THE NUMBERS FOR THE ANSWERS AND HINTS MATCH UP WITH THE PUZZLES THEMSELVES NOT THE WAY THEY ARE ORDERED IN THE PDF.
ALSO THE ANSWERS ARE IN b64.
1. Hint: picture crossword but 3D. Answer: cGVhY29jaw==
2. Hint: what is in the image? Answer: YXhvbG90bA==
3. Hint: HELLO I'M SPONS. Answer: d3Jlbg==
4. Hint: spanish. Answer: ZmxhbWluZ28=
5. Hint: oooooh colours. Answer: cGFudGhlcgo=
6. Hint: themes of the past. Answer: ZWxlcGhhbnQK
7. Hint: if you're playing this you've probably heard of him. Answer: dG9hZAo=
8. Hint: note halo thermometer that doesn't sound right. Answer: aHVlYmlyZHMgb2YgaGFwcGluZXNz
9. Hint: picture crossword developer system. Answer: a29hbGE=
10. Hint: lingo. Answer: Y2FtZWwK
11. Hint: the sequel for the hint for 10. Answer: cmFiYml0Cg==
12. Hint: go here http://www.balmoralsoftware.com/fool/fool.htm and go to the emperor. Answer: d2hpcHBvb3J3aWxs
13. Hint: the cubes hold the answer. Answer: cGFycm90
14. Hint: now this is a rare animal. Answer: cGFuZGEK
15. Hint: no kia Answer: c25ha2U=
The hint of the metapuzzle: order the animals properly and count once you do that you'll find that the answer is quite clear.