Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
I was about to title my review an impossibly challenging Tower Defence/Strategy Game and I thought perhaps I was being too harsh as I like to think that game developers are trying their best to make good games and with this game I thought I’d give this developer the benefit of the doubt but they’ve made it a tough call.
There are three levels of play; easy, normal and hard. I played on easy and it was not easy for me, I consider myself an intermediate player but this ‘easy‘ level left me feeling like I was a total beginner. Perhaps I was missing something in the tutorial but there was not enough money/funds to buy weapons and right from the start there was a stream of enemies invading the fort/castle. If you start out at a disadvantage like that it seems to me to be almost impossible to ‘catch up’ so to speak. After that first level the pace did not let up, so a very steep learning curve all in the ‘easy’ level. I can’t imagine how normal level would be and will not even consider ‘hard’.
I only took the trial up to five levels as I felt increasingly frustrated at the game play, no amount of strategy on my part could overcome the lack of funds/money. Perhaps I am not a skilful enough player at these kinds of games but I would have thought that ‘easy’ level would not be quite so frustrating. I didn’t finish the hour as I just didn’t feel like playing any longer. A pity as I could see the potential of a good game there ….somewhere. Graphics are pleasant enough, the menu had a wide a variety of weapons, spells and with forty levels it looked promising. I can only say those of you that are curious by all means take advantage of the free trial maybe you will fare better. I will give this game a weak recommendation as I think there may be Tower Defence/strategy players who may enjoy the game and may be able to work out how to progress in this game.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
Anyone who loves Builder/TM games are in for a treat as this game is a gem. The first game was released last year and anyone who missed it that too is a great and very underrated game. This time around the graphics have improved and extra tasks added to make it even more fun.
Anyone hesitant about trying out this game or this genre this game is a good one to start as there is no time limit. The tutorial is good and tasks are clearly explained. Getting gold in each level is a challenge but that’s the fun in these games and I think it’s not impossible to get gold unlike other TM games where you click so much your hand goes numb. And Tribloos so cute and hardworking.
There are loads of levels so it bodes well for lots of fun all I can say is what a delightful game and am pleased to see more variety recently in Big Fish’s offerings. I love hidden object/adventure games but am enjoy branching out to other genres and love the variety. Please as ever give the free trial a whirl and see if this lovely game gets you hooked like it did me. I highly recommend it. Love it.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
This is a Christmas themed match 3 game and a very lovely one at that. This will please classic match 3 lovers and although it may lack the flash of some newer match 3 games it definitely has charm. There are 55 levels in the Classic level and the Gold level has another 55 levels for a total of 110 levels in this SE game, to compare a similar game length of 100+ levels that was released as CE edition not to long ago. If you’d like more details check the forums the developer of the game came personally to update everyone on the new Gold level. Always a good sign when a developer takes the time to go on the forums to answer questions and interact with us.
There is no timer so you go at your own pace and as others have mentioned it is more of a relaxed game so no pressure to beat the clock. Those looking for challenges or doing other tasks like building towns etc may find this game a bit on the simple side but I liked the relaxed pace. Also, I bought this for my younger cousins and I think with no timer this makes it a good game for younger players too. Every few levels there are wallpapers you can access and they all have winter/ picturesque scenes. There are lots of Christmas themed tiles: puddings, snowmen, Christmas crackers all very colourful and fun. Really puts you in the Christmas mood.
As ever, please take advantage of the trial and see if this game puts you in the holiday spirit like it did me. As I feel this game was underrated and with the updates and also the developer’s interest in our opinions/ questions in the forum, I will round up my four and a half stars to five. It’s Christmas time! I recommend this game for lovers of match 3 games. Lots of levels lots of fun. Happy Holidays.
If you are familiar with Big City series and enjoyed the other cities this will be a welcome addition. For newcomers these Big City games are great fun for hidden object/puzzle lovers. As these series tend to be mostly hidden object scenes players who prefer adventure style games may not enjoy it but it’s great that BF offers a range of games for us to enjoy. The hidden object scenes are colourful and there are fun facts about Paris before each scene as well as a puzzle following each hidden object scene. I played only a couple of scenes but noticed some interactive elements so an added component of fun. As with previous games there is a page where you can see a list of achievements and with 60 levels it seems to bode well for a good length of play. I don’t play pure hidden object games much now so will pass on this for myself but I will be buying this game for my cousins as well as my grandmother. And yes, I think this game appeals to a wide age range not just children especially for those players who dislike dark themed games, they will appreciate this fun, light, and cheery game. I try to be objective in my reviews of all games so even though this is not to my taste I can see that it is a well made game. I would give it a four and a half star rating but as BF doesn’t provide half stars will round it up to a five. I recommend it to hidden object lovers and for others give the trial a try you may like it.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
This is a hidden object game with some puzzles perfect for this time of the year. A very bright and cheery game that may be on the simple side for those who like adventure style games but to my mind this game is listed by BF as a hidden object game and so on that basis it delivers. The scenes are packed with detail and you have casual and expert modes to choose to play. Music in the background is in line with the festive theme. The scenes for me were a bit cluttered and I found some objects to be a bit on the small side but not impossible to find. There is a timer but you can still play the game even after it expires. You can earn more points the faster you finish a scene. There are also bonus points for finding extra hidden Christmas objects like a snowman or Santa. I believe this game should be judged fairly on what it wants to deliver and not to be judged on the many wonderful and not so wonderful Collector’s Editions that have been released recently. Is it mainly for children? Probably but there are some stressed or time challenged people who do not have hours to play everyday and perhaps can be enjoyed in short spells for those people. SE games like this fills a void and are not to everyone’s taste. I’m sure many will sniff at this game and compare it to CE games that are touted with loads of bells and whistles but a SE game like this appeals to some people, especially people who don’t like dark games as so many games now have missing children, missing girlfriends/ boyfriends, terrorised villages etc. The world would be a dull place indeed if everyone only liked one type of game. Will I buy this game for myself? No, to be honest this is not my type of game but I will be buying this for my cousins who will definitely like it and maybe for my grandmother too as she hates dark games. As ever. Please decide for yourselves and take advantage of BF free trial. I will recommend this game for those hidden object lovers but young and those young at heart. My rating if there were half-stars would be a four and a half but as we don’t have that option I will round it up to five.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
This is the Christmas version of the Garden Rescue tower defence/ strategy game. The game developers haven’t reinvented the wheel with this game, just put a festive spin on the game with a few tweaks here and there to make things interesting. I especially love the coin collecting system that they have implemented - great improvement. The graphics are bright and cheery, music fitting the seasonal theme and the festive costumes the bugs/attackers wear are fun. For those that are new to the Garden Rescue game or new to tower defence/strategy games in general this is a good game to start as there is a good tutorial guide. Loads of achievements to collect and upgrades and prizes too. If you are in the mood for a bit of holiday fun then give this game a try.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
Not sure why BF decided to release this game under TM games as the title of the game indicates it’s a tower defence game so under BF’s system perhaps Strategy would be a closer match. It is a twist on the tower defence game, if you are familiar with Plants vs. Zombies this game seems to be similar using magic towers/weapons fighting against wooden toy soldiers and other opponents. You try to defend your emeralds against dwarves who want to control Oz. There is a back-story with the Wizard of Oz and the great-grandson of Dorothy I didn’t read all the cut scenes and clicked through most, there seemed to be a fair bit of dialogue.
Graphics seem good. There is a catalogue of different weapons/equipment to fight against again á lá P vs. Z and also a catalogue where you can see the different types of opponents you will face. Strategy will be needed in order to defeat your enemies I assume like other games of this genre. I like to try out different types of games and full disclosure Tower Defence games, with the exception of the brilliant Plants vs. Zombies, aren’t my usual go to games but I can see that this a well made game. I was pleasantly surprised and am thinking of purchasing for a bit of change and for those who enjoy these kinds of games give the trial a whirl.
Islanders are here again! Become part of a new adventure and help the shaman get his true appearance back! Follow them in a fascinating journey through time and make new friends!
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
5/ 5
Anyone not familiar with this series you’re in for a treat and those that know this series will not be disappointed. These game developers are great and know how to make a fun game. As with previous series there are four modes of play, the relaxed mode with no time limit will be of interest to players who don’t like to feel rushed or pressured. I, myself played in normal mode and found it to be a good level of challenge but will try out hard mode once I master normal. I enjoy TM/strategy/Resource management games but am not really an advanced player, but unlike other games you have a chance of getting the best time and for that another big thanks to these developers who listen to their customers and give us a choice of mode to play. Loads of achievements are available and there is an achievement page where you can keep track of all of them. As before you can gain extra points collecting gems that are strewn around the game area. It is optional but another added fun for those who are interested. Graphics are a delight. Bright and breezy with lots to look at and you never feel bored. As in other series there is humour throughout the game which I appreciate. There are a couple of fun moments with new characters that had me smiling. I just want to say how much I love TM/Strategy/Builder/Resource management game(I enjoy other types of games too) and appreciate these developers still making these fun games. Anyone who enjoys these kinds of games hope you will support them too as many developers seem to be making less of these games or are abandoning the PC/Mac platforms. I bought the game and look forward to many hours of fun and wholly recommend this game. I can only add that it put me in a good mood on a cold and grey Monday. Love it.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
5/ 5
Wow, this game gets challenging very fast. The level of difficulty gets very hard almost immediately to say there was a steep learning curve would be to put it mildly. This game was bright, cheery and colourful and I thought it would be fun to do a few levels and test it out. I didn’t last long, five levels and it got too much. Pity, as I like these kind of filler games that you can play to relax or just turn off without thinking. So, I can only say please try out this game for yourself and see if you have ultra fast reflexes or like to repeat levels. As for me I would have liked to have the option of having different difficulty levels as there was just one. I give a weak recommendation as maybe it was me who was too slow and lacked the patience to try level five (unsuccessfully) for the fifth time. I will recommend Peggle and Peggle Nights those are fun games, challenging but not impossibly so.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Strategy, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
This is my impression of this game based on the trial that I've just played. Firstly, it is not a click fest TM sort of game, not in the slightest, it is a strategy based game. I think the category of Time Management for this game may be misleading as some other reviewer(s) see this as another Farm Frenzy type of game play and it is Not. In order to progress with gold in all levels a fair bit of thinking/strategy is involved and as far as I played during the trail I did not do the normal frantic clicking that Farm Frenzy requires. To obtain gold you do have to finish in the required time but I rather enjoyed the thinking/planning/strategy elements so I only got gold in 3 levels out of the 5 levels I played but I was not perturbed by that as I was seeing how the game play evolved. Secondly, because it is not a click, click, click, based game I didn't feel as stressed and frustrated as I usually do playing those TM games, as I stated earlier strategy is important not how fast you click. I chose to use my time planning and it was refreshing not to have a sore wrist after playing. Graphics are unique and look much better in the game than from the screenshots here. Again, something different from the same old , seen-it-all before sort of graphics. My observation is that it is a different style of Farm game and I recommend everyone to see for themselves if it suits them. I enjoyed that there was strategy and thinking involved and not just endless clicking. For people who like strategy based game I would say give it a whirl and play the trial with an open mind and for at least 30 min or so as I didn't get the 'feel' of the game until around the 3rd level. Many players comment on wanting something different and are tired of the same old same old game play. Well, this is a bit different and the graphics are a bit different, quirky as well, I found that aspect refreshing. I would recommend everyone try and see for themselves but I will say that I am pleasantly surprised at a strategy based Farm game that seems to be a long game so am looking forward to playing some more.