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:
Uncover the secrets of everyone invited to the luxury event!
Overall rating
3
/
5
I Would Not Call This An Adventure!
PostedJanuary 30, 2024
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
It's a HOG with a storyline in title only. There is no adventure to this game, but if you love HOGs this is sure to please with a decent variety of hidden object lists and fun mini-games. I never buy these games because I prefer HOPAs but like trying the demos and found this pretty much okay.
Graphic design, colors are really good. The few demo characters are nicely rendered but I prefer them animated, as movement brings more interest to their presence, imo. The voices were good as well. Words were misspelled such as stake instead of steak. Some inaccurate descriptions - a salt cellar is different than a salt shaker, a cookie jar is not a pile of cookies sitting in the open.
The levels went quickly, I finished 24 in the demo. I didn't bother looking for collectibles but accidentally hit on a few. The variety of list finds was good enough to keep the searches interesting and I especially enjoyed the scrambled words list. Some objects looked nothing like I expected them to, others were hard to see in the dark areas. Some items made no sense in regards to use and placement in a scene. One list that combined 2 objects to make a new one left me scratching my head a couple of times. So all that created a pretty good challenge in every level.
A great big star was awarded for each level passed and held no significance to me other than growing a collection of them. They were too easy to earn so no sense of real accomplishment. I fail to see why a story is necessary for these games. No matter how exciting it sounds or how much the synopsis fluffs it up, it's just a title that holds no importance to the gameplay. I played the demo to the end and found no glitches. The entire trial was actually fun rather than boring which is not a common occurrence for me with this type of game, especially coming from Domini.
There is no adventure, no action, no character activity other than voice-overs. Why lead players into thinking they will have a fun adventure ahead of them when that simply isn't the case? It's an elaborate HOG and a good quality one at that and requires no need, imo, to disguise it as something it really is not.
I recommend this game!
Explore the majesty of soaring castles, jaw-dropping palaces, and fabulous fountains in this massive collection of jigsaws!
Overall rating
2
/
5
BF Now Keeps Us Well Stocked With Beautiful Puzzles
PostedJanuary 29, 2024
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
So I don't have to settle for less, such as these, which are as mundane as the ones in the Number 2 edition released last year. I'm always bewildered as to why this dev continues to ignore the low-star reviews, put out such unappealing puzzles, don't even change the title from 1001 to 500 puzzles, and never add any useful features to enhance the game.
They turn a blind eye to the things that need improvement. I quit buying from this dev years ago, not just the puzzles, because of their lack of interest in providing good quality entertainment. They used to bring us gorgeous puzzle collections, that I bought, and still love today.
So what happened to the beautiful images, the subject variety?? Now it's 500 puzzles, which is still a lot for the price, but imo they have fallen to dollar store quality that I'd hesitate to spend that dollar on. Sorry devs, just my honest opinion. Your puzzles used to be so great, I'd love to love you once again!
Get ready for a big break with this large and bright game that includes multiple levels of complexity!
Overall rating
2
/
5
Looked Amazing. Playing Was Not.
PostedJanuary 29, 2024
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Maybe I'm dumb as a rock! Maybe I'm too old for this kind of game! Maybe the concept just isn't sinking into my thought processes! In any case I just don't get it! The demo made me wonder how a game can yield so little fun when it is so amazing, visually.
I was overwhelmed by all the power-ups in the too-sparse instructions, not enough there to call it a real tutorial. Too many "helpers" to remember all their uses and once earned (by chance) I had trouble figuring out where and how to best utilize them. Oh well, it all made no sense to me, which is good I guess because it's saving me $$. Can't complain about that!
I expected more judging by the game's appearance. I'll bet this will be a hit with many gamers because it's so different, colorful, heavily strategy-based and has so many levels. The graphic design and colors are beautiful and it may be super fun if you like challenging popping games. Other than clearing all the balls I saw, for me, nothing to make it a worthwhile experience.
I would suggest to definitely try the demo on this one.
Lose yourself in the snowy serenity of Winterscapes Solitaire!
Overall rating
4
/
5
It's A Winner But Do I NEED A New Jewel Match?
PostedJanuary 27, 2024
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I'm still playing my previous purchases. Every solitaire in the series comes with the usual format, features, a variety of card art and a shop with do-able prices. There are a few changes this time that make it visually a bit more appealing in some areas but overall it is the same game.
This time I love the additional gem colors and my favorite is pink, followed by red. I played Normal and Relaxed in the demo and the slight difference didn't change the gameplay much so I stayed with Normal. I tried the challenge levels and variants as they popped up but found the challenges too time-consuming for the demo. Had to leave them unfinished to make progress in the regular game and was able to complete 23 levels.
The standard obstacles were present, shop purchases were not super costly and I easily afforded my favorite go-to helpers. The new building-scenes are usually my main reason for purchasing these games, always so elaborate and beautiful. However, I didn't find that beauty in this demo project. The snow covered location was so plain, items were quite small except for the significant structure additions.
Little things are going on in the background, a bit distracting, although colorful and did add something different to catch our eye. I think more are available as the game progresses, don't know if they can be eliminated, I would have done so. I did not like the swirly things zooming around the screen when cards were removed from the playing field. Annoying and unnecessary, imo. Also too many of same cards face up at one time, such as 5 Kings, 4 Jacks, etc which gets frustrating when it happens in too many consecutive hands.
Jewel Match Solitaire is always fun to a certain point. When the levels start presenting layouts that require multiple replays to get my gems and 3 stars, that's when I want to call it quits. My patience is shorter, as I age, and relaxing gameplay is what attracts me to solitaire in the first place. I'm considering buying, hoping that Winter's lack of color doesn't dominate all the locations.
Not having a discount for new games is a drawback, meaning I'll probably lose interest in the game before it is available on sale. Loaded with all the extras solitaire enthusiasts look forward to, Jewel Match once again delivers an outstanding CE. A well-put-together solitaire that can't be beat for beauty and fun that never seems to end with all the bonus levels and special challenge games.
I recommend this game!
Who says the impending tsunami isn't a case for a detective?
Overall rating
2
/
5
Drowning In A Sea Of Tasks
PostedJanuary 25, 2024
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
What does Guillermo do other than stand around, hands in pockets, looking ridiculous? Surely a better character than this could have been rendered. I can't see this character adding anything interesting to the story.
The ENTIRE demo was just a multitude of tasks, interrupted by a couple of games/HOPs. It was horribly boring and unrewarding in regards to story progress. The games lacked clear instructions but that's nothing new. The HOPs were boring, the scenes were dark with few distinct shapes or clear design to help recognize the objects.
Graphics, imo, were not as wonderful as usual in Domini games. Art style was fine but not consistent from scene to scene at least to my eye. Lots of dark areas. However, the siren's face in the opening graphics was absolutely stunning. I've never seen such beauty in a character before, in any game! Hopefully the game has more gorgeous or unique characters waiting to be discovered, since it involves the always mystifying sea.
None of the collectible items were recognizable most times. They were too little, except for some of the brushes and, of course, the dark areas didn't help any. The collectibles I found were accidental, even the notes. The stars earned for correct answers are insignificant because the right answers are so obvious. Earning them couldn't be easier. The + Items aren't as much fun anymore. For me it was better when I could put everything together myself and please let me figure out code combinations on my own. Games are becoming too easy and dumbed down!
Nothing in the demo gave even a glimmer of the adventure mentioned in the synopsis or Guillermo's dialogue. The table of contents for the story is blank unless I consider endless tasks an acceptible substitute for entertainment. Which I definitely do not! It's another Domini game that I am unwilling to take a chance on because the demo was uninspiring. A demo needs more of the adventure and at least a brief glimpse of a couple of characters to convince me it is worth purchasing. I don't believe that is too much to ask!
I love stories about the ocean and its unique creatures and the underwater beauty. For others who are brave enough to dive in and trust Domini to provide a great adventure, I hope the tasks don't wear you down and the story isn't disappointing.
I don't recommend this game.
Complete incredible works of art and become an artist!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Good Timing! I Need A New Coloring Game.
PostedJanuary 24, 2024
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
25 of the 72 images are full size. The smaller pics except for two are all nice, imo, making me not mind so much that they are too quick to finish. It's good that we can browse through the levels and choose where we want to start, without first completing Level One. A look at everything certainly helps with our purchase decision.
As always the color palette is amazing. Such a beautiful array of every shade, tone, hue imaginable. The subject matter here is a good mix of interesting, cute, elaborate, simple and there's an oddball image too. I greatly disliked that one and it will remain uncolored. The man's face is just out of place amongst the beauty. And thankfully, for me, there are only a couple of food pics.
I love how easily the few features work including the 2 counters above the palette. I will never be a fan of the too-tiny areas to color in but the reward for my efforts is worth the time it takes, imo, when the image is finally completed. The Free Coloring feature makes Art By Numbers a great replay value. It's always fun to let our imaginations loose with our own crazy color choices.
I've not purchased all in this series due to dislikes of image sizes and subject variety. Today's Number 19 will be a treat because it is mostly appealing with the exception of just a couple of images. I only wish the completed piece, in large form, wasn't so quickly whisked away. Would love to enjoy my "masterpiece" for as long as I want. Also, a new-game discount would be very appreciated!
I recommend this game!
What if Cinderella’s family wasn’t so evil after all?
Overall rating
3
/
5
I Love Cursed Fables and I Love Elephant Games
PostedJanuary 18, 2024
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
but I am growing sick of Cinderella twisty tales everywhere. There are plenty of other fairytale characters that surely would provide a good story. My demo was uneventful and didn't inspire me to purchase. If the entire game follows suit it will be very disappointing.
I did like the HOPs and puzzles which relieved the boredom of the demo. Medium challenge, I had a fun variety. One puzzle was tedious due to multiple steps. Skipping that puzzle was a project in itself! The HOP scenes weren't buried in darkness like so many other games lately, so that was much appreciated.
The graphics showed off elaborate locations and pretty colors but they were not nice and sharp. Looked rather foggy or blurred to me. All was mostly quiet in character presence and story progress because it was all about the tasks - endless tasks! Irritating as items weren't used how and where expected. Some logic would really be great in place of the absurd. Little made sense to me. A spray of perfume to loosen a wall brick? That's a new one and stupid!
Most of the tasks were nonsense and limited my movement to a small area of the palace. My demo allowed just a mere glimpse of magic and mystery. The story, being saved for later is, imo, never a good idea. I want to see more of it, otherwise it is hard for me to plunk down the $$ for the game.
And on any game the synopsis description is all a bunch of exaggerated baloney. Will be waiting to read more reviews on this one. Elephant Games usually gives us really good entertainment but devs do these Cinderella stories so often. Are there even any new twists left? Also this CE doesn't have a lot to offer so that waiting for the SE would suit me just fine.
I think many will be pleased with the game because it is a Cursed Fables tale and Cinderella is usually a hit no matter how the storyline plays out.
I recommend this game!
Explore the enchanting world of Paris and start crafting your pixelated masterpiece today!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Paris Should Be Pretty, Not Cutesy
PostedJanuary 17, 2024
HeavenBound7729
fromOcala, Florida
Skill Level:Expert
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This new addition to the series contains the same everything as the previous 6 versions including, except for a few, very simple juvenile art style. I used the demo to check out the colors and tools.
Colors were again so-so and the handy tools worked with no problems. Zoom and Sewing Machine are essential in these Needlework games!! The images must be blown up to supersize to see the numbered cells and it creates the need to move around a lot to get to the various areas to fill in. There are thousands of cells in each image, thus greatly stretching time consumption. So this means a worthwhile purchase for those who want MANY hours for their $$.
For me the extreme closeups necessary when "stitching" is a negative. I like to see the image while I'm working on it and see the progress I'm making without constantly zooming in and out. Also, a smaller area for the spools and tools would be nice, allowing for more work space.
I prefer adult art style and subject matter and a more appealing color palette. But I think this is definitely a cute, different kind of coloring game that will appeal to those who love the simplicity and want the extensive time-involved projects.
I recommend this game!
Unleash your creativity with Jigsaw Puzzle Lovers 2!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Revills Games Does A Remarkable Job With Their Puzzles!
PostedJanuary 15, 2024
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
I enjoyed 3 small sized puzzles in my demo and was not disappointed. I own the first edition and wanted to compare. The music is very soothing, perfect accompaniment to working puzzles. Imo this is a superior puzzle series that hopefully will be with us for a long time.
There is so much included in this package from Revills Games, I think any puzzle lover will be delighted. They make working puzzles sheer enjoyment. All the features and options chosen for "Jigsaw Puzzle Lovers" are ideal for making assembly smooth, relaxing and fun.
I am crazy about the 28 background choices. I always love surrounding my puzzles with color and design. It's like putting a pretty frame around a wall-hanging to make it stand out more. It's so very nice to not be stuck with just one bland background for everything.
The categories are pretty good with a nice selection of images. However, I always wish the animal category in puzzle games would have more outstanding images, more color. Include a better selection of sealife and wildlife, fewer of the big cats. Add reptiles, amphibians, birds.
My favorite categories here were Sculptures, Animals and Misc. Flowers and Crafts were very colorful but not enough variety, at least for me. I am never interested in food so that's always a no-go. But overall, this collection is great because it offers interesting and busy images that keep you from becoming bored. And the variety of piece shapes and puzzle sizes add more to the enjoyment.
This is a definite purchase for me when the New Release sales rule expires. I am so displeased with Big Fish for putting this restriction on new games!
I recommend this game!
Experience the ultimate clutter puzzle collection!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Too Much Of A Good Thing!
PostedJanuary 14, 2024
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
But easily earns 5 stars and then some! I love Joe's games and own several but this one didn't work for me, looking at so much game just kind of stressed me out. Sounds silly, right? It's a great CE value, definitely, and I love the very sharp and colorful graphics. However there is just too much going on for me.
Too many....instructions, icons to click on for features/options, too many objects on SHORT timer. The clutter scenes were dizzying. I wanted to by-pass the sliders/pic puzzles and clutter, and go to the Box Quotes first, which are my favorites. But couldn't figure out how to get there. I was stuck in the clutter and finally relieved by a Spot the Difference. For me, it all felt uncomfy. I was frustrated.
The demo was brimming with just what you'd expect but lots more of it. I did enjoy parts of it. The timer spoiled some of the clutter fun, don't know if it could be turned off.
Everyone who loves Joe's brilliant creations will surely be over the moon with this latest puzzle collection. For me it wasn't so grand and my non-perfect vision didn't help any.
I recommend this game!