mrm2006's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.5
- Helpful Votes:10,688
- Reviews Submitted:813
- First Review:April 8, 2013
- Most Recent Review:August 22, 2023
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Knightfall: Death and Taxes
A group of thieves has stolen Princess and Knight’s gold, so it’s up to you to help them rebuild their fortune and pay taxes!
Overall rating
2
/
5
0 of 2 found this review helpful
I Just Didn't Get It.
PostedAugust 3, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The tutorial seemed pretty straightforward, but when it came to the actual game play, I was LOST!!
You play as either a Princess or a Knight. You choose a path - not sure the path OR who you play as changes the game any. Anyway, you are in the center of a building of blocks. You have "x" number of 'hits' to get out of the box. OH, but there are obstacles, such as pigeons you have to destroy (?), or just get out of the box (?) - that is an unknown. And, that has to be done while you're trying to get out of the box with only "x" number of hits. I tried and tried and tried and, well, I really tried and couldn't do it.
So, I don't understand the game although it sounds easy enough. Not a purchase for me but will recommend it only because I hope someone can figure it out and write a detailed review about it. I'll come back and keep reading.
Good Luck!
I recommend this game!
Immerse yourself in the Marblez experience! Take your pirate on a wild adventure, finding lost treasure and unlocking power-ups!
Overall rating
2
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Started out good, then boring, then impossible.
PostedAugust 3, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
When "last life" came up in big shining colors on the screen, my reaction was "who cares". 'Nuf said.
The graphics were good, background music was muted so I can't comment on that but the sound effects could get annoying.
The goal of the game is to destroy a group of like colored balls (3 or more) by shooting them with a ball in your shooter at the bottom of the screen. Sounds easy, right? Heh, yeah.
The balls you are shooting at are in groups around a center black ball that can't be destroyed. Imagine a group of colored atoms spinning and spinning and then spinning out of control and the more you destroy the more grow faster and faster and that's what you're shooting at. BUT, if you don't keep getting good hits the bar at the bottom of the screen will HURRY and go down to nothing and you DIE!
There are bonuses earned by shooting balls that have an icon on them (fire, ice, lightning, etc.) and diamonds that float around that you MUST click on because there is also a diamond bar at the top of the screen that keeps track of how many you catch. Fill the bar (not easy) and get an extra life. Get as many as possible because once you get to the 2nd island things speed up exponentially.
At first, the game was ok, then it got really boring, then when things started getting impossibly fast and I couldn't hit anything and the "life" bar started moving impossibly fast, it became impossible. Not a game I like at all.
I played Adventure and you get a snippet of a poem (not very good either) between Islands (which have 6 levels on them). This is definitely not a game for me but, give it a go, maybe you'll enjoy trying to blow up atoms.
Happy Gaming!
I don't recommend this game.
Help the old mayor and his rag-tag group of gold prospectors by building, fighting and trading.
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
It's up to you to save your family!
PostedAugust 3, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
You've run away from home to seek your fortune in Alaska - GOLD country. But, your family has little hope in your adventure. Can you prove them wrong and succeed?
The graphics are amazing. All the colors are right on spec - the grass, trees, water. Even the individual people. Can't say much about the background music as I tend to tune that out but the side effects of people talking, working, etc. was perfect.
No HOGs but a short mini game to start your gameplay.
The premise of the game is to follow the tasks you are assigned. Such as build a bridge, build a farm, cut down trees and collect food to meet all your tasks to pass a level. It really is quite easy as you get instructions all the way through. You even get to speak to the townspeople between levels AND help decorate the town.
While this is a game of strategy and time management (unless you choose the "relaxed" mode which isn't timed), it is fun and addicting. I HATED that the demo ended. LOL. This game has it all and is definitely on my wish list.
I recommend everyone try this town building, rush for gold and meeting characters everywhere game. As I said, it has something for everyone. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
The expedition continues... Track down the fragments of King Solomon's crown and foil a madman's plot in this exciting follow-up to the bestselling series!
Overall rating
5
/
5
74 of 78 found this review helpful
Put the broken crown back together and you could rule the world!
PostedAugust 2, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I had played this game when it came out in the CE version and it had me hooked completely. I haven't played it yet (my Game Manager groans every time I buy another game because there are waaaay too many purchased and not yet played). LOL.
Storyline:
A fragment of a powerful crown has been stolen from King Solomon's Tomb. It is said that whoever has possession of the crown, which King Solomon destroyed into pieces, will RULE THE WORLD! H.E.L.P. is called in to investigate the situation and YOU are the investigator. Find those crown pieces and keep them out of the hands of wrong people. FYI: You WILL be facing danger at every turn. There is an infiltrator at the H.E.L.P. Organization. Off you go. Good Luck.
A fragment of a powerful crown has been stolen from King Solomon's Tomb. It is said that whoever has possession of the crown, which King Solomon destroyed into pieces, will RULE THE WORLD! H.E.L.P. is called in to investigate the situation and YOU are the investigator. Find those crown pieces and keep them out of the hands of wrong people. FYI: You WILL be facing danger at every turn. There is an infiltrator at the H.E.L.P. Organization. Off you go. Good Luck.
Graphics and Sound:
Amazing. Strong colors, great atmosphere. A LOT of hard work obviously went into this game. Voiceovers are clear and easy to understand. Lip syncing perfect. Music - not annoying and the tempo rises and falls as appropriate to the situation. Even has the "edge of your seat" rising tempo that really did have me at the edge of my seat - lol.
Amazing. Strong colors, great atmosphere. A LOT of hard work obviously went into this game. Voiceovers are clear and easy to understand. Lip syncing perfect. Music - not annoying and the tempo rises and falls as appropriate to the situation. Even has the "edge of your seat" rising tempo that really did have me at the edge of my seat - lol.
Game Play:
Easy enough. You are a H.E.L.P. Investigator traveling the globe to find the pieces of the crown before the bad guys do. However, you were found out and followed - trapped in a sinking ship in the Arctic - end of demo. DRATS!
Easy enough. You are a H.E.L.P. Investigator traveling the globe to find the pieces of the crown before the bad guys do. However, you were found out and followed - trapped in a sinking ship in the Arctic - end of demo. DRATS!
HOGS and Mini Games:
Not many HOGs in the demo - like not one in every scene - but those I played were interactive, fun and not difficult to find the items. The mini games were fun, some innovative, all relatively easy or once you give it some thought you should be able to manage them.
Not many HOGs in the demo - like not one in every scene - but those I played were interactive, fun and not difficult to find the items. The mini games were fun, some innovative, all relatively easy or once you give it some thought you should be able to manage them.
There are 4 levels of difficulty - rookie, field agent, H.E.L.P. operative and custom. In "custom" you can change everything including the amount of time things sparkle, skip time and hint time. During the demo I like to move hint and skip to the fastest so I can get into gameplay quickly. I liked that there were still "fact cards" to find in the SE version because they were historical and fun to read.
I encourage EVERYONE to try this free demo. It's an amazing 90 minutes long and if you've been following this series, this is by far the best one yet.
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
A sensational puzzle game full of challenging and stimulating game play. Play the game that has taken Japan by storm.
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 19 found this review helpful
I Really Really Wanted to Like this Game .... SIGH.
PostedAugust 1, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
This game looks so easy and sounds so easy - until you open the playing board, then all is lost.
Basically, it's simple, you get a certain number of a variety of shapes which you have to place on the playing board in such a fashion that the more sides that touch the pre-existing shape the more points you get.
Pros:
The game shapes during the tutorial were very colorful.
The game shapes during the tutorial were very colorful.
Cons:
The tutorial is useless. It teaches you nothing. It's just the subjective "you" playing against the computer and losing every time without any guidance whatsoever.
During "practice" you also get no guidance whatsoever.
During "practice" a list of "questions" and "answers" that show no questions nor answers (except a cryptic 2 word thing that makes no sense whatsoever. For instance: within 4), never explained, didn't know what it meant.
During "practice" and "game play" you ONLY played against the computer using really ugly, diseased looking marble stones in various shapes. I bet I could have passed the game with flying colors if I could have played alone - minus the computer.
There's more but way too much to get into.
The tutorial is useless. It teaches you nothing. It's just the subjective "you" playing against the computer and losing every time without any guidance whatsoever.
During "practice" you also get no guidance whatsoever.
During "practice" a list of "questions" and "answers" that show no questions nor answers (except a cryptic 2 word thing that makes no sense whatsoever. For instance: within 4), never explained, didn't know what it meant.
During "practice" and "game play" you ONLY played against the computer using really ugly, diseased looking marble stones in various shapes. I bet I could have passed the game with flying colors if I could have played alone - minus the computer.
There's more but way too much to get into.
For the above reasons, and many more, what I had hoped to be a fun and addictive purchase turned out to be the biggest dud of the century. I can't even recommend this so others can waste their time. NOT.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Annabel and Harold organize their pet shop by diving and collecting colorful sea creatures in Tropical Fish Shop 2!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
A New Store to Design Yourself.
PostedAugust 1, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Anabel found a treasure in an old sunken pirate ship and with the money built a swanky new hi-tech store. Help her design it by earning money with the fish you catch.
After catching fish, etc. in the match 3 game - which includes amazing bonuses for 4+ matches, you have to get an item from the top of the tank to the bottom. 3x. You will need these items in the HOG.
Every 3 levels, you have to find items in an HOG. The items mentioned above will be very useful in your completion of these games. The items can be somewhat difficult to find - just follow the clues.
Also interspersed with the match 3 game and HOGs are various mini games that range from easy to a little thought-provoking.
PLUS, you get to design your/Annabel's store after you've earned enough money for each item. You get to choose from 3 designs of each item.
This game is such a step up from the previous version. I had so much fun, I flipped when the free demo was over - LOL. THAT is my personal "wow" factor indicating, for me, that this game is a definite purchase. I encourage everyone who enjoys match 3 games, HOGs or mini games to give this one a try.
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
Defeat the giant to save the world from destruction!
Overall rating
1
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
What Ever Happened to Just Plain Old Jack and the Beanstalk?
PostedJuly 31, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I cannot fathom what possessed me to purchase this game when I did (not a recent purchase). I obviously didn't "try it before I buyed it". Well, you get it. This is in no way, shape or form the story of Jack and the Beanstalk that we all grew up with and love.
It all starts out well and good ... Jack sells the cow for 3 magic beans, mom has a fit and throws ONE bean (out of 3) out the window, beanstalk grows taller, taller and taller above the clouds.
Then, it all goes weird and weirder still. Let's see, first there are 2 magic beans left in the house which we have to "unmagic". Then, Jack doesn't climb UP the beanstalk out of curiosity. No, in this story, evil, giant stalk leaves grab Jack and whoosh him all the way up .... somewhere. All we know is we have to rescue him because someone or something wants him. Well .... no kidding.
And the story just gets weirder and weirder and weirder. You go from area to area picking up pieces of things (it may be 4 wheel spokes, 6 crystals, 3 gears and/or 8 fuses). The point, if there is one, is that you are looking for these bits and pieces all at the same time but have no clue where to go without constantly hitting that hint button.
I have NEVER not finished a game I've purchased. I did this one - I just could not take another minute after playing HOURS and getting nowhere. I have NEVER in all the years I've been a member (7) given a ONE STAR review because I detest the word "hate". Today, I DID!
I can't give away any spoilers because the story line has no flow or consistency and makes no sense. The game play has no flow or consistency and makes no sense. The entire game has no flow or consistency and makes no sense.
This has definitely been ONE BIG REGRET for me and I will not recommend this (ARGH) so that anyone else can waste their precious time! Want a new version of Jack and the Beanstalk? Go to the library. I'm sure you can find a more sensible version there.
I don't recommend this game.
A mysterious artifact has been uncovered, opening a portal to another world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
58 of 70 found this review helpful
Can You Help Save the World of Anther?
PostedJuly 31, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Clearly, another Amaranthine blockbuster game.
Storyline:
You are acting as Professor Burns, who happened upon an archeological dig just as an "accident" occurs. An artifact has been found. Professor Burns hollers at the 2 girls (one an historian and one a student) not to touch it .. but, of course, they do. A flash! They are enveloped in a globe of power. He tries to throw another found artifact into it but it just gets stuck. You arrive in time to save the day. There is a prophecy that says YOU/Professor Burns will save the world of Anther. It turns out that Amelia (the historian) is actually from Anther. But, guess what? So is Professor Burns. Is anyone from Planet Earth anymore?
You are acting as Professor Burns, who happened upon an archeological dig just as an "accident" occurs. An artifact has been found. Professor Burns hollers at the 2 girls (one an historian and one a student) not to touch it .. but, of course, they do. A flash! They are enveloped in a globe of power. He tries to throw another found artifact into it but it just gets stuck. You arrive in time to save the day. There is a prophecy that says YOU/Professor Burns will save the world of Anther. It turns out that Amelia (the historian) is actually from Anther. But, guess what? So is Professor Burns. Is anyone from Planet Earth anymore?
Graphics and Sound:
Amazing, amazing and amazing. Graphics are stunning. Most times I just wanted to stop and look around at everything. Music must not have been annoying as I didn't feel the need to turn it down.
Amazing, amazing and amazing. Graphics are stunning. Most times I just wanted to stop and look around at everything. Music must not have been annoying as I didn't feel the need to turn it down.
HOGs and Mini Games:
The HOGs were mostly 3-part silhouettes or an itemized list with the final item being found by a riddle you need to solve. Cool. I did not find anything difficult to find. You could opt to play a bubble popper game. There is a morphing object in each HOG scene (17) The mini games were new, fresh, innovative and, while not terribly difficult, did require some thought.
The HOGs were mostly 3-part silhouettes or an itemized list with the final item being found by a riddle you need to solve. Cool. I did not find anything difficult to find. You could opt to play a bubble popper game. There is a morphing object in each HOG scene (17) The mini games were new, fresh, innovative and, while not terribly difficult, did require some thought.
There are 4 modes of difficulty: Casual/Expert/Insane and Custom. You find a journal but don't use it as normal fare. There is a transportable map which shows where you are, where an objective is and where you can go look. It also has a tab with the most detailed task list I've ever seen. Your inventory also holds Plus Items.
CE Bling: Customary fare such as ....
Strategy Guide, Bonus Game, Pictures (12), Wallpaper (8), Achievements (18 x 3 each), Replay Puzzles, Making Of, Music (14 tracks), Movies (27)
Strategy Guide, Bonus Game, Pictures (12), Wallpaper (8), Achievements (18 x 3 each), Replay Puzzles, Making Of, Music (14 tracks), Movies (27)
As well as:
Collect 41 Flowers of Remembrance (1 in each area)
17 Morphing Objects - one in each HOG
Lore Book, Souvenir Room
HOP from Myths around the World
HOP from Armaranthine Voyage: The Living Mountain
HOP from Sea of Lies: Mutiny of the Heart
Collect 41 Flowers of Remembrance (1 in each area)
17 Morphing Objects - one in each HOG
Lore Book, Souvenir Room
HOP from Myths around the World
HOP from Armaranthine Voyage: The Living Mountain
HOP from Sea of Lies: Mutiny of the Heart
So, all in all, LOTS of CE Bling.
There hasn't been much worth purchasing lately (CE OR SE) which has been very disappointing. So, imagine my excitement when I was hooked within the first 15 minutes of game play.
Not only is this game a definite CE purchase for me, but I encourage everyone to try the demo. It's free and an amazing 90 minutes long. You don't need to have played the 2 previous games in this series to enjoy this one.
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
A strange and deadly pollen is spreading around the world, and you've been hired to track down its source. But the secrets you discover in the fabled kingdom of Floralia are much darker than you imagined...
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 11 found this review helpful
Did you know Rapunzel had an evil half-sister?
PostedJuly 30, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
After playing both the CE and SE versions of this game, I'm still on the fence about how I feel about the latest in the Dark Parables series. This game was just TOO bright. Why, oh why, do Devs have to inundate us with GOLDS and ORANGES that hurt our eyes?
Pretty much standard storyline for the Dark Parables series. You, the Detective, are back on the job. On your way to Mt. Snezk in Czechoslovakia, to find out what is causing flowers to dispel a pollen that makes people sick. You are to meet up with Rapunzel because it is believed she will be of help to you. But, are you aware that Rapunzel had a sister? Belladonna? Who is forcing her to sing an evil song and that's what's causing the deadly pollen. Wend your way through a myriad of fairy tales to help Rapunzel and stop the pollen from propagating throughout Floridia.
As I mentioned, the graphics were so completely GOLD and ORANGE that it actually hurt my eyes. I even tried to "window" my options instead of full screen and that didn't help at all. The background music is very relaxing and soothing, once you get past the heavy breathing at the beginning of the game - very irritating. Voiceovers are mostly heard at the onset of the game but you do converse with several characters from previous Dark Parables' games.
I got somewhat confused during the game play because I seemed to go everywhere at once, never quite completing an area before moving on to another and another and another. You pick up a LOT of inventory items and it seemed to me that some belonged way back at the beginning of the story. In any event, your goal is to get to the tower and rescue Rapunzel. But, Gerda, whom you've previously rescued from the Snow Queen, shows up and keeps getting into trouble that you also have to rescue her from.
There are no HOGs per se. We do, however, have FRAGs - which I dislike but which are the usual for this series of games. Some of the mini games were relatively easy, others may seem easy at first, but they do take some thinking to get through and there are clues. There are no reset buttons so you have to exit out and re-enter the game to try again. You can choose to skip the game, however, you will be penalized by losing your hint button for several minutes.
There are 3 levels of difficulty - casual, normal and hard. There is no journal/diary that I could see, however, there is a useless map - it is not transportable so I don't see much use for it. The hint button can direct you where to go next and it recharges fairly quickly.
As I said, there seems to be a LOT going on and, now that I've played the SE version, a lot that I thought was part of the CE Bling is just standard fare. For instance: Collect 20 flower stones for a "surprise"; Parable Notes - collect pieces of various parables and once you have a completed one, a story unlocks;
Even after playing both the CE AND the SE, I am still on the fence regarding this latest game in the series. The graphics are extremely golden and orange and way too bright - hurt my eyes after a while. I didn't really get the "wow" factor after the demo was over and that not only disappointed me but surprised me as well.
I wonder if this is the last in the series because, so far in the demo, several Parables in the series are encountered in some way here. If so, their inclusion did not flow well. I do encourage everyone to try this latest in the series. You get an amazing 90 minutes to play and it goes by very quickly. Plus, it's free to try. Here's hoping you enjoy it.
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
Help Al Emmo and the locals bring tourists to Anozira! Explore the town and learn about the local stops and interesting areas!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Back when Arizona used to be Anozira.
PostedJuly 30, 2014
mrm2006
fromBelton MO
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The story line is weak, at best. There are 5 characters who live in the town of Anozira (Arizona spelled backwards - that was just too easy to figure out). A Hispanic female and 4 men (Australian barkeeper, Mayor, an American Indian who sounded mentally impaired and a banker (?) who used too much helium as a child). The female didn't even have an accent to begin with. They decide they want to bring tourism (basically) to their town and build it up so off they go to the four corners sending postcards back to town describing what they've seen or done.
There are 29 postcards to collect (obviously, 1 for each stop you make on the map) to "win" the game. It's an HOG .... how can you lose an HOG?
The hidden object scenes are a joke. Items are so small or immensely huge AND mis-named. For instance, a "cone" is a traffic cone but could also be a pine cone. And these items are in a mish mash of what looks like hundreds of other items. They can't be found.
The mini games are childish, at best. Jigsaw puzzles (13 pieces?), etc.
There is a hint button but you are relegated to only 4 hints. You can earn more hints by finding coins in the HOGs. These coins not only earn you hints but can "help you in an assortment of ways". I detest games where you have to earn hints.
Now, the ONLY good thing about the game. Hence, the 2nd star. The graphics. For a cartoon game, the graphics are AMAZING! Lip-syncing! And take a goooood long look in the HOGs because there is stuff HAPPENING! Bar girls leaning over the railing upstairs looking down at the cowboys drinking and talking below and more!!!! You don't even get that in the BEST of games today by the BEST of devs. If only the rest of the game was in par with the graphics I would have jumped at the chance to buy it.
Alas, for all the reasons stated above, this game is not a purchase for me. And the ONLY reason I am recommending it is so everyone can watch the amazing graphics come to life in the HOGs.
I recommend this game!