The style of play is like the Rivers variation in Mahjong, which happens to be one of my favourite variations.
You match 2 tiles, linking them with 1, 2 or 3 lines. For example: 1 line could be two adjacent tiles inside the grid or across any distance horizontally and vertically as long as the path isn't blocked. 2 lines could be an L-shape. 3 lines could zig-zag or be like a U shape (but straighter).
The difference is that in Mahjong, the matched tiles disappear and links become more strategic. In this game, the spaces fill up, as is typical of a matching game. Here you also have the customary chains to break, dark tiles that require two matches to clear them and items to unlock.
I've only played the demo so far. In relaxed mode it is easy. The mini-games are nothing unique, and also easy. So far, spot the difference, a slider puzzle and memory game. In relaxed mode, this would be a very child-friendly game.
A Mahjong/match 3 hybrid is certainly an interesting concept and something that could be developed on very successfully. I will buy this game because of the Mahjong Rivers likeness and to get more of a challenge in timed mode.
With two modes, 300 levels and variations, Ancient Athena will keep you busy for quite a while.
Adventure mode didn't really have that much of a story during the demo, but the graphics are nice and the symbols on the tiles clearly visible. There are lovely backgrounds to choose from and different tile sets become available during the game. Adventure mode is timed, but there are a variety of bonus tiles to help you on each level.
I had a quick glimpse at Classic Mode. There are three levels of difficulty and you can also create your own layouts. You can change the background and tile sets and select whatever variation you want to play. Some of the variations are timed, e.g. find a special tile in 10 seconds, find a pair within 20 seconds when the board changes. There's the familiar Freecell variation, another where you select tiles that add up to 10, one that's like a memory game and others that I didn't get to investigate.
I will be adding this to my collection of Mahjong games.
A UFO is rumored to have landed in the small town of Tundel and the mayor is trying to conceal it. Run your own journalistic investigation and learn the truth behind the event!
I 've only played the demo, but it was an hour well spent chuckling. Lovely graphics and smooth, intuitive control. As you explore the city you meet zany characters, some of them giving you tasks for which they pay you. A diary keeps a list of all tasks and there is a map to help you find your way around.
Judging by the size of the map and all the buildings you can visit, this is going to be a long game.
It is refreshingly different and a definite buy.
I recommend this game!
+1point
3of5voted this as helpful.
The Enchanted Kingdom: Elisa's Adventure
To prove she's the rightful heir to the throne, Elisa must conquer a fearsome dragon and bring down a wicked witch!
I was very happy to recently come across this lovely game. Based on the demo, it is a hybrid adventure/city builder with simple and sometimes amusing dialogue. Elisa travels around the map, solving people's problems and rebuilding a city. Resources and inventory items are gathered via M3 (chain and swap) and hidden object levels. There are also mini-games.
The game is not overly challenging but there is something very enchanting about it. I will definitely be buying.
I recommend this game!
+51points
54of57voted this as helpful.
Amazing Adventures Riddle of the Two Knights
Follow a curious trail through crowded bazaars and snow-swept summits to find what is missing!
This is a straight Hidden Object game with 25 missions. Graphics are crisp. The Hidden Object scenes are not at all junk pile and the clues are a mix of standard, slightly cryptic and interactive. There are also hidden items to find that unlocks two bonus games. There are mini-games at the end of each mission.
I liked this game enough that I bought it as soon as the demo finished. I had just finished mission 2, so it has the feel of being a nice, long game.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This game held my attention and the demo just few by.
The tilted board didn't bother me at all. There was variety in the M3 gameplay and a lot of buildings still to be unlocked after the demo finished. I estimate it could be quite a long game.
The building is free style, which means you can build how and where you like and be as creative as you want, given the available objects. I will buy this game for the free style building alone, but the M3 elements are also good.
I recommend this game!
+10points
10of10voted this as helpful.
Gardenscapes: Mansion Makeover™
Welcome back to Gardenscapes! Turn the hall into a masterpiece!
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
It is a pleasure to reunite with the charming Austin in this follow-up to Gardenscapes. Very similar to the first game, selling items to renovate the property. In the Hidden Object scenes there are coins and hints to search for. The first side quest of enticing the dog into the house was fun. I only played the demo for a short while, but it's an instant hit and purchase.
A little bird wants to join his better half but the cruel world won't let him. Collect as many stars as you can while jumping between wires and avoiding pitfalls.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Oh, how cute those birds are!
This game is simpler than other physics based games where you need to manipulate diferent objects to achieve a desired effect. Here you just need to move the bird along the wire to position him for collecting stars, avoiding obstacles and uniting with his lady love.
It became addicting very quickly, but be warned, expect your wrist to ache.
I will defintely consider purchasing to play in small instalments as is it just so cute.
I recommend this game!
+12points
16of20voted this as helpful.
Mystery P.I.: The London Caper
Use your Hidden Object skills to search London for clues and recover the stolen Crown Jewels in Mystery P.I. – The London Caper!
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
A more classical type of Hidden Object Game, but different enough that I was quickly addicted to it. Lovely graphics and smooth control. There is some interaction with items and mildly cryptic clues that had me chuckling a few times. There are additional items to search for that unlock two other game modes, and increase points. After each group of locations there is a mini-game.
This is a long game and the first I've sampled in the Mystery P.I. series. I will definitely be trying the others.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This is a delightful game, more Hidden Object than Time Management. Keep customers happy and fulfill their requirements within expert time to win medals. It is quite fast-paced but you can continue playing after the timer has finished and replay the levels to help you memorise locations of items. A nice variety of mini games.