twinsoniclab's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:2.8
- Helpful Votes:3,182
- Reviews Submitted:110
- First Review:June 17, 2013
- Most Recent Review:December 2, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you save your uncle before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 15 found this review helpful
Too many of the same thing seen before...
PostedJune 9, 2016
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
It's a beautiful game, full of collectibles (why I purchase CEs), and little surprises all around each scene. Click and see what happens to the birds, butterflies, cats, etc!
Some of the HOS are amazing!
But... I was completely underwhelmed and grew bored before the end of the demo. Why?
The story was nothing new, I've played several games with characters sucked into books. We've followed them through the ever present, and overdone portal. We've had the fire salamander in other games. We've had flying fanged books before. In several recent releases we've had an object with the "magical ability to see the very recent past" like in this game. This IS supposed to be a NEW series, after all! How about some NEW elements to go along with that?
On top of that, the puzzles were the same mix as always, and extremely simple. Match the pairs of symbols that complete the symbol in the middle. Repeat a short sequence of lights (only two sequences). Find the differences. Flip rectangular plates over, flipping one flips others.
Plenty of collectibles (morphs, items, and jigsaw pieces 0 over 30 of each), and some nice HOS just don't sell me on this game. I want more originality. I am tired of playing games with the same stories, the same handful of puzzles.
That is why I chose to "not recommend this game." I won't recommend a game I myself found disappointing and derivative.
That is why I chose to "not recommend this game." I won't recommend a game I myself found disappointing and derivative.
I don't recommend this game.
Step into Noah's shoes and build the ark in this touching story of faith, family, and the future!
Overall rating
1
/
5
14 of 35 found this review helpful
Big Fish is better than this...
PostedMarch 25, 2016
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Arcade & Action, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Not the sort of game I expect to find here. Much too religious. Not just the story, which could make for a cute child's game, but the constant preaching at the player about faith.
Since it's a match-3 game, at times you bring parts from the top, down off the board at the bottom. Here it's parts of the "Holy Spirit" which when complete will bring God's word to his people. The "angel of the Lord" tells us "The spirit of the Lord is upon us" every time we get a piece.
There are the usual upgrades, bombs, etc. to break away tiles of our choice. The game plays quickly, the tiles fall quickly. Build houses, etc. towards the goal of building an ark, so you can be saved when the "evil sinners" are punished by God. When Noah's wife doubts they can build an ark, he tells her to have faith. Then, I believe they grow their own trees for lumber. So much for having faith!
I can't understand why players are calling it a peaceful game with no death or evil, with a non-violent atmosphere, when the entire premise of Noah's story is death to "sinners."
It's a game best suited for a church website.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Ruby and her friends rebuild their home in this fun and exciting match three game.
Overall rating
1
/
5
17 of 25 found this review helpful
By far, one of the worst Match-3s offered here.
PostedSeptember 28, 2015
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Since BFG has club members, who pay every month to remain members, I would expect the games offered to be of higher quality than this.
This game is of very poor quality. It's a basic Match-3, with boards just a bit off from crisp and clear.
The graphics of the story are fairly crude cartoons, with no voice-overs. Even the desktop icon is crude, and pixel-ly.
The music is atrocious.
The graphics of the story are fairly crude cartoons, with no voice-overs. Even the desktop icon is crude, and pixel-ly.
The music is atrocious.
The best I can say for the mechanics of the game is that the tiles fall at a suitable speed.
The re-building is not as other Match-3 have done it, but just clicking on a damaged area and Presto! it's done. Each repair takes a set amount of stars, which you earn playing the boards.
The amulet fills as you make matches, and when it's full you click it to remove more tiles off the board. Whoopie...
You get the usual sorts of power-ups (4 of them), bombs and such.
I don't recommend this game even for young children. They would have to be pretty young to think this game is entertaining, which would make them too young to read the story (such as it is). There are much better games for children than this one.
Oh, it's also available for free on one large web portal game site. True, there will be ads, but no price is low enough for this game to be worth it.
Want a great Match-3? Try any of the "Bonus" ones from Grey Alien, The Adventures of Perseus, or The Adventures of Jason and the Argonauts. Those are the best of the best... With Halloween in sight, I recommend Spooky Bonus.
I don't recommend this game.
Explore the ruined castle once owned by the infamous Countess Dracula in this spine-chilling hidden object adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
39 of 48 found this review helpful
It's not THAT bad! It has some charm and fun times!
PostedSeptember 2, 2015
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I've played worse...
That said, let's get on with the game.
I found the graphics charming and lovely. The puzzles were fun, even if not challenging. They were a normal, progressive part of the story, not just thrown in to give us puzzles. There is one where we find fragments and put them together (along with more pieces when the puzzle opens), which is an object that many of us have in our homes! There are several "secret messages" where we have to find items, complete tasks, to "read." Correct ways of doing it too, nothing silly. Ways most of us played around with as children.
There are two types of HOS. One is indicated by sparkles (alas, you can't turn them off), and you get an inventory item. The others are indicated by coins, and you earn coins. You can use these to purchase more hints. If your hint is empty, and filling, you click on it and it goes to the store. I did use the hint several times.
There is a diary with our tasks and notes. The coin purse with our hint money is next to it. There is no map. An arrow at the right bottom is how you go back. We need to move the cursors on the sides of scenes though, as sometimes we can move right or left. The inventory bar will stay open if you click it. Items can be clicked to use, but sometimes they need to be dragged. There are no difficulty modes, or voices, but the game is still worth playing, I think.
It's rather like an adventure lite, where you take your time to look around thoroughly. Slow down and enjoy yourself! You just might enjoy the game if you don't come into it with preconceived ideas and comparisons to the games released by the "big guy" developers.
I recommend this game!
Twenty years ago, in a frightening battle you have stopped Ragnar from descending upon your world, but everyone knows no peace lasts forever.
Overall rating
5
/
5
68 of 88 found this review helpful
Another great game from Brave Giant - my favorite developer!
PostedAugust 25, 2015
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Word, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I loved the first Demon Hunters (who wasn't charmed by Mr. Hickory and his delightful elderly owner?), and was so happy when this sequel was released. (I will admit, I couldn't wait, and bought it elsewhere...)
The puzzles are challenging, and remain so throughout the game. I disagree the "good stuff" is in the demo time only! I enjoyed every minute, of every hour, I played and never got bored.
The HOS are varied types. They include very nicely done morphing objects as well.
The graphics at lovely, the music non-obtrusive, and I appreciated the characters and their voice overs.
It's one of those SE gems with collectibles and achievements! Here there are swords, sets of them in each "chapter." One achievement I found impossible to get was the one about watching the tutorial. I played on the hardest mode (and thanks Boris, no sparkles, although at times I thought I detected teeny glints when first entering a location) there was NO tutorial! I restarted under a new profile to be sure, and no tutorial.
If there is anything I could suggest for improvement I would only mention the German Shepherd and the anteater (no they aren't helpers!). Many players don't want to see the thing that we have to "fix."
I do suggest players play the first game (Demon Hunters: Chronicles from Beyond - The Untold Story) before this one. While it isn't required, it helps set the scene and story.
I also highly recommend their Queen's Quest: Tower of Darkness, a game that as as near to my "perfect" as possible!
I also highly recommend their Queen's Quest: Tower of Darkness, a game that as as near to my "perfect" as possible!
I recommend this game!
Search for clues, fight werewolves and ghosts, travel and explore Victorian England.
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
A very nice mahjong, a bit different from most
PostedAugust 13, 2015
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece Collector's Edition
(97)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I like mahjong games now and again, but often tire of the sameness of them. Usually the sameness of the tiles, and the lack of any storyline. In this game there is a story, a mystery (my favorite!), and the tiles are not the traditional "Asian" characters I find hard to tell apart.
The game plays extremely quickly. You can make match after match and it keeps up with no lags.
There are lots of "powers" to help, but I didn't find they made the game too easy. In fact, near the end of the demo time I was having to replay boards. There are the familiar powers, such as shuffle, or hints, as well as new ones, like matching even the blocked tiles, or "polymorph," which turns all in a group into one type of tile. There is a pendant to store a tile for later use. I didn't get to any board but mahjong, but the screenshots show match-3 as well.
There are lots of "powers" to help, but I didn't find they made the game too easy. In fact, near the end of the demo time I was having to replay boards. There are the familiar powers, such as shuffle, or hints, as well as new ones, like matching even the blocked tiles, or "polymorph," which turns all in a group into one type of tile. There is a pendant to store a tile for later use. I didn't get to any board but mahjong, but the screenshots show match-3 as well.
The graphics are nice, the tiles a little smaller than usual, but I could see them fine with my usual computer/reading glasses! I enjoyed the story, reading the "clues" and following my character from room to room. I want to find out where her fiance has gone, and if they do indeed get married or wait, as our character would prefer.
I recommend this game!
Complete dangerous missions amid dazzling landscapes of prehistoric Earth and alien worlds. Can you complete these thrilling puzzles in order to return home?
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 18 found this review helpful
At least demo this one! You might be surprised how good it it.
PostedAugust 3, 2015
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Marble Popper, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I suspect this game won't please everyone, as it's not the usual type of thing. But, I have had enough of the "usual" from the "big guy" developers and love this game!
It's heavy on puzzles. There are clever twists on familiar ones, making it quite challenging. The back story is told through puzzles, turning and switching rings and rectangular shapes. Some of the puzzles looked like over-done ones, but when I played them there were original elements to them.
I played two HOS. One was basically an interactive list, but the objects were logical for the location. In other words, no toaster in a fountain, or a corkscrew in a remote mountain cave! One HOS was incredibly original! It's rare to find originality in HOS anymore.
The graphics are clean and crisp and very realistic. The opening scene, and loading screen, are not representative of the quality in the game itself. Speaking of realistic, you know how frustrating it is to come across a window that needs breaking, and you have to wait to find a glass cutter, instead of just kicking it in, or tossing a rock? None of that in this game! (That was just an example, not a task from this game.)
There is bonus area where you can replay puzzles and HOS, but also an area called "boxes" where you play a series of puzzles of a kind I really enjoy.
This developer, Itera Labs, also made Witch Island Legacy, which I liked.
I recommend this game!
Follow Jason and the Argonauts though ancient Greek adventures in this exciting Match 3 game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
101 of 111 found this review helpful
Absolutely one of the best match-3s ever!
PostedJune 29, 2015
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
As good as The Adventures of Perseus, but with added features! There is now a "shuffle" option when the board has no more moves.
I have nothing negative to say (I could do without the side building game, but it's not a deal breaker and unobtrusive) about this game! It's a perfect match-3 game! Combines traditional match-3 boards with group matching, and chains. Puzzles add a bit of extra interest, as well as learning a very accurate telling of the story of Jason and his Argonauts.
Fast game play, make matches as tiles are still in motion. Use "blessings from the gods" to clear rows, etc. Place bombs anywhere you choose. Collect special tiles to gain the "blessings," and match other tiles to unlock special items.
The background graphics are lovely, the tiles themselves very nice and fitting the game (olives, urns, grapes, fish), and the music and sound effects first rate.
If you get bored I don't think you gave it more than a board or two! Clear the colored tiles, collect the "blessings" feathers, make matches of special tiles (feathers, keys...), use bombs, break out blocked areas... there is not time to get bored!
I recommend this game!
Your journey around the world continues! The Eternal City of Rome awaits you with riddles and challenging puzzles. Can you collect all the artifacts!
Overall rating
5
/
5
80 of 87 found this review helpful
Great fun!
PostedJune 8, 2015
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I seldom submit a main page review, and this is the first time I repeat my forum review, but this game is due so much more than it's getting! So, as I said in the forums:
I can only say what I said about Travel Riddles: Trip to India...
"I feel like I must have demoed a different game! I like this one. It isn't the best of the best of the Match-3s, but it is one of the good ones." Well worth spending money, not just a PCC, on!
"I feel like I must have demoed a different game! I like this one. It isn't the best of the best of the Match-3s, but it is one of the good ones." Well worth spending money, not just a PCC, on!
Like Trip to India, the game is fun, and fast. You can make matches while tiles are still in motion. This is an important element missing in many match-3 games, and I won't buy without it.
You collect artifacts by moving fragments down and off the board. There are power-ups to help you. Some fill as you play, some are on the board, and others you can purchase with the gold you accumulate during play. You also need to clear certain tiles, or find "so may of" different tiles, such as coins, laurels, or knives.
The tiles are big, colorful and clear. I am playing on a small laptop, with just Vista, while my "real" computer is being repaired (tripped on it's cord, landing it on the floor) with no problems. The timed mode is perfect so far, with a few levels just making it in time! That's the fun of it for me. You can also choose no timer.
As levels progress they become more difficult. Crates, rock walls, ice blocks, etc. impede your tiles decent. Eventually you will have to use power-ups to blast away cannon balls or lava. If you run out of moves, no worry. You get a power-up to blast away some at your choice of location so you can carry on.
The only negative I can think of is the music. It alternates between epic Star Wars-eque music and what sounds like Irish folk ballads! Definitely no Italian vibe to the music.
The best thing? (Other than ability to match while tiles are in motion) No interruptions to gather crops, chop wood, or build a mill! This game is pure match-3, and I thank them for it!
I recommend this game!
Solve logic puzzles and search for important artifacts to challenge the evil force that occupies the mansion grounds.
Overall rating
1
/
5
15 of 24 found this review helpful
A nice game, but if they don't care...
PostedJune 5, 2015
twinsoniclab
fromSouthern Oregon
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Word, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The graphics are nice. The puzzles and HOS well made, in fact one HOS was on the hard side ("logical" matches between items)! I thought the boggart a little on the repulsive side, and the foreign language he spoke unnecessary since nothing else in the game is spoken. It was like reading subtitles.
But, if a developer doesn't care enough for the customers to use even a basic grammar/spell check, I won't give them my business. Simple as that. I could play the game and understand what to do, no argument there. But for me it's a matter of principle. They have the ability to do it right, for some reason they chose not to.
I would have bought the game, and probably would have enjoyed it. But, since I know the developer was told, via surveys after the survey version game, they needed to fix their language (which includes both grammar and spelling), and they chose not to, I don't feel like supporting them. Their previous game, Allora and the Broken Portal was a delightful game. I look forward to seeing more from them in the future, but only if they take the many reviews, suggestions and criticisms to heart and take a final quality assurance step, making sure the English is correct for their English speaking market.
One of the guidelines for these reviews is "Share your real opinion." This is what I thought!
I don't recommend this game.