joybelle_1's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:3,596
- Reviews Submitted:94
- First Review:January 13, 2015
- Most Recent Review:October 16, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Join Witchelsa on her adventure and help solve match 3 and hidden object puzzles in a spooky graveyard!
Overall rating
2
/
5
30 of 35 found this review helpful
More I played the less I liked
PostedOctober 16, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is clearly an adaption from the free to play market. It is a limited moves matching game mixed with a bit of imitation clutter style.
I didn't expect much, but the more I played it the more I got either bored or stressed by it. The clutter is 'super' simple, The ice that spreads over your tiles is 'super' stressful, and the whole thing just seems to gobble your virtual money (the old 'do you want to buy some moves?' line)
Some parts seem like a kids game and others left me gritting my teeth. The dealbreakers for me was being forced to use the custom curser which is a clunky green hand (because I think this was designed for phones and ipads) so a lot of the time it required a swiping movement..And waiting for the never ending explosions at the end of each level with these type of games.
There is some novelty value in spinning for winnings every hour..lol, and the games are quite mixed, but it just didn't gel with me. Try the demo, as there must be a market for these games. Just not for me..
I don't recommend this game.
Help a fairy save a village in this enchanting solitaire adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
31 of 36 found this review helpful
Just so pleasant to play
PostedOctober 15, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
There are just so many solitaire games out there choosing which ones are best is difficult. So I judge on the ones I go back to or leave on my screen. The previous dreamland is one of those. Was very pleased to see another installment
The gameplay is extremely smooth, and the graphics just delightful. You can choose your playing deck out of six depending on how busy or bland you want them.
There are a couple of key features that make me smile in this series, one being having to get a both a torch card and a fire card and combine to burn the spider who has your cards hostage. There is also a key to the chains obstacle. There are the usual suspects too... wood that needs the axe card or double ice play that we find in other games. Another thing I really like is that as you buy your bonuses they fill up according to the suits you play. There is a shield that actually takes you to play particular suits to remove it,
You can play in timed, casual (no timer) or easy (two decks of cards) But really its an easy game anyway if you are just sensible. If you are a hard core player you in fact may find this a bit easy, but I play for late night relaxation and don't want to repeat and repeat, levels just because the cards didn't give forth. (why I like the last few cards strike down ability bonuses.)
There are even achievements to earn. This one is perhaps a little more 'cutesy' than the last one, but there are lots of levels and lands to move through and scenes to restore.A light beautifully made game in the feel good mode. Its a keeper for me.
I recommend this game!
Join the Argonauts and learn the story of Circe in this incredible time management adventure!
Overall rating
3
/
5
46 of 53 found this review helpful
Just sick of the same game I didnt like much last time
PostedOctober 8, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I could easily have just given this two stars, going into 'dislike', but I had to be fair for the game in its own right and say if you have the patience and lack of introduction to the series you may find it ok.
It is the most basic gather resources game, wood, food, gold etc..clear the path. In this further addition to the series only one other feature has been added, getting the characters to stand on buttons at the same time to bring down the barriers. (I will admit that is up to demo over time),
Is a collectors edition? Well it finally has all the bells and whistles, a strategy guide (?) in the corner of screen, achievements, wallpapers, music and even a lucky dip chest every few levels. But it still seems to just leave me cold and sick of the repetitiveness. (series and gameplay)
I find the worst thing about it is that unless I am prepared to just sit there for half hours or more. spin after spin, playing a slot machine (that I cant make stop till its ready), to earn my upgrades for speed and performance..it becomes to hard to beat the clock if you don't!! That's the main deal breaker!
One unique feature of this game is that unlike other TM's you do not have to clear the road in front of you in order. You can leap ahead (as long as rock or bush is not blocking you) to get to wood or gold or to upgrade a building.(get second worker) etc. In fact often the only way to make time. You go back and get your other stuff later.
Once again..if you have never played the series, its just ok. If you have played even one other game, there's nothing here to see. There is a relax mode. It's just not for me, I have a couple already, and I just plain do not have the time or the patience for the spin for bonus feature. Try the demo, it may just be my personal taste being familiar with the series..
Alice has arrived in Wonderland and she needs your help. Join her on a breathtaking time management adventure!
Overall rating
5
/
5
116 of 122 found this review helpful
A WOW, Much to learn, to do, and LOTS of Strategy Winner!
PostedSeptember 24, 2019
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I almost don't know where to start, phew! This game is a gather and build recource TM, but no simple one. It begins in a wonderland setting which is just delightful. However after level 10 you suddenly thrust out of wonderland and are inside a building (go figure?..I didn't read the dialogue I guess)..and that's because one feature is 'totally skip dialogue! Love it!
There is NO strategy guide! However there is an extraordinary help guide that tells you the properties and purpose of each symbol, how to cast spells (bonuses) and what the appearing and disappearing things are on your screen. Even your bonuses disappear if you don't grab them. They are on a wheel at the bottom of the screen...
There is a puzzle cup on most levels (SO HARD to find) and scrolls to grab when they flash on. The actual puzzle is a 'real' jigsaw you can actually do yourself !..(or the hint button assembles it for you.) You choose.
Just like most TM's you have alters, resource buildings, chests, and upgrade abilities. I found the timer none too forgiving, but it was really my strategy that meant I had to play a level twice just to get to understand it. It was really about 'what upgrades' you choose. But if you really get stuck and want to move on, (or need to hunt puzzle cups) you can toggle between relaxed and timed without losing level situation. I played one level in relaxed totally and still got 3 stars.
This is one where you really must try the demo. I think it is a top quality delight. I think there SHOULD be a strategy guide that shows where the puzzle pieces are at least..but this is a rather no hand holding game. It will keep me busy for ages repeating lol, but not frustrated to keep going.
I think this is one of the best to come along for quite a while. Some new novel features (like restoring colour to bits of your screen) and often your tasks are not clear till you clear one and another pops up. So no slacking!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I am. I think there is something for everyone here. Well done developers!
I recommend this game!
In this time management classic, stop a mad scientist who's replicating the most destructive forces in nature!
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 51 found this review helpful
Great fun, a few changes from others in the series
PostedSeptember 22, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I bought the CE of this game: and this was basically the review to save having to write it all again.
Well what a surprise! This offering takes parts of the series from way back, has added some new, and has borrowed some styling and graphics from other games by the developers. It's still a game of rescue, repair, gather, build and search. And even though this is No 9 it is still a fun game to play.
What's New?
*Devices you must gather the parts and assemble
*Swarms of insects to be removed using the above
*A store to buy tools, dynamite, hydrating and warming drinks (and traders sometimes too)
*Sandstorms and lightening doing damage
*The old trick of quickly demolishing a building and rebuilding same one quickly to get ''that' resource again, HAS GONE! buildings ONLY produce on a timeline that's faster if you upgrade. No instant production.
An 'evidence' board collecting clues to solve the defeat of Evil
*Devices you must gather the parts and assemble
*Swarms of insects to be removed using the above
*A store to buy tools, dynamite, hydrating and warming drinks (and traders sometimes too)
*Sandstorms and lightening doing damage
*The old trick of quickly demolishing a building and rebuilding same one quickly to get ''that' resource again, HAS GONE! buildings ONLY produce on a timeline that's faster if you upgrade. No instant production.
An 'evidence' board collecting clues to solve the defeat of Evil
Whats Familiar?
*The myriad of situations and characters that present the scenarios of each level;
*Police, hospitals, robber types, boats, chairlifts, cranes, helicopters, gas leaks, and most others. The buildings are the same. Burgers, houses, petrol stations, wood, and pet store.
*Buying bonuses with your earned stars.
*The myriad of situations and characters that present the scenarios of each level;
*Police, hospitals, robber types, boats, chairlifts, cranes, helicopters, gas leaks, and most others. The buildings are the same. Burgers, houses, petrol stations, wood, and pet store.
*Buying bonuses with your earned stars.
What's old?
Those 'pesky' little wandering pets that need 'real' searching for sometimes!! Groan..but they do make it fun really..you have to watch your goal screen to see if you have them all rounded up.
Those 'pesky' little wandering pets that need 'real' searching for sometimes!! Groan..but they do make it fun really..you have to watch your goal screen to see if you have them all rounded up.
There are three modes of play (inc relaxed), Its great that a developer can still produce a fun game without boring us after many games of a series. We will all have our favourites, but this one is a great little game that wont disappoint once you get used to it. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
I recommend this game!
Adera
Jane Sinclaire faces her greatest challenge in the mysterious city of Adera. Solve puzzles, collect artifacts and unlock its secrets!
Overall rating
4
/
5
62 of 77 found this review helpful
An easy to grasp adventure
PostedSeptember 17, 2019
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I am really quite enjoying this game. It's kind of a cross between a hidden object and an adventure game. If you compare it to HO's its not as fancy in the graphics..but you are pretty much feeling like you are on an adventure of your own rather than being led totally through a story. There is plenty of exploration, but the areas sparkle like in HO's..yet with a totally different feel to that genre. There are even pure HO scenes within.
There are collectables that you stumble across and an inventory used just as you would in the other genre. So is it a poor HO..or a very easy play adventure game? I honestly don't know lol.
What I do like is that I am not getting lost..(well I am..but the hint button is very good) you can skip the puzzles (but I am finding I can do them all unlike many in the HO's), and I do feel like I am roaming around, finding stuff, and exploring my surroundings. Clicking on all sorts of everything everywhere too..as in the adventure genre.
I think it is a fun game, rather old school, but as neither an expert at adventure games, or a good puzzle person I am finding this a nice toe dip to play around in.
Please try the demo. You will probably sit on one side of the fence or the other depending on which type of player you are.
I recommend this game!
A new and unforgettable time management adventure that has you visiting the Louvre, ancient Egypt and even Atlantis!
Overall rating
5
/
5
25 of 30 found this review helpful
A real winner!
PostedSeptember 8, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I bought the CE of this game and couldn't have been happier. Its fast paced, graphically pleasing and has a great rhythm and sense of fun to the gameplayl. I will leave it for others to describe the features (or checkout the CE reviews).., but if you love strategic, clever and well made TM's..this one ticks all the boxes!
I recommend this game!
Get on board the spaceship with Hercules, explore distant planets, find extraterrestrial life and save the galaxy from a dangerous monster!
Overall rating
4
/
5
66 of 71 found this review helpful
Changes made to No.9...This one's not quite as fine
PostedSeptember 7, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
For the first time EVER I have had to take a star off my beloved Hercules series. Whilst gameplay is exactly the same as all others in the series, gather, build, meet tasks,the the puzzle pieces to collect, bonus levels for completing the puzzles, they have committed a mistake of adding some terrible blue hint arrows that just about play the game for you in some instances! There is no way to get rid of them, and the game already has the green available hints. Too much hand holding.
I also found this totally distracting and a nuisance! I can see where they may have needed to add them, as they also left of this CE offering..THE STRATEGY GUIDE! I just don't get why one of my all time favourite developers would think this is ok in CE. The reasons people pay double for a CE is often the inclusion of this.
You probably wont need it though as the puzzle pieces are now not well hidden, but I did have to hold off the last move on one of the bonus levels which have the hidden object urns because I just couldn't see 'a last spider' for quite a long time. Something else the strategy guide usually helps you with. And if you ARE not coping..you ARE on your own to find puzzle pieces, hidden objects and strategy direction.
The graphics on the game are delightful if not fascinating. Being in space gives way to a few new features such as alien eggs which then create food, and workers are looking like little martians in space suits. There are underground caves to explore, switches to switch and the usual bonuses for speed, extra resources etc. There is a relaxed mode.
I am enjoying the game now, but it took me getting past the first planet to begin to be challenged, and it is now taking on the familiar rush of a good TM. I do recommend this game in itself (other than the arrows) as it has the familiar feel good factors we expect. I CANNOT however recommend it as a CE offering! The only extra's are wallpapers and and a few extra levels. I feel a bit short changed that I paid double for that.
Its still a fun game, but the changes make it not CE worthy to me. Try the demo and see if you will buy this or wait for the SE edition. You will enjoy it, but there is no new gameplay just different features, and it's lacking a guide.
Test your detective skills by finding cleverly hidden items inside incredible scenes.
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 10 found this review helpful
It's OK.. but a not very exciting mixed bag
PostedSeptember 1, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game has a real mixed bag of good and bad points. It is a game of finding hidden objects from a list firstly. But in each one you have to apply one of your 'found' items interactivley back into the scene you found it in to get one of the other items.
What's good?
*You can play timed or untimed and still get your three stars
*It has achievements, how many objects found etc, but some of them are as obscure as 'how many times you used the hint button' to get it lol!
*you can go back and play levels anytime you want and get a different list each time.
There is a decent hint setup. One that hightlights one object and one that removes three from your list, and the timer (which you use to play untimed levels)
*There are five separate investigations..and as you get new lists each time you replay a level..it will last for ever really
*You can play timed or untimed and still get your three stars
*It has achievements, how many objects found etc, but some of them are as obscure as 'how many times you used the hint button' to get it lol!
*you can go back and play levels anytime you want and get a different list each time.
There is a decent hint setup. One that hightlights one object and one that removes three from your list, and the timer (which you use to play untimed levels)
*There are five separate investigations..and as you get new lists each time you replay a level..it will last for ever really
What's not so good?
*There is a click penalty if you are timed and you have to wait a few seconds to proceed
*Some objects are actually just 'faded' and very hard to spot
*You either have music or sound effects..there is only on and off..no slider
*There is a click penalty if you are timed and you have to wait a few seconds to proceed
*Some objects are actually just 'faded' and very hard to spot
*You either have music or sound effects..there is only on and off..no slider
What's novel ?
*your objects wont always be in logical places, expect to find giant frozen chickens against a building, or wallet in the sky etc lol.
*your objects wont always be in logical places, expect to find giant frozen chickens against a building, or wallet in the sky etc lol.
This is a very uninspiring game, but I didn't 'dislike' it. It will be the one that sits on my desktop for times of just wanting to do nothing much. The graphics are not on par with many other pure hidden object series. Even the storyline of solving the crimes is quite bland. Its a very 'beige' game but it will have its 'place' for many. Try the demo.
A haunting new addition to the highly rated match 3 puzzle series!
Overall rating
5
/
5
27 of 32 found this review helpful
WOW..New Twists, great challenge!
PostedAugust 28, 2019
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Kudos developers! Even though we are on No 7 you have found new twists that make it almost seem feel like a brand new game. The usual tasks of collecting a certain number of items are here, fire, frozen tiles, darkness, and many of the old features, but how you go about fixing them has some very new twists. There is a help book included.
There is 'sequencing' of matching in order the list of tiles you must clear, so you must make sure you have enough tiles on the screen to make the goal (or hope that they drop thus when you start) or go back to the beginning of the list again.
Lamp lighting requires you to follow a coloured path to by placing blue tiles in a row to reach a lightbulb. The twist is great, as long as you have a blue you can slot another next to, you can just drag it into place without having to make a match. (must be adjacent, up, down, sideways)
Bonuses don't seem to be made anymore by creating large matches, but most things are set of by bombs or cannons that require an adjacent match then they time down to explode to start fire or clear your way.
All the old suspect mini games are still in (card, spot the difference etc) There is relaxed, easy and hard mode, limited moves or timed choice. There is many of the old (in fact nearly all lol) features in this game but it will keep you on your toes making sure you are figuring out the 'next move' as one can open up yet another task to be done
I'm loving this game! I am loving the thought put in to make it entertaining and for all abilities. Try the demo and be patient with yourself as you try the new style. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!