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:
Test your skills against 50 timed match-3 challenges across an enchanting place known as Emeraldium!
Overall rating
1
/
5
51 of 57 found this review helpful
What a bore! Make sure you try the demo
PostedMarch 31, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Well I suspect this is a free to play game elsewhere, only one profile, no timer options (although the timer seems to just refill if you are not there yet lol) and same tiles and screen level after level. About as exciting as watching grass grow.
If the blurb did not tell me there was fifty levels I would not know, and honestly I couldn't even play the demo out to the end. The tiles were hard to set up and it almost seemed as if they are programmed not to drop the colour you need in your row lol.
It reminds me of someone mindlessly playing a poker machine, the sounds and the mesmerising boredom really. It would probably not even cut it on my phone as a time filler. There are just so many clever games out there. This is more like a learners project. Sorry..I pass bigtime.
I recommend this game!
Lead the Egyptians on an epic time management adventure, defeat dangerous creatures and banish the dark forces to lift the curse!
Overall rating
4
/
5
72 of 73 found this review helpful
I have a soft spot for this series. Quite good.
PostedMarch 29, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
If I compare this to the big players of TM world, this game is not the most outstanding one. However it is very strategic, it offers gameplay that involves you really thinking about your direction and the challenge is always very high.
The graphics are a bit ordinary, but the tough timer and the 'don't make one wrong move' approach do make it enjoyable for me. Strategy is utmost.
There are three modes of play relax, normal and hard, and you can actually toggle between them when you decide you 'give up' and wish to move on. I say this because in all of this series I found it near impossible to get to get the last levels done in timed mode. They were just too hard, and I am no slouch really. But I don't mind repeating levels and trying again paying more attention and learning from my mistakes. I appreciate the ability to control my own game so to speak by being able to toggle and move on, go back when I finish, and have by then become a master lol, and try once again.
The characters are cute, they move smoothly, and if you are playing in 'multiclick' mode (also an option) your red advanced ticks will automatically turn green when you have gathered what they need. I quite like that also.
There are priests who perform rituals and can often only gather their own special ingredients, bridges, holes, buildings, bushes, fishing holes, merchants etc common to most gather resource TM's.
So not the greatest TM in existence, but it is an SE, and its good enough to keep me quite engrossed and pitted against the clock. There are rewards to gather too. Try the demo. I cant see how many levels there are, but history would suggest there are plenty as usual from this developer. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A mischievous genie keeps our heroes busy with wishes of his own!
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 56 found this review helpful
New features..another winner in a beloved series.
PostedMarch 27, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Genies, magic carpets, gold redeeming ravens that can fly over obstacles to get gold, snakes and quicksand, poisoned wells ..and the list goes on. New features, new fun and yet our old familiar friends in the land of quicksand and funny looking fruit.
This is yet another winner so kudos to the developers who never let the game get stale. All the friends are here, Mary casting spells, John fighting skeletons and snakes, max the dog gets snake venom antidote, and gremlin is here forging things on his anvil. So some familiar things including the puzzle piece on some levels. (marked on your map and you can go back if you miss it).. some new and colourful.
There are three modes of play, relax, normal and expert. And there are heaps of levels in this CE. There are 45 regular levels, 10 bonus levels, and an extra 15 for CE levels. Good value for so much fun! There are also minigames...I have only come across a 'memory' turn the tile game so far. I am sure there are more.
I did find the raven a little slow so you need to calculate this slow poke bird into your calculations, and I was glad I chose Mary casting spells faster as my first bonus ability..she can drag her feet a little too lol.
All in all...great value, great fun, if you love TM I cant think why you would pass this one up. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Wonderland's magical atmosphere is fading, corrupted by factory smoke! It’s up to you and Cheshire Cat in the latest Time Management Adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
60 of 70 found this review helpful
WOW..This is a challenge! It's great!
PostedMarch 20, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I really hoped this wasn't going to be a 'same game' now this series has been out for a while, and what a relief the devs have done a great job of mixing the familiar with many new concepts. This is not just a race and gather resources TM, it's strategy very cleverly done! Nearly every level is a puzzle in itself if you don't peek at the numbered strategy guide.
There are familiar features, buildings that produce gold, candy and wood, the potion hut, and a new one that has cat treats (and a dispenser too). Among the new features are spiders with a countdown timer that if not fed will stop your altars producing, chests on fire that blow up and cost more if you let them, and the most surprising is that many levels are in two parts. The timer is split to give you an idea of how you are going..and as you finish one screen you are then taken to another where your resources gathered are carried over, so you must not only think about the first level...but you may have needed something from above/below to be in plentiful supply! There is also recourse trading to be done.
I have had to repeat almost every level due to needing to get my 'best strategy' in place, and yes had to peek at the guide already. This I love though..as it's pure concentration, using the grey cells and enjoying the smooth action and wonderful graphics. You will really need to think which upgrades you do, what buildings you put in place and how much time you have to get to the 'ticking' things.
There are also some old friends like the cupcake mouse..and until you remove the obstacle hiding it you dont know where the cupcake is..are you going the right way? The wood tree, the gold chest etc to use too in exchange for other goods.
There are collectables we know like the appear/disappear paint palette to do your art, and a clock on each level that gives you a piece of your jigsaw puzzle. It shows on the map if you found it and you can go back and leave once found. I found on one level there was a merchant that also appeared and left several times..and if you miss him and don't buy his goods, you simply cannot beat the level. So its busy, busy fun and challenge!
Is it a CE? It seems there are fifty levels on the CE that has 10 extra so guess the SE will only have 40. I am glad I bought this version as its not only going to keep me busy..it has me really immersed in it. Try the demo..and as I said, don't get discouraged if its hard to get some levels first time..they have built in the need for strategy and some actions seem only able to be solved by trying the level out. There are 3 modes, relax, normal and hard. (I think you are a magician if you can achieve hard mode!) The timer is tough, but I do achieve all stars eventually. But all in all, if you love a TM that requires some hard thinking, pleases the eye and moves smoothly at pace..it ticks the boxes. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
The Unexpected Quest is an adventure game with unique strategy and time management elements.
Overall rating
4
/
5
70 of 80 found this review helpful
An Adventure game..and you can take your time.
PostedMarch 2, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Phew, I hardly know where to begin with this game. Firstly the graphics are very colourful..and its quite 3D in it's affect. To the point where by the time I had finished a few levels I was feeling just a little sea sick lol. You must move around the screen to out of view areas and you really do feel as if you are moving and zooming in on things!
It has 'time management' characteristics in places..build houses, barracks, archery ranges, sawmills and mills, but really you are charged with various quests that require you to puzzle where to get the money to pay for what you need to do like hire swordsmen or archers, as well as get the gold and materials to build structures and then forge their weapons etc. There is usually a market to trade at once you get started properly.
You can relax here and work out your quests and puzzles and finances..and I did buy it. It intrigued me. It does play a little like a game we all know with quests and monsters..but you are not the 'hero' in this kingdom..you have a bevvy of helpers and workers in this one. (when you can afford to hire them)
It took me three chapters to get the hang of it, and I did buy it. there doesnt seem to be many chapters..but each one seems to take a good half hour or so to get through the quests. (by the time you buy/sell, produce and hire.) This is a must try the demo before you buy game. Not sure if it would even play well on some computers? But its quite novel in its own right, even if I can only do a chapter at a time due to dizzyness.
I recommend this game!
Stake your claim in the New World in a swashbuckling time management adventure for every age!
Overall rating
4
/
5
66 of 78 found this review helpful
Good game..Some Annoyances.
PostedFebruary 27, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It is a good game. Very busy, some novel aspects but some annoying features, and just not enough levels of pure gameplay for me.
One thing I have not come across before is that it doesn't fit on my main screen..I have to move up, down, across and around.
This was really disconcerting at first, but the more I played I then realised this was part of the skill..things could be happening out of view and it was up to you to remember AND find them. One thing in particular, and altar that requires constant feeding of money to prevent it slowing down the production of your buildings and fields. If you are on the other side of the screen working away you just have to remember to go back and make your offering every now and then or a 'pink mist' reminds you that you forgot. There is also a hidden object on each level, different each time but pirate like in nature to find, and sometimes you wont see it until you uncover a hidden area. (swords, treasure etc). And there are achievements and a numbered strategy guide.
It will take a while to get the hang of the fact that each time you want money you must go the market and sell your goods to get it and move on in the game. I did get used to it..but it is a bit stressful lol. I also took a while to catch on that I did not have to build every building just because it is there..yes they may earn you more money to hire the myriad of workers you need (sometimes I needed 7 or 8)..but they can slow down your progress too if playing in timed. (there is a relaxed and normal mode)
There are various crops and resources to gather and it is really important that you look at your goals so you can decide what is necessary to build or plant, and which crops or resource will feed your production buildings. No point doing cornfields if you need flax etc. (all resources earn money though).
There are sea battles which depending on how good you are give you a percentage score of how much you won the battle by. You must fix holes, fire cannon, stop bombs exploding and cut down ropes to prevent boarding. You have limited workers so it too is very busy. I haven't even managed 100% yet, but it's not my favourite part of the game..and they are quite plentiful. I would have preferred it if they gave more levels and less battles. But that's just personal taste.
There are only 24 main levels! Then 6 bonus levels..then ten extra levels for the CE. So its only forty levels (plus all the sea battles) and that's just too few for me as far as CE value goes. I guess the SE will only have 30 plus the battles?
If you love TM you will enjoy this game if only for the novelty of new stuff and a very colourful screen. And if you really enjoy the sea battles you may be getting full value for your CE outlay. You wont be bored, you may find some aspects a little tedious though I think. But I am glad I have it and it does fully engage me. I just couldn't stretch to five stars. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
A quest to recover a mysterious relic has surprising implications!
Overall rating
5
/
5
79 of 87 found this review helpful
A long awaited return. A hybid winner!
PostedFebruary 6, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Its been many years since cave quest 1 and I was thrilled to see number two after such a long time. This one is far superior for all the waiting. But also one has to ask about the game itself, what is it exactly? Well I call it a hybrid. Part M3, part adventure game, part hidden object, and part puzzle.
You will visit many locations all requiring you to either perform an action, find an item, collect items, use your items and solve puzzles. It has a map that depending on your choice of difficulty will show you where tasks are or not. You will travel back and forth performing your tasks. But many involve you playing an M3 game where you move along a path, (sometimes collecting an item you need)..towards the end.
In this one you sometimes get a choice of direction, so you can travel around the path in different ways..(handy when collecting several mushrooms or other items scattered around)
There are bonuses to help you along the way such as bombs and hurricanes tile removal and even speed up..but the real joy of the game is figuring out which tiles to remove in front or behind to get your path to clear so you can march forward..
You can have moves, timed or none. And you can choose easy, normal or hard difficulty. (I actually thought my game was glitchy, and tried changing my cursor option..still lagging..then I changed to 'easy' difficulty, and it began to run smoothly!) That may or may not help someone. I am now playing in easy difficulty/timed mode and moving gracefully.
Do leave your hints on for a while..some obstacles need all coloured tiles cleared to remove them or matches next to them..and you only get told once..but there is a guide, and a very handy hint button for the tasks. Do try the demo. It may be a bit overwhelming at first, but its only the M3 that is timed (if you choose).and you can take your time with the rest.
Its fascinating, it makes you think and its exciting when you solve your puzzles and quests. I loved the first, but this one is even better. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Tame the wild west in a rip-roaring adventure for all ages!
Overall rating
5
/
5
79 of 86 found this review helpful
Another winner! TM just like the old days.
PostedJanuary 30, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is such a feel good, clever, jam packed TM it takes me back to why I became addicted to them in the first place. There are three modes of play including relaxed and hard.
This game is full of features, cows to first catch then pen to produce food, buildings to repair and staff, holes, bridges, trees to cut, and in this one you dont just put people in houses or indians in tee pees..you have to pay the middle man and welcome both indians and settlers at a price.
The main feature of this game is the railroad, always in need of repair, but also delivering much needed supplies as well as on some levels the opposite, needing to be loaded. There are sheriffs and bandits and just about everything you expect in the wild west including buying dynamite to get rid of blockages, and indian totems that both make it rain to replenish your trees, but also get rid of large obstacles.
There is a collectable owl on each level making up the 'wanted' gallery, and there are 50 levels plus 10 in the bonus section. Every 10 levels there is also a 'shootem up' game where you have to shoot the bandits popping out from behind trees and if you get them all and the flying ducks..you get your three stars.
Its a real game of strategy, you will have to work out exactly how much of a resource to buy, how many workers to hire, or the right direction to head. This developer has put a lot of thought into this and on one level I got to the end and found I did not have enough money because I bought one too many dynamite. There is a numbered and verbal strategy guide..and it shows the owls. You can return to a level to collect them without needing to fully repeat.
Its got the lot! Its warm, its fun, it's challenging and varied. Always try the demo, but it really takes me back to the days when developers made sure they came up with quality goods for a TM. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Enjoy classic match-3 gameplay set on the banks of the mighty Euphrates River. Can you restore an ancient temple!
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 24 found this review helpful
It is a basic M3 and just ok
PostedJanuary 27, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game is a stock standard M3. Match jewels, fill bonuses and build a city to the side. There is nothing novel or exciting but at least it has 3 modes of play relax, moves and timed.
You are charged with collecting a certain amount of a particular colour or so many points on each board. There are bonuses such as shuffle, hammer, bombs etc to help you on your way. I found the graphics quite lack luster on the city.
I also found at times the game 'played itself' more than I would like rather making me feel like I wasn't really in control sometimes. I would be busy planning my moves when the board would suddenly explode as I guess tiles hit the bombs on their fall. It was actually distracting. I also had a little trouble locating a tiles that I had not gotten rid of ..a bit of scanning required to find the last tiles I had left.
But it ran smoothly, the money came fairly easily, you can pick levels to repeat if you fail from the menu, and the tiles are easily distinguished from each other. Its just a bit boring..no excitement or novel gameplay going on really.
Try the demo, but I need more to impress me than this.
Complete challenging match 3 puzzles and help two London police detectives uncover a dark conspiracy!
Overall rating
2
/
5
10 of 14 found this review helpful
I would have purchased this...but still no timer!?
PostedJanuary 26, 2021
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Finally a different game from this developer. It has a good story line, the tiles are colorful, bright and new. There are upgrades to buy, there are many levels, some different game mechanics to other offerings and a mystery to engage in.
But still after all this time a sale will not come from me. I don't play M3's to just read a story and move tiles around. That is just plain boring without a time challenge. Yes you have to collect a certain amount of some recourses, but if you can sit there for an hour to do it if you like, then that's a game for a small child.
I am so sad this developer just never ever listens to the reviews and simply adds a timer. They have produced what would have been a four star game here, but not only have they lost my purchase they have lost my good rating. Try the demo of course, and if you are someone who plays in 'relax' mode you will probably enjoy this. With no choice here its another wide pass from me. Such a shame for lack of a simple addition.
I don't recommend this game.