Monkeygus's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:1,137
- Reviews Submitted:88
- First Review:June 4, 2013
- Most Recent Review:June 30, 2023
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Can you stop a deadly evil waiting in an abandoned school?
Overall rating
4
/
5
15 of 19 found this review helpful
I REALLY wanted to give this 5 stars... but...
PostedJune 21, 2020
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Maze: 360 was a masterpiece (IMHO). I've replayed it several times. The other games in this series are good, but they just didn't measure up to the first one. I had really high hopes for this one though. The demo was creepy, although not as chilling as it could have been. I wanted jump scares, creepy child laughter, and (a little) gore. Personally, the storyline didn't make much sense and left a lot of unanswered questions (which MIGHT be answered in the probable sequel). The bonus story helped and was pretty good. I will say that there were some parts of the story I did not expect, which as a nice surprise. The puzzles were fairly simple, but the HOPs (in which there are A LOT... THANK YOU!!!) were harder than most games offer. The collectibles are hard to find in the HOPS, but easy within the scenes. As for the game itself, the graphics were very good, especially when going back and forth with the magic glasses. I will say that there is A LOT of going back and forth with the magic glasses, but it goes by quickly. Voice overs were very good too! I do recommend this game, especially the CE version as it adds to the storyline. Maybe the Devs can make a "Maze: 460" game and reintroduce those characters again? OH! And whoever did the homage to "Xena: Warrior Princess" in one of the HOPS... THANKS! See whether you can find it!
I recommend this game!
Can you save your dad from a genie bent on revenge?
Overall rating
3
/
5
26 of 33 found this review helpful
Another short, easy game. Where's the challenge?
PostedMay 28, 2020
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I can't emphasis enough now much I dislike short games. This one took me roughly 4 hours, which included the bonus chapter. With that said, the storyline was interesting enough. Still not sure why the Forest Genie had legs instead of vapor like the rest. Also, why do you have to look for matches to light a torch when there is a perfectly good fire going in the a fireplace! Also, how many times do you have to have "something sharp" or "something thin", just to use it once and have to find another one? Don't any of these characters have pockets! Sigh. The puzzles were all fairly easy. The HOPs were good and had lots of variations. I'm not sure how I feel about the dragon helper. On one hand, he didn't talk and just flew up to get things for you. On the other hand, he didn't talk and just flew up to get things for you. I like helpers for the most part, but this one just seemed to be thrown in because they couldn't think of anything else to do. The graphics were pretty and the voice overs were good. The collectibles were mostly easy to find (especially the foot prints), but I did manage to miss one mushroom, which meant I couldn't see what the last game was. I was disappointed that they didn't let you click on the genie bottles to tell you what each of them represented and what kind of genie went in them. Seemed like a wasted opportunity. Okay, so overall this isn't a bad game, but it wasn't a great game. In my opinion, the bonus level was not good enough to merit spending money on a CE. I'm going to recommend this one because it's a nice game for beginners or kids. Nothing too scary or difficult. Anyone more advanced than that should at least wait for the regular edition to come out. As always, please try the demo.
I recommend this game!
Help Tenebria and Alrik stop an invasion of evils creatures in this magical match 3 game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
A Nice, Long Match 3 Game!
PostedMay 19, 2020
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I haven't played any of the other games in this series, but I really wanted to play a nice, long game. I wasn't disappointed. It took me around 6 hours to complete the 161 levels. Nothing very difficult, just fun. The battles were fairly easy, but you really need as many hearts as possible for the last battle. I didn't start paying attention to the achievements until I got through 100 levels and realized that I should have been using the power-ups. No problems though. I managed to complete all the achievements by level 152. Honestly, the only complaint I can think of is that I would have liked to have seen a few more HOPs and Find The Difference puzzles, but that's just my opinion. This is a wonderful Match-3 game! I will certainly check out their other games. Try the demo for yourself.
I recommend this game!
A mysterious fog hides a small town’s secrets… and something even darker!
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 24 found this review helpful
Although the story didn't make sense, I still liked it.
PostedFebruary 16, 2020
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
If you are looking for a Ravenhearst-type game, keep looking. If you are looking for a challenging HO without a million puzzles to solve, you've come to the right place. I have to admit that some of the HO images were VERY small, but I was challenged to find everything. I actually had to use the hint button twice. That's super rare for me! The puzzles were fairly simple and you shouldn't need the strategy guide very much. That's a good thing because the strategy guide isn't very good. The storyline was interesting, but parts of it didn't make any sense. I thought the bonus game would clear up some of the questions, but it only made things worse. I realize I'm in the minority here, but I actually liked the map feature on this one. The skulls were very easy to find and you can go back at the end if you happen to miss one. There is a puzzle you can put together at the end if you find all the skulls. Is this the best game of this series. Not by a long shot! But I did enjoy playing it. As always, please try the demo first.
I recommend this game!
A story-driven time-management adventure following an archaeologist and an explorer as they investigate a Cloud City!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Too many changes from the rest of this series.
PostedFebruary 14, 2020
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I noticed that most of the reviews for this game say it's to easy. I have to disagree. They upped the difficulty factor in this one by at least 50%. Now, instead of having to always build your resources, you have to figure out how much of one item you need to have to get another item. I can't tell you how many times I had to restart a level because I messed it up. Not enough gold to buy fuel to buy food. ARGH! I play these to relax. This is NOT relaxing... even in relaxed mode! As always, the storyline is interesting and makes me want to complete the game. I also like having to find the turtles and statues on each level. This is not nearly as much fun (at least for me) than the other editions of this series. Too much for my old brain to deal with. I will give my recommendation because I know there are people who like a challenging TM game. I just hope they go back to the old "build your resource mode" the next time around.
I recommend this game!
Join Claire on an exciting time management adventure and help save the world from catastrophe!
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 12 found this review helpful
What happened to this series??!
PostedFebruary 14, 2020
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I always looked forward to new episodes of this series. Mainly because the story was usually pretty good. I made the mistake of purchasing this one as part of a BOGO deal. I wouldn't have done that had I actually played the demo. Why, oh why, isn't there a mode feature? I HATE TIMED GAMES! I play to relax, not to be watching a timer! I gave this two stars mainly because the graphics are bright, colorful and engaging. Other than that, it would have gotten one star. Come on Devs! Have mercy on us old folks who have purchased your games in the past and let us choose what mode we want to play your games in.
I don't recommend this game.
Who will save Fairytale land when Dame Gothel threatens to end Christmas forever?
Overall rating
4
/
5
19 of 23 found this review helpful
A good, long, easy game, but it doesn't scream Christmas to me
PostedDecember 13, 2019
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Hmm... seems like the developers are fans of "Once Upon A Time". Mother Gothel is the spitting image of Regina (the wicked queen) and Rumpelstiltskin looks like Rumpelstiltskin without the gold paint on his face. And their motive are that storybook villains don't get happy endings. Sound familiar? Even the clothing is the same! I loved that show too, so I'll let it pass.
Overall, I'm on the fence with this game. I played the preview for this game awhile back and I couldn't wait to play the entire game. I LOVE a long game (I clocked in at around 6 hour, including the bonus without any skips). The puzzles were on the easy side, as were the morphs and collectibles. The game itself is beautiful and colorful, as most fairytale games are. I liked the voices too. I didn't recognize Mother Holle as a Grimm character until I looked it up. After reading about her, the bonus game makes more sense. Why am I on the fence? Because although this is a wonderful fairytale game, it really has little to do with Christmas except for the decorations. I wish the developers could have added Santa into the storyline. There was no Wow Factor and it didn't make me feel like Christmas. As always, give the demo a try and have fun!
Overall, I'm on the fence with this game. I played the preview for this game awhile back and I couldn't wait to play the entire game. I LOVE a long game (I clocked in at around 6 hour, including the bonus without any skips). The puzzles were on the easy side, as were the morphs and collectibles. The game itself is beautiful and colorful, as most fairytale games are. I liked the voices too. I didn't recognize Mother Holle as a Grimm character until I looked it up. After reading about her, the bonus game makes more sense. Why am I on the fence? Because although this is a wonderful fairytale game, it really has little to do with Christmas except for the decorations. I wish the developers could have added Santa into the storyline. There was no Wow Factor and it didn't make me feel like Christmas. As always, give the demo a try and have fun!
I recommend this game!
Board the SS Wonderland Princess and get ready to visit the most festive places on earth!
Overall rating
4
/
5
14 of 19 found this review helpful
NOW it's Christmas Time... but come on Developers!!??
PostedDecember 8, 2019
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I love this series (as well as all their other games) and this one is great as well... BUT.... I have a bone to pick. We're 10 games into this series. Do they HAVE to keep using the same graphics every year? Yeah, they change them up a little, but it's the same thing every year. I think they have made enough money off of this series to add at least a couple of new scenes or characters to the mix. And PLEASE get rid of that sung version of Jolly Ole St. Nicolas! I cringe every time I hear it! All of the other music is orchestral and soothing, but whenever I get a level with that song, I rush through it as fast as possible just so I don't have to hear it! Phew! Okay, my rant is over. I noticed that they made some improvements to their new features, like marking the CE levels with a "CE" on the map page and that they don't have as many puzzles as they did in their last Vacation game. I honestly do look forward to this series every year and it's just not Christmas without it. No need to play the demo on this one. If you love the rest of the series, you'll love this one too. Enjoy!
I recommend this game!
Can you help the train’s passengers save their holidays in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
Okay for beginners, but not very challenging
PostedDecember 6, 2019
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I played the preview of this awhile back and I remember thinking that I wouldn't buy it when it came out. I should have listened to my instincts. The storyline is borderline creepy (at least for a Christmas game). I just don't understand what the conductor's motives were. Is he a villain or just mischievous? Let's just say he was no Tom Hanks! The puzzles were beginner level to the point that I ended up skipping over a few of them because I was bored. The HOPS were good and varied. The music was festive and unobtrusive. Although you do get a helper in both the main and bonus games, they weren't annoying and were used very little. My main beef is the length of the game. I clocked in at 3 hours (including the bonus). Yes, I already said I skipped a few puzzles towards the end, but even if you added another 1/2 hour, it's just not enough for the cost of a CE. On the positive side, the graphics were beautiful and as always, the cats are great in the bonus. I also liked the voices in this one. Overall, I'm going to be the Grinch with this one. Even though it's a beginner game, I'm not sure I would recommend this one for kids because of the creepy conductor. There are better Christmas game on their way and I suggest you wait for them to come out. As always, please try the demo for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
A visit to Manchester Asylum takes a dangerous turn into madness!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 4 found this review helpful
It's not 13th Skull, but it's still very good
PostedNovember 29, 2019
Monkeygus
fromJamestown, TN
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
13th Skull is one of my favorite MCF games. It was spooky, difficult (in my opinion), and a real head scratcher. This one has a connection to 13th Skull, but that where the similarities end. It's not spooky, is mainly easy and doesn't invoke much grey matter. With that said, it was a wonderful way to spent roughly 6 hours of gaming. It's a fun roller coaster of a ride that is well worth the CE version. The bonus is a sequel to the main game and is well done. The morphs and collectibles are easy to find. Basically just look for anything that doesn't look quite right. I was a little disappointed that there weren't any morphs in the HOPS, but it's not a deal breaker. There was a good variety of puzzles (none are super difficult) and a lot of them! Lots of HOPS too, which I personally love. Most long term MCF players ask: "Is this game worthy of a MCF game". Hmmm... well, I think it fits into the series, but it just doesn't have that "sitting on the edge of your seat" feel to it like a true MCF game of the past. I guess we, as players, can't live in the past and must move on. I did enjoy this game and I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of these characters. It's a very good effort by the developers and I hope you give it a try.
I recommend this game!