I'm a big fan of mahjongg games of many types. So I was prepared to enjoy this game a lot as it seemed a new twist on a cool theme. But too many negatives made it a frustrating and boring experience. The idea of combining HO scenes with mahjongg seemed great but poorly done graphics and somewhat odd English wording quickly dulled my interest. The graphics are almost cartoonish but blurred and highly fanciful, This might be ok but the HO's are word association games so the objects to be related need to be clear and logical. They aren't here. The story of a princess entering a forbidden secret castle room seemed interesting but again, poor grammar marred the tale. These facts considered, I cannot truly recommend this game as a purchase but a possible download to see what mighta been a winner. Hopefully another team will take these ideas and make them shine.
I don't recommend this game.
+21points
36of51voted this as helpful.
Namariel Legends: Iron Lord
Escape prison, defeat an army of mechanical soldiers and destroy the Iron Lord’s dark power!
As a fan of Playrex Games I expected fun and challenge from this adventure. Well, there is, sad to say, little of each. The fun so far (45 min. of demo) has been in the rather lame one-liners from the main character and his uncle. But that's not a big downer. The biggest flaw for me is the cartoonish graphic style, the almost totally linelar gameplay and the feeling of non-involvement for the player. So far, no HO's, you pick up an object, use it now or a bit later, find another object, repeat (yawn). Long dialogue which vanishes too quickly and unmatched VO's that you cannot replay. The story isn't all that bad, but the mechanics make this a tiring trip back & forth without much feeling of accomplishment. In short, there are much better adventures out there and this is not the best Playrex offering around.
The mystery I refer to is what the story is supposed to be about and who hid the dictionary and grammar book from the script writers? Snide remarks (due to wanting to enjoy the game and not doing so due to high frustration) aside, the game is not truly bad but quite confusing as two storylines seem to be trying to converge and only succeeding in confusing the player. There's the missing artist mentioned in the game description and haunting figures, many past murders and a collector who apparently is hoarding stuff from the mansion (stolen stuff?). The technical aspects though aren't as dismal as some have reported. I played 45 min. of the demo and the HO's weren't all that dark considering it's night and no lighting availaboe outside. The objects were clear but almost cartoonish and often blended into the background to the point of invisibility. But the "ghostly" scenes were very well done and some truly disturbing. Who's that frightening boy in the swing and is he following me? The grammar and spelling were, however important drawbacks as it was often hard to understand what the hint was telling me to do. I doubt the writing was edited before the game's release but it does add an unnecessary level of frustration. There are some good things here, however so I'm recommending giving it a try. You may find it worth a play.
I recommend this game!
+11points
15of19voted this as helpful.
Rolling Idols: Lost City
Build Mayan pyramids and reconstruct the Mayan calendar to restore the ancient cradle of civilization!
This game, like the first one, combines match 3 with subtle strategy. Some building elements have been added and the graphics in the city scenes are pleasingly bright and clear as is the matching grid. Having played the first game isn't at all necessary to enjoy this one, but if you like this installment, hurry and get the original as you'll find more of what makes this game fun. The rules are clear and easily found by clicking on a character during matching play or on city elements between rounds of matching. Music is bouncy but can be turned down in Options. If you like match 3, strategy or both, grab this game for a fun and novel twist on the themes.
I really enjoy jigsaws both on line and on the kitchen table. The obvious pluses of computer puzzling (no lost pieces, etc.) have made me a great fan of the virtual type. This game is beautiful in artwork, pleasant and appropriate music and has awards aplenty. The downer? No much variety in subject matter. It's understandable in a "royal" themed game that castles and sailing ships would dominate the theme but more variety would've helped lots. There are very few pics of people, landscapes, animals, activities #with appropriate Medieval themes of course# or objects other than buildings and the occasional seascape. There are no instructions and some experimenting is needed to find how each tool works. I do, however recommend the game if there's enough variety for you and you've done enough computer puzzling to easily handle the controls without help. As I said, good but....
I recommend this game!
+78points
84of90voted this as helpful.
The Path of Hercules
Pay homage to the dieties by restoring ancient artifacts in this unique Hidden Object and Match-3 adventure!
My expectations for this game were high as I like match 3, HO and puzzle types and all are there. The visuals are colorful and clear if somewhat cartoonish and the music is appropriate. BUT...if you've played any of the Atlantis variants by Playrix and others you're gonna get a severe case of "been there, done that" as the gameplay, art and goals are extremely similar. If you enjoyed those games and want more, then this is for you. If you're looking for someting new, however, skip this altogether. I do recommend it however for its quality. So give it a try, just don't expect innovation here.
If you enjy HOGS, fantasy, mystery, superb story telling, than this game may be your cup of tea (pun intended!). The gameplay is exciting and the story riviting. The HO scenes involve finding pieces of needed story items you'll use in ways unknown until you need them! No piles of unrelated junk and repeated objects (how many bellows, feathers and candles do you need?)! And it's a long game, requiring several hours just for the main story. So why the four stars on sound? Well, even after silencing the music there's a sort of rushing, moaning sound that quickly became sorta annoying. But that's a minor downer. This is truly a sensational game and I suggest giving the sample a try. You may want to stay in Enchantia for the day!
I recommend this game!
+2points
2of2voted this as helpful.
Tiny Token Empires
Expand your power over the world in this crazy, comical universe! Develop cities, train armies and annex new territories in this hilarious Match3 and Strategy hybrid game.
In this innovative and quite complex marriage of m3 and tactical battle games they just may if you can get into it and raise an unbeatable army or two. The graphics are clear but small and a bit cartoonish. The print could be bigger and the instructions although detailed, aren't always very clear (at least to me!). The sarcastic and mocking tone of the tutorial guide may dismay some, but they somehow fit the avartar you use. As an m3 fan, I enjoyed the battles and found them clearly explained. But overall the instructions need some work on simplicity and clarity. But if you're a fan of either m3 or strategy games, try this one. It just may be your ticket to Imperial rule!
Take a journey through medieval times. Help Joan of Arc to build a new kingdom and change the fate of the people in this epic story of honor and courage.
I enjoy history and history themed games, books, etc. so this game immediately caught my notice. I also enjoy town building match 3's like Cradle of Persia, Rome, etc. This game has all that and (having only played the demo) some mildly historical revelence. But if you're looking for a classy, nicely drawn m3 with good VO's, this is certainly one of them This may also satisfy your construction enjoyment too, as the town is beautifuly illustrated. I wish, though, as I do in other town builders, that the player could interact with the people. Oh, Well, it's a fine game nonetheless and I recommend giving it a try.
I enjoy mahjong games and have played quite a variety of them. This brightly colored interestingly illustrated game has clear tiles, appropriate music and really helpful "help". But for me it also had a major downer wi\hich will keep it off my computer. It uses a timer and your success with the town building aspect of the game is closely directed by how quickly you match the tiles. You don't just get points but correct matches and short play time gives you vital resources such as wood, bricks etc. That for me, lessens the enjoyment ofthe game and adds pressure that I don't enjoy. But if you're a mahjong fan and/or a construction fan you might want to give this game a try.