cbtx's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.3
- Helpful Votes:2,261
- Reviews Submitted:133
- First Review:December 30, 2011
- Most Recent Review:February 13, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Explore a lost temple in this nostalgic marble shooter game!
Overall rating
1
/
5
A Boomzap Copyfest!
PostedApril 27, 2024
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Having patiently waited for the technical problem to be resolved, I installed this game anxious to see the new and improved marble popping mechanics, ideas, and gameplay that Boomzap had in store for gamers like me that love marble popping games.
There are NONE.
The game is nothing more than a repeat of the popular Luxor series of 7-8 games, or Zuma, or any number of similar games available here at Big Fish.
And none of those games are CEs! They usually have more levels, more mechanics, and tighter controls.
This game's controls are sluggish to respond.
The levels have a sameness that lends to boredom.
And there are only 65 total levels counting "bonus" levels, whereas most of marble poppers I have owned for over a decade approach 100 levels or more.
And none of those games are CEs! They usually have more levels, more mechanics, and tighter controls.
This game's controls are sluggish to respond.
The levels have a sameness that lends to boredom.
And there are only 65 total levels counting "bonus" levels, whereas most of marble poppers I have owned for over a decade approach 100 levels or more.
So, talk about "been there, done that" ---- wow, this game adds NOTHING to games that were released a decade or more ago ---- and those games are superior in quality and fun. AND, they are SE priced.
I can't imagine any marble popper being called a CE ---- on wait, yes I can, it's a Boomzap game.
I can't imagine any marble popper being called a CE ---- on wait, yes I can, it's a Boomzap game.
I only hope this will be the first, only, and last marble popper from these people ---- it's a terrible, overpriced copy of what has been available for over a decade.
Minus about 10 stars.
Please don't waste your money on this dud, just go to the BF home page, click on "PC games", then click on "marble popper", and you'll see a very nice choice of excellent marble poppers.
Minus about 10 stars.
Please don't waste your money on this dud, just go to the BF home page, click on "PC games", then click on "marble popper", and you'll see a very nice choice of excellent marble poppers.
I don't recommend this game.
From smoke and fire, a hero emerges.
Overall rating
4
/
5
Will The Real Developer Please Stand Up?
PostedApril 23, 2024
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Make no mistake, this is what a HOG should be ---- part puzzle with beautiful hidden object scenes and a story that combine to make an entertaining, fun to play game.
No sloppy, cheap looking, thrown together "finding", or "stuff", or "nature", or travel to who knows where cookie-cutter lather, rinse, repeat boredom here. And the puzzles are fresh, different, and often not seen before ---- no old timey, last decade junk those "other" games lean on so heavily. Love that feature!
The graphics are gorgeous, and the gameplay is flawless.
No sloppy, cheap looking, thrown together "finding", or "stuff", or "nature", or travel to who knows where cookie-cutter lather, rinse, repeat boredom here. And the puzzles are fresh, different, and often not seen before ---- no old timey, last decade junk those "other" games lean on so heavily. Love that feature!
The graphics are gorgeous, and the gameplay is flawless.
I had to take away one star because the sound in the introduction and cutscenes is scratchy and stutters badly ---- but that has no real effect on the play of the game itself.
And at the risk of incurring the wrath of sunnyglow, I can tell you she is wrong about the voiceovers ---- there ARE voiceovers. Not the best you've ever heard, but they are there.
An oddity about this game is the developer. This CE is presented by Matryoshka ---- perfectly ok.
But the SE of the game has been around since last year and the developer of that version is Itera Labs, makers of some fine games, including the other games (4 of them) in the series. So I just wonder what the story is on that. Did Itera change their name? I've never heard of Matryoshka, but that's ok. I'm sure they never heard of me, either. Maybe another gamer knows? This CE has several subtle, but ultimately unimportant changes that I suppose were meant to improve the game.
There appears to be a bonus chapter (as indicated in the helpful strategy guide), but I can't see where to access it.
So I hope it is after completing the main body of the game.
But the SE of the game has been around since last year and the developer of that version is Itera Labs, makers of some fine games, including the other games (4 of them) in the series. So I just wonder what the story is on that. Did Itera change their name? I've never heard of Matryoshka, but that's ok. I'm sure they never heard of me, either. Maybe another gamer knows? This CE has several subtle, but ultimately unimportant changes that I suppose were meant to improve the game.
There appears to be a bonus chapter (as indicated in the helpful strategy guide), but I can't see where to access it.
So I hope it is after completing the main body of the game.
This is the 5th title in this series, and I have liked them all. But, keep in mind that they are all pretty heavy on puzzles so if you don't like puzzles it may not be your best choice. But for those who do, an excellent game.
Oh and btw, I hope beckins can maybe read my reviews with accuracy. I said that reviews of reviews are shallow, not the people themselves. I would not make a snide remark to or about a fellow gamer simply because my opinion differed from theirs.
Oh and btw, I hope beckins can maybe read my reviews with accuracy. I said that reviews of reviews are shallow, not the people themselves. I would not make a snide remark to or about a fellow gamer simply because my opinion differed from theirs.
But do take advantage of the generosity BF gives us with the free trial offered on this and every game and take this one out for a spin.
It is unique, it is visually magnificent, and it is fun. Big recommendation here.
It is unique, it is visually magnificent, and it is fun. Big recommendation here.
I recommend this game!
Go on an adventure to uncover hidden objects in charming locations around the world!
Overall rating
1
/
5
Just Another Copycat
PostedApril 20, 2024
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Save your money!
This is just another straight HOG with old style minigames thrown in. (When I got to the first jigsaw puzzle, I was done!)
I don't understand the attraction of these extremely old fashioned HOGs when there are so many of them all over for little to no cost ---- and developers like these think their games are worth the exorbitant asking price. Oh, I know there are those that say they are tired of witches, demons, devils, etc. ---- BOO HOO, get over it.
What I DO understand is why we are getting flooded with these clunkers. They are cheap and easy to create, and because so many seem to have forgotten what a really great CE is about, they sell.
But this type of junker clunker is NOT why I pay a monthly membership fee. These games are so last century.
What I DO understand is why we are getting flooded with these clunkers. They are cheap and easy to create, and because so many seem to have forgotten what a really great CE is about, they sell.
But this type of junker clunker is NOT why I pay a monthly membership fee. These games are so last century.
Story? non existent.
Visuals? very poor, almost cloudy
Challenge? Click on the "big hint" button and you're done
Fun? not at all
Visuals? very poor, almost cloudy
Challenge? Click on the "big hint" button and you're done
Fun? not at all
I was actually fooled into trying this one and realized it is simply another copycat, me too, cookie cutter game in the overly long and boring list that BF has been offering for far too long.
I would rather have no new game offered at all before there is one more of these.
I would rather have no new game offered at all before there is one more of these.
Oh, and btw, to those that review the reviews (lacking confidence in their own opinion) ---- those comments about the reviews of others are as shallow as this game.
Give the game a try if you have the time to waste.
I don't recommend this game.
Continue the divine journey through the Bible's foundational stories!
Overall rating
2
/
5
Even Less Appeal Than The First One
PostedApril 16, 2024
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Many gamers have no problem with these offerings based on Christian theology.
But I do.
I don't think these themes are appropriate as "games" nor do I believe a casual gaming site is the place to sell them.
And if this Serbia based company were sincere in espousing the beauty of these themes, they would certainly not be so cleverly devising extra content so as to be able to charge double money for the game. And, in fact, if their sincerity were in the right place they would be offering these games at a very deep discount if not free. But I see they want a nice profit.
And if this Serbia based company were sincere in espousing the beauty of these themes, they would certainly not be so cleverly devising extra content so as to be able to charge double money for the game. And, in fact, if their sincerity were in the right place they would be offering these games at a very deep discount if not free. But I see they want a nice profit.
And while Brave Giant has created some truly outstanding games, this is not one of them.
The game is yet one more ripoff of the substandard HOG/old style puzzles we have been covered up with lately, and while the visuals are nice they get boring very fast ---- just like the game.
The game is yet one more ripoff of the substandard HOG/old style puzzles we have been covered up with lately, and while the visuals are nice they get boring very fast ---- just like the game.
Seriously, devs, I get my religion needs satisfied elsewhere ---- not by playing a PC casual game. My faith needs no support from Big Fish or its developers.
BTW, I hope all the good people that feel it is their duty to review and comment on other reviews can soon learn to be confident enough in their own reviews to refrain from commenting about the opinions of others.
I don't recommend this game.
Embark on Mona’s quest to save goddess Harmony!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Good Idea ---- Could Be So Much Better
PostedApril 12, 2024
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This one is really tough to review.
It is NOT a HOPA, but just a HOG. But a HOG with stunning visuals with a few puzzles (archaic style) thrown in.
Each scene requires you to find 25 objects, then move to the next one. And there are 44 areas on the map that I saw.
It is NOT a HOPA, but just a HOG. But a HOG with stunning visuals with a few puzzles (archaic style) thrown in.
Each scene requires you to find 25 objects, then move to the next one. And there are 44 areas on the map that I saw.
But ---- there are some things that hold this one from a higher rating:
1) using the same objects over and over is both tiresome to the gamer and lazy development
2) the puzzles are old and boring ---- all appear to be the been there, done that variety.
3) While there is nothing really wrong with the super thin story, the voice acting is some of the worst I've ever encountered ---- especially the talking book, who is the single worst grating, screeching, nerve jangling voice I have ever heard in a game.
1) using the same objects over and over is both tiresome to the gamer and lazy development
2) the puzzles are old and boring ---- all appear to be the been there, done that variety.
3) While there is nothing really wrong with the super thin story, the voice acting is some of the worst I've ever encountered ---- especially the talking book, who is the single worst grating, screeching, nerve jangling voice I have ever heard in a game.
Is it worth CE money? Well, considering that JetDogs has indeed created some excellent games, maybe if you happen to believe in "support the developer" (personally, I don't think bigger development teams give two hoots about being "supported"), or if you just like straight HOGs, then maybe pick it up in a BOGO sale.
It is certainly done far better than the I love finding, nature, stuff, travel, etc. sort of junk we've seen way too much of lately.
With just a couple of tweaks, it would be much more deserving of a buy ---- from me, anyway.
It is certainly done far better than the I love finding, nature, stuff, travel, etc. sort of junk we've seen way too much of lately.
With just a couple of tweaks, it would be much more deserving of a buy ---- from me, anyway.
BTW,
Don't gamers realize that each reviewer is entitled to their opinion of a game? The comments I see where some are so unsure of their own reviews that they feel the necessity to "review the reviews" of others are both shallow and laughable. Be confident in your own review and let others have theirs.
Don't gamers realize that each reviewer is entitled to their opinion of a game? The comments I see where some are so unsure of their own reviews that they feel the necessity to "review the reviews" of others are both shallow and laughable. Be confident in your own review and let others have theirs.
And, why don't some gamers realize that if a game does not work, won't install, etc. that that's a technical issue and has NOTHING to do with the quality of the game itself? That could be any number of issues so there is no need to berate the game itself!
Anyway, do take advantage of the free trial that BF always offers and see if this one is for you! I'm still on the fence.
Solve puzzles and search colorful locations for hidden objects!
Overall rating
1
/
5
It's The Same Old Song ----
PostedApril 2, 2024
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
---- you know the song, the one we danced to all night long. And it's the same old game, the one we played so much over a decade ago.
Featuring nothing but repetitious hidden object scenes already used in other games (or very, very similar), a music player that takes little to no programming to add to a game and that no one cares about anymore, wallpapers that are totally useless, and a few (15 - not many in modern games) extra levels, this game is the ultimate in redundancy, repetition, and low level junk scenes just thrown together to generate a few bucks for the developer.
Featuring nothing but repetitious hidden object scenes already used in other games (or very, very similar), a music player that takes little to no programming to add to a game and that no one cares about anymore, wallpapers that are totally useless, and a few (15 - not many in modern games) extra levels, this game is the ultimate in redundancy, repetition, and low level junk scenes just thrown together to generate a few bucks for the developer.
Seriously, it is just awful.
The development team is copying the alarming trend of resurrecting old style Hidden Object games with a modern spin on the graphics with very old and outdated minigames thrown in.
Spot the Difference - been there, done that and way in the rear view mirror.
Jigsaw - didn't like 'em way back in 2010 and like these even less.
The development team is copying the alarming trend of resurrecting old style Hidden Object games with a modern spin on the graphics with very old and outdated minigames thrown in.
Spot the Difference - been there, done that and way in the rear view mirror.
Jigsaw - didn't like 'em way back in 2010 and like these even less.
The pitiful thing is that in the effort to copy the leading developer of these type games, this developer has completely failed. The objects look pasted on, the clutter style minigames are jerky and unresponsive, the hint button is entirely too slow (as in all games by this developer), the scenes are entirely unrelated, and the whole game just looks thrown together in an uninspired manner.
This is my new nominee for worst offering of the year.
Now, it's the same old song, can't bear to hear it.
But, if you're into this sort of nothingness, give it a try ---- it's your money!
I don't recommend this game.
Mystery writer Eleanor Grey moves to Silverwood Bay, seeking inspiration!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Finally ----
PostedMarch 26, 2024
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
---- at long last, after a bombardment of the simplistic and unimaginative recent offerings (I Love Finding, Stuff, Just Find, Nature, etc.) Boomzap has released a game that gives us a glimpse of what old time gamers like me know they are capable of.
This game follows the template of their Faircroft games but they have changed things up considerably.
The HO scenes are cleverly done with minigames built in to the scenes for completion of each of the 28 chapters. There are many different mechanics in each of the scenes which makes them much more compelling to play.
The HO scenes are cleverly done with minigames built in to the scenes for completion of each of the 28 chapters. There are many different mechanics in each of the scenes which makes them much more compelling to play.
I will say ---- to Boomzap and ALL devs ---- when it comes to wallpapers and music players, get over yourselves. Those were sort of unusual and different 10 years ago but no one cares now. They are useless additions to a CE game.
But there ARE 7 bonus scenes which will probably add to the story.
But there ARE 7 bonus scenes which will probably add to the story.
And speaking of the story, it's certainly no "Awakening" or on a par with any of the Boomzap classics, but, like Faircroft, it's serviceable.
And I'll actually but this one with the next BOGO sale.
And I'll actually but this one with the next BOGO sale.
So I'm glad Boomzap is reminding us of their true talents (as opposed to all that other sloppy stuff they got bogged down in).
Hidden Objects, challenging puzzles, and devious riddles await!
Overall rating
3
/
5
From A New Dev?
PostedMarch 23, 2024
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Peaksel is the name of the creative team responsible for this collection of very strange puzzles.
I have never heard of this dev before, but in the description it says "Mya is back for another magical adventure" so maybe it's just new to me.
At any rate, it is a collection of a bunch of puzzles that require you to spot items in a single scene, then determine what to do with them ---- and when you are done, a key will be revealed to pick up to place in a locked goldfish bowl. (Hint ---- don't pick up the goldfish bowl until you know you are done, otherwise you will have to reset and restart the level).
And that's it.
So it got very boring for me very quickly as I had no clue what the devs had in mind, and there was no consistency to indicate what might be wanted. But that's ok, it is an escape game so it might appeal to some.
I have never heard of this dev before, but in the description it says "Mya is back for another magical adventure" so maybe it's just new to me.
At any rate, it is a collection of a bunch of puzzles that require you to spot items in a single scene, then determine what to do with them ---- and when you are done, a key will be revealed to pick up to place in a locked goldfish bowl. (Hint ---- don't pick up the goldfish bowl until you know you are done, otherwise you will have to reset and restart the level).
And that's it.
So it got very boring for me very quickly as I had no clue what the devs had in mind, and there was no consistency to indicate what might be wanted. But that's ok, it is an escape game so it might appeal to some.
The artwork is cartoony and simplistic ---- not at all up to the level of tons of other escape games. It makes me wonder if it is really just a game for kids.
And there is positively no way the game is CE worthy. Ten extra levels? Not nearly enticing enough.
Oh, and the wallpapers, soundtrack, and art gallery? That's just filler junk as we know. Those things were unique 10 years ago, but are now just nothingness.
No CE value at all, IMO.
Oh, and the wallpapers, soundtrack, and art gallery? That's just filler junk as we know. Those things were unique 10 years ago, but are now just nothingness.
No CE value at all, IMO.
So, if you're a big time puzzle/escape room fan give it a trial, but as 3 stars (barely) indicate, it was just OK.
There are far better similar games out there.
There are far better similar games out there.
I don't recommend this game.
Unearth nature’s bounty in this fun and relaxing hidden-object experience!
Overall rating
1
/
5
I Wonder ----
PostedMarch 19, 2024
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
---- how many of these clunkers we will be bombarded with before Boomzap puts their talents to other style games. Like they have done in bygone days.
But I know that they have probably got this series ready to go up toward 10 or so titles on the repetitious assembly line just waiting for the green light to release.
The game is an exact copy of the previous Nature Escapes clunkers using the same format, same no story, and the same mechanics. Just shift a few objects/minigames around and presto ---- a new game! LOL
And this one, like all the others, comes with the wallpapers we all so desperately crave and the music player we all happily listen to (sure we do)
Just another clunker in a series of clunkers that Boomzap is raining down on us. For those that find this sort of thing "relaxing" or "soothing" or whatever, go for it. The rest of us will wait for real games that don't clog up the release line.
The culture and beauty of Europe in a complete puzzle-lover’s package!
Overall rating
1
/
5
Over and Over
PostedMarch 2, 2024
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
If you've played any of the first six in this series, then you know what's in store here ---- same template, same procedure of gaming, same objects (lots of animals including the obligatory cat and, of course, the raccoon the developer thinks is so terribly cute), same lack of story, same photo looking pictures with objects looking simply pasted on, and same S-L-O-W hint button.
One difference is that the locations are more vague and remote than ever. Locations I personally have zero interest in.
I have always thought that developers of this type of junk have these ready to go way in advance (I'm thinking the 10th -11th Trips are probably already done) just waiting for the go ahead to clog up our release schedule.
Sorry, but this one is just another example of complete boredom. It's not relaxing, it's not soothing, it's not interesting, it's just boring ---- and calling it a CE is an insult to the intelligence.
I don't recommend this game.