Joybelle_2's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:7,892
- Reviews Submitted:176
- First Review:October 23, 2019
- Most Recent Review:October 30, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Play fun Match 3 levels and solve incredible puzzles to uncover the culprit behind a deadly threat!
Overall rating
5
/
5
56 of 68 found this review helpful
And suddenly my demo was up..I was so engrossed!
PostedNovember 11, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You know a game is good when the 'end of demo' shocks you back to reality. I was so busy and concentrating on this game I forgot I was only doing the demo!
Its got the lot. A very mixed variety of hidden object, M3, a sort of marble popper where you cant reach the top...so have to keep popping, a switch the tiles and even memory for reward test. And the main objective..'a mystery to solve'. And that's just in the demo! So keep your observation skills on hand. You are sometimes asked questions about past scenes and are rewarded if you answer correctly.
Its all very colourful, and there are skip dialogue tabs..but I read every bit in order to get the feel of the characters, and sometimes it is quite humorous. There were some parts it took me a while to get the 'hang of' how to proceed, but you get the opportunity to reset and repeat levels if you want all the rewards and stars. Catching on to 'best gameplay' was my brain not a fault in the game. I also turned off the sound to read the dialogue as the 'typing' noise was annoying, its a tiny tab on the dialogue window..(not the main sound).. but that's all I could find wrong..and there was an antidote.
So all in all..a fabulous SE jam packed with variety and intrigue! Quite unusual in its presentation compared to other M3 games..but then its much more of course. Try the demo and..Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you save Camelot from an evil spell book in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 37 found this review helpful
So many games and still a total winner again. Well done!
PostedNovember 7, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I dont think I have ever given less than a 'love it' rating to this series, and even with so many games under their belt this developer continues to delight, surprise and mix it up so each game is like a new experience on a journey with old friends.
The gang is all here..John, fighting off foe, this time with a 'hot sword' obtained from an anvil. Mary is casting her spells when you collect her enought mana, and Max the dog is here getting rid of nasty plants and this time 'sniffing' stones to get rid of them. The gremlin helper is here too..but this time he has a laboratory to make various items needed.
This one is a little more 'fairy tale' than some of the others, with book monsters, toothy plants, and mirror shards to collect. You will travel around in 'The flying Dutchman' from place to place, and it is also the minigame you will play steering it through the clouds collecting feathers. Its all beautifully animated, colourful and cute. But your need for strategy hasn't changed. There are also the familiar, gold piles to mine, trees to chop, houses and buildings to complete and staff with your workers.
I just love this one. It has everything you want in a quality TM. There are three modes, expert, normal and relax. There are achievements, wallpapers, bio's of the characters, and a strategy guide that shows the 'puzzle pieces' circled on it. It is accessable from the ? on each level. If you mouse over your map it shows which levels have peices and if you have collected them. The guide also gives tips on 'best' gameplay.
I counted 45 regular levels, ten bonus levels and 15 CE levels marked on the guide. So its good CE value as well.
I counted 45 regular levels, ten bonus levels and 15 CE levels marked on the guide. So its good CE value as well.
Just a delight in my book, but try the demo, I dont think it will disappoint even if you have played this TM through the years and done many. Well done dev's! Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
In this point and click adventure, solve challenging puzzles, meet eccentric characters and discover an epic Norse legend!
Overall rating
3
/
5
19 of 30 found this review helpful
So on the fence with this one. Not bad, not great.
PostedNovember 3, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I am not very good at point and click adventure games and often find them quite difficult. And I often also find I am not actually having fun lol. This one left me there.
If you love the genre you may appreciate it more than me, or even if you are better player at them than me. I found once I saw a walkthrough and got the hang of the gameplay it was fairly easy to move along. (the space bar shows the interactive areas). But as with quite a few of these type of games, the graphics are really lackluster and you don't get any visual enjoyment. You have to simply like the challenge and the puzzles.
I found the game offered quite a few options to pass the dialogue quickly, but I didn't see a skip or hint on the puzzles. That's a no no for me. All in all..by the time my demo was up, after having stretched my brain cells sufficiently, (doing silly things like looking for somewhere to empty a bottle out...but all I had to do was get Tall to drink it! Duh!)..I decided this is not for me. But it is not a 'bad' game either. Personal taste will decide it for you. It is quite clever for much of the time although a bit old school.
Can't recommend or not. Nothing wrong with the challenge of the game, its just whether you can get past the dull graphics and the dialogue. Try the demo and see how you go. Cheers.
Can't recommend or not. Nothing wrong with the challenge of the game, its just whether you can get past the dull graphics and the dialogue. Try the demo and see how you go. Cheers.
A fantasy adventure through a kingdom in chaos!
Overall rating
2
/
5
75 of 87 found this review helpful
Please no more clones, boring tasks and waiting for resources!
PostedOctober 31, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Straight off the bat..I have had more than enough of this developer just churning out same games like a burger joint. Same sounds, same clock countdown, same tasks over and over not only in this series..but all the TM's they produce.
Even if you haven't played one of these style of games before or the title before, you will still find the graphics basic and flat, and you will be sitting around waiting for recourses often, only to find that the time is gone!
There is a strategy guide, both visual and written, and that's good because there is only one way to do a level, and you start out so slowly..then very quickly the timer becomes quite tough. There are achievements, and you can access the guide from the pause button on any level, and you can also skip the tutorial and turn it on and off...but..you cant skip the tedious dialogue! If you repeat a level you will have to clickety clack through it again.
Its the usual build upgrade, repair bridges and collect resources games this developer has been pumping out for many years in all their games, and the tasks are just done over and over again with no novelty at all, other than perhaps the markets to trade at.
Always try the demo..but to be honest I was glad when the demo was over. It was like being set free lol. I couldn't find any 'fun factor' in this game, or visual delight of any sort. So it's a 'no buy' from me!
I don't recommend this game.
A young artist must save the day in ancient Greece!
Overall rating
5
/
5
67 of 79 found this review helpful
Challenge is good in this one. One sweet new feature.
PostedOctober 24, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well it's an old fave as far as gather resource games go. I did find the level of challenge was ramped up quite quickly in this one, but that's just how I like it. There are underground vaults to visit, buildings to upgrade, heroes to free so they can help and plenty of the action we are used to. You can play in relaxed, timed and expert, but the good thing is you can toggle between them without losing game progress.
The new feature, (and it seems the only one) is Emma the painter who can paint a needed resource if she can be freed to reach her canvas. It did seem that fairly quickly that became the task, just reaching it rather than the painting she did. There are the usual puzzle pieces (general vicinity marked with a flag) but you will have to remove pieces of the interactive scenery (sheep, bushes etc) to find them most times. (this is a cute feature). You can just go back and get them and leave then and they will show on the map if you miss one.
Your choices are good in the options, disable screen shaking, use system cursor and not to show tutorial. (this is a good choice as it is just blue arrows and you can turn it back at anytime on the screen you are playing, and another click will stop them).
I was also a bit disconcerted that it knew who I was without asking me to put in my profile name although I have no other downloads still on my hard drive. Hmmm. But all in all it is a great game with the now familiar speed and resource buttons scattered about and a need to apply strategy for sure. I dont think the game offers much extra as a CE..just wallpapers, and just arrows as the strategy guide, but I just never can wait to get hold of a quality TM. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Are you fond of magic potions and haunting creatures? Well, join in this unforgettable match 3 journey to the roots of magic!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 26 found this review helpful
Great little game. But I wished for more.
PostedOctober 21, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This developer makes great M3 games, and this, just as the others are in the series, is a sweet and enjoyable game to play. The tiles are big and bright, the gameplay is smooth, the sounds are pleasant and I really cannot fault the actual boards at all.
There are many choices on how you play, casual, relaxed, lots of bonuses or less and you can toggle at anytime without having to start a new profile. Your bonuses come thick and fast for large matches, and on the easy settings just appear from the fall of the tiles. In fact in the timed/casual (with lots of bonuses mode)..it would be pretty hard to lose a level. That's where its great to have such choices to swap around if it gets mundane. You can also skip the dialogue.
So where's the problem? Absolutely not a single one with the main game. I just really disliked the scene that you build by buying spooky artifacts! The graphics may seem sophisticated by zooming in and out and around, kind of 3d..but they are really primitive and clunky as art work..no finesse.. I found I wanted to get back to the boards rather than stay and admire my build. It was almost hard on the eyes.
I also was hoping I may have to incorporate things or do something snazzy to make the 'potions' with such a title..but no. You just play and they make themselves in the cauldron. I think I also would have liked a bit of break sometimes with perhaps the odd mini game thrown in to cap off what is really in essence,a great game.
I bought it. I love the gameplay, the tiles, and playing each level. The rest I felt was lazy and could have been improved without much effort. Still absolutely worth the SE price. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Bake up a storm on an epic cooking adventure that spans the world of food!
Overall rating
3
/
5
25 of 29 found this review helpful
Depends on what you play on if you like it or not I guess?
PostedOctober 17, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I did not want to drag this game down by giving low stars, but I did want to warn that just like the last few games from this developer you may have trouble with the visuals if you play on a 32 bit computer.
I could play the game, I could see the menu's and the mechanics worked...but I could not see the customers LOL! ( I actually got 3 stars on the first level!)
Always check the demo to see if it plays for you as it is a fairly new phenomenon with only this particular developer who has probably upgraded their visual card recently, and only suits 64 bit and newer devices.
Enjoy this relaxing and unique match 3 game while the Genie whisks you away through this fun and exciting journey.
Overall rating
3
/
5
61 of 67 found this review helpful
This game beat me at its own game..too hard for me in timed!
PostedOctober 14, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I highly suspect this is a free to play adaption and i actually dont mind the game at all. It plays smoothly, there are achievements, treasure to buy, upgrades to purchase and of course the proverbial 'spin for gold' wheel
I was going to buy the game as there is a good sale on today, but it basically broke my heart lol! The timer is just so tough with only a choice of timed or relaxed (no easy), and after level 7 onward I was just repeating over and over but still most times only getting two stars (easily done)..until I actually found myself feelling stressed. I play games to have fun not feel hopeless. I dont play in relaxed as part of my enjoyment is the clock beating challenge with match 3's.
It is very easy to score an explosion on all levels, but it was the amount of a particular resource that often held me up from a very tough timer...they just didn't appear often enough to collect 20 or so before time ran out. Maybe if I kept playing long enough to upgrade my boosters of the hammer, the torch etc I may have got better at it..but I decided if I cant score 3 on such low levels...I wont like it further on either.
You can make a collection of treasure with your gold you earn on the wheel, or you can buy boosters...You have to go to 'purchase' to buy your boosters. (I couldn't figure out where the 'shop" was for a bit)
I also noticed the wheel got a bit stingy very quickly! So the game is not a buy for me, but if you are a player who chooses relax, it is indeed a very likeable game! But for those like me who pride themselves on obsessive achievement lol....you may get frustrated? I wont recommend or not because I think it purely depends on how you like to play. (and perhaps if you play better at it than me?)..Try the demo .Cheers.
I also noticed the wheel got a bit stingy very quickly! So the game is not a buy for me, but if you are a player who chooses relax, it is indeed a very likeable game! But for those like me who pride themselves on obsessive achievement lol....you may get frustrated? I wont recommend or not because I think it purely depends on how you like to play. (and perhaps if you play better at it than me?)..Try the demo .Cheers.
A famous city detective is called to the country to solve the case of the stolen necklace!
Overall rating
3
/
5
46 of 55 found this review helpful
Absolutely nothing outstanding...but you can't dislike it
PostedOctober 12, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is a very ordinary old fashioned click and point hidden object game, and it will fit beautifully in the 'family' category. The game itself has many faults, but when you bring up the next scene to play it just has that feel good...'I'm in a storybook' type feel.
You can play many profiles (5 and delete them also)..but there is only one mode of relax. Also many items in most scenes seem to be mislabeled. A parrot I was trying to find was in fact a bowling pin, and a key a book...and it goes on. The good news is that the hint button refills fast and there are no penalties, just amusement when you realise why you couldn't find the object!
Montgomery keeps a diary about his investigation and it is well written, in fact as I read it the voiceover in my head is a bit like cheesy old fashioned detective movie narration.
In each scene there are two collectables which are important to solving the crime, and at this point these are being stored in a paddock for a reason I haven't quite figured out lol. Basic objects, jar, penknife, beach ball? And you collect pieces of a maginfying glass. If an object appears in blue print you can change it to another item if you are stuck..(I actually suspect some may not even be there!) There is an extra window in each scene to open also, and untimed minigames.
So really it's a little bit of nothing exciting, no major outstanding features, but I am happy to have it on my desktop for a totally relaxing time waster. It's main plus is the artwork is very sweet. Like opening a kids book and taking in lovely scenes of artwork.
Try the demo. If you play for a challenge..this is not the game for you (although the objects are sometimes well hidden)... If you need a benign family game..it could be great for you, and I just cant say I dislike it even with all it's faults. It's the warm and fuzzies when I open the gameplay windows.
I recommend this game!
This autumn, celebrate Halloween and Christmas at the same time!
Overall rating
5
/
5
65 of 74 found this review helpful
Hooray..it's not a 'same game'...new scenes and features!
PostedOctober 10, 2020
Joybelle_2
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
How refreshing to see a developer not thrust the same old at us after a few games in a series. This game is a battle of which holiday, Halloween or Christmas needs most attention and Alice must sort it. Therefore you get quite a few changes of scenery as you travel to the respective lands.
Halloween is full of potion brewing potions (new building).. (restoration, explosive, transformation and bouncing)..and sometimes you must brew one to get another (if its not on the path already). Plenty of pumpkins and along with the humour...traps that need to be rendered harmless and turned into hats. Christmas is a winter setting with snow and festive lights, and I did see on the BFG blurb that there seems to also be a tropical holiday festive setting?.
There are the features you know..buildings that produce bark, gold, candy and imagination (as well as landmarks you can buy them from).. but with the different settings you don't feel like you are playing a 'repeat' at all. There are the familiar 'puzzle cups' to find that make up your jigsaw, (if you click to the last dot underneath the level on the numbered strategy guide (?)..their location is shown by an arrow.) You can also go back and collect them if you forget, and then just leave the level again. They are marked on the map if you have collected them. There are disappearing pallets to grab to complete your art work.
You can play relaxed, normal and hard, you can skip or disable the dialogue completely, (but it is very humorous)..and also turn off the hints and use the system cursor. There are 20 bonus levels in the CE.
It's great..it's smooth, it's interesting and strategic. I am so pleased to see new graphics and features on a favourite game. Well done developers to not let it get stale. Always try the demo, but I think this is a well thought out and quality game. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!