GJMcG's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:16
- Reviews Submitted:13
- First Review:March 29, 2017
- Most Recent Review:January 31, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Overall rating
1
/
5
Not for Windows 10
PostedJanuary 31, 2024
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
So disappointed because this game absolutely will not work with Windows 10.
They need to update it!
They need to update it!
I don't recommend this game.
Embark on an electrifying adventure to save the world from a robotic menace in the latest Time Management adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
CE not worth it!
PostedFebruary 6, 2022
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Current Favorite:
Adelantado Trilogy: Book Three
(108)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoyed the game. It was pretty much like all the others.
HOWEVER, when I finally got to the bonus challenges, they weren't challenging AT ALL!!!!
I finished every single one of them with tons of time to spare! Even on the levels where I made many mistakes, I had time to tear down buildings and build what I really needed... and I STILL had tons of time to spare! I didn't have to replay any of the bonus levels!
I think the developers just got lazy when they got to the bonus levels.
The main levels were challenging and I did have to play some a few times to get 3 stars. Therefore I recommend this game, but NOT the CE.
HOWEVER, when I finally got to the bonus challenges, they weren't challenging AT ALL!!!!
I finished every single one of them with tons of time to spare! Even on the levels where I made many mistakes, I had time to tear down buildings and build what I really needed... and I STILL had tons of time to spare! I didn't have to replay any of the bonus levels!
I think the developers just got lazy when they got to the bonus levels.
The main levels were challenging and I did have to play some a few times to get 3 stars. Therefore I recommend this game, but NOT the CE.
I recommend this game!
An exciting time management journey through a fairytale kingdom!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Unique twist on most TM games!
PostedMarch 2, 2020
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Royal Envoy 3 Collector's Edition
(74)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I completely agree with Boogienite's review... this is a fascinating new approach to TM games!
I am still early in the game, but I am well past the free trial, and I am loving it!
On several levels, I've discovered that what I DON'T do is often more important than what I do. To get 3 stars you sometimes need to NOT add extra workers, or NOT gather all of the resources. And on every level, you need a good strategy as to what order to build or upgrade things.
This game, in my opinion, is the perfect combination of challenging, while not being so difficult that you have to spend half a day on one level in order to get 3 stars. So far each level has given me adequate time to succeed when I use the right strategy. The most I've had to repeat a level is 4 times before I figured it out.
If you like games that make you think, rather than just repetitively gather and build, then this is for you!
I am still early in the game, but I am well past the free trial, and I am loving it!
On several levels, I've discovered that what I DON'T do is often more important than what I do. To get 3 stars you sometimes need to NOT add extra workers, or NOT gather all of the resources. And on every level, you need a good strategy as to what order to build or upgrade things.
This game, in my opinion, is the perfect combination of challenging, while not being so difficult that you have to spend half a day on one level in order to get 3 stars. So far each level has given me adequate time to succeed when I use the right strategy. The most I've had to repeat a level is 4 times before I figured it out.
If you like games that make you think, rather than just repetitively gather and build, then this is for you!
I recommend this game!
Build-in-Time
Build your way through six decades of American history, earning cash and buying upgrades in this Time Management biz.
Overall rating
1
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Too linear
PostedNovember 24, 2019
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Current Favorite:
Royal Envoy Collector's Edition
(46)Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I love building games, but this one is WAY too linear and boring.
It was a challenge to achieve 2 stars on each level, but only because of the speed factor.
"Customers" pop up with a visual image of which house they want... occasionally with special requests such as being near water... you then build what they want, paint it the color they want, and try to build/paint at least 2 houses at once. You can click rapidly on the lot to speed up the process, and try to beat the clock.
That's it.
I'm sorry, but I found it too boring to even complete the free trial. I need a game that is more open and gives you at least some freedom to think and to build what you want, and I want the challenge to be in the fact that you might make wrong choices.
It was a challenge to achieve 2 stars on each level, but only because of the speed factor.
"Customers" pop up with a visual image of which house they want... occasionally with special requests such as being near water... you then build what they want, paint it the color they want, and try to build/paint at least 2 houses at once. You can click rapidly on the lot to speed up the process, and try to beat the clock.
That's it.
I'm sorry, but I found it too boring to even complete the free trial. I need a game that is more open and gives you at least some freedom to think and to build what you want, and I want the challenge to be in the fact that you might make wrong choices.
I don't recommend this game.
Help the Romans and the Britons defeat the Filth in this exciting strategy adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Challenging and very different!
PostedJanuary 13, 2019
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
My review is going to get lost among the sea of 5-star reviews, but I feel I MUST give feedback!
I only bought this game because it was part of a special offer when I purchased another game.
And, I admit that when I first started playing it I was a bit confused! In fact, I still have some unanswered questions. But that is primarily because this time-management game is SO different than any other I've played!
You do NOT get a list of goals at the beginning of each level. Instead, new goals pop up as you go along. And some levels just go on and on and on!!!!! The territory just keeps expanding!
I am still not finished with the game. I'm now into Stage 2 after FINALLY completing all of Stage 1 with expert ranking on each level.
I play a LOT of time management games, and I never quit until I get 3 stars / expert on every level. So I'm pretty experienced in this genre. And yet, I've had to play some of these levels repeatedly to the point that I only aim to play 1 level per day! Yes, it can take that long to master some of the levels!
My only complaints would be:
1) I have not yet figured out how to make the "save" option really work for me. When I have to redo a level I find I need to start over from the beginning. But I guess it's nice that there is an option to restart from a saved point.
2) I REALLY wish the game had a "Collector's Edition" option!!!!!! I really need a strategy guide. There is a little "?" in the lower right-hand corner that pulls up a description of every building, cache, and other items in the game. And if you click the little "i" button on each one it will give you even more information on each one. That was helpful, but I still am uncertain about how some things work. For example, when I build a gold mine I must also build a mint. With both gold and stone the mines provide the materials, but the Mint and the Stonecutters actually create the usable products. The same is true regarding woodcutters and sawmills. But I have yet to figure out exactly how much it helps to have additional mints, stonecutters, and sawmills.
Another thing I am trying to figure out on my own is the required ratio of workers to production buildings (like the mines and stonecutters and hen houses, etc.) There have been several times when I had LOTS of facilities to produce the needed materials, and yet production has come to a screeching halt! I was originally under the impression that if I added a worker hut every time I added a hen house, for example, then I would be ok. But it appears that you MUST keep a close eye on your number of available workers at all times. I also THINK it makes a difference if you build those worker huts and a warehouse closer to your current location along the path.
3) My biggest complaint is related to #2 above. As you can tell, I have some pretty basic questions that I cannot find answers to anywhere online! I have searched for a good walkthrough or forum and I cannot find either one! There ARE some YouTube videos of individual levels, and that's helpful, but some of these levels are VERY long, so the videos are excruciatingly long to watch. I think my next step is going to be to attempt to contact the developers directly to try to get some answers.
Anyway, in spite of my complaints above I LOVE THIS GAME!
In fact, I'm ending my review now so that I can get back to playing it!
I only bought this game because it was part of a special offer when I purchased another game.
And, I admit that when I first started playing it I was a bit confused! In fact, I still have some unanswered questions. But that is primarily because this time-management game is SO different than any other I've played!
You do NOT get a list of goals at the beginning of each level. Instead, new goals pop up as you go along. And some levels just go on and on and on!!!!! The territory just keeps expanding!
I am still not finished with the game. I'm now into Stage 2 after FINALLY completing all of Stage 1 with expert ranking on each level.
I play a LOT of time management games, and I never quit until I get 3 stars / expert on every level. So I'm pretty experienced in this genre. And yet, I've had to play some of these levels repeatedly to the point that I only aim to play 1 level per day! Yes, it can take that long to master some of the levels!
My only complaints would be:
1) I have not yet figured out how to make the "save" option really work for me. When I have to redo a level I find I need to start over from the beginning. But I guess it's nice that there is an option to restart from a saved point.
2) I REALLY wish the game had a "Collector's Edition" option!!!!!! I really need a strategy guide. There is a little "?" in the lower right-hand corner that pulls up a description of every building, cache, and other items in the game. And if you click the little "i" button on each one it will give you even more information on each one. That was helpful, but I still am uncertain about how some things work. For example, when I build a gold mine I must also build a mint. With both gold and stone the mines provide the materials, but the Mint and the Stonecutters actually create the usable products. The same is true regarding woodcutters and sawmills. But I have yet to figure out exactly how much it helps to have additional mints, stonecutters, and sawmills.
Another thing I am trying to figure out on my own is the required ratio of workers to production buildings (like the mines and stonecutters and hen houses, etc.) There have been several times when I had LOTS of facilities to produce the needed materials, and yet production has come to a screeching halt! I was originally under the impression that if I added a worker hut every time I added a hen house, for example, then I would be ok. But it appears that you MUST keep a close eye on your number of available workers at all times. I also THINK it makes a difference if you build those worker huts and a warehouse closer to your current location along the path.
3) My biggest complaint is related to #2 above. As you can tell, I have some pretty basic questions that I cannot find answers to anywhere online! I have searched for a good walkthrough or forum and I cannot find either one! There ARE some YouTube videos of individual levels, and that's helpful, but some of these levels are VERY long, so the videos are excruciatingly long to watch. I think my next step is going to be to attempt to contact the developers directly to try to get some answers.
Anyway, in spite of my complaints above I LOVE THIS GAME!
In fact, I'm ending my review now so that I can get back to playing it!
I recommend this game!
Margaret needs your help once again! You must repair the railway across 50 time management levels and manage an enormous budget!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
I really liked it
PostedJanuary 13, 2019
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Royal Envoy Collector's Edition
(46)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I must say that I enjoyed this game MUCH more than I expected to.
The trial period didn't impress me much, but it was different than some of the other time management games I've played recently, and it was on sale, so I went ahead and purchased it.
It ended up being much more challenging than I anticipated.
Some levels were almost too easy, but I had to retry other levels several times to get an expert score.
I wish the developers had added some bonus levels and perhaps a bit more variety, but overall it was pretty good and I will probably create a new player name and play it again.
The trial period didn't impress me much, but it was different than some of the other time management games I've played recently, and it was on sale, so I went ahead and purchased it.
It ended up being much more challenging than I anticipated.
Some levels were almost too easy, but I had to retry other levels several times to get an expert score.
I wish the developers had added some bonus levels and perhaps a bit more variety, but overall it was pretty good and I will probably create a new player name and play it again.
Venture beyond the kingdom and solve the riddle of an ancient pirate map in this exciting time management game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 8 found this review helpful
Can't compare to Royal Envoy series
PostedOctober 2, 2018
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Royal Envoy 2 Collector's Edition
(150)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I read another review that compared this game to Royal Envoy, and that impacted my decision to purchase this game.
Beyond the Kingdom is a good time management game. It gets more challenging as you progress through the episodes, but it is far too linear for my taste.
Unlike Royal Envoy, you cannot choose which buildings to build and/or upgrade. They already exist and you just repair them. There is no way to demolish them and build something else.
That is my favorite factor in the Royal Envoy series... with very few exceptions you have complete control over what you build. That is part of the challenge! You need to build the right buildings and frequently the order in which you build them can determine success or failure.
Beyond the Kingdom is a decent game. It runs smoothly and the graphics are nice. But I was very disappointed that it is so linear. In each episode, what you see is what you get. Point, click, gather resources, point, click, repair buildings, point, click, repair bridges... rinse and repeat.
I am recommending this game because it is decent, but it is a qualified recommendation because it did not meet my expectations.
Beyond the Kingdom is a good time management game. It gets more challenging as you progress through the episodes, but it is far too linear for my taste.
Unlike Royal Envoy, you cannot choose which buildings to build and/or upgrade. They already exist and you just repair them. There is no way to demolish them and build something else.
That is my favorite factor in the Royal Envoy series... with very few exceptions you have complete control over what you build. That is part of the challenge! You need to build the right buildings and frequently the order in which you build them can determine success or failure.
Beyond the Kingdom is a decent game. It runs smoothly and the graphics are nice. But I was very disappointed that it is so linear. In each episode, what you see is what you get. Point, click, gather resources, point, click, repair buildings, point, click, repair bridges... rinse and repeat.
I am recommending this game because it is decent, but it is a qualified recommendation because it did not meet my expectations.
I recommend this game!
Kingdom Tales
The prophecy has been fulfilled! The day has come when mighty dragons seek new territory to claim as their own!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Just OK
PostedNovember 14, 2017
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
After playing many Time Management games I felt this one was just "ok". It was very linear and not terribly challenging. Also, there were no bonus chapters for completing all the levels with stars. And the achievements were no big deal. Many were awarded just for playing the game... not for excellence.
I did like searching for the hidden bonuses, and also the fact that you were free to choose what you wanted to build, and it was a bit of a challenge to figure out the BEST possible way to use the allotted building sites. On some levels, I played 2 or 3 times using different layouts to get the required resources. But I only had a couple of levels that I HAD to play more than once to complete within the time limit & get my star. It was almost too easy.
I didn't "hate" the game. It was a decent pastime, but nothing to write home about.
I did like searching for the hidden bonuses, and also the fact that you were free to choose what you wanted to build, and it was a bit of a challenge to figure out the BEST possible way to use the allotted building sites. On some levels, I played 2 or 3 times using different layouts to get the required resources. But I only had a couple of levels that I HAD to play more than once to complete within the time limit & get my star. It was almost too easy.
I didn't "hate" the game. It was a decent pastime, but nothing to write home about.
I don't recommend this game.
When Mother Nature does her worst, the Rescue Team does its best!
Overall rating
5
/
5
I LOVE the entire Rescue Team Series!!!!
PostedMarch 29, 2017
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I have now purchased and played all of the games in the Rescue Team series, and that obviously means I love them! At the time I'm writing this they are up to Rescue Team 6, and I keep checking to see if they've released new ones.
I am VERY picky about my games. I don't often bother to submit reviews, but these are so good that they deserve it!
As with a lot of games, they improve and evolve throughout the series, but I enjoyed even the earliest versions.
I wish all of the Rescue Team games came with the option of buying a collector's edition! That really does help with some levels.
Rescue Team doesn't have much of a storyline, but each level and each new release offers new goals and challenges. Even when some things are repetitive I don't get bored. It is a real battle to earn 3 stars on every level. I had to replay some of them MANY times before I managed to get 3 stars... and I even had to watch the experts on YouTube to figure some of them out!
You occasionally run into goals that require you to perform some actions in a linear order. If you don't, you won't have enough supplies to continue. But that is pretty rare and only true for a portion of the level. For the majority of the game you have total control in deciding which buildings to build, and when to tear them down and replace them with something different.
If I had one complaint it would be the way they display the achievements. That aspect could definitely use a lot of improvement. But that doesn't affect the excellent gameplay.
WARNING: This game is addictive!!!!
I am VERY picky about my games. I don't often bother to submit reviews, but these are so good that they deserve it!
As with a lot of games, they improve and evolve throughout the series, but I enjoyed even the earliest versions.
I wish all of the Rescue Team games came with the option of buying a collector's edition! That really does help with some levels.
Rescue Team doesn't have much of a storyline, but each level and each new release offers new goals and challenges. Even when some things are repetitive I don't get bored. It is a real battle to earn 3 stars on every level. I had to replay some of them MANY times before I managed to get 3 stars... and I even had to watch the experts on YouTube to figure some of them out!
You occasionally run into goals that require you to perform some actions in a linear order. If you don't, you won't have enough supplies to continue. But that is pretty rare and only true for a portion of the level. For the majority of the game you have total control in deciding which buildings to build, and when to tear them down and replace them with something different.
If I had one complaint it would be the way they display the achievements. That aspect could definitely use a lot of improvement. But that doesn't affect the excellent gameplay.
WARNING: This game is addictive!!!!
I recommend this game!
Join the world famous Rescue Team and set off on an adventure you'll never forget!
Overall rating
5
/
5
LOVE the entire Rescue Team series!!!
PostedMarch 29, 2017
GJMcG
fromColumbus, Ohio
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I have now purchased and played all of the games in the Rescue Team series, and that obviously means I love them! At the time I'm writing this they are up to Rescue Team 6, and I keep checking to see if they've released new ones.
I am VERY picky about my games. I don't often bother to submit reviews, but these are so good that they deserve it!
As with a lot of games, they improve and evolve throughout the series, but I enjoyed even the earliest versions.
Rescue Team doesn't have much of a storyline, but each level and each new release offers new goals and challenges. Even when some things are repetitive I don't get bored. It is a real battle to earn 3 stars on every level. I had to replay some of them MANY times before I managed to get 3 stars... and I even had to watch the experts on YouTube to figure some of them out!
You occasionally run into goals that require you to perform some actions in a linear order. If you don't, you won't have enough supplies to continue. But that is pretty rare and only true for a portion of the level. For the majority of the game you have total control in deciding which buildings to build, and when to tear them down and replace them with something different.
If I had one complaint it would be the way they display the achievements. That aspect could definitely use a lot of improvement. But that doesn't affect the excellent gameplay.
WARNING: This game is addictive!!!!
I am VERY picky about my games. I don't often bother to submit reviews, but these are so good that they deserve it!
As with a lot of games, they improve and evolve throughout the series, but I enjoyed even the earliest versions.
Rescue Team doesn't have much of a storyline, but each level and each new release offers new goals and challenges. Even when some things are repetitive I don't get bored. It is a real battle to earn 3 stars on every level. I had to replay some of them MANY times before I managed to get 3 stars... and I even had to watch the experts on YouTube to figure some of them out!
You occasionally run into goals that require you to perform some actions in a linear order. If you don't, you won't have enough supplies to continue. But that is pretty rare and only true for a portion of the level. For the majority of the game you have total control in deciding which buildings to build, and when to tear them down and replace them with something different.
If I had one complaint it would be the way they display the achievements. That aspect could definitely use a lot of improvement. But that doesn't affect the excellent gameplay.
WARNING: This game is addictive!!!!
I recommend this game!