dachsy's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.1
- Helpful Votes:3,253
- Reviews Submitted:105
- First Review:March 2, 2013
- Most Recent Review:August 29, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Big Win Goldmine
Step up to the slots and shout YEE-HA when you win big in Big Win Goldmine Slots!
Overall rating
4
/
5
45 of 53 found this review helpful
Good Fun Slots Game with Superb Graphics
PostedJune 25, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
If you like to play the slots for fun (and who doesn't lol) this is surely the game for you! The setting is an underground goldmine, and your companion is 'Pete the Goldminer'.
This game is produced by 'Pokie Magic', who also produced the equally fine slots game 'Pyramid Pays Slots II', also available from Big Fish Games. The graphics are superb, the 'Free Features' are both fun and interesting, and 'cash' return is similar to machines in a casino.
Being of a gold mining theme, the accompanying music is of course of a country nature, which, if you like, is well and good. If you are averse to this music, you may well turn it off.
There are three lines of five reels. There apparently is a total of 243 possible line combinations, so, like some machines in a casino, any combination of at least three symbols left to right on any reel, gives you a win. You can bet any amount you like up to an astounding 33,000 credits!
When your 'money' runs out, you are automatically credited with an amount 10x what you are betting. That's where it differs from reality lol.
When your 'money' runs out, you are automatically credited with an amount 10x what you are betting. That's where it differs from reality lol.
There are two different features to be won during play. 'Big Win' gives you a set number of free spins, and 'Dash for Cash'. The latter takes you underground where you ride with Pete down the tunnels to pick both the number of free spins, and a multiplier. This is a real hoot!
In addition, there is a randomly-generated 'Donkey Dash' feature, where you pick a donkey to try and win the race to gain a certificate. Of course, the donkeys can't resist the food that is placed in their lane, and they have to pause to eat it.
In addition, there is a randomly-generated 'Donkey Dash' feature, where you pick a donkey to try and win the race to gain a certificate. Of course, the donkeys can't resist the food that is placed in their lane, and they have to pause to eat it.
There are 60 Awards to be obtained. Some of these are of course quite easy to obtain and in the demo hour, I achieved 26 of these.
Double Up, Blackjack, and Roulette which are mentioned in the game description, must come into being in the full version, as they did not occur in the trial hour.
Double Up, Blackjack, and Roulette which are mentioned in the game description, must come into being in the full version, as they did not occur in the trial hour.
So, this is an excellent Slots game with good features, and just the ticket if you want to have a bit of frivolous fun.
I recommend this game!
Travel through time to find the lost artifacts and restore the lost collection!
Overall rating
4
/
5
36 of 39 found this review helpful
Almost Perfect Match 3
PostedJune 24, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Based on Trial Hour.
This would have been a 5 Star review had it not been for the fact that matches cannot be made whilst tiles are falling. I know this is a deal-breaker for some, but apart from this drawback, this is still a really decent Match 3 game.
This would have been a 5 Star review had it not been for the fact that matches cannot be made whilst tiles are falling. I know this is a deal-breaker for some, but apart from this drawback, this is still a really decent Match 3 game.
Storyline is good. Graphics are excellent and there is some nice animated scenery behind the boards. Ambient music is ok, but you will probably want to turn it down to a low level, so the sound effects, which are well done, come to the fore.
Game play has some minor new innovations which are very welcome. I come across the first of these in level 4 where you had to clear a path for a Lamp. After the lamp moved forward in each square, the symbol on that square moved back a space, enabling more matches to be made automatically. The play was made more diverse with the inclusion of the odd mini game between the Match 3 boards. In the demo hour, e.g. there was a jigsaw to complete. I expect there will be others as game progresses.
The symbols are very easy on the eye, pertain to the story very well, and change depending in what 'era' of the story you are in. Nicely done.
From the beginning, there are two power-ups: Lightning and Shuffle. Both of these are powerful in their action, and as a result, take some time to recharge. There are also what appear to be 'random' bomb blasts which knock out 'groups' of symbols as they are falling.
The object in most levels, is to assemble an 'Item' by allowing certain symbols to drop off the bottom of the board. In the timed mode, if you don't achieve this in time allowed, you replay the level, with the partially assembled item staying intact for your next attempt.
OPTIONS
Music volume adjustable
Sound effects volume adjustable
Screen brightness adjustable
Full Screen
Custom Cursor
Music volume adjustable
Sound effects volume adjustable
Screen brightness adjustable
Full Screen
Custom Cursor
Overall, I found the playing experience positive, with enough variety to maintain my enjoyment and interest.
As long as you don't mind not being able to make matches whilst tiles are falling, this is an excellent game which I can recommend to Match 3 followers.
As long as you don't mind not being able to make matches whilst tiles are falling, this is an excellent game which I can recommend to Match 3 followers.
I recommend this game!
Voyage through a wondrous match-3 adventure as Luna, a recent graduate of the Magic University. Search Varanah for the missing wizard, Ludovic!
Overall rating
5
/
5
86 of 97 found this review helpful
Absolute Jewel Match Heaven!
PostedJune 17, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well, I will find it difficult to contain myself in reviewing this game! There are just so many beautiful and nicely done features within the game that it just has to be definite 5 Star material.
I could not find anything at all to fault this game, and I recommend it most highly.
If you have played any of the previous ‘Jewel Match’ games in the series, you will know what to expect. This fourth edition has added extra dimensions and features which make it a real joy to play.
I could not find anything at all to fault this game, and I recommend it most highly.
If you have played any of the previous ‘Jewel Match’ games in the series, you will know what to expect. This fourth edition has added extra dimensions and features which make it a real joy to play.
It continues on the whimsical fantasy theme of version 3 and has an interesting and joyful story attached that just makes you want to continue playing, as there is always something new to discover around every corner. Integrated in a clever way throughout the game are hidden object scenes, and mahjong boards (the latter I didn’t come across in demo, so must appear later).
The game has so-called ‘floating’ boards. I know there are a few players who have a dislike for these. Fear not, you can actually disable this feature and instead, right-click and hold right mouse button to shift the board to where you want it. I found also that you can use scroll wheel to move up or down. So, kudos to the developers for including this in the options. Nicely done.
As to sights and sounds: The graphics are of a high resolution with gorgeous colourings, and all the gems have more sparkle than before. Not only that, many are animated, making for a visual feast for the eyes. They have also improved further the sounds that the gems make when matched. Again, a delight to listen to. Ambient music is of zen type, so quite relaxing, but can be lowered or turned off.
Add to this, imaginative use of power-ups and other aids, and you have a game which is flawless, fun, and a joy to play!
Add to this, imaginative use of power-ups and other aids, and you have a game which is flawless, fun, and a joy to play!
Each Level consists of ‘rooms’, and you have to complete each room before advancing to next level. There are several modes of play, including Timed, Zen and
Lazy modes. The latter is a super-relaxed mode for those that wish to chill-out completely. In the timed mode, I noticed that if your time is running out, it gives you the option of trading a ‘life’ for more time to complete the level.
Lazy modes. The latter is a super-relaxed mode for those that wish to chill-out completely. In the timed mode, I noticed that if your time is running out, it gives you the option of trading a ‘life’ for more time to complete the level.
I haven’t covered everything in this review, but you will glean from it that I am very impressed indeed.
I recommend this game!
Solve the puzzles of an old pirate and find the treasure! Challenge yourself by adjusting the game mode and puzzle pieces.
Overall rating
4
/
5
18 of 19 found this review helpful
Excellent features but puzzle numbers limited
PostedJune 2, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This Pirate-themed jigsaw game from 8 Floor is excellent in many respects, but the number of different jigsaws in the game appears to be limited to 72 puzzles (at least in the trial version anyway).
There are 4 boxes, each containing 18 puzzles.
There are 4 boxes, each containing 18 puzzles.
On the plus side, the graphics are high resolution and sound effects are very good. There are options to change the puzzle cut (shape of pieces), to alter the number of pieces in a puzzle (from 12 to 300), and to rotate puzzle pieces.
Other good options are being able to have only the border pieces showing on the puzzle area, with other pieces not in view until all border pieces are placed, and being able to lock pieces on board, after they are correctly placed.
There is also a 'sort' option, and a box to put pieces in until required.
Other good options are being able to have only the border pieces showing on the puzzle area, with other pieces not in view until all border pieces are placed, and being able to lock pieces on board, after they are correctly placed.
There is also a 'sort' option, and a box to put pieces in until required.
There is also an option to have the 'ghost' image on the playing area, but I thought this was overly bold, and there was no way to make it more subdued.
The ambient music, which I expect you could call pirate-themed is rather awful and too intrusive for having as a background-sound for doing jigsaw puzzles. You will probably want to turn it off.
The ambient music, which I expect you could call pirate-themed is rather awful and too intrusive for having as a background-sound for doing jigsaw puzzles. You will probably want to turn it off.
The puzzles are not timed per se, but you are awarded a score for both time taken, and accuracy of piece placement.
There is a scoreboard for each puzzle, and also achievements to be won.
There is a scoreboard for each puzzle, and also achievements to be won.
Despite the few shortfalls, this is a decent game which should appeal to most jigsaw followers.
I recommend this game!
Complete custom mosaic puzzles and discover the fantasy images hidden beneath
Overall rating
4
/
5
15 of 15 found this review helpful
More Mosaic Fun
PostedMay 27, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Following hot on the heels of 'Fantasy Mosaics', this is really a continuation of that game, where you restore a fantasy garden.
Everything is fairly similar to the first version, but you don't have to sit through a tutorial at the start. It's straight into the game head-first, with 20 x 15 grids by the 3rd board.
Game play is similar to the first instalment, including automatic filling of the 'x' squares. This seems to be a luxury at first thought, but I'm in two minds about it. For satisfaction, I prefer to manually fill the 'x' squares. However, others will probably like this feature. Solving the puzzles is by logic and deduction, so no guessing seems necessary.
In the description of the game, there is mention of innovative features. I did not find any more of these in the trial hour, but perhaps they become apparent further in to the game.
As with the first instalment, this is a pleasant griddler to play, and people who like this genre will most likely enjoy this one.
As with the first instalment, this is a pleasant griddler to play, and people who like this genre will most likely enjoy this one.
I recommend this game!
The village of Lumina is in trouble! Defeat your challengers with the help of powerful spells, and find treasures in more than 10 hidden object scenes.
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
Good Match 3 with Additional Challenges
PostedMay 16, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
A nice Match 3 combo that includes challenges, as others have mentioned, making it a bit different to the norm, in an enjoyable way.
Graphics, sound effects, ambient music and gameplay are all top notch, so virtually nothing to complain about. However, as fellow-reviewer pennom36 mentioned, there is the small niggle of spelling mistakes e.g. sextan instead of sextant.
I found the challenge level quite easy, even in timed mode, but with 200 levels, I'm sure it will increase as you progress.
I found the challenge level quite easy, even in timed mode, but with 200 levels, I'm sure it will increase as you progress.
Overall though, I would have to say this is one of the better Match 3 games, and one which would appease the majority of players.
I recommend this game!
Embark on your fantasy journey to distant lands and experience this new and exciting collection of mosaic puzzles through 100 custom built levels.
Overall rating
4
/
5
4 of 6 found this review helpful
A 'Not-Too-Much-Pressure' Mosaic
PostedMay 6, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A good, but not exceptional game which is pleasant to play, and fairly leisurely in execution.
Game is full screen, graphics are sharp, with bold colour.
Sound effects are rather subdued but ok for this type of game. Ambient music is repetitive on a loop, but can be turned off. Left mouse button for 'fill', and right button for 'cross.'.
Sound effects are rather subdued but ok for this type of game. Ambient music is repetitive on a loop, but can be turned off. Left mouse button for 'fill', and right button for 'cross.'.
20 groups of 5 levels make up a total of 100 boards. Each completed group awards you with an addition to your 'fantasy journey'. I encountered boards up to 20 squares across. There may well be larger ones as you advance.
There are 3 kinds of power-ups which are earned as you play - these appear to be under random 'fill' squares, rather than being earned for good play as such.
In addition, you are allowed a pre-determined number of mistakes for each board. All these make for fairly relaxed game play, compared to some other games of this genre. To make it even more so, once you have completed the 'fill' squares in a line, all the 'cross' squares are automatically filled for you.
In addition, you are allowed a pre-determined number of mistakes for each board. All these make for fairly relaxed game play, compared to some other games of this genre. To make it even more so, once you have completed the 'fill' squares in a line, all the 'cross' squares are automatically filled for you.
In the trial hour, I completed all the boards I played and received either a Gold or Silver cup for them all. I presume there is also a Bronze cup if you take a longer time. Boards can be replayed.
A pleasant mosaic game, if you are wanting to relax and de-stress.
I recommend this game!
The city park is slated to be turned into condos, unless you can clean it up and rally the townsfolk to save it!
Overall rating
4
/
5
46 of 49 found this review helpful
Another Fine Match 3!
PostedMay 2, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The scene is a rundown town park which is presided over by granny the witch. You are charged with having to assist her to bring it back to its former glory. She apparently also has some tricks up her sleeve.
Coins are earned during gameplay, and are then spent on various upgrades to the park. Graphics between the levels are cartoon-like, but bright and pleasing. There is some written dialogue after every few levels, but this detracts little from the pace of the game.
The game boards themselves are excellent, with colourful and distinctive designs which are clear and easy on the eye.
Matches can be made whilst tiles are falling. All the usual power ups, some becoming available right from the outset, so you quickly get into the game, and thankfully, there is virtually no tutorial.
Matches can be made whilst tiles are falling. All the usual power ups, some becoming available right from the outset, so you quickly get into the game, and thankfully, there is virtually no tutorial.
There are choices in the way you can remove tiles, but in the trial hour, I was restricted to the normal 'swap' mode. Others presumably become available as game progresses.
Ambient music is somewhat non-descriptive, but pleasant and fits the game ok.
Ambient music is somewhat non-descriptive, but pleasant and fits the game ok.
Six locations and 147 levels will keep you playing for a considerable time. A good addition to the Match 3 genre which I recommend.
I recommend this game!
Can you carve a path of light through the darkness in this marble shooting adventure?
Overall rating
5
/
5
33 of 38 found this review helpful
Superb Third Sparkle!
PostedApril 25, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I have spent a lot of time playing Sparkle 2, and thought it a game impossible to be improved on. 'Sparkle Unleashed' is the third instalment of this fine marble popper clone, and players who enjoyed Sparkle 2 will surely want this one as well.
Whilst gameplay and layout is rather similar to Sparkle 2, the theme is a bit different. You are tasked with unlocking a pathway of light through the darkness, by lighting up a brazier every four or five levels. At each brazier position, you also unlock a new power up. And this is where some new innovation comes into play. The power-ups in this game are more exciting and powerful than in Sparkle 2. e.g. the 'Spectral Butterfly' totally destroys much of the orbs in play.
There are two modes of play - Adventure and Challenge. If Sparkle 2 is anything to go by, both will be very worthwhile and keep you playing for a very long time. Beware, if you are a person with slower reaction time, this will most likely not be a game for you.
Superb graphics, very responsive gameplay, fine sound effects and background music, all add up to a brilliant playing experience. I thoroughly recommend!
I recommend this game!
Lost in the city at night and surrounded by zombies, Dan is relying on your match-3 skills to help him rescue his fiancée and make it home safe and sound!
Overall rating
4
/
5
26 of 31 found this review helpful
Zany Zombie Match 3!
PostedApril 21, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The Match 3's have been coming thick and fast, and here is another one to join the ranks.
In this one, you are in a race to save the town from invading zombie's. The story is amusingly told (no voice over, just text). You are assisted along the way with power-up 'friends', each of whom require differing amounts of cash in order that they can be used.
The game is not timed as such, but the faster you complete a board, the more cash you earn. As well as having to turn all gold tiles to grey, you also have to match a predetermined number of one or more tiles to complete the level. There are the usual bombs if you match 5, and other obstacles on the board which need to be destroyed by matching beside them.
Cartoon-style graphics, which are very clear and colourful, and game play is fast and very responsive. Tiles are of the 'gem' type and can be matched whilst other are falling.
Background music is 'orchestral', on a loop, and I would describe it as being similar to what you would expect to hear accompanying a mystery or thriller-type movie.
In the trial hour, I found the game rather easy going, and did not have to use the 'friend' power ups at all. As it progresses, I would hope the play will get more difficult.
This is really a light-hearted match 3, which would appeal to most age groups, especially if you are looking for a game with an element of zany amusement!
I recommend this game!