alsteele28's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.2
- Helpful Votes:1,950
- Reviews Submitted:209
- First Review:August 5, 2012
- Most Recent Review:April 22, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Azada's saga continues when its precious elements are stolen!
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 31 found this review helpful
The 'magic' has disappeared
PostedApril 6, 2013
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I enjoyed the first 3 AZADA games for their innovations and different brain teasing games, when I saw that there was a new game in the 'trilogy' (I know a fourth game in a series of three now that is magic), I was pleased, so I decided to download and give it a whirl.
This whilst retaining the AZADA characters and the 'feel' of the first 3 games, soon became a hybrid of the innovations of the previous games with a HO game thrown into the mix. As the game producers were one of my favorite then yes it was going to be different from a standard HO game (I think these producers producer higher quality HO games than some other game producers), but at the end of it still moved away from the originality of the first 3 AZADA games.
In the SE there was VO and the voice acting was of good quality, the music and graphics were good, but I am still unsure as to whether I will purchase (may use a free token), as whilst this is of ERS usual high quality for me it detracted a great deal away from the original licence of the previous games.
All in all I am not sure whether I can recommend this game, if you are die-hard AZADA fan and think this will be a continuation from the first 3 then you will probably be disappointed, if you are looking for a high quality HO game from a good games producer then go-ahead and at least trial it, but for me even with all the plus points I don't think I can purchase, purely as I feel it moves away too much from the original (the originals did not 'standard' HO scenes), so if new to the series then yes I would recommend (just if you then decide to try the others you may get a tad confused), if you are a die-hard fan then leave it at the end of the 3 as this does not 'bring anything to the party'.
I don't recommend this game.
Trivia Machine Reloaded
Climb to the top of the ladder by answering fun questions from the trivia machine! The game features thousands of fun trivia questions in 9 categories.
Overall rating
3
/
5
38 of 41 found this review helpful
Ok for the free hour
PostedApril 3, 2013
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
This game was fun, and I did enjoy the free hour, but I am not sure I would want to purchase the game (even with a free token), as I don't know how quickly the questions would start to repeat. The level of challenge was good and I did enjoy the game, but it was a 'straight' trivia game no story-line or anything, rather like one of those old (British pubs) quiz machines that you find (and still find) in British pubs.
I know the 'game' was just a straight quiz game and yes there were achievements (if for example you answered 10 'hard' questions or you played a 'lightening round') but other than that there was nothing else to the game.
I know the 'game' was just a straight quiz game and yes there were achievements (if for example you answered 10 'hard' questions or you played a 'lightening round') but other than that there was nothing else to the game.
If you just want a straight quiz game then this could be the one for you, any else who wants a bit of 'oomph' to their game playing then I can't really recommend this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Discover the fabulous secrets that a jungle hides in Adelantado Trilogy: Book One! Help the brave and noble officer, Don Diego De Leon, to find and save the lost expedition.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Good almost retail quality game
PostedApril 2, 2013
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
As book two is the 'game of the day', thought I would start at the very beginning (a very good place to start), and see what the game was all about.
The game is good. I have played loads of these style of games (starting to overtake my love of HOPA games), but this is more 'meaty' somehow. Whereas other games of this genre, you are just usually controlling one entity at a time (donkey, human, dwarf etc, depending on the game), with this game you can 'micro manage' several different people at the same time, thus multi-tasking is taken to a whole new level (well where these games are concerned), this then to me gives the game more depth as in order to complete all the tasks you need to keep an eye on all the 'game-land' in order to complete the tasks to order. If you forget one entity of the tasks to be completed then you will probably not complete within the 'game day' and get extra rewards (I for example completely forgot to build the boat on the second day, thus lost out). Just to let you know thinking that I was an 'aficionado' at these types of games I plumped for the 'hard mode', and had I thought on I would have probably completed this day within the time. If you are used to these types of games then I would probably go for the normal (if you perhaps want an easy(ish) challenge, or hard if you want to 'push yourself'
The game is good. I have played loads of these style of games (starting to overtake my love of HOPA games), but this is more 'meaty' somehow. Whereas other games of this genre, you are just usually controlling one entity at a time (donkey, human, dwarf etc, depending on the game), with this game you can 'micro manage' several different people at the same time, thus multi-tasking is taken to a whole new level (well where these games are concerned), this then to me gives the game more depth as in order to complete all the tasks you need to keep an eye on all the 'game-land' in order to complete the tasks to order. If you forget one entity of the tasks to be completed then you will probably not complete within the 'game day' and get extra rewards (I for example completely forgot to build the boat on the second day, thus lost out). Just to let you know thinking that I was an 'aficionado' at these types of games I plumped for the 'hard mode', and had I thought on I would have probably completed this day within the time. If you are used to these types of games then I would probably go for the normal (if you perhaps want an easy(ish) challenge, or hard if you want to 'push yourself'
I know other reviewers have criticised the fact that the tutorial is not very interactive and is mainly reading (and yes you need to be able to read and understand English to a reasonable level (sorry didn't mean to sound patronising there to anyone but I know there is perhaps a large demographic that plays these games and English is perhaps not their first language), though having said that the English is sound (both of spelling and grammar, which is not always the case), and it is easy to read (again not always the case).
For this genre the music is good and gives the overall game a 'epic' feeling, one where you feel that something dramatic is happening. Sometimes on this genre I may turn the music down but not for me on this game.
Overall I would certainly recommend the trial of this game, and if you want a bit more micro-management and a blend of retail style game (those that you pay £35 for in store), such as Civ-rome etc with a more casual game playing aspect then this game is definitely worth the money (especially if you use a free punch token), I will definitely be 'purchasing' this game and more than likely the second in the trilogy.
I recommend this game!
Scrabble
The fantastically fun crossword game is now specially designed for your PC or Mac!
Overall rating
2
/
5
177 of 200 found this review helpful
Not offical Scrabble dictionary
PostedMarch 20, 2013
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
1
/
5
I downloaded the trial (which in this instance I would highly recommend doing), as I may have bought it had it not been for several things.
The game only offers standard or duplicate version of the game, now whilst the duplicate version is good for a while it is flawed in that the dictionary that this version uses is not the official scrabble dictionary in that I couldn't use words such as 'qua' or even 'qat' thus ending with a very 'expensive' letter at the end of the game (not one for exchanging tiles), this was a major flaw for me as it meant that I was not able to make high scoring words when it mattered.
Another flaw was that there wasn't any different variants of the game apart from 'duplicate'. I had a PC scrabble game years ago and they made it fun by in-cooperating other variants of scrabble in the game thus making it fun and keeping interest. With the advent of smartphones etc I have one for my tablet (that was much cheaper then this version), and whilst all it offers is standard and duplicate for on the move gameplay then this isn't so bad. I think Hasbro have 'missed a trick' here and could have made this so much better as it is I feel this is only for people who don't want the expense of purchasing the 'real-life' board version and don't want the frustration of losing tiles. Just be aware though words that you think should be accepted may not be and there is no possibality of entering them in, thus it is not a 'full' a game as it could have been.
Not for me, there are plenty of word-variants on the web (for free), and also I feel that word-games are best as multi-players thus you can 'pit your wits', even if you are 'billy no mates' in real life the wonderful thing about the web is that you can download plenty of free word apps and play on-line for a better more rounded (IMHO) experience (also the dictionaries are better).
Not for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Become a garden master and win the gardening challenge to save Jill's grandparents' home from demolition in this colorful time management game.
Overall rating
3
/
5
6 of 21 found this review helpful
What a beautiful world (if the world is blocky)
PostedMarch 19, 2013
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
1
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The game is to me a mix of the 'move rocks and debris off the path' and the 'Home Sweet Home' franchise of games in that you could 'earn' extra points by solving cryptic clues and then adhering to the answers. Or to put it in simple language answer clues and build the garden on the basis of the answers (see much clearer (about as clear as the mud you will be raking :)).
The game was a good concept and one that I would dearly liked to have loved, but for one huge foible, the graphics. Whilst the graphics were good and well executed for this type of game, the game resolution seemed to be programmed on a very low (possibly 800 by 640) screen resolution and didn't seem to be able to be changed in the options screen. Now I have a mid to low end computer that is about 3 years old, and integrated graphics card, thus not a high specification computer (there is a reason to this honest) , but as the graphics were this resolution and couldn't be altered it made the game seem very pixalated and blocky thus I couldn't really get into the game because the graphics hurt my eyes after a while (not smooth flowing), thus I had to abandon, if they ever did an update where the screen resolution could be changed then I would defiantly buy it, but as it stands I just can't justify.
On the plus side though the story-line is excellent for this type of game and starts of like a mini American drama series, whereby the game starts on the annual contest and then cuts back so you are playing in 'flashback' mode, very good concept for the is genre style.
The music was as good as others of this genre, but the whole issue of the graphics could not be compensated by others,
If you have an older computer, or laptop then I would defiantly recommend this game, otherwise I can't really recommend (IMHO)
I don't recommend this game.
Tripp's Adventures
Play Tripp’s Adventures and help this cute little creature to successfully overcome all the dangerous obstacles and get on the top floor of the magical tower.
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 8 found this review helpful
One tripp that I won't be completing!
PostedMarch 12, 2013
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
I downloaded this thinking it was going to be a 'cutsy', relaxing game as the screenshots showed this. The game was cutsy but not very relaxing. After two minutes of playing I had a 'violation error' restarted and it seemed to be ok after around 10 minutes of playing but then got back to the front screen and couldn't find any way out of the game (i.e. no 'quit' button), now I don't know of any game that hasn't got one of those.
The game is made by a German company and I am not sure whether the game has been 're-branded' as the graphics (especially on the full screen), or not taking advantage of even a moderate (as mine is), modern(ish), computer as they looked not pixalated exactly but certainly a tad blocky which didn't help with the overall feel of the game.
The game itself is a puzzle/platform in that you have to help 'tripp' back to her/his 'leader'. The way you do this is you start at the bottom of the tower and have to work your way back up. To do this you have to control tripp via 'earth'(rock), wind and air, and guide her/him via the many various platforms. If you thought the game would be suitable for young children then beware you have to even as early as the 4th level be almost 'button perfect', and if you mess-up (as I did on this level), then there is no way round other than to restart the level from scratch.
The sound is pretty mediocre (even for this genre), and I have already mentioned the graphics and story.
Overall I would say this game is pretty mediocre and given it's major flaw (the fact that there is no 'quit' button, this is one 'trip that I won't be completing.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Joe and Tom repair an old barn and prepare for the harsh winter in Barn Yarn, a unique mix of Hidden Object and simulation!
Overall rating
3
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
One barn sale that is 'closed' permanently!
PostedMarch 9, 2013
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Arcade & Action, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This game was too similar to others of the genre such as 'gardenscapes makeover' et al. This was even down to the 'power up's' and the collecting of the coins. The story may have been slightly different, but the actual game-play was not different enough for me to warrant purchasing the game.
The storyline was ok but fairly similar to others of the same genre, added to that the fact that the game-play was similar in that you had to find sale items, build up the 'coffers' and then purchase items to upgrade the barn.
In the one hour demo I got to the part where you had to help 'Austin' (him of gardenscapes), but then my hour was up, so I don't know what helping him entailed, and as the game didn't hold my interest I guess I will never know.
There was voice-over which for a SE is good, the music was average for this genre, and the graphics again of the genre.
If I had not got one of the others in this type of game, then I would probably of bought it, but for me it doesn't throw to much different into the pot to warrant a purchase (even if it is only 77p
Outta This Kingdom combines time management fun with a fantasy twist for casual gameplay the whole family will love!
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 15 found this review helpful
A modern day wizard of OZ
PostedMarch 8, 2013
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This to me is one of the better TM of the 'clear the road' variety. It reminded me a bit of the wizard of oz (Dorothy aka Rachael) wanting to go home, and instead of a dog there is a cat, this cat though has 'attitude' and reminds me a bit of the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland.
The game is suppose to be whimsical and light-hearted (but then isn't that what games are suppose to?).
The graphics are on par with others of this genre and on top of that there are good voice-overs (unusual not only for this genre of game but also for a standard price game), the voices are different for the characters and represent the characters and the 'feel' of the characters well. There is also off-beat humour with the being slightly 'off the wall' but never risqué and is suitable for all ages.
The storyline was good and drove the game along nicely, there was different parts to the story and twists and turns, yes the story may have been a bit basic and silly but for me it added to the overall funness of the game.
The game play for me is a lot more strategical then others in the genre (even early on), so you have to plan your moves practically from the start. Also the different characters from the cat (sorry can't remember his name), Jake, Rachel, and the workers can all work independently and bring different skills and abilities to the game. Rachel is the only one who is able to defeat the 'Elementals' for example, the cat is the only one who can pick up food. This brings different strategies into the game and for me makes it more interesting.
I did truly enjoy this game and if you take it for what it is i.e. a whimsical take on both classic books (films), and the standard TM genre then this is truly a game not to be missed, definite credit game for me.
I recommend this game!
A UFO is rumored to have landed in the small town of Tundel and the mayor is trying to conceal it. Run your own journalistic investigation and learn the truth behind the event!
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 8 found this review helpful
Not for me
PostedMarch 4, 2013
This may have been a good game, but I deleted the game after around 10 minutes as the developer couldn't be bothered to spell and grammar check their work. As soon as I saw 'peace' of ticket instead of 'piece' I decided that if they couldn't take the care to check these things, (whilst expecting people to purchase the game), then why should I take the care to play and buy? I am not a stickler for the language, but it does annoy me that they use the wrong word, I mean I have to just about cope with the 'American English' (if I couldn't cope with that then I would probably have around 2 games to choose from :)), but to get things like this wrong really is unforgivable.
I know they are a foreign company (based in the Ukraine) but other games from them seem to be better checked (well the ones I have played ('1000 doors' for example), but this no, had it been later in the game then maybe it could have been forgiveable but not at the start.
I know they are a foreign company (based in the Ukraine) but other games from them seem to be better checked (well the ones I have played ('1000 doors' for example), but this no, had it been later in the game then maybe it could have been forgiveable but not at the start.
Sorry for the rant, but hey ho.
I don't recommend this game.
The Princess of Sweet Kingdom was turned to stone by a dark spell. Restore the kingdom and save the Princess!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Somebody call the donkey sanctuary!!!
PostedFebruary 26, 2013
alsteele28
fromYorkshire England
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Card & Board, Strategy, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a really really cute game. I bought this 'off piste' in that I didn't trial it before I bought it, for once my judgement was sound (this is a one off a rarity (not exactly known for my sound judgement)), anyway back to the game.
The game is of the the 'sweep the paths', 'harvest the crops', 'solves the tasks' type of game (Royal Envoy, Northern Tale esque), I knew this and had a few of these type of games (I even bemoaned in my Northern Tale review that they were all samey (though I did end up purchasing that game), this game though is very whimsical. I say this in that the 'donkey work' is done by err donkeys, which makes the game slightly 'off the wall' but good, as at least the 'pecking order of life' is being adhered to :).
The music and graphics are good for this type of game (you don't expect epic Oscar winning for either), but I have a feeling the game may not have been programmed in English as some of the dialogue does not flow grammatically,I am not a massive stickler, and know that 'poetic licence' can come into play,(much like this review (though I am British (does that count as being English)) but this was so I was struggling to understand exactly what was being said. That said, again in these types of games, this is not the 'overriding factor' of the game.
If you manage to complete a game before 'sunset' then you get an addition to the 'throne room' thus the more you complete the nicer the throne room. I will give a word of warning though as with most of these style of games on later levels (well past level 8 or so), you will need to start planning your 'game-plan' as I had to restart a couple of times because I started building without the gains to make money (i.e. building a market), also read the task list as I was building the wrong type of building and wondering why I was not completing the level :)).
I think overall this is a good game, and one which I think most who like this genre would enjoy (unless they have got a 'beef' against 'horses' doing the work (sorry a bit of a UK news joke), many apologies), but no overall this is a fun whimsical game that flows along just nicely.
I recommend this game!