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:
The ultimate 5-star, around the world cruise from New York to San Francisco on the super luxurious flagship, Liberty of The Waves.
Overall rating
5
/
5
45 of 51 found this review helpful
Another Vacation Adventure...without having to leave home.
PostedJuly 1, 2015
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Strategy
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This review is based on the 1-hr demo (glitch-free I'm happy to report). I do love this series whether set in our US parks or on a cruise.
It's all Hidden Object (word lists) with puzzles between each level. Not too hard to follow the 'story' -- it's a vacation! There are some slightly interactive items on the lists which appear in a different color. As always, the collectibles and recycling items are back. The silhouetted collectibles can be tough but I love looking for them. It's nice that the lid goes back on the recycling can when you've found all of it -- a major improvement over earlier games in the series.
I'm adding this to my way-too-big BigFish collection because I can't resist the wonderfully relaxing vibe of being on a vacation -- without even having to leave home.
Your journey around the world continues! The Eternal City of Rome awaits you with riddles and challenging puzzles. Can you collect all the artifacts!
Overall rating
5
/
5
49 of 56 found this review helpful
Liking this M-3
PostedJune 8, 2015
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
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
From the screenshots I wasn't too sure but I was quickly taken in when I saw it was from same dev as Tricks and Treats -- one of my favorite light-hearted M-3.
The tiles are reasonable in size, the board action is smooth, the mechanic is typical swap M-3. Music is varied, sometimes more adventurous and sometimes what I think of as more sedate.
There are 7 locations (episodes) -- they are locked until prior levels are complete. It starts with Rome. If each of the other 6 episodes have same structure as Rome, then it offers plenty of play.
There are powerups to purchase, pieces of the 'artifacts' to lower to the bottom of the board, and stars to earn. There's a nice screen which shows your stars and artifacts.
The first two levels are somewhat tutorial. I found the information offered (when I slow down enough to read it) is perfectly adequate. Then again I usually just play and figure stuff out as I go.
After the 2nd level, you can select Timed or Relaxed. For purposes of the demo, I played timed and never even came close to missing 3-stars. At least in the beginning, it is very generous with coins so you can purchase those powerups.
Although this is no brainbending 'cradle' type M-3, it is very attractive and I found it fun. I intend to get it today.
Lift the curse off the abandoned estate and help rescue your friends!
Overall rating
4
/
5
56 of 59 found this review helpful
Less Hidden Object, more of a Point and Click Adventure....
PostedOctober 30, 2014
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Played the entire demo and found I was enjoying the journey. It is not a simple game even on the lesser of the 2 levels. I chose Beginner just to get the feel of the game.
I intended to do a 2nd profile to see how Expert differed from Beginner, but my time ran out before I knew it. That's a good sign for me.
I found the graphics quite colorful and the ambient sounds appealing. The setting in Africa (at least in the first hour) was a relaxing albeit sometimes challenging adventure.
There are voiceovers, at least in the opening scenes. There are also 'voices' of a sort which come from the 'spirits' on the wall of one area. I thought I was hearing wrong when I tried to match the voices of those 'spirits' with the text LOL. I never did figure out what those 'spirit' voices were actually saying, but didn't care because the text told the story perfectly.
The Hint button on the easy level was quite helpful. If you need to go to another location, it shows that location, but it will not transport you from that graphic. We do acquire a map, although I didn't test to see if there was any jump function when utilizing it.
Length? Who knows. Will it appeal to everyone? Not too likely. But I personally found that when I approached it as a P&C Adventure, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Certainly not a cookie-cutter game....nor is there a cutesy helper. Although it would have been a hoot to have the "guard goat" take that role! :)
It's a buy for me.
I intended to do a 2nd profile to see how Expert differed from Beginner, but my time ran out before I knew it. That's a good sign for me.
I found the graphics quite colorful and the ambient sounds appealing. The setting in Africa (at least in the first hour) was a relaxing albeit sometimes challenging adventure.
There are voiceovers, at least in the opening scenes. There are also 'voices' of a sort which come from the 'spirits' on the wall of one area. I thought I was hearing wrong when I tried to match the voices of those 'spirits' with the text LOL. I never did figure out what those 'spirit' voices were actually saying, but didn't care because the text told the story perfectly.
The Hint button on the easy level was quite helpful. If you need to go to another location, it shows that location, but it will not transport you from that graphic. We do acquire a map, although I didn't test to see if there was any jump function when utilizing it.
Length? Who knows. Will it appeal to everyone? Not too likely. But I personally found that when I approached it as a P&C Adventure, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Certainly not a cookie-cutter game....nor is there a cutesy helper. Although it would have been a hoot to have the "guard goat" take that role! :)
It's a buy for me.
I recommend this game!
Meet the Furries, adorable, simple-minded creatures who love to travel around space, and help them survive the perils that await them!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Slingshot the tiny little Furries to the Safe Zone
PostedFebruary 7, 2014
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Okay here we go. It's a fun little game that I have on on my iPad. Always a dead giveaway game designed for other platforms with that "finger" you maneuver with the mouse.
I played a few minutes of this PC demo to see how it went. It's slow, and maneuvering the "finger" with the mouse loses a bit in the translation, but so far it has been doable. Since I don't have a touchscreen PC, I have no idea how it would play on one of those.
As to the Furries, they're cute little guys. But when I say little, I really mean teensy tiny little green guys, barely big enough to see as they drop out of their spaceship. Could they have made them any tinier??
But I digress. To begin play, click through the dialogue til the first planet shows up. Then wait til the yellow circle appears on that planet. Click the yellow circle and go.
Our job is to quickly maneuver the boxes and other obstacles on the course so that the Furries can reach their safe zone (designated by the relatively large flashing arrow). Sometimes it's just a matter of clearing the path so they can walk to it. Other times you have to get them to what looks like a basket which is the "sling". From there, you need to spin it around so it will slingshot them to their safe zone. Then draw back on the finger to designate the power of the slingshot. Think Angry Birds.
The graphics on each level are beautiful and vivid. It's the teensy tiny little Furries that could have been pumped up a bit. It is a cute game and a fun way to pass the time.
Uncover dark forces emanating from the heart of Old Town and be spellbound by this adorably ghoulish horror-themed puzzle game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Another great GreyAlienGames Holiday game!
PostedOctober 22, 2013
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have all the other games by Grey Alien Games, with the exception of Oz. They are favorites, frequently replayed.
I appreciate the option for Timed and Untimed, which can be checked right on the game screen, rather than having to go to Options.
The colors are vibrant, tiles perfectly sized and appropriate to the spooky theme. The board action is smooth AND matches can be made while tiles are falling, so it keeps things lively.
Decorating our house is just something to do in between levels, but it's fun to see it come together.
Got engrossed in the demo, so when it kicked me out, came right here to review and buy. Thanks for another fun holiday-themed game!
Face a 200-year mystery and save your best friend! Discover how strong friendship ties can be and to what extremes unrequited love is ready to go.
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 5 found this review helpful
Enjoyed the demo and bought it!
PostedFebruary 4, 2013
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
As at least one of the earlier reviewers said, it has sort of a Dire Grove feeling to it. I liked wandering around in the snow (without getting cold), figuring out what to do. :)
Graphics are quite pleasant. The music is well-suited to the game, just wish there had been more of it. Navigation, tasks, and usage of inventory seemed very logical (and practical!).
It offered an in-game adjustment for "brightness", but graphics were just fine without any adjustment on my system.
There were some interactive items in the HOS. Hope to see more of in dev's future games.
Overall, I knew just a few minutes in that it was likely a buy for me. When the demo kicked me out, I came to post reviews and buy.
I recommend this game!
The Tribloos are back in a brand new adventure! Join them as they try save their home once more.
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Strategy and Fun ahead -- The little blue folks are back!
PostedJanuary 15, 2013
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I am a diehard Tribloos fan, having replayed T1 many many times. T2 has superior graphics and many new types of buildings and obstacles. These new challenges mean that **figuring out the correct strategy before you click to start the timer** is more important than ever.
Just the word "timer" can turn me off if it means I cannot advance in a game or relax enough to have fun. No such worries with T2! It does not cut you off or force you to replay levels in order to advance through the game. It is purely a means of determining Gold, Silver, or Bronze.
I love strategy/builders/TM games which feature this type of non-lethal timer. That way any pressure I feel to replay to achieve Gold is purely self-inflicted. I do agree it was easier to get Gold on most levels in T1, but I'm looking forward to these new challenges.
Plus, this is a totally non-clicky type of game. Much more strategy than speedy clicking. Thank you for that!
Bought it. Mouse hand taking it pretty easy, got my Thinking Cap on. Away I go with T2.
I recommend this game!
Patchworkz is a relaxing jigsaw-puzzle game with competitive elements.
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Not Exactly Tangram, Not Exactly Jigsaw -- But Lots of Fun!
PostedDecember 3, 2012
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I wasn't going to demo this, but I saw a review mentioning Tangrams. Then I was all-in.
Like the title says, the puzzles aren't tangrams or jigsaws, but they are bright and fun.
Of course in the demo, I didn't get too far, so I'm not sure how challenging it will be. If you click the "Frenzy" button, you can get clock pressure. Otherwise, it will be untimed mode, which is what I enjoy about puzzles.
Then you learn the concept of collecting stars to win tokens which ultimately will open some sort of bonus section. To get the Triple Stars, you do need to do it within 2 minutes. But you can always replay a puzzle to collect all 3 stars if you accidentally clicked an incorrect location or missed the 2 minutes.
The zen-like music is very pleasant. But the sounds in the game were annoying to me. Luckily, there are separate sliders for Music and Sound, so annoying sounds gone!
It's a buy for me.
Like the title says, the puzzles aren't tangrams or jigsaws, but they are bright and fun.
Of course in the demo, I didn't get too far, so I'm not sure how challenging it will be. If you click the "Frenzy" button, you can get clock pressure. Otherwise, it will be untimed mode, which is what I enjoy about puzzles.
Then you learn the concept of collecting stars to win tokens which ultimately will open some sort of bonus section. To get the Triple Stars, you do need to do it within 2 minutes. But you can always replay a puzzle to collect all 3 stars if you accidentally clicked an incorrect location or missed the 2 minutes.
The zen-like music is very pleasant. But the sounds in the game were annoying to me. Luckily, there are separate sliders for Music and Sound, so annoying sounds gone!
It's a buy for me.
I recommend this game!
Construct exciting new wonders by swapping runes in this exciting Match 3 game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
43 of 51 found this review helpful
A bright, fun Match 3.
PostedOctober 25, 2012
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I fell in love with this right off. It is bright, cheerful,and has 4 choices for level of difficulty.
I love the graphics and the building process. Looks like there are many steps to the building and landscaping with lots of stuff to play around with.
On my PC, play was flawless. The tile action was fast and smooth. It's always a real plus for a M-3 when you can make matches as fast as you see them, no need for board to fully settle. That's what you get here.
I like that there are lots of achievements too.
Played the entire trial and used a PCC for it as soon as the trial popped me out.
I love the graphics and the building process. Looks like there are many steps to the building and landscaping with lots of stuff to play around with.
On my PC, play was flawless. The tile action was fast and smooth. It's always a real plus for a M-3 when you can make matches as fast as you see them, no need for board to fully settle. That's what you get here.
I like that there are lots of achievements too.
Played the entire trial and used a PCC for it as soon as the trial popped me out.
I recommend this game!
Save the world from the reawakened ancient God of chaos, Apep. His minions are quickly regaining strength and it is up to you to stop his reign.
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Perhaps best enjoyed in Zen Mode!
PostedOctober 19, 2012
kdubs
fromPacific Northwest
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Trial played in both modes, Timed and Zen. The good news is that you can switch back and forth between Timed and Zen via the options screen without having to restart the game.
I did discover that if you lose a level in Timed, you replay the level. Not sure if a limit how many times you can fail one level before something bad happens, such as having to restart the entire game. I don't recall seeing anything that indicated if I acquired new lives as with many games.
However, if I've tried 3 times and failed, I'm not above clicking options and changing to Zen so I can pass it, especially as the game progresses. lol
The opening sequence certainly could have benefited from a Skip button, but at least you can click each box to fast forward through the story.
The tiles are colorful, but once you get to the levels with the "twisted" tiles, I found them so covered with white mist that it slowed me down to figure out what tile was under there. Maybe just my eyes, your mileage may vary. You have to make a match with the twisted mist-covered tiles to clear them.
I only saw one power-up during the trial and it clears one entire row -- unless the tile you click on is one with a design which breaks up the lines into different segments -- then it only clears that one little segment. There is space for 6 powerups total.
I like the little yellow energy thingee which you click on and it clears a tiny group of tiles (3?). I think it is triggered by bigger matches.
I only saw swap mode, don't know if other modes come later, but doesn't seem likely because honestly, not much in the way of bells and whistles.
That said, the ability to change between Timed and Zen without having to restart the entire game is a very nice benefit in my mind.
Although the tiles dropped smoothly, no tech issues during the trial, this is not a rapid fire game. If I buy it, it will be to play in Zen mode.
I did discover that if you lose a level in Timed, you replay the level. Not sure if a limit how many times you can fail one level before something bad happens, such as having to restart the entire game. I don't recall seeing anything that indicated if I acquired new lives as with many games.
However, if I've tried 3 times and failed, I'm not above clicking options and changing to Zen so I can pass it, especially as the game progresses. lol
The opening sequence certainly could have benefited from a Skip button, but at least you can click each box to fast forward through the story.
The tiles are colorful, but once you get to the levels with the "twisted" tiles, I found them so covered with white mist that it slowed me down to figure out what tile was under there. Maybe just my eyes, your mileage may vary. You have to make a match with the twisted mist-covered tiles to clear them.
I only saw one power-up during the trial and it clears one entire row -- unless the tile you click on is one with a design which breaks up the lines into different segments -- then it only clears that one little segment. There is space for 6 powerups total.
I like the little yellow energy thingee which you click on and it clears a tiny group of tiles (3?). I think it is triggered by bigger matches.
I only saw swap mode, don't know if other modes come later, but doesn't seem likely because honestly, not much in the way of bells and whistles.
That said, the ability to change between Timed and Zen without having to restart the entire game is a very nice benefit in my mind.
Although the tiles dropped smoothly, no tech issues during the trial, this is not a rapid fire game. If I buy it, it will be to play in Zen mode.
I recommend this game!