donadriedger's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.1
- Helpful Votes:5,309
- Reviews Submitted:166
- First Review:April 23, 2012
- Most Recent Review:November 18, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Stop Morgana by helping Princess Arianna find the essential elements to remove the curse from her kingdom.
Overall rating
1
/
5
10 of 10 found this review helpful
Sheesh!
PostedNovember 24, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Wow, is this no fun!
Fairly cutish HO game quickly morphs into the world's most annoying match 3. Every time you think you are getting somewhere in a scene, you are made to play a hideous, lumbering, plodding, stretched out, boring, frustrating and did I mention slow, M3 scenario in order to continue. You cannot move while pieces are falling and you have to shuffle a lot in order to make the matches, and it goes on and on....All this just to, say, pick up an item from a box, or remove a simple obstacle.
It's horrible beyond belief! I think they put all that in over and over again just to stretch out the game, which could have been mildly entertaining, I suppose. You are trying to save a village from the evil sorceress. Standard stuff, but the rest is cruel and unusual punishment! Trust me, give this a miss!!
Fairly cutish HO game quickly morphs into the world's most annoying match 3. Every time you think you are getting somewhere in a scene, you are made to play a hideous, lumbering, plodding, stretched out, boring, frustrating and did I mention slow, M3 scenario in order to continue. You cannot move while pieces are falling and you have to shuffle a lot in order to make the matches, and it goes on and on....All this just to, say, pick up an item from a box, or remove a simple obstacle.
It's horrible beyond belief! I think they put all that in over and over again just to stretch out the game, which could have been mildly entertaining, I suppose. You are trying to save a village from the evil sorceress. Standard stuff, but the rest is cruel and unusual punishment! Trust me, give this a miss!!
I don't recommend this game.
Save your friends and escape from a deadly game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 28 found this review helpful
New story!
PostedNovember 20, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I beta tested this one and I couldn't wait for it to be released. I must say that the test was quite a while ago, and I found it excellent then, so I am eager to see what improvements they made since then. I'd totally forgotten the surprise ending to the demo; love it!
First off, it is a new story line..yes, you do have to rescue your friends, but playing a board game to do so is new and exciting!
The VOs and the graphics are both extremely well done. The characters are drawn with such detail. This is really artwork.
There are numerous extras to make this well worth the CE designation.
The puzzles are not too difficult so far and I didn't need to skip any. There is a customized option for playing, which I always like. The HOs are varied and fun.
Not too sure how long it will be as I didn't look at the SG to see, but I have all of the Surface games and they are all quite long and involved.
Love this dev!
First off, it is a new story line..yes, you do have to rescue your friends, but playing a board game to do so is new and exciting!
The VOs and the graphics are both extremely well done. The characters are drawn with such detail. This is really artwork.
There are numerous extras to make this well worth the CE designation.
The puzzles are not too difficult so far and I didn't need to skip any. There is a customized option for playing, which I always like. The HOs are varied and fun.
Not too sure how long it will be as I didn't look at the SG to see, but I have all of the Surface games and they are all quite long and involved.
Love this dev!
I recommend this game!
Become the champion of a royal tournament! Outplay your rivals and win the kingdom's grand prize!
Overall rating
4
/
5
41 of 46 found this review helpful
Bring on the knights!
PostedNovember 17, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I like it. This game is a very simple up and down solitaire, but the sounds and the scenes make it a total delight. There is nothing unusual or difficult about it, just plain old mindless fun...nothing to buy that I could see, except for an additional undo. It gives you a wild card but I'm not sure how, possibly just a score thing, but it just doesn't matter. I could sit and play for hours. I absolutely love the sound of the clashing of the swords! (and the jousting scenery)
Try it...you'll be hooked.
Try it...you'll be hooked.
I recommend this game!
An explosion destroyed your magical alchemy laboratory! Rebuild it by unlocking the mysterious ingredients you need in exciting match-3 levels!
Overall rating
2
/
5
38 of 47 found this review helpful
Too clunky
PostedNovember 4, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Sorry, but I just don't like it.
To start with, the cursor action is way too slow and sluggish. That is the first thing I look at when playing M3 games. When it feels like you're trying to run in deep sand, forget it!
Included with this game is a really short-looped irritating musical backdrop and tiny symbols to try and match.
You are supposed to be able to buy power ups and so forth, but the whole time I was playing the demo, I did not get enough of each jewel to even come close to buying anything. You need thousands of gems and I had about 30 of each.
I played on relaxed mode, which I always do now for M3s, as I don't like the stress of timed play. Probably, if you play on the timed mode you would earn more points, but still...why have a relaxed mode if you can never get anywhere?
There are way better M3s out there. I don't recommend wasting your time on this one.
To start with, the cursor action is way too slow and sluggish. That is the first thing I look at when playing M3 games. When it feels like you're trying to run in deep sand, forget it!
Included with this game is a really short-looped irritating musical backdrop and tiny symbols to try and match.
You are supposed to be able to buy power ups and so forth, but the whole time I was playing the demo, I did not get enough of each jewel to even come close to buying anything. You need thousands of gems and I had about 30 of each.
I played on relaxed mode, which I always do now for M3s, as I don't like the stress of timed play. Probably, if you play on the timed mode you would earn more points, but still...why have a relaxed mode if you can never get anywhere?
There are way better M3s out there. I don't recommend wasting your time on this one.
I don't recommend this game.
A fire breaks out during a concert, and now your daughters are both missing. Hurry to track them down – their music may hold the key to life and death!
Overall rating
2
/
5
19 of 27 found this review helpful
Been there...done that
PostedOctober 30, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Yet another story about the kids getting taken...snore! Combined with a tedious story are really corny voice overs (the villain sounds like he is channeling Lon Chaney), poor artwork and mind numbingly simple puzzles. Add in having to find music sheets and then transcribing the notes to get codes to open things. Really annoying (plus the puzzle to enter the code is extremely easy each time...makes you wonder why they even bothered). Also, the transcribing part has the worst scritchy noise! Liken it to nails on the chalkboard....beyond horrible.
Once you get moving there are WAY too many interruptions for dialogue; totally unnecessary and completely ruins the flow.
The cursor is clumsy and you need to click on things more than once to pick them up from your inventory...always bugs me!
There is a transporting map that tells you there are things to do, which is about the only good thing.
I didn't find any extras, so I'm not sure why this is a CE, but then again maybe I missed them, as I really wanted the demo to be over.
Yuck!
Once you get moving there are WAY too many interruptions for dialogue; totally unnecessary and completely ruins the flow.
The cursor is clumsy and you need to click on things more than once to pick them up from your inventory...always bugs me!
There is a transporting map that tells you there are things to do, which is about the only good thing.
I didn't find any extras, so I'm not sure why this is a CE, but then again maybe I missed them, as I really wanted the demo to be over.
Yuck!
I don't recommend this game.
Death needs help from the only detective he trusts – you!
Overall rating
3
/
5
44 of 57 found this review helpful
Failed to live up to the first game
PostedOctober 16, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Sorry, but I can't agree with all the 5 star reviews on this game. I really liked the Riddles of Fate - Wild Hunt episode, but this one is not nearly as good.
To start with, why all the messing around with the darn map? Having to go back and forth so much is a real pain, especially since it takes a fairly long pause while calling up the stupid map!
Also, the character of Death is not drawn nearly as well in this second attempt. The first Death was really kind of hot, even though he was the bad guy at first. The faces are all really flat and without much detail.
The few mini games encountered in the demo were way too easy and the HOs seemed simple too, only slightly interactive.
You collect playing cards, I am assuming for some solitaire thing in the extras, although I couldn't really get into that, as all you do is pick them up as you go into various close ups.
There seem to be slots for 3 character statues, unless there was a page 2 with more. I found 2 in the short time that I played.
Sorry, but I did not make it through the demo, as I found it so lackluster and tedious.
As usual, I recommend you try it for yourself, but there is no way I will be purchasing this as a CE, and probably not even an SE.
I can't for the life of me understand why some people give every entry 5 stars....not helpful.
To start with, why all the messing around with the darn map? Having to go back and forth so much is a real pain, especially since it takes a fairly long pause while calling up the stupid map!
Also, the character of Death is not drawn nearly as well in this second attempt. The first Death was really kind of hot, even though he was the bad guy at first. The faces are all really flat and without much detail.
The few mini games encountered in the demo were way too easy and the HOs seemed simple too, only slightly interactive.
You collect playing cards, I am assuming for some solitaire thing in the extras, although I couldn't really get into that, as all you do is pick them up as you go into various close ups.
There seem to be slots for 3 character statues, unless there was a page 2 with more. I found 2 in the short time that I played.
Sorry, but I did not make it through the demo, as I found it so lackluster and tedious.
As usual, I recommend you try it for yourself, but there is no way I will be purchasing this as a CE, and probably not even an SE.
I can't for the life of me understand why some people give every entry 5 stars....not helpful.
I don't recommend this game.
The sins of the long-forgotten past have returned to haunt the royal family. Help the princess protect her kingdom and the ones she love the most!
Overall rating
5
/
5
76 of 90 found this review helpful
What fun!
PostedOctober 7, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Now that's a good SE with CE bling! There are hidden crowns and swords and possibly other things, not too sure. I love it when you get bonus items in an SE.
I've really enjoyed the story so far, and the scenes are illustrated beautifully. The mini games are interesting and different. The HOs are pretty standard, with only some minor interaction, but the art is so good it's just fun to look at then while playing.
There is a map of sorts (not too complex) but still useful and teleporting. The hint is directional, unless something is doable in a scene.
You get a fairy thing to fetch high up stuff for you, but it is not too annoying. The VOs are pretty good, except for the Prince, who sounds a bit preppy.
All in all, a nice addition to the collection. Well done!
I've really enjoyed the story so far, and the scenes are illustrated beautifully. The mini games are interesting and different. The HOs are pretty standard, with only some minor interaction, but the art is so good it's just fun to look at then while playing.
There is a map of sorts (not too complex) but still useful and teleporting. The hint is directional, unless something is doable in a scene.
You get a fairy thing to fetch high up stuff for you, but it is not too annoying. The VOs are pretty good, except for the Prince, who sounds a bit preppy.
All in all, a nice addition to the collection. Well done!
I recommend this game!
Without warning, a group of mysterious figures arrives and reduces your village to flames and rubble. What do they want... and who is controlling them?
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 54 found this review helpful
Good one!
PostedOctober 2, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Very impressive! There are so many fun parts to this game, I hardly know where to start. Love the story, to begin with...evil abounds and you must use your wits to survive and try to rescue your father.
We have scrolling scenes, storybook puzzles, hidden flames, invisibility capability, magic powers, dragon eye hints, transporting map, journal and several options for difficulty....just love the whole thing!
Most of the new games lately have not been well constructed, but this one makes you want to find out what will happen next. It's a super fun adventure!
The graphics are excellent as well.
Make sure to play the demo, even if these are not your kind of games, because the ending of the demo is brilliant!
We have scrolling scenes, storybook puzzles, hidden flames, invisibility capability, magic powers, dragon eye hints, transporting map, journal and several options for difficulty....just love the whole thing!
Most of the new games lately have not been well constructed, but this one makes you want to find out what will happen next. It's a super fun adventure!
The graphics are excellent as well.
Make sure to play the demo, even if these are not your kind of games, because the ending of the demo is brilliant!
I recommend this game!
Play the new Pirate Solitaire right on the shores of Britain! Outplay seasoned sea dogs and prove that you're the best of the best!
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 26 found this review helpful
Not again!
PostedSeptember 30, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
The first Pirate Solitaire turned out to be nearly impossible toward the end, but this one starts out that way!
I played the demo on the junior setting, but I still did not get enough points to continue to the next setting, and they make you redo it....blechh!
Tedious is the word that describes this one. It is only making matches of the cards, which is not my favourite kind of solitaire to begin with.
Try it, of course, but it's a big NO from me.
I played the demo on the junior setting, but I still did not get enough points to continue to the next setting, and they make you redo it....blechh!
Tedious is the word that describes this one. It is only making matches of the cards, which is not my favourite kind of solitaire to begin with.
Try it, of course, but it's a big NO from me.
I don't recommend this game.
An amulet purchased in an antique shop has awakened an ancient and terrible evil. Help rescue your beloved and save mankind from the coming eternal frost!
Overall rating
4
/
5
21 of 25 found this review helpful
Pretty good
PostedAugust 27, 2014
donadriedger
fromNova Scotia, Canada
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I liked the storyline of this game and the graphics and video clips are very good. The HOs are simple and slightly interactive; there is no voice over, only written dialogue. I did not find a map in the demo, so there probably isn't one, nor did I encounter any puzzles but the blurb says there are some. The journal is useless.
The only thing I found irritating was the lag when changing scenes. Each time you go to another area the game fades to black and seems to take forever to load the new scene.
You seem to use whatever you pick up fairly soon (but why, oh why, couldn't I keep the Swiss army knife for the entire game??)
Anyway, I think it will be a fairly good game, especially at today's sale price...just a reminder though...never give your wife an evil artifact for an anniversary present!
Also...ladies: don't wear a mini skirt in the winter in Syberia, or wherever this takes place.
The only thing I found irritating was the lag when changing scenes. Each time you go to another area the game fades to black and seems to take forever to load the new scene.
You seem to use whatever you pick up fairly soon (but why, oh why, couldn't I keep the Swiss army knife for the entire game??)
Anyway, I think it will be a fairly good game, especially at today's sale price...just a reminder though...never give your wife an evil artifact for an anniversary present!
Also...ladies: don't wear a mini skirt in the winter in Syberia, or wherever this takes place.
I recommend this game!