alowan's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4
- Helpful Votes:508
- Reviews Submitted:38
- First Review:April 16, 2015
- Most Recent Review:September 14, 2016
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Participate in a competition for the best garden!
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 16 found this review helpful
They've done it again!
PostedSeptember 14, 2016
alowan
fromWaiting for the next Broncos and/or Redskins game!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I love nonograms, buy them all, and the "Rainbow Mosaics" gang are right up there with the Penguin group. It's great to have another one!
This one builds on the other two, and goes beyond them in story and artwork. I find decorating a garden to be enjoyable!
I also like their mechanics. Their 3 powerups are more helpful than most, as you can use them wherever you want. (No crossing your fingers, hoping the hint will land where you need it.) Plus you earn them back as you play.
They also use that lovely bit of tech that fills in the empty spaces after you have solved the row/column. I wish they all would do that. It is a pain in the middle finger to "cross out" the empty spaces of a row of twenty, solved with a 2 and a 3!
Bravo, Rainbow Mosaics! Keep them coming!
I recommend this game!
Can you save your new friend before it's too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 34 found this review helpful
A decent Standard Edition game
PostedSeptember 9, 2016
alowan
fromWaiting for the next Broncos and/or Redskins game!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoyed the demo (of the SE, not the CE) enough to put it on my purchase list. I find the story to be original enough to keep my interest. I could play it in Custom mode, and as long as I can get rid of the sparkles and shorten the hint and skip times radically, I'm happy.
I also found the lack of morphing objects, other things to find, and achievements delightful. I think I'll stick to the SEs from now on.
At first, the phony French accent bugged me - but not too much later, everybody had what I think of as "Actors' Standard" ones, which I find acceptable. But since I found the music monotonous, I'll listen to Bach or Brubeck or someone while playing. That takes care of the accents!
Yeah, I'll buy it!
I recommend this game!
After an explosion at Stonehenge, fiery and icy portals appear!
Overall rating
4
/
5
54 of 63 found this review helpful
Much to like, but... **play the demo yourself!**
PostedSeptember 4, 2016
alowan
fromNot too far from the mountains, where the weather will soon change in minutes!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I would have liked to buy this game. Music, graphics, and story are great. Hmmm... there's a sale on... well, OK.
But I am so fed up with idiot "heroes," that I'd like to puncture the high-tech suits some of them have worn recently.
So, you've pulled your sister's fat out of the fire before, and you are a high clearance level fixer of dangerous phenomena - - - but you can't be bothered to carry a multi-tool, or a good flashlight. Even worse, when you have a tool, you use it then drop it! Heck, sister, I never leave the house without my multi-tool and a super-bright, small flashlight, with a super long-life battery.
You're also defeated by a missing zipper pull. Funny, I'm 65, and I've never been defeated by one. Even before I quit biting my nails, I could get one open. Afterwards, piece of cake.
I didn't see you perform the other bonehead moves of someone who prefers nice clean hands to his/her loved one's life and/or saving the world:
Needing a brush to get rid of those icky spiderwebs,
Needing a rake to get rid of a small pile of leaves, and
Needing a trowel to excavate a little soft dirt.
Needing a brush to get rid of those icky spiderwebs,
Needing a rake to get rid of a small pile of leaves, and
Needing a trowel to excavate a little soft dirt.
I so hope I won't see you do those idiot moves!
I'm still recommending the game. As I said at first, it has a lot going for it. I'd buy the CE if I was still making good money. But now that I'm a poor retiree, I have to budget, so the SE will have to do! ;-)
**play the demo yourself!**
I recommend this game!
The penguin family is thrilled to discover a new palette of colors for mosaic puzzles!
Overall rating
5
/
5
16 of 18 found this review helpful
I had no need for a demo
PostedAugust 31, 2016
alowan
fromHappy in the High Plains!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
"Ooh, a new Fantasy Mosaics!" (I click on buy)
Yes, it is the same old game. Which is fine with me!
IIRC, this is the only dev who offers two levels of play, which is a plus.
I think the graphics are a little bit better than the last one. I like the pretty pictures.
I was having a bad morning... Now I'm happier!
I recommend this game!
Explore the ancient forest and help forest fairies discover hidden images.
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 39 found this review helpful
Wow!
PostedAugust 22, 2016
alowan
fromHappy in the High Plains!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Caveat: I've only played for 10 minutes or so. After watching the video, I immediately bought it.
What a treat!
- When a row/column is complete, unused tiles are automatically erased. My "left click" finger is happy.
-The numbers are always white on dark blue, and when used are given a slash (/). Hurrah! No more disappearing numbers!
- The tiles are wood grain, and brighten when correctly chosen. Wood grain should stand out well unless the background is also wood grain.
It seems that the games, even at the 5 x 10 level get increasingly difficult. If that continues, there should be some good challenges coming! (We'll see as I get further along in the game.)
There are 6 levels.
Last but not least, we have the option to -completely- turn off the sound effects. No more wincing as the sound effects' music clashes with the background music! (And the background music isn't too bad.)
Now, 'scuse me... I got a game to play!
I recommend this game!
A magical egg is about to turn one girl's world upside-down.
Overall rating
3
/
5
12 of 20 found this review helpful
Tra La Lally, What's That in the Valley?!
PostedJuly 2, 2016
alowan
fromIn my Hobbit Hole
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on the demo
Right off the bat, I was presented with some of my particular irritations:
A heroine who, even though her case is desperate, can’t possibly get her hands wet, or dirty, or touch an icky spider web;
A heroine who, even though her case is desperate, can’t possibly get her hands wet, or dirty, or touch an icky spider web;
Being presented with places we need certain items for, which must be found in other scenes, and repeat ad nauseam.
That phony “3-D” animation, which would look a whole lot more real if a good artist used CAD;
And, last but not least, the whiny voice of our heroine.
Against this is what looks like a new and (somewhat) different story line. Honestly, if I was still making the big bucks, I’d buy it. But now I live on the small bucks of my pension, and this is definitely Finnan Haddie (worth having). Which means I can't afford it.
Ratings:
Dover sole: I must have it, now!
Smoked trout: delicious, but not quite as yummy as the sole
Finnan Haddie: worth having
Fish cakes: only if there’s nothing else in the house
Fish sticks: where’s the garbage bin?
Dover sole: I must have it, now!
Smoked trout: delicious, but not quite as yummy as the sole
Finnan Haddie: worth having
Fish cakes: only if there’s nothing else in the house
Fish sticks: where’s the garbage bin?
I recommend this game!
Who broke the agreement between good and evil?
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 18 found this review helpful
Will Holmes and Watson show up?
PostedJune 24, 2016
alowan
from221B Baker Street
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the demo
When all the other devs caught up to Eipix’s glorious graphics, I wondered what would happen. Well, they have upgraded their graphics to the extraordinary!
The story is a good one, even though it’s solidly based on “The League of Distinguished Gentlemen.” Of course, I liked that movie – which was based on gathering together different characters from different books by different authors. Books I liked.
Once again, I played for about an hour, but it seemed like 10 or 15 minutes.
Yes, it’s true, Eipix has come up with another great one! I only wish I could afford to buy it today! Patience, Alowan; there’s only 7 days till you can!
I rate this Fish as Dover Sole.
***
My scale:
Dover sole: I must have it, now!
Smoked trout: delicious, but not quite as yummy as the sole
Finnan Haddie: worth having
Fish cakes: only if there’s nothing else in the house
Fish sticks: where’s the garbage bin?
My scale:
Dover sole: I must have it, now!
Smoked trout: delicious, but not quite as yummy as the sole
Finnan Haddie: worth having
Fish cakes: only if there’s nothing else in the house
Fish sticks: where’s the garbage bin?
I recommend this game!
Can you save your uncle before it's too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 8 found this review helpful
Do I have any books like this in my library?
PostedJune 16, 2016
alowan
fromIn my library, talking to my books in a very, very sweet voice...
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a good game, overall. I especially like the jump map which shows us both when we’ve picked up all the collectibles, and where the action is (so to speak). And, if my damaged memory works for once, I don’t think I’ve seen Mahjong as an alternate for HOPs before.
Before my husband retired, I’d have bought it without hesitating. But using LoveToMissLisa’s standard, it offers nothing really new to this poverty-stricken fishie. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t buy it if I could!
I rate this as Smoked Trout.
***
My scale:
Dover sole: I must have it, now!
Smoked trout: delicious, but not quite as yummy as the sole
Finnan Haddie: worth having
Fish cakes: only if there’s nothing else in the house
Fish sticks: where’s the garbage bin?
My scale:
Dover sole: I must have it, now!
Smoked trout: delicious, but not quite as yummy as the sole
Finnan Haddie: worth having
Fish cakes: only if there’s nothing else in the house
Fish sticks: where’s the garbage bin?
I recommend this game!
Experience an exciting Mahjongg adventure in a land full of lovable and strange creatures!
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 14 found this review helpful
Don't time me, please!
PostedJune 7, 2016
alowan
fromWaiting to see if the crops will get some rain
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I downloaded this demo under the assumption that the "relaxed" mode would be untimed. It is not.
I could tell that I would'nt even be able to finish the demo. In fact, it looked like I wouldn't even get past the second puzzle.
I was hoping for a new mahjong game to add to my small collection, but this won't be it.
I don't recommend this game.
The dastardly Pirate King is out for blood... and you're his next target!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Tortuga is definitely not a torture!
PostedJune 5, 2016
alowan
fromOn the Arabella with Captain Blood!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
While it didn't "blow me down," this is a good game. It's not written by Rafael Sabatini, but looks like a good pirate story, and with some of the supernatural added, well, shiver me timbers.
There is the typical "Here's a place - it has several things to unlock or add missing pieces to - wander around picking up pieces - each of those spots has missing bits too" game play. I only have one more gripe, and that is the (also usual) being unable to use something in the inventory except on one item. How I wish they would start us out with a multi-tool, and let us keep and use it til the end!
I very much like the non-standard HOPs. (The usual list/interactive ones are there, too.) I also enjoyed the puzzles. I usually skip them in a demo, but not this time. They seem to play to my strengths.
The graphics are superb. I never met such a cute bunch of pirates in my life - except the evil Captain!
I'll be diggin' into me shrinkin' pile o' Pieces of Eight. It's a keeper!
I recommend this game!