We've all played the hidden object game where you have to piece together clues to some long-lost relative's hidden past. Most of the time it's fairly dull, but in the case of Tiger Eye - Part I: Curse of the Riddle Box, it's quite the opposite. The story in this hidden object game was written by author Marjorie M. Liu, and even if you're not a fan of her work, you'll appreciate the characters who have a little more depth than usual. Wrap that around a sturdy core of puzzle solving and mini-games and you've got an excellent hidden object game on your hands.
Let's share this little factoid right at the beginning: Tiger Eye - Part I: Curse of the Riddle Box is based on Marjorie's novel of the same name. It's a paranormal romance book, and the game adaptation follows the same style of storytelling. Expect a plucky female lead character with a psychic ability, a lot of soft fuzzy colors, and a beefy warrior guy who seems to have forgotten how to wear a shirt. Look beyond that exterior, though, and you'll find a game with solid puzzles, loads of unique mini-games, and overall great design.
Here's how the riddle box riddles: Dela starts off in the Beijing Dirt Market following a strange dream. Your mission objectives are listed on the bottom of the screen and are usually pretty straightforward (find ten metal weapons, open the wardrobe, fix the bike, etc.). To get things done, use those well-trained item finding eyes of yours to spot everything, then click to pick it up. Some items merely need to be found, while others must be used with other objects. There's no inventory to fuss with, so a little clicking will get you a long way.
Many spots feature sparkles or question marks, each denoting more information is to be found. The sparkling things are best, as they initiate a mini-game! Tiger Eye often feels more like a collection of mini-games than a hidden object game, as they fly at you at a fast pace and are really well done. The usual variety of puzzles can be expected from these diversions, ranging from word games to tangrams, logic puzzles, jigsaws and more. Each of which comes with a few hints and the option to skip the game entirely.
Analysis: Romance stories aren't for every casual gamer, and part of me wonders if Tiger Eye would be better received if the storytelling were a bit less... well, romantic. Even if you can't stand the plot content, the cutscenes are skippable, so you can go right to the next part of the game. You'll miss some decent character development in the process, but, you know, do what you've gotta do!
Aside from completing the game and getting involved with the story, Tiger Eye presents very little else to keep you occupied. The game itself is long enough, but there aren't too many reasons to go back and keep playing. Item locations are always the same, so completing levels a second time around wouldn't offer any challenge. The mini-games can be unlocked to play from the main menu, and honestly, they're one of the better parts of the game, so that adds a little replay value to the package.
If romance stories of any type are your thing, you're pretty much required to give Tiger Eye a try. And even if they're not, the game delivers a sturdy hidden object experience with loads of mini-games and some great puzzles to complete.
Windows:
Download the demo
Get the full version
Mac OS X:
Download the demo
Get the full version
Walkthrough Guide
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Tiger Eye Part I - Curse of the Riddle Box Walkthrough
General Tips:
Play is relaxed with no timer.
Random clicking will cause your cursor to be unusable for a short time.
Sparkles on an object means you should check it out.
A blue star means you should click on the object and pick it up.
If your cursor gets a "blue eye" attachment, you will get a close up view.
When you need to use an object somewhere else in a scene, your cursor will turn into a hand so you can move it where needed.
Options:
Click on the "Options" button on the Main Menu to adjust the volume of the Music, Voice and Sound Effects.
Other options include a tutorial with an integrated hint system throughout game.
You can play in Windowed versus Full Screen Mode.
Tasks:
Your current tasks are listed in a box at the bottom of the scene.
Once you have completed a task it will be grayed out the list.
When you have completed everything on the list you are done with that level.
Purple Question Marks:
Clicking on the purple "Question Marks" in the scenes is optional.
Question Marks will give you additional information about the object from Dela or open a conversation.
Hints:
Hints are in the form of a PSI ORB which is in the bottom right corner of your scene.
The number of hints available is listed on the ORB. Click on the ORB to use a hint.
Every time you find an object, you get a little more PSI energy in the ORB.
Once the ORB is completely filled you will get one more hint to use.
If you use up all your hints, the ORB will recharge to give you 1 hint.
Ranking and PSI Points:
As well as being the 23rd letter of the Greek Alphabet, PSI is used in parapsychology to include extra sensory perception and psycho kinesis.
PSI Points increase your ranking in this game.
Every 10 PSI Points will get you a new rank.
Each new rank changes the look of your PSI Orb and you unlock another page in the Diary under "Ranking".
50 PSI points will get you the highest rank and give you access to the "Extras" on the Main Screen.
"Extras" include "Hari's Wardrobe" where you can again play the Dress Hari Mini Game.
"Concept Art" has drawings showing how the developers arrived at some of the final characters and scenes.
You receive PSI Points by completing puzzles.
Screenshot.
Bonus Rounds
Bonus Rounds allow you to earn up to 6 PSI Points.
There are 12 rounds -- find 2 identical items for the first 6 round and find 3 identical items for the remaining rounds.
All 12 rounds must be completed in 30 seconds in order to get the 6 available PSI Points.
Objects presented are random so screen shots won't appear in the walkthrough.
If you run out of time, there is a sliding scale as to how many PSI Points you will receive.
If you play in Windowed Mode, you can stop the clock while you look for the matching items by placing your cursor at the top of the screen.
Screenshot.
Mini-Games and Puzzles
Blue sparkles want you to click on the object for a close up view. Your cursor will get a puzzle piece attachment to show it is a mini game.
Clicking on the picture that pops up allows you to play the mini games.
In the mini games you will find 3 hint tabs at the top of the window. If you choose to use the hints, it will cost you 1 PSI Point for each one you use.
If you use 2 of the hints, you will get the opportunity to "Skip" the game.
Revealing Visions Mini-Game
The goal of this mini game is to break Dela's mental block in order to reveal a psychic vision.
Make chains of 3 or more connecting symbols of the same color and they will disappear to reveal part of the picture underneath and new symbols will drop down to replace them.
If you make really long chains, some of the neighboring pieces will go with your chain.
The chains can connect horizontally or vertically but not diagonally.
You can slide your mouse over the symbols and let go or you can click on each symbol individually and double click on the last symbol in the chain.
The Gauge at the bottom fills up with purple as you progress in the game.
If you run out of chains, you can use the Shuffle button located at the bottom between the Gauge and PSI Orb.
Each Shuffle will cost you 1 PSI Point and if you use it 3 times, it will turn into a "Skip" button.
The blinking symbols are bombs. If you use them in a chain, they will take neighboring symbols with them.
In later levels there will be multi-colored diamond pieces which you can use to join different symbols to make a longer chain.
You don't need to clear away all of the symbols because when the Gauge is full the vision picture will be revealed.
The layout of the mini game is random so screen shots will not be shown throughout the walkthrough.
Screenshot.
Psychic Defense Mini-Game
Dela can use her PSI ability to defend herself telepathically and to influence objects such as bending metal with her mind.
There will periodically be a Psychic Defense Mini Game in which you need to connect a chain of neurons to help her gather her powers.
There are two End Pieces of different colors and you must use all of the connectors provided to link the End Pieces.
The neurons can be linked as long as they are the same color.
You can put them in any adjacent square in the grid - top, side, or under.
When they are successfully linked, you will see a little lightning between them.
There is a sample screen shot below and the solutions to the mini game will be available throughout the walkthrough.
Screenshot.
Level 1
Beijing Dirt Market
Collect 10 metal weapons.
Pick up the key on the top step near the first post on the right and open the wardrobe at the end of the building on the left.
Place the 5 figures on the box at the right in order to get the sheet music.
Place the sheet music on the music stand at the left.
Click on the "?" for a comment from Dela about the helmet.
Screenshot.
Weapon Wardrobe Mini-Game
Click on the opened wardrobe to be prompted for a mini game.
Place the correct weapons on their corresponding pegs in the cabinet.
Not all the weapons will be used.
Your reward from completing the game is a stone flute.
Collect it and place it on the music stand with the sheet music.
Screenshot.
Stone Flute Mini-Game
Click on the Stone Flute to trigger a mini game.
Play the notes shown the sheet music on the Stone Flute.
Check fingering chart below the notes.
The first note is "A" so click on the lower left hole to cover it.
Click on "Blow" to play the note.
Continue with the rest of the notes in the same way.
If you mess up, you will have to start from the beginning.
Screenshot.
Level 2
Dela buys a Riddle Box from a mysterious old woman.
Collect 15 puzzle pieces.
Click on the door with the dragon on the right side of the scene for a conversation.
Click on the Jewelry Box for a Mini Game to open it.
Click on the box left by the old woman for a Mini Game.
Screenshot.
Jewelry Box Mini-Game
Swap the pictures so that the visual similarities match with the Chinese characters on the first row.
Pick up the puzzle pieces.
Screenshot.
Riddle Box Mini Game
Put the 5 jigsaw puzzles together in the little frames.
It doesn't matter which frame you use for the various pictures because you will then get to rearrange them.
Swap the completed pictures to show the life story of a shape-shifter from little cub to imprisonment.
To complete the level take the Riddle Box.
Screenshot.
Revealing Visions Mini Game
Discover more about the Riddle Box.
Level 3
Alleyway
Dela encounters the magi and her purse is stolen by a kid on the street so she must find some money for a taxi.
Collect 5 bundles of money.
Use the broom on the lantern and money will fall to the ground.
Use the crowbar on the grate.
Unlock the Chicken Cage.
Click on the Purple "?" for information from Dela about the door knocker.
Screenshot.
Unlock Chicken Cage Mini Game
To unlock the chicken cage, place the pins and tumblers in the upper section in their places of the lock in the bottom row.
There should be no gaps.
The screenshot numbers them to show where they go.
Screenshot.
Bike Chain Mini Game
Swap the tiles to put the broken bike chain back together.
Screenshot.
Find 6 bicycle parts and put the bike back together.
Put the tire on the rim and pump it up with the tire pump before placing it on the bike.
When you restore the bike you will get paid for it.
Screenshot.
Level 4
Psychic Defense Mini Game
Your job is to connect the blue and purple end pieces to each other using the neuron connectors provided.
Screenshot.
Bonus Round
HO
Open the locked box on the bed.
Find 9 hidden packages from Dela's grandmother.
Click on the Purple "?" to find out more about the Riddle Box.
Screenshot.
Open Box Mini Game
There are 7 words the must be placed in their proper places in order to open the box on the bed.
Your goal is create compound words such as placing cast between out and off to form outcast and cast off.
Screenshot.
Clean Up The Riddle Box Mini Game
In order to clean up the Riddle Box you need to arrange the items shown in the correct order.
The letter from Dela's grandmother has 8 phrases marked in red to help with the solution.
grasped = tweezers
inhaled = inhaler
gust of wind = canned air
bristly = brush
oiled the hinges = oil spray
washed away its tarnish = metal cleaner
gently buffed it = cloth
bound so tightly = glue
Screenshot.
Open Riddle Box Mini Game
To open up the Riddle Box match the patterns on the box.
Rotate the circles to complete the patterns in 3 successive pictures.
In the third puzzle complete the 2 smaller circles first because they turn a ring in each of the larger circles next to each one.
Rotate the outside circles first and work your way in to the smallest ones.
Screenshot.
The box opens and Hari appears.
Level 5
Revealing Visions Mini Game
Discover more about Hari from his knife.
Hotel Bathroom
Pick up 9 pipes.
Collect 5 bath products.
Replace the faucets on the shower and basin.
Screenshot.
Fix The Pipes Mini Game
Connect the pipe at the top to the pipe on the right using the parts available.
Drag the pieces and left-click to rotate them.
There is more than one solution.
Screenshot.
Fix The Tiles Mini Game
Replace the tiles on the shower wall.
If the piece is in the correct place, it will stick...if not, it will stay green when touched.
The parts in the solution are numbered to show where they belong.
Screenshot.
Ancient Script Mini Game
The Riddle box has ancient script on it that needs a translation.
Some of the letters are already placed and cannot be moved.
Swap the other letters so that the phrase says - To command the man use these words: "Thou Shalt".
Screenshot.
Level 6
Bonus Round
Psychic Defense Mini Game
Stop the assassin's knife.
Connect the green and purple End Pieces with the neuron pieces provided.
Screenshot.
Collect 13 weapons that are thrown.
The plant is glued to the table so use the acetone to remove it.
Pick up the key and use it to open the chest.
Use the screwdriver to pry the carving off the wall.
Screenshot.
Find and disarm 3 hidden bombs.
Screenshot.
Bomb 1 Mini Game
You are given 6 letters from which you need to make 6 words.
2 words are 3 letters - 2 words use 4 letters - 1 word has 5 letters - 1 word must use all 6 letters.
Click on the letters you want to use and they will appear in the bar below.
If you don't like the word you made, use the "Clear" button to get rid of it.
If you are happy with the word, click on "Submit" and it will go into the list. Once you have submitted it, you cannot remove it.
There is more than one solution to each of the 3 sets of letters to disarm Bomb 1.
Screenshot.
Screenshot.
Screenshot.
Bomb 2 Mini Game
For Bomb 2 you need to click on the pictures in the correct order according to the numbers at the bottom of the game.
If you make a mistake, you will have to start over.
If you need it, there is a reset button.
The screen shot is numbered to show you which pictures to choose.
Screenshot.
Bomb 3 Mini Game
Fit the pieces into the black shapes provided.
There are 3 rounds to disarm Bomb 3.
Screenshot.
Level 7
Revealing Visions Mini Game
What will the assassin's blade reveal?
Grab the key off the carving to open Dela's Journal.
Luggage Lock Mini Game
Open the lock on her luggage by clicking on the numbers corresponding to the figures underneath for the combination.
When the number is correct it will indent.
Clink on the package from Roland and it will scatter all over the room.
Screenshot.
Find and collect 18 metal capsules.
Pick up 6 colored coins.
Open the 2 sealed packages on the bed.
Screenshot.
Sealed Package 1 Mini Game
For Package 1 seat everybody at the table so the requirements listed below the table are correct.
Screenshot.
Sealed Package 2 Mini Game
Package 2 is a pairing of compound words. It doesn't matter which row you put them in.
Make words such as "Withhold" by putting "With" in column 1 and "Hold" in column 2.
You will get a cell phone when you have completed the game.
Screenshot.
The opened packages have produced 4 locked boxes which need to be opened.
Screenshot.
Box 1 Mini Game
Decode the message by swapping letters so that it reads "Some more numbers you are going to need".
The letter "E" is already permanent placed for you.
At the end you will be given an extension number.
Screenshot.
Box 2 Mini Game
Put the puzzle pieces together to get a cell phone activation code.
Screenshot.
Box 3 Mini Game
Decode the message by swapping letters so that it reads "Here is the phone number you should call.
The letters "H" and "O" are already in there for you.
Screenshot.
Box 4 Mini Game
Put the puzzle pieces together to get an access code for the secure line.
Screenshot.
Level 8
Revealing Vision Mini Game
Dela wants to find out more about Hari's past so hopes to get a vision from his armor.
Bonus Round
The Patrician Clothing Store
The game asks you to find 8 XL pieces of clothing for Hari but I marked 9 with round red tags in the screen shot because it counts down as if it want you to find all 9.
Collect 5 light bulbs.
Pick up 16 pieces of an invoice.
Take the screwdriver and spray and place them on the cash register.
Screenshot.
Invoice Mini Game
Put the puzzle pieces together to complete the invoice.
Screenshot.
Price Tag Mini Game
Swap the price tags so that each row and column does not have any tags of the same color or number.
One solution is shown in the screen shot because there are alternatives.
Screenshot.
The invoice showed there were 7 more pieces of clothing in XL so collect them.
Screenshot.
Fix The Cash Register Mini Game
Connect all of the wire pieces so that they light up.
There is no beginning or ending so you need to connect all of the squares.
Click on the squares to rotate them.
Screenshot.
Dress Hari Mini Game
He must wear at least a shirt, pants and shoes.
The screen shots are samples so you can experiment and see what gets you the bag with the checkmark.
Round 1 - dress him in red, white and blue and make sure it is a short sleeve shirt.
3 items of clothing are needed and the shoes are the sneakers because of the description.
Screenshot.
Round 2 - requires 7 items to be used for formal attire.
Screenshot.
Round 3 - dress him for cold weather using 7 items of clothing.
One of the items must be tan and you need to use 2 leather items.
Screenshot.
Level 9
Psychic Defense Mini Game
The Magi is trying to read Dela's mind and she needs to fend him off.
Connect the blue and purple end pieces using all the neurons provided.
Screenshot.
Bonus Round
Restaurant
Collect 9 metal cooking tools.
Pick up 16 fresh fruits and vegetables.
Click on the purple "?" for a conversation.
Screenshot.
There are 2 locked packages and the restaurant owner will bring out another box and place it on the counter.
Screenshot.
Package 1
There are 4 rounds to open Package 1.
Your goal is to spell the name of a fruit using all 9 letters.
The letters must connect either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
If you need it, there is a reset button.
Round 1 = starfruit to get Hari's Social Security card.
Screenshot.
Round 2 = pineapple.
Screenshot.
Round 3 = tangerine.
Screenshot.
Round 4 = nectarine.
Screenshot.
Package 2
Your goal is to light up all the lines by pressing the buttons to show where you want the next line to go.
You cannot retrace any line but you can use a dot more than once.
There is more than one way to solve the puzzles but a numbered solution is shown for each of the 3 rounds.
There is a reset button in case of need.
You will receive Hari's Passport in this package.
Screenshot.
Screenshot.
Screenshot.
Package 3
Use all of the letters to make 4 words the mean the same thing as "voyage".
Click on a letter at the right and then place it on the space where you want it to go in the 4 rows at the left.
They are all words that have 4 letters and your reward will be airline ticket.
Screenshot.
Level 10
Beijing Dirt Market
Collect 12 toys.
Pick up 10 mahjong tiles
Find 5 matchsticks.
Click on the purple "?" for a conversation.
Play 3 games with the kids.
Screenshot.
Children's Puzzle Mini Game
Place the tiles on the right into the square on the left organized by category.
Each item fits into two different categories and it doesn't matter which row or column you use as long as you are consistent with the categories.
There are 3 each of Air, Earth and Water as well as 3 Fantasy, Animal and Transportation.
Screenshot.
Matchstick Mini Game
There are 3 puzzles in this game.
For the first one you need to remove 3 matchsticks to that you end up with 3 squares.
Pick them up and drag them to the square at the right.
Screenshot.
To solve the second puzzle, remove 5 matchsticks so that 3 squares remain.
Screenshot.
Puzzle 3 wants you to remove 4 matchsticks and end up with 5 squares.
Screenshot.
Place the dominos on the left in the arrangement on the right with the 5 and 1 so that each tile touches the identical number next to it.
You can click to rotate them but they rotate automatically depending upon where you want to use them.
Experiment and see what works for you.
If you aren't happy with your choice, you can return it to the bone yard and choose again.
Screenshot.
Level 11
Have a conversation with Hari near the Weapons Door...click on the purple "?".
The game says to collect 12 faces or masks but there are actually 14 available which are marked on the screen shot and required.
Repair the cabinet glass by clicking on it.
Click on the dragon on the door at the right to see what that puzzle is all about.
Screenshot.
Cabinet Glass Puzzle
You need to place the tiles below the square on the left into it so that it matches the picture on the right.
The pieces in the screen shot are numbered to help you and the insert shows what the match looks like when it is partially finished so you can understand the placement.
You need to place the color tiles so that they properly overlap.
A partial is shown in the insert so you can see how they overlap.
Start at the upper left corner with the green square and then follow the numbers as shown in the
screen shot to arrive at your final destination.
When you finish you can collect Long Nu's ID card.
Screenshot.
Dragon Door Mini Game
Long Nu, "Dragon Woman", is the mysterious old woman who sold Dela the Riddle box. She is a dragon shape-shifter. Although she is cold and ruthless, her ultimate goal is to protect other shape-shifters like Hari.
Pick up the puzzle pieces on the street and place them on the door.
Click on the door and recreate the image of the dragon carved into the door.
Swap the tiles to make the puzzle complete.
Screenshot.
By using the correct combination of character, you will be able to recreate Long Nu's name.
Place the characters in the proper order as shown in the screen shot.
If you miss the way they go, press the Clear Button on either square.
When you have completed the puzzle you will get a letter from Long Nu written to Dela.
Long Nu's ID Card Mini Game
Use the Chinese character buttons to spell Long Nu's name.
Click on a button and then on the clear squares next to the ID card.
The first square has 2 columns and used 3 characters.
The second square requires 2 characters to make up the one.
If you do not get the correct character, press the clear button to start over.
The characters can be entered in random order.
Take the scroll inside the dragon door which is a letter from Long Nu to Dela.
Screenshot.
Level 12
Psychic Defense Mini Game
Help Dela deflect the knives from the assassin.
Connect the green and purple End Pieces with the rest of the neurons to make a chain.
Screenshot.
The Alley
Dela and Hari need to take a taxi back to the hotel but somebody dismantled the taxi so it needs to be repaired.
Pick up the 11 missing car parts and put them back in the taxi.
Collect 6 eggs for the vendor because her chicken was let out of his cage…ok, Dela needed the money so that's fair.
While protecting Dela from the attack Hari's shirt got bloody so he had to take it off…open the 3 locks for the shirt stall vendor to get him a disguise.
Screenshot.
Sealed Cabinet Mini Game
Fill in the crossword puzzle with the available letters.
All of the words are contained in the picture.
The letters will not permanently stick so you can move them if you need to.
Hari will get a new shirt when you are finished.
Screenshot.
Locked Safe Mini Game
Rotate the 6 tumblers to that all of them read "1".
Left click to increase a number and right-click to make it smaller.
Some of the tumblers cause others to move.
Tumbler 1 also moves 3 and 4.
Tumbler 2 moves independent of the rest.
Tumbler 3 also moves 2.
Tumbler 4 only moves 4.
Tumbler 5 also moves 6.
Tumbler 6 also moves 2.
You can experiment on your own or try this combination.
Click 1 through 5 each 1 time.
Click 1 once.
Click 3 once.
Click 4 three times.
Click 6 twice.
Hari is now outfitted with a pair of sunglasses.
Screenshot.
Puzzle Lock Mini Game
Place the tiles in the grid so that the characters in the tiles touching match on each side.
Hari will get a cap when you have completed the puzzle as shown in the center of the screen shot. There may be another solution but this one works.
Screenshot.
Level 13
Bonus Round
For this level there are 5 rounds of 2 items and 7 rounds of 3 items.
Hotel Room
Disable the surveillance device and wiretap.
Collect 12 scraps of paper and put them back together so they can be decoded.
Click on the purple "?" for a conversation with Hari.
Screenshot.
Wiretap Mini Game
Make 5-letter words in each of the 5 rows that are related to the word "corpse".
Click 2 letters to swap them.
Screenshot.
Surveillance Device Mini Game
There are 3 puzzles in the game.
Left click on the rings to rotate them clockwise and right click to rotate them counter clockwise to complete the pictures.
Screenshot.
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The outside ring on the right moves the outside ring on the left.
Screenshot.
Assemble The Paper Scraps Mini Game
Click on the scraps of paper you collected and put the jigsaw puzzle together.
Screenshot.
Decode The Message Mini Game
Swap the letters until the message reads "I need you to perform the following tasks see attachment".
The attachment is shown in the insert.
Screenshot.
Level 14
Revealing Visions Mini Game
Dela hopes to find out from the knife who the assassin is working for.
The Restaurant
Free the restaurant owner by taking the knife and cutting the cloth binding him.
Unlock the chain by playing a mini game.
Place the knob on the air conditioner and prying off the grill.
Disarm the bomb by playing a mini game.
Screenshot.
Chain Lock Mini Game
Rotate the 6 rings to discover the password.
Form 6 words with 5 letters each reading from the outer circle to the tiny inner circle.
Left click to move the circles clockwise and right click to move them counter clockwise.
Once you get one word, all the rest will fall into place.
Screenshot.
Disarm The Bomb Mini Game
Complete the image by clicking on the arrows to move the columns up and down and the rows from side to side.
The tiles with the blue background go on top and the pinkish background tiles are on the bottom.
Screenshot.
Click on the purple "?" for a conversation with Hari.
Take the broom and sweep up the glass.
Click on the catering dish for a mini game.
Screenshot.
Catering Dish Mini Game
Help the restaurant owner by placing as many items at the top as needed to fill up the silhouette in the fruit basket.
Once an item is in its correct place you won't be able to move them.
Not all the items will be used. What is shown on top in the screen shot is what is left-over.
Screenshot.
Psychic Defense Mini Game
Help Dela bend the railing back.
Screenshot.
Congratulations, you have completed part 1 of tiger eye...to be continued and we are told part 2 is coming soon! Watch the credits so you can see the preview of Part 2 which follows.
Special thanks to Jazz for this fantastic Walkthrough!
Posted by: grinnyp
|
June 28, 2010 5:33 AM