Based on the Demo... I won't rehash other reviewers comments. Only want to add that aside from the automatic zoom-in when you have removed most of the tiles, I was continually annoyed by the atmospheric effects of a blizzard blowing across the board. I tried both the normal play, and the Daily Fortune game, and was not impressed by either.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Strategy
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
Based on the Demo... Bright, colourful, and large, easy to see fruit tiles. Very easy, slow paced Match 3, suitable for children, or those wanting a simple, relaxing game to kill a dull afternoon. Plenty of bonus items, bombs, etc. to earn if needed. The levels do get harder as you progress. Only negative was that you can't turn off the tutorial.
Based on the completed Demo... I agree with ironic_beauty. This game would be suitable for a child. The puzzles and mini-games are repetitive and very easy, even though there is not much in the way of directions. The constant interruptions by cut-scenes are annoying, and extremely slow. You can skip some parts, thank goodness.The graphics are crisp and clear, although often cartoonish. I play with sound off, so didn't miss the lack of voice overs. I was tempted to buy it as C.O.T.W., but even with the Bonus Punch I decided it wasn't worth the aggro. If you have inexperienced players in the house, or wan't something simple to pass the time, this may be for you. As always, Try before you Buy is the best option.
I couldn't get past the first 10 minutes of gameplay without tearing my hair out. Just starting the Demo was a nightmare. I had to keep turning my Macbook off and restarting to get away from the white screen, so there may be other glitches later. The flashing ghosts, bright colours, and tempo of play were even more annoying than the Granny and her cat. Maybe children at Halloween would find it entertaining. It seems other Players liked it, so maybe with a little more patience I could have got to a good part. C'est la vie
I liked the plot behind the story, but deplored the lack of directions. Played about 1/2 an hour of the Demo and decided enough was enough. Hint button was virtually useless, so I wasted a good deal of time figuring out what to do next. I generally play in relaxed mode, because I hate timers, and this left me anything but relaxed. The length of time it took to load, and the boring cutscenes with wasted dialogue was also very distracting. At least you can skip thru all that. I would probably buy this as COTW or similar if I was desperate for a new game to play, but will give it a miss for now.
The characters are cute, and would appeal to young children. The tiles are nice & colourful, and easy to see. But the timer and methods of scoring are irritating, and way too hard for children or novice players. Not sure who the Devs were aiming for, but they missed on all counts. I couldn't even finish the Demo because I found it so annoying
I find this game frustrating. You are constantly waiting to get missions to complete, and struggle to find the resources to do them. As in online games, you have to purchase tokens, power-ups, even gold to accomplish anything. You horse has to be fed, and the clock keeps going when you log off, so if you don't log in to maintain him, you lose energy. There is no Hint button and I frequently find I haven't completed a level, but cannot see the missing tiles to clear. It's difficult to navigate around the Map (most of the board is covered in clouds) and the mini-games get more difficult through the levels. I generally like match 3 games, but hate playing to a timer, or having to make in-game purchases.
I haven't finished the game yet, but I'm enjoying it a lot. I did get hung up on one bit in the Lab when I couldn't finish a HOG to get the last ingredient for a potion. Turned my Mac off for the night, and it worked fine next day, so not a serious glitch. There is lots to do. As soon as you finish one scene, you go through a mirror or picture and start a new task. You cannot backtrack, but you can't accidentally go through before finishing your task, so no worries about skipping something important. A great addition to any collection, especially at the Catch of the Week bargain price.
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Time Management
Fun Factor
2/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
Speed it up already! Every action drags. When you finish a H0 scene or an M3 board it flashes "level complete" for way too long, then it shows your score, and you can't click past it. Again, nightmarishly slow. Then it shows the Map for the next level, you click on Play, and have to wait again! There is no Flow at all. The monsters that travel over the M3 boards may be fun to some people, but I just found them distracting. I don't want to be shooting at creatures while trying to make matches to finish the level.
There are minimal Options to choose... Sound effects, Music volume, Full Screen, and Skip Tutorial. The graphics were Cartoony, but not harsh. The power-ups were average. I've seen much better crossover games.
Your friend, Mary, disappears and it's up to you to save her. Uncover an exotic land with unearthly secrets as you find and help your friend leave the flying island.
Excellent Graphics, smooth flow to the gameplay, music was pleasant and unobtrusive, and voiceovers were well done. A nice mix of Adventure style searching, and fragmented HOGs, with lots and lots of unusual, but very easy Puzzles. The game felt slightly short, but was totally captivating. My teenage Grandson practically pushed me off the chair so he could finish the Game. A nice way to spend a rainy afternoon.