Volauvent's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:3,336
- Reviews Submitted:177
- First Review:February 19, 2012
- Most Recent Review:December 2, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Join Alice and her friends to help bring peace and sanity back to the underwater kingdom in this
gorgeous Match-3 adventure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
NOT QUITE SURE WHY WE'VE BEEN OFFERED THIS ONE
PostedNovember 15, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Based on the demo.
At first blush, this Mermaid Adventure looked like it was going to be fun.
But all that changed after the 1st hiddon object scene where the items are actually hidden from view, as in there is no way to see them. I had to use the Hint button for the last few objects, and the totally weird thing is that the item would suddenly appear in a spot where there was nothing, Literally.
Oh well, on to the next level.... oh dear. Whatever you do, don't let a pink octopus get caught behind a chained tile that needs to be removed. Lining up 3 of them borders on the impossible since there is no way to move them around the board. Yeah, sometimes they will make a move as the tiles adjust after removing a string of tiles, but other than that, there is no way to move them to line up next to the pink octopus behind the chain. And there are no tools or spells to get rid of the doggone thing.
Coulda been fun, wish it had been.
I don't recommend this game.
Set out on an exciting journey around the world!
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 9 found this review helpful
FOR GRANDPARENTS, BABYSITTERS, GRADE SCHOOL, THERAPISTS...
PostedNovember 13, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
The title pretty much says it all. This review is based on the demo, from a teacher's viewpoint.
This is a colorful big pieces jigsaw puzzle - made to look like the old wooden puzzles - that won't do much for those of us who no longer have little kids around, but if you do, this game will definitely keep them occupied.
Good for color recognition, connecting space and shapes, but be prepared to look up animals to answer "What is that, Mommy?" with something better than, "Got me, kid." If you are clueless, at least you have the name of the country to search for animals or sights to see in wherever.
There are no fact cards or names for the animals and locations, which would have made the game super educational, but no, which is why I only gave it 3 stars.
If you need to keep kids entertained, with a side of education, give the demo a try and see what you think.
I recommend this game!
Explore incredible new artwork and let your creative side shine as you complete these colorful paint-by-numbers puzzles.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
"BY NUMBERS" AT ITS BEST!
PostedNovember 10, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
THIS artist never fails. It's always a sunny day when Art by Numbers shows up in the TGT (Tomorrow's Game Today, members only).
IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME and this issue is ringing all my joyful bells.
Brilliant, lucious colors, great skin tones, love the shading for the satin quilt effect, and the drop shadows for the shadow box effect.
Five stars for the music! It is beyond me how I can listen to looping background music without getting tired of hearing it. This time we are treated to a full orchestra, complete with a sweeping crescendo.
My favs in this issue are #9 (me before coffee), #17 (shadowbox), #31, #53 (an absolute fav), #67, and #72. I can't wait for enough time to pass so I can have fun with the replay.
Only 1 bothersome thing to report: The images are traditionally whisked away on the last fill-in. It would be nice if the artist/studio/programmer or whoever would either give us a larger thumbnail or more time to enjoy the finished image and show it off. As it is, we have to leave a tiny spot unpainted to share the image.
There are no "overstuffed" effects in this issue. Dang. I so enjoy the occasional overstuffed patchwork scenes.
Tapping my toe as I wait for the next issue. Fortunately, Modern Art should be showing up soon. :D
I recommend this game!
Complete fun mahjong puzzles and uncover secrets of the ancient world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
41 of 44 found this review helpful
BEAUTIFUL NEW TILES ADDED AS WE PLAY THRU THE LEVELS
PostedNovember 10, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
If you're a majhong fan, the first 6 levels are all a tutorial for the uninitiated. Very frustrating, and I nearly deleted the demo because I thought the rest of the game would be the same.
Fortunately, I persisted and whoa! The game gets quite a bit more challenging after level 7.
The objective is to collect shards that then fit into images of the usual Egyptian artifacts. We are given plenty of tools down the right hand side, like Shuffle, Hint, and some others I can't remember right now that make it seem as if you can't lose. Wrong! Oh, did I mention that you have to collect enough gold to buy those nifty tools? Yeah, it's easy to find yourself on the short end of the rope, having to replay the level until you get it right. Kinda' like Groundhog Day.
The tiles are brilliant. Because we are not given all the available tiles at once, as you move through the levels more and more beauties show up. One is a menacing crocodile that makes the croc in Peter Pan look like a wimp. Flowers, jewelry, scarabs, symbols, rainbow colored Chinese writing, and more. The eye candy alone is worth the price of admission.
This is a definite buy for me :D
I don't recommend this game.
Philatelist is an indie jigsaw puzzle game inspired by philately where you piece together stamps and add them to your collection!
Overall rating
3
/
5
14 of 17 found this review helpful
HAD TO TRY IT, BUT MEH... MIGHT BE GREAT FOR SOME
PostedOctober 20, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I was sort of confused when I started the demo, even though I tried to keep my graphic expectations at bay.
I truly enjoy reading the history of just about anything, and the history of stamps is actually steeped in politics, revolution, peace and upheavals, discovery and adventure.
But we do not get to experience any of that in this game.
I'm not a fan of 1950's art deco abstracts, and that's all that's represented in the demo. With the understanding that every stamp in the world is proprietary, I still expected to see at least a similar representation of each little historical lesson about a particular stamp or era - not hard to do in this day of graphic supply websites plus cut and paste.
Really disappointed.
See beckins and somegeek for the best detailed reviews.
I don't recommend this game.
Uncover the history and secrets of Fonts & Characters in a fascinating and unique platforming game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
18 of 21 found this review helpful
A BEAUTIFUL AND CAPTIVATING LEARNING EXPERIENCE
PostedOctober 11, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Based on purchased game,
Fonts are little pieces of art we use and view everyday, from your own handwriting to huge blazing ads on Broadway. This is the story of how we have gone from no written word to where we are today, awash in the written word and vibrant typestyles. (Search "free fonts" and tighten your seatbelt!)
Through the ages, man has been driven by the need to communicate beyond oral history. Bless Monotype for supporting the developers of this game, a historical journey of the fulfillment of that need through the use of wonderful gameplay.
This is a Point and Click game using your keyboard and occasionally your mouse to move 2 dots through scene after stunning scene. Think Warcraft and early Tomb Raider. If you've never played without a mouse, or limited use of one, you'll be surprised at how quickly you adapt :)
Give it a go - this one is a rare experience.
I recommend this game!
Modern Art’s next set of beautiful image puzzles are here! Painting has never been easier - just sit back and enjoy!
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 17 found this review helpful
INTERESTING NEW COLORS...
PostedOctober 5, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
...But not a lot of blue sky. Fall has arrived, and with it comes the artist's favorite grays and browns. And, sigh, even after purchase all images are held hostage until we complete the 8 images on page 1 as a tutorial. No option for those of us who have been doing this for yonks. Don't get it, never will.
ON THE PLUS SIDE, the themes are very interesting, even engrossing. One, a lone Autumn tree, is done in shades of gray, mauve, and you'll have to see the rest of it for yourself.
I love his animals. While Art by Numbers brings us satiny harlequin and patch quilt beasties, Modern Art delights us with true to life animals, detailed down to the feather tips and each point of fur. Among other critters, in this issue we have a grand old turtle. It was a joy to paint.
Another plus - we have fewer food scenes in this issue. The still lifes and landscapes are handled in an intriguing way, not the colors I was expecting, The artist's adventures into different color combos are always fascinating for me.
And another thing. In this issue I can actually hear the nature sounds without having to turn the volume up from where I have it set for the music! Thank you!
All in all, as long as I ignore and don't get all grumblely about the lack of happy Spring colors and joyful themes, Modern Art 12 was a good purchase that will give me hours of excellent play time.
I recommend this game!
Only Hermes can close the Gates of Hell and save the world!
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 39 found this review helpful
SURPRISE! TIME MANAGEMENT GAMES ARE ACTUALLY FUN!
PostedSeptember 21, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Time Management games have never been on my fav list because I like to take my time and in a fair number of TMs, "Casual" mode does not mean laid back.
However, I recently ran into Detective Olivia, in which Casual actually does mean low key, and I was hooked. That's why I took a chance on this Hermes episode.
It's bright, colorful, and has amusing moments. I took my time playing the game, which is how I like it. I seldom sit through a whole game because I have other things to do.
Each level is slightly different, just enough so that it doesn't get boring, at least not for me.
There are certain things that must be set up at each level, such as forges and banks, but some of the money gained from the previous level follows you to pay for initial costs.
That part does become a bit tedious, but pffft! No big, especially since as the end of the game nears, you have to juggle resources and take the long view of where you are going. In other words, you can paint yourself into a corner and have to start the level over again.
The game comes with an interesting Guide, but I only needed it a couple of times when I just couldn't figure out my next move. Yeah, the dreaded "Duh" moment.
I'm going to give the other episodes in the series a try...
I recommend this game!
Look beyond the edge of usual and find mystical worlds full of magic, imagination, and relaxation as you reveal these incredible places!
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 53 found this review helpful
PUZZLE PIECES vs JIGSAWS GALORE: 6 COMPARISON POINTS
PostedSeptember 20, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
We die hard jigsaw puzzle fans have been hooked on David Gray's Jigsaws Galore version 7.22 since it was released by BF, and I'll be the first to admit that Puzzle Pieces is a prime contender for 1st place.
Alas, for those of us who can't see all that well, Jigsaws Galore (JG) remains in the lead. Here's why.
1. JG: we can increase the size of the puzzle pieces (my pieces are adjusted to 80% of full size, which is pretty darn big), yet all pieces can be viewed on the board at the same time. Puzzle Pieces (PP) only zooms in on the entire board. At my size requirement, I can only view a few pieces at a time.
2. JG: we can choose just one piece shape, or a variety of shapes. PP only allows for one piece shape per puzzle.
3. JG features "fun pieces" - clowns, dogs, cats, etc., and the ability to create your own fun pieces. PP has none of that.
4. JG: we can choose to gather pieces into trays such as one for fun pieces, one for middle pieces, plus create extra trays if we want to isolate a certain color section and just work on that or trays for whatever we want. The piece size adjusts to the size of the tray, which can be re-sized to whatever dimension we require. We can also name the trays so we don't forget what's in them when they are closed and listed at the bottom of the board. PP doesn't have that option.
5. JG allows us to sort pieces by shape or sort by color. For instance, when you want to only work on the edge pieces, you can tray all the others (fun/middle) from the main board, sort by shape, sort at edge or grid (mixed up in the middle of the board), and there you go - all the edge pieces are available for us to fit together. Not available in PP.
6. JG is unlimited; in other words, we can import any graphic we want, and it will be turned into a jigsaw puzzle. I get 100% of my images from Desktop Nexus in the Fantasy section and other wallpaper sections depending on what I fancy at the time. Didn't find a feature for that in PP. Oh I agree, PP's images are so achingly beautiful that they nearly make me cry and I really hope upon hope that they are what Heaven looks like, but when they run out, there you are: done.
2. JG: we can choose just one piece shape, or a variety of shapes. PP only allows for one piece shape per puzzle.
3. JG features "fun pieces" - clowns, dogs, cats, etc., and the ability to create your own fun pieces. PP has none of that.
4. JG: we can choose to gather pieces into trays such as one for fun pieces, one for middle pieces, plus create extra trays if we want to isolate a certain color section and just work on that or trays for whatever we want. The piece size adjusts to the size of the tray, which can be re-sized to whatever dimension we require. We can also name the trays so we don't forget what's in them when they are closed and listed at the bottom of the board. PP doesn't have that option.
5. JG allows us to sort pieces by shape or sort by color. For instance, when you want to only work on the edge pieces, you can tray all the others (fun/middle) from the main board, sort by shape, sort at edge or grid (mixed up in the middle of the board), and there you go - all the edge pieces are available for us to fit together. Not available in PP.
6. JG is unlimited; in other words, we can import any graphic we want, and it will be turned into a jigsaw puzzle. I get 100% of my images from Desktop Nexus in the Fantasy section and other wallpaper sections depending on what I fancy at the time. Didn't find a feature for that in PP. Oh I agree, PP's images are so achingly beautiful that they nearly make me cry and I really hope upon hope that they are what Heaven looks like, but when they run out, there you are: done.
I'm pretty sure I could keep going, and certainly hope the Puzzle Pieces dev reads this because I so want to play all the editions, however, I did not delve deeply enough into PP to make any further comparisons.
I recommend this game!
Can you solve a ghostly mystery to escape a film?
Overall rating
4
/
5
13 of 17 found this review helpful
...AND PLEASE DON'T CALL ME SHIRLEY
PostedSeptember 10, 2021
Volauvent
fromHigh Desert, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
See below review for upcoming games to be on the lookout for. All my "Current Favorite" game choices are retro titles.
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Hidden Motives: Diamond Rush
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Hidden Motives: Diamond Rush
For starters, yes - I will be buying this game during the next sale and I do recommend it.
I have no glitches to report. The game ran smoothly without any technical difficulties. Reminder: computers are all different even if they are the same brand, have different things that are built in to the motherboard depending on the assembly line and what the manufacturer decides to add in or remove from day to day.
I had fun playing the demo and had to use the hint button a few times, which makes the game play most enjoyable for me. For the most part, the characters are interesting and the actors do a good job. The plot is okay as well, not as time worn as what we have become used to. If you find the sequence of events a bit confusing at times, know that you are not alone; however, that does not affect the game play.
My complaints are few:
1. The object call outs are all over the map. No, that is not a paperweight; it's a very light ink blotter. No, those are not [whatever]; those are tongs; the list goes downhill from there. What is up with that? It's as if these people live under a rock, never use the tools they name, and never proof anything.
2. Shirley is not exactly the sheriff's daughter. According to her hands, she is the sheriff's son.
3. Can we please not take care of setting things up to get rid of the bad guy *right in front of the bad guy?!* That's been a theme lately that is totally nonsensical and diminishes enjoyment by about 70%.
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IN THE PIPELINE
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IN THE PIPELINE
FYI, the game surveys some of us receive are really just the demo that we answer quality questions about and get to comment on. In other words, when we buy the game we have to replay the demo. The survey, or "beta", is not the entire game.
HALLOWEEN CHRONICLES: I can't wait for this one. It's a doozy. If the rest of the game is as good as the survey/demo, we are in for a real treat.
REDRAWN: #4 in the Drawn series. The first 3 episodes are awesome and the fourth is no exception. Search Drawn to pick up any episode you missed.
MYSTERY CASE FILES: Be prepared to return to the good old days when the HOPA's were so fine. I was very surprised at being surprised during the game play. As with Halloween Chronicles, my hopes are that the rest of the game is as brilliant as the survey/demo.
REDRAWN: #4 in the Drawn series. The first 3 episodes are awesome and the fourth is no exception. Search Drawn to pick up any episode you missed.
MYSTERY CASE FILES: Be prepared to return to the good old days when the HOPA's were so fine. I was very surprised at being surprised during the game play. As with Halloween Chronicles, my hopes are that the rest of the game is as brilliant as the survey/demo.
I recommend this game!