Joybelle_2's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:7,892
- Reviews Submitted:176
- First Review:October 23, 2019
- Most Recent Review:October 30, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Story-driven time management game about raising a dragon!
Overall rating
3
/
5
46 of 59 found this review helpful
An OK game...not exciting enough for me.
PostedJune 3, 2023
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
With a theme like 'Dragon' and 'Magic'...I feel this game just had so many missed opportunities to be a fantasy feast. There is nothing wrong with the game, it plays smoothly, there are collectables, artwork and some strategy with 'what to build' involved, but I felt it's graphics and the basically nothing much new left me a bit flat.
You have a dragon egg..and the game is the quest to hatch it. You try various means, hammering, lightening, heat etc. You have your buildings of gold, food and wood. There is one new feature, a unicorn that you need to collect the sparkles it produces to get past some obstacles. Otherwise it is really 'just another one' from this dev.
What a missed opportunity to dazzle us with magical graphics, mythical creatures and all things 'dragony' Lol.
There are things I do like about these games, the smoothness, the ability to go back and pick up the collectables for your puzzle (hit the last button on the ? tab)..3 modes of play, the morphing imp for the art, the ability to skip both the hints and the dialogue, but it does not make up for the lack lustre IMHO offering. Plus when games mostly all play the same way it gets a bit boring.
I did buy the game because of the sale on today. Otherwise I don't think I would have. When I think back to the original 'Alice' games...it seems to me that the games of late lack all of the original magic or wonder this dev used to provide.
I am not going to either recommend or not. Play the demo and see what you think. It's a bit average for me. Cheers.
Join the Viking heroes in a race to save the world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
54 of 65 found this review helpful
Old favourites...and a fun new feature
PostedMay 27, 2023
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is my idea of a TM. Race around, beat the clock and use lots of strategy. All our old friends are here, Everand, Boromere, Helga, and Brunnhilde ready to assist. And also squirrel who will gather food from the tress for you. You must have the right helper to achieve the tasks and therefore build their homes.
The fun new feature in this one is that some tasks can only be performed at either daytime or night. On most levels there is an alter you can switch to whichever is needed to move on...but on some your timing must be good or you wait.
There's lot's to do as usual with this series, repair and upgrade buildings, clear fog, chop trees, gather food, repair houses, exchange goods, dispel wolves and seal off lairs..and the pesky ghosts and monsters that keep 'reappearing' until you finish them for good. (a big part of the strategy).
There is a puzzle level every ten or so...and it's mahjong. There are also owls to collect, and they are marked on the map which levels have them. Whilst there is a good 'level guide', the owls are not circled. They also are not 'hidden' but tiny. I found it easier to look for them on the large screen before I got my level happening as they are teeny on the level guide. There are also achievements, wallpapers and music.
You can play regular timed, relaxed or hard. I find regular quite enough thanks! Bonuses such as speedy boots, extra resources, time freeze, factory speedup, extra worker appear quite early in the game..but you will not have them available on every level. You play with what the level has.
There are fifty regular levels and ten bonus levels as the CE. I think this is a bit 'light on' ..but I bought anyway as a TM tragic. (and it was a BOGO).
At the end of the day...it's a great game, quite challenging if playing timed, but also smile worthy in relaxed like spending time with old friends. The graphics are great and I find the new day/night feature enough to make this feel like 'I need this one too' lol. Always play the demo..but Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The Kidnapper of Happiness has escaped, and it’s up to you to save the citizens of Abonda! Adventure awaits!
Overall rating
3
/
5
49 of 64 found this review helpful
OH..so complicated. It's a tab overload!
PostedMay 18, 2023
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a cute game, but it's one of the most complicated TM's I have played I think. If you have the patience to learn what is happening it is quite enjoyable eventually. But it's not up there with my classic favourites.
You have a base from which you then choose (after stocking up on supplies there) to go on a chosen 'mission' which has a set of tasks to accomplish. But of course it does not stop just there, there is also a 'hidden task' tab with extra bits you can accomplish before you decide whether you are happy with completing the main mission and leave, or hang around to do the 'extras'.
There is the usual 'build' and demolish tasks to get the right buildings up (a tab of it's own)..and you must have a 'lot' free to build them on. So I suppose there is a little strategy there to decide what to knock down and build. You are guided by various characters a bit where to go next..but it is a large screen you must keep scanning back and forth to see where everything is. All in all...it's just too much clicking, clacking and checking stuff to make it as enjoyable as it actually could have been.
Most of the time I must admit (until I got very used to it) I was just clicking on everything as all the 'checking stuff' and playing the games was really busy, and there was a fair bit of interruption still pointing out new features and what I really should have been doing. What a shame (sad). It has all the makings of a cheerful game with happy graphics...but I feel it has been made far too intense.
I would have loved to give more stars, if only it just didn't have 'so much stuff' to keep checking constantly. Make sure you try the demo, and give yourself time to orientate to the game if you can...and then it's not too bad at all. I will recommend it as it does fill in the time with a feel good vibe..(once you have done your full on initiation!) A game with a big learning curve before you start to enjoy it.
I recommend this game!
Stop the floods and save the land!
Overall rating
3
/
5
46 of 54 found this review helpful
Sort of the Poor Cousin
PostedMay 6, 2023
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I really like this dev's games...they run smoothly and have lots of features. But the 'Ellie's Farm' series is my least favourite of the many they produce.
I find the graphics dull, sometimes hard to tell what's what, and the gameplay...almost 'boring'. Sorry. It's an OK game..but it is not a standout for me. But it's a pass for me as I have others in the series and this one does not really add anything exciting.
It has everything.. a bat to click for your pictures, and a strategy guide...hidden objects to find..if you hit the last button on the '?' will show you where they are (and you will most likely have to)..but it all left me a bit flat. Try the demo always and see what you think.
I will recommend it...as there is nothing really wrong with it. Just too 'samey' and not my favourite graphics at all.
I recommend this game!
Rescue, rebuild, and restore a world in peril!
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 47 found this review helpful
Feels like the old days!
PostedApril 22, 2023
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Not only was I glad to see a quality TM, but the devs here have pretty much gone back to the feel of the Rescue Team we all first fell in love with. Many of the features from the recent games are here..but not so much that it loses its essence.
Yes there are animals to 'hydrate' and plants etc which you must pick up from one of the newer style apparatus, but the feel comes from running ragged and strategy that requires demolition and double ups right from the start.
There is the store for your bonus assist, achievements, a good strategy guide and the newer feature...research. You can play relaxed if you wish or timed.
I am not that far in, and already I am really getting pushed to hurry and stratagise in timed. No slacking allowed lol.
If you are a TM fan you can't go wrong with this...much more of the old time feel, plenty of thought to be had, and the thrill of the speed. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A magical adventure awaits!
Overall rating
3
/
5
74 of 83 found this review helpful
Well they tried and so did I...it's too hard for me to enjoy
PostedApril 6, 2023
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
What a large load of super busyness! I have been playing for hours trying to get gold, and am managing it after playing most levels more than 5 times!
Firstly the graphics...so small you cannot work out what it is you are after sometimes, and even then...trying to find where they are amongst a huge distraction of non neccessary plants and flowers is such a strain on brain and eye! Trying to find some beehives to get to, and tiny little icons to pick up meant until you become totally familiar with a level so much time is wasted just scanning the field. It took the enjoyment away for me.
Then there is waiting for resources! Many times I had to 'not build' something like a bridge (if it wasn't asked for)..just to get the amount of resources in time to finish with gold. I must have played level 6 about 10 times to manage to get the needed food! (but I got there lol)
There are new features...a mother bear and baby..and you must clear the path to unite them in order to get to things or buildings you need to use. And there are 'forgers'..that 'make' tools and goods you need to get rid of 'racoons' and other obstacles. Scanning for these things was tedious.
There are the usual suspects, fireman, witch, merry makers, sawmill, quarry, food...all keeping you very busy in their own right.
So a super fast game...they tried to make changes, and add things..but they added way too much background and took no care for the 'user' experience. In fact the whole game does not seem made with much care...it's a time filler I guess. You can get gold...(there is relaxed too) but really I want to have fun..not get stressed and incur eye boggle.
It could have been a decent game if the devs...removed the rubbish background which makes it too hard to distinguish the 'usable' items. And if they took more care with that side of the graphics... so you can just enjoy the gameplay (that's not too bad really)
Always try the demo...
Always try the demo...
I don't recommend this game.
Take a trip on the wildest rails in the west!
Overall rating
5
/
5
113 of 125 found this review helpful
What a gem!
PostedMarch 23, 2023
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Often a series can become too 'samey' after a while when there have been a few...fear not. There are lots of changes here and I have enjoyed it more than the last one so far.
This one is mainly centered around 'mail delivery'..both packages and letters. To get your house active and paying rent you must deliver the right package to the right house so they start paying rent. Then upgrade and build a mailbox so they can send letters. You will have to 'pay' various characters along the way to either get to the packages and some require an amount of mail 'sent', including loading the familiar train.
The 'wanted' owls are here. And I really like that you can access the level guide when playing to find out 'where they are' if you wish. (you can go back and pick up and leave too)
In timed it's quite hard..but I think it is getting used to the 'new scheme' of things. I zilched out on level 6 just because I didn't realise how important chopping trees as I went was going to be. But that's strategy for you lol.
There is also a 'Town' that you use your stars to restore, and this helps in the game. Repair the bank you get more money on the levels...the bakery more food etc.
I am not too far in..but the new mini game I played was great fun. People come to the post office window and want the package they have ordered. Maybe one small blue and a large green, or two small blues etc and you must click on the parcels you have to give them their order.
All in all...this is a fun series and this one does not disappoint. Try the demo...but if you are a TM tragic like me I bet you will jump at it. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you help our heroes save the fairy kingdom?
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 33 found this review helpful
Not many new features, but a good game anyway.
PostedJanuary 17, 2023
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Now released on BFG, this is in the spirit of past games in this series. It is fast, smooth and quite humorous. I actually put it at 4.5 stars as I have a few minor issues with the gameplay even though I am thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.
There are two modes of play, relaxed and normal (timed)..and as this game always is...timed can get quite difficult very quickly. The saving grace is that you can toggle between modes if you give up and still get your gold. I got my 'masters wings' on the first ten levels for finishing early...and then nope lol. Maybe an 'easy' mode so gold can be gained without 'cheating'?
There are satrys, goblins, hunters, characters to meet, building and upgrades etc. And in this one the Princess is often required to touch a stone at the same time as the wizard is available to make up the magical numbers required to defeat an enemy. And very like MKFP, you will build swamp mats too.
There are three coins on each level to put a 'coin top' on your banners, and they are hard to find! They can be found by hitting the magnifying glass on the guide, and you can go back and get them and leave. If you found them but are repeating a level...they still show and you don't have to do them again. (I like this feature)
The only reason I did not give 5 stars is the dialogue which I don't see any way of skipping? And I find it really annoying when I go to start a level and have to click through it. But all in all a very good game, lots of action, strategy but enough hand holding to get some satisfaction available with the guide. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 10 found this review helpful
One tough timer!
PostedDecember 12, 2022
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This game has a lot of tweeking to make it a 'good' M3. There are not enough faults for me to 'dislike' it...but enough lack of care for me to be very underwhelmed by it.
Firstly the timer is tough because the tiles are not very kind the way they fall. I only scored 2 on most levels..and totally didn't make it on others even though I was really concentrating. There are so many pop ups at tutorial stage, because the game is overcomplicated. You have to earn coins to decorate your tree..but you have to make them on most levels by making matches of four blue presents..but they don't go away...they sit there and block until you turn them into a coin by the 4x...then you have to drop it off the bottom of the field.
Because the timer was tough and the tiles unkind lol..I tried to do my repeat on 'relax'...and hit the options and nothing happened and I thought 'oh you must need seperate profiles'?...BUT...if you go right back to the very start screen options tab...you CAN change and move on.
And the decorations themselves don't seem to have been made with much love. They are all available..but very basic, and they don't turn or seem to be the right size. It's quite disappointing.
To me there is not much 'Cheer' in this game..but it is a decent challenge on levels that are kind to you...but its all a bit frustrating. I think that it needs a lot more work to make it user friendly and feel good. But try the demo...see how you go. But it's not for me.
I don't recommend this game.
An epic race to save a small mining town and restore glory to Camelot!
Overall rating
5
/
5
55 of 60 found this review helpful
You can't go wrong with this series and this game!
PostedDecember 10, 2022
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well here we are No.12 in the series and nothing is stale or not fun. Kudos to the developers! This is a classic New Yankee, with Mary, John, Gremlin, Max, Raven and all the usual suspects, lotuses, skeletons, stones, holes etc but because of the storyline we are also contending with with tigers as the enemy and needing firetorches. Its a quite exotic setting.
There are new minigames, puzzle pieces (which are marked on the levels and the strategy guide, and you can just go back and get them and leave if you miss one. Three levels of play (normal, expert and relaxed)..bonuses to make the characters stronger or move faster..(and you will be glad to see the raven one that makes him fly faster pop up quite early) He is so very slow to begin with so get him working as soon as possible.
There's not much different, it's got the great feelgood like all the games...and yet there's lot's of difference. This series always brings up new challenges and features. All I can say is try the demo, grab it and have all the fun you can ever have with a TM! It's just a wonderful new addition to a classic and absolute favourite series. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!