Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This is an excellent 'tangram' style game. For those unfamiliar with the term 'sleeper' it means something unexpected that turns out to be really good. This fits the category perfectly. The game was not the 'tomorrows release' game yesterday, and usually the secondary games are not really that good. I like tangram style games and this was that but so much more.
This is a definite tangram game but unlike some that penalises you for discarding blocks this doesn't.
The storyline is actually quite decent considering this genre of game doesn't usually have much of one. You are a packer for international space company (hence the tangram style game), along with packing the blocks, you are given other side-tasks to complete (these are not compulsory but you get extra points if complete them), this adds variety to the game and as some of the shapes are quite awkward makes think even more strategically.
There are two modes of play a casual (fairly relaxing mode), that has no real time-limits and is a good introduction to the genre (if you have never played these types of games before), and the 'delivery' mode, where by you are giving time-limits and the 'extras' to complete. To be honest this is where my hours 'free-play' went. I will give a tip though whilst you do get points for 'colour-blocking' a section, sometimes the need for colour overtakes the overall picture thus you may not meet the deadline because of the 'need for colour'.
Overall if you like puzzle games and particularly if you like this type of puzzle I would defiantly try it.
For me I think this 'sleeper' has turned into a 'keeper'!
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
First let me point out that this is not a match 3 game but a 'dash' game (along the 'dinner dash' vein), also whilst it is a quirky game and had a strong storyline, because I thought it was going to be a 'match-3' I couldn't really get into it, I did like the 'dash' games but I have 'outgrown' them and don't particularly like this genre any more.
It had little mini-puzzles to complete at the different 'stations' and a bigger mini-puzzle game at the end of each level. So later on there may have been a 'match-3' element to the game, and one of the 'pack-shots' did show a 'match 3' screen shot (another reason why I downloaded it), but to actually categorise it as a match-3 was wrong.
Had been categorised correctly, I would not have downloaded it, as it was I did download it and it was ok for about 15 minutes but I certainly would not buy it.
Also I think it would probably have done better overall had been released nearer Halloween.
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
4/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This is another 'golf' type of solitaire game, but I think this maybe a 'keeper' as the storyline seems to be involved and interactive. The game 'rewards' you for getting 'perfects' by being able to build your land/ship. So in this respect it encourages you to think strategically and plan ahead. This different from other types of these games that are currently on the market, so bringing innovation into a tried and tested format. 'Crime Solitaire' also tried to bring innovation to this genre, and it worked, but I think this notches up a level, and if developers can keep bringing this sort of standard to this type of game then the future can only get brighter for this genre.
Moaning bit
I do wish though they bought other styles of solitaire other than 'golf' or 'snap', but then that could just be me wanting to much variety in my life :)
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
This is the third installment in the 'The Hidden Object Show' series. I enjoyed this game no better or worse than the other two. At its 'heart' it is a HO game but as with the others there are other games involved, so it almost seems like it is a collection of mini-games around the HO theme. I personally would say that this game is harder than the other two, as instead of unlocking naturally (i.e. as you progress), in this game you do it buy entering 'bonus rounds' within the HO scenes and 'making chips' the problem with this was that the 'chips' were hard to see and you as you didn't have much time you couldn't exactly gauge which sort of 'chip' you were making. This lead to a little frustration as even after the hour demo play I still only had 3 games unlocked.
All the other 'good' things from the other two games were there though VO and a decent graphics. This one also had a little bit of a story-line thrown in as you had to help your grandfather (and others) escape from the 'evil mansion'.
All in all this is keeper for me but I hope this is the last in the series as whilst I have enjoyed I don't see what else they can do to the series without it becoming the 'same-old same-old.
This game can be categorised under the HO category but it is more than that. There are several different mini-games and the HO is but one. The others include 'Take 10' (where you have to find 10 items with a common theme), 'spot the difference', 'silhouette' (find shapes on the list), as well as others that you unlock later.
In this season you always start with a 'list round' (traditional HO), then you spin a wheel to decide what you play next. You get bonus if you hit the 'sweet spot' when spining the wheel. You also can get 'skip chips' in the HO which you can use to place on the 'spin wheel' if you have a particular aversion to any of the games. This is good as it stops the game from becoming stale and you getting bored and frustrated owing to the fact that you can't complete a particular game to continue.
There is VO which for a SE game is good, but the music whilst ok does not really enhance the overall gameplay.
The aim of the game is to complete it (that sounds flippant), but in reality there isn't really an aim, just go through the levels and gradually unlock the different mini-games and gain the 'virtual dollars'. Whilst this may detract some who like a HO with a storyline, if you are wanting a traditional HO with a twist (but no storyline), then this should be worthy of consideration (at least try it).
I would say that the second season is no worse or better than season one, and if you are thinking of purchasing as a stand-alone, I personally wouldn't as you can purchase the combo-pack for the same price, and with this you get both season one and season two (but obviously not the third installment).
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
This season is set in a carnival and whilst similar to the first season in that you are in a gameshow, I found this more interactive and better layout.
There was also different mini-games (such as a hangman style), in addition to the ones of the first season. This time instead of spinning a wheel to decide your next game you have a 'fortune teller' who 'strokes' the crystal ball'. Again there are skip chips if you don't want/like a particular game. Whilst the first game was a 'list' game after that it was more random than the first series as to what to what game you played. You unlocked as you went, giving you incentive to carry-on to see what other games they were that you can unlock. In addition this 'season' had mini-carnival games that you could play in order to purchase 'tickets' to spend in the shop in order to gain game items.
I would say that the second season is no worse or better than season one, and if you are thinking of purchasing as a stand-alone, I personally wouldn't as you can purchase the combo-pack for the same price, and with this you get both season one and season two (but obviously not the third installment).
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
4/ 5
Storyline
3/ 5
Both these games are Traditional HO in that there is not really a story-line to the games (other than yo are in a game-show and you can win 'virtual dollars').
Season one
This game can be categorised under the HO category but it is more than that. There are several different mini-games and the HO is but one. The others include 'Take 10' (where you have to find 10 items with a common theme), 'spot the difference', 'silhouette' (find shapes on the list), as well as others that you unlock later.
In this season you always start with a 'list round' (traditional HO), then you spin a wheel to decide what you play next. You get bonus if you hit the 'sweet spot' when spining the wheel. You also can get 'skip chips' in the HO which you can use to place on the 'spin wheel' if you have a particular aversion to any of the games. This is good as it stops the game from becoming stale and you getting bored and frustrated owing to the fact that you can't complete a particular game to continue.
There is VO which for a SE game is good, but the music whilst ok does not really enhance the overall gameplay.
The aim of the game is to complete it (that sounds flippant), but in reality there isn't really an aim, just go through the levels and gradually unlock the different mini-games and gain the 'virutal dollars'. Whilst this may detract some who like a HO with a storyline, if you are wanting a traditional HO with a twist (but no storyline), then this should be worthy of consideration (at least try it).
Season 2
This season is set in a carnival and whilst similar to the first season in that you are in a gameshow, I found this more interactive and better layout.
There was also different mini-games (such as a hangman style), in addition to the ones of the first season. This time instead of spinning a wheel to decide your next game you have a 'fortune teller' who 'strokes' the crystal ball'. Again there are skip chips if you don't want/like a particular game. Whilst the first game was a 'list' game after that it was more random than the first series as to what to what game you played. You unlocked as you went, giving you incentive to carry-on to see what other games they were that you can unlock. In addition this 'season' had mini-carnival games that you could play in order to purchase 'tickets' to spend in the shop in order to gain game items.
Others have said that they prefer the first to the second and vica-voca. I personally think they both have their own unique charm and the second enhances the first and brings different things to the 'party'. As a combo pack and for half-price I don't think you can go wrong for just over £1 a game.
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
2/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
Whether you think Robin Hood was real or a myth this whimsical game will bring to life the story of olde. There is a twist that the main character is a woman (though the legend says a man no-one knows for sure).
There are a lot of sub-quests in the game and these are integral to the overall game. I would class this more of a puzzle game with some HO scenes, rather than the other way round. I like this as for me I feel that the story can become more involved and can better interact with the characters (I am not saying that all HO/HOPA games have no story as the vast majority do, it is just for this game it is more puzzle and for this game it works). Speaking of Characters even though this is a standard game the VO's are good, and you even have 'banter' between the guards, which is a nice touch.
The only downside I can see with the game is that it is for me too easy. Now I have been playing HO/HOPA games for a while (and some 'hardcore' (well as hardcore as you can get for 'casual games)), but even on the expert level this was easy, so I would say that this game is more suited for a beginner to the genre or to a younger person.
Even though I may complete the game within a couple of hours of purchasing given that it is on a 'half-price' deal I think I will purchase the game just to see how it all 'pans out'.
I would recommend the game but only on a deal if you have experience in this genre of game, but if you are new to the genre then this is worthy introduction to the genre.
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
2/ 5
Level of Challenge
3/ 5
This is an old game and perhaps the genre is a little 'tired' now as whilst the hours free trial went quick, it didn't exactly entice me to purchase the full game. This is the sort of game that are 'ten a penny' in the app store and can be purchased for as little as $1 (69p) in various scenarios, Sally Salon, the 'Ada games etc. So whilst the format was good and kept my interest for a while I certainly would not pay (or use a credit) for this game.
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4/ 5
Visual/Sound Quality
3/ 5
Level of Challenge
5/ 5
Storyline
4/ 5
This game has a very steep learning curve and from about level 3 you have to think fast, strategically and multi-task if you want to get the 'gold at the end of the rainbow'. The game is good and reminded a bit of a game called 'creatures' for the PC (and old game from around 10-15 years ago). Whilst others have said that they thought this was a child's game at first glance, I couldn't see that myself, but what I did see were cute graphics and a good musical score.
The game as I say is difficult from fairly early on (I played on the 'normal' setting ( I 'dare not even try the 'expert' setting), you have to plan your moves carefully, utilise all your 'Tribloos' and remember that you can multi-task as if you fail on anyone of these points then the game is very unforgiving and relentless.
Over all though the game is good and a very good challenge for people of all levels (there are three levels of challenge 'easy','normal' and 'expert') so something for everyone.
I would certainly recommend downloading the trial as this is a puzzle/strategy game but a refreshing change from the 'physics' based ones that made 'Angry Birds' etc popular.
It is one for the whole family (IMO) as there is no storyline (as such), to follow, and makes a nice change from all the HO/HOPA games where some of the puzzles may have been a bit difficult for young children and some of the story-lines certainly not suitable for some. No this is good 'clean' family fun, but a very difficult challenge if you so choose it to be.