belamba's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.4
- Helpful Votes:6,536
- Reviews Submitted:161
- First Review:November 16, 2011
- Most Recent Review:April 4, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
India welcomes you with its riddles, ancient wisdom, exquisite aromas and lost treasures in this match 3 adventure!
Overall rating
1
/
5
6 of 8 found this review helpful
Sooooo boring....
PostedSeptember 2, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Match 3 is my favourite genre, and having read the blurb about the game, it sounded very interesting.
In reality, it was just one level after another..no puzzles or riddles that I could find.
Don't usually buy M3 games that don't have an 'untimed' option, but never came near to running out of time on any level.
The music was really annoying, so I turned it off.
It's a pure M3; no building anything, no puzzles games...just one level, after another, after another, after another....
It's a bit weird really. You progress to locked tiles, wooden crated tiles and so on, gathering pieces at the bottom of the board that make some kind of artefact. BUT you don't do anything with the artefacts, so whole game is pointless.
Graphics were ok, and tiles nicely drawn.
I quit after 55 minutes of trial, as I couldn't take any more. Not even worth a PCV...
Only thing game worthy of is if you just want to spend your life aimlessly clicking on tiles, with no goal at the end!
In reality, it was just one level after another..no puzzles or riddles that I could find.
Don't usually buy M3 games that don't have an 'untimed' option, but never came near to running out of time on any level.
The music was really annoying, so I turned it off.
It's a pure M3; no building anything, no puzzles games...just one level, after another, after another, after another....
It's a bit weird really. You progress to locked tiles, wooden crated tiles and so on, gathering pieces at the bottom of the board that make some kind of artefact. BUT you don't do anything with the artefacts, so whole game is pointless.
Graphics were ok, and tiles nicely drawn.
I quit after 55 minutes of trial, as I couldn't take any more. Not even worth a PCV...
Only thing game worthy of is if you just want to spend your life aimlessly clicking on tiles, with no goal at the end!
I don't recommend this game.
You’re about to uncover the secret that’s been haunting Blackrow!
Overall rating
3
/
5
78 of 93 found this review helpful
Far too short for a CE...
PostedAugust 28, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Was very disappointed in this game. I played the mode with no sparkles, skipped a couple of puzzles and completed main game (including trial hour) in 2 hours ten minutes. Having bought it, I got another hour and a bit.
Played bonus chapter and that took 40 minutes, so don't feel I got my moneys worth.
There were bits of glass to collect as you go along, but don't know why as at the end I had one bit missing. I thought they were being collected for a puzzle at the end, but no puzzle appeared.
The puzzles weren't very interesting in the main, and nothing new.
The HOPs were very disappointing. Mainly junk pile with a couple of interactions needed, but really quite old school compared to many these days.
Way too many cut scenes. You use an instrument to find a logo and off you go to another cut scene.
In fact if you take the cut scenes out of the play time, you're probably getting about an hour of game play!
The story line was silly (but aren't they all?), and once again we have 'Elf' the canine helper.
Regretted buying the CE.
I usually love Elephant Games, but this doesn't live up to the usual quality I've come to expect.
Played bonus chapter and that took 40 minutes, so don't feel I got my moneys worth.
There were bits of glass to collect as you go along, but don't know why as at the end I had one bit missing. I thought they were being collected for a puzzle at the end, but no puzzle appeared.
The puzzles weren't very interesting in the main, and nothing new.
The HOPs were very disappointing. Mainly junk pile with a couple of interactions needed, but really quite old school compared to many these days.
Way too many cut scenes. You use an instrument to find a logo and off you go to another cut scene.
In fact if you take the cut scenes out of the play time, you're probably getting about an hour of game play!
The story line was silly (but aren't they all?), and once again we have 'Elf' the canine helper.
Regretted buying the CE.
I usually love Elephant Games, but this doesn't live up to the usual quality I've come to expect.
I don't recommend this game.
The Statue of Liberty is missing! Investigate the disappearance of one of the most important symbols of the United States!
Overall rating
1
/
5
23 of 29 found this review helpful
Like something I played ten years ago...
PostedAugust 25, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game didn't grip me from the start. Very basic, with no option to do away with the giant eye for HOP, and giant arrow showing which way you can go.
The only puzzle I came across I really couldn't fathom out how to play it. The items you need in HOP scenes are very small and mainly drawn or painted on another object. If you click on a Statue of Liberty symbol a giant screen pops up with some facts about it.
The game is not challenging at all, but would be ok for people new to this genre or for children.
Has to be one of worst HOGs I've ever come across!
The only puzzle I came across I really couldn't fathom out how to play it. The items you need in HOP scenes are very small and mainly drawn or painted on another object. If you click on a Statue of Liberty symbol a giant screen pops up with some facts about it.
The game is not challenging at all, but would be ok for people new to this genre or for children.
Has to be one of worst HOGs I've ever come across!
I don't recommend this game.
The Jim and Frank Mysteries: The Blood River Files
Join two best pals, Jim and Frank as they set out to uncover the mystery of the Blood River!
Overall rating
1
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Great little game but....
PostedAugust 6, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Was looking forwards to playing this as like point and click adventures. The tutorial seemed to go on forever, but I hoped it would finally stop.
In each scene you collect 'Eurekas' which enable you to skip a puzzle. I only saw 2 Eurekas, and you need ten to skip a puzzle.
Managed the first puzzle, but the second one - could spend the rest of my life doing it without success and couldn't skip as only 2 'Eurekas'. You are chopping wood; you need 40 cuts in 45 seconds. It's nigh on impossible as each wrong cut takes away a chop. The red and green cut boxes are moving, and to hit a green is more luck than judgement. After 20 minutes of trying and never reaching more than ten I had to quit the game.
I could imagine getting 39 chops and running out of time...
In each scene you collect 'Eurekas' which enable you to skip a puzzle. I only saw 2 Eurekas, and you need ten to skip a puzzle.
Managed the first puzzle, but the second one - could spend the rest of my life doing it without success and couldn't skip as only 2 'Eurekas'. You are chopping wood; you need 40 cuts in 45 seconds. It's nigh on impossible as each wrong cut takes away a chop. The red and green cut boxes are moving, and to hit a green is more luck than judgement. After 20 minutes of trying and never reaching more than ten I had to quit the game.
I could imagine getting 39 chops and running out of time...
It's not the kind of game I associate with BFGs, and was only released for the Mac. More like something you'd buy in an 'app store', then regret it as can't get passed level two!
I feel that if after three failed attempts at a puzzle you should be able to skip it. Not a fun game at all!
I don't recommend this game.
Exercise your intellect in this relaxing Match 3 brain teaser set in the wonder subterranean world of Azkend 2: The World Beneath.
Overall rating
1
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Worst M3 I've ever played...
PostedAugust 5, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
I love M3 games, and was pleased to see one on my Mac today. Only a small file, so d/l within seconds.
The concept is to clear the board of tiles.
The tutorial was annoying as no way to not have it.
Got through that ok, then played second level. If you can't make any moves this giant 'back' arrow starts flashing along with an irritating sound similar to a submarine!
So, really the game involves either sorting out your moves before you begin a level, or you'll have to keep pressing the 'back' button until you do clear the board.
Not a fun game, not an entertaining game, not even an 'ok, but it's free with a coupon' game!
Just a total waste of my 'hard drive' space!
The concept is to clear the board of tiles.
The tutorial was annoying as no way to not have it.
Got through that ok, then played second level. If you can't make any moves this giant 'back' arrow starts flashing along with an irritating sound similar to a submarine!
So, really the game involves either sorting out your moves before you begin a level, or you'll have to keep pressing the 'back' button until you do clear the board.
Not a fun game, not an entertaining game, not even an 'ok, but it's free with a coupon' game!
Just a total waste of my 'hard drive' space!
I don't recommend this game.
Solve the mystery of an abandoned enchanted castle! Search for clues within its ancient underground and seek portals to different worlds.
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 44 found this review helpful
Quite liked it but....
PostedJuly 7, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Thought this game for a non CE was really quite good. It's not a buy though as no game modes, and it's totally spoilt by having sparkles all over the place.
I played the whole trial hour, and the two HOPs I came across were nicely done and quite challenging.
The puzzles were ok too, with some new takes on old themes.
The jungle noises got a bit irritating, and the game seemed a bit disjointed.
The hint wasn't much use as just 'There's nothing to do here'.
There was a map, but couldn't see the point in it as it didn't tell me anything.
I'm sure it will appeal to many, and a great game for newcomers to the HOG genre.
I played the whole trial hour, and the two HOPs I came across were nicely done and quite challenging.
The puzzles were ok too, with some new takes on old themes.
The jungle noises got a bit irritating, and the game seemed a bit disjointed.
The hint wasn't much use as just 'There's nothing to do here'.
There was a map, but couldn't see the point in it as it didn't tell me anything.
I'm sure it will appeal to many, and a great game for newcomers to the HOG genre.
I recommend this game!
Travel through time to find the lost artifacts and restore the lost collection!
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 17 found this review helpful
A boring M3 game...
PostedJune 24, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
This game could gave been so much better. Relaxed or timed mode which is always a bonus. On reading the blurb I wondered why it was a 'soft' release, but soon found out the reason.
When tiles are falling you can't do anything else - this is the biggest annoyance in a M3 game, and thought it was a thing of the past. The music was nerve jangling, the game play boring, the tiles nicely done but nothing new.
Took an age to charge up the 'only' power up, and the game was so tedious you really needed the power up more often.
Came across one ok jigsaw puzzle, but didn't break the boredom.
I love M3 games, but having to wait for all falling tiles before moving on is a real yawn!
I played the hours demo, then wondered why I'd wasted an hour of my life on it.
Even free with a PCV didn't interest me...
Sure some will like it, but there's far far better, and more interesting M3 games out there!
When tiles are falling you can't do anything else - this is the biggest annoyance in a M3 game, and thought it was a thing of the past. The music was nerve jangling, the game play boring, the tiles nicely done but nothing new.
Took an age to charge up the 'only' power up, and the game was so tedious you really needed the power up more often.
Came across one ok jigsaw puzzle, but didn't break the boredom.
I love M3 games, but having to wait for all falling tiles before moving on is a real yawn!
I played the hours demo, then wondered why I'd wasted an hour of my life on it.
Even free with a PCV didn't interest me...
Sure some will like it, but there's far far better, and more interesting M3 games out there!
I don't recommend this game.
A series of unexplained deaths baffle authorities, and you’re called in to investigate.
Overall rating
4
/
5
39 of 50 found this review helpful
A good CE albeit short....
PostedJune 19, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
There were many mode options, including custom which I always appreciate.
The graphics were fab, and the music in keeping.
No helpful critters either.
Found a bit too much chit chat, and some VOs were cringeworthy!
Loved the HOPs; quite different and no endless junk pile rubbish. They varied, and some were very interactive.
Puzzles the 'same old', and mainly very very easy.
Ran seamlessly on my Mac.
My only gripe and hence the 4* was the brevity of the game.
Played main and bonus game. and in total game took 3 1/2 hours.
The graphics were fab, and the music in keeping.
No helpful critters either.
Found a bit too much chit chat, and some VOs were cringeworthy!
Loved the HOPs; quite different and no endless junk pile rubbish. They varied, and some were very interactive.
Puzzles the 'same old', and mainly very very easy.
Ran seamlessly on my Mac.
My only gripe and hence the 4* was the brevity of the game.
Played main and bonus game. and in total game took 3 1/2 hours.
I recommend this game!
After a long journey, Queen Sophia faces her enemy for the last time - but will she succeed in saving her parents?
Overall rating
4
/
5
23 of 34 found this review helpful
Really enjoyed this game...
PostedMay 31, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Played this game to the end. The graphics, music and characters were excellent. The storyline was cohesive, and it's one of the few games I've found the story interesting enough to listen to it all.
Have all the others in The Awakening series, and I liked this one best of all.
I played the middle mode (my only gripe is that there was too much had holding - the only other option was no map, skip or hints which would make playing it rather difficult if you want to skip a puzzle). The hint system was excellent. The map was ok, but tended to show you all the places where actions were possible, but not necessarily at that moment. So the hint system came into its own at these times.
The puzzles mainly were nothing new with a few exceptions - all really nicely executed.
The HOPs were few and far between, very interactive and for the first time ever I wished there had been more of them.
The bonus content was the best for any game in a very long time! At least another hour, and not filled with never ending HOPs!
There were collectable flowers in each scene, but didn't interest me enough to care. Prefer morphing or interesting collectables, or none at all.
You had a fire dragon pal to use whenever you needed to use heat in a scene.
All in all it was a first rate CE!
Have all the others in The Awakening series, and I liked this one best of all.
I played the middle mode (my only gripe is that there was too much had holding - the only other option was no map, skip or hints which would make playing it rather difficult if you want to skip a puzzle). The hint system was excellent. The map was ok, but tended to show you all the places where actions were possible, but not necessarily at that moment. So the hint system came into its own at these times.
The puzzles mainly were nothing new with a few exceptions - all really nicely executed.
The HOPs were few and far between, very interactive and for the first time ever I wished there had been more of them.
The bonus content was the best for any game in a very long time! At least another hour, and not filled with never ending HOPs!
There were collectable flowers in each scene, but didn't interest me enough to care. Prefer morphing or interesting collectables, or none at all.
You had a fire dragon pal to use whenever you needed to use heat in a scene.
All in all it was a first rate CE!
I recommend this game!
Haunted Manor: Painted Beauties Collector's Edition
A peaceful day at the park becomes a journey into the surreal when you become the latest victim of a troubled artist's deal with Death!
Overall rating
3
/
5
47 of 56 found this review helpful
Long game but bonus chapter not worth paying double....
PostedMay 24, 2014
belamba
fromPoole, Dorset UK
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This game had a cute child fairy as a hint system; her giggle was funny.
Puzzles fairly easy and run of the mill, HOP basic junk pile with slight interaction, and rarely (maybe 3 times) looking for item shapes instead.
Played hard core, so map not of much use; you're really going to depend on map or hint system throughout the game.
Don't think I've played any game before with so much back and forth. After a while it got a bit tedious, but I was determined to play game to the end.
The main game had a good 6 hours of game play, but the bonus chapter was over in 20 minutes. Hardly value for double the price, and seemed like more HOPs in that 20 minutes than in the entire game!
The graphics were excellent, the music a bit annoying at times but ok.
Morphing objects, but not that easy to find and I gave up looking for them after a while. Mainly due to the fact that the morphing things disappeared for far too long, which meant you had to watch a scene for what seemed like forever before spotting it.
Whilst the hint system was fab at getting you from A to B to C to A to B to C to D, back to A and so on...if you needed many pieces to collect, it took you back to the scene to place them one by one, instead of waiting until you'd collected all the bits.
This may have been easier in casual or advanced mode if the map gave you clues as to where active tasks were.
The idea was clever with the paintings becoming the scenes, but just felt it was all a bit disjointed and I ended up wishing the end would come soon.
Puzzles fairly easy and run of the mill, HOP basic junk pile with slight interaction, and rarely (maybe 3 times) looking for item shapes instead.
Played hard core, so map not of much use; you're really going to depend on map or hint system throughout the game.
Don't think I've played any game before with so much back and forth. After a while it got a bit tedious, but I was determined to play game to the end.
The main game had a good 6 hours of game play, but the bonus chapter was over in 20 minutes. Hardly value for double the price, and seemed like more HOPs in that 20 minutes than in the entire game!
The graphics were excellent, the music a bit annoying at times but ok.
Morphing objects, but not that easy to find and I gave up looking for them after a while. Mainly due to the fact that the morphing things disappeared for far too long, which meant you had to watch a scene for what seemed like forever before spotting it.
Whilst the hint system was fab at getting you from A to B to C to A to B to C to D, back to A and so on...if you needed many pieces to collect, it took you back to the scene to place them one by one, instead of waiting until you'd collected all the bits.
This may have been easier in casual or advanced mode if the map gave you clues as to where active tasks were.
The idea was clever with the paintings becoming the scenes, but just felt it was all a bit disjointed and I ended up wishing the end would come soon.
I recommend this game!