HeavenBound7729's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:26,774
- Reviews Submitted:964
- First Review:June 6, 2017
- Most Recent Review:September 27, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Organize and run an epic yard sale for the ages!
Overall rating
3
/
5
A Yard Sale From Seven Sails
PostedOctober 28, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This dev usually presents top quality games but I feel Yard Sale missed the mark a little. It is somewhat similar to the great Gardenscapes from way back, which I love and still play. Yard Sale isn't very much fun mainly because the graphics aren't so great, unlike the graphics from the older Yard Sale series.
They are too dark in the HO scenes and make searching a very slow process. Hints were needed too often! Also the HOs are very tiny and many don't look like their description. Some were hard to collect, requiring numerous clicks, some didn't respond to a direct hit but worked if clicked right next to them. So that was frustrating all through the demo.
Of the games offered I liked Find the Difference the most with a large number of differences. The puzzles were very easy. There's a Treasure Hunt that you can play with earnings. The more you have, the more squares you can dig up. What you uncover goes into a treasure chest but I don't know how the findings are used.
The game is satisfying if you like this style of hidden object game. I thought the demo was enjoyable in spite of the issues I mentioned but I'm not keen on purchasing because I don't like poking around in the dark looking for stuff. I prefer recognizing the items and enjoying the challenge because they are well blended into the surroundings rather than being in a too-dark area, making them nearly invisible.
The CE content is scant so I think the SE is a much better deal when a good sale pops up, or you have points to spare so you can enjoy right away.
I recommend this game!
Gear up for frights with spooky Halloween fun!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Ever Lose Interest, Waiting For It To Finally Arrive? I Do!
PostedOctober 27, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
It's nice that the SE version made it in time for the big day. Gamers who can't afford or just don't want the CE have waited a month. It's frustrating! I feel that games intended for special events or holidays should be created and released very early-on so that the SE arrives in time for that special date and the CE becomes discount-eligible. so everyone is happy! Dream on, right?
The graphics were great and colorful, cute images, too few of animals but they were adorable. The Halloween theme provided interesting visuals and I always like that. It keeps things from becoming boring when playing a long while. This is a mildly fun game, I say mildly because most of the games within are so familiar and I'm starving for something new and more challenging.
I played the CE demo and really enjoyed 3 of the 6 games I sampled, the other 3 were poorly designed and not much fun. The categories didn't have a lot of variety. Mostly same games, different look. Several categories had only 1 or a few games, so being shorted lessens the value, imo, especially with the CE.
I recommend this game!
Help Mr. Rat and the infamous Dracula in this adventure of a different sort!
Overall rating
3
/
5
I Thought It Would Be More Festive
PostedOctober 26, 2023
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The Halloween theme should have made the game more fun but it didn't. There are still far too many sun emblems. Matching the items was no challenge at all with many of them sitting right next to each other. The scenes were darker than usual.
Some scenes were blurry. One was intentionally blurred to create more challenge but all it did was cause minor frustration. The puzzles/games were more enjoyable than the clutter. Furnishing Dracula's lair was slow with getting one item at a time and the choices were made for us which wasn't much fun.
I quit playing this series long ago because it was always the same old thing and I had no desire to continue. Checking the demo today I see nothing new except the Halloween theme. But that's great news for Halloween enthusiasts IF you don't mind waiting until it is over before you can pick it up on sale! Many gamers have budgets to stick to and BF doesn't seem to be concerned that their new policy is preventing them from buying. How is that working out for you, Big Fish?
Help young Stephan navigate the big city and save his family’s farm!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Frustrating, Challenging, More Fun Than Expected
PostedOctober 26, 2023
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Stephan's journey to earn money to help his needy family has him busy with many different jobs. The story's plot is affected by your, hopefully, wise choices. Once the choice is made it can't be changed without replaying the scene. It is written dialogue all the way, LOTS and LOTS of it. Reading became burdensome and lessened the enjoyment for me.
I didn't care much for the graphics but they were colorful, not garish. Each scene is locked until current one is completed, enter each new chapter via the book which follows the adventure. The music is subtle and pleasant, Characters are nicely drawn, I think they should have been animated to make them more interesting.
I didn't care much for the graphics but they were colorful, not garish. Each scene is locked until current one is completed, enter each new chapter via the book which follows the adventure. The music is subtle and pleasant, Characters are nicely drawn, I think they should have been animated to make them more interesting.
There are 24 collectible cards, very well hidden, a Match 3, 14 upgrades to spruce up the neglected house and yard. Each is purchased with earnings acquired as you play the game. There's a variety of HO styles and not so easy. HOs are hard to spot, being too small, nearly invisible or hiding in dark areas. It took a long time to find everything in the long lists, without using hints, so the challenge is very good. Mini games were excellent and all were skippable. I liked the challenge!
It's a pretty good game, in my opinion. It's a shame I have to wait to purchase. This new rule that excludes new/recent games from sales is a really bad idea. By the time it becomes eligible I probably will have lost interest. Oh well, that's the way the cookie crumbles! I guess we have to take a backseat to greed these days.
I recommend this game!
Immerse yourself in whimsical adventures with your furry friends, solving delightful puzzles in a captivating journey you’ll paw-sitively love!
Overall rating
2
/
5
Animal Pics Should Never Be Boring
PostedOctober 23, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I expected to see a beautiful collection of animals. Instead I found only 2 or 3 pics in each category that were just kind of appealing. The colorful images were mostly in Felines and Canines and a few really cute ones were there. I was surprised at the lack of variety and beauty in this collection.
The images were so uninteresting and many looked like shots taken in a zoo. Even the butterflies and birds were disappointing. The sealife was very "ugh". Maybe I'm being too critical but, seriously, whoever chose these pics definitely does not have an eye for quality OR beauty. And in addition to my overall disappointment, I felt Tiny Little Lion wasn't so impressive this time.
Enjoy a journey filled with thrills, chills, and puzzles!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Not A Lot Of Trouble, Kind Of Fun
PostedOctober 21, 2023
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The game has a minor story that you can follow or not. The minimal written dialogue can be skipped. Graphics are a bit brighter than in game 4 but boards still a bit too dark for me, even with the sparkly special tiles.
I liked how the power-ups/bonuses worked and opening up the treasure chests. Earning the variety of helpers was easy. Obstacles were easily overcome but the fog took a bit of doing. I became a little bored about halfway into the demo but the game did stay busy with its changing goals to the end. I had to change to Moves to increase the challenge and that helped a little.
The trophies collected with your earnings are not pricey but they're not very festive. There are multiples of several of the items so that coupled with the room's small size makes decorating a bit boring. More than one of each item can be purchased and you can place them wherever you choose. The display of items and coins earned, along the bottom of screen, takes up too much room.
I did not get to play any of the mini-games. Even though the CE offers a bunch and 66 extra levels, I did not enjoy the game enough to purchase. But I think it will probably please Halloween fans who like this series.
I recommend this game!
Can you navigate an alternate timeline and find Rick Rogers?
Overall rating
4
/
5
Is Alt Rick Still Up To No-Good?
PostedOctober 19, 2023
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The assortment of extras makes it a typical CE from Elephant Games. The demo's easy pace had lots of tasks that weren't too bad but using cotton candy to retrieve something was a new stupid one. Achievements were easy to score, collectible figurines were easy to find, the puzzle pieces were not.
HOPs and puzzles were very good and a fun challenge. There's lots of reading if you want to follow the story but all can be skipped. Hint and Recharge times are too long even in Custom. Should always be zero wait in any game, imo. At times it was unclear what to use and where to use it which created more challenge but many just didn't make sense.
Alt Rick's research files show Rachel and her team much older than they look. They all seem to be 20-30 age range to me. So maybe the characters should be drawn looking more like their ages, not that it makes a big difference I guess. The demo got me into the town and a bit beyond. There was nothing especially unusual or mind-boggling to tackle but alternate worlds usually hold some surprises.
Characters and voices were fine. Anna Gray made an appearance to help out with some sound advice and additional info. The gameplay was okay and I always love investigating. This case holds special interest for me because, like everyone else, I want Rick Rogers to return safely and learn about his alternate existence.
Characters and voices were fine. Anna Gray made an appearance to help out with some sound advice and additional info. The gameplay was okay and I always love investigating. This case holds special interest for me because, like everyone else, I want Rick Rogers to return safely and learn about his alternate existence.
However, I have to wait for the CE to go on sale. It really is rotten that we can no longer enjoy new/recent releases at a discount price. It diminishes the excitement for many gamers.
BF, I get that you want the big bucks right away. But YOU don't get that we need and appreciate those discounts to keep buying your games. Loyalty works both ways, you know!
I recommend this game!
Take a trip to see the inspiring sights of Brazil!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Not Enough Of Brazil Somewhere In The Background
PostedOctober 18, 2023
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Most travel games don't really get around very much so Brazil is a nice change for those who favor playing them. They usually aren't a good representation of the country because very few of the items relate to the destinations. So why go there if you just get a mish-mash of objects scattered about? Only a building or landmark is shown in the background.
But it is great to see other countries no matter what their history or popularity. Many are so beautiful, interesting scenery and animals, historical sights. If these were highlighted more along with the trivia facts it would be a nice improvement.
I enjoy these games but own just a few since they are so repetitive and the U.S. and U.K. have been done to death. This game has excellent graphics and color, lots of HOs, very busy locations, a nice variety of mini games, souvenir shopping and good challenge. The bonus locations in the CE extend the fun but, imo, I feel there's too little extra content so the SE would be my choice.
I recommend this game!
So much more stuff to find!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Bits And Bobs...What's Next?
PostedOctober 17, 2023
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I think Boomzap needs a storage unit for all their stuff instead of passing it on to us. We now have 4 editions of this excellent game but the sequels contain nothing different. They basically are reruns. I play each demo and enjoy the variety and mini games but never see any changes. I own the first release but found any thereafter unnecessary because they're all the same.
I know these games are great fun for the fans who love and look forward to the new releases. The quality never waivers, graphics are excellent, HO scenes are full of interesting items. BUT, imo, it's time to move on to something fresh and more creative. And the CE hardly provides enough extra content to make it worth the price.
It's too bad that new releases are excluded from sale discounts for so long. That really stinks for those who eagerly wait for a new game and then have to wait some more until it's more affordable.
I recommend this game!
Create eerie, spine-chilling needlework patterns that will send shivers down your spine!
Overall rating
3
/
5
A Little Treat For Halloween Enthusiasts
PostedOctober 16, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
The images are cute but again most are too childish for me. A Gallery has been added where you can keep your finished pieces. It's great that Graphium Studios delivered the game in time for Halloween and it is not a CE.
You'll find several of the images repeated in more than one category. The few adult artstyle pics appealed to me. I don't understand why everything is so juvenile, the focus should be on adult gamers,
The game works a bit differently than other pixel art games. Minimal features/options but they are very necessary for any progress and less frustration. The magnifying option is a must as well as zooming. The sewing machine helper is great, coloring in a large one-color area, there's a recharge time of 20 seconds. After applying a color to the pixels, it doesn't show until you choose another area to paint.
I like the spools rather than the traditional scroll for displaying the colors. They all look rather drab but in the finished pic some are much nicer and brighter. I've completed only a couple in the previous game and was pleased with the colors. There are thousands of cells in each image so each one is super time-consuming. Marvelous for those who don't mind the tedium and it does stretch the length of the game, but it drives me bonkers.
That deterrent along with the too-cutesy images make this game a no-go for me. However, I believe it will be very enjoyable for Halloween fans who want a game representing their special day.
I recommend this game!