kdubs's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:709
- Reviews Submitted:24
- First Review:August 8, 2012
- Most Recent Review:October 19, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Fresh technical drawing aesthetics meet elegantly designed logic challenges in this minimalist puzzle title with just a dash of color.
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 26 found this review helpful
2019 logic puzzler has me hooked!
PostedOctober 19, 2021
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
When I saw Reky as today's new game, I wondered if yet another flash from the past was being touted as Tomorrow's game. But when I Googled for more info, found it was a 2019 release on a big gaming site where I'm not a member so I never would have found this if Big Fish had not brought it here today.
It has nice reviews there but I wondered why several reviewers said they enjoyed a few levels each evening to wind down. After playing the demo, I sure get that.
Scores are based on number of moves. Replays are an easy one click. Some options including color are accessible from that little circle down in the lower left corner of each puzzle screen.
LOL this has to be one of the few games where I actually played the tutorial. Otherwise I'm pretty sure I would have been (a) lost and (b) unimpressed.
Wondering what would happen if I got truly stumped, checked online and found several videos to help when (not if) I hit that wall.
Seems like it will be a good bang for the buck, fun and challenging.
It has nice reviews there but I wondered why several reviewers said they enjoyed a few levels each evening to wind down. After playing the demo, I sure get that.
Scores are based on number of moves. Replays are an easy one click. Some options including color are accessible from that little circle down in the lower left corner of each puzzle screen.
LOL this has to be one of the few games where I actually played the tutorial. Otherwise I'm pretty sure I would have been (a) lost and (b) unimpressed.
Wondering what would happen if I got truly stumped, checked online and found several videos to help when (not if) I hit that wall.
Seems like it will be a good bang for the buck, fun and challenging.
I recommend this game!
Enter a mesmerizing mosaics wonderland and build a magical haven of tranquil sanctuaries!
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 24 found this review helpful
Beautiful with that Jewel Match nature theme goin' on
PostedNovember 25, 2020
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I love mosaics and would welcome a new series. This one hooked me as soon as I saw it was developed with Suricat, the folks who've brought us the Jewel Match M-3 series.
Backgrounds are beautiful and ambient nature sounds so welcome as we are more confined to our homes.
Oh, and yeah the demo mosaics played just fine so I promptly used a club credit to get the game today. No waiting for a good sale, I wanted to have it for Thanksgiving weekend.
Backgrounds are beautiful and ambient nature sounds so welcome as we are more confined to our homes.
Oh, and yeah the demo mosaics played just fine so I promptly used a club credit to get the game today. No waiting for a good sale, I wanted to have it for Thanksgiving weekend.
I recommend this game!
Join the Walkers on their next Mosaic Adventure! This time, to the incredible city of Amsterdam!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Changes no improvement in my eyes.
PostedNovember 16, 2020
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Pleasant anticipation of a new Walker family adventure turned to sadness. The "improvements" left me cold because they took away the charm and individuality of this series. I always enjoyed the puzzles as a welcome break. With the puzzles gone and the very flat uninspired graphics, it's unlikely I will be purchasing another game in this previously beloved series.
If the developers are listening, please reconsider the "improvements". Thank you.
If the developers are listening, please reconsider the "improvements". Thank you.
I don't recommend this game.
For many years, locals have avoided the manor by the woodside. Solve the manor’s mystery and save the journalist before it's too late!
Overall rating
4
/
5
92 of 104 found this review helpful
We all enjoy different games and this one hit me right!
PostedJanuary 13, 2017
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoy a pleasant standalone SE so decided to demo. Here are the top good points I immediately appreciated:
1. Even on casual, NO SPARKLES!! Truly have to explore to find active locations. The custom cursor is pretty but kinda large for my taste, so tested with system cursor and found that in Casual mode, I saw a magnifying glass beside the system cursor. Didn't test to see if same would be true in the other difficulty option with "no hints".
2. JUMP MAP shows available locations and active task spots.
3. Nice enough graphics that (at least in the first half hour) don't rely on dark grainy obscurity. I personally like the soft realistic colors.
4. The one HOS I encountered in the first half hour was bright and clear with none of those blasted floating motes of light so overused by some big devs.
5. There is a totally OPTIONAL TUTORIAL which I declined. It stayed out of sight not returning to annoy me like tutorials are known to do.
6. It has an actual story that doesn't immediately hit as one I've played dozens of times as it feels in the cookie-cutter CE's.
7. It did NOT open with a car crash so bonus points for that!
8. With the caveat of "this far", no amulets, no pieces of amulets, no over the top color saturation, no portals. It will be quite nice if it stays free of the trite tricks so overused in too many new CEs.
9. It's a standalone SE so I see a punch code being put to good use here.
2. JUMP MAP shows available locations and active task spots.
3. Nice enough graphics that (at least in the first half hour) don't rely on dark grainy obscurity. I personally like the soft realistic colors.
4. The one HOS I encountered in the first half hour was bright and clear with none of those blasted floating motes of light so overused by some big devs.
5. There is a totally OPTIONAL TUTORIAL which I declined. It stayed out of sight not returning to annoy me like tutorials are known to do.
6. It has an actual story that doesn't immediately hit as one I've played dozens of times as it feels in the cookie-cutter CE's.
7. It did NOT open with a car crash so bonus points for that!
8. With the caveat of "this far", no amulets, no pieces of amulets, no over the top color saturation, no portals. It will be quite nice if it stays free of the trite tricks so overused in too many new CEs.
9. It's a standalone SE so I see a punch code being put to good use here.
Not sure how many puzzles or mini games, but no matter either way. Sometimes I love lots of mini games but other times I want to stay in the story and spend a quieter more peaceful few hours wandering around finding stuff and figuring out how to use stuff.
Although the game may appear to some to be "old", I'm not so sure. It has current innovations such as a comprehensive jump map, so to me it seems more likely this is an early effort from developers we've not heard of here yet. As in real life, I try to patronize small businesses because they are being starved out by the mega corporations.
Today I'm going to support developers who, although they may be new to me, did put out a game with a some real nice points going for it. It was well worth the demo and it's a buy for me. Thank you!
I recommend this game!
Why would anyone want to stop Christmas from coming?
Overall rating
5
/
5
58 of 70 found this review helpful
Bright, beautiful, and fun for "kids" of all ages!
PostedDecember 3, 2015
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yes, there are critics deeming this too 'childish'. Well, I guess that makes me a 65 year old "kid" because I found a lot to like about this cheerful holiday game! Cats, cats, and more cats!
Yeah I could do without some of the 'childish' voices but they are just kittens so they should have young voices! Santa has a grownup voice so it's all good. Plus as a cat lover, they are everywhere and that's fun for me!
As is usual with this series of holiday games, graphics are beautiful. There are achievements, puzzle pieces to spot, and also "Collectibles". There's a Secret Room and of course the Bonus game.
I love this holiday series because the games are bright, beautiful, and fun. If you are lucky enough to have young kids or grandkids to enjoy your gaming with you, this series is a safe bet!
Maybe play at least enough of the demo just so you can see how it unfolds after the snowball-throwing kittens. The beautiful graphics, music, and story may just grab you like it did me.
I recommend this game!
Help Angelo collect the resources he needs to build his palace of wonder in The Trials of Olympus!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 21 found this review helpful
Nice little Match-3
PostedNovember 10, 2015
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
From the developers of Enchanted Islands, Bloom, Amanda's Sticker Book, and others here on BFG.
There is no need for a relaxed mode -- there is no timer. There is what looks like a timer but it's a Bonus Bar used to determine the number of stars you earn on each level.
I played this trial on Win 7 Pro and it played smoothly. Tiles drop quickly and best of all, I can make matches as quickly as I see them -- no need to wait for the board to settle.
There are the usual powerups which help clear the boards. There are also the spiders that spin webs to make things tougher. The good news is that you can drop them off the board by making matches under them. Their expression as they are dropping off is priceless.
There are Boss levels which you win by making matches right over the head of the Boss as it is marching back and forth. I can't swear to it but I think I saw that the Boss levels are timed. He does put up his power shield where the stuff won't drop on him, but you can continue making matches in the other parts of the board to maybe set up big matches to drop on him once his shield goes away.
The story is nice and the graphics of those scenes are good. The fly in the ointment is the M-3 tiles which although colorful and nicely sized, do appear less well-defined than in most M-3. The slightly blurry edges of the tiles are noticeable, but not enough to keep me from enjoying the game.
Our winnings go to build up the new home of our hero (and his gal pal). There is no decision for us as to locating improvements, just hit the Buy button and it happens.
I found a lot to like, so it's a buy for me.
I recommend this game!
Help Ruby and her friends rebuild their home in this fun and exciting match three game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 17 found this review helpful
Graphics and story make you think 'kids' but the M-3 boards are a different story!
PostedSeptember 29, 2015
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I do love my M-3s. While this one may have been aimed at just kids, I think it's important to differentiate between the graphics/storyline and the actual M-3 boards. For me, at 65, I found a lot to like about the M-3 itself.
Admittedly, it took some effort to sit through the opening scenes as they are definitely geared for younger players -- but at least the graphics are pleasantly drawn. It's the music that gets a big thumbs down from me! It's the shortest loop I think I've ever heard in a game. Would it appeal even to the youngest child? Seems doubtful. But thankfully there are separate sliders for music and sound so that's easily enough resolved.
Now to the actual M-3 boards -- the further you go in the game, the more complicated the boards become. There are 80 levels. The board action is fast and smooth, plus you can make matches before the tiles settle. The tiles are attractive and fairly sized. I noticed the tiles changed to a new theme after I completed the first 10 levels. I enjoy that variety.
There is a choice of timed or relaxed. It can be changed from the main menu page in mid-game, no restart required.
As the boards are cleared, stars are dropped off. The stars pay for the 'repairs' to the cute little critters' homes. There are also the traditional obstacles such as 'frozen' tiles to be cleared by making a match which includes them 'rocks' which are not movable, so you have to drop them off the bottom by clearing the board. Seems likely there are more of the typical M-3 obstacles coming.
There is an amulet (reminiscent of Call of Atlantis) which charges as you play. While it cannot be directed to a certain location, at least it will shake up the board hopefully making it easier to clear. There are also several powerups to be earned.
Think I'm going to overlook the kid-oriented graphics, the cutesy storyline, and that horrid shortest-loop-ever music. I've got a punch code ready to use on this so I can just enjoy the 80 levels of fun and relaxing yet increasingly difficult M-3 boards.
I recommend this game!
Complete dangerous missions amid dazzling landscapes of prehistoric Earth and alien worlds. Can you complete these thrilling puzzles in order to return home?
Overall rating
5
/
5
12 of 27 found this review helpful
Puzzle-Heavy, straight-to-SE + achievements + replayable mini games/puzzles.
PostedAugust 4, 2015
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is based on the demo time. Then I came to post reviews here and in forum thread. Then I promptly used a punch code so I could get back to playing it tonight!
This seems another one of those love it or hate it games. Initially it does have a very old-school feel because no voice overs (at least not for me). Plus there is quite a bit of reading to get through at the beginning but how else to get the story? So didn't skip any of it.
Graphics are beautiful and clear. I found the music to be quite soothing. Those two major pluses quickly got me past that initial old-school feel.
It is a straight-to-SE game with added benefits of achievements and replayable mini games/puzzles. That adds value for me.
***It is definitely puzzle-heavy.*** The hint does fill fairly quickly. Even though puzzle-heavy, the ones I saw in the demo mellowed me right out. So got it tonight with a free code.
As to length, no idea. I just plan on taking my time and not skipping any puzzles. I'm such a sucker for a SE that offers achievements!
I recommend this game!
Beyond the sky lies a thrilling adventure... and a deadly threat!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 14 found this review helpful
Now this is my idea of fun!
PostedJuly 26, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
What we seem to have here is one of those love it or hate it games.
Me, I'm seriously in the Love It camp!
Then again, those dog gone bright lights have me in the Hate It camp!
The opening grabbed me evoking memories of life in a small western town in the 50's. I never missed a Saturday matinee sci-fi B-movie or an episode of the Twilight Zone. I grew up ridin' around in the very cars they showed. I ate at diners. Finally, now that it's too late to ground me, I admit I spent many a date night making out at drive-ins just like the one they showed.
Not going to let those over-done blinding lights hold me back from buying and enjoying the rest of the game. I just started averting my eyes the second a flash got started. The only one that was almost a deal-breaker, even for me, was the one in the HOS in the barn with that darn light flashing and sparking. It went on for the whole scene! I admit I got upset at that point, wondering if the game would be ruined for me just like some other players have mentioned in their reviews.
I'm a slow player who loves taking in all the scenery so despite comments about the game being 'short', that doesn't worry me. I took 84 minutes to get through the demo, so however 'short' the game turns out to be, I'm sure to get my money's worth.
The collectible rockets were mainly easy to spot, but they get tougher as the game progresses. The morphing objects in the HOS were tricky for me, but I'll figure it out. I don't remember all the Achievements but I seem to recall at least some are skill based. I didn't use the strategy guide so can't comment on that.
I'm pitching my tent in the Love It camp!
I recommend this game!
The witches' dark legacy continues as Lynn becomes possessed!
Overall rating
5
/
5
61 of 70 found this review helpful
Another fun game in the Witches' Legacy series.
PostedJuly 2, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is based on the demo hour and the previous beta survey. I was thrilled to see that all three of the main concerns I listed were addressed. Nice.
Anyway, I have this whole series. Yes, Imp is back. I'm open-minded on helpers -- I only care if they helpful or a major distraction. My opinion of Imp is that he's more helpful than distracting.
The graphics in the opening scenes are not my favorite, but after going beyond the mirror, new areas open up and that's when it started to get much more interesting! I enjoyed each new area I encountered.
There are morphing objects and puzzle pieces to be found. As I explore, I always click on the various plant/animal life and see what they do. I like the little touches that add "life" to the gameplay.
There are achievements, some even skill-based! There is a locked section in "Extras" that says Puzzles, so I assume (dangerous I know) that the puzzles may be replayed after the game is completed.
I'll be getting the game, probably this weekend.
I recommend this game!