pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4715
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:May 17, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you stop a merciless arsonist from destroying San Francisco?
Overall rating
3
/
5
70 of 90 found this review helpful
A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED ALRIGHT!
PostedDecember 26, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game approximately 5.5 hours
(including completion of all Mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
24 Main Game Scene Locations +12 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-extremely linear
(including completion of all Mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
24 Main Game Scene Locations +12 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-extremely linear
I'm a bit baffled by the rave reviews for this new series by Domini? It's not a horrible game, but how is it any different than the last 3 detective-themed games by this developer? Thanksgiving treated us to a new MCF game that had an amazing story, fantastic graphics, and above all, had non-linear, non-cookie-cutter game mechanics with tasks that made us actually have to think, yet everyone hated it?
Reviewers were brutal because it didn't live up to a Dire Grove standard (even though those days are long gone because the profit margins are slim to none nowadays, hence, the budgets are lower) yet here we get a cookie-cutter game with neon purple graphics and every cliche task known to HOPA mankind, and it's adored?
This game is no different than the last game Domini offered or the one before that! It took me two days to complete this game because it was so "typical" that I was bored. When I'd return after an hour or so, I couldn't remember what the plot was about, the characters' names, who the bad guy was, I couldn't even recall what my character's goal was or what I was supposed to be doing from an hour before...yet I can STILL remember everything about MCF nearly a week later!
If I'm wrong about this game, then none of these tasks will sound familiar to you as you read them. If I am right, you'll instantly recognize these "same-ole, same-ole" tasks and have the same questions I stated above:
*Corkscrews to open drawers that are missing knobs..every single one of them!
*Carts missing wheels...4 different carts
*Carts missing wheels AND blocking our path...every single one of them!
*Crows that won't budge...shoo them with your own 2 hands, people, they are just birds, they aren't even pterodactyls!
*Valves missing...I lost count after chapter 2
*Pipes with holes and whooshing pressurized steam, naturally 500 degrees or higher. Available in each unlocked scene!
*Pipes with holes that just leak: shove a rag, sponge, or cork in it & don't forget to wrap it tightly with a belt or tape. 4 per chapter
*Hanging Bird Cage: no Domini game is complete without at least 1 cage just out of reach and full of random items, why?
*Objects too high/far to reach: you know what to do, shoot it down, throw something ate it, use a stick, where's a squirrel when you need him?
*Rake Leaves: DO NOT use your foot to brush aside leaves covering something on the ground, that would be blaspheme!
*Dig something up: If you find a spoon, shovel, bowl, hat, cup, or goblet ya better hang on to it because, in HOPA world, people bury random objects because no one ever suspects a thing. Clearly, it's magical dirt because no matter how long things are buried, they'll always come out clean & in mint condition, ALWAYS!.. it's HOPA WonderDirt!
*Objects in a Sink full of nasty water even tho I'm pretty sure none of the pipes have running water...just pressurized steam?
*Objects in a Fountain/Pond/Lake/Pool: requires a net, fishing pole, and or cup, usually a goblet...Goblet stores must make a killing!
*Missing Gears: does anyone feel a puzzle coming on?
*Broken Chains every chain has a broken link, links break because the force was too high yet any low gauge metal will do the trick, even paper clips!
*Heavy Object & Wedge: QUICK...think of any 2 random objects as fast as you can...that combination will be used at some point in the game, most likely, several times.
*Diamond Ring: it's a Detectives best friend because it can cut glass in a perfect circle every single time.
*Statues missing emblems/jewelry/limbs: replace them and the rigid cement statue will snap back into its original posture?
*Secret Caches: yes, items ARE indeed buried behind brick, under floorboards, and behind wallpaper.
*Sewn Caches: this task is used so many times I feel it needs its own category. Grab a glass shard and start cutting any and all patches that look suspicious!
CHAPTER TWO
*Lockpicks: at this point, I have literally found & discarded so many makeshift lockpicks that I've probably left a trail more noticeable than Hansel & Gretel could ever imagine.
*Mailbox Flag: fun fact...mailbox flags do not activate a spring to open or close the mailbox, it just signifies "you've got mail" but I'm almost positive all Domini Games require replacing at least 1 flag.
*Newspaper/Key poke: funny thing...I needed the newspaper for this clever trick 3 times...the 4th didn't require it, hmmmm?
*Raise water levels to reach the floating objects: why can't I just make another fishing pole?
*Speaking of Fishing Nets, at one point I found parts to repair a fishing net then I used the fishing net...and then I cut it up for parts, hmmm
*Insects: I literally had to kill a dozen or more bees that were surrounding a bouquet of flowers inside someone's front room...seriously?
If I'm wrong about this game, then none of these tasks will sound familiar to you as you read them. If I am right, you'll instantly recognize these "same-ole, same-ole" tasks and have the same questions I stated above:
*Corkscrews to open drawers that are missing knobs..every single one of them!
*Carts missing wheels...4 different carts
*Carts missing wheels AND blocking our path...every single one of them!
*Crows that won't budge...shoo them with your own 2 hands, people, they are just birds, they aren't even pterodactyls!
*Valves missing...I lost count after chapter 2
*Pipes with holes and whooshing pressurized steam, naturally 500 degrees or higher. Available in each unlocked scene!
*Pipes with holes that just leak: shove a rag, sponge, or cork in it & don't forget to wrap it tightly with a belt or tape. 4 per chapter
*Hanging Bird Cage: no Domini game is complete without at least 1 cage just out of reach and full of random items, why?
*Objects too high/far to reach: you know what to do, shoot it down, throw something ate it, use a stick, where's a squirrel when you need him?
*Rake Leaves: DO NOT use your foot to brush aside leaves covering something on the ground, that would be blaspheme!
*Dig something up: If you find a spoon, shovel, bowl, hat, cup, or goblet ya better hang on to it because, in HOPA world, people bury random objects because no one ever suspects a thing. Clearly, it's magical dirt because no matter how long things are buried, they'll always come out clean & in mint condition, ALWAYS!.. it's HOPA WonderDirt!
*Objects in a Sink full of nasty water even tho I'm pretty sure none of the pipes have running water...just pressurized steam?
*Objects in a Fountain/Pond/Lake/Pool: requires a net, fishing pole, and or cup, usually a goblet...Goblet stores must make a killing!
*Missing Gears: does anyone feel a puzzle coming on?
*Broken Chains every chain has a broken link, links break because the force was too high yet any low gauge metal will do the trick, even paper clips!
*Heavy Object & Wedge: QUICK...think of any 2 random objects as fast as you can...that combination will be used at some point in the game, most likely, several times.
*Diamond Ring: it's a Detectives best friend because it can cut glass in a perfect circle every single time.
*Statues missing emblems/jewelry/limbs: replace them and the rigid cement statue will snap back into its original posture?
*Secret Caches: yes, items ARE indeed buried behind brick, under floorboards, and behind wallpaper.
*Sewn Caches: this task is used so many times I feel it needs its own category. Grab a glass shard and start cutting any and all patches that look suspicious!
CHAPTER TWO
*Lockpicks: at this point, I have literally found & discarded so many makeshift lockpicks that I've probably left a trail more noticeable than Hansel & Gretel could ever imagine.
*Mailbox Flag: fun fact...mailbox flags do not activate a spring to open or close the mailbox, it just signifies "you've got mail" but I'm almost positive all Domini Games require replacing at least 1 flag.
*Newspaper/Key poke: funny thing...I needed the newspaper for this clever trick 3 times...the 4th didn't require it, hmmmm?
*Raise water levels to reach the floating objects: why can't I just make another fishing pole?
*Speaking of Fishing Nets, at one point I found parts to repair a fishing net then I used the fishing net...and then I cut it up for parts, hmmm
*Insects: I literally had to kill a dozen or more bees that were surrounding a bouquet of flowers inside someone's front room...seriously?
I stopped writing down the cliche tasks after Chapter Two. You heard me correctly, all the above tasks were from just the first two chapters, some of which were repeated several times. I know a lot of people will say "it's HOPA world" that's just how things are. Cliche tasks are only used because developers don't want to have to think outside the box and we let them! As I said, MCF's latest game didn't have all these repetitive tasks and it was so much more enjoyable to play!
BONUS CHAPTER: (CE Version Only)
With the first case filed in the Archives, it's time to travel to New York for your next Criminal Investigation. Once again we have a dead body and no one to point the finger at so it's up to us to find the killer of a recently divorced woman who may have borrowed money from some shady Loan Sharks! There are 5 Hidden Object scenes and 10 Mini-games spread out over 12 additional scene locations, chock-full of the same repetitive tasks we just completed a million times in the main chapters. You will continue your search for the final 6 Morphing Building Figurines, 5 Newspaper Clippings, and 9 Zoom Zone Stone Coins of varying amounts to purchase the final Office Items...same collectibles/morphs different names...how creative guys!
With the first case filed in the Archives, it's time to travel to New York for your next Criminal Investigation. Once again we have a dead body and no one to point the finger at so it's up to us to find the killer of a recently divorced woman who may have borrowed money from some shady Loan Sharks! There are 5 Hidden Object scenes and 10 Mini-games spread out over 12 additional scene locations, chock-full of the same repetitive tasks we just completed a million times in the main chapters. You will continue your search for the final 6 Morphing Building Figurines, 5 Newspaper Clippings, and 9 Zoom Zone Stone Coins of varying amounts to purchase the final Office Items...same collectibles/morphs different names...how creative guys!
COLLECTOR'S EDITION EXTRA'S: (CE version only)
15 Wallpapers (why do they have to have characters slapped on every one of them? Can't you offer some of them with just the scenery?) 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 26 Movie Video Cutscenes, 38 Achievements, 19 Replayable Mini-Games, 18 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Building Statuettes, 15 Newspaper Clippings (sooo boring!) 70 Zoom-Zone Stone Coins...because people in the early 1900s totally saw the value in rocks versus Gold? 15 Office Items spread randomly throughout a dark and dusty room (purchase wheelchairs & skeletons with your stone-not-gold coins) 6 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
15 Wallpapers (why do they have to have characters slapped on every one of them? Can't you offer some of them with just the scenery?) 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 26 Movie Video Cutscenes, 38 Achievements, 19 Replayable Mini-Games, 18 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Building Statuettes, 15 Newspaper Clippings (sooo boring!) 70 Zoom-Zone Stone Coins...because people in the early 1900s totally saw the value in rocks versus Gold? 15 Office Items spread randomly throughout a dark and dusty room (purchase wheelchairs & skeletons with your stone-not-gold coins) 6 Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Take a stroll in The Woods at my new forum where you can chat about games, find game help & solutions, game series lists, and so much more. All ya have to do is swing by and log on to reconnect with long-lost forum friends and maybe even feed a bear or two at thewoodsforum.boards.net
Can you stop a murderous sculptor from casting more victims?
Overall rating
2
/
5
132 of 179 found this review helpful
A TOTAL BOREDOM RISK ON THE F.I.S.K
PostedDecember 25, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Based upon 3 Chapters only
45 Main Game Scene Locations +10 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
45 Main Game Scene Locations +10 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
First of all, Merry Christmas everyone!
I usually complete HOPA games in one or two sittings and I always finish what I start...until today! I've played a ton of games over the years and it's no secret that I'm not a fan of Domini's cookie-cutter tasks but I can honestly say that none have had a storyline this mundane. I played 3 out of the 5 Chapters and I literally had to force myself to keep playing. I found myself constantly referring to the Strategy Guide...not because I couldn't figure something out but because I wanted to figure out how much game was left to endure!
Gadgets/Helper:
There may not be any Gadgets or Helpers in this brand new series, but I'm beginning to wonder if Domini should actually add a cutsie helper of some sort in an effort to make their games more interesting. They keep mass-producing new game series but basically, they all have identical MO's...playing a detective working for a gimmicky agency.
There may not be any Gadgets or Helpers in this brand new series, but I'm beginning to wonder if Domini should actually add a cutsie helper of some sort in an effort to make their games more interesting. They keep mass-producing new game series but basically, they all have identical MO's...playing a detective working for a gimmicky agency.
Clearly, they are at a loss as to why their games have received such poor ratings over the last couple of years. They just can't seem to figure out that their targeted audience has graduated from Beginner status. With only one developer creating HOPA games every week, we've become hyper-focused with the oh-so-familiar ins & outs of a Domini game. It is quite literally impossible NOT to notice the repetitiveness of the lame cliche tasks and linear cookie-cutter mechanics!
Domini used to develop games that were amazing because they created a better product when they didn't have to mass-produce bi-weekly games. One by one, HOPA Developers began throwing in the towel while Domini dug their heels in and stood their ground to become the last man standing...and eventually will be the only one left to drag Felix (Big Fish Games) across the finish line!
Audio/Visuals:
I can never really find fault with the audio or graphics in a Domini game, the graphics are really good but they do tend to be overzealous with the color palette. Lately, this is the only aspect of their games that really shines with superior quality, the stories are unimaginative and the tasks are so repetitive that surely even a beginner would take notice? Domini is also known for adding items that can be interacted with but as you'll soon discover, these interactions become a rarety after the demo portion!
Audio/Visuals:
I can never really find fault with the audio or graphics in a Domini game, the graphics are really good but they do tend to be overzealous with the color palette. Lately, this is the only aspect of their games that really shines with superior quality, the stories are unimaginative and the tasks are so repetitive that surely even a beginner would take notice? Domini is also known for adding items that can be interacted with but as you'll soon discover, these interactions become a rarety after the demo portion!
Collectibles/Morphing Objects (CE version only)
Once again, there are a gazillion Missing Notes to discover which is the most worthless and uninteresting feature of all time. It wouldn't be so bad if they just slipped this feature into a single series versus every single game they create! Every game Domini makes has the same collectibles & morphs in the same amounts...only the names have been changed to deceive the innocent! There are 15 Morphing Statuettes and 15 Detective's Stuff Clickables. I say "clickables" versus collectibles because they are NEVER hidden and never challenging to find! There are the same infamous Zoom Zone Coins (78 Chess Piece Coins) that are used to purchase 15 boring items cluttered in the middle of the "Gallery" There is an optional Collection Icon Tab that can be enabled or disabled in the settings menu which will light up when there is a collectible in the current 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 which is the most worthless and uninteresting feature of all time. It wouldn't be so bad if they just slipped this feature into a single series versus every single game they create! Every game Domini makes has the same collectibles & morphs in the same amounts...only the names have been changed to deceive the innocent! There are 15 Morphing Statuettes and 15 Detective's Stuff Clickables. I say "clickables" versus collectibles because they are NEVER hidden and never challenging to find! There are the same infamous Zoom Zone Coins (78 Chess Piece Coins) that are used to purchase 15 boring items cluttered in the middle of the "Gallery" There is an optional Collection Icon Tab that can be enabled or disabled in the settings menu which will light up when there is a collectible in the current scene. You can also choose to show/hide the availability of collectibles on the Map.
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 10 Hidden Object Scenes +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter. The Hidden Object Scenes range from simplistic Listed Item Finds to variations such as Swatch Finds, and Silhouetted Shape Finds. They had an HO scene that required placing cut-out shapes correctly on 4 different portraits. I actually enjoyed the one where you had to find specific patterns within 5 fingerprints, followed by finding silhouettes of DNA molecules and finally looking at the computer to find symbols and various number sequences. This particular HO was engaging because it felt like it had a purpose versus clicking on a bunch of random objects sitting on a shelf.
There are 10 Hidden Object Scenes +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter. The Hidden Object Scenes range from simplistic Listed Item Finds to variations such as Swatch Finds, and Silhouetted Shape Finds. They had an HO scene that required placing cut-out shapes correctly on 4 different portraits. I actually enjoyed the one where you had to find specific patterns within 5 fingerprints, followed by finding silhouettes of DNA molecules and finally looking at the computer to find symbols and various number sequences. This particular HO was engaging because it felt like it had a purpose versus clicking on a bunch of random objects sitting on a shelf.
Alternate Match 3 Game:
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene, 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 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. (just once)
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene, 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 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. (just once)
Mini-Games:
There are 14 Mini-Games +8 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) There wasn't really anything new, click on directional arrows to navigate, rotate picture frags to complete an image, place foam lines of various configurations to cover each fire.
There are 14 Mini-Games +8 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) There wasn't really anything new, click on directional arrows to navigate, rotate picture frags to complete an image, place foam lines of various configurations to cover each fire.
Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only)
I just couldn't finish this game it was so incredibly boring so I cannot comment about the Bonus Chapter's plot, however, there are 6 additional Mini-Games and 4 Hidden Object Scenes. You will continue searching for the final gazillion notes, 2 Morphing Statuettes, 3 Detective's Stuff, and 10 Chess Piece Coins of varying amounts to finish decorating the boring Gallery with random shelves and easels...yeah :(
I just couldn't finish this game it was so incredibly boring so I cannot comment about the Bonus Chapter's plot, however, there are 6 additional Mini-Games and 4 Hidden Object Scenes. You will continue searching for the final gazillion notes, 2 Morphing Statuettes, 3 Detective's Stuff, and 10 Chess Piece Coins of varying amounts to finish decorating the boring Gallery with random shelves and easels...yeah :(
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
10 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 24 Movie Video Cutscenes, 38 Achievements, 17 Replayable Mini-Games, 18 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Statuettes, 15 Detective's Stuff, a gazillion Missing Notes, 78 Zoom-Zone Chess Piece Coins, 15 Gallery Items (purchase with chess pieces cuz that totally makes sense??) 5 repetitive Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
10 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 24 Movie Video Cutscenes, 38 Achievements, 17 Replayable Mini-Games, 18 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Statuettes, 15 Detective's Stuff, a gazillion Missing Notes, 78 Zoom-Zone Chess Piece Coins, 15 Gallery Items (purchase with chess pieces cuz that totally makes sense??) 5 repetitive Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Take a stroll thru The Woods at my new Forum. There's still time to give & receive Rudolph's Presents! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
The bad kids are taking over the Polar Express!
Overall rating
2
/
5
77 of 96 found this review helpful
WHICH KID IS NAUGHTY?
PostedDecember 24, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Completed Game approximately 5.5 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
23 Main Game Scene Locations +10 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
23 Main Game Scene Locations +10 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
Great Green Grinches! We wait patiently for an entire year to play the infamous Christmas-themed games but it looks like this year all we got was a Lump Of Coal! In the past, it was well worth our wait, but this year the Sleigh Bells are Ringing but no one's Listening while we're left outside in the cold Glistening snow hanging on to our Christmas Balls wondering what went wrong.
Some people apparently found a Golden Ticket to the North Pole but I think mine got switched with one of Willie Wonka's leftover chocolate fringed tickets because I've yet to see a magical wonderland and I have a sneaky suspicion that I got dropped off somewhere near Glasgow, Montana and Peck, Idaho cuz there's not a lot going on here.
I just have one question...why did they decide that Christopher should receive a Golden Ticket to visit Santa at the North Pole because he was such a "Nice" kid...only to turn around and have him do an entire List full of "Naughty" deeds? He made plans to sneak away from home without alerting the parents of his intentions to flee. Just before giving his parents the slip, he steals a Gold Coin from the drawer and shimmies out his bedroom window on a makeshift ladder, boards a train SOLO and heads off to Santa's Wonderland at the North Pole! I'm pretty sure Santa would consider all these deeds as a check on the Naughty List?
Audio/Visuals:
I can never really find fault with the audio or graphics in a Domini game. Lately, this is the only aspect of their games that really shines with superior quality, the stories are unimaginative and the tasks are so repetitive that surely even a beginner would take notice? Domini is also known for adding items that can be interacted with but as you'll soon discover, these interactions become a rarety after the demo portion!
I can never really find fault with the audio or graphics in a Domini game. Lately, this is the only aspect of their games that really shines with superior quality, the stories are unimaginative and the tasks are so repetitive that surely even a beginner would take notice? Domini is also known for adding items that can be interacted with but as you'll soon discover, these interactions become a rarety after the demo portion!
Gadgets/Helper:
Fluffy, who isn't fluffy is our Christmas Elf helper. Of all the creative names they could have given a talking dog with an attitude, they chose Fluffy...nuff or ruff said!
Fluffy, who isn't fluffy is our Christmas Elf helper. Of all the creative names they could have given a talking dog with an attitude, they chose Fluffy...nuff or ruff said!
Collectibles/Morphing Objects (CE version only)
Once again, there are a gazillion Missing Notes to discover, and the same collectibles and morphs...only the names have been changed to deceive the innocent! There are 15 Morphing Christmas Items and 15 Christmas Card Clickables. I say "click on" versus collect because they are NEVER hidden or challenging to find! There are the same infamous 70 Zoom Zone Gingerbread Star Coins that are used to purchase 15 boring Boudior Items...what does this have to do with Christmas? There is an optional Collection Icon Tab that can be enabled or disabled in the settings menu which will light up when there is a collectible in the current 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, and the same collectibles and morphs...only the names have been changed to deceive the innocent! There are 15 Morphing Christmas Items and 15 Christmas Card Clickables. I say "click on" versus collect because they are NEVER hidden or challenging to find! There are the same infamous 70 Zoom Zone Gingerbread Star Coins that are used to purchase 15 boring Boudior Items...what does this have to do with Christmas? There is an optional Collection Icon Tab that can be enabled or disabled in the settings menu which will light up when there is a collectible in the current scene. You can also choose to show/hide the availability of collectibles on the Map.
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 14 Hidden Object Scenes +4 in the CE Bonus Chapter. The Hidden Object Scenes were Christmas-themed but none of them have a wow factor or exciting features. These are no different than the HO's offered in the last several Domini Games, you'd think they would at least try to blow our socks off with some amazing Christmas scenes?? There are the standard Interactive Listed Item Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Objects, and Fill in the Blanks with ? + ? = a Doll
There are 14 Hidden Object Scenes +4 in the CE Bonus Chapter. The Hidden Object Scenes were Christmas-themed but none of them have a wow factor or exciting features. These are no different than the HO's offered in the last several Domini Games, you'd think they would at least try to blow our socks off with some amazing Christmas scenes?? There are the standard Interactive Listed Item Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Objects, and Fill in the Blanks with ? + ? = a Doll
Alternate Match 3 Game:
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene, 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 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. (just once)
There is an alternate Match 3 Game available if you don't want to play a Hidden Object Scene, 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 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. (just once)
Mini-Games:
There are 19 Mini-Games +9 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) Christmas only comes once a year but these puzzles come every game...nothing new here folks! Do any of these sound familiar?... Swap the gears to make them rotate, Adjust paddles in a snowball-pinball game, place cupcakes according to the mathematical clues, remove stains in a chain type match 3 game, choose accessories to play dress-up according to the picture shown, place items in a box so they don't overlap when the box folds, select directional arrows to move a character from point A to B, use right & left arrows to avoid obstacles...this is a Christmas game, HOPA fans wait all year for these special games so why offer us the same ole same ole you offer in games that are released twice a week by the same developer?
There are 19 Mini-Games +9 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) Christmas only comes once a year but these puzzles come every game...nothing new here folks! Do any of these sound familiar?... Swap the gears to make them rotate, Adjust paddles in a snowball-pinball game, place cupcakes according to the mathematical clues, remove stains in a chain type match 3 game, choose accessories to play dress-up according to the picture shown, place items in a box so they don't overlap when the box folds, select directional arrows to move a character from point A to B, use right & left arrows to avoid obstacles...this is a Christmas game, HOPA fans wait all year for these special games so why offer us the same ole same ole you offer in games that are released twice a week by the same developer?
Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only)
Georgie the Elf is trying to sabotage Christmas so put down your cocoa and hang on to your jingle bells, it's time to save Christmas! There are 9 additional Mini-Games and 4 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the final gazillion notes, 5 Christmas Cards, 5 Christmas Items, and 9 Gingerbread Star Coins of varying amounts to finish decorating the boring Boudior.
Georgie the Elf is trying to sabotage Christmas so put down your cocoa and hang on to your jingle bells, it's time to save Christmas! There are 9 additional Mini-Games and 4 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the final gazillion notes, 5 Christmas Cards, 5 Christmas Items, and 9 Gingerbread Star Coins of varying amounts to finish decorating the boring Boudior.
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
15 Wallpapers, 20 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 25 Movie Video Cutscenes, 39 Achievements, 19 Replayable Mini-Games, 18 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Christmas Items, 15 Christmas Cards, a gazillion Missing Notes, 70 Zoom-Zone Gingerbread Star Coins, 15 Boudior Items (purchase with gingerbread stars) 7 stretched out Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
15 Wallpapers, 20 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 25 Movie Video Cutscenes, 39 Achievements, 19 Replayable Mini-Games, 18 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Christmas Items, 15 Christmas Cards, a gazillion Missing Notes, 70 Zoom-Zone Gingerbread Star Coins, 15 Boudior Items (purchase with gingerbread stars) 7 stretched out Main Chapters, +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
Take a stroll thru The Woods at my new Forum. There's still time to give & receive Rudolph's Presents! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
With over 150 Christmas Puzzles for the whole family to enjoy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
116 of 131 found this review helpful
THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GIFT TO US!
PostedDecember 22, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I'm not gonna lie, I love the puzzles offered in Christmas Wonderland and the Vacation Adventures games. They are simplistic (but not necessarily easy) but most of all, they are fun to solve and never stressful. It's been several years since Casual Arts released the first Ultimate Puzzler and I for one am delighted that they created a new game!
Here's what you have to look forward to:
JIGSAWS
I love that they added difficulty modes and that each mode had different puzzle piece shapes and even different shaped puzzle boards, such as a Christmas Tree Shaped jigsaw. You can also click the A & B puzzle tabs at the bottom to Ghost an image or show a puzzle image preview.
I love that they added difficulty modes and that each mode had different puzzle piece shapes and even different shaped puzzle boards, such as a Christmas Tree Shaped jigsaw. You can also click the A & B puzzle tabs at the bottom to Ghost an image or show a puzzle image preview.
There are 8 Easy Jigsaws, 18 Medium Jigsaws, 18 Hard Jigsaws, and 8 Extreme Jigsaws.
ROTATE
These are square tiles that must be rotated into place which are normally super easy to solve but thanks to the difficulty modes some are quite challenging.
These are square tiles that must be rotated into place which are normally super easy to solve but thanks to the difficulty modes some are quite challenging.
There are 8 Easy Rotate, 12 Medium Rotate, and 18 Hard Rotate puzzles available.
FLIPSAWS
Flipsaws require you to swap puzzle pieces to recreate the image, again, because they have difficulty modes they become larger with smaller squares to make them more challenging.
Flipsaws require you to swap puzzle pieces to recreate the image, again, because they have difficulty modes they become larger with smaller squares to make them more challenging.
There are 8 Easy Flipsaws, 12 Medium Flipsaws, and 8 Hard Flipsaws available.
WORD SEARCH
Who doesn't love a good word search game? There are 8 Easy Word Search, 12 Medium Word Search, and 8 Hard Word Search puzzles available.
Who doesn't love a good word search game? There are 8 Easy Word Search, 12 Medium Word Search, and 8 Hard Word Search puzzles available.
OTHERS
Under this category is a variety of puzzles ranging from Placing Labels correctly, Following Color-coded Wires, Placing Map Pieces, Simple Math Puzzles, Concentration Memory Match, and a variety of Hidden Object Scenes.
Under this category is a variety of puzzles ranging from Placing Labels correctly, Following Color-coded Wires, Placing Map Pieces, Simple Math Puzzles, Concentration Memory Match, and a variety of Hidden Object Scenes.
Here are my complaints with this category
1-Concentration only has 4 puzzles...everyone loves memory match games so in my opinion, this should have had its own category with Easy, Medium, Hard, and Extreme modes where there were tons of icons to flip over to find the matches.
1-Concentration only has 4 puzzles...everyone loves memory match games so in my opinion, this should have had its own category with Easy, Medium, Hard, and Extreme modes where there were tons of icons to flip over to find the matches.
2-They should have included a small explanation of what each of the "other" puzzles was about underneath the title, such as, "Hidden Object".
3-When you click on a puzzle and decide you don't want to play that one you have to go back to the beginning of the puzzles (page 1) rather than where you left off...a small complaint, it's just annoying.
Today SE games are on sale for less than 4 bucks and in my opinion, this Ultimate Puzzler is well worth the price for a game that can be enjoyed by the entire family!
Come join us at my new forum at The Woods. There's still plenty of time to give & receive Rudolph's Presents at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Explore Santa’s collection of holiday mosaics puzzles and mini games!
Overall rating
3
/
5
31 of 46 found this review helpful
WHAT HAPPENED TO FANTASY MOSAIC MONDAY?
PostedDecember 21, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
There is absolutely no challenge whatsoever in this series and the graphics seem pretty dull and grainy with unappealing colors which have never been the case with this series in the past?
The Zen Mode has returned for those who prefer to solve the griddlers without all the hand/flipper holding. In Zen Mode, the numbers aren't crossed off but Mistakes aren't counted against you either, because chances are, you'll have to edit some of the cells as you switch between colors. You can delete filled-in or crossed-off cells by right-clicking the cell in Zen Mode, and you'll know you have completed a particular color correctly because a checkmark will appear on the color bubble.
You can play in a Casual Mode which crosses off the cells one by one, or the Advanced Mode, which only crosses off the remaining cells once the entire row and column have been filled in. You will earn a Gold trophy if you make no mistakes, a Silver trophy if you make one mistake, and a Bronze trophy if you make two mistakes. You will also earn up to three gold Stars if you don't use any hints, one star is deducted each time you use a hint. Therefore, it is possible to make a mistake or two but still earn 3 stars as long as you don't use any available hints.
There are 20 locations, and each location has 5 Griddlers and an additional mini-game. You can choose from 7 different tile sets, ranging in color vibrancy, and styles. Locked Colors can be disabled in the Settings menu, otherwise, some of the colors are locked and unavailable until you uncover color-specific keys that are hidden beneath some of the filled-in cells The Eye feature allows you to hide the grid to get a look at the puzzle without all the grid lines, and there is a reset icon that makes it much easier to restart the level if you make a mistake.
There are groups of numbers located on each column and row of the grid, each group of numbers must be separated by at least one blank or crossed off cell. Sometimes it's easier to cross-off cells that can't possibly contain a filled-in cell, which will reduce the number of cells and narrow the playing field down a bit, when you get stuck, you can switch colors and work back and forth until it's solved.
Some of the cells contain bonuses such as extra hints, extra mistakes allowed, or an extra pickax which allows you to choose which cell you want a hint on, and some cells contain keys to unlock colors (unless you disable this feature in settings) There is a Sun icon as well that when fully charged, will give you a mega-hint, filling in or crossing off a 3x3 area of your choice.
Stop by my new forum, there's still time to send and receive Rudolph's Presents! thewoodsforum.boards.net
It’s trouble in paradise when Mia Faircroft visits Italy!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
TOO MUCH TALK & GAME INTERRUPTION
PostedDecember 19, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
It would be a fantastic HOG if they would just stop interrupting the HO scenes mid-stream with more dialog, it's way too much dialog before every scene as it is but when it brings back memories of..."We Interrupt the Regularly Scheduled Program to Bring You this Important Message" it's pretty annoying! It's just a HOG, not a visual novel?
While I'm at it I would also love to see more appropriate, non-stock hidden objects. The chapel is filled with dartboards, bats, ducks, etc. why not make the game more authentic by adding items that you may expect to see in each scene. The Ladybug was larger than the guinea pig so if you really want to impress fans, adjust the sizes as well or choose different objects in each scene that are size proportionate.
I'm very happy with the mini-games because for the first time they actually work! The one where you match antique coins was pretty fun because you could only match coins that were not covered by another coin.
This CE version only seems to offer 5 extra levels and a few more mini-games so I do recommend the SE version over the CE version.
Come join me at my new forum, just in time to give and receive Rudolph's Presents! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
It’s trouble in paradise when Mia Faircroft visits Italy!
Overall rating
3
/
5
59 of 76 found this review helpful
TOO MUCH TALK & GAME INTERRUPTION
PostedDecember 19, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
It would be a fantastic HOG if they would just stop interrupting the HO scenes mid-stream with more dialog, it's way too much dialog before every scene as it is but when it brings back memories of..."We Interrupt the Regularly Scheduled Program to Bring You this Important Message" it's pretty annoying! It's just a HOG, not a visual novel?
While I'm at it I would also love to see more appropriate, non-stock hidden objects. The chapel is filled with dartboards, bats, ducks, etc. why not make the game more authentic by adding items that you may expect to see in each scene. The Ladybug was larger than the guinea pig so if you really want to impress fans, adjust the sizes as well or choose different objects in each scene that are size proportionate.
I'm very happy with the mini-games because for the first time they actually work! The one where you match antique coins was pretty fun because you could only match coins that were not covered by another coin.
The CE version only seems to offer 5 extra levels and a few more mini-games so I do recommend this SE version over the CE version.
Come join me at my new forum, just in time to give and receive Rudolph's Presents! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Discover this cheerful Christmas-themed match-3 puzzler and escape into a winter wonderland while you decorate a beautiful Victorian home for the holidays!
Overall rating
1
/
5
93 of 107 found this review helpful
SOMEONE CREATED THIS GAME IN A RUSH
PostedDecember 15, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
First of all, the screen was out of proportion, and only the top section of the tabs to access the gameplay were visible so I had to guess at what they actually did. There were no setting options such as windowed mode and I had to endure reading several lengthy tutorial pages...one long page explaining each powerup and feature.
To make matters more complicated, they decided to add an archaic WASD feature to walk up to a painting to enter the level. For those of you who don't know what WASD is, you have to use those keyboard keys to "walk". The W and S control forward and backward movement, while A and D are left and right movements. You can also use the keyboard arrow keys, or simply click on the arrow keys located on the bottom left of the actual screen... so why in the heck did they bother with WSAD keys???
A Match 4 will earn a Snowflake that destroys a 9-cell radius, an L-shape gives you a Christmas Light that destroys a Vertical or Horizontal line, and an L-shape with 1 extra gem gives you a Gem to destroy all of the same kind of gem it is swapped with. The goal is to make a specified number of a specified tile as shown.
Gold Cells require a match made on them, some of which are covered in up to 3 layers of wrapping paper. Some tiles are frozen in ice and require making matches of whichever tile is encased in the ice, and some collectibles must be brought to the bottom of the board to collect the,
I played the first level, the icons are tiny, the M3 board itself was so large it barely fit my large screen (38" curved) I matched the required number of Santa Hats and the score window popped up showing I had only received 1 Star! The text for the score stats overlapped the tab to click "DONE" to move on to the next level and no matter what I tried, I couldn't click the tab and I eventually had to click ctrl/alt/delete to "escape" the nightmare??
We have much more fun at my new forum! Come join us at The Woods Forum just in time to give and receive Rudolph Presents at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Visit new worlds of wonderful artwork and let your creative side shine as you complete these colorful paint-by-numbers puzzles.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
I LOVE THE COLORS, BUT...
PostedDecember 14, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I love that these images are so bright and colorful but I was a little disappointed that they chose the same colors, side by side (just separated with a line) in many of the images rather than making them a slightly different hue. With that being said, there's no comparison to the "other" painting series which isn't even in the same league! The best part is that you can not only see all of the images available, but you can choose any of the images to color at any time...even in the demo!
When they added a Freeplay section a couple of games back I couldn't have been more excited! This 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 allows you to fill in larger areas. 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, and the type of painting style, either Flat or a textured Watercolored effect that looks more like a real paint by numbers painting effect.
The Current Number is much easier to see than in the "other" painting game and the black lines are much smaller so the pictures are much crisper. The difference between the two painting series games is like day versus night, this game is quality through and through and the "other" one seems outdated and old-school! These images have a transparent background, unlike the other painting game which has an ugly gray background. These works of art, however, will be displayed on the background you have chosen, and they will be embossed with a blue & gold frame when completed, sometimes it's the little touches that make or break a game!
Become an official Woodsey and meet up with long lost forum members at my new forum, thewoodsforum.boards.net
Become an official Woodsey and meet up with long lost forum members at my new forum, thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Complete an enchanting new collection of puzzles and uncover what’s hidden behind the doors of the hand-drawn Advent House?
Overall rating
4
/
5
42 of 62 found this review helpful
LOVE THE ADVENT ROOMS-NOT AS CRAZY ABOUT THE IMAGES THIS TIME
PostedDecember 14, 2021
pennmom36
from"Sometimes the Smallest Things Take Up The Most Room In Your Heart" ~ Forever in my heart, Loki ❣
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I absolutely loved the images in Fairy Ring and although I like the concept of finishing puzzles to earn Snowflakes to unlock each Advent Room, I wasn't crazy about the selection of images this go-round. It's still an amazing puzzle game and I love this developer immensely because he truly does care about making the best game possible!
There are 6 Categories with 46 puzzles each, a section to add your own images, and a Surprise Chapter available. Each puzzle is 100% customizable with so many different puzzle shapes, the number of pieces desired, background, brightness, pictured images, ghosted images, and more, you even get to choose whether or not you want a Timer. You'll earn Snowflakes for completing the puzzle with or without the timer, (some puzzles are more difficult than others and worth more) The Snowflakes allow you to unlock Rooms on the Advent to explore.
There are 6 Categories with 46 puzzles each, a section to add your own images, and a Surprise Chapter available. Each puzzle is 100% customizable with so many different puzzle shapes, the number of pieces desired, background, brightness, pictured images, ghosted images, and more, you even get to choose whether or not you want a Timer. You'll earn Snowflakes for completing the puzzle with or without the timer, (some puzzles are more difficult than others and worth more) The Snowflakes allow you to unlock Rooms on the Advent to explore.
I really, really want to see a couple of features added to this series...I want to be able to adjust the opaqueness of the Ghosted Image and a feature that allows me to grab groups of pieces and click a tab that straightens that group into a tidy section (or at least a tab that straightens up all pieces remaining on the board. It would be cool if the pieces made a clicking noise when placed as well.
Go over the river and through the Woods, hang a right at the tall oak tree and stop by The Woods Forum just in time to give and receive Rudolph's Presents at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!