fredandethel's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:2,273
- Reviews Submitted:191
- First Review:April 1, 2012
- Most Recent Review:October 7, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
A criminal organization searching for an ancient treasure shot your partner!
Overall rating
4
/
5
20 of 24 found this review helpful
Something bit different
PostedOctober 18, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
The Far Kingdoms: Winter Solitaire
(32)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I don't remember coming across Cha Yowo games before, and it's always nice to discover a new developer.
I almost bought this game after the first HO puzzle - one of the interactive parts involved a printer and the clue said: The button has been ripped off, probably in frustration. We've all been there!!
Having said that, I personally prefer games set in fantasy worlds, but this one will definitely stay on my "to buy one day" list.
I almost bought this game after the first HO puzzle - one of the interactive parts involved a printer and the clue said: The button has been ripped off, probably in frustration. We've all been there!!
Having said that, I personally prefer games set in fantasy worlds, but this one will definitely stay on my "to buy one day" list.
I recommend this game!
Jewel Legends: Atlantis
Discover the secret, erect magnificent buildings and restore Atlantis to its former glory!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Really pretty and rather different
PostedAugust 31, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Villa Banana
(9)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I notice one reviewer thought the graphics too bright but the main reason I bought this was the design, and particularly the large variety, of the tiles. I found myself wanting to see which ones would be in the next level.
I recommend this game!
Build a town for ghosts in the beautiful valley by the sea and recreate all of the four seasons.
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 62 found this review helpful
Pretty Match 3 with really original gameplay
PostedAugust 4, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Claws & Feathers 2
(30)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The first Laruaville, and another FRH game Floria, have been favourites of mine since they came out, and Laruaville 3 takes an original idea to a new level. The basic gameplay is to collect coins, clear fog, etc. by making adjacent matches.
The really innovative bit is the use of bonuses. They are created in the usual way by matching 4 or more tiles, but can then be moved in any direction by making adjacent matches, or exploding another bonus nearby. On some levels the only way to clear obstacles is by manoeuvring a bonus near to them.
The story is unconvincing - the friendly ghosts are looking for a new place to live, the place they find is supposed to have no seasons or weather, but there are patches of snow on the ground! But that's not important, it's the play that's special.
There are also occasional levels of Mahjong, which I like, and Spot the difference, which I don't - both can be skipped.
The boards have a larger number of smaller tiles than a lot of games, so not so relaxing.
Highly recommended if you want to try a new kind of challenge.
The really innovative bit is the use of bonuses. They are created in the usual way by matching 4 or more tiles, but can then be moved in any direction by making adjacent matches, or exploding another bonus nearby. On some levels the only way to clear obstacles is by manoeuvring a bonus near to them.
The story is unconvincing - the friendly ghosts are looking for a new place to live, the place they find is supposed to have no seasons or weather, but there are patches of snow on the ground! But that's not important, it's the play that's special.
There are also occasional levels of Mahjong, which I like, and Spot the difference, which I don't - both can be skipped.
The boards have a larger number of smaller tiles than a lot of games, so not so relaxing.
Highly recommended if you want to try a new kind of challenge.
I recommend this game!
Claws & Feathers 2
Match birds across dozens of levels to reach a legendary artifact!
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
Great game, but don't forget the Options tab.
PostedJuly 20, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Babylonia
(12)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'm just as addicted to the first Claws and Feathers as the first reviewer is - and thanks biscuitsmama for the tip about it being possible to turn off the tutorial, it was beginning to bug me, and I never thought to look in Options!
Something else I noticed in Options was Vertical Synchronization. No idea what it means but I checked it anyway, and discovered that it cures the annoyance of birds not always going where you want them to - sometimes been quite a problem, at least on my computer, with the pink birds in C & F 1, especially on timed levels.
Maybe a little more difficult to get golden eggs than C & F 1, or maybe it's just that I've played C & F 1 so much I've forgotten how hard I had to work at first!
Something else I noticed in Options was Vertical Synchronization. No idea what it means but I checked it anyway, and discovered that it cures the annoyance of birds not always going where you want them to - sometimes been quite a problem, at least on my computer, with the pink birds in C & F 1, especially on timed levels.
Maybe a little more difficult to get golden eggs than C & F 1, or maybe it's just that I've played C & F 1 so much I've forgotten how hard I had to work at first!
I recommend this game!
Travel Riddles: Trip to India
India welcomes you with its riddles, ancient wisdom, exquisite aromas and lost treasures in this match 3 adventure!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Seems simple at first but actually quite interesting
PostedJuly 17, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Rainbow Web 3
(59)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
The object is to clear tiles and lower object fragments at the same time, rather than the more usual having to clear all tiles before the objects to be lowered will appear - although some of the fragments are under wooden tiles.
You can do it the easy way using lots of powerups, or try a bit of strategy as the timer is generous, at least in the demo levels.
Not bought it yet but it will stay on my list of possibles for the future.
You can do it the easy way using lots of powerups, or try a bit of strategy as the timer is generous, at least in the demo levels.
Not bought it yet but it will stay on my list of possibles for the future.
I recommend this game!
Hallowed Legends: Ship of Bones
Follow the trail of the mysterious woman in white and discover the secret behind her terrible task!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 3 found this review helpful
Nice little game, but not for me
PostedJuly 17, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
Riddles of the Past
(34)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Can't understand why some reviewers found the game difficult - the hints, at least in casual mode, tell you exactly where to go and what to do.
Quite enjoyed it for half an hour, but although the story started well it failed to hold my interest, and the minigames were not the kind which I like.
The deciding factor for me was the lack of a lock on the inventory - I hate it when they bob up and down.
Quite enjoyed it for half an hour, but although the story started well it failed to hold my interest, and the minigames were not the kind which I like.
The deciding factor for me was the lack of a lock on the inventory - I hate it when they bob up and down.
I don't recommend this game.
Azkend
Discover the secrets of an ancient relic using your Match 3 skills! Summon powerful lightning storms to help you clear the board.
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Different match 3 which stands the test of time!
PostedJuly 14, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I bought this game over 3 years ago, along with Azkend 2, and recently rediscovered it when looking through my Game Manager. It still looks original and beautiful - oriental scenes are gently washed with a section of colour at the end of each level. Timed, but still relaxing, apart from perhaps the very last levels where a change of Talisman may be needed to complete them.
I recommend this game!
Subliminal Realms: The Masterpiece Collector's Edition
Albert's worst nightmare becomes reality when a creature from his grim paintings kidnaps his family. What does she want?
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 23 found this review helpful
Original and intriguing
PostedJuly 12, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on the demo:
Unlike other reviewers I found the HO and particularly the FROG puzzles clever and interesting - more than one action needed to get the final parts. Some of the minigames are very simple, and the workshop for which you collect slides seems to be just copying colours from a key picture. Not decided yet whether to buy the CE, but sometime I will want to find out what happens next.
Unlike other reviewers I found the HO and particularly the FROG puzzles clever and interesting - more than one action needed to get the final parts. Some of the minigames are very simple, and the workshop for which you collect slides seems to be just copying colours from a key picture. Not decided yet whether to buy the CE, but sometime I will want to find out what happens next.
I recommend this game!
The Adventures of Jason and the Argonauts
Follow Jason and the Argonauts though ancient Greek adventures in this exciting Match 3 game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
22 of 32 found this review helpful
A pleasant match 3 with some original features.
PostedJune 29, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Much the same as adventures of Perseus, plus buildings to buy.
I recommend this game!
Deponia: The Puzzle
Select the right pieces to complete pictures set in the world of Deponia
Overall rating
3
/
5
What a pity some levels seem impossible
PostedJune 10, 2015
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong, Card & Board
Current Favorite:
League of Mermaids: Pearl Saga
(12)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
During the trial I enjoyed the varying levels of difficulty - sometimes you only have few large pieces to choose from, sometimes a lot of small ones, but almost as soon as I'd bought the game I reached a level which I may never get through, though every two or three days I make another attempt.
I don't recommend this game.