xander32839's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.3
- Helpful Votes:37
- Reviews Submitted:3
- First Review:May 10, 2012
- Most Recent Review:July 28, 2014
- Featured reviews0
xander32839's Review History
Village Quest
Medieval Match 3 fun! Solve puzzles and build your own kingdom by cleverly using resources.
Overall rating
3
/
5
30 of 32 found this review helpful
Fun, but nothing special
PostedJuly 28, 2014
xander32839
fromOrlando, FL
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Time Management, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
7 Wonders: Magical Mystery Tour
(45)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
There are already a couple of excellent reviews, so I will just add a few items that I haven't seen mentioned yet.
My biggest gripe with the game is that you need a certain number of resources to purchase the next blueprint (gold, wood, food, etc.). However, I had to play multiple rounds which did not include the only resource I needed to complete the purchase. Having double the wood and gold needed, no food showed on the boards for the next three or four rounds.
The music is not bad, but eventually becomes slightly irritating. It reminds me of The Sims music.
You can continuing matching while pieces are falling, but not next to a column that is filling in. In other words, you have to match on the other side of the board. It appears that the game realizes that a match will not be available once the pieces fall into place. So, plan ahead.
The building aspect is very basic. No choice in designs or placement. There are only four buildings available at a time.
In my opinion, the blocks are too small. Not for clicking, but for identifying some of the icons. It's often difficult to tell the pieces apart (until you upgrade them via the buildings, like from grapes to fish).
Overall, it is a decent game which I will buy once it goes on sale.
I recommend this game!
Mystika: Between Light and Shadow
The magic world of Lumina needs a new hero! It's up to you to face Tenebria, the queen of the dark world in the original Match 3 game, Mystika!
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Enjoyable game, but nothing really new
PostedSeptember 4, 2012
xander32839
fromOrlando, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Simplz Zoo
(9)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The matching portion of the game was fun, but nothing new for serious M3ers. I agree with other reviewers that clicking on the pests was an irritant, yet it added a little difficulty to an otherwise easy game. I would definitely recommend it for match3 players. However, it was not unique or challenging enough for me. I might have bought it if I didn't already own so many other M3s that I enjoy more.
Pros:
Graphics - well done
Sound/Music - not too bad, but it could easily become tiresome after a while
Story - not great, but not horrible either. Others have mentioned that it is not a good role model for kids, but I disagree. During the demo, your powerups were magic spells you learn. If Harry Potter is okay for kids, then this game should be no problem. (Compared to all the dark, spooky adventure games, this one seemed almost cheery to me.)
Graphics - well done
Sound/Music - not too bad, but it could easily become tiresome after a while
Story - not great, but not horrible either. Others have mentioned that it is not a good role model for kids, but I disagree. During the demo, your powerups were magic spells you learn. If Harry Potter is okay for kids, then this game should be no problem. (Compared to all the dark, spooky adventure games, this one seemed almost cheery to me.)
Cons:
Challenge Level - easy game with a very generous timer (at least during the demo hour)
Questionable Grammar - translations are not great, but not as bad as many other games offered. minor annoyance.
Hidden Object Scenes - My biggest gripe is having multiple items in the scene which match the list, yet only a specific one will be accepted. That alone is enough to pass on a game. Luckily, the HO scenes are few and far between, so it's sort of acceptable in this case.
Powerful powerups - the first spell learned will clear 4 random tiles on the board once you make enough matches to power it up. However, 'random' refers to the tiles still blocked rather than the entire board. Clear all but the four you have trouble getting to (ie, corners or hard-to-reach areas) and the powerup finishes the game for you.
Challenge Level - easy game with a very generous timer (at least during the demo hour)
Questionable Grammar - translations are not great, but not as bad as many other games offered. minor annoyance.
Hidden Object Scenes - My biggest gripe is having multiple items in the scene which match the list, yet only a specific one will be accepted. That alone is enough to pass on a game. Luckily, the HO scenes are few and far between, so it's sort of acceptable in this case.
Powerful powerups - the first spell learned will clear 4 random tiles on the board once you make enough matches to power it up. However, 'random' refers to the tiles still blocked rather than the entire board. Clear all but the four you have trouble getting to (ie, corners or hard-to-reach areas) and the powerup finishes the game for you.
All in all, it is an entertaining game and would be good for those who want a relaxing match-3. I certainly recommend trying the demo for yourself.
I recommend this game!
Citadel Arcanes
Mix, connect, and construct your very own Citadel in Citadel Arcanes! Save your father by restoring the the Healer’s Circle!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Average M3, but great for building
PostedMay 10, 2012
xander32839
fromOrlando, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Current Favorite:
Simplz Zoo
(9)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is based on the demo only. I bought the game as soon as the demo ended.
Some reviewers complained about the slow movement with the matches. Personally, I enjoyed it as an additional challenge. It allows you to swap other items BEFORE they clear - match 3 and then swap quickly again to make it a 4 or 5. This adds an additional level of strategy to your matching. It is very difficult to plan ahead because the board drops in odd directions, but that also adds to the challenge.
The match-3 portion of the game would not be enough to entice me to buy it. However, the building portion was great - you can build UPWARDS on top of existing structures! Add the fact that you can 'harvest' certain buildings for additional materials and you have a winner in my book.
The storyline is tedious, the conversations are boring, and the goals are not clear (they seem to complete while I still think they are not finished yet). IMO, these are not as important in my decision to buy. Try it for yourself - that's the only way you'll know if it meets your own criteria.
I recommend this game!