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:
There's a gold rush coming, and it's your job to lead the way!
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 45 found this review helpful
A good mix of the first two...just good TM fun
PostedFebruary 26, 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
I can't see any features here (other than where the bonuses come from)..that are not covered between the first two games of this series, but the quallity and strategy and all round fun is still worthy of 5 stars.
The wigwams are here...the traders are here, houses, piles of gold and ore...and most importantly that railroad that always needs station and rail repair but brings you your much needed stocks.
The collectables are on each level. The owls..and they are marked on the strategy guide. (located in the bonus catagory). If you miss one you can just go back and get it..then leave and keep your stars.
Bonuses are generated as you progress through the game...more % collected of resources, faster work etc and are located in the 'train carriage' .
To quickly sum up...familiar features and game play..but plenty of scenery change, and you DO need to use strategy to finish in timed mode. No slouching allowed lol. I have a soft spot for this series..just enough bells and whistles to keep you on your toes without being frustrating. (there is a relax and expert mode) I have enough trouble getting through in normal. Its fast, it's smooth and feel good. Enjoy.
I recommend this game!
Help Hercules build the Wonders of the World!
Overall rating
5
/
5
41 of 49 found this review helpful
Lack of new features...but as always frantic and funfilled
PostedJanuary 22, 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
4
/
5
This beloved series has so many features that I tend to forgive that there are not many new ones in this as the fun factor is as always top notch. I nearly took a star off for the amount of levels that were very simplistic at the start and the fact the only strategy guide are arrows that you must follow and nothing laid out in steps, but the smile on my face and the frantic pace keeps me loving it. (Developers do please come up with a new novelty next time??)
The artwork in this one is really good, and you can turn the arrows off. I did notice the puzzle pieces needed to make the jigsaws and unlock the bonus levels..are very varied. Some are huge and the flag gives away their general location. (I guess to compensate that they are not marked on anything)
There are the underground levels, the heroes to free in order to complete some tasks and unblock or magic the saplings so you get more food, and all the usual food, wood and gold buildings..the infamous 'pills'..for speed and spawn...and the side bonuses...in fact the only new thing I came across was the artwork. Cerberus has new fancy looking ghosts to chase away..and Hercules has road cones to clear not just rocks! lol.
So nothing spectacular to announce...just our usual familiar fun game and as fast paced as ever for those playing timed. (there is a relaxed). I really did become completely absorbed in each level once the tutorial pace was over. Try the demo always....Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Save the kingdom of Ellya in this incredible fantasy adventure that combines simulation and match-3 gameplay!
Overall rating
5
/
5
57 of 65 found this review helpful
This is a lot of fun. A sort of Hybrid of many games we know.
PostedJanuary 12, 2022
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Firstly I don't think I would say this is 'Time Management' but more of a strategy blended with adventure and gather/build. There is no timer.
There are not a lot of instructions, but if you click clack on everything (you will figure it out). To gain resources you have to double click items in the surrounding forest, and your task list tells you what you need to achieve to move on as well as your quests of finding things or making things. To make things like rope or water etc (whatever is needed)..you have a list of ingredients on your 'base camp' menu.
You will need to grow and harvest things as well. You will meet people on your way that educate you and often give you gifts to help complete the tasks.
When you are called to battle an enemy it is a Match3 battle where specially marked icons clear a whole row if you can incorporate them in your play. To begin the battle you need to double click on the enemy you are about to fight.
If it tells you to 'compete the tasks' when you are trying to move on...you only need to complete the most pressing of the list...and pick up your $ reward and the game will let you keep going.
Its not an overly hard game..quite relaxing really and I am finding it great fun. So good to have something different and yet familiar if you have played other strategy/M3's. Do try the demo and be kind to yourself while you familiarise with the game mechanics (there is not much instruction). I am really liking this one! Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Embark on an electrifying adventure to save the world from a robotic menace in the latest Time Management adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 25 found this review helpful
This never disappoints. Tons of fun and strategy
PostedDecember 11, 2021
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
This series is always fun to play. There is not too much different in this one (other than a new production machine and the capsules it makes to get rid of biorobots and drillers). But there are always so many features to this game, it will keep you busy working out what to build, demolish and which direction. (or you can check out the numbered strategy guide and brief 'order' description)
There are three modes of play..relax, easy and hard, and all the features we are used to, ziplines, helicopters, fires, tornadoes and lightening balls. The usual firestations, houses, sawmills, gas stations and burger joints and the all important store.
I am finding with this I do tend to demolish buildings a fair bit to meet the needs in time. The strategy guide does not tell you any of this...that is for your own grey cells. Sometimes following it worked...sometimes not.
The graphics are good (always updated a bit) and the gameplay smooth. You can skip dialogue and turn the tutorial on and off when you wish. There are achievements, bios on the team, art and music. There is a section called experiments that I guess is the 'sticker' collection, but you get the items by completing levels..you don't have to find them.
There is also an 'encyclopedia'...explaining the new machines and obstacles and what they are about...that opens up more as you go too. And of course the bonuses that can be bought to speed up people and machines, slow fire, etc.
There is also an 'encyclopedia'...explaining the new machines and obstacles and what they are about...that opens up more as you go too. And of course the bonuses that can be bought to speed up people and machines, slow fire, etc.
Its a great game. I am having to use my brains, and it satisfies my 'rush around' madly needs in a TM. Try the demo but I believe if you like this genre you will find this one of the best. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Wonderland is under a threat of epic proportions and denizens will have to come together like never in this Time Management Adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
48 of 52 found this review helpful
It's a bit 'samey'...but its lots of fun!
PostedNovember 29, 2021
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
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a great little series. The movement is smooth and the gameplay takes some thinking about. At first I was mortified after playing the others.. that the strategy guide did not have a button to show the collectable (puzzle piece..which is a watch)..but that is a small change and is just a tiny purple arrow showing where it is, and I have to scan sometimes to spot the arrow lol. The guide is on the level right bottom question mark. It is a numbered screen shot.
There is a workshop in this one where you have to have the resources to craft various items to complete your levels, and I did have to repeat some very early ones as I needed to demolish some buildings and put up two of some. That is what I like...the thinking factor! Your bonuses (speed, extra gather etc) now appear on a tower and not a wheel, and you must have enough resources to set them off rather than they 'just appear'.
So its your standard build, gather, clean the path TM. And there are merchants to trade with. There are the disappearing pallettes you must catch for your artwork to be done as always. But all in all it passes my 'make me smile' criteria.
There are three modes including 'chill out' relaxed and you can have several profiles. If you miss a collectable you can just go back and get it and leave too.
So try the demo...you may find you feel you 'have the game' already, but they seem to have just put enough slight difference in for me. And lets face it..we are starved for quality TM's at the moment. I was also happy I got it on the 'game club' deal at half off as well. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Help Robin Hood pursue and defeat the villainous Gisbourne!
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 25 found this review helpful
Best one yet!
PostedNovember 6, 2021
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
I have all the games in this series, and as gather, build, upgrade resource buildings, and generally rush around games go this is right up in the top few. With this one you have the added fun of Robin needing to shoot his arrows at adversaries and traps to set to capture guards. I have not played too far into the game, but wanted to put up a general idea of what this game involves.
There are not many changes from the past games that I have come across but one is 'the outfits'. You find these on the gold grab levels called 'heist' and can dress your characters. I am still waiting to understand if this is just a bit of fun or they serve a practical choice purpose eventually? There is also an 'upgrade' store where you can spend some cash to make characters 'go faster'..or speed up production etc.
There are two modes, timed and relaxed, there are wallpapers and music. There are 38 regular levels, 12 bonus levels with the CE and 10 heist levels. There is a good strategy guide both verbal and numbered and it also shows the hidden objects to find on each level. One thing that I did like was I only found two of three on one level..and so I replayed and only had to find the last one. But really they are quite gigantic and their shape and what levels also show on the map.
I did only have two annoyances, you can't just skip the level dialogue but the story is good and humorous. The other that the tutorial holds you up terribly at the start. At one stage as I was trying to pick which bonus players I wished to use..I thought I had a glitch..but instead once I stopped clicking..the tutorial came in told me I could choose..then it worked fine. I only left it on hoping to come across the explanation for the 'outfits'.
If you like this style of TM...just grab it ..it's wonderful. The graphics are loud and colourful, and the gameplay smooth. I did see on the video there is a large variety of scenery and settings yet to come...so not boring. Do try the demo...but to me this is just great..Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Master match-3 puzzles and beat top scores while you join Victoria and Beatrix in decorating the schoolhouse for Halloween!
Overall rating
5
/
5
55 of 59 found this review helpful
Passes the 'smile' test well.
PostedOctober 13, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
When I see this developers name come up connected with a M3, I can already guess its liable to be of good quality, and they have changed enough features from others in a series to make it feel new.
Some features of this game will be hauntingly familiar (pun) if you have played their other games, but there are new tiles, new side games and new decorations. There is relax, timed and challenge mode...and then expert or casual to choose as well. There are trophies..to be found in the magic book, and even though you are playing for decorations of your spooky house (which are quite cartoon like)...it's really just the fun of the gameplay that sells it to me.
You will start in a 3d scene of hidden object you must arrow around to find your list items, and it has a hint. As does the jigsaw puzzle I played. There ARE spiders lol...but they are just a tile and not the creepy type that cover your board so you cant play it. Just cute little guys that you can match like every other tile. Sometimes your first board has an arrow...and you have a second to complete..(but the timer resets too)
All in all. A really smooth game with lots of crash bang sound effects, bonuses and lots of choices on how easy or hard you make it on yourself. There is just a bit too much dialogue for me, but you can skip it..(and the puzzles and games too if you want)
Totally enjoyable for me...and passes the smile while you play test. Try the demo, but it's an SE so good value for an entertaining time. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
It’s all hands on deck when an earthquake hits Coastland!
Overall rating
3
/
5
61 of 65 found this review helpful
Took a bit of getting used to
PostedSeptember 25, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
OK...firstly it seems to me to be a direct 'knock off' of another series involving rescue. And it was not easy! I found myself having to consult the guide by level 2!
Basically its a standard TM where you build specialty buildings to make supply. And perhaps my attachment to the other series made me a bit thick...but I had trouble remembering to upgrade my workbase instead of building a hospital when people needed healing, or what resources represented the equivalent. A kennel was a dog biscuit line, and a rescue base was in fact where the rescue dog abides, and that was straight forward, but cranes were in 'special' recource buildings, and the dozer a bit confusing as to whether you needed that or the crane.
There was quite a bit of demolition of buildings to swap them over for each different resource, including money. One minute I am making hot soup...then I am having to knock down and make money, or girders or wood. There are six resources to choose from!
But having said that, once I got the hang of it (and a peek at the guide occasionally)...it was a smooth running game albeit a bit too complicated. But this developer tends to always make things way over the top regarding that. It also lacks a bit of warmth.
I did buy it on sale. It will keep me busy and it's not horrible. But there is not the excitement I usually feel when I play other rescue games, and I found it quite difficult quite early. More like a contest between me and the game than a fun bit of strategy working things out. A 'can you beat me' situation. There is a relax mode, and achievements and art.
I will recommend it as long as its known that it is not the top of the tree as far as TM's go. Really middle of the road. And I do have a small bee in my bonnet about 'knock offs' of lesser quality. But because TM is my favourite genre...I am enjoying at least having this as smooth and fast paced, time filler. Make sure you try the demo to decide.
I recommend this game!
Experience an original coming-of-age story in a magical realm!
Overall rating
5
/
5
156 of 162 found this review helpful
Now this is how you do an adventure game!
PostedSeptember 23, 2021
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
Firstly I am not usually an adventure game player. But every now and then one of great quality comes along and I find myself enjoying it rather than just getting stuck and pulling my hair out.
This game is a delight to play because once you collect five petals that appear as you move from scene to scene..you get a hint that does not end its power until you have actually gained something. And the other criteria for me as a non expert is that the minigames can be skipped after a good shot at them.
You do need to read the dialogue that Anna says ...as she will guide you to your next goal if you click on her. And you do need to keep moving back and forth between your opened scenes to get the hints appearing, and I do believe that some items are not there unless you back out and go back?
It's not a super easy game like a hidden object...it is for sitting back and using your brain, and relaxing into. If you need fast pace..then this adventure is not for you. If you liked B/Rabbit..you will for sure like this one too.
I will leave it at that...its everything I look for in an adventure, including the delight at the scenery and graphics as well as gameplay. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Follow a puzzle-solving wizard as he tries to use time itself to stop the world from decaying in this cosmic Match-3 strategy game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 49 found this review helpful
Still makes me smile while I play
PostedSeptember 11, 2021
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
This game gets 5 stars because it passes the smile test, and just the right amount of heart pumping without being stressful to play.
There is not much here we haven't seen before other than new tiles (and many familiar)..there are colour pillows that you must get the tile of that colour matched over them to remove, there are bonus rockets and dynamite for large matches, but the one thing that I was not used to is being able to remove the large rocks and blockages without having to use an explosive match. Simply matching beside them slowly removes them.
But don't think the large match devices are not used...in fact sometimes they are the only way to collect other special tiles that you cannot match together, and of course they are the way to remove those darn lady bugs! The levels all take some thinking about..and sometimes I did actually get stumped until I realised that I may have to go back and repeat some areas I thought I had already dealt with.
So there's fire spread, with gaps you cannot jump across from, there are levels requiring a certain amount of a tile to remove a blockage, cannons and all the bells and whistles this series comes with. What I particularly like is the level of challenge.. A bit of a 'goldilocks' in this family of games. Not too hard, not too easy...just right. But there is a relax and a limited moves option too if you don't like timed.
The mini games I usually skip...but they are loved by many I know..there is solitaire, mahjong, spot the difference and hidden object. So nothing new..but it does feel like it is with new layouts...and simply a really good quality, fun M3. Enjoy
I recommend this game!