merlinarcane's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.7
- Helpful Votes:1,393
- Reviews Submitted:47
- First Review:December 10, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 18, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Become top mogul of the ice cream business and make a million bucks and more by playing Ice Cream Tycoon!
Overall rating
5
/
5
24 of 26 found this review helpful
Nice Little Combo of TM and Strategy
PostedJune 1, 2012
merlinarcane
fromAugusta, ME
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Your challenge in either easy or normal mode: sell those ice creams in four different neighborhoods, expand your line, upgrade your vehicles and equipment, and become a tycoon! Neighborhoods change weather and populations daily to make this a bit more interesting. This little game is a fun one if you like to buy and sell, while trying to figure out which flavor goes best in which area. This is not the most difficult TM game that I've ever played, but I like it because, once you get to a certain level, the time limits for the challenges get very reasonable, allowing you to win the game. Although this is not a new game, it is a great little game that has replay value. An interesting feature is, if you're getting antsy and don't want to control the vehicles through the neighborhoods, you can "skip" through the day and let the game take over. I don't really have any issues with the game - it's just a nice break from the constant mouse-clicking stressful games. Give it a shot!
I recommend this game!
Join Rachel as she builds the perfect getaway spa destination. Offer fun activities for beauty and relaxation in Rachel’s Retreat!
Overall rating
5
/
5
23 of 23 found this review helpful
Different Spa Game
PostedMay 21, 2012
merlinarcane
fromAugusta, ME
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have to say that this is one great game! Your challenge is to get the various clients to their stations and soothe them. Sounds easy? Not so much as the game progresses! I like the various stations that you can build and upgrade according to your money level. An amusing part of the game is the way that the characters react to the various stations that they have chosen - from low impact machines, pools, hot rocks, and rock and roll gyro machines. Watch them stamp their feet if they're displeased or work out like crazy on the floor mats; you'll get a chuckle or two. The mini game between each round is the same: figure out who belongs next to whom in the zen room. Although the same, each is different and can be figured out without having to skip. If you like spa games that you don't have to click like crazy - just grab the client and place on the right station - then I think you'll be pleased with this game. The game also has great replay value. I can't think of anything wrong with the game, other than that last level - hectic! I highly recommend this game to other TM gamers!
I recommend this game!
Explore a mythical world of fairy lore and learn wizardly powers in this fanciful puzzler.
Overall rating
5
/
5
69 of 88 found this review helpful
Best "Blast" Three Game!
PostedMay 12, 2012
merlinarcane
fromAugusta, ME
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I say "blast" rather than "match" because of the nifty sound effects when the matches are made. The gameplay is rather simple: just move the fairy jars to match at least three for the pop and get a certain score per level. What I think is unusual is the soothing music - very suitable to fairies and magic - the sounds when the jars pop, and the voice over during the game. Your object is to match the jars and free the fairies, but you must also reach a certain score or the level ends - depending on which of the four modes you're playing. Replaying the levels for a better score is the only way to proceed, but it's not a detriment to not being able to finish the game. There are no minigames, but you do get puzzle pieces after finishing levels so that you have a different fantastic fairy picture after completing each kingdom. It's a different type of game for this genre, and I highly recommend it when you just want to zone out for a while.
I recommend this game!
Party Down
Serve the Hollywood elite and keep your cool in this great Time Management game.
Overall rating
4
/
5
17 of 18 found this review helpful
Different From Other TM Games
PostedMay 12, 2012
merlinarcane
fromAugusta, ME
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
After reading the other reviews, I thought I would add that it does have replay value and can be a relatively relaxing game. The storyline is typical Hollywood - getting that big break by rubbing elbows with the elite and taking advantage of a social situation. You and your staff's character traits develop through these interactions level after level. Some of the pros of the game are that the levels can be completed within the expert time. the minigames are a mix of no challenge and challenge (but you can skip), you can replay levels, and some of the guests mysteriously resemble real-life actors! The characters' comments during their interactions are humorous and good for a chuckle or two. A con is that you have to get used to a somewhat sluggish mouse reaction when moving characters, but that's not a big deal. All in all, I like the game and would recommend it for anyone who hates that maniacal mouse clicking.
I recommend this game!
Chocolatier 2: Secret Ingredients
Travel to exotic new locations, source out secret ingredients, and create and sell new chocolate confections.
Overall rating
5
/
5
36 of 62 found this review helpful
One of the Best Ever
PostedApril 6, 2012
merlinarcane
fromAugusta, ME
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Current Favorite:
Magic Shop
(3)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
There's not a lot of new things to say after reading others' reviews. All I can say is that this is one of the games that I return to time after time. Of the three Chocolatier games, this is the very best. Why? You only have one challenge to complete at a time; the graphics are great; your product inventory is easily seen; creating your new chocolates with the improved "minigame" machinery is different for each type of chocolate; and there's no time limit, eliminating that pesky clicking like crazy aspect to most TM games. The storyline plays into the game nicely by being part of some of the tasks. I don't have anything negative to say about the game, except that I would hope that there would be a fourth game of this type in the series. Highly recommend if you like to start at one location of a game, make/trade goods, and then off you go to different locations and progress through your chocolatier career!
I recommend this game!
Enter the magical world of Miriel and help her to fulfill her dream of running her very own bakery! Serve cakes to customers!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
If You Like Magical Themes in Your TM Games, Then Buy It!
PostedMarch 22, 2012
merlinarcane
fromAugusta, ME
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Current Favorite:
Chocolatier 2: Secret Ingredients
(16)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Although I suspect that this game has been out for a while, it's a nicely constructed TM game. The gameplay is a bit active and there is much clicking, but you can get the level done with a bit of strategy when it comes to the order of preparing the dishes. The basic idea is to serve the customers - no more than 4 at a time, which is manageable - and develop Miriel's shops around the kingdom. I liked the variety of dishes or recipes that you have to concoct -- the recipe book is readily available if you "forget" which ingredients go in which dish. The storyline is cute, as are the characters. The customers and their attitudes should give you a chuckle as they wait for their orders. I really liked the idea that there were 55+ levels to be played - not bad for a small file game! Certain upgrades automatically happen according to the level you're playing, but others are up to you by playing a minigame. Some strategy is involved in the game, but it's mostly just a nice little TM game that kicks up your adrenaline just a bit! I recommend this game to anyone who likes TM games that can be mastered and replayed -- it's an addictive little game that made me go back to BigFish and buy the sequel! The only thing missing is the whole magic potions part of being a magical merchant - not a big deal but odd.
I recommend this game!
Stand O'Food 3
Stand O’Food extends to Tinseltown! Serve fast and healthy food in this fun and exciting Time Management game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
26 of 29 found this review helpful
Hours of Fun
PostedMarch 13, 2012
merlinarcane
fromAugusta, ME
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Current Favorite:
Chocolatier 2: Secret Ingredients
(16)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This third installment of the series is the best and plays so much easier than the first two! I return to this game often while I wait for something new to come along. One of the game's great features is that you can restart levels if you goof up somewhere along the line; however, I don't think you can repeat levels if you're not satisfied with not achieving expert status - not a big deal. Your task is to prepare and serve the food that each customer wants, but it's not one of those games that you have to click like crazy - it's manageable and winnable! Purchasing upgrades, being awarded trophies, finishing the 25 restaurants, and having a scoreboard are other nice features. Every so often, just to have a little break, there is a mini skill game that gives you lots of money - needed for upgrades and refills of supplies. The story? Cute and is interrelated with the goals of the various restaurants. Overall, I have enjoyed this game many times and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes TM games but doesn't want too much mouse clicking.
I recommend this game!
The time has come for Nelly and Tom to stop a potential catastrophe and save the world in Treasure Seekers: The Time has Come!
Overall rating
5
/
5
25 of 28 found this review helpful
Love the Graphics and Interaction
PostedMarch 10, 2012
merlinarcane
fromAugusta, ME
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Current Favorite:
Chocolatier 2: Secret Ingredients
(16)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is the first HO game that I've bought (DD) and enjoyed it immensely. It reminded me of the old Scott Adams' adventure games where you gathered things, put them together, and then solved the puzzles or riddles. The game moves along smoothly and is easy to follow. The traveling between times is a nice touch. It's nice to be able to play casual or timed, since sometimes it takes time to figure out the order of placing things. I liked the game and would recommend it for anyone seeking a game that's a combo of adventure and hidden objects. The graphics are really crisp, making the finding of hidden objects easy. The only thing I didn't like was that it doesn't take that long to play. If you like games that make you think a little bit to complete the minigames, then I think you'll enjoy this! A good little game!
I recommend this game!
Play as Ginger and save the county`s homesteaders from Agrocorporate assimilation in this fun Time Management game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
38 of 41 found this review helpful
Great Farming TM Game
PostedFebruary 24, 2012
merlinarcane
fromAugusta, ME
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Bought this game after the trial -- I got hooked! It's a great game to test your strategy to gain LOTS of money to achieve the goals of each level. It's a little bit different from most farming games in that each level is a new farm with new farming conditions and plants. Your farm is not the only thing - you also get to hire people along the way to help you out. Expect to use some strategy to win the trophies; it's not as easy once the levels get going! Loved the storyline and the graphics. Another unique thing is that you get sound effects once the produce or products are done to prompt you to sell, sell, sell! I would recommend this game to anyone who likes the farming TM games and wants to play a game that you can win (and get rewarded along the way with trophies!).
I recommend this game!
Sara is back in a new exotic adventure! Design and decorate your ranch and corral exotic animals in this Time Management game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 20 found this review helpful
Another Great Farm Challenge for TM Fanatics
PostedFebruary 15, 2012
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This sequel is a great leap for the characters and the storyline; all kinds of new things to do from the original. There's plenty to do and much to think about as you develop your farm, crops, animals, and products. What I like about this game is that you get your daily list of things to gather or produce and then you move on to the next day. There's plenty of new things to do each level -- the best levels are on Sunday when you get to get off the ranch and go fishing! Great break from the game of farming! The little senarios between weeks are well-told and have great graphics. Humorous characters with funny little quirks keep you interested in the game behind the scenes. You don't really have to click like a maniac to get the levels completed (a definite plus for me). Best thing about the game is that you actually have a scoreboard and are given trophies, as well as achievement lists. When you play the game the next time, you get to add to the trophies and achievement lists -- great game from a great company!
I recommend this game!