thistle809's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:1,210
- Reviews Submitted:30
- First Review:December 15, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 18, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Help Louie master Le Classique’s recipes and save his restaurant!
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 41 found this review helpful
This pair really has something cooking!
PostedJanuary 26, 2017
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is truly a fun game with a cute story line and lots of challenges (Relaxed Mode with No Timer is the default.) and a few helpful little "power-ups". Don't worry about it launching in Windowed Mode, as soon as you get past entering your name and get to the Main Menu, you have the option to use Full Screen Mode. You can adjust the volume for music and sound effects, as well. The graphics are clear and colorful, the play is crisp - never sluggish and there are goals to meet, but no stress in achieving those. You gather ingredients to complete new recipes in order to progress. This is absolutely enjoyable for anyone who likes M3 games!
I recommend this game!
Take part in the investigation, coupled with dangerous adventures and help Mary save the groom!
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 43 found this review helpful
Being a Detective can be a Solitary life.
PostedJuly 18, 2016
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'm really glad that Big Fish decided to let us have the opportunity to purchase this game. I had tried it out at another site a couple of months ago and have been hoping to see it here.
This is a fun, not-too-difficult, but interesting offering for those of us who enjoy a nice game of solitaire without pulling our hair out. There are plenty of helpful "extras" to purchase with the coins that accumulate as you progress through the levels.The game play is the traditional solitaire style and having to repeat a hand is rare. The music is not the stuff of Grammy awards, but it is pleasant and the volume can be adjusted by clicking on the "Options" icon (gear) at the main screen. The storyline is rather cute.
I recommend this game!
Master this fun and challenging Match-3 game inspired by the magical world of witches and wizards!
Overall rating
5
/
5
36 of 37 found this review helpful
Nothing creepy or sinister; just great fun with a bit of challenge!
PostedMay 16, 2016
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I have been waiting for Big Fish to release this game because I played it on another site and loved it. The storyline is nothing out of the ordinary, really, but it is nice. Some "baddies" have captured the parents of a lovely little witch who is now learning the skills that will help her swoop in to the rescue. The music is pleasant and melodious which goes perfectly with the action. The dialogue is printed only and it can be skipped. I do recommend taking a few moments to read it when it comes up because that gives the story a much sturdier framework.
There are "power-ups" that will become available as you play and they can be upgraded as you accumulate gold. The power-ups are recharged as you play after using them. You can play in Challenge or Relaxed mode. (I chose Relaxed.) You can adjust the volume of the music as well as sound effects. You have a choice to use the Custom Cursor or not and you can turn off the little "Help" things that may pop up from time to time. (A very, very small arrow will point out a possible match if you take too long.)
There are various obstacles that show up on some levels. You may have "Imps" that multiply over squares and you must make matches next to them to get rid of them. (They multiply at an astonishing rate!) Sometimes you will have spider webs put over random squares and you need to make a match with whatever object is under the web to remove it. There will be wooden gates and/or stone squares that can only be removed by making a match next to them. I should add that your power-ups are very useful in removing obstacles as well as regular objects. If you run out of possible moves, the game will shuffle the board for you and you do not have to use that power-up. Based on your score, you will get one, two or three stars for each level and you can replay levels to your heart's content.
As you progress through the game, it becomes more challenging and some levels will probably have to be replayed to actually get through them. (I just finished playing level 48 four times to get past those dastardly "imps"!) lol I believe this will be a fairly long game because there are many, many more levels past level 48. This will be a great game for most families because it could be a joint effort. Younger children will probably not have the skills to get through the tougher levels, but could certainly have fun with the easier ones. Older kids and adults can enjoy all of the fun and occasional slight frustration. This one is a winner!
I recommend this game!
Explore a fantastical world and save the King in this innovative new match-3 experience!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
One of the best games I've played in ages!
PostedApril 21, 2016
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is based on a completed game. I have just finished 200 utterly enchanting levels of this completely delightful game! The devs deserve high praise for a positively amazing endeavor. This will undoubtedly be in contention for a Best Game award this year.
As others have noted, the story line is very well thought out and presented (with a definite "teaser" for a sequel). The voice acting is superb, the music is not repetitive and is simply wonderful. The graphics are, well, gorgeous! This game has so many facets that no matter how many times someone replays it, it will be a completely unique experience. No two players will have the exact same experience. It does take a bit of adjustment to all the strategies that must be employed to keep everything in balance. Do not despair! This is not designed to be a stressful, frustrating game. The first thirty or so levels are challenging because you will be juggling keeping your helpful and wonderful "companion"/transport healthy and well-fed while forging ahead to meet all the characters, complete their quests and travel from the depths of the earth to the summit of mountaintops.. Once you accept the fact that you will find things that you need accumulating as you continue to play, relaxation and enjoyment never abandon you. Do not feel defeated if you need to replay a level now and then to gather more materials to complete quests and have objects forged. There are "puzzle" levels that you have the option to skip (I skipped several) with only the most minor of "penalties". You have a friendly blacksmith who crafts useful objects for you as you gather the necessary materials There are lots of marvelous power-ups to have crafted (the number increases as you progress) and options if you do not complete a level on your first try. (This will happen more frequently in those earlier stages.) You have a slot machine that gives you a free spin each day when you log in (open the game). The items you win on the slot machine come in very handy and even the "Consolation Prizes" for not having three matching symbols are very good.
Do not deny yourself the absolute pleasure of getting to know all the fascinating characters; listen to every wonderful scrap of dialogue! Not only will the pause give your weary hand a moment of recovery (This game is addictive in the most wonderful, happy way.), it will put the finishing touch on a fabulous adventure.
Always remember to feed your horse when you return after closing the game. Once you begin accumulating shields, don't forget to have Killian, the blacksmith, craft the items to groom your faithful companion and keep him/her shod and well "attired".
I played in Casual difficulty mode and am very happy that I did. From other comments, I think those who select a more restrictive option for difficulty are more likely to have a great deal of frustration, especially in those earlier stages.
I recommend this game!
After an invasion, Emperor Omada fled his homeland to seek a land where his people could begin anew. Help him build an Empire worthy of his people.
Overall rating
5
/
5
54 of 62 found this review helpful
Expanding this empire is fun!
PostedFebruary 15, 2016
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am very, very happy that BFG has brought this fun, exciting game to us! I had played the demo on another site a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Kudos to the devs for listening to players who expressed dissatisfaction with the second installment in the series. This newest addition captures all the best features of the original game and continues to "build on that foundation". (Pardon the pun, please) You are "commissioned" by your emperor to explore and find new lands on which to expand the empire. When you land on a new island the fun and challenges begin! There are plenty of awards to be won, power-ups (bonuses) to gather and use, a generous number of ways to achieve extra bonuses that are used immediately in the game making your progress even swifter and more exciting.
You will collect gold coins, food and various other resources that allow you to construct a great number of buildings that are used for practical and fun purposes as your expansion of the empire progresses. Each level has goals to meet and if you play in the Casual Mode as I did, there is the option at each level to play that one in the Timed Mode (or you can play primarily in the Timed Mode). I used a bit of strategy to allow me to collect the greatest number of coins and other resources before satisfying the goals on each level. There are special levels called an "Event" or "Search" that will give you extra bonuses every so often.
The background moves gently from right to left as you play, but if you focus on all the action on the game board, it is not really noticeable. (At least I found the actual game play to be absorbing enough to keep me unaware of the background while I played.) The only reason I knew about the background moving was a couple of seconds before the first level began when I was looking things over.
As you progress through constructing various edifices, you will get to a point where you can choose to by-pass one building temporarily to build something else. The game will, however, confirm that you want to go ahead and Play rather than constructing something you already have the resources to build. (I chose to continue collecting what I needed for an Airport before building a Resort.) You will also have the opportunity to upgrade buildings that you have already constructed.
I see quite a few hours of entertaining, happy play in this game that has absolutely beautiful graphics, lovely music, lots of imagination and flawless mechanics.
I recommend this game!
As an agent of the Alliance, you’ve been given a mission to destroy an ancient artifact known as the Spear of Destiny. In the wrong hands, it could help conquer the world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 31 found this review helpful
A CE in the disguise of an SE!
PostedJanuary 31, 2016
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
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
Hooray! Hooray! I was fortunate enough to beta test this some time ago and was very surprised when it showed up today as an SE.
The storyline is not only unusual, but very well-written. The characters are wonderfully believable, the voice-overs are excellent and the dialogue uses correct English grammar. The music is pleasant and not just a couple of bars played repetitively.
This game has more extras than many of the CE's we've gotten recently. There are Collections to find pieces for, Achievements to work toward, Soundtracks and Wallpapers. There are four difficulty modes, including a Custom level where you can even turn off the mis-click penalty, set the interval for sparkles or turn them off, set the intervals (separately) for general hints and those used in HOS's. The HOS's are a bit unusual (in a good way) because most of them are a combination of regular list, interactive and morphing items. (The morphing and interactive items are indicated with different colored text in the list.) If you want a change from the HOS's, you have the option to play a M-3 game which is in the "click a group of three or more matching objects" mode. The mini-games are imaginative, but not dauntingly difficult. There is an excellent interactive (jump) map.
For me, this is great fun and worth more than many CE's. Try it and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.
I recommend this game!
A thrilling gem-matching adventure awaits those who dare to explore the jungle of the Aztecs, where untold treasure lies hidden deep within an ancient temple!
Overall rating
2
/
5
39 of 41 found this review helpful
No option for untimed play = No Purchase
PostedDecember 28, 2015
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is only for those who want to race the clock on each and every level while meeting the goals set forth. There is no option for untimed play/relaxed mode.
The graphics are lovely, crisp and bright; the music is upbeat and appropriate and the storyline is fun, but the fact that there is no opportunity to play in an untmied/relaxed mode makes it a definite "No Purchase" for me.
The devs seem to be deaf and blind to the fact that for a very long time people have lauded games that offer a choice to play against the clock or take a more relaxed, casual (as in, Casual Game) approach. I Beta tested this for the devs and would be willing to bet that I was not alone in suggesting the addition of a relaxed mode.
I have the other games in the series and was so happy that most offer a choice of timed or untimed play. Being hopeful that the devs might have listened, I played the demo on another site that has no time limit for the free trial. Alas, I was soon disappointed when I reached a point where I could no longer beat the timer while achieving the goals for that level. For those of us who play Casual Games to relax and reduce stress, this will not be what we are hoping for.
I don't recommend this game.
The Lost Lands are in danger again... There's only one brave soul who can face the four evil horsemen to save it – you!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Absolute runaway winner!
PostedMarch 7, 2015
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is truly a superb example of how utterly delightful and wonderful a game can be! The storyline is logical (Yes, I realize it is a fantasy, but logic still works.), the map is one of the best I've seen (It shows you precisely which locations have collectibles, and which kind, as well as being interactive/"jump"), the voices are perfect for the characters, the graphics are simply gorgeous and it keeps your "little gray cells" active without being frustrating and aggravating. The map is neatly organized with a tab for each of the lands you will visit and it shows when there is something you can do in any of the individual sections. The SG is well written and is a tremendous help if you ever need it. The hint is spot on if you should want a little nudge to get you moving in the right direction. It shows great imagination and careful attention to detail by the devs. Thank you, development team!
It is almost impossible to miss any of the collectibles, in the sense that each location on the map clearly shows if either of the two types is still there. All the locations are accessible once you have opened them. None of this locking things off once all your tasks are finished, so you can go back through and gather any collectibles you may have missed when you were doing tasks. (It's easy to get involved in the tasks and forget about collectibles and the games where you cannot return to a location drive me crazy!)
I have the previous "Lost Lands" game and enjoyed it almost as much as this one. I'm already anticipating the next splendid installment by this brilliant group of designers.
Discover what connects the ship’s disappearance with Devil’s Island and a family’s unsolved murder!
Overall rating
4
/
5
42 of 46 found this review helpful
A fun "Shiver-Me-Timbers" dip into a spooky mystery
PostedAugust 28, 2013
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
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
Now that I have enjoyed the demo, this is going to be a purchase. This is based on playing the easiest mode: Casual. The graphics are absolutely lovely! The voice acting is excellent and the storyline is quite good. There is an interactive map that shows your task locations. The music is pleasant and you can adjust the volume. I have a 19" monitor and it filled it completely. (There is an option for aspect ratio adjustment.) The mini-games are fun, but there is a "Skip" button. The hint refills quickly, but you may not need it often. You can speak to characters that you find during your investigation. You have a lovely ghost of a young girl to assist you and a dark menacing figure to provide a few chills. A lot of thought and work went into this entry from our friends at Artifex Mundi. If it were longer, it would certainly be worthy of CE status. (In fact, other the length, it is better than some of the recent CE's.) There are a lot of locations, and when you do revisit one of the Hidden Object Scenes, anything you previously removed will not be there. The dialogue is grammatically correct, which shows extra care was taken. The demo only lasted 48 minutes for me, but it is certainly worth using a PCC to enjoy this beautifully executed game.
I recommend this game!
The quaint mountain town of Hochwald hides a deadly secret. Defeat a mechanical mastermind and save your friend before another earthquake strikes!
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Intrigue, geological upheavals and an adorable "crow"
PostedAugust 10, 2013
thistle809
fromMacon, GA
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
Having played the demo, this is definitely on my "Will Purchase" list. The graphics are utterly gorgeous, the storyline is excellent, the voices are great, the gameplay is smooth, there is an interactive map that shows where tasks are and you get Matthew, an adorable mechanical crow, as a helper. The types of HOS are varied, so there is no boredom there and the mini-games are imaginative and fun. The music is lovely. There are lots of achievements, most of which are not too difficult to get (I love positive reinforcement.) so you don't feet unappreciated. There is nothing creepy or horrifying, just good old underhanded, sneaky intrigue and dirty dealings by a meany. There are 30 steam bugs to collect, but they won't make you wonder if you will lose your eyesight or mind - they do not morph, just skitter across suddenly in plain view. This is great fun and I think people of any age could play and enjoy. My only concern is that I think it might be on the short side. I played on the easiest of the three difficuly levels, but did not skip scenes or dialogue, talked to everyone I saw, skipped no mini-games, took time to enjoy the beautiful graphics, and still finished the demo in 33 minutes. Even if it is on the short side, I do want it.
I recommend this game!