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:
Travel to a storybook world and bring life back to the glade.
Overall rating
4
/
5
22 of 24 found this review helpful
Good Match 3 for the Younger Generation
PostedApril 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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Yes, yet another in the seemingly endless line of Match 3 games coming of late. This one is perhaps aimed more at the younger generation. As such, it fits the bill nicely, with a cute, simple storyline, scenery which would appeal to youngsters, bright and sharp graphics with distinctive, colourful tile designs. Background music is bright and cheery, and game play is easy with very few distractions.
Some will be pleased to know that there is no timer, so no pressure. Just the one mode: swap the tiles to make matches and collect gold which is then spent on adornments for the picturesque forest glade. You are assisted here by your 'pet' bear who comes out of his den at the start of each level, waiting to receive a pet #pat?# on the head. There are all the familiar power-ups that become available during the game. There are baskets that you have to drop off of the bottom of the grid, and these are given to your pet 'bear'. You then have to continue play until you fill his basket with various commodities. The level is won when you have done this, as well as removed all the underlying gold tiles.
So, nothing really innovative with this game. I will just say it is a good little number to relax with and while away some time, and is especially suited to younger people.
I recommend this game!
Dive into an epic story of honor and courage to help preserve ancient Japan in this Match-3 adventure.
Overall rating
5
/
5
85 of 95 found this review helpful
Superb Match 3 In All Respects!
PostedApril 15, 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
There have been quite a few Match 3 games appearing of late, but this one blitzes them all! We have here a game which excels in all respects: Excellent game play, superb graphics, colourful and distinctive tiles, pleasant ambient music, two modes of play...in fact I could not find anything to fault this game at all.
The two modes are 'Challenge' and 'Relaxed'. The Challenge mode is the real 'meat' in this game and will give any seasoned player a 'run for their money'. In this mode, rather than a timer, you have only a limited number of moves to complete the required tasks.The Relaxed mode has no limit on moves, so would suit folk who just like to enjoy the game without pressure.
The story is fairly typical in that you earn gold as you play, and you have to construct a village from resources etc. etc.
There are power ups which become available as you play, but to make them available again after use, take quite a time to recharge. Shuffle is available, but again is slow to recharge. What makes this game more distinctive and interesting however, is that there is an option to swivel the board any time you like, making more moves available.
There are 3 types of match mode as well: Swap/Group/Chain.
There are power ups which become available as you play, but to make them available again after use, take quite a time to recharge. Shuffle is available, but again is slow to recharge. What makes this game more distinctive and interesting however, is that there is an option to swivel the board any time you like, making more moves available.
There are 3 types of match mode as well: Swap/Group/Chain.
I do not hesitate to recommend this Match 3 to anyone who likes the genre, it was a real pleasure to play.
I recommend this game!
Become a real detective of the Ancien Régime and visit renowned carnivals collecting rare masks for the countess!
Overall rating
3
/
5
26 of 32 found this review helpful
Another Fairly Mediocre Offering Here
PostedApril 14, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Yet another in the on-going series of fairly similar nonogram games by this developer (8 Floor). The theme this time is to do with masks.
There are 120 levels. In the trial hour I reached level 14 and the degree of difficulty was already increasing steadily. You earn gold coins as you play, with clever moves earning more than more mundane ones. You get to spend the gold on power ups which include 1) Starting hints, 2) Rights for mistakes, 3) Refill hints. Your are only allowed a certain number of incorrect moves per board, which in the early levels was two. Looks like as you progress, you are allowed more incorrect moves (up to max of 6).
Graphics and game play are Excellent, although I felt the design and colour of the 'fill' and 'cross' tiles should have been more distinctive and contrasting. There is non-descript ambient music which can be muted.
Although I can recommend this game, There are other better ones in the genre. e.g. 'Gemsweeper' and 'World Riddles'.
I recommend this game!
When an ancient curse is cast upon the Solitaire Kingdom, it’s up to you to defeat the dragons and put a stop to the evil spell!
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 50 found this review helpful
A Fine Addition to the Solitaire Genre!
PostedApril 9, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is every bit as good, and in some respects, better than the excellent 'Seven Seas Soliatire' which is a favourite of many.
Superb graphics and sound effects which fit the theme of the game very well. Ambient music is quite appropriate, but can be turned off.
This is a 'play one card higher or lower than the upturned deck card' type solitaire. There are 10 hands to each level, and you are tasked to obtain a predetermined set of 3 objectives to complete the level. e.g.
Earn 1000 gold coins
Collect 5 stars
Fill the Dragon Bar
Earn 1000 gold coins
Collect 5 stars
Fill the Dragon Bar
- Gold is earned as you play, and there are also 'gold' cards which add to the total.
- You gain 3 stars for getting a 'perfect' hand, 2 or 1 stars for finishing the hand with a few more cards left.
- The 'Dragon Bar' is filled as you play, and after the 10 hands in each level are played, you aim to get an accumulated amount to fill the 'Dragon Bar. in order to get the star.
- You gain 3 stars for getting a 'perfect' hand, 2 or 1 stars for finishing the hand with a few more cards left.
- The 'Dragon Bar' is filled as you play, and after the 10 hands in each level are played, you aim to get an accumulated amount to fill the 'Dragon Bar. in order to get the star.
There are the usual 'blocked' cards which have to be dealt with. e.g. vine-covered cards need a sword card to clear them, and stone-covered cards need a mace card to break them. There is also a 'dragon' card which sets a face-up card on fire. This can't be played until the fire goes out.
In addition, there are power-up cards which become available when you fill a 'friendly companion' in the bottom left of the playing field.
In addition, there are power-up cards which become available when you fill a 'friendly companion' in the bottom left of the playing field.
The card faces are beautifully rendered and the artwork is superb. There are achievements to be earned also.
So, I thoroughly recommend this game which should appeal to all solitaire fans, and is a very worthy addition to the genre.
So, I thoroughly recommend this game which should appeal to all solitaire fans, and is a very worthy addition to the genre.
I recommend this game!
Under the protection of the gods lies a proud Roman city! Construct monuments, collect resources and use your match-3 skills to diffuse the war between Jupiter, Juno, Neptune and Mars!
Overall rating
4
/
5
25 of 28 found this review helpful
Another Excellent Game for Match 3 Fans
PostedApril 7, 2014
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Similar in many ways to the fine 'Cradle of Rome' Match 3 game, where you are tasked with earning materials and building a town. There are other facets within the game that are different however, and make for a very interesting Match 3, but I will leave these for players to discover themselves.
There is a timer, but this did not seem out of place for the game and I think most players would not be put off by it.
Matches CAN be made while other items are falling on the game board. Although the symbols are of adequate size, for ease of play, they could have been just slightly larger in my opinion.
Matches CAN be made while other items are falling on the game board. Although the symbols are of adequate size, for ease of play, they could have been just slightly larger in my opinion.
In between the match 3 boards, there are mini puzzles, whereby if you complete it within an allotted time, you would receive discount on a building. These were not difficult and are a nice break from the match 3.
Graphics are excellent, but not exceptional, and sound effects I have to say are impressive! There are different sizes of rockets and bombs, all of which have their own sound, many being reminiscent of exploding fireworks.
All in all, I think most Match 3 fans would enjoy this game. #Pity about one or two spelling and grammar errors I noticed however!#
I recommend this game!
Join the League of Mermaids on an amazing Match-3 adventure! Help them recover their treasure and stop the Kraken from destroying their kingdom.
Overall rating
5
/
5
32 of 34 found this review helpful
What a Hoot!
PostedApril 2, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Fans of Match 3 or Marble Popper games will absolutely love this game. The setting is underwater and 'Balls' are dropped from above into variously shaped vessels. You have to match 3 or more to make them disappear. The realistic 'bottom-floating' nature of the balls is life-like! #as though they are weighted, but floating if you see what I mean#.
If you can make lots of good matches, you fill the 'Treasure Bar' which in effect is a giant power-up, and makes a lot of balls disappear at once. Other helpful power ups become available as you progress through the game.
If you can make lots of good matches, you fill the 'Treasure Bar' which in effect is a giant power-up, and makes a lot of balls disappear at once. Other helpful power ups become available as you progress through the game.
Graphics are excellent and colourful. Sound effects are 'metallic' and are a highlight of the game. There is ambient music which is decent enough for the game, but can be turned off.
Options for custom cursor, full screen, and even a 'colourblind' option for folk with colour vision problems.
There looks to be a large number of levels and hours and hours of play ahead. In the trial hour, things were starting to get quite difficult by the end of it, so challenge level looks good.
This is a game I can definitely recommend!
I recommend this game!
Pinecreek Hills just keeps getting better! Help the Rangers find lost objects, clean up the park and spot the wildlife.
Overall rating
4
/
5
30 of 37 found this review helpful
More Park Ranger Sleuthing!
PostedMarch 31, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Those who liked the first instalment of Park Ranger, will surely like this one as well. Whilst different in the respect that there are lots of new areas within the Park to explore, this game is basically similar in execution to the first Park Ranger.
As before, as well as looking for items in the HOS (some interactive), there are also points to be obtained for spotting selected wildlife (from silhouettes), recycling by returning trash items to the trash basket, and for being an 'Eagle Eye'.
In between each HOS, there is a mini puzzle. These are all fairly easy and break up the game nicely.
Nice colourful and clear graphics, and if I'm not mistaken, ambient music is the same as the first edition.
So, if you want a game to relax with, this is it. Not too much brain power needed...just a good eye.
I recommend this game!
The power of Poseidon's lost treasures beckons. Collect all of the powerful artifacts and save Atlantis!
Overall rating
5
/
5
75 of 84 found this review helpful
Another Winner from Playrix!
PostedMarch 5, 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
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A fine production here from a top developer! This game flows seamlessly and is a joy to play. Although it is typical in game mechanics to many other match 3 games, this one has that little something that puts it above many others.
The only thing I could possibly quibble about is that the symbols are a tad on the small side. However, this a very minor gripe as it is more than made up for in the distinctiveness of the symbols themselves.
The only thing I could possibly quibble about is that the symbols are a tad on the small side. However, this a very minor gripe as it is more than made up for in the distinctiveness of the symbols themselves.
There are two modes: Story and Challenge. I played the Story mode.
To start the Story mode, you must match seven crystals to seven places on the altar - not difficult, but you have to get it right to proceed. You then visit seven separate locations in the quest to obtain each crystal. The gameplay is superb and flows nicely. The match 3 boards are interspersed with fragmented hidden object scenes which relate directly to the locality you are in. This is a nice feature and makes for interesting play.
To start the Story mode, you must match seven crystals to seven places on the altar - not difficult, but you have to get it right to proceed. You then visit seven separate locations in the quest to obtain each crystal. The gameplay is superb and flows nicely. The match 3 boards are interspersed with fragmented hidden object scenes which relate directly to the locality you are in. This is a nice feature and makes for interesting play.
Ambient music is fine and appropriate, and graphics are excellent. This game IS timed, but the time allowed is quite generous, at least that was the case in the demo hour. There are all the normal power ups which become available as you progress through the levels.
Another winner here which all fans of match 3 will want to have!
I recommend this game!
Become a real detective of the Ancien Régime while visiting carnivals all around the world!
Overall rating
4
/
5
16 of 17 found this review helpful
Mahjong Carnaval?
PostedMarch 4, 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
I expect the spelling error in the word carnival is deliberate?
In any case this is another good offering of mahjong from 8 Floor games.
You visit six countries in a quest to obtain carnival masks. There are 20 boards to play in each country, and you can achieve up to 3 Stars in each board. One star is for removing a set number of golden tiles, the second star is for achieving a pre-determined score, and the third is for completing the board in a set number of moves. There is a 'speed' meter, whereby if you play fast enough, your score gets progressively multiplied.
In any case this is another good offering of mahjong from 8 Floor games.
You visit six countries in a quest to obtain carnival masks. There are 20 boards to play in each country, and you can achieve up to 3 Stars in each board. One star is for removing a set number of golden tiles, the second star is for achieving a pre-determined score, and the third is for completing the board in a set number of moves. There is a 'speed' meter, whereby if you play fast enough, your score gets progressively multiplied.
There is an automated shuffle and there does not appear to be a time limit. Ambient music is pleasant, but repetitive, in a loop. Graphics are very good, full screen, and there are 3 tile sets to choose from, at least at the start - there may be more as you progress.
There are 12 trophies to be won along the way, and going by play in the demo, this is not going to be an easy feat!. In fact, by the end of the demo, I had only just managed to get my 3 stars on board two, after many goes at it.
All in all, I do recommend this game for lovers of mahjong.
All in all, I do recommend this game for lovers of mahjong.
I recommend this game!
Become the Terror of the Caribbean as you tease your brain—and the tides—in this mind-blowing pirate puzzler!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 18 found this review helpful
Too bad that you are forced to guess or use hint
PostedMarch 3, 2014
dachsy
fromDunedin, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I was only a short way into the demo when I had situations where you had to either use a hint or guess. I prefer to have a definite solution to pictogram puzzles such as these, where you must work it out with the clues given (as in a crossword). This one falls short in this respect, and thus is not a buy for me. Too bad, as there are other aspects of the game that are very good. Can only recommend if you are not averse to guessing or using hints.
I don't recommend this game.