sabinesa's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.3
- Helpful Votes:821
- Reviews Submitted:70
- First Review:December 2, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 4, 2018
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Embark on an exciting journey through time to save the world from destruction in this unique Match 3 game.
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
potential not used
PostedOctober 24, 2013
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Match 3, Time Management, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I love a good match3 game and have been looking out for a decent new one for a while now - Call of the Ages isn't it.
For one the screen isn't well used with the actual match3 board only taking the middle and that is with wide screen not supported, while all the other stuff, like the timer, amulets, etc take up way too much space when not needed for the match3 part. That sort of layout doesn't lend itself to immersive playtime, makes the actual play area small and clutters one's vision with non-relevant stuff.
Secondly, and that for me is the worst in any match3, you cannot make a new match while the last one is busy developing. I cannot help myself and my eye is already checking new match opportunities, but I cannot make them yet and have to sit there and wait for the last pieces to fall from the last match. That makes for tedious and boring and again immersion isn't possible with the enforced wait all the time.
It takes soemthing special to make a storyline stick with a match3 game and not many developers get that right. The Snow was a beautiful example of it working well or the Fishdom type approach of building something. This story was boring, didn't add to the match3 experience and made a game that could have been 30MB 180MB for nothing much.
Lastly, this is way too easy and each level too short, at least the parts I played (demo only). I finished the first continent in the first 25 minutes, which doesn't bode well for overall playing time.
So if you like match3, this one will not be good enough, and if you are not into match3 yet, this will give you the wrong idea of what can be, because it isn't achieved with Call of the Ages.
I don't recommend this game.
Jewel Legends: Magical Kingdom
Rebuild the Magical Kingdom, erect magnificent buildings and restore the kingdom’s former glory!
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 17 found this review helpful
Let down after Atlantis
PostedOctober 10, 2013
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Match 3, Time Management, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Jewel Legends, Atlantis really had charm, was very entertaining and fun to play and ranks in my upper echeolon of Match3 games. This one is a let-down after Atlantis. The music is non existant, the levels are right away too hard and complex and it lacks charm. Even the voice is not fitting the scenery.
Also, the green potion bomb that isn't a bomb but fills the field up with coins is silly, when all one needs and wants is a generic bomb blast as in other Match3.
Also, the green potion bomb that isn't a bomb but fills the field up with coins is silly, when all one needs and wants is a generic bomb blast as in other Match3.
Then it also looks too short with little to build in the first levels already. I wonder how many levels there are in total, doesn't seem like that many.
Sad, I was excited when I saw this title pop up, but feel short-changed after the demo. For me this might rate a daily deal one day, but that's it.
I don't recommend this game.
Your home has been raided. Your father is missing. Set off on a dangerous journey to save him, and become the Hero of the Kingdom!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Very enjoyable RPG Quest Gem
PostedSeptember 9, 2013
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Match 3, Time Management, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I just finished the game and immediately checked around for a sequel or other similar offering by these developers, that's how much fun I had playing this.
Sure, the graphics aren't what people might be used to from HOPAs, but pretty isn't the goal in this game. I always knew that the type of ANNO 1707, Dreamfall, Longest Journey, etc games couldn't be casual games because they are way tooooo big and ergo way tooooo expensive, either one of those two things making them not usable in a casual gaming environment like BFG. Little time/quest management games like My Kingdom for the Princess or Roads to Rome (both series I loved, though they are more time management/building, which Hero is not# and regular adventure types #though nowadays they are littered with HOs and Minipuzzles, cut scenes and so much audio & visual stuff that it's nearly not playing anymore but going to the movies) are the closest we ever get to a casual RPG.
Then came Hero of the Kingdom, which is really a standard RPG with a great story line, lots to do and find, a good length and well thought out interactions that fitted the story superbly.
Then came Hero of the Kingdom, which is really a standard RPG with a great story line, lots to do and find, a good length and well thought out interactions that fitted the story superbly.
The mushrooms, eggs, crayfish and lost treasures hidden in each location were a great idea, so where the achievements honoured with extra hunting or other skills.
Again, voice overs and prettier graphics are sure to come in time in the genre on the casual scene also, but this is a very good start and I'd like to encourage the developers to keep going. I for one will buy their next offering if it's anything remotely close to this great little gem.
Thanks for hours worth of fun to sweeten the dark and rainy Winter days in Cape Town.
I recommend this game!
The fate of the magical world is in your hands – free it from evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 25 found this review helpful
Wow, most beautiful casual game I've ever played
PostedSeptember 7, 2013
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Match 3, Time Management, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on completed game.
This game made full use of recent technology in terms of graphics, visual effects and allround sound and voice overs - and how well at that! Even the initial loading scene is gorgeous. Every location held so much magical beauty it was just a joy looking at and immersing myself in it.
The gameplay and challenge level weren't hectic, but also not too simple to be boring. Luckily there were not many HO scenes, as those where FRAGs, which I usually don't like, but they were decently done in this game. The mini games were mostly real fun and very much in keeping with the overall theme.
I am amazed that one reviewer down-rated this game just because the interactive aspect of the map needed to re-charge as hints generally do, which I thought brought an extra level of taking it serious, so to speak, because it made me think twice to use the map to jump to scenes and I rather walked were it was close, in that way enjoying the scenery and getting a better grip on what's where.
I was sad when the game finished and though these days it's a given that games are only a few hours long, I am from the generation that played Myst, etc or the Quest games for weeks at a time. Haha, well maybe because there was no hint system or an option for a walkthrough or a strategy guide, one had to really dig in and get with it to finish those. ;)
Nearwood could have gladly gone on and on as far as I am concerned; it was a thourough pleasure and great fun to play.
I didn't buy the CE because it seemed unnecessary as I am not into achievements and all the many "find this, that and the next thing" and most certainly couldn't care less for the obligatory wallpapers et al.
For the sheer beauty of it I now wished I had the bonus chapter to play on a little bit longer.
For the sheer beauty of it I now wished I had the bonus chapter to play on a little bit longer.
Seeing that this is a farily unknown developer all I can say is: Well done, people! More please.
I recommend this game!
A new breed of virus has spread throughout the City of Oxford. You must search the city for a missing girl who holds the key to stopping the global epidemic!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Rarely witnessed wasted potential
PostedAugust 4, 2013
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Wow, this game has the best opening cut scene I've seen in a long while and the potential to have a story set apart from the rest of all-the-same-witches-gruesome-or-orphanage.
And then comes the rude awakening. The whole thing is set way too dark, way too linear, nothing flows in the scenes and each one seems to have been equally dull designed as stand-alone. The HO's were challenging in a nice way, but because it was all so dull, grey and alike looking they turned into tedious in no time.
In an abandoned town there should have been ample locations to explore and find things, but no, an X on the ground and not once, but 4 times and then one looses the spade to dig half way through to have to find a new one - helloo. I don't know what programmers thing of us gamers, in one way so much (HOs# and then next to nothing #x marks the spot).
Anyway, a thorough disappointment. I think the devs have a lot going for them, but somebody with the great ideas either left half way through or didn't get the space they deserved.
One big thing in favour of this game was the customizable difficulty so I set the hint re-charge to immediate, so I could escape the tediousness of it quickly ;)
Big pity that nothing much was done with the great potential and super story.
I don't recommend this game.
Your brother is kidnapped during an air show. Search for him in a beautiful world where the sky is as wide as your imagination.
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Wow - top game of 2013
PostedMarch 3, 2013
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This really had more than I thought I game could have.
The new standard for sure. Everyhting was absolutely perfect, other than the voice overs not matching the mouth movements, but hello, those actors don't speak English, so fair enough.
The HO scenes were lovely though a bit junky, but the puzzles were nearly all new and nicely challenging.
The cut scenes where a mix of animation and movie, absolutely excellantly done.
The new standard for sure. Everyhting was absolutely perfect, other than the voice overs not matching the mouth movements, but hello, those actors don't speak English, so fair enough.
The HO scenes were lovely though a bit junky, but the puzzles were nearly all new and nicely challenging.
The cut scenes where a mix of animation and movie, absolutely excellantly done.
The story followed me into my dreams last night in a fun way. It's so captivating and real, that I am looking outside the window and expect to spot the city in the sky.
Wow again. This was by far the best game I ever played. And I am so glad I followed other reviewers advice and chose the CE, as the bonus chapter had more and was better than many full length games these days.
I was truly spoiled with this offering. Cannot praise it enough. Please, developers. Keep going and keep the vibe. Well done to you.
I recommend this game!
Elementals: The Magic Key
Plunge into the captivating world of magic inhabited by elementals. Help Albert, a young magician, restore the Key of Eiron.
Overall rating
2
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
Fits no target audience
PostedFebruary 15, 2013
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
After seeing the two raving reviews, I thought I give this a bash, but realize now that those reviews must have been done by friends of the developers.
The whole approach and style is for Kids, except there is so much reading in between and everything one sees or wants to do is in small written form, that Kids would run a mile in no time.
The few HO scenes I came across where finding shape affairs, and the one puzzle was so oversimplified, yet nearly too complex to comprehend.
All in all, I uninstalled after 20 minutes, and just cannot imagine what target audience the developers could have had in mind.
Also, it was completely boring and it wasn't that clear what's even going on, how and why.
Don't buy without trying, is all i can say!
I don't recommend this game.
A mysterious man in red summons you, sending you to a flying ship where a little girl needs your help!
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 22 found this review helpful
Utterly enjoyable Game
PostedFebruary 14, 2013
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Arcade & Action, Adventure, Match 3, Card & Board, Time Management, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This was so much fun, though I see that the forum is full of complaints about the lack of a walkthrough (yet) and even I needed to post one question and wait for an answer. It reminded me so of the good old times when for example Myst or the early Quest games came out. There was no internet, no anything, just a few other friends who had also bought the game whom I begged to give me a small hint at a point I was stuck at. I played each of those games nearly for weeks because one had to figure every little thing oneself, but boy was it immersive and fun.
I feel a bit similar about Timeless: the lost castle. There was no bore factor at all and the challenge level was kept evenly exciting throughout the game. I was so said when I figured that I had only one more task to do before it would be finished.
There weren't that many HO scenes, which in a good adventure is fine by me, but there were a good number of really decent puzzles and I was glad for the lack of a walkthrough and my pride hindering me to use the Skip option because in the end, I enjoyed each of the puzzles.
If you enjoyed the endless journey or similar games, give this a definite try. To me it's worth it, specifically because its "only" a SE, but has all what I would expect from a CE, maybe with a tiny bit of an after story thrown in..
Full marks to the developers, I loved it!
I recommend this game!
Unfinished Tales: Illicit Love Collector's Edition
After the Raven Queen crashes her wedding, Thumbelina must save her prince to reclaim her happy ending!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Got better and better with bonus chapter grand finale
PostedDecember 10, 2012
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management, Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This was one of the games where I only bought the CE because it sounded like the extra chapter would be good fun and there was a special.
I wasn't disappointed.
Initially the game was slowish and a bit tedious and I already wondered whether I had squandered my money, but before I knew it I got sucked into the storyline and the challenge of having to ponder what item might go where. There were new types of puzzles which were fun and different and it really got better and better as it went.
Initially the game was slowish and a bit tedious and I already wondered whether I had squandered my money, but before I knew it I got sucked into the storyline and the challenge of having to ponder what item might go where. There were new types of puzzles which were fun and different and it really got better and better as it went.
Then the bonus chapter, though I had guessed the story right away, was a real nice story line extender or fullfiller. This is one of the few games where I feel the differentiation between SE and CE makes sense also in terms of the extra cost. I wished more games were like that, but unfortunatelly often the CE part (and I totally utterly don't care for wallpapers or soundclips) is a bit a regurgitating of main game scenes or flattening of the ending.
I really recommend the CE of this, its great fun and gets better than the trial 1hour.
I recommend this game!
Be careful what you wish for... A deadly bargain has been made, and it's up to you to set things right before your nephew pays the terrible price!
Overall rating
5
/
5
All Around Wonderfull Fun
PostedDecember 4, 2012
sabinesa
fromCape Town, South Africa
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management, Marble Popper, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a real fitting next installment in the series and not a let down as some other sequels of late, like Mystery Trackers 4 Aces, which was a total disapointment.
The graphics, the sound, the effect, the HO scenes, the puzzles, the map, the hint system, the length, the story line - all of it rounded and so well done. It was utter fun and enjoyable and I hope the developer will continue expanding the series. There's a lot of scope with the characters. The only sadly poor characterization is the husband, former Werwolf, who just stands around doing nothing, being totally useless. That seems a bit too unrealistic, but hey it's a game and I suppose that allows the player (the sister of the wife) to be the hero - just as well, I like to be the hero ;)
The cherie on the cake would have been some achievement or finding certain elements to give even more fun in playing, but that's just a suggestion, not a negative about the game.
A definite must have played and my current favourite.
I recommend this game!