pennmom36's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358,445
- Reviews Submitted:4712
- First Review:December 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:April 24, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Follow Iselin on an adventure like no other, explore a magical land to stop the witch Aradia, find hidden objects, and solve challenging puzzles.
Overall rating
4
/
5
52 of 64 found this review helpful
OLD-SCHOOL IS COOL!
PostedJune 12, 2021
pennmom36
fromDid you know that Hidden Object Adventures game started way back in the mid-1970s and was developed & distributed via the nascent Internet by a programmer and role-play gamer named William Crowther who's games influenced the 1st decade of adventure games
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Iselin Saga may be disappointing to someone who was expecting a neon purple CE by the usual developer today. But for those of us who have been longing for a retro-style HOPA game like we cut our teeth on back in the day, we are light-heartedly delighted! This game was purposely designed to be retro by an Indie developer who heard our plea's, begging for games that were old-school cool!
Iselin Saga doesn't have Collectibles or Morphs, it doesn't have neon purple graphics and items that can be interacted with, it doesn't even have a built-in Strategy Guide. What it doesn't have isn't the point, it's what the game does have that matters!
There is a Hidden Object Scene in every new location that are all in the form of old-school FROGs, which stands for Fragmented Object Games. This is a variant where you are tasked with finding several fragments of three different objects that will magically combine to give you an important Inventory Item to use. For me personally, this variant is more interesting and can be more challenging because you are searching for oddly-shaped fragments versus simply looking for a large teapot, iron, or chalice. I also find that FROGs give more meaning to a Hidden Object Scene, it seems more realistic in some ways too because most HOS have a huge pile of junk sitting in the corner of a room, who does that in real life? Who would search for a list of objects in the first place and why would you have a need to search for a feather, egg, clover, or thimble on said list if you were legitimately searching for something to help you push forward? It makes more sense that the object you were searching for would probably be broken or shattered!
I loved the Mini-Games! These are old-fashioned, no-frills puzzles that require a little bit of thought, yet all are doable and none of them seemed frustrating. I will admit that some of the instructions were a bit confusing and should have been worded differently, but I found that just diving in and figuring it out as you tinkered with it was the best solution. Here are some examples of the mini-games you'll encounter:
1-Place spoke wheels correctly (right-click to rotate)
2-Drag wooden planks to fill in all gaps.
3-Rotate rings to align water lines to activate the fountain.
4-Slide blocks to recreate the pattern
5-Place tiles correctly. each tile must touch at least 1 identical tile. Water tiles cannot touch either Earth or Fire tiles.
6-Click a colored triangle to paint 4 surrounding triangle sections for each of the colors. Colors with a Square Gem must each have different patterns painted and Colors with Circles must also be different patterns (a circle can have the same pattern as a square's pattern)
7-Rotate gears to align the red marks, rotating one gear may affect others.
8-Place weights of varying amounts on each pedestal to balance the scales.
9-Choose the correct 2 shaped tokens that will cover the entire circle.
10-Swap bricks to complete the image (not as easy as it sounds!)
11-Move blue, orange, and green roses to their color-coded slots by rotating 3 discs.
12-Swap the positions of Diamond & Suns. The icons will move 3 cells vertically or horizontally, and then 1-cell perpendicular. (Click the desired diamond or sun to see all placement options)
2-Drag wooden planks to fill in all gaps.
3-Rotate rings to align water lines to activate the fountain.
4-Slide blocks to recreate the pattern
5-Place tiles correctly. each tile must touch at least 1 identical tile. Water tiles cannot touch either Earth or Fire tiles.
6-Click a colored triangle to paint 4 surrounding triangle sections for each of the colors. Colors with a Square Gem must each have different patterns painted and Colors with Circles must also be different patterns (a circle can have the same pattern as a square's pattern)
7-Rotate gears to align the red marks, rotating one gear may affect others.
8-Place weights of varying amounts on each pedestal to balance the scales.
9-Choose the correct 2 shaped tokens that will cover the entire circle.
10-Swap bricks to complete the image (not as easy as it sounds!)
11-Move blue, orange, and green roses to their color-coded slots by rotating 3 discs.
12-Swap the positions of Diamond & Suns. The icons will move 3 cells vertically or horizontally, and then 1-cell perpendicular. (Click the desired diamond or sun to see all placement options)
Keep in mind that this is meant to be a retro-type of adventure that is reminiscent of Hidden Object Games as they were in the beginning, back when games were a bit rough around the edges but a ton of fun to play. This is not a CE version with lots of bling, nor are you paying a CE price. It won't blow you off your chair or knock your socks off, but if you keep an open mind, I think you will enjoy this game and perhaps even appreciate the artistry and the heart it took to retro a game. Join me at my new forum, lots of cool things to do at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Can you solve a sinister mystery in time to save your nuptials?
Overall rating
3
/
5
62 of 70 found this review helpful
I "REMEMBERED" HOW AMAZING THIS SERIES WAS IN THE PAST
PostedJune 11, 2021
pennmom36
fromJames Blackthorne is a ghostbuster, James Brown is the Godfather of soul and the central progenitor of funk music ;) ;)
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game less than 4 hours
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
9 Main Game Scene Locations +4 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
(including completion of all mini-games & CE Bonus Chapter)
9 Main Game Scene Locations +4 Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
This isn't a dreadful game, had it been just another Haunted Hotel game I may have given this game 4-stars. But it isn't just another Haunted Hotel game, it is the FINAL game of the series and we deserved more! This is the 20th game in the series, and for those of us who were avid fans and purchased the entire 20 game series, we were shafted. Elephant Games had a duty to give us something spectacular for the final game in the Haunted Hotel series, instead, they gave us an average game, surely not befitting of this beloved series?
It is abundantly clear that Elephant Games no longer cares, their heart just isn't in it anymore. Perhaps it's because they are struggling financially, or perhaps they are ditching HOPAs altogether. Either way, we deserved more! Did they slap this game together on purpose as a Final Game in the saga to assure that no other developer would be able to continue their Haunted Hotel legacy? If that is the case, then I see their point to a certain degree (even though they didn't actually start the series, just games 5-20)
If they slapped it together because they are struggling financially, then shame on them! I understand businesses struggling during a Covid crisis, but I don't understand why they felt the need to offer subpar, or anything at all if they were struggling? They could have easily revisited this series when things picked back up, a game with the quality we know they are capable of! This may sound selfish, but we remained loyal to Elephant Games and they had an obligation to give us their best, or nothing at all! Instead of hanging their head high as they peaced-out, they now have to hang their head in shame for not only what they gave us, but also for what they didn't give us!
☽☾Morphing Objects/Collectibles: (CE version only)☼
There are only 13 Morphing Character Photos that morphed into objects that looked so out of place you couldn't help but notice them! They morph way too fast, the objects are ridiculously large, they offer no challenge whatsoever, so what's the point? Does anyone else remember how challenging Elephant Games Morphing Objects used to be? I sure do miss that Elephant Games quality! There are also 20 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments which create 4 Screensavers, no assembly required.
There are only 13 Morphing Character Photos that morphed into objects that looked so out of place you couldn't help but notice them! They morph way too fast, the objects are ridiculously large, they offer no challenge whatsoever, so what's the point? Does anyone else remember how challenging Elephant Games Morphing Objects used to be? I sure do miss that Elephant Games quality! There are also 20 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments which create 4 Screensavers, no assembly required.
◔Hidden Object Scenes◕
There are only 9 Hidden Object Scenes +4 in the CE Bonus Chapter, and a handful of smaller Zoom Zone HO's. These were some of the lamest HO's I've seen in a long time. Clearly, no effort whatsoever was spent in their creation because I was able to find every item without ever looking at the list, yea, they were that obvious! There are Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, and a single Swatch Find where you find the exact area that matches circular token swatch examples shown. They were super-simplistic and very boring and unfortunately, there were no alternate games available.
There are only 9 Hidden Object Scenes +4 in the CE Bonus Chapter, and a handful of smaller Zoom Zone HO's. These were some of the lamest HO's I've seen in a long time. Clearly, no effort whatsoever was spent in their creation because I was able to find every item without ever looking at the list, yea, they were that obvious! There are Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape Finds, Keywords in Sentence Finds, and a single Swatch Find where you find the exact area that matches circular token swatch examples shown. They were super-simplistic and very boring and unfortunately, there were no alternate games available.
♙Mini-Games♙
There are 16 Mini-Games +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter. Although I didn't hate any of the puzzles, I really felt that Elephant Games should have come up with something epic for the finale of such an amazing series. Here are some of the games you'll encounter:
There are 16 Mini-Games +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter. Although I didn't hate any of the puzzles, I really felt that Elephant Games should have come up with something epic for the finale of such an amazing series. Here are some of the games you'll encounter:
1-Turn labyrinth sections to create a path.
2-Connect the Dots in sequential order...really?
4-Use directional arrows to dodge ghostly apparitions.
5-First, pull the key that will allow the green & white fog to mix, then pull the remaining keys in the correct order to allow James to escape.
6-Move buttons to all slots by using other buttons as bumpers.
7-Press piano keys to toggle the colors until only the 2 squares are green.
2-Connect the Dots in sequential order...really?
4-Use directional arrows to dodge ghostly apparitions.
5-First, pull the key that will allow the green & white fog to mix, then pull the remaining keys in the correct order to allow James to escape.
6-Move buttons to all slots by using other buttons as bumpers.
7-Press piano keys to toggle the colors until only the 2 squares are green.
✯Bonus Chapter (Collector's Edition version only)✯
Holy Haunted Hotel, it looks like the Ghostly Ship has set sail without you! Your days of haplessly haunting hotels may be behind you but it appears that you didn't get the otherworldly memo on how to cross over correctly. Who ya gonna call? James Blackthorne of course! This is a very short chapter that takes place over a measly 4 scene locations (the same Hotel Scenes as the main game) with just 4 Hidden Object Scenes and 5 Mini-Games. You will complete the collection of the final 4 Morphing Character Photos, and 5 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments to complete the fourth and final Screensaver.
Holy Haunted Hotel, it looks like the Ghostly Ship has set sail without you! Your days of haplessly haunting hotels may be behind you but it appears that you didn't get the otherworldly memo on how to cross over correctly. Who ya gonna call? James Blackthorne of course! This is a very short chapter that takes place over a measly 4 scene locations (the same Hotel Scenes as the main game) with just 4 Hidden Object Scenes and 5 Mini-Games. You will complete the collection of the final 4 Morphing Character Photos, and 5 Zoom Zone Puzzle Fragments to complete the fourth and final Screensaver.
♕Collector's Edition Extra's♕
5 Wallpapers, 0 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 20 Achievements, 12 Replayable Mini-Games,12 Hidden Object Scenes, 13 Morphing Character Photos, 20 Screensaver Puzzle Pieces to create 4 Screensavers, a Secret Room (Return to Scenes to Locate HO Objects-timed) Expedition Room (return to scenes to pick up any missed Collectibles) 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
5 Wallpapers, 0 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 20 Achievements, 12 Replayable Mini-Games,12 Hidden Object Scenes, 13 Morphing Character Photos, 20 Screensaver Puzzle Pieces to create 4 Screensavers, a Secret Room (Return to Scenes to Locate HO Objects-timed) Expedition Room (return to scenes to pick up any missed Collectibles) 3 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
I recommend this game!
Can you save the world of Spirits from a dangerous adversary?
Overall rating
2
/
5
102 of 116 found this review helpful
NORMALLY, THIS WOULD BE THE PART I'D TELL YA I LIKED THE CE COLLECTIBLES, BUT...
PostedJune 11, 2021
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Completed Game approximately 4.0 Hours
(including completion of all puzzles & CE Bonus Chapter)
24 Main Game Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
(including completion of all puzzles & CE Bonus Chapter)
24 Main Game Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
At this point, I feel like I'm just playing Domini games out of desperation because Big Fish rarely offers HOPA games nowadays. There are a ton of new, or new to this genre developers that would give anything to get their foot in the door (or is it "throw a fin" in the pond?) to create amazing HOPAs, they just lack funding. So why not take a chance with them? It would be a win-win situation, new competition would certainly spur the Domini-ant developers to be more creative plus we'd get fresh blood games with creative concepts!
How many times must we endure the same game? Yes, it's the same game because the tasks are always the same from game to game. I know I'll need to scoop out an object from the bottom of every fountain, I know every pile of leaves needs to be removed with some sort of tool, I know there will be a big ole pile of recently disturbed soil that someone thought would go unnoticed, I know I'll need to use a "heavy object" to pound nails with...and it will probably involve placing boards on a broken bridge or rungs of a ladder and probably both! I know the second I see a bookshelf that I'm gonna need to find 2 books to open a secret cache...not 1 book, not 3! I know there will be some sort of mysterious green ooze encasing a much-needed emblem, an object just out of reach that requires some type of MacGyver rig, some sort of purple fog to disperse, gauntlets or gloves required to move thorny branches, and I'll probably have to sew them first. I know that some statue or mannequin with be holding on to an object for dear life until I replace his limbs or adorned jewelry as if it had a soul. It's not about knowing what I need for all these tasks, it's the fact that no one bothers to think outside the box. I know every single person reading this knows exactly what I'm talking about...but did you know that every single task I just mentioned was a task from Chapter One in this game?
Gadgets/Helper:
This game is centered around the Guardians of Harmony and a Beastiary Book to banish the beasts that are conveniently conjured by the Spirits of nature...and always at key moments that prevent you from ending the game quickly and calling it a day tee-hee. The Beastiary Book is used 6 times during the main chapters only; to destroy freaks of nature such as a FireFox or a Gargoyle Batman. Before the book can un-conjure the conjuring, you'll have to complete a mini-game that varies with each beast. I actually enjoyed most of the associated puzzles!
This game is centered around the Guardians of Harmony and a Beastiary Book to banish the beasts that are conveniently conjured by the Spirits of nature...and always at key moments that prevent you from ending the game quickly and calling it a day tee-hee. The Beastiary Book is used 6 times during the main chapters only; to destroy freaks of nature such as a FireFox or a Gargoyle Batman. Before the book can un-conjure the conjuring, you'll have to complete a mini-game that varies with each beast. I actually enjoyed most of the associated puzzles!
Audio/Video Quality:
Domini usually does well in this department, especially after ditching the over-abundance of Purple, and Green hues. Once again, the scenes themselves are fairly uninteresting which is incredible given the fact that the plot's theme was a perfect opportunity to wow us with incredible scenery and exotic flora and fauna!
Domini usually does well in this department, especially after ditching the over-abundance of Purple, and Green hues. Once again, the scenes themselves are fairly uninteresting which is incredible given the fact that the plot's theme was a perfect opportunity to wow us with incredible scenery and exotic flora and fauna!
Collectibles & Morphing Objects (CE Version Only):
The collectibles are always the same in Domini games, they just have different names and they are never interesting! There are 15 Morphing Jodac's Inventions, 15 Spirited Potions, a gazillion Missing Notes, 70 Zoom Zone Coins of varying amounts that are used to purchase 15 Laboratory Items. Why not give us options on each decoration, such as different styles or color choices, or where to place them in the room? At least make the decorations more interesting, who cares about a pile of herbs sitting on a table or red drapes that remind everyone of a funeral home? I guess that would require some effort on the developer's part, so new options are unlikely!
The collectibles are always the same in Domini games, they just have different names and they are never interesting! There are 15 Morphing Jodac's Inventions, 15 Spirited Potions, a gazillion Missing Notes, 70 Zoom Zone Coins of varying amounts that are used to purchase 15 Laboratory Items. Why not give us options on each decoration, such as different styles or color choices, or where to place them in the room? At least make the decorations more interesting, who cares about a pile of herbs sitting on a table or red drapes that remind everyone of a funeral home? I guess that would require some effort on the developer's part, so new options are unlikely!
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 13 Hidden Object Scenes +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter and an alternate Match 3 Game available. This is a terrible Match 3 game that 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 kind of defeats the purpose of a Match 3 game?? The Hidden Object Scenes vary in style, such as Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape in multiples X3, Matching Pairs, Keywords in Sentence Finds, and a Slider variation where you align Silhouettes with Clues. If only Domini would add a skip button feature to their boring HO scenes!
There are 13 Hidden Object Scenes +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter and an alternate Match 3 Game available. This is a terrible Match 3 game that 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 kind of defeats the purpose of a Match 3 game?? The Hidden Object Scenes vary in style, such as Interactive List Finds, Silhouetted Shape in multiples X3, Matching Pairs, Keywords in Sentence Finds, and a Slider variation where you align Silhouettes with Clues. If only Domini would add a skip button feature to their boring HO scenes!
Mini-Games:
There are 21 Mini-Games +6 in the CE Bonus Chapter, 6 of which are associated with The Beastiary Gadget. 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) The puzzles weren't bad, and some of them were variations of older puzzles and they were enjoyable to play because they seemed new. The mini-games were the only feature that made this game bearable to endure, I actually enjoyed some of the Beastiary associated puzzles such as fragging chains of colored orbs to their matching slots, move a glowing orb to its destination by moving it to empty slots & clicking a button to reveal alternate slots, connect all bats with a continuous line (horizontal & vertical lines only) or capturing your opponent's tokens by touching or jumping them.
There are 21 Mini-Games +6 in the CE Bonus Chapter, 6 of which are associated with The Beastiary Gadget. 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) The puzzles weren't bad, and some of them were variations of older puzzles and they were enjoyable to play because they seemed new. The mini-games were the only feature that made this game bearable to endure, I actually enjoyed some of the Beastiary associated puzzles such as fragging chains of colored orbs to their matching slots, move a glowing orb to its destination by moving it to empty slots & clicking a button to reveal alternate slots, connect all bats with a continuous line (horizontal & vertical lines only) or capturing your opponent's tokens by touching or jumping them.
Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only)
Phyllis has been summoned by King Astis to restore the balance of nature after the kingdom's flora begins to mutate out of control. Naturally, a hooded figure is always one step ahead of you, thwarting your every move! This is a typical above-average-length chapter spanning over 7 scene locations, where you will probably get a case of Deja vu. The tasks are nearly identical to those within the first chapter...find and place a saddle & reins on a horse-find a tool to remove crystals-find & use a fishing rod-use a heavy object to hammer nails...seriously? There are 6 additional Mini-Games and 5 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the final 4 Morphing Jadoc's Inventions, 4 Spirited Potions, and 7 Zoom Zone Coins of varying amounts that are used to purchase the final uninteresting Laboratory Decorations.
Phyllis has been summoned by King Astis to restore the balance of nature after the kingdom's flora begins to mutate out of control. Naturally, a hooded figure is always one step ahead of you, thwarting your every move! This is a typical above-average-length chapter spanning over 7 scene locations, where you will probably get a case of Deja vu. The tasks are nearly identical to those within the first chapter...find and place a saddle & reins on a horse-find a tool to remove crystals-find & use a fishing rod-use a heavy object to hammer nails...seriously? There are 6 additional Mini-Games and 5 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the final 4 Morphing Jadoc's Inventions, 4 Spirited Potions, and 7 Zoom Zone Coins of varying amounts that are used to purchase the final uninteresting Laboratory Decorations.
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
15 Wallpapers, 16 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 26 Movie Video Cutscenes, 33 Achievements (the same achievements offered in all of their games) 20 Replayable Mini-Games, 18 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Jodac's Inventions, 15 Spirited Potions, a gazillion Missing Notes, 70 Zoom Zone Coins of varying amounts to purchase 15 Laboratory Items, 4 Main Chapters, a Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide. Come join the fun at my new forum & reconnect with old friends at thewoodsforum.boards.net
15 Wallpapers, 16 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 26 Movie Video Cutscenes, 33 Achievements (the same achievements offered in all of their games) 20 Replayable Mini-Games, 18 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Morphing Jodac's Inventions, 15 Spirited Potions, a gazillion Missing Notes, 70 Zoom Zone Coins of varying amounts to purchase 15 Laboratory Items, 4 Main Chapters, a Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide. Come join the fun at my new forum & reconnect with old friends at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Polygon Art delivers new Paint-by-Number puzzles that allow you to create beautiful artwork!
Overall rating
2
/
5
42 of 49 found this review helpful
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE IMAGES!
PostedJune 9, 2021
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Once again, this developer is failing to see the bigger picture in this third edition of this geometrical Polygon Art game. I typed in Polygon Art 3 and a few images from this particular game popped up and they were pretty plain Jane, but there were several polygon art images from "other" games in a different series that popped up with really brightly colored foxes with blue eyes and even wolves and bears, all of which were visually stunning and very dimensional! Instead, we get to fill in a handful of shapes to create a ball that represents Earth, or a Heart (which I believe is on every game so far?) booring...
The good stuff:
-for the 1st time, the developer is using slightly different color hue variations which gives it somewhat of a 3 dimensional appearance.
-The geometrical shapes have several advantages, it gives dimension and makes objects look like crystal, there's no need for those hideous thick black lines, the shapes are easier to see than most shapes in the paint by numbers games.
-I loved that only the current number was visible, the next number shows up when the previous number is complete (or the number is selected on the pad-no clutter)
-the cursor is smaller
The good stuff:
-for the 1st time, the developer is using slightly different color hue variations which gives it somewhat of a 3 dimensional appearance.
-The geometrical shapes have several advantages, it gives dimension and makes objects look like crystal, there's no need for those hideous thick black lines, the shapes are easier to see than most shapes in the paint by numbers games.
-I loved that only the current number was visible, the next number shows up when the previous number is complete (or the number is selected on the pad-no clutter)
-the cursor is smaller
The bad stuff:
-The images are boring, really boring.
-The polygon shapes are huge which makes the images super easy and the levels are over in a snap.
-Did I mention the picture selection is dreadful?
-Did I mention I can only choose pictures within the current level
-This is an Art game, why are all the pictures of a single item, why can't the background be involved as well?
-I appreciate that you have finally added color hue variations, but just about any modern running computer can easily identify 16,777,216 different colors...take advantage of at least SOME of them!
-Why do so many of the pictures involve fruit? Let's compromise, I'll eat fruit while playing, how about nature and animals for the pictures, preferably the ones I don't eat?
-Why can't I have more than one cursor option? (I don't eat those ;)
-The images are boring, really boring.
-The polygon shapes are huge which makes the images super easy and the levels are over in a snap.
-Did I mention the picture selection is dreadful?
-Did I mention I can only choose pictures within the current level
-This is an Art game, why are all the pictures of a single item, why can't the background be involved as well?
-I appreciate that you have finally added color hue variations, but just about any modern running computer can easily identify 16,777,216 different colors...take advantage of at least SOME of them!
-Why do so many of the pictures involve fruit? Let's compromise, I'll eat fruit while playing, how about nature and animals for the pictures, preferably the ones I don't eat?
-Why can't I have more than one cursor option? (I don't eat those ;)
I don't actually see a bright side with this particular version. It may be time to call it quits on this series (Polygon Art) Please join us at my new forum, thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Modern Art delivers the next incredible set of image puzzles for you to bring to life!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
STILL BROKEN AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
PostedJune 8, 2021
pennmom36
fromNo one cares about strawberries & oranges laying on a wooden plate?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I loved Modern Art 1 & 2 but since then these games don't work on my PC which btw is a problem I've had with their Pixel Art games since the beginning. The screen is off-centered and so large I can't even get to the options tab to select windowed mode. I've seen several complaints on the web about this same issue and it only seems to be games by this developer that I have an incompatibility issue. The Mac versions usually work fine but the last two games released don't have a Mac version! Fix the incompatibility issue so that everyone can enjoy these games, please.
There are 64 images available but you are still forced to finish the first level before moving on to the next. I still don't understand this concept, why do I have to finish one level before proceeding? I'm sure everyone would like the ability to pick and choose from any level!
Each area has a number and you simply chose the corresponding color bubble from the palette (also numbered) on the right side. There is a Slider Bar that allows you to zoom in & out (there's a "fit" tab as well) you can also move the entire page around by right-clicking and dragging.
Hopefully, the developer will one day decide to address the PC compatibility issue, till then won't you join us at my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net ☯
I don't recommend this game.
Modern Art returns with a colorful new set of image puzzles for you to bring to life!
Overall rating
2
/
5
7 of 14 found this review helpful
WHY HASN'T THIS DEVELOPER FIXED THE BROKEN?
PostedJune 8, 2021
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I loved Modern Art 1 & 2 but since then these games don't work on my PC which btw is a problem I've had with their Pixel Art games since the beginning. The screen is off-centered and so large I can't even get to the options tab to select windowed mode. I've seen several complaints on the web about this same issue and it only seems to be games by this developer that I have an incompatibility issue. The Mac versions usually work fine but the last two games released don't have a Mac version! Fix the incompatibility issue so that everyone can enjoy these games, please.
There are 64 images available but you are still forced to finish the first level before moving on to the next. I still don't understand this concept, why do I have to finish one level before proceeding? I'm sure everyone would like the ability to pick and choose from any level!
Each area has a number and you simply chose the corresponding color bubble from the palette (also numbered) on the right side. There is a Slider Bar that allows you to zoom in & out (there's a "fit" tab as well) you can also move the entire page around by right-clicking and dragging.
Hopefully, the developer will one day decide to address the PC compatibility issue, till then won't you join us at my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net ☯
I don't recommend this game.
Help Amanda as she ventures into the spirit work to save her grandfather in this magical match-3 adventure!
Overall rating
1
/
5
20 of 30 found this review helpful
AMANDA NEEDS TO GO BACK TO COLLECTING STICKERS
PostedJune 8, 2021
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
It just isn't cool to keep offering the same game over and over! They only bother to change the graphics and the theme and they rarely offer a Timed Mode! This may be a decent Match 3 game if you've never played a game by this developer, but for the love of Magic, don't they have a creative spark of original imagination left to give? Can't they come up with anything different between the massive amounts of Match 3 games they're spewing out every month? I can appreciate the fact that they continue to develop games, but at what point does this mass-production lose credibility because they couldn't bother to change a single feature, they simply recycled the last game?
Unlike the last Amanda's Magic Book, this game can only be played in a Relaxed Mode of Difficulty which turns off about 90% of Match 3 fans. Everything else is exactly the same, it's colorful, but not very fun compared to other Match 3 games. Once again, tiles inside of Bubbles, Morph when you make large matches, allowing you to pop the bubble when the desired tile appears within the bubble. Once again the only obstacles are chains, crates, and spider webs.
Large Matches of 4 or more tile, fills the Energy Meter which allows you to use various power-ups: (the same power-ups that do the same thing in every match 3 game by this developer!) You can purchase the following "tools" with the elements collected:
*Spirit Staff: clears a single tile, gold cell, and/or chain.
*Bottled Ectoplasm: clears a 2 x 2 area of tiles, gold cells, and/or chains.
*Psychic Rod: clears 5 Horizontal tiles & obstacles.
*Channeling Rod: clears 5 Vertical tiles.
*Arcane Grimoire: clears an entire horizontal line including gold cells, and/or chains.
*Arcane Staff: clears an entire vertical line including gold cells, and/or chains.
*Restless Spirit: clears an entire Vertical & Horizontal row.
*Amanda's Lantern: clears all tiles of the chose tile, including gold cells, and/or chains.
*Medium's Focus: shuffles the board.
*Spirit Stone: clears 20 random tiles.
*Psychic Blast: clears a 9 x 9 group of tiles, gold cells, and/or chains.
*Ultimate Grimoire: clears a massive amount of tiles (haha "stage complete")
Each Chapter requires purchasing all 4 upgrades with the stars earned to progress to the next chapter. This is the same chapter upgrade, even the same number of upgrade requirements required per chapter as every match 3 game by this developer btw.
*Bottled Ectoplasm: clears a 2 x 2 area of tiles, gold cells, and/or chains.
*Psychic Rod: clears 5 Horizontal tiles & obstacles.
*Channeling Rod: clears 5 Vertical tiles.
*Arcane Grimoire: clears an entire horizontal line including gold cells, and/or chains.
*Arcane Staff: clears an entire vertical line including gold cells, and/or chains.
*Restless Spirit: clears an entire Vertical & Horizontal row.
*Amanda's Lantern: clears all tiles of the chose tile, including gold cells, and/or chains.
*Medium's Focus: shuffles the board.
*Spirit Stone: clears 20 random tiles.
*Psychic Blast: clears a 9 x 9 group of tiles, gold cells, and/or chains.
*Ultimate Grimoire: clears a massive amount of tiles (haha "stage complete")
Each Chapter requires purchasing all 4 upgrades with the stars earned to progress to the next chapter. This is the same chapter upgrade, even the same number of upgrade requirements required per chapter as every match 3 game by this developer btw.
I just don't understand why we keep getting the same Match 3 games over and over. If this developer can't or won't offer more options then why doesn't Big Fish search the pond for bigger fish? Join me on my new forum, you'll love it at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Colorful pixel art space adventures are coming your way!
Overall rating
5
/
5
55 of 65 found this review helpful
IF YOU BUILD A BETTER MOUSETRAP...
PostedJune 8, 2021
pennmom36
fromI would love to be able to color the entire scene (background as well), not just the central image
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I fell in love with Pixel Art-type games a few years back but then those games grew stale because the developer refused to add or fix features and the images were less than desirable. Artists of Fortune has just built a better mousetrap so to speak with some of the coolest features ever! This developer was obviously listening, did his homework, and poured his heart and soul into a game that has everything we've been asking for.
No offense to the previous reviewer, but the cells are absolutely large enough to see...you just have to use the slider bar, map, or mouse to enlarge the image. Did I say map? I certainly did, this is by far the coolest feature I've ever seen! The colors are shown as individual Crayons (# or letter specific) at the bottom of the board and once you highlight a crayon, all associated cells will appear in an easy-to-spot yellow color. The Map shows the image and where all those yellow cells are located within the picture so you'll know exactly where the cells are located! There is a slight flaw with this when an image calls for a yellow color because once those yellows are filled in, it's difficult to see the empty yellow highlighted cells of the current color on the map. This was easily remedied by not filling in the yellows until last.
The Crayons were so much more authentic versus a table with colored blocks! When you click on a crayon, a tab appears to tell you exactly how many cells are available in that specific color...how cool is that! When all cells are filled in, the associated crayon disappears! There are two difficulty mode options as well, a Relaxed mode, and a more like the real thing mode which doesn't protect the previously colored cells. In this mode, if you accidentally paint a cell that was already colored with a different color, the cell returns to default and the crayon will reappear, requiring you to repaint that cell...how cool is that! (again, if you don't like this feature, chose the relaxed mode!)
Some of the cells will reward you with icons that fill the Power-ups, similar to mosaic puzzles. There is an Autofill Powerup that will automatically fill in the desired group of cells, a Rainbow Tile Powerup that will paint the cells using any color correctly, and a Blockbuster powerup that blasts a rectangular area with the correct color...how cool is that!
There are 5 different Planets to visit and each planet has 20 puzzles available, with 16 Trophies to earn throughout. You cannot visit another planet until it's unlocked, but you can choose to play any of the 20 puzzles on the current planet in any order...how cool is that! I'm hoping that this developer will have other themes down the road such as Nature, Landscapes, Animals, etc!
This is a game with out-of-the-box thinking, they truly reinvented the wheel to give us amazing features and I loved it! The Cursor has a pinpoint end for accuracy and the game mechanics are absolutely flawless (which is more than I can say about the "other" pixel art game) Won't you join us at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net :)
I recommend this game!
Join Dracula and his allies on a quest for a treasure beyond imagination!
Overall rating
4
/
5
75 of 85 found this review helpful
REGRET THE CE PURCHASE
PostedJune 5, 2021
pennmom36
fromBram Stoker made a last minute decision to title his novel as Dracula, originally it was The Dead Undead & later shortened it to The Undead Stroker had never even been to Transylvania he imagined everything!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
If this were a Standard Edition version I would not regret purchasing it. This CE version isn't as "Incredible" as the games in the past and the CE content is minimal. There are only 7 Collectible Dwarves located somewhere within the 50 Main Levels and 15 CE Bonus Levels, the graphics aren't as amazing as they were with the previous two developers, the timer is really stingy and the Strategy Guide is so small I could barely see the marked areas and I have a 4096 x 2304 resolution (it's pretty darn big!)
A few tasks have been changed but the gameplay is still basically the familiar Incredible Dracula scenario. There are the typical tasks of repairing or constructing bridges, sawmills, BloodDonalds, and Crystal Mines. You will still be removing debris, potions, etc. as well as collecting Keys for treasure chests, activating gates and portals, and exploring caves and/or labyrinths. Frank has a bigger role this time and actually fights the monsters and Princess has her own demons to destroy.
This Collector's Edition has 50 Main Levels, 15 Bonus Levels, 33 Achievements, 13 Music Soundtracks, 8 Concept Art Pictures, 7 Collectible Dwarves, and a built-in Strategy Guide (good luck seeing it)
If this was a SE version that I just bought I wouldn't be as disappointed but this has always been one of my top 10 favorite Time Management series and I have always purchased them sight unseen. Next time I will play the demo first! Join me at my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
Work alongside a detective team to identify suspects, uncover clues and solve the mystery in this challenging solitaire puzzle game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
27 of 32 found this review helpful
THIS SERIES WILL FALL WITH THE FLAWS
PostedJune 4, 2021
pennmom36
fromTry Harder? How can one possibly try harder when you never get the correct card because they were stingy with the deck cards?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I appreciate the fact that they have added different solitaire variations, such as Higher/Lower, Pair Match, and Sum 14 but the game is still flawed. There are so few deck cards and a ton of cards on the field to remove so two scenarios happen time and time again, you're forced to either use a power-up or replay the hand numerous times until you are completely bored, and because there aren't many deck cards it's nearly impossible to make large chains because you flip card after card and never get the ones you need until you get to the last 3-4 deck cards when it is too late. Removing 1 or 2 cards at a time just isn't fun...solitaire fans want to make large chains, not flip over worthless deck cards until they are all gone? Surely that makes sense?
You can choose Regular Simple Card Graphics or Themed Cards which have various police-related or investigative equipment on them, such as handcuffs, batons, computers, suspects, and detective agents.
The Investigation begins by playing Solitaire levels until you earn the required amount of "Clues" (48) which are square puzzle pieces. Once you have all the clues or puzzle pieces you play a mini-game puzzle variation of either rotating the squares or swapping squares to complete the image which "reveals" the criminal. Between Solitaire Levels you will play a Clutter-type Hidden Object Scene of various types, such as finding objects with just a small flashlight beam or finding objects that are presented one by one. The objects aren't always the same size or color as the pictured items. I noticed a lot of reviewers complaining about the timer in the HO scenes but I personally thought the timer gave you plenty of time to find the objects, however, I do see where this would be bothersome to solitaire fans who may not enjoy the forced, timed HO scenes.
Power Booster Cards are located at the bottom right as "Agents" that can be used once they charge. You can use them to Remove a Random Open Card or Remove a Random Closed Card by shooting them, or Add 2 Random Wild Cards to the field. Number-specific Wild Cards are available in just about every level and stored until you need that specific number, multiples of Wildcards are shown above the card slots as well.
There is only one type of Obstacle Card, Police Tape Cards that require uncovering the Search Warrant to remove the tape. The "Good Luck-Bad Luck Cards have returned and they are on most levels. Good Luck Cards will reward you with Coins, Bad Luck Cards disable one of the Booster Agents for the entire level.
I love this Murder Mystery concept but it definitely has a few flaws that need to be improved. (including the blue-faced detectives? If the solitaire game itself were tweaked to give more deck cards and a better chance of making long chains, I will be the first one to give this series a 5-star review. I'm always willing to help my beloved Indies! until then won't you join me on my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.