This is a timed game as was Royal Envoy HOWEVER this version does NOT allow you to continue if you run out of time. This was not discovered during the 60 minute period! Stay away if you don't want to have to replay each level multiple times to figure out the correct strategy to complete the level within the time given.
Enjoyed everthing about this game especially that if time runs out you are not punished (well, not by much). The levels can be challenging expecially if your goal is to achieve three stars for each challenge. Although I never did get three stars for all the challenges, I still had a load of fun.
I cannot believe the prior reviews for this game. During the first hour, I reached a point where there was not enough time to arrange the proper sequence of threes to complete the level. As a matter of fact, I would think without a timer I would not have had the interest to want to complete it. There was nothing extraordinary about the game to want to continue especially given that when the time is up the game is over! Ick!!
First and foremost be aware that you must collect as many resources as possible before completing each level! This bit of strategy is never mentioned and is critical to completing the game at the highest level (thus minus TWO stars).
Otherwise, the game is challenging, fun, and long enough to provide good benefit for the money.
The game graphics are very nice but there are too many screens with minimal dialogue. The matching is repetitive without much variation in the quantity of pieces to match. I did not discover a way to "undo" the path I'd taken so if you don't get every item in a string, single items will be remain making your work more difficult. There is a relaxed mode.