Poodlebear's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:1,374
- Reviews Submitted:45
- First Review:November 19, 2011
- Most Recent Review:May 17, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Find match 3 adventure beyond your imagination and riches untold!
Overall rating
3
/
5
59 of 68 found this review helpful
Neat little game. WAY too short.
PostedMarch 12, 2018
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I was very pleased to see this game apply a little bit different game mechanic to a Match 3 with a "dungeon crawl" in order to earn coins and energy needed to fulfill tasks when rebuilding a kingdom. Doors to unlock, creatures to rescue, obstacles to over come. For those of us who enjoy leisurely Match 3s the challenge level was fine although likely too easy for those who like things more pressing. There is a timed aspect in some boards where you have to make matches quickly to fill a bar and proceed but even with my sluggish matching skills I managed.
I feel there could have been greater depth to the challenges, perhaps some monsters you'd need found weapons to clear but what there was with obstacles and mazes was fine.
My biggest complaint is start to finish I only got about 3 hours before finishing. It gave no option to keep playing after the town was restored as is often the case w/ Match 3s. It just ended. One could start over but I'd rather just keep going.
So neat little game and I hope sequels are offered w/ a bit more content. Since I had a coupon and it was free I have no real complaint.
I feel there could have been greater depth to the challenges, perhaps some monsters you'd need found weapons to clear but what there was with obstacles and mazes was fine.
My biggest complaint is start to finish I only got about 3 hours before finishing. It gave no option to keep playing after the town was restored as is often the case w/ Match 3s. It just ended. One could start over but I'd rather just keep going.
So neat little game and I hope sequels are offered w/ a bit more content. Since I had a coupon and it was free I have no real complaint.
I recommend this game!
Ghastly murders in Whitechapel foreshadow the return of the Red Queen!
Overall rating
3
/
5
112 of 125 found this review helpful
Good game but fast click requirement makes it a pass.
PostedMarch 3, 2018
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Time Management, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I've enjoyed this series, enjoy the continuation of story, have bought them all BUT sadly this "episode" has a fast click puzzle that can not be skipped. At the end of the demo there is a fight you MUST do to continue. There is no skip option. It requires you click at the moment a ball passes over a square simulating a fight with an enemy wielding a staff. I am disabled and can not do fast click things. I know many other Big Fish customers either can't do these sorts of mini-games or don't enjoy them. I understand some do and have no objection to them being in games but having no skip option is a very poor choice on the developer's part given their client base. I did not immediately reject it. I tried and failed many times. This leaves me sad and frustrated and with even more negative feelings about this particular developer.
I don't recommend this game.
An artistic puzzle game inspired by 20th century Art Deco & stained glass artisans. Combine glass pieces to unveil themes from around the world!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
Beautiful, Easy, and Short
PostedJuly 3, 2017
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is a very pretty game, simple jigsaw mechanic in a different form. The only replay-ability would be in trying to beat your own time. I finished it within a couple hours. Luckily I used a coupon but had I paid full price I would have been a little annoyed.
I don't recommend this game.
A mysterious exhibit sends a young woman into a parallel world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
15 of 19 found this review helpful
LOVED this!
PostedMarch 14, 2017
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
All the check boxes checked for me on this game:
Great, clear, colorful graphics, unique in style.
All HO scenes interactive only, not lists of stuff to find.
Most inventory puzzles logical - not intricate locks hiding a paper clip or something that wouldn't be behind an intricate lock.
No throwing away of a useful object after one use! YAY! I get to keep my machete AND it cuts all the things! :D
Interesting story line that promises more. Yes, please.
NO glitching! I've had tons of issues with jerky mouse movement or games just not working well since I went to Windows 10. Mostly I just play through it, when I can. This was smooooth as silk.
Good voice acting!
Even the Bonus chapter was good. O.O Whaaaaa...?
So yep, loved this game.
I recommend this game!
Can you clear her name before it’s too late?
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 27 found this review helpful
Terrific game, but short.
PostedNovember 4, 2016
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
My first thought when the game started was, "Uh oh" because the graphics were fuzzy and I expected the gameplay wouldn't be up to snuff, even though Vendel Games usually delivers. My worries were unfounded.
Interesting puzzles, just the right amount of challenge, and my favorite assortment of Hidden Object scenes. I loved my cocky companion and found his presence quite enjoyable, even if I could have probably handled tasks like chopping wood, etc. on my own. ;) I did like that some places it required both of us to clear something.
I enjoyed the storyline, even if the history was dubious, and the voice acting was surprisingly good.
My one complaint, and the reason for 4 stars rather than 5, is it was way too short. Maybe I am spoiled having just played through nearly the entire Lost Lands collection, all of which are very long. All told I got maybe 3 hours, including the bonus chapter, of play time w/o skipping any puzzles. It was enjoyable enough I was sad to see it end so soon.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your world from darkness in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
34 of 37 found this review helpful
Terrific Game with just the right challenge!
PostedAugust 14, 2016
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Had to drop what I was doing to come review this one. I don't do that too often any more but this one was so good, such a pleasant experience (after the totally unfun slog of the latest Ominous Objects) I wanted to add my 5 stars to the over all score in hopes of another game soon from GrandMa Studios. :) Always happy to see that logo when a game fires up.
The artwork is beautiful, even when entering an "Evil World" and in a fantasy setting, which is my favorite. The story is thin, pretty much summed up in a sentence or two, and certainly nothing new, but it was mostly well-acted and got a little intense at times, which I liked, though that might be off-putting to others. But the BIGGEST kudos I can give is after playing literally hundreds, yes, literally, of these games there is one mini-game I had not seen before. That's amazing. The mini-games offered were of all sorts, by in large very enjoyable, and only a couple of the dreaded "spin this and that moves but line it all up" which always elicit a groan from me and instant skip. :D A selection of HOP types as well.
Anyway a thoroughly enjoyable 5ish? hours of game play for me which left me sad when it was all over because it was over! Rather than grinding through until the end as happens too often (I'm looking at you Ominous Objects).
HIGHLY recommend, especially if you're a fantasy fan.
The artwork is beautiful, even when entering an "Evil World" and in a fantasy setting, which is my favorite. The story is thin, pretty much summed up in a sentence or two, and certainly nothing new, but it was mostly well-acted and got a little intense at times, which I liked, though that might be off-putting to others. But the BIGGEST kudos I can give is after playing literally hundreds, yes, literally, of these games there is one mini-game I had not seen before. That's amazing. The mini-games offered were of all sorts, by in large very enjoyable, and only a couple of the dreaded "spin this and that moves but line it all up" which always elicit a groan from me and instant skip. :D A selection of HOP types as well.
Anyway a thoroughly enjoyable 5ish? hours of game play for me which left me sad when it was all over because it was over! Rather than grinding through until the end as happens too often (I'm looking at you Ominous Objects).
HIGHLY recommend, especially if you're a fantasy fan.
Lift the curse off the abandoned estate and help rescue your friends!
Overall rating
4
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
Terrific Old School Game, buuuuut...
PostedJuly 22, 2016
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
So you see my ratings are all maxed, so why the 4? Glitchy as heck. Loved the art, loved the story, the game play was like old games where you had to think, a LOT, but stuff made sense logically and without a hint immediately available the challenge was fun! But lots of little errors (wrong text, wrong indications on map, mini-games not working exactly right, clicking not working right, and one all out crash) definitely dented this otherwise terrific, and long!, game. I hope the development company gets some backing, and a new code writer, and goes forward. Love to see this level of logical challenge again.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your sister before it's too late?
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 12 found this review helpful
Great game but WAY too short.
PostedJune 14, 2016
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Word, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The good stuff is gorgeous graphics, interesting (if not original) storyline, and some newish puzzles including a few multi-layer door puzzles that were excellent. BUT as much as I enjoyed this game when I went back to play it out, after just a couple hours last night, I found I was already at the end of the game!? Now maybe it was the very fact I was enjoying myself that made it seem short but I don't think so. I play every game of this type if it's even half-good and this was noticeably shorter. What particularly perturbed me is I paid full Game Club price for this and I usually wait for sales to buy CEs. Is it better to have a game that's not quite as fun but lasts longer? I don't know, but I am left feeling a little cheated. The 3 star rating is because of this. It's really a 4.5 star.
I recommend this game!
The ancients have disappeared, leaving behind mysterious mosaics, whose secrets only you can unravel!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Came back looking for more.
PostedApril 20, 2016
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Word
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
First time through I only did the standard nonogram puzzles because I didn't understand the other sort but I must have been tired or something because when I returned I saw they worked under the same principle as minesweeper. What a cool and innovative idea! VERY challenging but I loved that if you worked carefully and understood the concept you never had to guess, unlike many of this sort. It was all logic. Sadly I don't see another of this sort. Don't let the low star rating fool you. Great puzzler if you like this kind of game. One notch off for visual because sometimes the colors were too similar or hard to see against background.
I recommend this game!
The royal couple's honeymoon turns sour when an evil lord enters the picture, and now it's up to you to rescue them (or laugh trying)!
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 14 found this review helpful
Suprisingly tricky! Sadly short.
PostedMarch 9, 2016
Poodlebear
fromSeattle, WA
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Hidden Object, Match 3, Word, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
When first downloading this game it was because I had free game coupons and I thought what the heck. At first glance it seemed a kids game but the story line was definitely adult. :D A short while in I found myself challenged by the logic of inventory item puzzles. It had just the right balance of tricky to solvable to be really fun. The story was cute and engaging, if a bit weird, and the characters amusing. I liked it so much I clicked on the link for the first game of the series only to find I'd already played, and enjoyed, that one too! Sometimes my foggy old brain is a perc!
My only complaint was it was over way too soon, finishing in less than 3 hours. Otherwise it would be a 5 star for me.
Anyway, highly recommend for a fun, not too easy not too hard, puzzling good time.
I recommend this game!