Valkara's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.5
- Helpful Votes:109
- Reviews Submitted:31
- First Review:July 12, 2018
- Most Recent Review:May 15, 2025
- Featured reviews0
In the debut release of Big Adventure: Trip to Europe, tour 10 amazing countries while you find hidden objects and complete challenging minigames!
Overall rating
2
/
5
3 of 6 found this review helpful
Poor substitute for Vacation Adventures
PostedAugust 15, 2021
Valkara
fromCanada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I usually love travel games, but not when they are inferior copies of much better games. The characters speak as though they're parroting travel brochures, and don't appear to even notice one another, let alone have a conversation. Do any of them even have a name? If so, I've forgotten them already.
This "find a lost-and-found" object and "pick up the trash" is something the Vacation adventures games already do. Even the sound effects when a character is given an ice cream cone is the same as in the Casual Arts games.
Why give us the same as other games, when there's an opportunity here to be different?
At least try to be accurate. This Highclere looks NOTHING like the Highclere on TV, whether in Downton Abbey or in the many documentaries about that place.
The only reason I gave 2 stars to this game was because of the one scene that made me laugh. Someone on the game's creative staff is a Sesame Street fan!
The game's ending was like slamming into a brick wall. One scene is done and suddenly "That's it, see you next game."
It's a really HUGE assumption that there will be a next game or that I will be there.
Call me unimpressed, and I can't recommend this game, certainly not for anyone seeking their next game of Park Ranger or Cruise Director. This is a poor substitute.
I don't recommend this game.
Join Megara and help the people of Hellas face an angry goddess in this fun time management adventure game!
Overall rating
1
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
This game is unplayable if you actually want to have any fun
PostedAugust 3, 2021
Valkara
fromCanada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Where to start... first, you won't get any puzzle pieces if you don't play in one of the timed modes.
Secondly, you won't get any puzzle pieces if you don't get 3 stars.
Thirdly, if the characters would quit popping up and getting in the way, they wouldn't eat up time and I could have a chance at getting 3 stars, which is the only way to get puzzle pieces.
This game is basically unplayable. What's the point of striving to find the hidden objects if you can't have any puzzle pieces if you can't get 3 stars? Why is there even an untimed mode if you're not allowed to put the puzzles together?
I very sincerely regret buying this game (I figured it would be fun since it's a Hercules spinoff), and do not recommend it.
I don't recommend this game.
Find and collect adorable cats as you visit incredible places all over the world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
"Here, kitty-kitty-kitty!"
PostedJuly 31, 2021
Valkara
fromCanada
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I actually found myself muttering this while playing the demo. I had to be careful not to mutter too loudly, lest my own cat think I'm offering treats (again).
This game is fun, because you can never have enough cats. My only quibble is that I have no idea what the different colors of stars represent.
At any rate, I enjoyed the demo and this one is a definite buy.
I recommend this game!
Follow an unlikely pair, help them overcome incredible dangers, and see a budding relationship form in this tropical match-making adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
Too similar to the first game.
PostedJuly 29, 2021
Valkara
fromCanada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I was delighted to see a new "11 Islands" game out, since I enjoyed the first one so much.
Alas... there's too much that's the same, even though the monsters don't look quite as scary now as they did before.
There was some challenge, which is good. I appreciate being able to change game modes, as there are a few levels that I found impossible to solve in 'limited movies' so I changed to 'relaxed' and solved it.
I'm honestly ambivalent about recommending this game. There were some levels that were identical to the first game, and I remembered those ones especially because it took ages to figure out a strategy that would work.
But people who haven't played the first game might enjoy this.
Complete beautiful number-clue puzzles using logic and unveil the mosaic gallery!
Overall rating
1
/
5
0 of 1 found this review helpful
I wanted to like it...
PostedJuly 6, 2021
Valkara
fromCanada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
On the third level the game stopped. Poof, just quit, no error message, and would not start up again.
I did like the first two levels, but I cannot recommend this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Mediterranean Journey 5
Visit new cities and islands across the Mediterranean as you take in the unique spirit and culture of this incredible destination!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Don't travel games have good music anymore?
PostedMay 22, 2021
Valkara
fromCanada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I generally enjoy travel games. I have others in this series. But why can't the games have decent music to accompany them? It's pretty bad when hearing the clicks and sound effects is preferable to having one's ears assaulted by that noise that pretends to be music. I muted it.
Developers need to realize that music is part of the reason why people either buy or don't buy games. A "meh" game might be a buy for me if I enjoy the music. A game where the music draws me into an immersive experience where I lose track of time is a treasure.
This game failed to deliver on that, and although the game itself is adequate to pass a little time, I cannot in good conscience recommend it.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Rangers run Pinecreek Hills Park and National Academy!
Overall rating
3
/
5
9 of 11 found this review helpful
I wanted to give it 5 stars, but...
PostedApril 3, 2021
Valkara
fromCanada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Spoilers: Haven't played the game and don't want spoilers? Please read later!
Pinecreek Hills is getting too commercial, and farther away from a real nature camp feeling. I appreciate the CE versions, but honestly... line dancing in a coffee shop as a major event the female Ranger was looking forward to? And then she's not even looking at it!
One of the reasons I like this series is to see the campers who show up every year - Bob, Mary, their kids Mike and Emma... and their friends Dion, Alexis, and their kids. This time around there were only brief glimpses of the first family and the second family was totally absent.
I'm beginning to wonder at the names "Mike and Emma." First they were kids. Then on Cruise Ship there's an adult couple with those names. Now two Pinecreek Hills employees have those names... ???
I did have to laugh at the fire scenes (not at the fire itself as of course that's a scary thing in a forest)... the pizza box that's been sitting on top of the mine since Park Ranger 1 is still there, still unscathed, though apparently it blew off the roof so it could be safely tossed in the garbage.
One reason I did not give 5 stars is because of the added music. I love the usual Park Ranger music, but the new music added this time was just annoying and I was very tempted to mute it. I'd prefer the music be kept instrumental in future games in this series.
Another reason for the lack of a star was the security scene. It took me right out of the camping experience, and it's awful to see real-life politics intruding on what should be a fun game. Metal detectors, scanners, wondering if the thing is set up to accommodate disabled guests and those who may have had certain surgeries with compassion and dignity?
Overall I did enjoy the game. I just didn't like certain scenes and the increasing move to commercialism over nature for Pinecreek Hills.
I recommend this game!
Enjoy classic match-3 gameplay set on the banks of the mighty Euphrates River. Can you restore an ancient temple!
Overall rating
1
/
5
6 of 15 found this review helpful
Not recommended for several reasons.
PostedJanuary 27, 2021
Valkara
fromCanada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I enjoy Match-3 games where part of the game includes building things (houses, castles, towns...). But in this case I can't recommend it. The gameplay is uninteresting, the artwork is terrible, and the sounds made by the jewels when they fall is horribly annoying. I already muted the music, and to continue with this game I would need to mute the rest of the sound as well.
I don't recommend this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Complete challenging match 3 puzzles and help two London police detectives uncover a dark conspiracy!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 15 found this review helpful
A relaxing little game
PostedJanuary 26, 2021
Valkara
fromCanada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I enjoyed the demo, and found this game to be relaxing. I turned the music off, as I found it a bit annoying. It's okay for when a person wants a bit of brain exercise, and it's nice not to have to worry about time limits or move limits.
I'd recommend it for anyone who wants to spend a few minutes playing but not stressing.
I recommend this game!
Help Santa prepare for the most wonderful time of the year!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Too much the same, plus inconsistencies
PostedDecember 20, 2020
Valkara
fromCanada
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I was really looking forward to this game. However...
Too many scenes are far too much like the ones in past games, but with bizarre twists.
Yes, it's nice that they show a different angle of the main family's living room. But the main family's closet turned up in the grandparents' home, with all the items in the same places.
Part of the game seems to have been plopped, willy-nilly, into the Park Ranger Pinecreek Hills setting (bear warnings in the middle of a fair midway?).
The "new family" (who we've met before in numerous games of CW, Park Ranger, and Cruise Director) seem to have moved into a home that is both beside and across the street from the main family - at the same time.
These are mistakes that most people probably wouldn't spot, but are really glaring to folks who have played and replayed these games many times over the years. We *know* what the scenes in these games look like, and while it's nice that there was an effort to use different angles, the storyline itself needed some editing to eliminate the inconsistency of where the "new family" now lives.
One change I noticed that I liked was the achievement for taking pictures. That camera icon is fiendishly hard to find in some of the scenes! The achievements for replaying a level and for solving a minigame in under 1 minute have been eliminated.
I'm ambivalent about recommending this game. It doesn't meet my own standards for what it should be, but it was still somewhat fun. The non-nitpickers among the players will enjoy it.
I don't recommend this game.