HeavenBound7729's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.7
- Helpful Votes:26,774
- Reviews Submitted:964
- First Review:June 6, 2017
- Most Recent Review:September 27, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Join brave sailors on their quest to find the Fountain of Youth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
22 of 28 found this review helpful
Ahoy There!
PostedJune 7, 2022
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Unlike the solitaire series with the gold star cards, this game has a story that really exists. The nautical theme is kind of cute. The cards are large, the artwork on them is bold and colorful. There are 150 levels and trophies to earn, which is always fun. The game is off to a good start so far.
In the demo I found a variety of fun obstacles and some of the cards have special features that are useful power-ups. I was able to play quite a few levels, some were really quick and some were more difficult. I didn't have any replays but I never object to them if the game isn't fixed with a ton of them just to create challenge. Some solitaires are so set-up for no-wins that the aggravation overcomes the desire to carry on. I think you know what I mean.
Sailor's Stories Solitaire doesn't have a lot of fancy stuff, has just enough extras to keep it interesting. The challenge grew as I progressed through the demo and I am always thrilled to be able to clear the cards off the table by myself. That right there is enough to get my thumbs up for this game! The 150 levels, achievements, and extra mini-games and stories make this a good deal. I think it is worth purchasing, coupon or not.
I recommend this game!
More fantastical puzzles await you in 1001 Jigsaw: Legends of Mystery 4!
Overall rating
1
/
5
34 of 38 found this review helpful
Can It Get Any Worse?!
PostedJune 5, 2022
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I'm sure it will because there are people who will actually buy it. I was dismayed at finding a close replica of Mystery 3, the difference being the number in the title. It is remarkable that this dev keeps reappearing at BF when they offer nothing to justify the cost of their games nor do they have a clue to what good entertainment is all about.
The puzzles are very unappealing. 8 Floor is obsessed lately with pumpkins and creepy subject matter. None of the images make any sense, to me. Why THESE photos out of the zillions of beautiful, interesting ones available? Why THESE ugly things?? Find a new source, hire a new photographer, maybe just quit putting out jigsaw games!
The models again look ridiculous, food on a plate is not appealing, the staged settings just keep getting worse. There seems to be no attempt to create anything lovely. Just take the camera and click, click, click whatever looks the gloomiest or least attractive. And there you have it, another 8 Floor disaster! No changes or improvements ever. Good grief, they don't even bother to remove 1001 from the title! There are only 500 puzzles and that's way too many when they are all so bad.
The reviewers' comments and suggestions clearly do not matter to 8 Floor, IF they are read at all. I don't understand the attraction to this dev, BFG can't be THAT desperate for games. Are they under a magic spell or something? There are plenty of eager devs out there just waiting to be discovered. Give them a break and see what developes. Really, this is all terribly sad and it certainly has an impact on the quality of this site and, I would think, on the club memberships. If a game is no good, not even the lowest discount price will encourage me to purchase.
As mentioned before, I do try every demo just in case something wonderful awaits. A never-ending wait it seems but who knows, maybe some day that miracle will arrive.
I don't recommend this game.
Help your favorite puzzle-solving wizard build beautiful scenes!
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 39 found this review helpful
I Can Always Rely On Spellarium For Quality And Challenge
PostedJune 4, 2022
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This is one of my favorite games! The challenge is superb, the features are perfect and the game modes are just right for how I like to play. I usually prefer Limited Moves but I like to switch around in Spellarium. I own all the games, never disappointed in the quality. Just a fine entertainment value! Similar to Lauruaville so if you love that one, this will be sure to please. A really fun Match 3 that also includes "building".
I've never felt the desire to skip the mini games for any reason but I can see where many players will be happy with the Skip Feature. I like the little break between levels even if the games are simple and I love Spot the Difference. I rarely engage the tutorial but it has helped me out of a pinch with its tips on several occasions. For me I find the best solution is to just restart the level and figure it out on my own, which is more fun anyway!
I love the challenging obstacles and the power-ups are marvelous at breaking through them. When using them, strategy comes in handy as sometimes they can damage your progress. Planning your moves carefully is necessary in collecting the coins if you want to avoid replays. I really appreciate this dev for all the thought and design that went into this game. Most Match 3s are so easy-breezy, this one requires concentration, strategy and even patience. I don't think most can just fly through this one. Even expert players enjoy the challenge but no matter your skill level, I believe you'll love this game. Just remember to focus on the coins, they are your incentive. So much fun!
The graphics are excellent, nice bright colors, a little story and some building included, fun obstacles (I love the bugs), mini-games, ample power-ups. Great Match 3! If you've been on the fence about this one, give the demo a try. All you have to lose is 60 minutes!
I recommend this game!
Can the twin detectives stop another murderous evil?
Overall rating
2
/
5
33 of 47 found this review helpful
The Twins Are Back
PostedJune 2, 2022
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Randall and Ellie are up against a villain who might be a vampire (or not!). Had the game moved along at a better pace I may have been able to share a more positive opinion about it. The story caught my attention but I saw none of it in the demo except a dead woman in a theater.
The graphics weren't outstanding but sharp, as always, and weren't saturated with Domini's favorite blues and purples. Ellie and Randall were nicely rendered with their subtle twin features. The other characters in the demo were great looking and everyone's voices were very good. The twin thing has been done in other games and I'm not too keen on it. It makes more sense to just have a detective team without switching back and forth between characters. Playing as twins, for me, doesn't make it more fun.
Storylines are becoming less entertaining and old stories are, many times, used over again with a few tweaks and new characters. But most of us know this has been going on for a long time. It seems that the once bright Domini star is becoming more tarnished. Their games are so simple and display little imagination. This one felt like a lazy attempt to create something, anything, because it was just time to get another game out there. Not a speck of anything new or exciting.
This demo was slow and boring It was full of tasks more ridiculous than ever before and right away I broke a key and found lots and lots of notes. I fed a cat and then came the really stupid task of loosening a board with a fang and shoe, which told me this game will not make the grade. It was just nothing but silly things to find and utilize in ridiculous ways. I'm supposed to be investigating a murder case, not running around on a scavenger hunt.
I hated the first game of replacing items into a scene, I was totally stymied but for 2 items, the graphics were so blurred and poorly colored. I switched to the Match 3 but it was so loud and clunky. Not fun! The HOPS were quite unappealing, drab colors, uninteresting. I couldn't recognize some of the objects. The couple of mini-games in the demo were very simple, not bad. I liked creating a description of a woman, entering the info into a computer. It was something a bit different for a change. The collectibles are the same format as usual, the notes are the ones that I just can't stand!
I wish devs would let those creative juices flow and entertain us like in the very good old days. There doesn't seem to be a spark of imagination or enthusiasm anywhere anymore. I would love to see maybe a new genre or give us more sci-fi stories, step out of that box we keep talking about. What about a sci-fi story about a shape-shifting alien? There has to be more than fairytales, demons, crazed doctors, haunted houses. An occasional adventure game would be nice.
Anyway, I'm sorry to be parting ways with Domini. Their games used to be such top quality. I don't buy them anymore, the great devs are few and far between these days. I hope they get out of that lazy rut that quickly absorbed many of them. I look to BFG for so much of my entertainment since I've become disabled and hate to see things consistently going downhill. Domini will always have their die-hard fans and I hope they love this new investigation with the twins. Maybe it gets better after the demo and it will be fun for all. For me, too much of the same old stuff just turned me off.
Master magical knowledge with your young witch friend!
Overall rating
1
/
5
25 of 34 found this review helpful
What Have We Here?
PostedJune 1, 2022
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Another 8 Floor solitaire game. How exciting (NOT)! It's just like Sweet Solitaire from 2021. All they did was slap a "2" on the title and throw in a new make-believe story, and there you go! Another boring card game that feels like it came out of a time capsule. Nothing has changed and, of course, cookie-cutter is written all over it. Just a waste of time and $$.
8 Floor just doesn't get it or if they do they simply do not care! First of all It makes no sense to have a story that doesn't really exist!! The very sparse shop offers zip, 3 basic bonuses and pricey at that. And the biggest issue, always, the Gold Cards! It should be quite obvious by now that they are very UNPOPULAR. 99.5% of solitaire players want to clear the board all by themselves. We don't want or need help from the dev. The whole purpose of the game is to remove all the cards, even if it means multiple replays. There is no victory or gratification at the end if the game is manipulated in your favor. This game started out with 10 in the first level, 7 in the second, trying to prolong the level is aggravating. Eventually you have to give in to the Gold Cards. In the beginning you can succeed but as you progress it becomes impossible!
Why this dev is so reluctant to make changes that will only enhance the game and greatly increase the star rating, is the mystery here. They've been with BFG for years and always read (or do they?) the unfavorable reviews. Their puzzles and solitaire games are dreadful, yet they keep cranking them out. Sure, there's a smattering of players who love the simple, no thought required, no-effort type games. But why ignore the mass of gamers whom you could gain by just making a few changes?
Although the graphics in School Witch look out-dated, they are sharp and color is okay, a little dark. The card backs are very colorful. I love a variety of colors and art on the cards because it's just nice to have something pretty to look at while I'm playing. The fronts are pretty basic but that's to be expected with most solitaire games. I experienced no tech issues in the demo, but a couple of times more than one card flipped over and I couldn't go back to correct that, so I just started over. We still have the Newbie and Pro Modes. The music is never important unless it is nerve-grating, usually isn't a problem in these solitaire games.
I play every demo just in case something different has been added. I guess I should just give it up! Seems nothing will ever change. I feel so grinchy every time I submit a one-star review but also feel that unsuspecting gamers should be aware of what they are getting, should they purchase any games from this dev. I'm sure there are fans of the Gold Cards, as well, because some of us love the simplicity and relaxing gameplay. We all have different tastes.
I don't recommend this game.
Complete incredible works of art to create a colorful world of masterpieces!
Overall rating
4
/
5
29 of 41 found this review helpful
Missing Some Of The Pizzazz
PostedMay 31, 2022
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I loved the adorable vintage piece with the cats in the kitchen and the 3 elaborate pieces shown with the synopsis. Other than those, I didn't care for many of the pics in this collection. Number 13 proved to be unlucky for me. I was really anxious for a new Art By Numbers but will just have to wait for another.
It may not matter to many, but I was unhappy at finding so many pics without a full background. A single object, no matter how full of patterns and designs and colors just isn't satisfying to me. Also, why is it necessary to put borders around any of the images? Just fill in the entire area, the effect is much more appealing. Does it cost more or is it too time consuming to give us a complete picture?
Some of the images were quite unattractive or silly looking, i.e. the lantern fish, the chimp, the Indian chief. Some uninteresting, such as the man and woman, the pics with a mish-mash of items in them and the very juvenile pics. And our robot is still hanging around! The ones that were appealing were really gorgeous and fun to paint. I'm always amazed at the beauty that emerges from all those intricate pieces in the more complex images. Very rewarding!
I don't like having to use the Hint to complete my projects, as often as I do. Those teeny-tiny areas get me every time! They don't seem to be as abundant this time but they still pose a problem. The wonderful Zoom feature is a great help but I end up using the Hint in addition lots of times. Adjusting the shade of grey for the background is helpful too, but a variety of colors for this would be much better. I like the color "wheel" that is featured in a couple of the other paint games. Just makes the areas in the images so much easier to see, especially in the very busy ones.
It's so great that we don't have to complete the first level before gaining access to the others. I love being able to browse through the entire collection and choosing what I want. Also, I know exactly what I'm getting, should I decide to purchase. It makes such a big difference to eliminate that element of secrecy. Another thing I appreciate is the counter which shows us how many areas there are and how many are remaining of the color we are using.
The color palette is awesome, every color has oodles of shades and tones that enhance even the simplest images. They all look stunning with their beautiful, bright colors. This is my biggest attraction to Art By Numbers. The other paint games pale in comparison. I do think the images are usually top quality but lately there just aren't as many great ones. I see more of the smaller images and more of the juvenile type which I don't enjoy very much. It doesn't sway me from purchasing, but I leave a number of pics untouched because they don't interest me. Not getting my $$ worth.
Art By Numbers is a wonderful paint game. It has provided me with endless hours of relaxing enjoyment. When you consider the Free Paint Feature and the replay option, it really is a worthwhile purchase. I wish there were more than 72 images. They are all crazy busy with all the swirls, dots, patterns and for the most part I am pleased with the variety. But still, I would like to see more realistic images included and more animals, people, nature, sealife. It seems, to me, that a lot of the more childish or "why this silly thing?" type of art is creeping in.
We all have different tastes in art, I think this dev is super and Art By Numbers will appeal to just about everyone. The subject matter could use a make-over and having a variety of background colors would be nice. But overall this is a stellar game that I favor above all others. However, I felt 3.5 stars would have been more accurate, due to so many images (50) lacking full background. Try the demo for a fun, artsy 60 minutes!
I recommend this game!
A breathtaking voyage through dreams, reality, and places in between!
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 39 found this review helpful
Just Marvelous!
PostedMay 29, 2022
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I enjoyed this game so much, what a refreshing and much needed change! My choice was the CE for the Bonus Chapter and it was like no other because there was no additional story, just HOPs and puzzles. This was one of the few times I have been genuinely entertained by a game and I own hundreds of them.
It is truly amazing what thinking outside that box can do for a game, the player and the success of the developer. It shouldn't be that hard for artistic minds to use their imaginations and talents to create a wonderful, fun place where we can escape reality for a while. Yet we find ourselves, more often than not, sorely disappointed in the games that come our way. I think most developers are very lazy these days! Tearstone is oozing with creativity and includes an unexpected splash of humor here and there to add to the enjoyment.
The graphics are really beautiful, artwork is very special and lots of detail was put into the characters. This extra attention to the visuals makes a remarkable difference to the entire feel of the game. The HOPs and puzzles are not the typical easy wham-bam, you're done style! They are impressive and require time and thought. No hand holding, nor in any other part of the game either. Although the challenge is excellent it is not crazy difficult, just think and you will be rewarded! It took me much longer than a few hours to complete but that was mostly because of the puzzles. The challenge throughout the game is what made it outstanding for me. The feeling of accomplishment as I progressed and completed the game was worth every minute.
The collectibles are great. They are larger that what you are accustomed to and in spite of their size, they weren't easy to find. Hinding right under my nose! I loved it! I had the most trouble spotting the cards and they are important because they open up an extra game. Can't go back later to collect it. There's one card in each of the seven chapters. The collectibles include 11 Morphs, 32 Symbols of Luck and 7 Cards of Destiny. Of the dozen Achievements, I was able to earn all but 3 of them.
There are the usual 4 game modes from which to choose and I think the custom version will be popular in this game. I feel all levels can enjoy but beginners might struggle a little at first. But I would suggest not to give up right away. It's a terrific game! If you are burned out on the endless supply of cookie-cutter games that BF spews out day after day. If you want a challenge instead of everything easy-breezy. If you want a story that doesn't involve demons, paranormal detectives, fairies or psycho killers, check out Tearstone. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Play the entire demo, just a few minutes isn't enough. I think it a shame to miss out on a quality game because of not giving it a fair chance. But I do understand that many gamers just want games that are no-brainers because they are looking for instant gratification and easy relaxation. We all have different tastes.
I'm always searching my old games for something I may have forgotten about over the years. This has kept me happily entertained in the midst of our shortage of quality games. I'm amazed at the difference between then and now! I played an oldie recently that you might want to try, "Blood Shelter". There are so many awesome games that are just waiting to be appreciated once again!
I recommend this game!
Time is running out when a killer targets a fellow detective!
Overall rating
3
/
5
34 of 44 found this review helpful
Justice For Malcolm's Friend? Absolutely!
PostedMay 26, 2022
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Up and out of the elevator is a far as I got in the demo. The entire trial was used up on fix-its and find-its. Trying to find the killer of Malcolm's friend will be slow and tedious. Clues were left behind. Where will they lead? I think I'd make better progress without so many repair jobs getting in the way!
The theme of the story is interesting and Malcolm is intent on finding the culprit. I'm hoping that the story stays on track and doesn't veer off into a different direction. It often happens and then it makes no sense, to me, to even continue. This may be a pretty decent whodunit but there wasn't any action in the demo, to get a feel for the game at all. I just really hate all those tasks that prevent me from advancing into the story more quickly. But I guess some things will never change.
I didn't care for the graphics, artwork just okay. Rather drab looking, dull colors and lack of sharpness made the scenes kind of dark and hazy (?) to my eye. I thought it was especially so, in the HOPs. None of the locations were of particular interest.
I enjoyed the HOPs, they were nothing new really. I liked the find and replace scenes. However, all the HOPs were very easy. The games were more challenging, I liked the one where I had to avoid bumping into another character on the board. The collectibles were cards and puzzle pieces. I thought there was another, a pastry, but it just popped up unexpectedly so I'm not sure about that one. The items were kind of hard to spot because the cards were pretty small and the puzzle pieces were dark, hidden in darkened areas. There was the helpful indicator that kept count of the collectibles for you.
The map was okay, not much to it. Used it a couple of times. It showed if the scenes contained a puzzle piece. That was good, because I did miss a couple of pieces. The characters were just so-so. Malcolm was a bit odd and his voice was very monotone, he had no expression in his voice or his facial features. Dana's voice was better but only got a quick glimpse of her once. The doctor, like Malcolm, just sort stared blankly as he spoke. I wish I had been able to experience more of the game. It's hard to write a decent review with such limited access.
I love whodunits and mysteries without monsters and crazed creatures. Modern settings with people instead of demons are a refreshing change. I hope this turns out to be a good detective adventure. It's been a long time since purchasing one, so I'm anxious for a new addition to my collection.
I recommend this game!
Experience the mesmerizing work of Edgar Allen Poe through solitaire!
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
Another "Gold Star" Package From 8 Floor
PostedMay 25, 2022
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Why put mystery in the title if there is no story included in the game? Plus I found no Black Raven 2, not that it really matters to me but it might to someone who likes to collect series. The card backs are not attractive because the artwork is very dark. The card faces are easier to see and art is very simple.
The cards are quite small and naturally the game still features those gold cards that just ruin the fun, IMO. I want to clear the entire board myself, that is my goal, even if I have to replay a level many times. There is no fun or satisfaction in victory if the gold cards finish the level for me with a perfect score. Some players really like this feature but I think it spoils the challenge. The score means nothing if I don't earn it. In the demo, I was left with 7 cards in one level and 4 in another, yet it was a perfect score. One of the levels contained over 8 gold cards, making it impossible to work around them for very long, trying to clear the board. There are 2 game modes. The Pro Mode unlocks only after completing the first Pack in Newbie Mode. All levels can be replayed. Any of them can be played again in Newbie, but in Pro Mode only the entire pack can be replayed.
The Shop offers only Joker, Shuffle and Mulligan, and they are expensive. As the game progresses it will surely require a few purchases to help out. Too bad there isn't a larger selection and lower prices.
I always play the demos for solitaire no matter who the dev is or what the reviews say. I love the game because it involves strategy and though most are similar I'm always looking for the ones with fun obstacles, great challenge, beautiful artwork, rebuilding. Once again 8 Floor fails to deliver, I was hoping to find that the Gold Cards disappeared at least. I quit purchasing 8 Floor games long, long ago because they never address any changes/improvements. Hopefully, some day they will surprise us all with something that deserves more than 1 or 2 stars!
I don't recommend this game.
A new set of mystical puzzles awaits in 1001 Jigsaw: Legends of Mystery 3!
Overall rating
1
/
5
27 of 32 found this review helpful
A Collection Of "Nothing"!
PostedMay 24, 2022
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
500 of the most unappealing, uninteresting, ridiculous, drab puzzles, the worst ever! I was amazed at the poor quality photography and horrible selection of subject matter. This collection makes the others from this dev look pretty good and that's saying a lot. How do they manage to keep BFG accepting their product?? That is the great mystery here!
To me there is a dire need for a professional photographer and someone who knows how to compile attractive subject matter. This collection is awful. Lots of people in ridiculous poses and make-up. Very drab, uninteresting settings, ugly backgrounds. Lots of pumpkins, skeletons and skulls and much more of the same. I cannot stand the laughable models in these puzzles and the staged settings are just plain bad. There is nothing appealing about this collection. In this instance it is good that the completed puzzle instantly disappears and that there are only 500 instead of 1000. We have many great puzzle games at BF. We don't have to settle for this!
There are pics of people in big sunglasses, a woman's neck in a scarf, dog noses, scads of skeletal images, darkened landscapes and buildings, pumpkin slices, just to mention a few of the poor selections. I just don't understand why this dev hasn't "smelled the coffee" by now. They seem to have their head in the clouds, thinking that all is great and see no need for better quality and appealing subject matter, fun features, and options to make puzzle assembly less of a hassle with assortment and placement of the pieces.
Gripe, gripe, gripe! I know I do a lot of it but it just irritates me that they want our $$ but can't offer a decent product to justify the price. I also know that many people probably love this dev and their puzzles and other games, and enjoy them a great deal. Hopefully today's game will be a wonderful addition to their collection. I keep checking the demos but nothing ever changes to inspire a positive opinion. Being a puzzle nut I work one or two every day and I'm always looking for more. I do convert wallpapers to jigsaws which has become a fun hobby and offers fantastic variety. But I guess I just expect BFG to bring us better quality and devs who really care or know what they're doing!