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:
Can you break a curse in time to save Christmas?
Overall rating
2
/
5
115 of 155 found this review helpful
This Is Not A Good Representation Of Christmas!
PostedDecember 16, 2021
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Why does every game have to be fantasy themed? Surely, devs with adult minds can come up with something related to a real-world Christmas that is entertaining. They are always putting out games with the fairytale scenario, when they should be targeting the adults who pay for these games.
Also, I was miffed that these devs suggest to any child or adult that our Christmas originated in Christmasland! How is this okay? Granted, this is just a game but why insert this misinformation in the first place?! Friendly Fox really messed up here, in my opinion.
I played the entire demo and it moved along at a good pace with mundane tasks and simple games. Graphics, colors, sounds, characters were all well done for the most part, and we have a little pixie helper. There was no Christmas music and, sadly, no sense of feel-good in the end. The puzzles and HOPs were okay but offered little to no challenge. There are only 2 collectibles, a bunch of achievements to earn, and the usual Friendly Fox extra content. It isn't, for me, enough to justify the higher CE price.
I feel, based on the demo, that this game is far removed from Christmas. It's just another fairytale with a splash of hoilday thrown in because it's "the season". Any age group and skill level will find this game very easy. It's not my idea of a good quality Christmas story, so it didn't put me in that cheery mood while playing. Maybe you'll enjoy it much more than I did, as we all have different tastes.
Complete an enchanting new collection of puzzles and uncover what’s hidden behind the doors of the hand-drawn Advent House?
Overall rating
5
/
5
28 of 44 found this review helpful
"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"
PostedDecember 14, 2021
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This is one of our finest developers and I greatly appreciate their work! In my opinion, when it comes to jigsaw puzzles, they can't be beat. There is a plentitude of options and features making Puzzle Pieces a wonderful series to have in your collection. The puzzles are always absolutely gorgeous, with luscious colors and fantastic variety.
I'm a content busy bee in my little corner of puzzle heaven. I don't even know why I keep buying them with so many to assemble at this point, except for the fact that they are so amazingly beautiful and fun. From the beginning this developer has paid attention to our reviews. As a result we have this delightful series that any puzzle enthusiast will find hard to resist. I highly recommend Numbers 2-5 and suggest checking the reviews for Number 1 which was the turning point for these wonderful puzzles.
Today's Winter/Christmas theme is right on time to get us in the mood for the season. Give the demo a whirl, especially if not familiar with Puzzle Pieces you'll want to check out the options/features, to see how they work. With the 60% sale on Christmas games today, I think it's a great holiday treat.
I recommend this game!
Help the Walkers dig through the clutter and arrange the perfect vacation for Mr. Claus!
Overall rating
3
/
5
19 of 23 found this review helpful
Has The Grinch Moved In?
PostedDecember 13, 2021
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Hopefully BF will become a little more ambitious and generous this Christmas season. So far the holiday games have been few and disappointing. But there's still time for something wonderful to happen. Right? Let's get busy on our Wish List, everyone!
Shopping Clutter 13 is a little underwhelming with its Christmas theme. Pennmom's review sums it up pretty well. I, too, am tired of the Sun Emblems. To me they are an irritant, easy enough to remove but far too many. The constantly moving items don't exactly make a fun experience and the slightly transparent objects mess with my eyes a little.
The graphics are always sharp and bright, very colorful. The levels are full of clutter, always moving around, as we locate matching objects and related pairs of whatever. Very repetitious and boring, it doesn't take long for me to lose interest. However, I do try the demo each time in hopes of finding something new and fun. Alas, it hasn't happened yet. I think the very first Shopping Clutter games were more entertaining, maybe because they were something new and a little different at the time.
I'm sure this series pleases many who are wanting a simple, very easy way to pass some free time. The younger players might enjoy it a lot, too. For me, it hasn't a good variety of tasks nor enough challenge to keep it interesting. Check out the demo, you may feel completely different about it than I do.
Santa’s sleigh is sidelined and only you can save the season!
Overall rating
4
/
5
28 of 36 found this review helpful
Hello, Holidays! Here We Come!
PostedDecember 12, 2021
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
A great Christmas treat for those who like to collect every edition of a series, this one always seems to please. It was a hit from the beginning and still offers all the goodies that made it so popular. Activities aplenty. Lots of people, critters, presents, Christmas things everywhere! The scenes are packed with festive sights and everyone is in the spirit.
As always the colors are bright and beautiful in the excellent graphics. Games galore, great puzzles, they are mostly easy but that just means more fun for the kids. The whole family will enjoy them. The hidden objects are all over the place, you'll have plenty to keep you busy. The items are small and there is a good challenge, not an uncomfortable one. Much more entertaining than objects that are so big and in-your-face like in many other HO games. The game plays like Park Rangers, same sort of tasks, being Christmas the collectibles are different.
I own Numbers 1-10 and get into them, often actually, as part of the "not enough good new games" dilemma has taken over at BFG. I picked up the SE today. Even though I love the series I rated 4 stars only because I recognized too many scenes from previous installments, a wee bit of something added. For me it's just not enough to really call it a "new" game. I gave 1 extra due to this being an SE which is more budget-friendly, still providing oodles of holiday fun.
The kids will enjoy playing along and parents will have the comfort of knowing that nothing inappropriate is going to spoil the good time. Supervision can be put aside for Christmas! So many games today are ill suited for children! If not yet familiar with this Christmas tradition, you'll find lots of holiday cheer in the demo. It's delightful, give it a try!
I recommend this game!
The bad kids are taking over the Polar Express!
Overall rating
3
/
5
29 of 37 found this review helpful
I Guess It's Too Early To Expect A Good Christmas Game
PostedDecember 9, 2021
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I didn't especially care for this story. It seemed to focus on making bad kids feel even worse about themselves. Yes, the boys are brats and bullies but a few acts of kindness and kind words go a long way. Even in a silly game words are strong weapons. The demo shut me out, for some mysterious reason, with 21 minutes left and would not let me resume.
I found nothing different from any other Domini game, other than the Christmas theme. The same number of collectibles, lots of notes, a room to decorate. Everything was far too easy to find and the extra sparkly help to locate the gingerbread was just too much hand-holding. I don't know that the remaining minutes would have offered anything special.
The graphics were really beautiful and mostly brightly colored, but the HOPs were dark and drab. The characters were very nicely done, a little more facial expression was evident this time. The voices were pretty good but the talking dog could've been better. I saw little of the dog helper in the demo, maybe he will seldom show up which will please a lot of gamers, but I usually like the animal helpers.
HOPs were enjoyable but easy, challenge is always missing, making them boring and I sometimes switch to the Match 3 just for a little change even though they aren't difficult either. There was a small variety of HOPs which I found enjoyable. I liked the puzzles, playable in Easy or Hard Mode with not much of a difference between the two, but fun to switch once in a while.
I enjoyed the Christmas song but after listening to it several times I was ready for something different. It would have been nicer, in my opinion, to have a medley of festive tunes. The scenes in the demo were mostly the interior of the train, except at the start of the game. Tasks involved finding the usual items broken, hidden or buried with the same silly things to solve the dilemma. I used a button to remove a screw, a string of lights to reach a ladder, a paperweight to pound nails into a plank, a slingshot and snow globe to retrieve an item. The list goes on! Whatever happened to good old logic?
It's been a long time since Domini has given us more game for the money. They just stick with the same old stuff each and every time, like a broken record. The CE always features the same number of collectibles, a room to decorate and all those notes. A little variety would certainly be a big improvement. I wish each game would offer challenging collectibles, a different amount each time and something other than notes. The room to decorate matters little to me, but it is fun for many players.
During the demo I did enjoy all the Christmas items strewn about, the train was a mess thanks to the meanie boys. So there was a lot to take in. It was slightly festive in that limited space. Hopefully, once inside Santa's territory, the beauty and wonder expanded to the delight of all the kids who were invited to visit. I was hoping to see a bit of the disgruntled elf, but no such luck. Maybe the mean boys will find the true spirit of Christmas and become little sweetie pies while on this special adventure!
I think this is a family friendly game and will have a good moral to it in the end. I found it very easy, so the kids will surely have a good time playing along. Lots of lovely sights, pretty music, number of HOPs and puzzles were just enough, no glitches. I wish the demo had given me the full 90 minutes, what I did play was just okay. I'll be waiting for more ho, ho, ho to come along, hopefully soon, in another game.
I recommend this game!
Christmas is coming, along with a new collection of festive pixel art riddles to complete!
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 15 found this review helpful
'Tis The Season!
PostedDecember 7, 2021
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I love this series. Pixel painting with Artists of Fortune is much different from our other pixel art game. If you like this style of art, you may enjoy this one a lot. Today's new game has festive music and the pictures are not crazy/goofy looking like in the previous editions. They are cute and Christmasy with bright, appropriate colors. The pixels seem to unfold or flip over when the colors are applied, a little visual that I enjoy.
When completed, they are bigger than a postage stamp and in focus, so you get to enjoy your accomplishment. I own the other Artists of Fortune games and will be adding this to the fun collection. The features are delightful and the options are just right, at least for me. There are 3 power-ups. The Rainbow Crayon is universal, painting tiles of any color, which I never feel a need to use. The Filler paints an entire area of all the same color and replenishes as you paint. This feature is a big time saver if you are an impatient artist in the bigger areas. Blockbuster colors a rectangular area and the tiles behind.
I always use my system cursor because it is smaller. Relaxed Mode protects all the tiles from the color you are currently using, so they aren't filled in if accidentally touched. Painting is a little more challenging if not in Relaxed Mode because it's easy to undo colors that have already been placed. Hard to explain, but you'll figure it out. The map is helpful but I rarely refer to it, Zoom is always a must-have for me and moving the pic around is a must. Great features in any color game!
The numbered and lettered crayons are absolutely the greatest idea. No more scrolling back and forth, all the colors are laid out at bottom of the screen and each one disappears when you have completed that color. There are so many colors, bright and beautiful, nothing drab or washed out. Near the map there are 4 little boxes, color choices for the pixel highlighting. I find that the purple works best for me, but I like using them all. The different colors make it easier to see the numbers and draws out the cells you are working on much better, eliminating the frustration that just grey shades would cause.
The counter is very helpful and I also like the bar at top of screen that shows the percentage of the pic that has been painted. You can leave an image and move to another, even if unfinished, the % of completion shows for what is remaining. The pics don't have to be done in sequence but you do have to complete the entire level before advancing to the next. Your work is saved upon exiting. There are rewards to earn for varying degrees of accomplishment.
I really can't find anything wrong with Artists of Fortune. For me it is fun, colorful, a little unique and offers pictures that stand apart from the norm. Today's seasonal theme isn't way out there, however, and the demo was full of Christmas treats to keep me entertained. It may not appeal to everyone, but give it a try. Maybe you'll find a bit of holiday cheer to brighten up your day.
I recommend this game!
Visit a creepy castle and solve tricky match-3 challenges to banish evil spirits.
Overall rating
5
/
5
48 of 61 found this review helpful
The 10th Perfection From These Devs!
PostedDecember 6, 2021
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
A great way to start my Monday! I love this series, everything about it. The excellent challenge keeps it from becoming boring, the strategy keeps my brain from dozing off, I'm forced to lay out a plan to get me to those coins. It's not impossibly difficult but requires extra thought and time.
The tasks we become engaged in can be so frustrating sometimes, at least for me, to achieve the ultimate goal of collecting the gold coins. It isn't a rush job that can be accomplished in a short sitting. I always get a big feeling of satisfaction from this game.
I own all the Cursed Houses and enjoy them frequently. The first one was an exciting new twist on Match 3 games at the time and is still a favorite. The mini-games aren't abundant, just enough for a break from the steady coin endeavor. My favorite is Find the Difference, well designed and quite challenging. I refuse to use a hint, so it can take a chunk of time to complete.
Every Cursed House has a little something new about it which keeps it fresh and fun. I noticed, too, that the Hint feature has been tweaked a bit this time and is a little more helpful. The graphics are always sharp and colorful, the tiles are cool and we have a new one today. The mechanics are cleverly designed to keep the game interesting all the way through. There are never any tech issues and there is no lagging between levels. Number 10 is a definite buy for me. Banishing spirits is more fun than ever. This game may not appeal to everyone but I would encourage you to try it if it's new to you. If you like Laruaville you will see some similarity. Thanks to the devs for this unique game that never fails to bring me fun and satisfaction.
I recommend this game!
Set out on an exciting journey around the world!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 24 found this review helpful
Devs, Please Challenge Us!
PostedDecember 5, 2021
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
I love this puzzle style and still play the old Patchworkz. I enjoy the different textures, the sounds when pieces are placed and unique pictures. Patchwork is off to a good start with the beautiful pictures and lots of levels. However, the element of challenge is what makes it fun, for me. I need that sense of accomplishment to make it worthwhile.
A variety of difficulties that any skill level can enjoy, so no one is left out of the fun, would be a fun addition. With no timer and the too-easy assembly, this game will be a "flash in the pan". 150 levels won't be enough to make it a good deal.
In the demo I completed 52 puzzles and still had a little time remaining. The pieces are quite large and the colors are the big "hint" factor, so assembly was about a minute per puzzle. I shouldn't have to slow down to a snail's pace to prolong the game. The images were still lovely and I liked the countries that were featured, so it wasn't a total loss.
There are 9 countries, each represented by 25 pictures, and they are so colorful and beautiful. I assemble at least 2 computer pics every single day that I create from wallpapers and my own photos. I'm always searching for ready-made puzzles that I can just jump into and enjoy without the extra work. It would be great to add Patchwork to my puzzle obsession. As it is I have to pass, for no other reason than just too easy.
I hope future games from this dev will bring us challenge, the biggie for me, and the timer with a choice of "use it or not". It's easy to become bored and end up not finishing the game. It is truly a wonderful set of puzzles and I'm sure you'll find it delightful. If you only want something to take your mind to a less hectic place, this will be just right. The kids can join in, too!
I recommend this game!
Extraterrestrials have arrived! Fortunately, they’re not here to invade, they just want to observe. Can you find them all?
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 32 found this review helpful
Aliens! All Around Us!
PostedDecember 4, 2021
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
If you are looking for something completely different you'll find it in this unique, out-of-the-box HO game. The animated scenes are very simple drawings with very drab colors and everything is constantly in motion. I had to purchase, didn't even give it a second thought.
It is a wonderful challenge! So much fun, so busy, so worth the CE price. That's a rare statement, coming from me, in these recent years of poor quality cookie-cutter games.
Lots of interactivity is always fun. The items are small and well blended into the surroundings. The scenes are abundantly full of things, hidden EVERYWHERE. You never know where they could be: inside, outside, under, above, behind! I couldn't leave anything uninspected. The entire demo had me working away. I have never been this entertained in a demo!
There's a little story being told involving these aliens and humans. The activities are not your typical boring, easy-peasy tasks that we always grump about. A game actually exists without lost keys, broken locks, missing valves, and bees to smoke out. I found this game to be really entertaining. I hope it is a long one! Features, options, hint system work great and add just what it takes to make this a fun experience.
Please take the time to complete the demo and get a true feel for what this game is all about. Exiting too soon will not do it justice. Unless you are super hard to please, I think you will be delighted. It won't appeal to everyone, but a least give it a fair chance. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I recommend this game!
When Santa’s sleigh is damaged as he’s leaving the North Pole on Christmas night, only one person can save the holidays. You!
Overall rating
3
/
5
21 of 30 found this review helpful
This Is Not Exactly A New Game!
PostedDecember 2, 2021
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
The date is new and that is just about it. This one is no different from the others, except there are more puzzles. The scenes are overflowing with people and things to the point that it gets to be too much after a while. So taking a little break while playing works well for me. I love this series, owning numbers 1-10, and have played them often so I'm quite familiar with the content.
We again collect lost items, angels and coins and work from an item list of hidden objects. You can earn 3 stars in each level by finding all that is required, see your accomplishments after completing, they can be replayed to better your score. The coins are used to buy Christmas gifts, achievements are easily met, the songs are very nice and there are some beautiful wallpapers to spruce up your computer for the holidays. There are lots and lots of puzzles, something for everyone. The set-up is pretty much like Park Rangers, so if you love that series you will enjoy this one as well.
The graphics are sharp and beautiful. The HOs are small and not as easy to find as you might expect because the scenes are so busy. A pretty good challenge awaits! Colors are bright and festive, the scenes are overly crowded with sight-seers, shops, animals here and there, everything snowy and Christmasy.
I would be okay with this game if I didn't notice the similarity. As MrsMoe53 mentioned, it really shouldn't be labeled a new game. I hope Big Fish is not trying to pull a fast one over on us again. It's hard to tell with these Wonderland games unless you play them enough to realize they are the same scenes in today's game with just a few new items thrown in. With this being the case, it will not be a purchase for me.
I don't think spending extra on the CE is necessary unless you are excited about all the extra puzzles offered, it is a very good variety, very much the same as the Park Ranger games. This is a great way to kick off the holiday season. The series is age and family friendly, enjoy it with friends. If you have never tried it, check out the demo. It is a very good sampling of what to expect.
I recommend this game!