joybelle_1's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.2
- Helpful Votes:3,596
- Reviews Submitted:94
- First Review:January 13, 2015
- Most Recent Review:October 16, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
An exciting time management journey through a fairytale kingdom!
Overall rating
3
/
5
31 of 35 found this review helpful
Well they tried a little, but it isn't CE worthy
PostedJuly 4, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Once again I find myself reviewing this developer and having to repeat, you cant just keep giving us 'gnomes garden' with very little change.
At least in this one you can tell they tried. The music is different, (but a few of the old sounds still pop up). The graphics have come up a notch from some other recent TM games they produce, but they are still dull and lack any soul or connection. There is nothing 'light hearted' or pleasant in the main graphics which dominate the screen. The buildings are along the right track. Shame about the scenery! (even though you can see some effort has gone in, its still kinda ugly.)
The gameplay DOES require some strategy, but mostly I found myself 'not building' and upgrading just one supply to save resources for the tasks set for the level. I often had empty plots at the end of a level to make time.
Again if you are going to offer a TM collectors edition there should be a strategy guide. There isn't one. I only played the demo, but would imagine with the abundance of levels (one plus on their side)..you may wish to use one later. You only get music and art as extras. What I am saying is..I don't think this is CE worthy. And again I am not sure I will even buy the SE. I already own what is 'basically' this game . Nothing new or captivating has shown up..
At the end of the day..to me its boring and cold. Even though I can see the developers tried a little here, the game is very dull. Just gets through as an OK from me. I cant recommend it, as a CE.
I don't recommend this game.
Rebuild, regrow and reclaim your aunt’s farm. Match, and prove that you are the rightful inheritor of her legacy.
Overall rating
2
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
Games are going downhill fast!
PostedJuly 3, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I don't quite know where to begin. I will therefore just make a list of good and bad.
The GOOD:
*At least tiles fall where they should and don't magically disappear
*You can repeat levels as many times as you wish to earn 3 stars (your score will dictate this even if you finish with tiles left over, and there is no distinct line of how many)
*You get to rebuild a farm with your rewards
*There IS a relax mode
*The tiles are pleasant
The BAD:
*Its limited moves.
*You cant skip the inane dialogue (lets save the farm from the baddie and have a competition) Have to click through it.
*Long time lag when level ends while board explodes
*The farm you are rebuilding is UGLY!!! (that's where I took off the third star) and you are not designing it
*I am not really as amazing like the annoying voice keeps telling me constantly I am.
The GOOD:
*At least tiles fall where they should and don't magically disappear
*You can repeat levels as many times as you wish to earn 3 stars (your score will dictate this even if you finish with tiles left over, and there is no distinct line of how many)
*You get to rebuild a farm with your rewards
*There IS a relax mode
*The tiles are pleasant
The BAD:
*Its limited moves.
*You cant skip the inane dialogue (lets save the farm from the baddie and have a competition) Have to click through it.
*Long time lag when level ends while board explodes
*The farm you are rebuilding is UGLY!!! (that's where I took off the third star) and you are not designing it
*I am not really as amazing like the annoying voice keeps telling me constantly I am.
This game plays just like (except for limited moves) My Downtown, or Queens garden etc. Earn gems, buy power ups..make a 'something' off to the side. At least in those games what you construct is freeplay and has a friendly quality.
I know I may be batting my head against a wall, and the new 'culture' is upon us, but I just cant accept the lack of ingenuity or effort of the 'new world' of games. I feel we are being led into getting used to inferior copies of 'something we have done before' and I am extremely sad about this. The 'menu' in the "games choice diner" is sadly lacking in variety or finesse these days.
I cant recommend this game simply on that basis. Stand alone it may have scraped in 3 stars, but I am getting overloaded with the how boring things have become. Try the demo. See what you think.
I don't recommend this game.
Embark on an incredible prehistoric time management adventure and stop Doctor Terrible before the timeline is ruined!
Overall rating
2
/
5
38 of 39 found this review helpful
Same old, same old...clone of a game.
PostedJuly 2, 2019
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
For the first time EVER..I am not buying an offered TM game! I had to go back to my review of the CE version, where I said 'I will not even buy the SE". And I stand by that!
This game is just a rehash of a series (gnomes garden)..wearing just a couple of new gameplay features (taming dinasaurs etc). The graphics are very poor, the sounds totally the same, and its really just all the things that have been done to death in that series (which also progressively went downhill.) rehashed again.
I'm sorry developer, but you cant just keep sending us games that are the SAME gameplay, vision and sounds as the many games we have already purchased in this style. I have had enough! Even newcomers to the series or the gameplay would find this offering sub standard I am sure.
Sorry, but as I said, for the first time I am turning down purchasing a TM. I am not going to buy this game in any form. We have to start demanding quality with our purchase power.
I don't recommend this game.
Help Trito, son of Poseidon, save his family and the entire underwater kingdom!
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 14 found this review helpful
Identity Crisis. For kids or Adults?
PostedJune 26, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I am probably being very generous with 3 stars. But I don't 'dislike' this game. Another adaption from the ipad Free to Play market? I actually prefer this to its cousins (artic story, or penguin rescue..etc..) A lot of effort has been put in to the cutscenes and side quests in this one.
It has really (and I mean REALLY) cute graphics, and the storyline would fool you into thinking this is a very young childs game. Then you get to the gameplay! On most levels you are actually doomed to fail often unless you spend your earned gems, or using your boosters a lot. In the FTP market I guess you can buy more with real money, (and I think the game is designed for this) However as BFG customers are never asked to pay up ...we just have to repeat a lot. (But its hard to get too frustrated when the screen so sparkly and friendly)
It took me a while to realise eventually the game will let you move on when it realises you are broke lol. The game itself is quite pleasant to play, almost addictive. Big tiles, bright colours, and big booster play and explosions.
I think I will play this late at night when I just am doing 'mindless' things, as there is not any real 'strategy challenge' other than charging your boosters by making specific matches of certain tiles so you can blow up your board. Luckily too if you really cant stand the abundant cut scenes and childlike dialogue..you can skip.
I did not see an option for untimed, nor another profile.
I am getting a little worried if this is the 'future' of M3's. They are becoming clones of each others style and this is yet another. But I cant say it isn't CUTE.
I cant commit to recommend this game, or not. It has a place, but I would only get it with a voucher or a good sale. Try the demo.
.
It's time to jump back into campsite development. Bart has gotten himself in a predicament and needs your help out of it.
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 19 found this review helpful
A mighty game!
PostedJune 23, 2019
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I only have the CE of this game. I thought I would review on the basis of finding it hard to complete on some levels even with the guide on that version. The timer is tough!
Having said that, it is a wonderful game full of strategy and fast movement. One of the better TM's around. One matter that came up in the full version (and the others in series)..was the choice to shoot or scare animals..but if you can get past that piece of non PC correctness for the times, you will really enjoy this game I am sure.
You will restore a campsite, by building trailers, cabins, villa's etc and bringing in rent, but you will also be required to pay attention to the 'eco' score of your place, with trees, flowers and removal of trash and rocks. There are mines for gold (meaning hire workers) traders to do deals with, bridges to build, tools and seeds to produce..and speed up bonuses etc to help meet the goals.
I guess by now there may be video help on the net if you need it, but there is also the 'untimed' option to try your hand side by side with the timed under another profile if you wish to work out your strategies..
Absolutely a winner. Enjoy!.
I recommend this game!
Start this madcap quest with Princess and her Lady-in-waiting.
Overall rating
5
/
5
65 of 74 found this review helpful
Hooray..Something Unique, different and lots of fun!
PostedJune 18, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
The first thing I love about this game is that whilst it is a 'gather resource' game, the developers have been daring enough to take us out of the countryside and into the city!
Whilst for exactly that reason it takes a little getting used to the 'landscape', there is just so much to do and such a variety of tasks it will give all levels of player (no matter which of the three modes relaxed, normal or hard you are playing in) some food for thought as to how to proceed on each level. Once you get the hang of what may be required you do work out the best strategies to begin with. (such as opening your money supply early, and chopping wood ready for the yet to be built sawmill)
You are in Victorian times...and there are so many varied tasks, make bricks (so dig clay)..make metal for the cannery, printing presses, cafes, chocolate factories, schools, hospitals and on it goes. No boredom here. Of course there always has to be the 'plant flowers' to make the place brighter (but not before you buy fertilizer from the gardener) You will be kept busy!
It has very humorous cut scenes relevant to the times, and all in all smooth and enjoyable to play. My only annoyance was that resource buildings only give 1 of each thing..but the timer takes all that into account. I found on normal the challenge was perfect enough to make me use my grey cells, put my roller skates on..but I made it if I did it 'right'.
I beta tested this game (and it was horrid)..but Newbridge Games really listened and have turned it into something quite unique in the TM market. If you love 'gather resource' TM's but they are all getting a bit 'samie'..then you will enjoy this. There are even achievements in this SE. Try the demo..give yourself time to adjust to the new world..and ENJOY!
I recommend this game!
A Father's Day journey turned into a failure! Save the day in this colorful match 3 adventure!
Overall rating
2
/
5
23 of 24 found this review helpful
Most confusing game I have ever played!
PostedJune 11, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The game began with promise. A limited move game with score levels to achieve also before your moves run out. I only got five levels in before I was so confused, (with absolutely no tutorial to tell me how to do things or what removed what)...I found myself constantly starting over to try to get the goals achieved
So many times I got left without the ability to shuffle, and a wild tile would flash and do something to get going..BUT..the next time it didn't do that! There are power ups you can buy with your coins for finishing each level, but they too are unmarked..and even when buying there is no description. I bought a bomb..it removed ONE tile..I bought a compass..it gaves me extra moves..(well that's obvious NOT)..and the whole time creeping tiles were taking over my board (which I did work out only require a match next to them) at least that made sense.
The weirdest thing were the blocks..you don't destroy them by matching under them or next to them..you actually have to 'slip' a matching tile INSIDE them..or a power up to go through them. There were little opportunities.
At no time other than the first few levels was I not confused or felt that I was in any control of the game. Maybe I just didn't get it.. it seems it should be enjoyable but only when I was on my fourth or fifth level repeat..I felt the game itself helped me. Otherwise..I was pretty lost!
It is a no buy for me...I like fun not confusion and impossible to continue boards.
I don't recommend this game.
Unravel the secrets of Cliffmont Castle in this enchanted match-3 journey! Explore vast levels, collect precious treasures and build majestic castles.
Overall rating
3
/
5
37 of 45 found this review helpful
Well that's insulting! Didn't even bother to change clothes!
PostedJune 5, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
The first of this series is one of my all time favourite games and earned 5 stars in my review. This one also is probably worthy of same..because it's exactly the same game!
I am very concerned with the fact that if you own Matchventures, you already own this game too. Even the tiles are EXACTLY the same!
If you bring out a sequel developers, you could at least give buyers the courtesy of new tiles or features. I am fairly well in and cant find a single thing different to something I have not done in the previous game.
This game is one of the very best M3's ever. I will leave it to others to explain the gameplay and the wonderous boards, tasks and cleverness. I will leave my role as saying just how disappointing to simply have a repeat game in just about all respects, and actually I find it a little bit rude to present the same game again without any changes whatsoever other than a few characters within the cutscene story plot. I'm almost speechless that this could be done.
I have to recommend the game itself.. its fabulous. But I don't need two of them!
I recommend this game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
33 of 36 found this review helpful
A game that grows and improves.
PostedJune 3, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
When I first began the game, I didn't like it all. But by about level 9 I had begun to see that it does have some strategy about it. I played in casual timed, and the bonuses appeared thick and fast and I had hardly touched the timer. So the options of advanced or expert may be the best choice for hard core players.
You play match 3 boards and get rewards to build a city with. And I actually really like that part! The buildings and housing open up quite quickly as you proceed. There are parks and shops and factories and service buildings (fire, post office) etc. As you move further along the game you can actually buy 'whole' parks ready made. (Its a little bit 'zellians' without the fun factor and a little bit like some of the large grid gardens in other games) All buildings can be moved by just picking them up and turned around or removed with a button. Same with the roads.
In the game play you can buy powerups with the gems you earn from the boards, and your city is bought with coins. Special bonus tasks appear sometimes for extra loot. It has all the usual suspects, break tile X2, break the boards, drop the obstruction to the bottom, but some unusual ones such as blowing up a TNT switch to reveal the next board as if you were doing a demolition, earth tile that contain gems, and snowfakes that freeze the nearby tiles when you get rid of them. Some tiles appear out of the main board and can only be removed by a firecracker rocket. (use them carefully they must be on the same level as the tile)
This game is not exactly full of fun, but it is quite interesting and has a level of challenge for all. There are five profiles..and three modes, relaxed, timed and limited moves.
So not the most exciting, but it is growing on me the more I play through. I took a star off because their is a fair load time and delay in start as well as waiting for the board to stop exploding. (although its always nice to hear your board exploding lol)
Not the best game ever, but quite a worthy offering.
I recommend this game!
It’s a new age for heroes as the very balance of nature is under threat in this highly anticipated strategy game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
67 of 72 found this review helpful
Cant fault a winner of a game!
PostedJune 1, 2019
joybelle_1
fromAustralia
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Match 3, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Sometimes you don't mind playing a series that is a bit the same as others if they are outstanding. This series is one of those. In this third offering they have added several new features and bonuses along with the familiar.
It is a 'standard' gather resources meet tasks TM, but it is truly strategic, very challenging, smooth playing, and the developers have pretty much include everything you would want in a CE offering. Bonus levels, wallpapers, strategy guide and achievements. (I regularly get one called 'lucky guy' in this series for finishing with only one second left for gold lol)
The new features are portals, traps, (that are disabled by levers) crabs or wasps (needing a hunter) etc (meaning you must build the abode of the character that does the task as well as your buildings) The new bonus that I have come across (I'm early in and expecting more) refills supply sources not just bushes. There are new land settings to explore as well.
There are also three gold coins on each level you can collect to trigger the bonus levels. These are VERY hard to find when your mind is just on the gameplay (they don't stand out) but you can go back and collect them after finishing a level and they are shown on a magnifying glass you must open in the strategy guide (so as not to spy them if you wish to access the playguide and still accept the finding)
The characters in this series are rather heartwarming folk who you connect with and do want to help. It is rather light and whimsical in that regard. The graphics are warm and pleasing also.
I bought without even doing the demo. But try it. I think you will find it hard to pick something out that annoys or doesn't work or doesn't challenge you. There is a relax mode too, also acessable in timed mode at will without losing progress so you can move on in the game.
All in all..what a delight! Enjoy TM fans!
All in all..what a delight! Enjoy TM fans!
I recommend this game!