! The Freeplay section is by far one of the best features offered in a coloring game. This feature allows you to choose your own colors from a complete, full-scale color palette so you can be as creative as you want to be. My second favorite feature is that each color tells you how many cells you'll need to fill in and it keeps track of the ones you've filled in so you know exactly how many remain unfilled.
I love that I can choose ANY of the images right from the start, unlike the "other" painting series, and having a Freeplay section is most impressive! The Freeplay section is by far one of the best features offered in a coloring game. This feature allows you to choose your own colors from a complete, full-scale color palette so you can be as creative as you want to be. My second favorite feature is that each color tells you how many cells you'll need to fill in and it keeps track of the ones you've filled in so you know exactly how many remain unfilled.
The cursor is an actual Paintbrush and they also have a Wide Brush option that mimics the real McCoy, as if you were filling in areas a little at a time. You can choose from 4 different Background Textures that will compliment your completed works of art (72 total) You can also choose the color of shading for the numbered areas.
The colors are beautiful with carefully chosen hues of yellows, purples, pinks, fuchsias, teals, oranges, etc. whereas the "other" painting series has unappealing colors with a ton of brown and black variations.
There's always something interesting going on at my new forum! If you miss chatting with fellow fishies from the Big Fish Forum days then grab a thermos full of coffee, throw on your favorite jeans & t-shirt, and lace up your hiking boots...ah who are we kidding...just keep your comfy fuzzy slippers on, and come chillax with us by the fire at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
A breathtaking voyage through dreams, reality, and places in between!
Overall rating
5
/
5
86 of 109 found this review helpful
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX & YOU'LL DISCOVER AN INCREDIBLE GAME!
PostedMay 29, 2022
pennmom36
fromYou are dearly missed Chris. Rest peacefully knowing that Tearstone was a huge success!
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)
32 Main Game Scene Locations
Difficulty Range: Intermediate-Expert (doable for beginners)
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
32 Main Game Scene Locations
Difficulty Range: Intermediate-Expert (doable for beginners)
Chris was a genius! He restored my faith in the HOPA genre by creating a game that had me stumped at times, made me laugh (re: alarm clock and squirrel), and challenged me to think outside the box! This is how HOPA games were back in the day, this is how they should be today, and no matter what tomorrow brings, I'm so happy that Tearstone: Thieves of the Heart made it to the number one slot here at BFG!
Warning: if you don't like games that make you think outside the box, you probably won't enjoy this game! However, if you're willing to keep an open mind, thinking outside the box is a good thing and you might just be surprised with the results...Thinking outside of the box gives you an edge because you are a problem solver. Outside the box thinkers are able to look for voids, and approach tasks in unusual ways by finding variables through creativity to solve problems. So keep an open mind, and give the entire demo a try, I'm betting you will feel a sense of pride in yourself you've never experienced after playing the usual cookie-cutter HOPAs!
This is a non-linear game, you WILL be confused at times as to what to do and where to go but eventually, you will get the hang of the gameplay...this is because the only HOPAs we have played for a long time have the exact same, predictable, cookie-cutter mechanics and we have forgotten what it is like to have to think versus being on auto-pilot! If you are willing to let go of the big Do Games hand, you will take an amazing journey back to Tearstone to find the missing Heart while solving original puzzles and the most unique Hidden Object Scenes ever.
COLLECTIBLES & MORPHS (YES, they are available in this SE version too!)
My first impression of the Symbol of Luck Collectible (32 total) was wow, these are huge, why? Trust me, they could be the size of a bus and still be challenging to spot because this developer has mastered the art of blending in plain sight! დ
There are also 11 Morphing Objects that morph at a perfect pace and normally, I'd say this was my favorite feature, but I was kind of digging trying to find the elusive 7 Cards of Destiny hidden within nooks & crannies and places I'd never thought they'd be! დ The Morphs, Symbol of Luck Collectibles, and the 7 Cards of Destiny are available in BOTH the Collector's Edition and this Standard Edition version, however, the 7 Cards of Destiny Bonus HO games are not available in this SE version!
My first impression of the Symbol of Luck Collectible (32 total) was wow, these are huge, why? Trust me, they could be the size of a bus and still be challenging to spot because this developer has mastered the art of blending in plain sight! დ
There are also 11 Morphing Objects that morph at a perfect pace and normally, I'd say this was my favorite feature, but I was kind of digging trying to find the elusive 7 Cards of Destiny hidden within nooks & crannies and places I'd never thought they'd be! დ The Morphs, Symbol of Luck Collectibles, and the 7 Cards of Destiny are available in BOTH the Collector's Edition and this Standard Edition version, however, the 7 Cards of Destiny Bonus HO games are not available in this SE version!
HIDDEN OBJECT SCENES
WOW...Hidden Object Scenes that are challenging (& super fun)...who'd have thunk I'd get stumped in a HOP a few times! Not only are the scenes incredibly beautiful, but they are also extremely interactive and require you to figure out what the heck to do at times! Some require Matching Pairs or Related Pairs of objects, while others require a Progressive-Interactive workout but not a single one of them is boring! My favorite HO scene required you to adjust the temperature, lighting, filtration..even feed the fish in an aquarium...super-cool!
WOW...Hidden Object Scenes that are challenging (& super fun)...who'd have thunk I'd get stumped in a HOP a few times! Not only are the scenes incredibly beautiful, but they are also extremely interactive and require you to figure out what the heck to do at times! Some require Matching Pairs or Related Pairs of objects, while others require a Progressive-Interactive workout but not a single one of them is boring! My favorite HO scene required you to adjust the temperature, lighting, filtration..even feed the fish in an aquarium...super-cool!
MINI-GAMES
Heck, the entire game is a puzzle! When you find clues they go into your journal or you'll have to memorize things that look important because they don't slap a sticky note with the answer or code to locks, patterns, or safes. Yes, there are Mini-games too, and yes they have directions, but they usually require a little bit of thought or memory of sequences. Just fiddle around with the puzzles and you'll get that aha moment!
Heck, the entire game is a puzzle! When you find clues they go into your journal or you'll have to memorize things that look important because they don't slap a sticky note with the answer or code to locks, patterns, or safes. Yes, there are Mini-games too, and yes they have directions, but they usually require a little bit of thought or memory of sequences. Just fiddle around with the puzzles and you'll get that aha moment!
BONUS CHAPTER: (Collector's Edition version only)
The Bonus Chapter is a huge bonus for puzzle geeks as you are quested to solve a giant Progressive-Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle game! You'll have to find zoom zones and then figure out what it will take to progress or open up a puzzle. My absolute favorite was trying to weave ribbons to match the pattern shown. It's not easy-breezy but you definitely walk away with a sense of accomplishment when you overcome these hurdles!
The Bonus Chapter is a huge bonus for puzzle geeks as you are quested to solve a giant Progressive-Interactive Hidden Object Puzzle game! You'll have to find zoom zones and then figure out what it will take to progress or open up a puzzle. My absolute favorite was trying to weave ribbons to match the pattern shown. It's not easy-breezy but you definitely walk away with a sense of accomplishment when you overcome these hurdles!
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRAS
6 Wallpaper, 4 Concept Art Pictures, 10 Music Soundtracks, 14 Movie Cutscenes, 12 Achievements, 12 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 32 Collectible Symbols of Luck, 11 Morphing Objects, 7 Cards of Destiny (opens a series of HO's) 7 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter (Portal Todd), and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
6 Wallpaper, 4 Concept Art Pictures, 10 Music Soundtracks, 14 Movie Cutscenes, 12 Achievements, 12 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 32 Collectible Symbols of Luck, 11 Morphing Objects, 7 Cards of Destiny (opens a series of HO's) 7 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter (Portal Todd), and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Need game help? Join us at my new forum and talk about this game and more at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Guide the Rescue Team to save your city from disaster!
Overall rating
3
/
5
65 of 74 found this review helpful
THE GAME MECHANICS OVERHAUL SUCKED THE FUN OUT OF THE GAMEPLAY
PostedMay 28, 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
4
/
5
Rescue Team has had a complete makeover, some of it is really cool, but other aspects are so complex (not complicated, just complex) that it eventually started to suck all the fun out of playing the game and it became nothing more than a huge chore. I loved the new style of a vast, open world where fog clears and opens new sections, similar to Roman Adventures: Britons, but I don't want those new sections to involve the same repetitive tasks, new sections should have new features to tackle!
What bothered me the most, was constantly having to open up a different tab, not to mention trying to remember which tabs to open for which features. When playing a TM game, most players get into a groove, a zone so to speak, and when you constantly have to stop mid-stream to open up a new tab, it takes you out of the TM zone.
Before starting a new level you have to click a tab to purchase the proper buildings such as Hospitals, Fire Stations, Training Centers, Communication Centers, Animal Centers, Engineering Centers, or Police Stations. Then you have to click another tab to acquire the proper employees (in the map section) after they have been properly trained, of course, and only after the main building has been constructed on the map, etc. After juggling through several tabs per level, you just feel like you've had to jump through hoops and "corporate red tape" lol.
When you finally get to the actual level, one minute you are stopping to buy a Rope in the shop to repair a ladder (rope ladders that never seem affected by the flames but tree trunks are always ablaze even though they are nowhere near the burning building... but always located right next to the fireproof rope ladder nonetheless?) A few seconds later you discover you need to return to the shop to buy a Fire Extinguisher, which seems like a pointless purchase because firefighters use water hoses and I'm pretty sure they aren't going to go to a shop to purchase a Fire Extinguisher every time they come across burning logs! I probably just need to open up another tab and send my firefighters back for some better training?
This Collector's Edition version has 25 Achievements, 30 Extra Levels, 10 Artwork pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 9 Stories, and a whole bunch of tabs to click on.
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
Embark on a magical journey along the Royal Roads!
Overall rating
1
/
5
48 of 57 found this review helpful
A NEW RECORD?
PostedMay 27, 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
8FLOOR Games brings you the newest spell-binding adventure in the Royal Roads series! (?????) Surely, there's been a mixup because clearly, the synopsis doesn't match the actual gameplay?? "No One said running a kingdom would be easy", they should have added a warning about how hard it will be to make it to the end of the demo...and trust me, it ain't cuz the game's challenging! I'd also like to congratulate them on receiving THIRTY 1-Star reviews for the CE version, surely that's broken several records?
The soundtrack was like fingernails on a chalkboard, the tall and lanky characters looked odd running back & forth, and why does it take 2 characters to remove a tree log on the path? Why do I have to pick up stones in the field if they are nowhere near the paths, and why are there wheat fields everywhere that aren't used? If I have to pick up rocks way out in the middle of the field wouldn't it make sense to harvest those crops while I'm there? Why do I need crystals to upgrade the worker's houses? Are they magical, is this a fantasy game?
Every time a popup window appeared, the screen would go staticky like Aliens just invaded Earth and took over all broadcasting outlets once I clicked OK and then a giant black bar would appear on either the left or right of the screen depending on where the popup window appeared. It was as if the game was constantly switching resolutions?
There's no spell-binding adventure here, the story is dull and you can't even skip through it! The tasks were repetitive and the resources to collect were ordinary, how many bridges must we repair and why do we have to repeat the same tasks at every level? The only thing that changes level to level is how many of the bridges we are punished to repair! By the time someone gets to level 50, they will be tasked with repairing thousands of bridges at this rate...I say "someone" cuz it ain't gonna be me!
The Collector's Edition version has 14 Achievement Trophies (one of which should be for enduring the game in 1-minute increments) 6 Music Soundtracks, (best of luck listening to these) a whopping 3 Concept Art pictures (probably for the best, seriously, what are you supposed to do with unfinished art sketches?) 50 Main Levels, 11 Bonus Levels, a built-in Strategy Guide, and a whole lotta boring game content.
Ya know what's NOT boring? Taking a stroll through The Woods Forum! If you miss chatting with fellow fishies from the Big Fish Forum days then grab a thermos full of coffee, throw on your favorite jeans & t-shirt, and lace up your hiking boots...ah who are we kidding...just come as you are...keep your comfy fuzzy slippers on, and come chillax with us by the campfire 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
104 of 124 found this review helpful
ELEPHANT GAMES AM? DID THEY MOVE FROM RUSSIA TO AM-ERICA OR JUST CHANGE THEIR NAME?
PostedMay 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
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
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?
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!