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:
Help Rangers run Pinecreek Hills Park and National Academy!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
I'M GOING CAMPING!
PostedMay 1, 2021
pennmom36
fromI buy all Vacation Adventure games, no demo necessary because I've yet to be disappointed!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
There's just something about Vacation Adventures: Park Ranger that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. It's familiar, it's a place that I've always hoped was real, and it's a game I look forward to every summer. I know Spring has finally arrived when I take my virtual vacation at Pinecreek Hills Park!
I have noticed a significant difference in the graphics this year, the images are much crisper and they have added several moving animals in the background. I did purchase the Collector's Edition version and I noticed that the story has strayed a bit? My only disappointment was that the Wallpapers all have huge Park Ranger profiles on them and I would love to have wallpapers with just the beautiful scenery!
You can play in a Casual Mode (untimed-faster hint recharge) a Challenge Mode (timed-normal hint recharge) or Extreme (timed-no available hints-all wildlife & recyclables must be found) There are 20 Achievements to earn for completing various tasks such as finding Wildlife, buying souvenirs, or finishing a mini-game quickly. You can purchase 16 Park Souvenir's which are stored in a Display Case tab.
You can play in a Casual Mode (untimed-faster hint recharge) a Challenge Mode (timed-normal hint recharge) or Extreme (timed-no available hints-all wildlife & recyclables must be found) There are 20 Achievements to earn for completing various tasks such as finding Wildlife, buying souvenirs, or finishing a mini-game quickly. You can purchase 16 Park Souvenir's which are stored in a Display Case tab.
There are seek and find puzzles in scenes all around the park, and even scenes where you find multiples of similar or related objects. Each scene has several wildlife animals to find that are shown as silhouettes in a box to the left of the word search bar and when all the animals have been spotted, the box will close. There is a Wildlife Notebook that allows you to see illustrations of all the wildlife you have found. 144 total! You will also Recycle cans, bottles, and paper found in each scene, and when all recyclables have been found, the recycle Can icon will be displayed as full. Some Scenes have a Camera Icon that allows you to take a photo for the photo album (16 Photos total) so don't forget to keep an eye out for those Photo Ops.
You will earn an Eagle Eye achievement if you don't use either the Hint or Mega Hint feature. The Magnifying Glass will show you a hint of one item and the Mega hint will show you the location of every item left to find. You'll earn a Bronze Star for completing the Search, a Silver Star if you find all Wildlife OR all Recyclable Items, and a Gold Star if you find all Wildlife AND all Recyclable items. Words listed in Blue require an interaction of some type, and words in Red are hidden inside or behind things, requiring you to click on an item to Open it or Solve it, which will reveal the hidden item. Most of the scenes have a Zoom Zone (indicated by sparkling stars) that has hidden items and sometimes includes Recyclables or Wildlife. Levels can be replayed at any time to better your score or pick up missing recyclable items or wildlife. and the items to find are different each time you replay it.
After each Search Scene, you'll play a variety of Mini Games such as Placing Map Shapes, Spot The Difference, Word Search, or several different types of Jigsaw Puzzles (Rotate Squares, Swap Tile Sections, Flipsaw's, etc) The CE version includes 48 replayable mini-games!
Collector's Edition Extra's:
Extra Levels at the National Academy Recruitment Course, 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks w/player, 20 Achievements, 48 Replayable Mini-Games.
Extra Levels at the National Academy Recruitment Course, 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks w/player, 20 Achievements, 48 Replayable Mini-Games.
EXTRA MINI-GAMES:
8 Jigsaws
8 Flipsaws
8 Rotation
4 Spot the Difference
4 Concentration
8 Word Search
Drag Puzzle Pieces
Drag Objects to the Correct Locations
Slider Puzzles
Silhouetted Shape Finds
Place Labels Correctly
8 Jigsaws
8 Flipsaws
8 Rotation
4 Spot the Difference
4 Concentration
8 Word Search
Drag Puzzle Pieces
Drag Objects to the Correct Locations
Slider Puzzles
Silhouetted Shape Finds
Place Labels Correctly
I do recommend this CE version if possible over this SE version because there are a ton of extras. I would love to see some Morphing Objects added to the CE version! Won't you join us at our park-themed forum? thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Shopping Clutter 9: Perfect Wedding is a colorful, brain-jogging puzzle game for players of all ages.
Overall rating
3
/
5
49 of 68 found this review helpful
MOST LEVELS REQUIRE YOU TO MOVE OBJECTS TO FIND THE SAME CATEGORIES OF OBJECTS OVER & OVER
PostedMay 1, 2021
pennmom36
fromWhat happened to the Saturday Collector's Editions? This isn't a good sign!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I played the entire demo and practically every level had the same goal of sifting through piles of junk to find an object in a specific category, such as Socks, Jewelry, Desserts, Drinks, and Flowers. These objects were not only boring objects to find, they certainly didn't seem like "Here Comes The Bride" kind of objects just because they threw in a few wedding rings, tuxedos, and wedding dresses? To make matters worse, the Ice Cream Truck with a giant ice cream cone on top of it did not count as a "dessert" and the blue flower-adorned earring did not count as a "flower" just to name a couple of oversights.
You will occasionally get to find 4 Sections of an Object, Matching Pairs or Triplets of objects, and some of the levels have semi-transparent objects, but for the most part, there's no variety and unless you like finding a bunch of socks and shoes, you'll probably get bored quickly. Shopping Clutter games just don't have the same appeal that the original "Clutter" games or even the Hiddenverse games have.
You will occasionally get to find 4 Sections of an Object, Matching Pairs or Triplets of objects, and some of the levels have semi-transparent objects, but for the most part, there's no variety and unless you like finding a bunch of socks and shoes, you'll probably get bored quickly. Shopping Clutter games just don't have the same appeal that the original "Clutter" games or even the Hiddenverse games have.
There are two modes of difficulty, Easy Mode which has no time restraints, and a Difficult, Limited-time Mode that gives you extra points for not using Hints. There are 140 Clutter-type levels that can be replayed if you want to earn a better score. After playing 7 Clutter levels, you can play a Jigsaw Puzzle variation such as Square Tile Swaps (adjacent, diagonal, etc.) Sliders, or Memory Match games where you flip over two cards at a time to try to make matches of identical objects (20 Total Puzzles)
Each scene has a ton of GIANT Sun Emblems scattered among the junkpiles to recharge the Hint Meter, seriously, what's the ratio of the number of objects required to find versus how many Sun Hints there actually are? The only reason I click on them is that their presence annoys me and they are always in the way, they need to be smaller, much smaller!
I really don't see that anything has changed or that any new varieties were added. When this series first came out, it seemed that the objects to find were more interesting, but as of late, they don't seem to be putting a lot of effort into these games to make things more interesting, at least pick categories that are interesting! I have opened up a new forum and would love to see you there! thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Help Rangers run Pinecreek Hills Park and National Academy!
Overall rating
4
/
5
64 of 78 found this review helpful
⚥ VACATION ADVENTURES IS MY HAPPY PLACE ⚥
PostedApril 30, 2021
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
There's just something about Vacation Adventures: Park Ranger that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. It's familiar, it's a place that I've always hoped was real, and it's a game I look forward to every summer. I know Spring has finally arrived when I take my virtual vacation at Pinecreek Hills Park!
I have noticed a significant difference in the graphics this year, the images are much crisper and they have added several moving animals in the background. I did purchase the Collector's Edition version and my only disappointment was that the Wallpapers all have huge Park Ranger profiles on them and I would love to have wallpapers with just the beautiful scenery!
You can play in a Casual Mode (untimed-faster hint recharge) a Challenge Mode (timed-normal hint recharge) or Extreme (timed-no available hints-all wildlife & recyclables must be found) There are 20 Achievements to earn for completing various tasks such as finding Wildlife, buying souvenirs, or finishing a mini-game quickly. You can purchase 16 Park Souvenir's which are stored in a Display Case tab.
There are seek and find puzzles in scenes all around the park, and even scenes where you find multiples of similar or related objects. Each scene has several wildlife animals to find that are shown as silhouettes in a box to the left of the word search bar and when all the animals have been spotted, the box will close. There is a Wildlife Notebook that allows you to see illustrations of all the wildlife you have found. 144 total! You will also Recycle cans, bottles, and paper found in each scene, and when all recyclables have been found, the recycle Can icon will be displayed as full. Some Scenes have a Camera Icon that allows you to take a photo for the photo album (16 Photos total) so don't forget to keep an eye out for those Photo Ops.
You will earn an Eagle Eye achievement if you don't use either the Hint or Mega Hint feature. The Magnifying Glass will show you a hint of one item and the Mega hint will show you the location of every item left to find. You'll earn a Bronze Star for completing the Search, a Silver Star if you find all Wildlife OR all Recyclable Items, and a Gold Star if you find all Wildlife AND all Recyclable items. Words listed in Blue require an interaction of some type, and words in Red are hidden inside or behind things, requiring you to click on an item to Open it or Solve it, which will reveal the hidden item. Most of the scenes have a Zoom Zone (indicated by sparkling stars) that has hidden items and sometimes includes Recyclables or Wildlife. Levels can be replayed at any time to better your score or pick up missing recyclable items or wildlife. and the items to find are different each time you replay it.
After each Search Scene, you'll play a variety of Mini Games such as Placing Map Shapes, Spot The Difference, Word Search, or several different types of Jigsaw Puzzles (Rotate Squares, Swap Tile Sections, Flipsaw's, etc) The CE version includes 48 replayable mini-games!
Collector's Edition Extra's:
Extra Levels at the National Academy Recruitment Course, 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks w/player, 20 Achievements, 48 Replayable Mini-Games.
Extra Levels at the National Academy Recruitment Course, 18 Wallpapers, 20 Music Soundtracks w/player, 20 Achievements, 48 Replayable Mini-Games.
EXTRA MINI-GAMES:
8 Jigsaws
8 Flipsaws
8 Rotation
4 Spot the Difference
4 Concentration
8 Word Search
Drag Puzzle Pieces
Drag Objects to the Correct Locations
Slider Puzzles
Silhouetted Shape Finds
Place Labels Correctly
I do recommend the CE version if possible over this SE version because there are a ton of extras. Won't you join us at our park-themed forum? thewoodsforum.boards.net
8 Flipsaws
8 Rotation
4 Spot the Difference
4 Concentration
8 Word Search
Drag Puzzle Pieces
Drag Objects to the Correct Locations
Slider Puzzles
Silhouetted Shape Finds
Place Labels Correctly
I do recommend the CE version if possible over this SE version because there are a ton of extras. Won't you join us at our park-themed forum? thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Can you stop a maniacal murderer before it’s too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
139 of 159 found this review helpful
WE ASKED FOR CHANGE 7 YOU GIVE US NON-SENSICAL TASKS & GIANT X'S?
PostedApril 29, 2021
pennmom36
fromThe average serial killer has an IQ 94.7 A serial killer with average IQ is most likely to strangle or shoot their victims. Serial killers who have used bombs show, on average, higher IQs, while those who used poison exhibited the lowest.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Completed Game approximately 6.0 Hours
(including completion of all puzzles & CE Bonus Chapter)
25 Main Game Scene Locations +10 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
(including completion of all puzzles & CE Bonus Chapter)
25 Main Game Scene Locations +10 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner
Roderick Alcala was finally captured and sentenced to prison for the murder of 18 individuals. His services are used to help capture a copycat killer due to his unique skills, This sounds like a great idea, let's take a serial killer to the scene of a murder after improperly handcuffing him in front of his body rather than behind his back. This is the same serial killer whose sanity has not yet been determined, so we're going to take him to a murder scene that has the same MO as he used and we don't even know if he's psychologically disturbed, the paperwork says "probably is"...Just to be on the safe side, let's take the newbie cop with us, it's okay, he's really meticulous about stamping paperwork so he'll totally have your back!
Changes For The Better?
Nope! We asked for changes and this developer decides to give us a giant X if you don't click on a Hidden Object dead center. To make matters worse, the giant red X is accompanied by an "oh, no you didn't" sound just to remind us that we were Dead Wrong. But wait, there's more! In an attempt to make things more difficult, they decided to throw in a bunch of non-logical tasks. On one scene, I clearly need to place the 2/2 valves that I had in my inventory (yes both) onto the stems, however, the valves would not be accepted until several scenes later after initiating a cut scene? Inventory Items that were clearly the logical choice, were not accepted for various tasks throughout the game, you had to find an odd item that made no sense? Glitches were numerous, in fact, I can't remember a game by this developer lately, that hasn't had glitches! The biggest glitch is that when you click on the Boudior Tab, you get locked inside forever with no way out other than to exit the entire game! Then there are the extra Tokens at the end of the game, did I miss a Boudior Item when I was locked in the dark?
Nope! We asked for changes and this developer decides to give us a giant X if you don't click on a Hidden Object dead center. To make matters worse, the giant red X is accompanied by an "oh, no you didn't" sound just to remind us that we were Dead Wrong. But wait, there's more! In an attempt to make things more difficult, they decided to throw in a bunch of non-logical tasks. On one scene, I clearly need to place the 2/2 valves that I had in my inventory (yes both) onto the stems, however, the valves would not be accepted until several scenes later after initiating a cut scene? Inventory Items that were clearly the logical choice, were not accepted for various tasks throughout the game, you had to find an odd item that made no sense? Glitches were numerous, in fact, I can't remember a game by this developer lately, that hasn't had glitches! The biggest glitch is that when you click on the Boudior Tab, you get locked inside forever with no way out other than to exit the entire game! Then there are the extra Tokens at the end of the game, did I miss a Boudior Item when I was locked in the dark?
Gadgets/Helper:
There are no Gadgets or Helpers unless you count Roderick and the newbie cop as helpers?
There are no Gadgets or Helpers unless you count Roderick and the newbie cop as helpers?
Audio/Video Quality:
Domini usually does well in this department, especially after ditching the over-abundance of Purple, and Green hues. However, the scenes themselves are uninteresting, exactly what kind of prison is Roderick being held in? You'll understand after playing!
Domini usually does well in this department, especially after ditching the over-abundance of Purple, and Green hues. However, the scenes themselves are uninteresting, exactly what kind of prison is Roderick being held in? You'll understand after playing!
Collectibles & Morphing Objects (CE Version Only):
The collectibles are always the same in Domini games, they just have different names! There are 15 Photos,15 Personal Items (who's personal items, mine? Roderick's? the newbie cop's personal items? Are they personal items that someone misplaced, if so didn't I just steal them? I thought I was a cop?) There are 92 or 62 Zoom Zone Tokens that are used to purchase 15 unappealing Boudior Items but don't forget your flashlight in case you get trapped. You can opt to show or hide the collectible's tab, which alerts you whenever there is a collectible in a scene.
The collectibles are always the same in Domini games, they just have different names! There are 15 Photos,15 Personal Items (who's personal items, mine? Roderick's? the newbie cop's personal items? Are they personal items that someone misplaced, if so didn't I just steal them? I thought I was a cop?) There are 92 or 62 Zoom Zone Tokens that are used to purchase 15 unappealing Boudior Items but don't forget your flashlight in case you get trapped. You can opt to show or hide the collectible's tab, which alerts you whenever there is a collectible in a scene.
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 12 Hidden Object Scenes +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter and an alternate Match 3 Game available, which btw, doesn't allow you to make consecutive matches quickly. (you have to wait for all tiles to stop falling before you can make the next match) They are mostly Interactive List Finds but there were other variations, such as Silhouetted Shapes,Spot the Difference, Progressive-Interactive Finds, Matching Item Finds, and Combo Finds (_+_=?) and Keywords in Sentence Finds. If only Domini would add a skip button feature to their boring HO scenes!
There are 12 Hidden Object Scenes +5 in the CE Bonus Chapter and an alternate Match 3 Game available, which btw, doesn't allow you to make consecutive matches quickly. (you have to wait for all tiles to stop falling before you can make the next match) They are mostly Interactive List Finds but there were other variations, such as Silhouetted Shapes,Spot the Difference, Progressive-Interactive Finds, Matching Item Finds, and Combo Finds (_+_=?) and Keywords in Sentence Finds. If only Domini would add a skip button feature to their boring HO scenes!
Mini-Games:
There are 21 Mini-Games +10 in the CE Bonus Chapter. You can choose to play them in an Easy or Hard difficulty mode and you can choose which mode to have them start out in the Custom Setting (you can still switch between modes for each individual game) I can honestly say that I didn't enjoy most of these puzzles that have been offered hundreds of times. How many times do we have to drag puzzle pieces into place just to log onto a computer? How many Mazes do I have to endure? How many times do I have to untangle a rope, repeat the melody sequence or pick a lock?
There are 21 Mini-Games +10 in the CE Bonus Chapter. You can choose to play them in an Easy or Hard difficulty mode and you can choose which mode to have them start out in the Custom Setting (you can still switch between modes for each individual game) I can honestly say that I didn't enjoy most of these puzzles that have been offered hundreds of times. How many times do we have to drag puzzle pieces into place just to log onto a computer? How many Mazes do I have to endure? How many times do I have to untangle a rope, repeat the melody sequence or pick a lock?
Bonus Chapter (CE Version Only)
There is a serial killer on the loose at the university! He/She is looking for revenge for actions taken...by the Mayor? This is an above-average-length chapter spanning over 10 scene locations! There are 10 additional Mini-Games and 5 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the final Photos, Personal Items, and Zoom Zone Tokens which allows you to purchase the final Boudior Decorations.
There is a serial killer on the loose at the university! He/She is looking for revenge for actions taken...by the Mayor? This is an above-average-length chapter spanning over 10 scene locations! There are 10 additional Mini-Games and 5 Hidden Object Scenes, and you will continue your search for the final Photos, Personal Items, and Zoom Zone Tokens which allows you to purchase the final Boudior Decorations.
Collector's Edition Extra's: (CE version only)
15 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 29 Movie Video Cutscenes, 40 Achievements (the same achievements offered in all of their games) 25 Replayable Mini-Games, 17 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Photos, 15 Personal Items, a gazillion Missing Notes, 92 (or 62) Tokens of varying amounts to purchase 15 Boudoir Items, a Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide. Please join me at my new forum, thewoodsforum.boards.net
15 Wallpapers, 15 Concept Art Pictures, 5 Music Soundtracks, 29 Movie Video Cutscenes, 40 Achievements (the same achievements offered in all of their games) 25 Replayable Mini-Games, 17 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 15 Photos, 15 Personal Items, a gazillion Missing Notes, 92 (or 62) Tokens of varying amounts to purchase 15 Boudoir Items, a Bonus Chapter, and a Built-In Strategy Guide. Please join me 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
4
/
5
24 of 38 found this review helpful
SOME OF THESE IMAGES WERE SUPER INTRICATE!
PostedApril 28, 2021
pennmom36
fromLets work on the image selection so they are all interesting works of art.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Finally, the Mac version works, but the PC version still shows up huge with no way to adjust the size to get to the options tab, but that's because my graphics card is really good and I have a large screen that not all games seem to be able to automatically adjust to my 4096 x 2304 display setting.
I still think there is an issue with chosen images, some of them are super boring while others, such as the first image shown in the synopsis, (autumn trees) was super intricate with 28 colors and a ton of teeny tiny areas. This type is more frustrating because some areas are impossible to find without using the Hint button, but it's also kind of like a Hidden Object game where the challenge is to find the areas as well as paint them.
Speaking of paint, that's exactly what Modern Art is all about because the colors vary in texture like a real painting! In some of the earlier versions, I complained that there weren't enough color variations to give the picture depth, in other words, he didn't use different shades of the same color side by side as a visual shading effect...so he created a new game genre, Polygon Art. That was cool, but Modern Art has some really amazing artwork.
There are still two options I think are necessary. When a picture has been completed you don't get to view the completed image in full size, nor do you get to revisit the completed image in full size. There should also be an option to download the completed images as Wallpapers..especially some of these beautifully painted images!
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.
This game may not make sense to those who have never tried it, but it's super relaxing and totally Zen. Speaking of Zen, come join us at my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net ☯
I recommend this game!
This critically acclaimed puzzle game will give your mind a workout as you work with bricks to channel the water to it’s destination!
Overall rating
5
/
5
98 of 113 found this review helpful
A PHYSICS GAME WITH A TWIST!
PostedApril 27, 2021
pennmom36
fromRome's first aqueduct was built in 312 BC & supplied a water fountain at the city's cattle market. By the 3rd century AD, the city had 11 aqueducts, sustaining a population of over a million, mostly via public bathhouses.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Logical puzzles based on physics are right up my alley so Briquid had me from the start. You don't have to be a genius to solve these puzzles, you just have to have problem-solving skills. The game couldn't be easier to figure out as far as mechanics go, but solving the puzzles within the least number of moves can be incredibly challenging!
The first few levels are super-simplistic tutorial levels to help you understand what you are supposed to do. Basically, you add or remove bricks at strategic locations to allow the water to flow to the boxes that are outlined. Keep in mind that you may have to fill boxes in a specific order, or break bricks (briques?) at advantageous locations to prevent water from being trapped.
As you progress, partial metal bridges are added as well as Directional Arrow Buttons, which allows you to control gravity by forcing water to flow up, down, left, or right. Don't panic, you have the ability to restart any level, and you can Undo any or all of your moves as you try to tweak the physics outcome! Even better, you can replay completed levels to try to complete them with fewer moves. Let's talk about this game and so much more on my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
In the latest Fantasy Mosaics adventure, join Penguin Harry on the high seas for new mosaic puzzle challenges!
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 53 found this review helpful
46 GAMES & IT STILL DOESN'T SAVE A PUZZLE'S PROGRESS?
PostedApril 26, 2021
pennmom36
fromSometimes RL gets in the way & we don't have time to complete a puzzle we've started. Sure would be nice if you added a "save" feature.
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Once again, or should I say: For the 46th time in six years, the Penguin family has a dilemma on their flippers? Of course, Robbie can make it to the shore...he's a penguin!
I know I'm beginning to sound like a broken record here, but there's not a lot of change going on within this record-breaking series number. For a while, they were surprising us with an occasional new feature but now we are getting a Fantasy Mosaic game every 2 months without a single change in venue. Even I was beginning to wonder if it was possible to offer new features in a Mosaic game, but Daydream Mosaic and Detective Agency Mosaics prove that it can be done! Heck, at this point, I could simply go back to the beginning of the series and replay the games I've already purchased and it would be like playing a brand new series!
The only new features that have been added over the past 45 games, besides upgrading the color graphics, is a multi-color feature (added in game # 4) a Sun power-up (added on game #6) the addition of earning/deducting stars for using hints (on game # 15) two additional color bubbles offering 6 colors vs 4 (on game # 16) an Eye feature to view the background w/out the grid (on game # 18) an interactive garden feature (on game # 21) locked colors (on game # 27) different tile choices (on game # 28) an interactive workshop w/ mini-games (on game # 33) and Zen mode (on game # 34) 12 games later, not a single new feature OR story has been added, they still haven't figured out how to save your progress once you start a game, if you decide to exit before you complete the puzzle, you'll have to start all over, even new developers or developers new to this genre offer this feature so it can't be that diffucult to program?
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. I have opened a new forum, come join us at thewoodsforum.boards.net
Stake your claim in the New World in a swashbuckling time management adventure for every age!
Overall rating
1
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
ARRR, I WANTED TO BE A PIRATE!
PostedApril 25, 2021
pennmom36
fromAarr, Shiver Me Timbers, they should have let me be the Pirate Captain!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
At first, I was intrigued by this game because it starts out on a Merchant Ship doing battle with a Pirate Ship. I would have been super thrilled if I was playing as one of the pirates, even better if I was able to pick the side I wanted to be on cuz I'd definitely have chosen the pirate's side, lol. I loved the battle scenes because you are doing all the Time Management tasks onboard the ship, such as loading the cannons and repairing the damage inflicted by the pirates...which, unfortunately, wasn't me!
The next scene totally lost my piqued interest when I discovered I made landfall and had to constantly click the Market Tab to sell my goods to progress. You have to plant a ton of Plantations, such as Corn Plantations, Flax, and various Nut Plantations, but you literally can't accomplish more than 3 tasks before you have to sell the crops, lather, rinse, repeat, repeat, repeat! To make matters worse, the tab is giant and doesn't collapse automatically so you have an added step each time you use it or it will block the TM tasks. The good news is that the crops automatically go into your Market tab without having to reap the crops you sow.
You can play in an Easy or Normal difficulty Mode and each level has a Hidden Object that varies each time. I always look for the hidden objects before clicking on a task that starts the game so I don't waste the time needed to complete the level goals. The level map tells you whether you have found the hidden object and you can always restart the level to search for the object, and then exit out without disturbing your original star rating.
The TM tasks are the normal tasks of removing a ton of crates, containers, and coffers, removing logs and stones, and repairing cracks in the pathways and those infamous footbridges that seem to be a given in all TM games! This was a huge missed opportunity because this game started out onboard a Ship, but then they decided to throw in a bunch of same ole, same ole boring tasks. Another annoying feature was having to hire workers in specific numbers (1 or more) because apparently, they quit their job after a task or two, and sometimes I'd hire a worker that would never show up leaving my single worker to do all the dirty deeds, and yes, I had plenty of money so that wasn't the issue.
As you progress, Totems are added to the mixture, most of which last for about 10 seconds and can't be disabled for at least 30 seconds.
-Slow Down Totem: slows down the colonists passing by.
-Fear Totem: sends colonists running in fear to the camp.
-Evil Eye Totem: transforms active colonists into frogs every 60 seconds
-Darkness Totems: creates darkness preventing you from assigning tasks in the area.
-Prohibition Totem: prohibits construction of buildings in the area.
-Barrier Totem: maintains an impassable barrier at 1 or more locations on the entire level.
-Fear Totem: sends colonists running in fear to the camp.
-Evil Eye Totem: transforms active colonists into frogs every 60 seconds
-Darkness Totems: creates darkness preventing you from assigning tasks in the area.
-Prohibition Totem: prohibits construction of buildings in the area.
-Barrier Totem: maintains an impassable barrier at 1 or more locations on the entire level.
During the Ship Battles, cannons deal damage to the pirate ship, but they are shooting at your ship too which damages your ship as well. Minor damage removes 5 units of strength which are restored when you repair the damage. Fires remove 3 strength units every 5 seconds, Major damage removes 25 strength units and the damage can't be recovered. Grappling Hooks allow pirates to board your ship to throw a bomb but the rope can eventually be cut by the sailors. Bombs burn for 10 seconds before they explode and remove 5 units of strength that can't be recovered. You do have the option of skipping the battle modes if you aren't into ship battles but I enjoyed these levels more than the main levels.
There are Island Expeditions that allow you to collect a bunch of booty! The goal is to remove all of the Gold Chests and when the Expedition is fully completed, it grants you Ship Upgrades.
The Collector's Edition version has 6 Skins, an Encylopedia (explanation of features) 6 Music Soundtracks, a Strategy Guide, Achievement Trophies, 24 Main Levels, 6 Bonus Levels, and various Collectible Objects. I'd love for you to join us on my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net :)
I don't recommend this game.
Stake your claim in the New World in a swashbuckling time management adventure for every age!
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
IS IT BAD THAT I WANTED TO PLAY AS THE PIRATES?
PostedApril 25, 2021
pennmom36
fromAarr, Shiver Me Timbers, they should have let me be the Pirate Captain!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
At first, I was intrigued by this game because it starts out on a Merchant Ship doing battle with a Pirate Ship. I would have been super thrilled if I was playing as one of the pirates, even better if I was able to pick the side I wanted to be on cuz I'd definitely have chosen the pirate's side, lol. I loved the battle scenes because you are doing all the Time Management tasks onboard the ship, such as loading the cannons and repairing the damage inflicted by the pirates...which unfortunately, wasn't me!
The next scene totally lost my piqued interest when I discovered I made landfall and had to constantly click the Market Tab to sell my goods to progress. You have to plant a ton of Plantations, such as Corn Plantations, Flax, and various Nut Plantations, but you literally can't accomplish more than 3 tasks before you have to sell the crops, lather, rinse, repeat, repeat, repeat! To make matters worse, the tab is giant and doesn't collapse automatically so you have an added step each time you use it or it will block the TM tasks. The good news is that the crops automatically go into your Market tab without having to reap the crops you sow.
You can play in an Easy or Normal difficulty Mode and each level has a Hidden Object that varies each time. I always look for the hidden objects before clicking on a task that starts the game so I don't waste the time needed to complete the level goals. The level map tells you whether you have found the hidden object and you can always restart the level to search for the object, and then exit out without disturbing your original star rating.
The TM tasks are the normal tasks of removing a ton of crates, containers, and coffers, removing logs and stones, and repairing cracks in the pathways and those infamous footbridges that seem to be a given in all TM games! This was a huge missed opportunity because this game started out onboard a Ship, but then they decided to throw in a bunch of same ole, same ole boring tasks. Another annoying feature was having to hire workers in specific numbers (1 or more) because apparently, they quit their job after a task or two, and sometimes I'd hire a worker that would never show up leaving my single worker to do all the dirty deeds, and yes, I had plenty of money so that wasn't the issue.
As you progress, Totems are added to the mixture, most of which last for about 10 seconds and can't be disabled for at least 30 seconds.
-Slow Down Totem: slows down the colonists passing by.
-Fear Totem: sends colonists running in fear to the camp.
-Evil Eye Totem: transforms active colonists into frogs every 60 seconds
-Darkness Totems: creates darkness preventing you from assigning tasks in the area.
-Prohibition Totem: prohibits construction of buildings in the area.
-Barrier Totem: maintains an impassable barrier at 1 or more locations on the entire level.
-Fear Totem: sends colonists running in fear to the camp.
-Evil Eye Totem: transforms active colonists into frogs every 60 seconds
-Darkness Totems: creates darkness preventing you from assigning tasks in the area.
-Prohibition Totem: prohibits construction of buildings in the area.
-Barrier Totem: maintains an impassable barrier at 1 or more locations on the entire level.
During the Ship Battles, cannons deal damage to the pirate ship, but they are shooting at your ship too which damages your ship as well. Minor damage removes 5 units of strength which are restored when you repair the damage. Fires remove 3 strength units every 5 seconds, Major damage removes 25 strength units and the damage can't be recovered. Grappling Hooks allow pirates to board your ship to throw a bomb but the rope can eventually be cut by the sailors. Bombs burn for 10 seconds before they explode and remove 5 units of strength that can't be recovered.
There are Island Expeditions that allow you to collect a bunch of booty! The goal is to remove all of the Gold Chests and when the Expedition is fully completed, it grants you Ship Upgrades.
This Collector's Edition version has 6 Skins, an Encylopedia (explanation of features) 6 Music Soundtracks, a Strategy Guide, Achievement Trophies, 24 Main Levels, 6 Bonus Levels, and various Collectible Objects. I'd love for you to join us on my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net :)
I don't recommend this game.
Wonderland's magical atmosphere is fading, corrupted by factory smoke! It’s up to you and Cheshire Cat in the latest Time Management Adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
35 of 47 found this review helpful
Déjà vu
PostedApril 25, 2021
pennmom36
from"Grin like a Cheshire Cat" was a saying at the time Alice In Wonderland was published although nobody really knows its origin. One theory links the famous cheeses in the town of Cheshire, which were shaped like cat faces to amuse buyers
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Cheshire's Wonderland is a whimsical Time Management game with bright colors, fun characters, and decent features. I was totally expecting this new series to have different features than Alice's Wonderland, but it was hard to tell them apart at times! Tweedles is in both games, and you still collect Candy & Bark. This time you play as the Cheshire Cat so the only thing missing from their other series is the Imagination feature required to help Alice.
You still collect Morphing Art Palettes as you do in Alice's Wonderland. They can be really challenging to find due to the fact that they morph very slowly. The Art Palette's that you to "paint" 3 Concept Art pictures. Each scene also has Collectible Stopwatches versus the Teacups in Alice's Wonderland that allows you to assemble The Mad Hatter's Mad Tea Party Jigsaw. TIP: look for the Palette & the Stopwatch before clicking to start the game, you can click on both of them without starting the timer! You can also return to the levels to pick up the collectibles and then exit the level afterward, without disrupting the original score. The CE Strategy Guide also shows the location of the Stopwatches and Palettes.
There are 40 Main Levels (+10 bonus levels in the Collector's Edition version) that can be played in a Relaxed, Normal, or Challenge difficulty mode, as well as Trophy Achievements to earn. The features are almost identical to Alice's Adventures, you will build Candy Factories for food supplies, repair cracks along the paths, removing stone and boulders, clear puddles, and gather renewable resources from various Altars. There are a lot of strategies involved and if you don't do things in the right order, you can and will get stuck and have no choice but to start over!
The Bonuses are Magic Spells that last for about 20 seconds each, and each level usually has 3-4 different Spells that become available once you fill the Magic Flask (sound familiar?):
♠-Collect More Resources
♠-Speed Boost
♠-Bargain Trade (resources traded at a better rate of 3-4)
♠-Get Candy Pile (generated on altars)
♠-Get Gold Coins (generated on altars)
♠-Get Bark
♠-Fill All Altars
♠-Speed Production
♠-Freeze Time
♠-Speed Up Production
♠-Speed Boost
♠-Bargain Trade (resources traded at a better rate of 3-4)
♠-Get Candy Pile (generated on altars)
♠-Get Gold Coins (generated on altars)
♠-Get Bark
♠-Fill All Altars
♠-Speed Production
♠-Freeze Time
♠-Speed Up Production
Cheshire's Wonderland is a good time management game, but I was expecting this new series to be completely different. This game is exactly the same as Alice's Adventure in Wonderland without Alice, so for the lack of "Imagination", I was disappointed! Come visit us at my new forum and have some fun thewoodsforum.boards.net