graceland9's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:959
- Reviews Submitted:102
- First Review:April 22, 2012
- Most Recent Review:March 17, 2017
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Lead your Kingdom against the invading Void Army that threatens all life. Your strategy and match-3 skills will determine the fate of the world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
To Quote the Game: Awesome!
PostedApril 29, 2016
graceland9
fromThe poor hedgehog, though!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I always love an original concept when it comes to gaming. This combo of Match-3 and Tower Defense requires you to shoot oncoming enemies by making matches in order to shoot them; you have to keep an eye on where they are and match at the same level.
There are power-ups - I'm all about the power-ups - as well as a city you build along the way.
The game is simple, once you get the hang of it, and there's the genius of it: the ability to shoot enemies with matches is addictive.
If you're either a TD or M-3 fan, you can't do better than this game. It was an instant buy for me - maybe it will be for you, too!
I recommend this game!
It's up to you and your canine companion to save the city!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Amazing, Dark Take on Oz
PostedApril 28, 2016
graceland9
fromAnd brewing a potion: always a plus.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Ice, the cute golden Retriever you adopt, ends up being a lot more than a rescue pet! He guards the Ring of Destiny, and this artifact takes you into a new world. You have to fight for this kingdom, and along the way your ring gains new powers.
You also find other magical items, which you have to charge through a Match-3 type game. There are plenty of interactive HOS, as well as FROG's and puzzles galore.
I'm a fan of anything Oz-related, so when I saw the Tin Man was part of the story I was all, "Oh. I'm in." The art is amazing, there's an interactive map, and Custom Mode.
Plus you get to work with Ice, your new buddy, to free the world.
This could be one of the best stories I've ever seen in HOA. I could see a movie based on this fantasy! The action is exciting, and the puzzles, although easy, are gorgeous.
This is a great game for middle school kids, especially if they're into the new Dorothy books. I know my daughter's going to love it, and the doggie companion will just seal the deal.
So buying it.
I recommend this game!
Scarlett is back in an all-new Farm Frenzy adventure that puts the fun back in farming! Help her with the animals of an abandoned island.
Overall rating
4
/
5
Another Fun Farm TM
PostedApril 28, 2016
graceland9
fromBears live on desert islands - who knew?
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
It's time to frantically do those farm chores, except this time you're stuck on a desert island. Luckily your chickens will eat grass and lay eggs, as long as you keep the grass watered and clear out your boat space. I'm a bit obsessive about power-ups, so I loved buying my boosters and upgrading my equipment.
During each level, bears and weasels show up. You have to click on them to put them in a cage - but you can sell them on your boat for CASH. Yeah! In more advanced levels you can buy other animals like pigs and cows to further upgrade your farm.
This is a well-developed TM, although the hoe-down music got old after two levels. I suggest turning off the music and playing your own playlist instead. That said, if you're looking for a fun TM game with plenty of power-ups, this is a good match.
I recommend this game!
Unlock the mysteries shrouding the creatures of Oxbridge University!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Saved by Great Writing
PostedApril 28, 2016
graceland9
fromDeclan's pretty cute, too, with his hipster frames.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This game is missing the lush graphics, interactive map, and cinematic cutscenes we've become used to lately. There isn't even a hint system.
HOWEVER, the writing is so well-done I got sucked in. I became engrossed in the relationship between the Declan and Khakisa, the two main characters, and wanted to know how it would end up.
As you play, you have to look for objects (pages, items for a ritual) in a college and other scenes. Without available hints, you have to rely on your own patience and sharp-shooter playing skills. This can be frustrating, but if you go back and replay scenes you'll find the items you need.
This probably will never make anyone's top ten list, but if you want a great story and exploration reminiscent of Myst (the barebones version) this is a good choice. Try the sample - you might love it as much as I did.
I recommend this game!
Cargo flight 821 has crashed on an uncharted, beautiful and deadly planet. Your only companion is the trustworthy robot, Oscar and together you must escape.
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Great Adventure Game!
PostedApril 27, 2016
graceland9
fromThose are some BIG fuses, though.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yes, Severe Incident is clunky and doesn't offer all the bells and whistles of other games. However, I really enjoyed playing it, thanks to several factors:
I really enjoyed being outside in a HO game. So often we're imprisoned in a dark mansion with only a few scenes set in the outdoors.
The landscape constantly expands, so you really have to remember where you are (especially without an interactive map.) I chose to view this as a challenge!
The sci-fi atmosphere. There's a robot as well as dinosaurs an abandoned trains, quicksand... the designers have created a great atmosphere.
If you enjoyed Myst, which I did, you might find this reminiscent of that game - plus HO's.
The graphics are clunky, and there are some outright mistakes (It's pulley, not 'pully'!) However, I was having so much fun negotiating the cool landscape, I let it go.
If you want an adventure HO with sci-fi elements for a few hours of gameplay, you could do a lot worse than SI.
I recommend this game!
An unforgettable journey through a magical world! Go in search of magical artifacts! Complete 120 unique levels of Mahjong!
Overall rating
4
/
5
45 of 53 found this review helpful
Perfectly Fine Mahjong Game
PostedApril 27, 2016
graceland9
fromplus the birds and flowers all match so there's that
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
In this classic solitaire Mahjong, you match tiles and try to earn points to advance your level. You can attain Novice and Advanced boards.
I played the adventure format but didn't see too much storyline going on - by which I mean there was none. Maybe it only begins at the Advanced level?
In any case, if you're a Mahjong solitaire gamer, who needs a story? This is perfectly acceptable, with the usual Eastern-themed music and cute backgrounds.
There's a choice of tiles, although I've seen much bigger arrays. You have three choices - but again, maybe you earn more at the higher levels.
Again, this is a good choice if you're a Mahjong-er looking for a solitaire game for poolside or the beach.
I recommend this game!
This just might be the best Clutter yet! Explore 12 mines filled with clutter, sliders, box quotes and more!
Overall rating
5
/
5
0 of 2 found this review helpful
The Zen of Clutter
PostedApril 26, 2016
graceland9
fromNever knew there were so many kinds of cheese graters.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Seriously, what makes these Clutter games so addictive? Maybe it's the retro objects, the elevator music, the increasing difficulty...
Just one more level, I keep saying as I try to match halves of chess pieces, ski boots, and cheese graters. The objects go on a conveyor belt, and you get a certain amount of rotations before having to replay the level. There are also mini games, including a return of the popular sliders.
In each level you find letters, coins, and puzzle pieces. (I always try to get those out of the way first so I can sort my clutter.)
This is another great travel game. If you're on a short plane ride, Clutter will get you through a few hours. And this version seems to be HUGE, with loads of different levels to explore.
Welcome to Grandma's attic - now sort with me!
I recommend this game!
The murders are rampant in Miami! Follow the clues to crack the cases and arrest the killers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 19 found this review helpful
More Fun and Hidden Clues
PostedApril 25, 2016
graceland9
fromLove these detective grids!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Here's another in the Hidden Clues series. This time you're in Miami, solving several murder cases. As you unlock the griddler puzzles, the homicide files get filled in.
As always, I love the ability to jump from color to color. I found the puzzles somewhat easy, since the color shift always gives you a new starting point. I never had to use one of my hints, and I played the Expert level.
However, the grids do get larger and more complex so you really have to use the colors to your advantage.
This is a great game to download for a plane flight or a summer trip. It's not too intensive so you can go and concentrate on your game of tennis or packing a beach bag. However, I found it really fun and absorbing as well - the perfect combo for a light game / vacation getaway combo.
The graphics aren't wonderful (as you can see from the illustrations) but don't let that stop you. The grids themselves are great, and the added colors give an extra dimension to the usual squared-off images.
I recommend this game!
It's time for adventures at sea with 120 unique griddlers to make your vacation even more fun!
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Griddling on the Beach
PostedApril 24, 2016
graceland9
fromIs it a wave? A crab?
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a fairly standard grid game. You can buy hints with coins you earn buy solving the grids. The levels get pretty challenging right away, so save those coins!
I enjoyed the game, although the grids didn't look like anything to me. There really wasn't a storyline, which is fine - not every puzzle game has to have an adventure.
If you enjoy challenging grids, this is a good choice.
I recommend this game!
Haunted Legends: The Secret of Life
You've traveled the world in search of a cure for your deadly illness, and you've finally found it! But it won't be easy to get – are you up to the task?
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 5 found this review helpful
Survive Three Nights in the Haunted House!
PostedApril 24, 2016
graceland9
fromPIxillated potions are great.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Word, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
St. Germain's time has run out, and he has to find a cure for his disease. He's only got a week left! With the clock ticking, he goes to a mysterious house to look for the cure.
There he has to brew potions and fight for undead souls. As I've said before, I'm all about potion-brewing. I also enjoyed the other puzzles, including the candle-lighting and various locks around the square and graveyard.
The graphics are great, although the innkeeper's daughter made me giggle with her squeaky voice and modern accent. Otherwise, this is an entertaining game with interactive HO's and map.
I recommend this game!