arnold1049's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:4,545
- Reviews Submitted:555
- First Review:February 24, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 24, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A dark shadow has been cast over the fairy realm and King Feodor needs your help cleaning it up in this exciting Match 3 game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
THREE MODES OF PLAY FITS EVERYONE'S STYLE
PostedApril 5, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I played the complete demo. This is a slightly above average Match 3 game.
The story is set in a fairy kingdom that has been having some problems. The latest is that the Holy River has been turned into tar. The king has requested help from the fairies, starting with July.
July summons other fairies for help; Leaf and ultimately 2 more. The fairies represent power ups; July destroys a very small area of tiles (I was only able to destroy one each time I used her), Leaf destroys a random set of tiles and the red fairy destroys a random set of dirt and other problem tiles. I did not get to the fourth fairy during the demo.
The grids start out easy; remove all the golden tiles and free all the fairies. For each board/level, there are fairies surrounding it that are stuck in a bubble. Under each bubble is the type of tile that that must be matched to release the fairy inside that bubble.
Then other tasks are added; drop colored crystals off the board to charge a power up; blue crystals for July, green for Leaf, etc.; match 4 or more purple tiles to get a bomb tile; more than one type of tile is needed to free the bubble fairies, etc. Problem tiles are the usual variety; chains, dirt, etc.
To complete a level, all of the tasks must be finished within the given time frame. Each time a task is added, it takes longer to finish a level. And this is where it became a four star game instead of a five star.
Although tasks increase in number and complexity, no additional time is allowed to complete the level and get 3 stars; under 3 minutes for 3 stars and under 3.30 minutes for 2 stars. I would have preferred the choice of non-timed play or at least have the allowed time increase with the complexity of the grids.
One big plus for this game is the ability to play different modes of matching; the standard swap-a-tile, connecting chains of tiles (my favorite) and group (connecting tiles with 90 degree angles). For each level, play defaults to the swap mode. If you prefer another mode, you must select it for each level. This is the other reason for 4 stars. I prefer playing the chain mode but I had to select this mode for each level, again taking away from the allowed time. A better design would have been to allow the selection of mode in the options menu, then provide the buttons to switch between modes with each level.
This is a definite buy for me, but I'm a firm believer in trying before you buy.
I recommend this game!
Is this an ordinary murder case, or something more sinister?
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
LOGICAL GAME AND A GREAT PERIOD PIECE
PostedApril 3, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I reviewed this as a Beta Tester and loved it. I'm glad it has now been released and it is an immediate buy for me. This one is a real winner.
The story is set in 1920's New York. A special society has sent one of its members to investigate a recent-widow's murder where the body is missing. Evidence points to a supernatural event with the dead husband involved.
Morphing objects, collectibles, achievements, bonus chapter, extra puzzles, this game has it all. A very solid storyline leads you logically through the game, picking up and using the items in a fairly linear fashion. Just a little thought is needed to figure out where to go next and what to do there.
There is a wonderful interactive map that tells you not only where you are and where you need to be, but whether you have found all the morphing objects and collectibles in that particular scene. This is a real plus IMHO as there is nothing more frustrating for me than to realize I've missed one of these kinds of items after it is too late to go back and find them.
I turned the music off but kept the other sounds on so I could hear the voiceovers. They were spot on and definitely added to the game. The characters were well drawn and moved pretty realistically. I loved the period hairstyles and clothes.
A totally interactive HOS has you finding items that are need to be used to find other items. It plays more like a mini-puzzle than a HOS. Again, with a little thinking, logic dictates the steps.
I've used the word "logic" several times in this review and that is what stands out most to me about this game. It makes sense.
I recommend this game!
Solve your way from the wonders of the Jurassic period, through the Dawn of Civilization, to the glorious Renaissance!
Overall rating
4
/
5
THROUGH THE SANDS OF TIME
PostedApril 1, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a time travel game. You are in search of the pieces of a sand timer that will enable you to return to your current time. Each piece of the sand timer must be picked up in a different historical time period.
I enjoyed the storyline that focuses on the highlights of various time periods, like King Arthur, the dinosaurs, the Renaissance, etc. Each time period is made up of 20 or so grids, with a piece of the story revealed before each grid.
The grids get fairly hard pretty quickly, but the number of mistakes allowed and hints that can be earned progress accordingly. The 20x20 grids towards the end allow for 12 mistakes and 6 hints, which recharge after use. Each hint provides more than one answer, I think 3 for each hint by the end of the game.
The only problem I had with the game was that the grids and numbers are extremely small and hard to read by the time the grids get to be 15x15 and bigger. The tiles are so small that it is easy to make mistakes accidentally. The screen layouts are poorly done, as rearranging it would have allowed for more room for the grid, making the text bigger and easier. I almost didn't finish the game because of this, but was interested enough in the story to continue to squint until I finished it. I've played several games in this series but I don't remember these small graphics continuing to be a problem in later games.
I recommend this game!
Twist and turn your chains to make colorful matches of three or more to eliminate them and build up a colorful linked world!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
MATCHING CHAIN LINKS INSTEAD OF TILES
PostedMarch 30, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is a little twist on the classic Match 3 games. Instead of swapping tiles to make matches, you must rotate the tiles to attach links to form a chain of 3. The grid is finished when enough matches have been made to fill up the big chain at the side of the grid.
In addition, there are three modes of play; storyline, arcade and puzzle. The other two modes open up after playing a set number of levels in the storyline mode.
Some links have charms attached to them and are collected when that link is used to make a chain. Collected charms are shown in the trophy room.
Powerups are obtained by making long chains and are activated when the link that contains the powerup is used in a chain. There are also wild (rainbow) links that allows chains to be made of two different colors.
Scrambles are earned by making a chain out of a link that contains the symbol needed to complete the graphic at the bottom of the grid. When no links are available, then a scramble must be used; they are not automatic.
A neat, change of pace Match 3 game that is a little ho-hum unless the two other modes of play raise it to a higher level. Not sure I will buy it to find that out, though.
Recover three ancient artifacts that have gone missing by investigating the beautiful city of Cairo.
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES
PostedMarch 30, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I played the whole demo using the untimed mode. I always play untimed if that is an option. It gives me the ability to enjoy the graphics and other benefits of the game instead of trying to beat the clock.
I found the HOS challenging enough to hold my interest. I used several hints along the way. Things were well hidden and at times there was a language difference that needed to be overcome. For instance, a blower is a fan, an ara was a parrot, etc. If the items were obvious, bright, big, out front, what would be the challenge in playing the game?
The scenes from Cairo were a great way to get a little education about the city and its culture. And, again, playing untimed, I could view the pictures leisurely and enjoy them.
There were two types of HOS lists, one by name and one by silhouette. There are way more HOS than mini puzzles. I did find the mini puzzles fairly easy except for some of the find-the-differences. Those types of puzzles have never been my strength.
I don't remember visiting the same scenes but I did see that the same object often appeared in different scenes. This is always a little disappointing to me and makes me think the programmers are just lazy. There are so many objects in any given scene that duplication is not necessary.
Ordinarily, I would rate this game a 4 star, but I gave it a 5 to try to offset the low ratings, undeserved IMHO. This is a good, basic HOG and I'm looking forward to playing the others in this series.
I recommend this game!
Pinecreek Hills just keeps getting better. Help Rangers protect Animals and Visitors, maintain and clean up the Park, spot Wildlife.
Overall rating
5
/
5
142 of 163 found this review helpful
SCENIC VACATION FROM YOUR ARMCHAIR
PostedMarch 30, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I played the whole demo in casual mode.
This is another excellent addition to the Park Ranger series. The photographic quality of the graphics literally draws you into the scenes.
Each HOS is followed by a minigame; concentration, jigsaw puzzles of various kinds, etc. This keeps the game from becoming monotonous.
The HOS can be challenging and I sometimes needed a hint. There are two types available, one that shows just one item and another that will quickly show the location of all items. If you use a hint, then you do not get a completion bonus which reduces the amount of money you earn.
Each HOS also contains wildlife to find and trash to pick up. To earn a gold star, all items, trash and wildlife must be found. Unlike some of the earlier games, you can see immediately if you have found all the trash and wildlife. The HO are typical lists. Scenes can be played over as many times as you want if you are a perfectionist like me and have to have that gold star. Oh, memories of kindergarten. Replays bring up a slightly different list of HO. I played one scene 3 times before I made it through without a hint.
Money earned during gameplay can be used to purchase souvenirs from the shop. My goal in previous games was to buy every single souvenir, another reason to replay scenes to get the completion bonus.
I think this would be a good beginner's game and a good family game as well as appealing to HOG addicts. The mini puzzles are fairly easy but the amazing graphics make up for it.
This game will be added to all the other games in this series that I already own and play, not because of the challenge but because of how relaxing it is.
I recommend this game!
Our penguin family just discovered the fourth color! Enjoy mosaic puzzles in more colors than ever!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 14 found this review helpful
MADE MY DAY
PostedMarch 29, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Another Fantasy Mosaics game, and so soon after the last one. My day just got much better.
I own and have played every game in this series and they just keep getting better and better. Try this game out and I'm sure you will be as hooked as I am.
I recommend this game!
Miranda Calomy and her robot Sprocket are setting off on an adventure! Help find Miranda’s parents who mysteriously disappeared!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
INTRICATE, CHALLENGING GAME
PostedMarch 28, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The graphics are beautiful, bright, colorful, clear and imaginative. Every scene was a feast for the eyes.
The only sound I kept on was the voiceovers and I'm glad I did. They were wonderful, spot on with the characters. They added so much depth and enjoyment to the game.
Miranda and Sproket are off to find Miranda's parents, presumed dead. In the process they find a hidden world controlled by an obsidian machine. The machine controls everything in the hidden world, including longevity. One day in the inner world equals 2 weeks in the outside. Of course the villains want to capture this source of longevity which would destroy the machine and the inner world.
HOS are complex and challenging. There are two types of HOS hints, one that shows a picture of the item you are seeking and one that takes you right to the item. There is also a game play hint button, but it really wasn't that helpful and took a long time to recharge.
The puzzles are innovative and some are pretty hard. You cannot skip any of the puzzles. BF has a walkthrough and I used it alot.
This game is much better than the first one, and I hope more are in the works.
I recommend this game!
Enter Rory's Restaurant Deluxe, an amazing mix of Match 3, hidden object, mini-games and cooking!
Overall rating
2
/
5
43 of 46 found this review helpful
TOO FAST
PostedMarch 28, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
If this game came with an untimed mode, I would rate it a 5. There are so many things to do in this game with Match 3, HOS, achievements, recipes to purchase and upgrade, customers to serve and keep happy, money to earn, etc., etc.
But everything, even the HOS, are timed. These were particularly frustrating because only 3 items would appear at a time on the list. Finding an item removes it from the list and allows another item to be added. This 3-at-a-time list made the time limit even harder to meet.
I just don't enjoy that kind of pressure when I'm playing a game for fun. I want to relax, not get all uptight trying to move and click my pointer faster and faster. I didn't even get through the demo before I was failing levels because I'm just not fast enough.
Be sure to play the demo and make your own decision.
Undertake the challenge of becoming a Goddess and earn your place among the Gods in this challenging Hidden Object game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 3 found this review helpful
TOO SHORT AND TOO EASY
PostedMarch 27, 2016
arnold1049
fromApache Junction, AZ
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The title says it all. I purchased the game without playing the demo. I would imagine you could get through almost all the game in an hour.
I don't recommend this game.