pfalcioni's Profile
 
 
 
Stat Summary
 
  • Average Rating:
    3.1
  • Helpful Votes:
    449
 
  • Reviews Submitted:
    24
  • First Review:
    November 16, 2011
  • Most Recent Review:
    September 8, 2019
  • Featured reviews
    0
 
 
Status:
 
 
pfalcioni's Review History
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In this time management classic, stop a mad scientist who's replicating the most destructive forces in nature!
 
Overall rating 
Disliked it.
2 / 5
6 of 10 found this review helpful
Was this designed by someone who read about the original series but never played it, or never played any TM game?
PostedSeptember 8, 2019
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle, Time Management
 
Current Favorite:
 
Fun Factor 
OK
3 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Awful
1 / 5
Storyline 
OK
3 / 5
Boy, they really phoned it in on this one!
The Rescue Team series is one of my favorites, I like the level of challenge, the fact that it's more of a chess match than a click-fest without getting too crazy and difficult, and the simple storyline usually holds together pretty well.
This time around we get ridiculously easy gameplay. Even on the most difficult setting I was able to complete every level except 4 with a gold star and without any of the upgrades, with upgrades in place I finished most of the levels with over half of the time remaining. I'm NOT that good at TM games, this one is just that easy.
If you're considering purchasing because you assume the levels after the trial time get more complex and difficult, they don't. The difficulty level stays exactly the same throughout with only 3 or 4 outlier levels that are harder, even the finale is ridiculously easy.
The storyline is pretty much nonexistent, with just a single nod to the romantic silliness that made the most recent two installments more interesting, and completely annoying idiocy added in like dangerous butterflies that supposedly destroy crops. Yeah, butterflies.
If you are new to TM games like this, or have a young player who isn't ready for anything too complex, this would be a good game to start with (although I'd recommend waiting for the cheaper standard version). For everyone else, try the trial, then maybe buy the standard version when it's released.
I don't recommend this game.
+2points
6of 10voted this as helpful.
 
To win Cleopatra's heart, Caesar has set out on a dangerous path. His goal is to find the Rose of Amor, which blooms on the Mountain of the Gods.
 
Overall rating 
Liked it!
4 / 5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Excellent and very challenging game until it crashed
PostedJune 3, 2019
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Puzzle, Time Management
 
Current Favorite:
 
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
OK
3 / 5
I nearly quit this one after 4 levels, with just a single worker (a slow one at that!) and no upgrades, the first few levels of this game are slow as molasses. Fortunately I stuck it out until I was able to add another worker then the game began to get interesting.
This isn't just your regular mindless clicky time management title, if you want gold on the higher levels you really need to think through your actions and try different strategies. Some levels require you to upgrade to more workers, others need the wood or stone buildings upgraded, still others require careful husbanding of certain resources - but don't pick up too many at a time because anything over 20 doesn't count.
It's a bit of a chess match to plan everything out just right and so very satisfying when you do, usually completing the final task just as the timer ticks down to the last second.
I've found that I have to replay about half of the levels multiple times to get gold, and there are a few that I still haven't figured out yet. It's times like these that I really miss the forums so I could get a few hints!
Everything was going great until I tried to replay level 12, now the game locks every time near the end of that level. Aside from this problem, this is a unique title and worth at least playing for the full hour demo.
I recommend this game!
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
An ancient evil awakened in the kingdom. Travel through the four valleys on a strategy adventure and save the kingdom on the brink of destruction.
 
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
Thrilled to see another chapter in this great game series!
PostedMarch 6, 2019
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
I loved the first two Hero of the Kingdom games, and this one is even better with some major updates that make gameplay more intuitive. I no longer have to remember where each item is sold or purchased since I can access it all from the map now. In the 1st and 2nd games in the series I had to actually keep spreadsheets to be able to remember who was selling what, now it's all on the map.
The storyline is excellent, characters are well-developed and the writing is good. The game is very immersive and it's easy to get lost in the story and before you realize it a couple of hours have gone by. This is exactly the kind of experience I'm looking for in a game!
I recommend this game!
0points
2of 4voted this as helpful.
 
Help the Romans and the Britons defeat the Filth in this exciting strategy adventure!
 
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent, awesome, I want more!
PostedNovember 2, 2018
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
This is one of those great games where the difficulty level is a little higher than normal, but you don't mind re-playing levels to get gold because it's so darned fun.
The size of each level is incredible and you spend quite a bit of time building everything up which I really love. I not a fan of TM games where each level lasts only a few minutes, so this setup really makes me happy.
Honestly, the only downside is that after 3 days worth of play, I'm still left wanting more. Yep, 3 days! Excellent value, highly recommended.
I recommend this game!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Epistory immerses you in an atmospheric action/adventure game where you play a girl riding a giant fox who fights an insectile corruption from an origami world.
 
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
70 of 79 found this review helpful
Brilliant, different, FUN!
PostedOctober 3, 2016
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
Every so often a game comes along that completely breaks the mold and reminds us why we started playing computer games in the first place.
Usually descriptions and screenshots of games like this don't really appeal, or make the game sound goofy or just weird, but then you play and suddenly an hour is gone like magic because you've been totally immersed in this amazing new world.
These rare game gems find a way to challenge without frustrating, keep you thinking without making your brain hurt, and just make you happy.
Oh my gosh, I LOVE it when developers take a chance and create something like this!
Sure, this game probably won't be for everyone, but that's okay, because it will fit a niche for many that is lacking in the cookie-cutter hidden-object games we see cranked out every day. Honestly, don't read the description or the reviews, just download Epistory and give it a chance. You might be bored or frustrated, or you might find something wonderful, joy-filled, and completely fun.
I recommend this game!
+61points
70of 79voted this as helpful.
 
 Prehistoric Tales
Prehistoric Tales
Bring an ancient world to vibrant life as you build and protect a fledgling settlement!
 
Overall rating 
It was OK.
3 / 5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Innovative and fun at the beginning, then aimless and short
PostedMay 26, 2016
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
OK
3 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Poor
2 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
This starts out as one of those great games where you're playing the demo and suddenly you're kicked back to the main screen and it's a surprise because it only feels like a few minutes have gone by. This made it a must-buy for me.
Prehistoric Tales is a cross between one of the Virtual Villagers titles, a resource gathering game without any time management elements, and a turn-based fighting game. I'll give it huge points for being different than anything else I've played.
And boy, that first hour is great, you have lots to do, plenty of new things to discover and explore, and some interesting characters to work with. Unfortunately, it seems like they put all the fun stuff on the front of the bus and shortly after that first hour nothing new shows up, and the challenges aren't really that challenging. You just gather resources and build stuff up and then go fight some bad guys.
In a short period of time (less than 3 hours after I started playing), I suddenly reach the end of the story and after a small pat on the back you're kicked to the main screen and you'll need to start again if you wish to keep playing.
I really want to give it 4 or 5 stars, but I feel like what we have here is a really good start towards what could be a great game, but then it just peters out.
I don't recommend this game.
+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
 
Explore a fantastical world and save the King in this innovative new match-3 experience!
 
Overall rating 
Loved it!
5 / 5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Wonderfully well-crafted game that's a joy to play
PostedApril 13, 2016
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3, Large File, Strategy
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Excellent
5 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Excellent
5 / 5
Wow! Silver Tale is a beautifully and carefully rendered game that rises above its simple match-3 roots. Gameplay is fun with some neat innovations thrown in to keep things interesting. The storyline is compelling and well written and the voice-overs are wonderful. Honestly, every game maker should hire the actors they used here.
Art is rich in color and the theme is consistent throughout. The match-3 items are simple, have a clean design (and they don't sparkle, which is a huge plus in my book).
The mechanics have some very tiny issues (screen flash and minor cursor lag) every so often on my slower and older laptop, but everything works perfectly on my newer desktop.
This game is proof positive that you can take a genre that seems to have been done to death and create a fun and exciting new title if you're willing to spend the time to do it right.
Highly recommended!
I recommend this game!
+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
 
The fate and well-being of this zoo lies entirely in your hands! Do you have what it takes to run an amazing Zoo?
 
Overall rating 
It was OK.
3 / 5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Fun but short
PostedMarch 27, 2016
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Time Management, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
OK
3 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
I'm usually not a fan of the click-in-sequence time management games, I guess I'm easily overwhelmed when you give me 10 or more things to do at once, however, this game was simple enough to be enjoyable and relaxing.
The graphics are basic, very childlike. This makes it easier to see when something is needed and easily identify what the animals are asking for.
Gameplay itself allows for stacking orders and also re-ordering product before the item is completely depleted. Upgrades help quite a bit, and if you have a tough level it's usually easier to wait and gain some more upgrades before returning to try and get expert on the tough level.
The storyline is simple, but cute.
The main reason I'm turning this from a 4-star to a 3-star is its length. There are 3 sections with 20 levels in each section. No bonus levels or extras for finishing the game at expert level. The first 10 levels in each section are simple and quick, so total gameplay time to completion was less than 5 hours.
I've been buying more TM games lately because I hate to spend money on a HOG that only gives me 4 hours of gameplay. The TM games usually give me days of fun for the same price. This one is simply too short.
I don't recommend this game.
+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
 
After an invasion, Emperor Omada fled his homeland to seek a land where his people could begin anew. Help him build an Empire worthy of his people.
 
Overall rating 
It was OK.
3 / 5
21 of 23 found this review helpful
Moving background images make my eyes wobble
PostedFebruary 15, 2016
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor 
Good
4 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
OK
3 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Good
4 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
In many ways I really like this game, it has lots of diversity, good graphics, a fun storyline, and challenging levels, but I'm not buying it for two reasons:
1. The background image on every match-3 level moves. As you progress in the level the train or boat or whatever you're filling moves along the bottom and the scenery moves with it. I'm sure it won't bother everyone, but for me it was irritating and headache inducing.
There is no way to turn off this "feature".
2. Cursor float. Even after switching to the standard cursor (and playing on my speedy desktop running Win10 with all the bells and whistles), there's that slight floaty feeling that makes the mouse feel imprecise. It's irritating and tiring.
This is definitely one you'll have to try yourself, but if you have problems with FPS-type games and in-game movement, this one will probably bother you.
I don't recommend this game.
+19points
21of 23voted this as helpful.
 
Embark on an epic quest to build the greatest structure in the history of mankind, The Great Wall of China.
 
Overall rating 
It was OK.
3 / 5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Great game, but too short!
PostedDecember 3, 2015
Customer avatar
pfalcioni
fromTerrebonne, OR
Fun Factor 
Excellent
5 / 5
Visual/Sound Quality 
Good
4 / 5
Level of Challenge 
Excellent
5 / 5
Storyline 
Good
4 / 5
With a mere 40 levels, this fun resource management game is over way too soon for me.
It does have lots going for it, the upgrade system requires some thought to determine what to upgrade first. There's also a really neat resource bank where you can store resources to be used in the next level, this gives the game another level of strategy because sometimes if time is running short you're better off letting go of a 3-star time in order to gather all those extra resources to use at the re-start of that level.
The minigames are also innovative and have some interesting twists.
Honestly, if this had 60 or 80 levels, I'd consider it a 5-star game, but I finished the game (including all the trophies) in about 5 hoursl which is short for this type of game.
I recommend this game!
+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.