beltie's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:1,195
- Reviews Submitted:154
- First Review:December 26, 2012
- Most Recent Review:April 23, 2023
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Solve the case and bring a criminal to justice in this time management detective game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 19 found this review helpful
Mixed Feelings
PostedMarch 17, 2018
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well, after reading the reviews, I decided to try for myself.
Attaining 3 Stars per Level is definitely do-able.
I agree that the mini-games are a bit too much. Meaning that there really is a lot of grab this, change that, and it makes it very hectic. The Controls are a tad lacking too, especially with the "footprint" mini-game. You have to continue to cover every slightest little thing. The biggest issue I have with the mini-games is that they interrupt continuity of game play (as others have pointed out).
It also gets annoying having to reclick to direct characters to where they're asking to go.
Storyline - whatever; too much dialog, so I just kept hitting skip
The blaring music after each level is obnoxious as well. Especially given I keep the sound high to hear the Mouse.
Overall, once I got the hang of it, I enjoyed it. Except for having to reclick on things. The controls really do need fine-tuning. This last part is what has me questioning whether to purchase. That and the fact that I don't really see anything that would rate this game as a Collector's Edition.
Save your cousin and his new bride from a horrible beast!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Loved It
PostedDecember 25, 2017
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This one was fantastic. Nice graphics, fairly logical puzzles, interesting storyline. Good length. Not too short, not too long. Left me wanting a little more, which rarely happens.
Reasonable number of interesting HOs. One of my biggest complaints with this genre is being bombarded with seemingly endless HOs as you get towards the end, which just ruins it for me. Not so with this one.
Colors are fairly easy on the eyes; again, some in this genre have blinking or glaring lighted objects on the screens when you're trying to locate items. Not good. This one does not have that unfortunate feature.
Interactive Map which shows available actions and where collectibles are.
The Bonus Chapter also relates to the story, which is refreshing.
Overall, just loved it. Truly left me wanting more :)
I recommend this game!
Can you restore balance to the world tree in time?
Overall rating
2
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Just couldn't get into it
PostedDecember 23, 2017
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Rather than repeat what others have said, I'll just share that the thing that killed this one for me, was all the runic symbols. Just couldn't get used to.The translations were cool, but having runic symbols for arrows instead of "normal" game mechanics' symbols for navigation and aid in helping the player know where to go and what was available to be done, just didn't work. Felt like I was lost the whole way through.
I play these for relaxation and enjoyment. The symbols just made it too awkward for me.
No go for me.
I don't recommend this game.
It's sakura season time and the queen decided to celebrate!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
It's Just Okay
PostedNovember 19, 2017
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Cute concept. Cute graphics. More of a kids' game to me.
The match 4 (destroy a row) Power Ups are kind of lame, as you can't simply use them. You have to match whatever icon they are, with 2 other matching icons of the same kind. You don't have to do this with the hornets though. They will remove whatever Icon piece you swap them with.
I'm used to having power ups that are of more use.
There are also some fun mechanics within the game, like growing a vine to get flowers.
Still, it is fun to decorate the Garden.
Not for me, but I would recommend it for youngsters and for those who don't mind the power ups being less valuable than in some other match 3 games.
I recommend this game!
The time for winter wonders begins with Christmas Mosaic Puzzle! 120 unique and exciting puzzles for any age!
Overall rating
1
/
5
0 of 2 found this review helpful
Backgrounds TOO DARK
PostedNovember 15, 2017
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I started playing the game and was really enjoying it.
Then I came to a level (within the first block of puzzles) where the background was sooooo dark, I couldn't see the shape of the pieces! Ridiculous!!! Can't solve something you can't see!!!!
In fairness, I keep my screen darker than most to avoid eye strain and I have a large, great quality device; however, when playing these games, I increase the brightness substantially. At a brightness of over 70%, still couldn't distinguish openings for pieces on some backgrounds. This KILLED the enjoyment and I deleted the game in disgust.
One thing I did like, was that you didn't have to continuously hold the pieces. You could click on it, then place and release. Great hand saver. Still, doesn't help if you can't see where to place the piece!! Have I said that ENOUGH times.
Decide for yourself. Was a cute theme.
I don't recommend this game.
Tillian has to win the tournament to marry Aerin, and at the same time they have to reveal and destroy the conspiracy against elven crown.
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 19 found this review helpful
These Keep Getting Better
PostedNovember 15, 2017
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have 3, 4, & 5 in the series. Found 3 to be okay, 4 got better, and 5 is better still. Don't need to repeat what others have already added. Will add the following though:
These truly do take strategy. They are not just the "gather and go" TM games. Personally, I don't mind having to replay a level to "get" the requirements for it. On a positive note, one doesn't have to replay every level.
The game offers three (3) levels of challenge; untimed, regular, and expert (not under those names). A level of challenge suited for everyone.
Graphics are fun, game play for the most part is smooth. The berry bushes were a tad difficult to grasp at first, trying to figure out when they were ripe. That might just be me though.
Hidden surprises to find on each level. Cute storyline and excellent replay value (with some added cussing on a few - oops).
I do recommend this game.
I recommend this game!
The Frozen Kingdom awaits you! Help the Frozen Queen assemble 120 Christmas-themed patchwork mosaics!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Really Fun
PostedNovember 12, 2017
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Clear graphics, bright colors, great holiday theme.
Can use hints without penalty. Can replay levels.
At first the puzzles are easy, but then they get harder.
Always mute the sound, so can't comment on the music.
Can play against the clock or untimed.
Can use hints without penalty. Can replay levels.
At first the puzzles are easy, but then they get harder.
Always mute the sound, so can't comment on the music.
Can play against the clock or untimed.
Really enjoyed this one.
I recommend this game!
Help Emily through the ups and downs of her pregnancy in the latest Delicious adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 38 found this review helpful
Oh No!! Undecided - May not be a buy for me
PostedNovember 7, 2017
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is one of my all time favorite series. Have them all!
I must agree with one of the other reviewers though. This is not up to par.
The controls are sluggish and clunky. AND what on earth is up with the Customers lining up behind each other when there is an open space at the cash register. This condition was in the earliest versions of the Series and thankfully the Developers corrected it!! Now it is back again??!! Really??
Another issue is that if Emily is at the Register and there are rows deep of Customers, as long as she stays there, she rings everyone out. Not so in this latest installment. Again, a condition that was remedied in the earlier versions. Back then it was something we could overlook as the games were so fun and fresh and the development was progressing. Now though, it's kind of shoddy AND it affects ability to maximize points. **sigh**
The lack of finesse on the controls and these items above, really have me on the brink of not purchasing the Game. Sooo disappointed!!
On a positive note, I find the graphics cute and the storyline sweet. New interesting products too. The playability, or lack thereof, is a real killer though. Truly seems like a different Team worked on this one.
Perhaps the Developers will read our comments and issue a revised product.
Sooo sad. I too, usually buy these the moment I see them. With the controls issue, I cannot recommend it.
P.S. If I want to share on social media, I will - don't like it "pushed" on me.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Rose Riddle solve the mystery of her missing parents and uncover the secrets of her past during a wild road trip through a fairy tale realm!
Overall rating
3
/
5
17 of 17 found this review helpful
Few Things That Ruined it for Me
PostedOctober 29, 2017
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Storyline was ok. Graphics were cute. Loved the fact that you could toggle over an item and see a LARGE, CLEAR display of resources needed to complete it.
Level of challenge is excellent. I like having to think about strategy and I don't mind replaying a Level to get 3 Stars.
But . . . the screens were so cluttered with objects on some Levels that it made it hard to see resources and items.
The thing that killed it for me was the controls. I had to change the cursor to System Cursor because the large one had me having to click on resources multiple times to pick them up. Even with the System Cursor I found myself having to do this. In a Time Mgmt game, this ends up costing a player a Star. After having to replay levels due to this vs strategy - it became a No Buy for me.
Still, for those with younger hands and sharper eyes, it is a good game. Despite the above, I would recommend it for most.
I recommend this game!
Once again black powers have seized the kingdom of Orion. The entire city is gripped by fear and it's up to you to save them, and yourself!
Overall rating
4
/
5
Good
PostedOctober 23, 2017
beltie
fromNorthern Virginia
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I have played all the games in the Series and enjoyed each one. The developers do a good job. I have 4 issues with this one:
1. Graphics were extremely dark - had to brighten my monitor to play.
2. The mini game with the plates was the same thing over and over and over again - got really BORED with it. Would be nice if developers had mixed this up a bit
3. There was an inordinate amount of back and forth, with NO map!
4. For me, although most would find this a good thing . . . , I found the game waaaay too long. Maybe if there had been a Map and variation on Item 2, I would feel differently. Instead, by the 8th gem, my eyes were glazing over and I simply wanted the game to end
1. Graphics were extremely dark - had to brighten my monitor to play.
2. The mini game with the plates was the same thing over and over and over again - got really BORED with it. Would be nice if developers had mixed this up a bit
3. There was an inordinate amount of back and forth, with NO map!
4. For me, although most would find this a good thing . . . , I found the game waaaay too long. Maybe if there had been a Map and variation on Item 2, I would feel differently. Instead, by the 8th gem, my eyes were glazing over and I simply wanted the game to end
Even with the above "complaints", it is still is a very good game and I would recommend it to those who like the genre. Perhaps I will replay it and enjoy it more when my attention span and patience level are a little higher ;)
I recommend this game!