Hespera's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:358
- Reviews Submitted:31
- First Review:July 24, 2014
- Most Recent Review:February 27, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Board the SS Wonderland Princess and get ready to visit the most festive places on earth!
Overall rating
5
/
5
22 of 26 found this review helpful
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN!
PostedDecember 8, 2019
Hespera
fromThe World is What You Make of It.
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Casual Arts went all out for their 10th Anniversary of Christmas Wonderland.
The graphics are cleaned and polished - not a fuzzy one to be found. All the search scenes are new and bright. There are some new mini games and some new takes on old ones. There is even (be still my heart) a challenge, timed mode I can play by myself, once the kids and I have played through the game together. Plus bonus levels, puzzle replays (my children are learning to do bigger jigsaws, so they really like getting to redo these).
The CA Devs haven't gotten complacent with any of their offerings and though they might seem simple, they are such wholesome, clean fun that our family looks forward to playing.
I remain very grateful to this developer for their commitment to keeping it clean and interesting and giving my family something to look forward to doing together during this time of year. The kids even want to help decorate and shop!
I remain very grateful to this developer for their commitment to keeping it clean and interesting and giving my family something to look forward to doing together during this time of year. The kids even want to help decorate and shop!
I recommend this game!
Alice has arrived in Wonderland and she needs your help. Join her on a breathtaking time management adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
47 of 60 found this review helpful
I'm Just Not Into Cutesy Stuff
PostedSeptember 24, 2019
Hespera
fromWe need a new skill level - MASTER
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on Demo/
I love TM games - I do. Anything and everything timed will get my attention. This game is very well done and well thought out, particularly for a first effort. It's clean, the graphics are very good, the game movement is smooth and fast and I had no problems following the concepts or keeping pace.
It's just that, for me, it got a bit annoying after the 5th level, and by the 14th level, I couldn't take any more. 3 stars on every level playing on 'HARD' mode - it just wasn't providing a challenge. It does have achievements and high scores, so those are pluses (you can replay and try to top yourself), but there are only 52 levels (with bonus levels) and for a Collector's Edition, that's not very many levels, especially if none of them are difficult. However, please try it for yourself. Just because it's not my cup of tea, doesn't mean it won't be your cup of coffee, right? Again, I think the devs did a fantastic job - it's a well-put together game.
I recommend this game!
The past returns inside the Zenith Museum of Oddities!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
PLEASE SET PUZZLE MAKER FREE...
PostedAugust 30, 2019
Hespera
fromWe need a new skill level - MASTER
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
...as he is clearly suffering - especially after this installment of MCF. Puzzles (and/or mini-games) are supposed to tease, tantalize and amuse; not make one scream out with frustration, agony and insult (after encountering yet another multi-faceted 'gem' that goes on and on and on and on, with component parts which have nothing in common and nothing to do with the matter at hand).
I don't really care for HO games (unless they are timed) however, the ones I've liked in the past had great stories, beautiful graphics, a handful of original, challenging puzzles, and lots of hidden object scents. The puzzles and HO scenes blend with the graphics so the entire production becomes seamless. This episode was frenetic with so much back and forth, I felt as though I had run several miles, and not in a good way. Some things have improved (number of unsolved puzzles and large, unmanageable inventories). But, when you stop and think about it, were 8 outside puzzles necessary? The only necessary item gained was the M.A.C. Inventory items don't have to be rewards - it's okay to find stuff laying on the floor or on a table. Know when to say when...please.
I recommend this game!
In this time management classic, stop a mad scientist who's replicating the most destructive forces in nature!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
DIFFERENT DOESN'T MEAN BAD - IT MEANS DIFFERENT
PostedAugust 25, 2019
Hespera
fromWe need a new skill level - MASTER
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
BASED ON THE DEMO:
Compared to the last installment, this is a winner. However, when taken with the history of the series, it's rather a left turn.
Compared to the last installment, this is a winner. However, when taken with the history of the series, it's rather a left turn.
The game has a new look, some new characters and a few new level elements - shovels, tools, an investigator, different types of structures that have to be repaired or investigated/examined. The storyboards look more cartoon-ish than before and are crammed with more debris and items. The achievements are pretty much the same as last time and there are no challenge levels. There are Relaxed, Casual and Expert modes and it includes that ridiculous star system where you purchase items for the stars you receive on levels in order to help your speed, etc. There are extras, which include a guide, bonus levels, and other fluff things.
What's lacking, for my taste, was the overall challenge. It's far too easy, even in Expert mode. I was able to complete 25 levels with 3 stars during the demo with almost half a bar left each time. I give them kudos for their work in updating the game, because it takes lots of time and effort to do so and their desire to keep it fresh is commendable. For me, however, the thrill is gone with the difficulty. But really, please demo it for your own taste. We're not all the same and it may be your cup of coffee, even though it's not my cup of tea.
I recommend this game!
Stop a fuming pharaoh from ravaging an island paradise and send his mummified army scrambling for safety as you rebuild and defend your land!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Not Everything Old Is New Again
PostedJuly 18, 2019
Hespera
fromWe need a new skill level - MASTER!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Well, gosh, I hardly know where to start. Does the name Timebuilder mean anything to anyone? It was a series of TM games started by a group called Wendigo. They did two games before breaking apart and reforming into Bloo Buzz. Now, some 7 years later, seems like another producer has purchased the rights and reintroduced these games using some of the same characters (yes, check it out, they are identical in looks) some of the same concepts, but unfortunately, they slowed down the game play 100% by making it ridiculous. How many players does it take, for how long, to get 40 food from 6 trees to have enough food to build a bridge (for 40 food)? The answer is...it's quite nearly impossible with everything else in the way!
Come on, guys, I've seen some slim TM's from you (not BFG) lately, but this is rather incredulous). No speed, no ingenuity, no go. Sorry.
Come on, guys, I've seen some slim TM's from you (not BFG) lately, but this is rather incredulous). No speed, no ingenuity, no go. Sorry.
I don't recommend this game.
It’s a new age for heroes as the very balance of nature is under threat in this highly anticipated strategy game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
19 of 22 found this review helpful
ANOTHER BIG WINNER FOR THIS SERIES!!
PostedJune 2, 2019
Hespera
fromWe need a new skill level - MASTER!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
At first I panicked when I saw Sofka Studios instead of Owl Studios (even though there is a different owl). When I saw the three, much revered, familiar names, I relaxed. It is a Studio rename, everyone who makes the game great is the same. Whew!
This series has proved to be a wonderfully challenging, graphically pleasing, smooth playing, funny and quirky, resource gathering TM, that can tax your strategy abilities at times. And in each addition, they add (or subtract) things, which shows they really care about the game and don't wish it to become boring for the players. They even change the Achievements a bit, which I personally, love to see. I don't remember if the other games had un-timed modes or not, but I do remember they weren't Collector's Editions. I haven't looked at anything in the Extras, I've only played the levels (I don't use Strategy Guides - sorry), but I saw in the Achievements there were hidden coins, so I knew to look for them. I thought that was a fun element as I like looking for hidden things, and you know you found all the coins on a level if a coin appears over your flag on the main map. There are portals, wasps, magic swords, bonuses (some new ones, as mentioned by Joybelle), magicians and upgrades and hunters and more of your favorites and some new surprises. All will keep you on your toes and happy to be one of Kevin's pals once again.
I recommend this game!
It's time to jump back into campsite development. Bart has gotten himself in a predicament and needs your help out of it.
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 24 found this review helpful
YAY! ANOTHER CAMPGROUNDS AT LAST!
PostedMay 25, 2019
Hespera
fromWe need a new skill level - MASTER!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I just adore the Campgrounds series because it's a bit different from typical resource management TMs. The focus isn't so much on building as it is on making money (boosting your daily income) and you are given a set number of days in which to accomplish this goal (this is what your 1st, 2nd 3rd place is based on - instead of a timer, you see days pass). If you haven't played one of the Campgrounds before, I suggest you start with the first one, where you'll learn how it all began (and since there is a bogo - what a great day to buy two, huh?) Now, since I'm familiar with the series, I purchased this without playing, so I'm hoping it lives up to it's previous offerings and hasn't got too easy. I've only played a few levels and so far have noticed a nail mill, which is new.
Anyhow, typically, the game involves strategy (how to make the different campgrounds earn the income they need.) You may have to build a combination of tents, cabins, etc, flower beds, statues, trees, parking lots, ice cream concessions, tennis courts, all sorts of buildings, in order to reach the goals. I may need to write another review if this one differs drastically, but from what I've seen so far, it's solid.
To win Cleopatra's heart, Caesar has set out on a dangerous path. His goal is to find the Rose of Amor, which blooms on the Mountain of the Gods.
Overall rating
5
/
5
62 of 70 found this review helpful
LOTS OF CHOICES, LOTS TO LIKE & LOTS OF CHALLENGE!
PostedMay 21, 2019
Hespera
fromWe need a new skill level - MASTER!
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is a resource management type of TM. The graphics are stunning, colorful and very clear. The game movement is good and responsive. The game play modes are: Un-timed (time management un-timed? Isn't that like jumbo shrimp and military intelligence, an oxymoron?) Normal (which will continue playing when the timer runs out) and Hard (which stops play when the timer runs out). Each one can be played with Multi-Click, if desired (which is limited to 3 advanced moves). It has a tutorial, which can be skipped, but you should probably use it initially, because every game is a bit different. You can turn it off at any point. You can also change your game mode at anytime during the game (at least between normal and hard--sorry, I don't touch the 'un-timed' button, even to test). This game doesn't have any 'cutesy' stuff, like fairies, elves, kitties, etc. It has hungry wolves, monsters (sort of) and requires thinking as to which path to take and when, whether to upgrade buildings or not, what task to perform first, etc. It's not hard-core linear, where you have to follow a very specific path, but I wouldn't say it's completely free-style, either. A good mix of the two. I purchased the game after playing the first 10 levels and I've played 15 levels now in Hard mode, no multi-clicking, and I've managed to make gold on all but 2 levels, and on those levels I made silver. I'll go back to them in a bit and get gold. I believe this may be the first TM from these devs, (but not their first game, they've been 'round quite awhile) and I must say, I hope they do more. I really like their style and the level of challenge they provide.
I recommend this game!
Experience another glorious summer at Pinecreek Hills National Park with the latest in this acclaimed hidden object adventure series!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
Let's Give These Guys A Raise!
PostedMay 17, 2019
Hespera
fromTexas, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
For at least 9 years, my family and I have vicariously enjoyed vacations at Pinecreek HIlls, Christmas in Springfield and several years of cruises. The experiences have been filled with good, clean fun and my children are learning to play hidden object games, as well as valuable lessons about wildlife conservation and preservation/protection of habitats. They are also learning lessons in logic, math, and observation and focus. We enjoy playing through these games together and the time we spend with them has become precious to us. This 9th release has improved graphics, less trash to find, offers a new level of challenge, and includes almost all the puzzles from previous games. It has more levels, new locations, one new game element (photo album) which I enjoyed and is more challenging than you think, and some new story lines. Considering all the games this developer gives us in a year, every year, I think they'd deserve the price increase, even if they hadn't included any extras. The cost of developing a game is quite dear and the price of making improvements even more so. IMHO, these games and these developers are worth it, especially if we want to keep them in business. And I, for one, want them to keep making these games.
I recommend this game!
An ancient evil awakened in the kingdom. Travel through the four valleys on a strategy adventure and
save the kingdom on the brink of destruction.
Overall rating
5
/
5
27 of 31 found this review helpful
All Hail Our Hero - Again!!!
PostedMarch 5, 2019
Hespera
fromTexas, USA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I played all three of the Hero series. This third installment is by far the best and the hardest. There is no dying (except for the monsters you kill and the animals you hunt). You (or your avatar) can't die. It's not like a Virtual Reality so much. It's more like a Role-Playing game with training wheels. In the first two games, you had to find food, get money, kill the bad guys, and be the hero. But the amount of resources were limited (animals, mushrooms, eggs, berries, etc.) and the only things you could eat were bread, cheese, fruit and meat, (none of which you had to prepare). The second one was the same, so far as the limited cuisine and resources were concerned, but you could also catch and sell other things, like fish, crayfish, shield fish, etc. In each of the two earlier versions you could find people with the best buying and selling prices for goods, etc. And you had to buy potions, tools, yada, yada. You could only camp in specified places and at each camp you could only eat a specified item.
In this endeavor, you can camp anywhere. While at camp, you can cook (you learn recipes which use meat, fish, eggs, mushrooms, roots, salt), make potions (which use ingredients you also find, such as frogs, spider venom, algae, flowers, mushrooms, sulfur), and also forge weapons. You are expected to learn and master a total of 9 skills (Combat, Archery, Fishing, Cooking, Herbalism, Alchemy, Lock Picking, Mining, and Smithing). The skills are tiered so you can progress, i.e., initially, you start out shooting one sort of animal (with arrows), then progress to different animals, after you've gained so many points. The same is true for the combat skill - you get so many points for each monster killed (but re-kills don't count for points). As you get more and more points, your combat skill grows, as does your weapon skill. You start able to use a bow and a sword, then you gain the use of a shield and spear, etc. It's very much like real life.
It's very much a patience game. You can't try to move to far too fast, or you'll find yourself held back by either money or skill. You won't be able to afford the weapons you need, or you won't be able to kill the monsters you need to kill because of your low skill level.
I love what they did in this game. The ability to make your potions, cook your food, forge your weapons - all of it brilliant! The regenerating resources - absolutely necessary and flawlessly done. But I'll warn you, don't get too comfy or cozy once you get the hang of the game and get some money under your belt...because they threw in a few surprises to keep you going.
There are 4 valleys - the Green Valley, where you start - the Yellow Valley, where you are sent to seek help - and the Grey Valley, where you go when you find no help in the Yellow Valley. The Azure Valley is really the Castle and grounds. If you think of them as levels, each one is harder than the one before. The ONE thing I don't like about the game (and it's only because I'm extremely OCD) is in this offering, there is no place to sell your excess tools, junk stuff that you get so much of in crates and barrels. You can sell your excess food (individual items, not made recipes), potions, flowers, frogs, fish, mushrooms, eggs, weapons (forged only), but there is nowhere to sell your bows, arrows, ropes, torches, cauldrons, fry pans, lock picks, nets, fishing poles, hooks, etc, all of which you receive from crates and barrels! It's so annoying to have all this junk at the end of the game that you can't sell! LOL~ I'm looking at all that money that's just sitting on my screen and crying. :( Great game. Suggest Demo First to see if it's your cup of tea.
I recommend this game!