I was really excited to see this appear on BFG. It is one of the many time management games that I look forward to play. And, this one doesn't disappoint.
As any good TMG, it starts off less challenging, but boy, does it make up for it later! The hidden objects at first are easy to spot, and even in some of the later levels, but many times, I have had to resort to the strategy guide to determine where they are hidden.
The guide has videos of each level to assist if one cannot determine the correct strategy. However, on one of the levels, the video didn't help at all. At least not for the 3-4 minutes I watched. It just kept repeating the same moves without moving to the next step. Maybe that is there strategy to get the gold, but I got tired of watching. I finally just went back to the game, and figured out the correct strategy for gold status.
One of the silly things I like to do on each level is click on the animals/birds. Each will make a sound and move. There is a crab, that if clicked on, will bury itself in the sand. And, a star fish will lift up its "arms". I know I love to mention developers of these games, but to me, it is amazing all the steps and nuances when creating these games (if this, then that). Kuddos to the developers for adding the cute animals and actions :)
I find the challenge of this game to be spot on. Starts less challenging but becomes very challenging in later levels. Some are so challenging, I had to resort to the video guide after numerous attempts to figure it out the strategy (exception was the level mentioned above).
So far, I am really enjoying this game! I highly recommend it! So, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to tackle the next level!
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
I used to really like these games as I found them relaxing. I enjoy not having to be contently challenging my brain, so I go to this type of game to chill.
That said, I have noticed with this developer, while providing different pictures, there are more pictures with boring browns, grays, muted shades of orange. There are so many wonderful, colorful pictures they could use, but they always go to depressing city skylines, lions, tigers and bears (oh my!), misty, colorless landscapes.
I will be hesitant to purchase another game from this developer because of the lack of color. Art by Numbers at least gives us colorful abstracts and pictures. Hope the developer sees this critique and livens up the colors in the next installment.
I have been waiting for what seems like a very long time for the next installation of Incredible Dracula as this series is one of my all time favorite TMG! And, once again, I am not disappointed.
While this edition is similar to previous games, there is no shortage of fun and challenge. I originally tried the easy level, but it was way too easy. Switched to Expert, and the challenge was on. Have had to play several levels numerous times in order to determine the strategy to obtain 3 stars. To be honest, the "strategy guide" is not too helpful, but does assist in giving a better plan to reach 3 stars.
The same characters are in this game, and a couple new enemies. Game play is basically the same (build, gather, etc.). And, of course, the silly and humorous storyline is in place. All of this and more are reasons I truly enjoy Incredible Dracula.
There are two buttons that identify as Treasure and Documents. It is not until well into the game that they become active and explain their purpose (for Treasure, one has to find 128 treasures and then place them in correct order); for Documents one has to find 5 throughout the game to complete (I didn't find the first document until sometime in level 20 or above.)
I love the challenge of the game. I have said before that a TMG should not be easy, especially in Expert mode. Incredible Dracula never disappoints in the challenge arena, sometimes to the point of frustration. However, if one sticks it out, it is quite satisfying to finally get that 3rd star!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more levels to finish which will bitter sweet because it will mean I have to wait for the next edition!
I just discovered Art By Numbers a month ago and really enjoyed the 2nd version. When I saw this new version was available, I grabbed it up quickly.
The colors are very vibrant and finished pictures are really pretty. I agree with another poster that some of the spaces are so tiny, I had to use the help to find them. But, that did not deter me from continuing along.
I have all the games in this series and have enjoyed each one. When I first started this new game, I was not too impressed at first. Seemed a bit to easy to me and kind of repetitive of earlier games (I've played each at least 3-4 times).
However, after about the 8th-10th level, I started really enjoying the challenge!! Trust me, the challenge is there. I have had to play some levels several times to get the golden lamp, but that is one of the many things I love about New Yankee. It's not a series that can be completed in a couple of hours. It can take days (for those who do not sit in front of the computer 10 hours a day playing).
I don't understand how some find it boring. Yes, there are some of the same activities as in previous versions (skeletons, ice witches, scorpions). But, there are several new 'characters' and different challenges.
I feel the developers gave us some of the familiar things that we loved in previous versions while giving us new and fun things to strategize throughout the game.
If you're looking for an easy time management game, this is not for you. If you are looking for a challenge and fun at the same time, I think you will enjoy it. The trial will not get you into the more difficult levels, but once you get there, enjoy!!
Now, excuse me while I try once again to get past level 21 with my gold lamp!! LOL
I have thoroughly enjoyed playing this game. There is enough of a challenge to keep the mind focused on a strategy needed to obtain 3 stars while not being so difficult one is forced to give up and accept 2 stars.
Good TM games are few and far between anymore, so when one such as this appears, it almost makes it worth the wait. Just wish there were more TM games, but understand the level of development and quality control/checks affects the ability to get good games produced. So, I will replay this and other great TM games (New Yankee, Incredible Dracula, Rescue Team) over and over and over until the next great TM game.
When I first started playing New Yankee, I didn't like it. To me, it was too slow and too difficult. This was back when I first started playing TM/Strategy games. As I became more proficient with this type of game, I went back and downloaded the first New Yankee. I found it was not as bad as I had originally thought. After playing that game, I downloaded each and every subsequent New Yankee game.
So, I was really happy to see this new edition appear on Game of the Day. I didn't even try it; I bought it immediately. And, I have not been disappointed.
The game can be quite challenging, which to me, is part of the fun with these type of games. But, the challenge is not so much that it is impossible to achieve gold on each level (I did have to play a number of levels several times but was eventually able to get the gold).
Love the graphics! Sometimes, I will let the time run just so that I can look at the graphics. Sometimes, there is a little bunny, or hedgehog, or porcupine moving around. Love how they have added things like John blowing up mushrooms before the level begins. Really cute!
I have not been disappointed in purchasing this game. The only disappointment is I now have to wait so long for the next New Yankee game!
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
I was happy to finally see a TMG that I thought would be challenging and fun. I decided to play the Normal setting because I don't like a game that is too easy or impossible to achieve 3 stars.
The game was challenging and required strategy to obtain the 3 stars up to level 25. After that, obtaining 3 stars is next to impossible. Even using the strategy guide, I found achieving 3 stars, and in some cases even 2 stars was ridiculous.
I have always enjoyed games that challenged me, and as stated, until level 26, this game met my expectations. After that, it was nothing more than frustrating. I attempted many levels as many as 5-7 times in an effort to get 3 stars to no avail; not even close.
I then created a new profile and chose the Easy mode. Seriously? Might as well have chosen no timed mode it was so easy to get 3 stars with plenty of time left over.
I can't even imagine trying to play this game in the Hard mode. I finished the game but am left feeling frustrated and disappointed. Will not even look at the next chapter, if there is one.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
i was so happy to see Rescue Team back on the job. I played in the hard mode, and let me tell you, it is a challenge to get 3 stars. I love games that challenge my mind, and this one doesn't disappoint.
I don't like "strategy" games where I can get 3 stars on the first try. To me, that isn't strategy, that is just clicking along to pass time. There were levels on this game where I had to replay it several times before attaining the 3 stars. At times, I was ready to give up, but that is not my nature. At 72 years young, I like games that encourage my brain cells; it keeps me "young" and alert.
The good thing about this game is that one can choose the easy mode which will give one plenty of time to complete the level with 3 stars. I like the challenge.
If you like a challenge (and some level of frustration) this game is for you. The satisfaction of reaching 3 stars makes the frustration worth it, IMHO. Wish more TM/Strategy games were more on the line of Rescue Team ;)
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
I am thoroughly enjoying this game. With everything going on in the world today, I find this to be very relaxing. It gives my over stressed mind a break.
I don't expect the final picture to a Rembrandt; it's pixels. Once you've completed a picture, go back out and look at the finished product. Some are pretty good; a couple look like pixels. Oh wait!! They are pixels!
Although strategy and time management games are my favorite, it is nice to take a break and just click and color :)