bqbeans's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.7
- Helpful Votes:47
- Reviews Submitted:30
- First Review:February 8, 2014
- Most Recent Review:March 11, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Soak up the sun and have some fun!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 10 found this review helpful
Fun like others in the series
PostedApril 11, 2023
bqbeans
fromSummerville, SC
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Enjoyable "Vacation Paradise" HOG. In the same family as "Adventure Trip". A couple of reviewers noted that the hidden items appeared smaller than usual. Perhaps, but I have bad eyes and rarely need the magnifier or the HINT, though I may take a little longer than usual to find everything.
This may be an advantage in later years as you replay the game. And, unlike in some HOG games, the magnifier can also be used in the zoom scenes.
It is true that the items to be found are similar across all games, but this has not lessoned my enjoyment at all.
Bright and colorful scenes. I would have liked to seen more famous, specific-to- Florida places. Though, I am sure they are conscious of trademark violations.
This may be an advantage in later years as you replay the game. And, unlike in some HOG games, the magnifier can also be used in the zoom scenes.
It is true that the items to be found are similar across all games, but this has not lessoned my enjoyment at all.
Bright and colorful scenes. I would have liked to seen more famous, specific-to- Florida places. Though, I am sure they are conscious of trademark violations.
I recommend this game!
A super exciting Brick Buster game that is sure to satisfy your cravings for arcade thrills.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
A nice surprise - do you remember "Breakout" ?
PostedApril 14, 2022
bqbeans
fromSummerville, SC
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I have never purchased a so-called "brick breaker" game before. My usual genre is time-management or hidden object, I grew up with an Atari (yes, I'm old) and remember Breakout, where you bounced a ball on your sliding paddle to break bricks and clear the board.
So with credits piling up and no recent releases of my favorites, I gave this a try. I needed a palate cleanser. Wow, has the genre evolved.
The value for your money is amazing. There are 20 categories and each has 50 levels - that is 1000 different "brick" patterns. And I use the word "brick" losely, because the breakable shapes are varied -triangles, circles, petals, etc. Some need to be hit more than once. Some are indestructable barriers, Some fade in and out and many patterns are in motion. And, I concur with other reviewers that the patterns are bright and beautiful, covering categories such as animals, flowers, Egypt, labyrinths, Christmas, etc.
No storyline, of course, and you have to keep your eyes on the screen, so it is not great for watching TV. But, this is well worth the price for when you want something a little different and don't need to invest days at a time.
I recommend this game!
Help Emma save her Uncle's house and decorate it! Hidden Object, Match-3 and Decoration all in 1 Game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Some parts must be played with a timer
PostedOctober 16, 2021
bqbeans
fromSummerville, SC
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game gets repetitive quickly. I still enjoyed it, but I like to play in relax mood. I do not want to be challenged. Reviews had said there were different levels of play and that is true. However, not every part of the game can be played without anxiety. Certain levels are an energy bar which runs down. or a certain amount of time per customer or group of customers.
That is a fail for me.
That is a fail for me.
The Match 3 section was boring. I was hoping for some pizzazz.
I don't recommend this game.
Get ready for the sights and sounds of the Big Apple!
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
Relaxing Fun
PostedSeptember 10, 2021
bqbeans
fromSummerville, SC
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I have purchased all of the "Adventure Trip" games but this is the first standard version I have played. I find that all of the features I loved about the first games are still here and they continue to make small improvements.
The objects are slightly more difficult to find than previous games, but not impossible and you have a choice of 3 difficulty levels.. They added a telescoping feature to hone in on specific scenes. And, there are 2 simple tasks to perform for each scene.
The mini-games are colorful and fun.
The mini-games are colorful and fun.
I wish I had gotten the collectors edition with its 14 extra scenes, but I had a free standard game coupon.
I recommend this game!
Let's take a vacation across stunning California in this sunny puzzle adventure game with fun trivia thrown in!
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
Hours and hours of playtime
PostedApril 16, 2021
bqbeans
fromCleveland, OH
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Vacation Paradise: California is part of the "Adventure Trip" series - a basic, hidden object game. If you liked those, you will definitely like this. This is a relaxing game. No storyline or mystery to solve.
You can choose your level of difficulty. I always play easy, which allows for unlimited time and fast charging hints. But, if you like more of a challenge, there is a timed version.
You can choose your level of difficulty. I always play easy, which allows for unlimited time and fast charging hints. But, if you like more of a challenge, there is a timed version.
This has a slightly different format from previous titles. Instead of choosing a location, there is a pre-set order which takes the player to various locations and back again. Sometimes you will have a straight set of words, sometimes scrambled words, missing vowels or silhouettes. New in this game is a riddle category, which will give you an alternate definition for the object - not too hard (spatula/flipper or bee/stinging insect). The player also has the ability to change the variation (if you don't like silhouette, for example, you can play a different one). Each time you revisit a repeat scene, the object list changes.
Also new. is a magnifying feature, so you can zoom in to search for hard to find objects. You will occasionally need it!
Also new. is a magnifying feature, so you can zoom in to search for hard to find objects. You will occasionally need it!
There are more than 60 levels and each level and 2, 3 or 4 scenes. After each level, a mini-game pops up. These games are fun, colorful and not too hard. .Variations include memory cards, mahjong tiles, sudoku pool balls, match three, jigsaws, spot the difference, word search and flip puzzles.
The CE version has dozens of extra scenes (and each scene has five variations) and each CE scene has two small tasks to perform such as "bring the donut home" or "replace the missing tile".
Each of the regular scenes has a special object to find - a bear or a flag. Collecting all of these will unlock CE bonus levels. In some of the regular scenes there is a crazy-eight ball to find for extra points.
I have not yet unlocked the the bonus levels. I have been playing this game for a week, but am still just half way done! But, having purchased the previous games, I believe one bonus is unlimited play - being able to search for ALL the hidden objects in a scene, which is my favorite. The other will unlock bonus mini-games to play at any time. This is another great feature because the games are colorful and fun.
The music is good, too. It changes by scene and game and its generally soothing or appropriate.
I recommend this game!
Art By Numbers isn’t your standard painting game - it opens up an entire world of wonderful paintings, elegant designs and bright colors to explore!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Surprisingly addictive
PostedOctober 27, 2020
bqbeans
fromCleveland, OH
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
This was the first "coloring" game I have tried. Generally, I like Time Management games. If you are looking for something that is mentally consuming, this is NOT it.
However, if you are looking for something to keep your hands busy while you watch TV or the kids, this is a great choice.
Basically, this is a digital version of paint-by-numbers. You are given 75 different pictures to color. You cannot change the colors. Tap the page with the appropriate color. Some of the pictures are quite complicated and use dozens of colors. Even with selected areas highlighted, I have had to use hints to find some tiny spaces.
This is a no-stress game. Unlimited hints, no time limits. I am not sure why it is so satisfying, since it is impossible to screw up. But, I love it.
I recommend this game!
Travel around the world alongside Jill and Mike and help them become international TV superstars!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
A big upgrade from the previous in the series
PostedSeptember 29, 2020
bqbeans
fromCleveland, OH
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Gardens Inc: Rakes to Riches was the first Big Fish game I ever purchased. It introduced me to Time Management Games, which ultimately, became my favorite genre. But, I only played it once and I never bought any of the others in the series until now.
Everyone looks for different things in a game. I play for relaxation. I like to take my time and anything on a timer, regardless of the fact that you can continue to play after the time runs out, stresses me out. The money resource in the game was confusing, also. Then, ghosts and robbers would show up randomly, which was very frustrating.
Well, when I saw that Gardens, Inc 4 added a "relaxed mode", I decided to give it another try. For those of you who like a challenge, there are 2 timed modes, as well. The money resource is gone! And, the burglars and animals are now managed differently, and appear in only certain levels, so I am so very happy. I played the game through twice immediately.
I will absolutely buy the next in this series.
Everyone looks for different things in a game. I play for relaxation. I like to take my time and anything on a timer, regardless of the fact that you can continue to play after the time runs out, stresses me out. The money resource in the game was confusing, also. Then, ghosts and robbers would show up randomly, which was very frustrating.
Well, when I saw that Gardens, Inc 4 added a "relaxed mode", I decided to give it another try. For those of you who like a challenge, there are 2 timed modes, as well. The money resource is gone! And, the burglars and animals are now managed differently, and appear in only certain levels, so I am so very happy. I played the game through twice immediately.
I will absolutely buy the next in this series.
I recommend this game!
The adventure continues as the Fearless General Flavius with his detachment begin a perilous journey to end the Filth once and for all!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Roads of Rome with a twist
PostedSeptember 17, 2020
bqbeans
fromCleveland, OH
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Current Favorite:
Delicious: Emily's Hopes and Fears Collector's Edition
(48)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Unlike the six previous Roads of Rome (and the New Generation: Roads of Rome), this game has a scrolling screen. While this does allow for increased story opportunity and adventures, I do miss not being able to see all the activity going on at once. Still, I do not take off points for that.
This is a great time management game. I only took off a point because I cannot access the bonus level without playing the game on a timed mode. That is ridiculous. I paid for the game - I should be able to play all the levels on whatever mode I enjoy. I find some of the levels very difficult, even on easy.
This is a great time management game. I only took off a point because I cannot access the bonus level without playing the game on a timed mode. That is ridiculous. I paid for the game - I should be able to play all the levels on whatever mode I enjoy. I find some of the levels very difficult, even on easy.
I recommend this game!
Rome continues to flourish, but a hidden threat is looming on the horizon in the latest Roads of Rome adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Glitchy but still worth it
PostedSeptember 17, 2020
bqbeans
fromCleveland, OH
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have all of this series, and they haven't messed around with a decent formula, which is good. I have played it twice through, first on relaxed and next on Easy.
. For the New Adventures #1 and 2, you need to physically go to secret cache.location to collect the prize. In #3, you can just click on it. That is a plus.
The biggest positive change is that you can now play the bonus levels in Relaxed mode.
About the glitches: while annoying, they only occur after a level is completed and your progress has been saved. They don't happen all the time and my game automatically closes and goes back to the Big Fish game manager. I can then click "play again" and start the next level. I would buy this even with that glitch, though I am hoping they send a patch.
. For the New Adventures #1 and 2, you need to physically go to secret cache.location to collect the prize. In #3, you can just click on it. That is a plus.
The biggest positive change is that you can now play the bonus levels in Relaxed mode.
About the glitches: while annoying, they only occur after a level is completed and your progress has been saved. They don't happen all the time and my game automatically closes and goes back to the Big Fish game manager. I can then click "play again" and start the next level. I would buy this even with that glitch, though I am hoping they send a patch.
I recommend this game!
Maggie Welles thinks she’s ready for the big time when obstacles appear from the most unexpected places. Will Maggie survive her second shot at fame?
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Overall, more fun than the first one
PostedJuly 12, 2020
bqbeans
fromCleveland, OH
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I thought the first "Maggie", episode was so-so. Nothing major wrong with it. But the story line was clunky and depressing. I didn't really like any of the characters. I had a coupon and a lot of time on my hands, so I got the second and was pleasantly surprised.
This time, I enjoyed the characters and the dialogue.
I like the way they put the mini-games into their own little zone inside each chapter - they didn't interfere with the game play. There are six locations and a nice variety of products and upgrades. This game is similar in play to the Delicious Emily series and features a chameleon to find on each level.
I like the way they put the mini-games into their own little zone inside each chapter - they didn't interfere with the game play. There are six locations and a nice variety of products and upgrades. This game is similar in play to the Delicious Emily series and features a chameleon to find on each level.
The one big downside, which prevented me from giving it five stars, was a new wrinkle they labeled, "the flowmeter". It features into several of the challenges, but is always present in the upper left corner. Every time you fulfill an order or request, the meter fills up and starts to drain and it makes constant noise, like a pinball machine. It beeps at a different frequency the closer you get to the top of the flow. It is beyond annoying.
I like to play on casual and just enjoy myself. Usually, I can get through the levels and challenges fairly easily. But the two flowmeter challenges were like pulling teeth, even on the easiest level. Get rid of it !
I like to play on casual and just enjoy myself. Usually, I can get through the levels and challenges fairly easily. But the two flowmeter challenges were like pulling teeth, even on the easiest level. Get rid of it !
Still, overall, it was an engaging game and I will look for the next Maggie's Movie title.
I recommend this game!