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:
A mischievous genie keeps our heroes busy with wishes of his own!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 35 found this review helpful
I MUST BE GETTING SLOW-DER
PostedApril 18, 2021
pennmom36
fromI came back for a reason...thanks 4 keeping an "eye" on things :)
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love Egyptian-themed games (and everything else related to ancient Egypt) and I love this New Yankee game. I must admit that these games are beginning to teeter on becoming a bit too difficult for taste because I was having to replay most of the levels in order to earn the Gold Trophy! In fact, I discovered that you pretty much have to queue tasks in a specific order and even then I didn't have much time to spare.
The only thing I felt this game missed the mark on was with John's humor or lack thereof because that sarcastic humor is one of the things that make this series unique. I also wish BF would give credit to the developer, Yustas Games, rather than the publisher on the synopsis, so I'll give them direct kudos for a job well done!
You can play in a Relaxed, Normal, or Expert Difficulty Mode, and there are 42 Achievement Trophies to earn. There are 45 Main Levels, 15 CE Levels, and 10 Bonus Levels, and some of the levels have a Hidden Jigsaw Puzzle Piece to create a Jigsaw Puzzle when complete. Mary is the Spellcaster who uses collected Mana to cast spells that will regrow trees, add extra workers or speed them up, etc.
Like most TM games, you must gather resources and clear paths, such as, gathering food baskets and farming wheat crops, gathering wood logs, chopping down Palm Trees, gathering gold bags, clearing boulders, patching holes, repairing bridges, and constructing or repairing sawmills, or mills to produce more food, build houses for rent, collect gold, and constructing specialty buildings such as the Raven's House who can then fly to unreachable caches.
The workers do almost everything, John is the Knight in Shining Armor and does the fighting, there's always a crew of undead to wreak havoc! Mary is skilled in Witchcraft and takes care of Casting all the Spells but she needs a constant supply of Mana that needs to be collected by the workers from the Mana Wells or from an occasional bottle abandoned along the paths, to work her magic.
The Collector's Edition version has 45 Main Levels, 15 CE Levels, 10 Bonus Levels, 10 Original Music Soundtracks, 42 Cinematics (I read the story via the cinematics and skip the conversations before each level) 4 Wallpapers, 19 Characters, a Jigsaw Puzzle (with 32 Collectible Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces), an Upgrade Room (with an available Screenshot), and a Built-in Strategy Guide.
This game definitely isn't for the faint of heart. I found every level to be quite challenging to earn a Gold trophy on the Normal and Expert Modes. Come join us on my new forum, won't you? thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Help Dennis and his friends fight against the forces of The Great Dark Wizard in this incredible match-3 quest!
Overall rating
1
/
5
7 of 11 found this review helpful
MORE OF THE SAME & STILL NO TIMED OPTION...keyword "option"
PostedApril 17, 2021
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I'm at a loss as to why they never offer a Timed Mode option in their games, if someone wants to play in an untimed mode that's perfectly fine but why cut out 90% of Match 3 game players all because you couldn't bother to add an option...again? They keep track of the time it takes you to complete the "stage" but what's the point? I just don't see the point of playing a game just to be swapping tiles with no reward when you can't lose therefore, you aren't really winning? If you get all the time in the world to complete a level, all you have to do is keep swapping tiles to get more elements to progress the story faster.
They have made the tiles bigger and less similar to each other so they can easily be differentiated, and they have changed the level layouts slightly (at least the order presented) other than that, everything else is still basically the same with the same features and game mechanics,(with the exception of no spiders) there are chests to open by making adjacent matches but not all of them have hidden elements, just a very select few.
Once again, you can only play in a Relaxed Untimed Mode in this Swap type Match 3 game, where you swap tiles to make matches of at least 3 identical elements. You must make matches over all of the Gold Cells (and eventually Red cells that turn Gold) and make the required number of matches of each Element shown to the right of the screen. Elements inside of Bubbles, Morph (I think they appear when you make large matches, but I'm not positive) which allows you to pop the bubble when the desired element appears inside the bubble making the game even easier to play.
You must purchase all 4 World Upgrades with the Stars you earn, which allows you to progress to the next Chapter. Large Matches allow you to use any of the Power-ups once the Meter recharges. The larger the match, the quicker the Meter fills. There are Outfits you can purchase with the Elements you collect during the Match 3 levels.
Here's a list of the available Power-ups (they are the same power-ups that do the same things in ALL of the Match 3 games by this developer, they simply change the name of the power-ups:
*An Apprentice Staff: destroys a single tile and/or chain.
*Shay's Elixir: destroys a 2 x 2 range of tiles cells/chains.
*Dark Elegra's Wand destroys 5 horizontal tiles.
*Elder's Staff:: destroys 5 vertical tiles
*Elf's Bow And Arrow: destroys an entire horizontal row, cells/chains.
*Orc's Kingdom Arrow:: destroys an entire vertical line, cells/chains.
*Sword of Three Kingdoms: destroys entire vertical & horizontal lines.
*Potion of Moonshard: destroys all of the same tiles.
*Ruby Circlet: Shuffles the entire board.
*Come Fall Stone: destroys 20 random tiles.
*Archaic Explosion: destroys a 9 x 9 cluster of tiles, cells/chains.
*Book of Incantations: destroys a 12 x 12 range of tiles
*Shay's Elixir: destroys a 2 x 2 range of tiles cells/chains.
*Dark Elegra's Wand destroys 5 horizontal tiles.
*Elder's Staff:: destroys 5 vertical tiles
*Elf's Bow And Arrow: destroys an entire horizontal row, cells/chains.
*Orc's Kingdom Arrow:: destroys an entire vertical line, cells/chains.
*Sword of Three Kingdoms: destroys entire vertical & horizontal lines.
*Potion of Moonshard: destroys all of the same tiles.
*Ruby Circlet: Shuffles the entire board.
*Come Fall Stone: destroys 20 random tiles.
*Archaic Explosion: destroys a 9 x 9 cluster of tiles, cells/chains.
*Book of Incantations: destroys a 12 x 12 range of tiles
I get that everyone likes the small storylines these games have, and I would love them too if I could play the Match 3 levels in a Timed Mode. Otherwise, the levels are so easy they bore me to death and I never have a desire to complete the game to continue the story. They never offer any new features and they never ever offer a Timed option so there's absolutely no challenge or reason to continue. I was completing these levels in under 2 minutes...what's the point? Check out my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Join Detective John Doyle on his quest for vengeance in this narrative-driven match-3 adventure!
Overall rating
1
/
5
6 of 11 found this review helpful
COOL VOICEOVERS BUT STILL NO TIMED OPTION???
PostedApril 17, 2021
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I don't understand why they can't offer a Timed option in their games, if someone wants to play in an untimed mode that's perfectly fine but why cut out 90% of Match 3 game players all because you couldn't bother to add an option...again? They keep track of the time it takes you to complete the "stage" but what's the point? I just don't see the point of playing a game just to be swapping tiles with no reward when you can't lose therefore, you aren't really winning? If you get all the time in the world to complete a level, all you have to do is keep swapping tiles to get more elements to progress the story faster.
They have made the tiles bigger and less similar to each other so they can easily be differentiated, and they have changed the level layouts slightly (at least the order presented) other than that, everything else is still basically the same with the same features and game mechanics,(with the exception of no spiders) there are crates to open by making adjacent matches but not all of them have hidden elements, just a very select few.
Once again, you can only play in a Relaxed Untimed Mode in this Swap type Match 3 game, where you swap tiles to make matches of at least 3 identical elements. You must make matches over all of the Gold Cells (and eventually Red cells that turn Gold) and make the required number of matches of each Element shown to the right of the screen. Elements inside of Bubbles, Morph (I think they appear when you make large matches, but I'm not positive) which allows you to pop the bubble when the desired element appears inside the bubble making the game even easier to play.
You must purchase all 4 World Upgrades with the Stars you bring to the bottom of the board, which allows you to progress to the next Chapter. Large Matches allow you to use any of the Power-ups once the Meter recharges. The larger the match, the quicker the Meter fills. Once the meter fills, Power-ups become available (included as you progress with upgrades)
You must purchase all 4 World Upgrades with the Stars you bring to the bottom of the board, which allows you to progress to the next Chapter. Large Matches allow you to use any of the Power-ups once the Meter recharges. The larger the match, the quicker the Meter fills. Once the meter fills, Power-ups become available (included as you progress with upgrades)
Here's a list of the available Power-ups (they are the same power-ups that do the same things in ALL of the Match 3 games by this developer, they simply change the name of the power-ups:
*Baseball Bat: destroys a single tile and/or chain.
*Firefighter's Axe: destroys a 2 x 2 range of tiles cells/chains.
*Cylinder: destroys 5 horizontal tiles.
*John's Baton: destroys 5 vertical tiles
*John's Pistol: destroys an entire horizontal row, cells/chains.
*Shotgun: destroys an entire vertical line, cells/chains.
*Lug Wrench: destroys entire vertical & horizontal lines.
*Flashlight: destroys all of the same tiles.
*Antique Stopwatch: Shuffles the entire board.
*Molotov Cocktail: destroys 20 random tiles.
*Dynamite: destroys a 9 x 9 cluster of tiles, cells/chains.
*TNT Explosives: destroys a 12 x 12 range of tiles
*Firefighter's Axe: destroys a 2 x 2 range of tiles cells/chains.
*Cylinder: destroys 5 horizontal tiles.
*John's Baton: destroys 5 vertical tiles
*John's Pistol: destroys an entire horizontal row, cells/chains.
*Shotgun: destroys an entire vertical line, cells/chains.
*Lug Wrench: destroys entire vertical & horizontal lines.
*Flashlight: destroys all of the same tiles.
*Antique Stopwatch: Shuffles the entire board.
*Molotov Cocktail: destroys 20 random tiles.
*Dynamite: destroys a 9 x 9 cluster of tiles, cells/chains.
*TNT Explosives: destroys a 12 x 12 range of tiles
Sure, the story has a cool detective fighting crime in New York City vibe, but everything is exactly the same as the hundreds of other Match 3 games this developer offers. They never offer any new features and they never ever offer a Timed option so there's absolutely no challenge, I was completing these levels in under 2 minutes...what's the point, unless I want to try to beat my own score? You can find my series lists and much more at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
Explore the most beautiful places in the world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
89 of 122 found this review helpful
DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE!
PostedApril 17, 2021
pennmom36
fromThe 1st Earth Day was April 22, 1970. It purposefully fell between spring break & final exams so college students would participate. In 1990 it went global w/ 200 million people in 141 countries. This years theme Is "Restore Our Earth"
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I had to laugh at all the slightly mislabeled animals on this nature-themed HOG. In one scene I'm looking for a Duck that turns out to be a Goose, in the next scene that Goose is actually a Goose!? Then I'm tasked with finding a Mouse that's actually a Hampster, possibly a Mongolian Gerbil (it was partially hidden), and a Turtle that was obviously a Tortise, (yes, there's a difference) and none of them were in the correct regions of Our Beautiful Earth, but then again, I suppose there's no reason to have an ax or lantern in every scene either, lol.
Even though the objects and names were incorrect, I did love the scenery more than the previous two versions because it was more Earthy. I want the scenes to be all about nature versus highrise buildings with satellite dishes on the rooftops as they were in Our Beautiful Eart 2.
This is a really good HOG with really cool sound effects of birds singing, frogs croaking, and crickets chirping in the background. The scenes were interesting because most of them are nature or animal-themed, I especially liked the scenes in the forest with a creek. Most of the items are well-blended into the scenery and the graphics are super crisp.
Each scene has 3 adorable cats that meow when you click on them, and a hidden Paw Print Tile of various critters, even though chickens and dolphins don't have paws! Wouldn't it make more sense to have the Pawprint Tile open up to reveal that animals real print, even if it's just a flipper or dorsal fin?
Each scene has 2 Sub-scenes or Zoom Zones that will appear as Boxes on the Right side that come and go as objects are found and new ones appear. You can play in a Casual or Challenge Mode, depending on how fast you want the Hint & Puzzle Skip buttons to recharge, and there are no Misclick Penalties or Timers so this HOG is very relaxing, peaceful, and enjoyable to play!. The first Star is earned for finding all 20 Listed Objects, a second Star for finding all 3 Cats, and a 3rd Star for finding the Paw Print Tile, and you will earn 5000 Coins that are used in the Gift Shop to reveal animals in a beautiful Wallpaper.
After each Hidden Object Scene, you will play a Puzzle or Mini-Game such as Spot the Difference, Match 3, Memory Matching Animal Card Pairs, Drag Shaped Puzzle Pieces into Place, Rotate & Drag Tetris-shaped Pieces into a Grid, Rotate Circular Tokens to complete a picture or Mahjong. The Spot the Differences images are really subtle and I don't normally like Mahjong but this was a classic Mahjong that seemed fairly challenging.
After each Hidden Object Scene, you will play a Puzzle or Mini-Game such as Spot the Difference, Match 3, Memory Matching Animal Card Pairs, Drag Shaped Puzzle Pieces into Place, Rotate & Drag Tetris-shaped Pieces into a Grid, Rotate Circular Tokens to complete a picture or Mahjong. The Spot the Differences images are really subtle and I don't normally like Mahjong but this was a classic Mahjong that seemed fairly challenging.
They seem to be tweaking the graphics with each new game in this series, but everything else seems to be the same. They aren't adding new features, they aren't even changing the mini-games or the order they are presented, and they still haven't added a Magnigying or zoom feature. It would be nice if they would stick to the outdoorsy animal-themed scenes rather than the staged images of people visiting tourist destinations. It would be nice if they offered a new feature or a different variation of Hidden Object Scenes, otherwise, it will become boring and people won't need to purchase more games after a while. Please join me at my new forum, lots of exciting topics including Nature, Animals, and of course, game discussions at thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
Can you claim your powers and save your mom in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 18 found this review helpful
I'LL NEVER TALE!
PostedApril 16, 2021
pennmom36
fromFantasy-themed games aren't my favorite genre but I really enjoyed this game!
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Completed Game approximately 6.0 Hours(including completion of all puzzles & Bonus Chapter
21 Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
21 Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
Your mom instilled core values in you, one of which was punctuality. When she didn't show up in time you knew something was wrong, but you had no idea that your mother was hiding a huge secret from you, the truth about what you really are. While searching Ruby's house for clues about her sudden disappearance, Diana stumbles across a portal that will alter her life forever! Diana is about to embark on a magical journey to Fayron where she'll discover the truth...and discover what pure evil looks like!
Helpers/Gadgets:
There are no Helpers in Fayron but you do have special abilities, The Power of Second Sight. This ability allows you to see hidden items, even behind walls and doors. Because this ability/gadget is only used 5-6 times throughout the game, it isn't very obtrusive and I didn't find this gadget to be annoying or seem more like a chore than something unique.
There are no Helpers in Fayron but you do have special abilities, The Power of Second Sight. This ability allows you to see hidden items, even behind walls and doors. Because this ability/gadget is only used 5-6 times throughout the game, it isn't very obtrusive and I didn't find this gadget to be annoying or seem more like a chore than something unique.
Morphing Objects/Collectibles (CE version only)
Each of the 28 Scenes, throughout the Main Game and Bonus Chapter, has a Morphing Object that is quite challenging to find in most of the scenes! They morph at a good rate of speed and the objects themselves are scene appropriate, in other words, there's not going to be a basketball morphing in a scene filled with magical beasts, and colorful flowers!
Each of the 28 Scenes, throughout the Main Game and Bonus Chapter, has a Morphing Object that is quite challenging to find in most of the scenes! They morph at a good rate of speed and the objects themselves are scene appropriate, in other words, there's not going to be a basketball morphing in a scene filled with magical beasts, and colorful flowers!
In true MHG fashion, they also have those infamous Morphing Objects within all 20 Hidden Object Scenes, and these morphs are definitely not easy to spot! Any missed Hidden Object Scene Morphs can be picked up by replaying the HO's in the extra's menu, which also allows you to improve your star rating or accuracy score. (and pick up a few HO achievements)
Each scene also has a Collectible Feather, (28) although they aren't as difficult to spot as the morphs, they did a nice job blending them into the scenery and matching the color of the feather to a similar-colored object.
Graphics & Sound:
The graphics are gorgeous and believable! The whole game feels magical, the sights and the sounds make you feel like you are in Fayron, you can really connect with the characters (even tho one was a guinea pig lol) You'll feel the emotions of happiness, confusion, deceit, and anger as you delve deeper into the plot. When's the last time you felt like something was actually happening to you personally, versus the character you are playing? The sound effects were subtle, hardly noticeable, most of the time you don't notice the music loops because that's what soundtracks are supposed to do. I'm not sure if MHG outsources this feature (syncing music with the game) or if they do this in-house, but it was beautifully done nonetheless!
The graphics are gorgeous and believable! The whole game feels magical, the sights and the sounds make you feel like you are in Fayron, you can really connect with the characters (even tho one was a guinea pig lol) You'll feel the emotions of happiness, confusion, deceit, and anger as you delve deeper into the plot. When's the last time you felt like something was actually happening to you personally, versus the character you are playing? The sound effects were subtle, hardly noticeable, most of the time you don't notice the music loops because that's what soundtracks are supposed to do. I'm not sure if MHG outsources this feature (syncing music with the game) or if they do this in-house, but it was beautifully done nonetheless!
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 15 Hidden Object Scenes, +5 HOP's in the CE Bonus Chapter with a dash of smaller Zoom Zone HO's where you are tasked with finding a handful of objects shown as silhouetted shapes. MHG's shined once again in the HO department, the HO scenes had a good variety of styles and the objects are really well-blended into the scenery, not to mention that they were located in really interesting locations. They chose bright and colorful locations or scenes that had a ton of items to sift through. There are a lot of different variations such as Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs Finds, Interactive & Listed Item Finds, Multiples of the Same Object Finds, Keywords in a Story Finds, and Symbol Finds You'll be searching for colorful exotic fish in a pond in one scene, and the next you may be sifting through a bunch of mechanical parts and tools. I loved the Story Progression HO's and thought the ones involving finding matching silhouettes of flowers or fish was really enjoyable, TY MHG!
There are 15 Hidden Object Scenes, +5 HOP's in the CE Bonus Chapter with a dash of smaller Zoom Zone HO's where you are tasked with finding a handful of objects shown as silhouetted shapes. MHG's shined once again in the HO department, the HO scenes had a good variety of styles and the objects are really well-blended into the scenery, not to mention that they were located in really interesting locations. They chose bright and colorful locations or scenes that had a ton of items to sift through. There are a lot of different variations such as Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs Finds, Interactive & Listed Item Finds, Multiples of the Same Object Finds, Keywords in a Story Finds, and Symbol Finds You'll be searching for colorful exotic fish in a pond in one scene, and the next you may be sifting through a bunch of mechanical parts and tools. I loved the Story Progression HO's and thought the ones involving finding matching silhouettes of flowers or fish was really enjoyable, TY MHG!
Each of the HO scenes has a not-so-easy-to-spot Morphing Object, and if you miss one, you can pick it up within the CE Extra's menu where you can replay 20 of the HOS and also earn achievements for time and accuracy. There are no alternative games available in lieu of HOP's, but you'll definitely want to play these HOs!
Mini-Games:
There are 27 Mini-Games +4 in the CE Bonus Chapter. I found most of the mini-games to be enjoyable puzzles that can be solved within one or two attempts. Although I prefer mechanical-type mini-games, I did enjoy chasing the guards around with a stinky frog, but I wasn't crazy about the connect-the-dots game. There were some puzzles that seemed worthless such as repeating the sequence which literally involved clicking on 3 buttons that lit up in a symmetrical pattern? It may have been a simple game, but I think my favorite game was in the first chapter where you are tasked with finding and placing the correct flower onto its silhouetted in the correct order. There was a similar game where you had to choose the correct rope loop after being challenged to a duel with a talking fox!
There are 27 Mini-Games +4 in the CE Bonus Chapter. I found most of the mini-games to be enjoyable puzzles that can be solved within one or two attempts. Although I prefer mechanical-type mini-games, I did enjoy chasing the guards around with a stinky frog, but I wasn't crazy about the connect-the-dots game. There were some puzzles that seemed worthless such as repeating the sequence which literally involved clicking on 3 buttons that lit up in a symmetrical pattern? It may have been a simple game, but I think my favorite game was in the first chapter where you are tasked with finding and placing the correct flower onto its silhouetted in the correct order. There was a similar game where you had to choose the correct rope loop after being challenged to a duel with a talking fox!
Bonus Chapter: (CE version only)
Reminisce the past with Neero and find out how and why Bane came into existence. This is a lengthy Bonus Chapter spanning over 7 scene locations, with an additional 5 Hidden Object Scenes and 4 Mini-Games. There are 5 Hidden Object Scene Morphs, 7 Scene Morphing Objects, and 7 Collectible Feathers remaining. After completing the Bonus Chapter, you'll also be able to access the Jigsaw Puzzles, History, M3 games, and Characters, the Ultimate HO can be accessed when you complete the Collectible Hunt (feathers).
Reminisce the past with Neero and find out how and why Bane came into existence. This is a lengthy Bonus Chapter spanning over 7 scene locations, with an additional 5 Hidden Object Scenes and 4 Mini-Games. There are 5 Hidden Object Scene Morphs, 7 Scene Morphing Objects, and 7 Collectible Feathers remaining. After completing the Bonus Chapter, you'll also be able to access the Jigsaw Puzzles, History, M3 games, and Characters, the Ultimate HO can be accessed when you complete the Collectible Hunt (feathers).
Collector's Edition Extra's:
12 Wallpapers, 4 Concept Art Pictures with a Before/After slider bar, 10 Character Bios, 10 Music Soundtracks, 0 Video Sequences, 11 Achievements (6 available in 3 categories) 0 Replayable Mini-Games, 20 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 28 Collectible Feathers which allows you to unlock the Ultimate Hidden Object Scene, 28 Scene Morphing Objects, 20 HOP Morphing Objects, an Ultimate HO Puzzle, 3 Jigsaw Puzzles, a 200 Level Match 3 Game, History of Tale World, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
12 Wallpapers, 4 Concept Art Pictures with a Before/After slider bar, 10 Character Bios, 10 Music Soundtracks, 0 Video Sequences, 11 Achievements (6 available in 3 categories) 0 Replayable Mini-Games, 20 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 28 Collectible Feathers which allows you to unlock the Ultimate Hidden Object Scene, 28 Scene Morphing Objects, 20 HOP Morphing Objects, an Ultimate HO Puzzle, 3 Jigsaw Puzzles, a 200 Level Match 3 Game, History of Tale World, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
I recommend this game!
Experience an epic quest through the magic of Solitaire!
Overall rating
2
/
5
16 of 19 found this review helpful
SOMETIMES IT"S BETTER TO CHANGE NOTHING AT ALL
PostedApril 16, 2021
pennmom36
fromIt must be confusing to the devs when we ask for change all the time, but when it's a classic that stood the test of time, we don't like major overhauls :)
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The Chronicles of Emerland Solitaire was one of my absolute favorite Solitaire games. I bet I played that game a thousand times, it was that good! When I learned that a new Emerland was on the horizon I just knew I was going to love it and I could hardly stand the wait...but I am a tad bit disappointed that it lacks the pizzazz of its predecessor.
You can play in an Easy or Advanced Mode and the first chapter has an annoying Card Shake tutorial if you hesitate for a second before choosing a card on the board, but fortunately, that goes away after the first chapter! There are only 3 Card Backs to choose from, none of which are that attractive. (you'd expect a few more choices in a CE version?)
There are 3 Card Fonts, the default font is about as plain as it gets but the font is large enough for anyone to see easily. There is a Themed Card and a more modern large font as well, and 10 Achievements to earn.
There are 3 Card Fonts, the default font is about as plain as it gets but the font is large enough for anyone to see easily. There is a Themed Card and a more modern large font as well, and 10 Achievements to earn.
Combos start at 5 Cards, and it's almost impossible to earn all 3-stars without making several combos because they were very stingy with the number of deck cards so the hand is over almost before it begins, and the combos and cards remaining are what fills the stars for "energy". Fortunately, you can Replay levels, and even better, you can click the score window to bring up the replay/continue tabs quickly.
Eventually, you will meet various characters that will join your quest to save Emerlands Magic. These characters can be used to change a deck card into a useful card or remove a lingering card, for example. These character boosters need to be recharged after every use by removing specific card suits such as Hearts or Diamonds.
What I dearly missed was the Hidden Object Scenes after every Chapter. In the original Chronicles of Emerland, they had amazing Hidden Object Scenes where you had to find Cards, Ravens, etc. and there was always a few objects that really hard to find because they were so well-hidden!
The Collector's Edition version has 10 Achievements, 5 Music Soundtracks, 5 Artwork Wallpapers, and an Extra Chapter that's supposedly more challenging.
The Collector's Edition version has 10 Achievements, 5 Music Soundtracks, 5 Artwork Wallpapers, and an Extra Chapter that's supposedly more challenging.
I thought the game was plenty challenging, as I said earlier, they don't give you very many deck cards and it's difficult to make large combos, thus it's difficult to earn enough energy to fill all 3-stars and I had to replay most of the levels a few times. I was really excited about this game, but it didn't thrill me as much as the original version, therefore, since the CE version doesn't seem to have anything special and the SE version didn't change my mind, I think I'll just enjoy playing the original The Chronicles of Emerland Solitaire and wait patiently for the developers to go back to the drawing board to create something closer to the original version.
When a game becomes a classic with rave reviews, don't revamp it, just give us updated features, better graphics, and a new story! Visit me at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
When a game becomes a classic with rave reviews, don't revamp it, just give us updated features, better graphics, and a new story! Visit me at my new forum thewoodsforum.boards.net
I don't recommend this game.
A mischievous genie keeps our heroes busy with wishes of his own!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
PUT THAT GENIE BACK IN THE BOTTLE!
PostedApril 16, 2021
pennmom36
fromAre these games getting harder or am I getting SlowDer?
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I love Egyptian-themed games (and everything else related to ancient Egypt) and I love this New Yankee game. I must admit that these games are beginning to teeter on becoming a bit too difficult for taste because I was having to replay most of the levels in order to earn the Gold Trophy! In fact, I discovered that you pretty much have to queue tasks in a specific order and even then I didn't have much time to spare. The only thing I felt this game missed the mark on was with John's humor or lack thereof because that sarcastic humor is one of the things that make this series unique. I also wish BF would give credit to the developer, Yustas Games, rather than the publisher on the synopsis, so I'll give them direct kudos for a job well done!
You can play in a Relaxed, Normal, or Expert Difficulty Mode, and there are 42 Achievement Trophies to earn. There are 45 Main Levels, 15 CE Levels, and 10 Bonus Levels, and some of the levels have a Hidden Jigsaw Puzzle Piece to create a Jigsaw Puzzle when complete. Mary is the Spellcaster who uses collected Mana to cast spells that will regrow trees, add extra workers or speed them up, etc.
Like most TM games, you must gather resources and clear paths, such as, gathering food baskets and farming wheat crops, gathering wood logs, chopping down Palm Trees, gathering gold bags, clearing boulders, patching holes, repairing bridges, and constructing or repairing sawmills, or mills to produce more food, build houses for rent, collect gold, and constructing specialty buildings such as the Raven's House who can then fly to unreachable caches.
The workers do almost everything, John is the Knight in Shining Armor and does the fighting, there's always a crew of undead to wreak havoc! Mary is skilled in Witchcraft and takes care of Casting all the Spells but she needs a constant supply of Mana that needs to be collected by the workers from the Mana Wells or from an occasional bottle abandoned along the paths, to work her magic.
This Collector's Edition version has 45 Main Levels, 15 CE Levels, 10 Bonus Levels, 10 Original Music Soundtracks, 42 Cinematics (I read the story via the cinematics and skip the conversations before each level) 4 Wallpapers, 19 Characters, a Jigsaw Puzzle (with 32 Collectible Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces), an Upgrade Room (with an available Screenshot), and a Built-in Strategy Guide.
This game definitely isn't for the faint of heart. I found every level to be quite challenging to earn a Gold trophy on the Normal and Expert Modes. Come join us on my new forum, won't you? thewoodsforum.boards.net
I recommend this game!
The Adventures of Wolf and Hood: A Jigsaw Tale
Wolf and Hood team up for a new jigsaw adventure. Reveal the unique story by solving beautifully illustrated puzzles!
Overall rating
2
/
5
26 of 36 found this review helpful
YOU CAN LEAD A WOLF TO ADVENTURE BUT YOU CAN'T MAKE HIM ENJOY IT
PostedApril 16, 2021
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Everyone knows that I am a jigsaw puzzle geek, so I was super happy that Big Fish offered The Adventures of Wolf and Hood: A Jigsaw Puzzle Tale, or is it Tail? I wanted this to be an amazing game with a cute Fairy Tail Tale like the synopsis was leading me to believe...it could have been, but it wasn't :(
The Wolf must have been chewing on some cords because my cursor was flying all over the place and the puzzle image kept resizing itself as if it were possessed. I somehow managed to unclick the custom cursor option to regain control as the wolf's pack leader but this isn't a HOPA game so there was no duct tape to be found anywhere in the hood to fix those chewed wires that were causing the puzzle image to appear as if it were trying to cough up a hairball.
The puzzle pieces seemed a bit lazy and slow to respond, or perhaps they just haven't realized that my system cursor was now the Alpha? It's quite possible that the cursor and the puzzle pieces were playing a different tail-tale, the Tortise, and the Hare?
Hopefully, the developers will go "pack" to the drawing board to make some bonefide adjustments, I'd hate to see them throw in the wet towel because I do see pawtential in this Adventure Tail.
With a few minor adjustments, this Adventure could pawsibly turn into a howler of a Jigsaw Puzzle series. It's times like this when I wish the BF forums were still around so we'd be able to "speak" with the developers to offer our suggestions, or "shake" their hand to say thanks, tee-hee-hee. Join me at thewoodsforum.boards.net, sit, or "stay" a while :)
Join Mia Faircroft as she seeks the true heir of the MacDougal castle.
Overall rating
3
/
5
69 of 84 found this review helpful
I'D REALLY LOVE TO PLAY THIS SERIES BUT...
PostedApril 16, 2021
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I would love to give this developer a higher Star Rating because they developed some of the most creative HOPAs back in the day, such as Awakening, Botanica, Emberwing, and one of my personal favorites, Otherworld. Unfortunately, this third game in the Faircroft's Antiques series is no different than the first or second game. They all 3 have a compatibility issue that renders the Mini-Games unplayable because it doesn't recognize that the player is clicking on a puzzle piece. Several people complained about this, while others had no issues, whatsoever, but enough people have complained that it DOES warrant some type of patch!
There are several grammatical errors and several mislabeled items listed such as "gun" which was actually a "cannon" I found the game extremely finicky about where you clicked on an object. If you weren't clicking the dead center of the object it wouldn't recognize the click. If you keep clicking because your eyes are positive about what they are seeing, the screen freezes up to penalize you, this is really frustrating when you give up and hit the hint button only to be shown the exact item you were just madly clicking on!
The Mini-Games on all 3 games so far have been impossible to complete, not because they are difficult, but because of the compatibility issue! A simple "Click to Rotate Square Tiles" game gets pretty complicated when you have to find the exact corner to click on, then you get to the last 4-5 squares and they won't rotate no matter where you click!
We aren't getting much when it comes to the Collector's Edition versions lately. Each release seems to include less and less CE bonus content...Are We Okay With That???? Less Content for twice the price isn't More of anything (less is more doesn't apply here) There are only 15 Main Levels and 5 CE Levels and 30 Mini-Games total (not extra!) Join me on my new forum! thewoodsforum.boards.net
Can you claim your powers and save your mom in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 7 found this review helpful
I"LL NEVER TALE!
PostedApril 15, 2021
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Completed Game approximately 6.0 Hours
(including completion of all puzzles & Bonus Chapter
21 Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
(including completion of all puzzles & Bonus Chapter
21 Scene Locations +7 CE Bonus Chapter
Difficulty Range: Beginner-Intermediate
Your mom instilled core values in you, one of which was punctuality. When she didn't show up in time you knew something was wrong, but you had no idea that your mother was hiding a huge secret from you, the truth about what you really are. While searching Ruby's house for clues about her sudden disappearance, Diana stumbles across a portal that will alter her life forever! Diana is about to embark on a magical journey to Fayron where she'll discover the truth...and discover what pure evil looks like!
Helpers/Gadgets:
There are no Helpers in Fayron but you do have special abilities, The Power of Second Sight. This ability allows you to see hidden items, even behind walls and doors. Because this ability/gadget is only used 5-6 times throughout the game, it isn't very obtrusive and I didn't find this gadget to be annoying or seem more like a chore than something unique.
There are no Helpers in Fayron but you do have special abilities, The Power of Second Sight. This ability allows you to see hidden items, even behind walls and doors. Because this ability/gadget is only used 5-6 times throughout the game, it isn't very obtrusive and I didn't find this gadget to be annoying or seem more like a chore than something unique.
Morphing Objects/Collectibles (CE version only)
Each of the 28 Scenes, throughout the Main Game and Bonus Chapter, has a Morphing Object that is quite challenging to find in most of the scenes! They morph at a good rate of speed and the objects themselves are scene appropriate, in other words, there's not going to be a basketball morphing in a scene filled with magical beasts, and colorful flowers!
Each of the 28 Scenes, throughout the Main Game and Bonus Chapter, has a Morphing Object that is quite challenging to find in most of the scenes! They morph at a good rate of speed and the objects themselves are scene appropriate, in other words, there's not going to be a basketball morphing in a scene filled with magical beasts, and colorful flowers!
In true MHG fashion, they also have those infamous Morphing Objects within all 20 Hidden Object Scenes, and these morphs are definitely not easy to spot! Any missed Hidden Object Scene Morphs can be picked up by replaying the HO's in the extra's menu, which also allows you to improve your star rating or accuracy score. (and pick up a few HO achievements)
Each scene also has a Collectible Feather, (28) although they aren't as difficult to spot as the morphs, they did a nice job blending them into the scenery and matching the color of the feather to a similar-colored object.
Graphics & Sound:
The graphics are gorgeous and believable! The whole game feels magical, the sights and the sounds make you feel like you are in Fayron, you can really connect with the characters (even tho one was a guinea pig lol) You'll feel the emotions of happiness, confusion, deceit, and anger as you delve deeper into the plot. When's the last time you felt like something was actually happening to you personally, versus the character you are playing? The sound effects were subtle, hardly noticeable, most of the time you don't notice the music loops because that's what soundtracks are supposed to do. I'm not sure if MHG outsources this feature (syncing music with the game) or if they do this in-house, but it was beautifully done nonetheless!
The graphics are gorgeous and believable! The whole game feels magical, the sights and the sounds make you feel like you are in Fayron, you can really connect with the characters (even tho one was a guinea pig lol) You'll feel the emotions of happiness, confusion, deceit, and anger as you delve deeper into the plot. When's the last time you felt like something was actually happening to you personally, versus the character you are playing? The sound effects were subtle, hardly noticeable, most of the time you don't notice the music loops because that's what soundtracks are supposed to do. I'm not sure if MHG outsources this feature (syncing music with the game) or if they do this in-house, but it was beautifully done nonetheless!
Hidden Object Scenes:
There are 15 Hidden Object Scenes, +5 HOP's in the CE Bonus Chapter with a dash of smaller Zoom Zone HO's where you are tasked with finding a handful of objects shown as silhouetted shapes. MHG's shined once again in the HO department, the HO scenes had a good variety of styles and the objects are really well-blended into the scenery, not to mention that they were located in really interesting locations. They chose bright and colorful locations or scenes that had a ton of items to sift through. There are a lot of different variations such as Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs Finds, Interactive & Listed Item Finds, Multiples of the Same Object Finds, Keywords in a Story Finds, and Symbol Finds You'll be searching for colorful exotic fish in a pond in one scene, and the next you may be sifting through a bunch of mechanical parts and tools. I loved the Story Progression HO's and thought the ones involving finding matching silhouettes of flowers or fish was really enjoyable, TY MHG! Each of the HO scenes has a not-so-easy-to-spot Morphing Object, and if you miss one, you can pick it up within the CE Extra's menu where you can replay 20 of the HOS and also earn achievements for time and accuracy. There are no alternative games available in lieu of HOP's, but you'll definitely want to play these HOs!
There are 15 Hidden Object Scenes, +5 HOP's in the CE Bonus Chapter with a dash of smaller Zoom Zone HO's where you are tasked with finding a handful of objects shown as silhouetted shapes. MHG's shined once again in the HO department, the HO scenes had a good variety of styles and the objects are really well-blended into the scenery, not to mention that they were located in really interesting locations. They chose bright and colorful locations or scenes that had a ton of items to sift through. There are a lot of different variations such as Silhouetted Shape Finds, Matching Pairs Finds, Interactive & Listed Item Finds, Multiples of the Same Object Finds, Keywords in a Story Finds, and Symbol Finds You'll be searching for colorful exotic fish in a pond in one scene, and the next you may be sifting through a bunch of mechanical parts and tools. I loved the Story Progression HO's and thought the ones involving finding matching silhouettes of flowers or fish was really enjoyable, TY MHG! Each of the HO scenes has a not-so-easy-to-spot Morphing Object, and if you miss one, you can pick it up within the CE Extra's menu where you can replay 20 of the HOS and also earn achievements for time and accuracy. There are no alternative games available in lieu of HOP's, but you'll definitely want to play these HOs!
Mini-Games:
There are 27 Mini-Games +4 in the CE Bonus Chapter. I found most of the mini-games to be enjoyable puzzles that can be solved within one or two attempts. Although I prefer mechanical-type mini-games, I did enjoy chasing the guards around with a stinky frog, but I wasn't crazy about the connect-the-dots game. There were some puzzles that seemed worthless such as repeating the sequence which literally involved clicking on 3 buttons that lit up in a symmetrical pattern? It may have been a simple game, but I think my favorite game was in the first chapter where you are tasked with finding and placing the correct flower onto its silhouetted in the correct order. There was a similar game where you had to choose the correct rope loop after being challenged to a duel with a talking fox!
There are 27 Mini-Games +4 in the CE Bonus Chapter. I found most of the mini-games to be enjoyable puzzles that can be solved within one or two attempts. Although I prefer mechanical-type mini-games, I did enjoy chasing the guards around with a stinky frog, but I wasn't crazy about the connect-the-dots game. There were some puzzles that seemed worthless such as repeating the sequence which literally involved clicking on 3 buttons that lit up in a symmetrical pattern? It may have been a simple game, but I think my favorite game was in the first chapter where you are tasked with finding and placing the correct flower onto its silhouetted in the correct order. There was a similar game where you had to choose the correct rope loop after being challenged to a duel with a talking fox!
Bonus Chapter: (CE version only)
Reminisce the past with Neero and find out how and why Bane came into existence. This is a lengthy Bonus Chapter spanning over 7 scene locations, with an additional 5 Hidden Object Scenes and 4 Mini-Games. There are 5 Hidden Object Scene Morphs, 7 Scene Morphing Objects, and 7 Collectible Feathers remaining. After completing the Bonus Chapter, you'll also be able to access the Jigsaw Puzzles, History, M3 games, and Characters, the Ultimate HO can be accessed when you complete the Collectible Hunt (feathers).
Reminisce the past with Neero and find out how and why Bane came into existence. This is a lengthy Bonus Chapter spanning over 7 scene locations, with an additional 5 Hidden Object Scenes and 4 Mini-Games. There are 5 Hidden Object Scene Morphs, 7 Scene Morphing Objects, and 7 Collectible Feathers remaining. After completing the Bonus Chapter, you'll also be able to access the Jigsaw Puzzles, History, M3 games, and Characters, the Ultimate HO can be accessed when you complete the Collectible Hunt (feathers).
Collector's Edition Extra's:
12 Wallpapers, 4 Concept Art Pictures with a Before/After slider bar, 10 Character Bios, 10 Music Soundtracks, 0 Video Sequences, 11 Achievements (6 available in 3 categories) 0 Replayable Mini-Games, 20 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 28 Collectible Feathers which allows you to unlock the Ultimate Hidden Object Scene, 28 Scene Morphing Objects, 20 HOP Morphing Objects, an Ultimate HO Puzzle, 3 Jigsaw Puzzles, a 200 Level Match 3 Game, History of Tale World, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
12 Wallpapers, 4 Concept Art Pictures with a Before/After slider bar, 10 Character Bios, 10 Music Soundtracks, 0 Video Sequences, 11 Achievements (6 available in 3 categories) 0 Replayable Mini-Games, 20 Replayable Hidden Object Scenes, 28 Collectible Feathers which allows you to unlock the Ultimate Hidden Object Scene, 28 Scene Morphing Objects, 20 HOP Morphing Objects, an Ultimate HO Puzzle, 3 Jigsaw Puzzles, a 200 Level Match 3 Game, History of Tale World, 5 Main Chapters +Bonus Chapter and a Built-In Strategy Guide.
I recommend this game!