fredandethel's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:2,273
- Reviews Submitted:191
- First Review:April 1, 2012
- Most Recent Review:October 7, 2020
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Judge Dee: The City God Case
Judge Dee is the newly appointed magistrate of Yiwang prefect. Help him uncover the truth behind a town's dark secret, its corrupt officials and the true cause of a mysterious illness!
Overall rating
2
/
5
33 of 48 found this review helpful
Clunky and not particularly nice to look at
PostedOctober 30, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Frankenstein: The Dismembered Bride
(13)Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I agree with megwoman25 that the interface is poor, but can't agree that the graphics and ambience are lovely, except perhaps in comparison with really dark and gory games. There are much more attractive Oriental themed games out there - Season of Mystery the Cherry Blosson Murders, Hidden Mysteries the Forbidden City, and Liong The Lost Amulets, to suggest just a few.
I don't recommend this game.
Trio: The Great Settlement
Free the Orbics from their underground prisons and build them a brand new settlement! Earn gold coins to construct new homes.
Overall rating
3
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
Great idea, could do with a bit more development
PostedOctober 27, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Trial of the Gods: Ariadne’s Journey
(13)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
The original thing about this game is the physics based element - instead of being fixed the blocks can move each other around a little, for example a pile of blocks can topple over, or a block can slide down the side of an obstacle. So it's a good thing there is an untimed version as you often need to wait and see what the blocks will do before deciding your next move. (Having said that, in some levels you still need to progress fast enough to prevent a lowering bar blocking things).
I have tried purely physics based games and not got very far, so undoubtedly to making it part of a match 3 game was a great idea, however less chat, clearer instructions, and a genuine lack of time limit would be improvements.
Some choice of what to build and where would have been nice, and although you're told to talk to and move the "Orbs" this seems to work only in a very limited way.
I doubt if thi will every be a favourite game of mine, which is why I bought it on a special offer, but uit's certainly something different to keep having another try at.
I have tried purely physics based games and not got very far, so undoubtedly to making it part of a match 3 game was a great idea, however less chat, clearer instructions, and a genuine lack of time limit would be improvements.
Some choice of what to build and where would have been nice, and although you're told to talk to and move the "Orbs" this seems to work only in a very limited way.
I doubt if thi will every be a favourite game of mine, which is why I bought it on a special offer, but uit's certainly something different to keep having another try at.
I recommend this game!
Settlement: Colossus
Build an empire out of grass hut roots! Take the role of an emperor cursed to live without his love until he appeases his god!
Overall rating
4
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Takes a bit of time to work out the best way to play
PostedOctober 23, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Allora and The Broken Portal
(71)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Yes it does seem a bit repetitive sometimes. I played the full hour of the demo before reading any reviews, then wished I had read the first one (by Ratatouille). This explains the game very well - I think the reason I got a bit dissatisfied was because I was just collecting resources more or less randomly without checking which ones I needed most. Didn't buy it straight away as I've already got several games which I haven't played all the way through, but I'm sure I'll buy it sometime if only for the artwork. It truly is in a class of it's own - so lifelike and delicately animated.
I recommend this game!
Secrets of Olympus
Join this thrilling adventure and discover the secrets of the ancient Greek gods in this great matching game.
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 9 found this review helpful
Relaxing fun, just as it says in the blurb
PostedOctober 21, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Jewel Match 2
(19)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
(Review based on just the one hour trial).
Interesting tile designs and layouts, colours not too bright - very soothing. Tiles cascade smoothly and you don't have to wait for them to stop before making your next move.
Nice little word game to make you think a bit after 10 or 15 minutes of straighforward play.
The only doubtful thing was that the fourth word game, which I reached towards the end of my hour, was the same as the first.
Interesting tile designs and layouts, colours not too bright - very soothing. Tiles cascade smoothly and you don't have to wait for them to stop before making your next move.
Nice little word game to make you think a bit after 10 or 15 minutes of straighforward play.
The only doubtful thing was that the fourth word game, which I reached towards the end of my hour, was the same as the first.
Public Enemies: Bonnie and Clyde
Help Janette decipher a strange message left by Bonnie and Clyde! Follow the infamous duo on their crime spree across America!
Overall rating
2
/
5
13 of 14 found this review helpful
A mixture of too hard and too easy
PostedOctober 20, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Mahjongg Investigation - Under Suspicion
(3)Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Some of Anuman's HdO games I really like -
Aladin & The enchanted Lamp - The 1001 Nights,
The 3 musketeers - D'artagnan & the 12 jewels,
Around the world in 80 days - The Challenge
but I won't be buying Bonnie and Clyde. The scenes have fantastic definition and detail but some objects are really tiny and difficult. I kept having to wait for the hint button to fill then when I used it I still could't see the object, I just had to click in the centre of the hint circle and hope.
Once you realise the roadmap levels will make a letter you can guess it after the first three clues.
The final straw for me was having to find 18 of the same object in one level - boring!
Aladin & The enchanted Lamp - The 1001 Nights,
The 3 musketeers - D'artagnan & the 12 jewels,
Around the world in 80 days - The Challenge
but I won't be buying Bonnie and Clyde. The scenes have fantastic definition and detail but some objects are really tiny and difficult. I kept having to wait for the hint button to fill then when I used it I still could't see the object, I just had to click in the centre of the hint circle and hope.
Once you realise the roadmap levels will make a letter you can guess it after the first three clues.
The final straw for me was having to find 18 of the same object in one level - boring!
I don't recommend this game.
BumbleBee Jewel
Help Benny and his friends as they search for the lost colors of their magical island! Break a spell and save the islanders!
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 12 found this review helpful
Attractive and original
PostedOctober 20, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
7 Wonders: Magical Mystery Tour
(45)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Lovely Disney-type artwork including fun splodgy paintbrush effects. The system of power ups and bonuses is not quite like any I've seen before and it took me most of the one hour trial to feel familiar with it. There is a timer but as it refills whenever you make any sort of match I don't know why they bothered - you'd have to just sit twiddling your thumbs to make it run out. At the end of each level a greyed-out forest scene has been recoloured, and you get a pretty little jigsaw bonus game.
As I've already taken advantage of today's Oktoberfest sales event I won't be buying Bumblebee jewel today, but it will definitely stay on my list.
As I've already taken advantage of today's Oktoberfest sales event I won't be buying Bumblebee jewel today, but it will definitely stay on my list.
I recommend this game!
Flowery Vale
Flowery Vale is a match 3 garden fantasy where you must gather flowers for your sweetheart.
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
A beautiful game for the winter months when there's not much in your garden
PostedOctober 18, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Hidden Wonders of the Depths 2
(9)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
One of the most visually attractive games I've seen, and I really liked the variety of levels - mostly collecting set targets of flowers with an occasional make matches over the gold tiles" level. I've never cared much for "set target" games, but maybe this one has changed my mind.
One thing that confused me a bit was that when there were no 3 matches the hint indicated a match of 2, and just as my trial hour ran out I seemed to be stuck on a clear the gold tiles level with no bonuses which could help, so I'm not sure whether I will buy it after all.
One thing that confused me a bit was that when there were no 3 matches the hint indicated a match of 2, and just as my trial hour ran out I seemed to be stuck on a clear the gold tiles level with no bonuses which could help, so I'm not sure whether I will buy it after all.
I recommend this game!
Ice Gems
Help Miss Jane and Lieutenant Frazer travel to the ends of the Earth and find the lost land of Atlantida in Ice Gems!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 17 found this review helpful
A beautiful game for the dark winter months
PostedOctober 18, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Hidden Wonders of the Depths 2
(9)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
One of the most visually attractive games I've seen, and I really liked the variety of levels - mostly collecting set targets of flowers with an occasional "make matches over the gold tiles" level. I've never cared much for "set target" games, but maybe this one has changed my mind.
One thing that confused me a bit was that when there were no 3 matches the hint indicated a match of 2, and just as my trial hour ran out I seemed to be stuck on a "clear the gold tiles" level with no bonuses which could help, so I'm not sure whether I will buy it after all.
One thing that confused me a bit was that when there were no 3 matches the hint indicated a match of 2, and just as my trial hour ran out I seemed to be stuck on a "clear the gold tiles" level with no bonuses which could help, so I'm not sure whether I will buy it after all.
I recommend this game!
Puzzling Paws
A 3D block-pushing game of brain-melting fun! The puzzles may be cute and bite-sized but the gameplay is devilishly tricky!
Overall rating
3
/
5
16 of 17 found this review helpful
Hints Please!!
PostedOctober 18, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
7 Wonders: Magical Mystery Tour
(45)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Tried this game because the blurb and screenshots didn't seem to explain what it was. I can see why - it is difficult to explain but the early levels are the kind of thing I've enjoyed as a mini game in 7 Wonders magical Mystery Tour. Starts like a rather clunky children's game - cute story, animal characters, screen freezes while levels are loading, then suddenly you need a real chess playing brain. Having played the tutorial I was stuck on the first level of the second scene of story mode, wishing I could at least get a hint as to the best first move!. Can't recommend this game as it is, which is a pity as it could be good fun if it didn't turn so frustrating.
I don't recommend this game.
Liong: The Lost Amulets
Classic Mahjong strategy and Hidden Object game play come together in this far-east mystical puzzler.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Original, varied and beautiful
PostedOctober 15, 2012
fredandethel
fromDerbyshire, England
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Skymist - The Lost Spirit Stones
(19)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
One of my favourite games is "Mahjong match" - simply finding one match for each tile as it comes along a conveyer belt. This is great variation of that - trying to find all matches for a selection of 5 tiles at a time. Plus 4 different mini games and hidden object. My only very slight complaint is that after the first few HO levels looking for all sorts of objects, most of them are "find a lot of the same kind of object", and become a little repetitive. I'm glad there is a relaxed mode as the timer gets a bit fierce in the later levels.
I recommend this game!