tehuti88's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:82
- Reviews Submitted:27
- First Review:March 20, 2014
- Most Recent Review:February 13, 2015
- Featured reviews0
Gardenscapes: Mansion Makeover™
Welcome back to Gardenscapes! Turn the hall into a masterpiece!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
Gardenscapes: Mansion Makeover
PostedMay 19, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Please see my review of "Gardenscapes" for the basics on this series' gameplay.
I was grinning like an idiot throughout much of this game. Perhaps that illustrates how fun and fulfilling I found it to be?
Plot: You and Austin the butler from the first "Gardenscapes" game were so busy fixing up the garden that...you completely forgot about the mansion itself! It's not in the best shape. Not to worry, all you need to do is hold yet more "jumble sales" by searching the mansion for items that people will buy, so you can redo the mansion's interior in time to be featured on TV and host an open-house party!
Gameplay here isn't much different from the previous game--you search numerous rooms, either in timed or relaxed mode, for various hidden objects and collect the payments customers give you for these items. You also keep your eyes open for hidden coins. You get to choose from three designs each for every mansion upgrade #you can change them later if you have the funds#, name the pet dog #again I had fun naming the poor thing "Foofy"#, and fulfill various special orders/tasks for certain customers in return for yet more items to decorate the house #for example, one customer gives you some paintings for the walls, another some fireworks for your party, yet another gives you a discount on a big-screen TV, etc.#. In a few of these special assignments, you venture out into the garden from the previous game. And just as before, during all this Austin wanders around the mansion making random amusing comments and interacting with the environment. #Click on the dog's bowl, for example, and Austin will give it something to eat.# There's also a bit of drama as Austin has a mini-freakout following a water pipe bursting in the wall #you need to put pots under the leaks--but the dog broke them all in a panic!#, and again when his rocking chair breaks, and AGAIN when the TV cuts out just as your mansion is being featured! #Poor Austin has no luck!#
The ending scene features a pleasant surprise for those who are familiar with other Playrix games. Also, make sure to keep your eye on what Austin's watching on TV!
Graphics are about the same as in the first game, though I wish they'd been a bit brighter/more saturated, the better to enjoy the mansion interior as it was renovated. I loved color-coordinating all the different elements, and it was fun to turn on the lights, watch Foofy collapse on his dog bed, read Austin's various quips and complaints, etc. I noticed that whenever you exit the game, Austin hurries to go lie down on the couch. ^_^ From the looks of it, you can continue playing the game even after it's "ended," if you wish.
There is a third game in this series, "Gardenscapes 2," which I believe should more accurately be entitled "Gardenscapes 3" while "Gardenscapes: Mansion Makeover" seems to be the real Part 2. Keep your eyes open for my review of that game. :) The semi-related games "Farmscapes" and "Barn Yarn" are also recommended.
I obtained my copy of "Gardenscapes: Mansion Makeover" as a direct download through an online retailer. The game folder takes up 391MB on my hard drive. I ran this game on Windows 7 with no problems.
I recommend this game!
An ocean liner was caught in a storm and wrecked in the ocean. Discover mysteries, save your friends, and get back home!
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 4 found this review helpful
The Island: Castaway
PostedMay 13, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I read a review critical of this game, that said gameplay basically consisted of "running around like a slave," gathering things on the orders of everyone else and cooking them meals. Is that basically what the gameplay is? Yes. It is. However, I found it oddly satisfying, and perhaps if you have hoarding tendencies like me, you will too. :#
Plot: Your boat has run ashore on a mysterious island. You and your fellow passengers band together to set up camp and explore to see if you can find a way home. When you run afoul of the island's medicine man, you have to rely on your skills of hunting/gathering, preparing meals, and practicing diplomacy and trade with the natives in order to survive. Did I forget to mention the missing god statues you have to find, or the fact that it seems like there's a potential murderer in your midst...?
Like I said...gameplay is about 90% running around collecting things and preparing meals at the behest of the other characters. Despite that, it's not boring at all. It's similar to a time-management or strategy game except there isn't any time management involved--you can take your sweet time following through on everybody's tasks #I'd find myself collecting pearls for trade, and catching lots of fish, and cooking lots of crabs, just for the fun of it#--and there isn't much strategy required either, since the island is terribly generous with its resources #food and supplies are lying around replenishing themselves literally everywhere you go#. There ARE some challenges, in that at times you have to find rarer items, you need to locate the missing god statues, and there are dangerous boars and snakes that can deplete your energy. But once you upgrade all your weapons and tools it's easy-peasy. #Make sure you upgrade everything you can as quickly as you can, especially your inventory bag and bow!#
You do lose energy very quickly and very often doing all that running around, but like I said, there's food everywhere you look. Plus, once you learn recipes to prepare certain dishes, that replenishes your energy faster. I found the recipe aspect of the game kind of ludicrous and amusing #fellow castaway--"How about you prepare us some cocktails??"--me--"I'M TRYING TO GET US OFF THIS ISLAND, LADY!"#, but it adds some variety to things in that you need to gather certain items to prepare certain dishes. Once you meet the natives, you can trade with/sell to them. They also teach you various skills that make food and supply gathering even easier. A second review described this as a "pick-stuff-up game," which it is, and some more experienced players who are more into action and such might find it terribly repetitive, but it was just weirdly addictive to me and I was kind of sad to see it end.
Every character has a unique personality, and there are all sorts of subtle conflicts going on; the plot got kind of confusing and hard to keep track of toward the end, but since you really don't have to figure much out--just pick stuff up and use it--that's not much of a problem. As long as you collect all the stuff you need--and make sure to keep your energy level up--you really can't lose. Even when you get poisoned by snakes or gored by boars you just pass out and wake up back in camp, perhaps with a few supplies missing. I got gold on every achievement, though I did have to spend quite a bit of spare time chopping trees and collecting pearls...and drinking cocktails. :#
Animation is simple but crisp and colorful #it reminded me somewhat of the animation used in "World Of Zellians: Kingdom Builder"#. Voiceovers are kind of melodramatic but well done. There is mild adult language/violence and some very mild adult situations--nothing that requires a harsh warning #basically, one character hints that he'd like to go off to a cave to be alone with another, female, character, and then they get interrupted#, but if I noticed it, that means others might notice it too, just so you're aware. There's also occasional humor in the character interactions...I laughed aloud when the main character exclaimed to the American Indian character, "I feel like a Boy Scout!" and the Indian replied in deadpan, "No. You are a grown man...with a crab trap." *LOL*
I seemed to play through the game rather fast, though I'm not sure if that's because it was short, or because I just got obsessed with collecting items! #I was so OVERprepared that by the time of the final challenges, when all the islanders requested certain items of me, I had to gather/prepare something for only one of them!# Also, although the main plot is resolved, the game ends on a cliffhanger...though there's a sequel, I don't think it directly picks up from the plot of this one, so I'm not sure what to make of that. :/ Oh well, I'll be checking it out anyway!
So...are you ready to go and pick stuff up? :)
I obtained my copy of "The Island: Castaway" as a direct download through an online retailer. The game folder takes up 506MB on my hard drive. I ran this game on Windows 7 with no problems.
I recommend this game!
Enter a world filled with magic and help Emmy defeat her restless enemies as you solve Match 3 puzzles!
Overall rating
3
/
5
13 of 15 found this review helpful
DreamWoods 2
PostedMay 7, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This review is based solely on the free trial.
I loved the animation style, plot, and gameplay of this game...for perhaps the first one or two levels. After that, it unfortunately became far too difficult for me to enjoy. :(
Although this game is listed as a "brain-teaser" or "puzzle" game--genres that I often stay away from as too difficult--it's also described as match-3, a genre I enjoy immensely, so I figured perhaps it was a crossover game/belonged in more than one genre, or featured enough match-3 gameplay that I could still enjoy it. And yes, it IS technically match-3 style. However, more emphasis is placed on strategic placement of what in a typical match-3 game would be considered powerups or bonuses, such as bombs, dynamite, magical resources, etc. And instead of simply matching three or more like objects and/or using a powerup to remove obstacles...you have to stop and carefully place every item just so on the gameboard to set off a sort of chain reaction that will remove all the obstacles in ONE move.
I. e., you don't just blow stuff up until you clear a path or clear all the tiles...you have ONE chance to get everything in its place and hope that it's all positioned just right so you can clear your path. If one item is out of place, the path won't be cleared, and you'll have to try over. In short, think of this game as the match-3 equivalent of a Rube Goldberg-type machine. One action sets off another, which sets off another, until a goal is achieved.
On the one hand, this should be a delight for people who love strategy. On the other hand...it's extremely frustrating for people like me who have trouble thinking more than a few steps ahead. You need to envision the ENTIRE chain reaction and how it will play out as you place your pieces, and I'm simply unable to do that. If I recall correctly, the hint system doesn't help you very much, just tells you you need to clear this or that to get through #which you should already know!# or highlights one of the devices without informing you of its role in the chain reaction...it doesn't tell you how to clear your way, or give you any of the steps, or tell you when you've done something wrong. Not even when you make the same mistake over and over, as I kept doing. So if you don't remember a powerup's specific function or properties, exactly what it's capable of doing, be prepared for a lot of hair-tearing frustration trying to figure out how to get it to work just right. #The frustration increases with each powerup used--you need to picture how the combination works in your mind!#
That's not all, though...the moment you clear a path #"That wasn't so hard!"#, the bad guy reappears and can undo all the progress you just made...and clutter the board with even more complicated obstacles to overcome. ;_;
I already mentioned the adorable animation, and the concept itself is highly innovative, which is why I wish I COULD enjoy this game. :# In addition, between rounds you get to upgrade the main character's safe place, a pretty little area in a backyard#?#, by buying trees, flowers, various accessories, etc....though some of the choices puzzled me. For example, the scene itself is summery, yet you can purchase snowfall...will the grass and leaf-bearing trees still be there? Also, one "upgrade" to the grassy lawn seemed to make it look patchy and bare...what's the point of that upgrade? :/ Aside from minor things like that, though, it was a pleasant-looking spot, and I would've enjoyed decorating it, if I could've only enjoyed the main game as well.
I give this a three, as for me personally, gameplay #NOT the animation or the concept, both of which I loved# would be about a two #too frustrating#, but for people who are better at strategy it could be a four. If you like match-3, and you're good at thinking ahead or envisioning outcomes #again--think Rube Goldberg#, I'd suggest you give it a try.
I obtained my free trial of "DreamWoods 2" directly through Big Fish Games. I ran this game on Windows 7 with no problems.
I recommend this game!
Sable Maze: Norwich Caves Collector's Edition
Your students have gone missing during an expedition under the university. Can you track them down before the water rises?
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Sable Maze: Norwich Caves Collector's Edition
PostedMay 4, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Please see my review of "Sable Maze: Sullivan River Collector's Edition" for the basics on this series' gameplay.
My opinion of the earlier game in this series wasn't that high; the sequel game is definitely better, though it could still use some improvement. As before, my recollection of the plot is a bit muddy.
Plot: It's the 1960s and as a professor at Norwich Caves University, you're investigating the disappearance of another professor and four of his students. It turns out they were all part of a project exploring a mysterious labyrinth that's been found underneath the university. As you go in search of the students you begin to encounter signs of a malevolent natural force intent on blocking your progress; what relation does it have to the labyrinth, and what does it want from these four particular students? And how does a fifth, female student tie in with all of this...?
First off, you do not need to have played "Sullivan River" in order to understand this game, and vice-versa; aside from the titular labyrinth, there's very little relation between the two. Secondly, as already mentioned, though the plot is still strange #not to mention it seems rather anachronistic to me--for starters, would there have been such an integrated group of students back then...?#, at least it's more coherent than the previous game. I. e., the plot is weird, but at least it makes general sense, and doesn't have all the loose ends "Sullivan River" had.
Gameplay was much easier and more intuitive than the previous game as well--I didn't have quite so many moments of having no clue what to do next, though I did get a bit frustrated toward the end and in the bonus chapter. The minigames, too, were far more tolerable, and of a much greater variety #and much easier, for me#, than those "Put all the items in their correct places"-type games where, once you make a move, everything else slides out of place. There were a few games of such a variety, however, and for those I required the strategy guide #except for one minigame which was random and thus had to be skipped#. I suppose this is my convoluted way of saying the game is easier, which is a con for many players, but considering my frustration with the previous game, it's a pro for me.
There are not only achievements to earn #and this time the game didn't cheat me out of any, that I'm aware of!#, but also a sort of photo album of collectible items you find throughout the game; for each set of collectibles you complete, a new photo and caption of the students is revealed, telling a bit more about them. You find some of these collectibles in the bonus chapter, in case you regret not locating them all during the main game, as I briefly did. Oh, and though hidden-object scenes are challenging, they aren't maddening. They're of the sort where you have to locate certain items in the right order #which you must figure out yourself# and make them act upon each other until you locate the desired item--highly interactive, offering more than just seek-and-find.
The character animation is a bit cheesy #it often looks as if they used the same cutouts of the actors' faces on different poses of the body, with all the awkwardness that entails, and when the faces changed position, they looked like completely different people--this happened even with animals!#, but the rest of the cutscenes, as well as artwork and environments, are beautifully done.
A downside, again the detail of WHERE exactly this story is taking place niggled at me quite a bit...the combination of the name Norwich, the Celtic labyrinth and some possible Roman#?# history, and the fact that the university was founded in the 1500s #I believe#, point toward it taking place in Europe #probably England#, though again, the characters all speak with American accents, so it was rather perplexing. And though the history/mythology behind the adversary in this game is better explained than in "Sullivan River," there are still a few issues left unresolved, especially such as how events in this story tie in with "Sullivan River" #if they in fact do#. Seeing as the labyrinth in "Sullivan River" #which I believe takes place later in the timeline# is located under/near a campground, that complicates matters...if this is in fact the same labyrinth then what became of the university??
Oh yes, also...I was never able to properly exit the game. Every time I exited, either choosing to directly exit the game or to exit from the main menu, the game froze up--the cursor still worked but everything else was unresponsive. Control+Alt+Delete always revealed an "Access violation" error message. I would have to end the program in the Task Manager. I had to do this every single time, which was annoying, but at least it always saved where I left off.
The Collector's Edition of the game includes wallpapers and concept art #both meh#, music clips, an integrated strategy guide, and a bonus chapter; just as with the previous game, the bonus chapter continues the plot from the main game #actually, it reveals the cause of the antagonist's anger#, so I recommend the CE over the standard edition. I'd also recommend this game over "Sullivan River," as at least it makes moderate sense, and both plots seem independent of each other.
Lastly, that statue of Titus, its stare, really, REALLY creeped me out. o_o;
I obtained my copy of "Sable Maze: Norwich Caves Collector's Edition" directly through Big Fish Games. The game folder takes up 1.08GB on my hard drive. I ran this game on Windows 7 with one bug/error #the access violation/being unable to exit, mentioned above# but no other problems.
I recommend this game!
Guide a tribe of castaways as they live, breed, and discover secrets about their mysterious home in this real-time sim adventure.
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Virtual Villagers 3: The Secret City
PostedMay 1, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Urgh. I like this game, and I hate this game. The "why" should become obvious soon enough
Plot: You have a handful of villagers on a mysterious deserted island. There are numerous signs of a previous civilization, but they're all in ruins. You have to grow your village by increasing the population, providing food, and accumulating enough "tech points" to assist in discovering new technologies such as medicine, farming, and architecture, in order to rebuild the ruined settlement and learn the mystery of what happened to the previous inhabitants.
Pro of the game: It's in real time--though you can put it on pause, for when you're unable to play for a while--so you get to see your villagers grow up and learn their various trades, have children, solve problems, and even die...I was always saddened to find a little skeleton on the ground. :# The villagers grow from tiny children to elderly people with gray hair...it can get pretty absorbing just to watch them live their lives.
Con of the game: It's in real time. Meaning it takes FOREVER to accumulate tech points #which are needed to upgrade technology levels within the game, which in turn are needed to solve certain puzzles and move gameplay forward#, nurse babies, teach villagers necessary skills, rebuild/restore things, grow trees that provide enough food until you get enough expertise to teach them how to fish...
I "won" the game on my third village--in the first, everyone starved to death, and in the second there was a calamity which made me start over as we were pretty much doomed--even my third village almost didn't make it. They WOULD have all died, without a walkthrough.
Although absorbing, the game is also incredibly frustrating. Not just because of the real-time challenges described above, but because it's simply not intuitive--most of the puzzles can't be solved unless you're infinitely patient with trial-and-error, or unless you constantly consult a walkthrough. Some of the steps needed to solve puzzles are incredibly outlandish, things you'd never even think of trying, so I have no clue how people handle it without the walkthrough.
And...there's apparently no end to the game! You solve everything, you achieve all your upgrades, and then...the game just keeps going. There's nothing left to DO, really--no more puzzles to solve, no more places to explore #there's only the one scene available, anyway#--aside from keeping your villagers fishing, doctoring, and having babies. This is the first game I've played that literally has no ending!
I also grew rather resentful of the fact that I HAD to play the game every day, just to make sure everything was progressing properly and some catastrophe hadn't struck. Now that I find the game has no ending, I have to keep doing that, put the game on pause indefinitely, or let everyone die off. Considering how lousy I felt whenever my villagers starved to death, the last isn't really an option. Perhaps I'd recommend against playing this game if you have an overwhelming amount of empathy, because it can get really depressing to see your hungry villagers forlornly checking out the empty food hut. :#
Additional challenges are that only adults can work, whereas only children can collect small food and tech items such as feathers and shells. Nursing women and chiefs also will not work. So you have to make sure you have enough practitioners of certain professions, and to balance population against food and tech point accumulation. #More people eat more food, but they also acquire more tech points.# Also, occasionally when you enter the game, you'll be presented with a choice a villager must make, and the outcome can be highly beneficial--or disastrous--depending on what you choose. #ONE small bad choice was behind my first village succumbing to starvation...#
Graphics are very simple, and similar clothes/hairstyles and even names are reused on numerous villagers so it can be a bit confusing, though there's enough variation to keep it interesting. The villagers have their individual quirks #children typically run around a lot, but I had one little boy who was VERY SLOW and one of his listed dislikes was "running"# and will do odd little things unprompted, such as playing in rain puddles, "looking at fishies," honoring the dead #I was touched to see one of my scientists lay flowers on the grave of another scientist#, and even "going indoors" together to make another baby. Sometimes the women have triplets! It's frustrating trying to convince two villagers to make a baby when their hearts aren't in it, or to follow a profession when they don't want to #some would literally rather lie on the ground doing nothing!#, but this also provides some challenge.
There are various awards/milestones, optional collections, and technology levels you can upgrade so the villagers can solve more difficult puzzles. It's up to you to figure out the best method to achieve all this in a reasonable period of time.
This game is merely one installment in a series, but I won't be playing any of the others. While I felt rather pleased with myself and proud of my villagers for solving the puzzles #via walkthrough# and making it through the game, after all the hassle that went into teaching them and watching time pass by, and having to play the game every day, and having to witness two other villages die off before this one, I haven't the heart to go through that again. ;_; I can't completely write the game off though, since it's definitely challenging and interesting, and is perhaps a better fit for players who won't feel sad every time a Virtual Villager dies!
What will happen, by the way, when their virtual cemetery fills up...? o.o
I obtained my copy of "Virtual Villagers 3: The Secret City" on the "Mysterious Adventures 16-Pack" disk in a retail store. The game folder takes up 46MB on my hard drive. I ran this game on Windows 7 with no problems.
I recommend this game!
Help build the World of Zellians from the ground up! Transform the simple Zellians into a modern and efficient society!
Overall rating
5
/
5
World Of Zellians: Kingdom Builder
PostedApril 22, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I noticed that the title of this game is trademarked. That leads me to wonder, WHY is there not a sequel yet?? I was leery of trying it due to its strategy qualities, but based on the reviews mentioning its lack of any real "time management," decided to give it a try. This is probably the most fun I've had with a game in years!
Plot: The World of Zellians is divided into various kingdoms whose monarchs don't always see eye to eye. In fact, commerce--and diplomacy--are falling apart. Enter city-planner Zorm, who accompanies you through the kingdoms, teaching you to rebuild everything from the ground up. You have as much time as you need. Sound easy? At first it is, but things get more complicated when you have to fit the required buildings into some tight spaces, plus, somebody is intent on sabotaging your kingdom-rebuilding efforts! As time goes on you have to deal with not only the monarchs' individual demands, but random fires, madmen, and thieves as well, in order to prepare for a royal wedding.
There are nine kingdoms, each with individual landscape challenges #forest, desert, etc.# and five levels/towns you must travel through. The monarch of each kingdom tells you at the start what you need to do. Some levels are far easier than others, with lots of room and fewer buildings needed, but a few get really tricky #I had to tear down and rebuild almost an entire level to fit in a certain structure#; so it's a good thing that destroying and rebuilding, as well as building roads, are free! #Though the initial building costs money.# You can't rotate buildings, all must be connected to the main road, and some must be built in particular locations, so you have to either plan very well, or be ready to tear it down and build it up again--once you find a decent spot!
An added complication is many buildings depend on other, simpler buildings--Building D can't be built until you have Building C, and you can't build C without having Buildings A and B first--so it's also a good thing that the requirements for each structure are clearly listed onscreen. Other complications are having the required materials and funds, the required population, and oh yes, those pesky fires #which destroy buildings#, madmen #who damage the infrastructure#, and thieves #who steal said materials and funds!#, which show up with increasing frequency in later levels. You can't handle them without emergency buildings. Yet you can't build those without having other buildings first. So, you'll often find yourself scrambling to build a dozen things while thieves and crazy people and fires are running rampant, undermining your efforts...
When I found out that these problems were DELIBERATE, as well as the cause behind them, I was so steamed I wanted to hit someone! I guess that means I was really into the game, ha. Only a few levels were so challenging that I almost wanted to tear out my hair, such as the level mentioned above, as well as a few levels where thieves robbed me blind. ;_; A thief kept running in and out, robbing a building so quickly I couldn't click on him to arrest him #it wasn't that I was too slow, I LITERALLY could not click on him#; he kept popping in and out nonstop even when there was no more money left to steal, so I had to restart the level just to be rid of him, and I wonder if perhaps that was a game bug. :/ I was robbed again the next time #grr# but managed to work through it.
So, yes, there's an amount of frustration and difficulty involved, and I often dreaded what attack might come next, but it wasn't enough to keep me from persevering till the end! And I'm so glad I did, because it was just so satisfying. :#
In addition to the five regular levels per kingdom, there's an OPTIONAL timed bonus level for each; I wasn't aware of these until about halfway through the game. I haven't played them yet since timed gameplay stresses me out, but supposedly the requirements in each aren't as strict; perhaps those levels would be more satisfying for those who dislike the lack of time management in "Zellians." You can revisit levels you've already played, but only to look at them. Also, there's a "free mode," where a sort of "sandbox" of each kingdom is unlocked as you play, and you can go in there and build whatever you want without any goals; I haven't used this yet, but each ruler greets you politely when you enter.
Every king and queen in the game is distinct in appearance and personality, and all have their individual quirks; the artwork and animation, while cartoony #in a vaguely anime/manga style#, is simply gorgeous. When you finish a kingdom, each ruler gives you a lovely trophy, and you learn about them in a Zellians history book.
I experienced some buggy screen flickering for a moment or two each time I started the game but it would soon cease and this didn't interfere with gameplay.
I will most likely play this again sometime in the future, and need to check out the free mode and maybe the timed levels a bit more. Alas though, no sequel! :# Seeing as this game focuses mostly on commerce, materials production, and emergency services, a followup game that focuses more on, say, sports, arts/entertainment, and Zellian history/culture would be wonderful. As well, more options for the free mode, such as randomized landscapes and randomized instructions from the rulers, would be fantastic. #As long as it's all kept untimed!# The end of the game makes it obvious the developers at least hoped to create a sequel at some point, so...are you listening, game developers? Sequel, please please please!
Is it too obvious that I recommend this game...?
I obtained my copy of "World Of Zellians: Kingdom Builder" directly through Big Fish Games. The game folder takes up 210MB on my hard drive. I ran this game on Windows 7 with one bug/error #the glitchy screen flickers, mentioned above# but no other problems.
I recommend this game!
Create the perfect garden! Comb the rooms of a mansion for hidden items and restore a once stunning garden to its former glory!
Overall rating
5
/
5
Gardenscapes
PostedApril 16, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Oh what a delightful game! :D
I almost overlooked this one, as it has a time-management aspect that put me off, but you can play on relaxed/untimed mode, so that's what I did...and I was so enthralled I promptly bought not only all three installments in the series so far, but a few similar games. I've found a new favorite genre!
Plot: You've inherited an old mansion and its spectacular garden...but alas, the garden has seen far better days. How can you possibly pay for the upkeep of both the house and the garden when it's in such a woeful state? Enter devoted butler Austin and his plans for a "jumble sale"--dig out all the junk you can find in the house, sell it, and put the profits toward upgrading the garden, so you can enter a garden competition!
Oh wow, where do I start. I already adore match-3 games where the "coins" you earn are put toward building/upgrading cities, settlements, exotic lands, whatever. I wasn't aware there are also hidden-object games geared toward such things. On relaxed mode, this game is just so much fun. You scour the different rooms of the house seeking junk to sell while also keeping your eyes open for stray coins, and occasionally the townsfolk will call you or write you letters requesting additional items. #The reason one guy requests electric fans is hilarious.# At one point I found myself keeping my eyes open for coins, buttons, AND junk items! The entire time you search you can see the little townsfolk patiently awaiting your finds off to the side, and there are plenty of hints of different kinds should you need them. #I tried to avoid hints, as not using them means more money!#
Plus, in between sales, you get to interact with butler Austin, who's halfway between genteel and curmudgeonly. He spends his time puttering around the garden talking to you, himself, the dog #whom you get to name yourself--I named it "Foofy" and laughed whenever Austin called, "Here, Foofy!"#, the swan, the birds, the decor...I always thought other reviewers were exaggerating when they mention enjoying just sitting and watching the action, but it's no lie, it really is fun, and I sometimes had to drag myself back to searching and selling, so we could win that competition. #Austin frequently worries about this, and I felt I owed him a win!#
It did bother me a tad that it was too easy to accidentally activate hints as they often blended in with the scenery and could be mistaken for hidden objects, but that's a minor quibble. I also just wish the game would go on and on and on! I could renovate that lovely garden forever. I came to feel like I was actually socializing with Austin, the townspeople #there's an amusing running joke where one of them keeps calling a wrong number and getting Austin instead#, and the animal denizens of the garden. So hard to pull myself away. Austin even greets you whenever you start the game...and reminds you to get to work!
Funds providing, you can change your mind about what decor you've chosen, later on. And at the end of the game, you can turn the garden you've created into a screensaver. I tentatively tried this out and it was a pleasant surprise, though the lamps weren't lit up the way I'd hoped they'd be.
Although cartoonish, the graphics are wonderful, all the townsfolk with their individual appearances, the expressions on Austin's face whenever you finish a sale, and don't forget the beautiful decorations in the garden #you get three choices for each upgrade#. For some unfortunate reason, I experienced some occasional buggy screen flickering in the game, but I can't tell if the problem was on my end or the game's, and it didn't significantly interfere with gameplay. And...so far there are TWO sequels #"Gardenscapes 2" and "Gardenscapes: Mansion Makeover"#, as well as two semi-related games #the match-3 "Farmscapes" and hidden-object sequel "Barn Yarn"#! Delight! :D I hope to be doing Austin's bidding for some time to come. I even got my mother hooked on the game. :)
If you enjoy these, BTW, I'd also suggest the much similar "Crop Busters," a match-3 game like "Farmscapes" with a renovation/upgrade aspect like all of these games.
Recommended, recommended, highly recommended!
I obtained my copy of "Gardenscapes" as a direct download through an online retailer. The game folder takes up 118MB on my hard drive. I ran this game on Windows 7 with one bug/error #the glitchy screen flickers, mentioned above# but no other problems.
I recommend this game!
Unearth your forgotten childhood memories to reveal the secret of the ancient labyrinth.
Overall rating
3
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Sable Maze: Sullivan River
PostedApril 16, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I feel this game deserves a better rating, but I cannot give it one myself. :/ My experience with what looked to be a spooky, promising hidden-object game was severely marred by just how exasperating gameplay turned out to be; and even if it weren't for that, the plot itself was kind of...off. Thus my possibly disjointed or inaccurate summary, as I wasn't even sure what was going on!
Plot: You've begun having traumatic memories of something horrific that happened at a camp you stayed at as a child. Your therapist suggests you return to the camp to figure out the mystery behind a group of children who went missing--the source of your traumatic memories. Once there, you discover the ghosts of the children, pleading with you to help them escape a strange creature which has captured them. What is this being's interest in these children, and what is its connection to a mysterious Celtic labyrinth on the campgrounds?
Okay, firstly, the exasperating gameplay. Even on casual/easy mode this game isn't very intuitive, and I was often left wondering what to do next. But even that could've been tolerable had it not been for the minigames. ALMOST EVERY minigame was of the "Put all the items in their correct places" type, where moving one item ends up moving all of them, so once you have one item in its place, everything else you've arranged is again out of place. So frustrating! After struggling through a few, I ended up turning to the integrated strategy guide the moment I was confronted with such games, resigned to cheating my way through them...unfortunately, some of the games are random, so even looking at the guide can't help you, and you have to either solve them or skip them--the latter meaning you forfeit gaining an achievement.
Speaking of achievements, the game cheated me out of one! There's one for finding three objects in a hidden-object scene within three seconds. I accomplished that repeatedly--but never earned the achievement. And even the hidden-object scenes were frustrating. It said that items listed in one color were in plain sight, whereas those listed in another color needed an action performed on them or were hidden from view--yet repeatedly, there were items listed as being in plain sight which were NOT in plain sight, and/or needed an action performed on them first! Plus, sometimes the #system# cursor turned to a hand in such scenes--indicating an interactive area--but other times it didn't change, and I had to click around at random before happening upon an interactive spot--thus forfeiting the "No misclicks" achievement. AGGHH!!
Now, the plot. The reason I bought the game was the plot seemed so mysterious and intriguing--a long-lost Celtic labyrinth and its hold over the main character's past. But in the game, the plot just fell apart and made little sense. Firstly, the entire deal with the main character's trauma and memories was highly glossed over--after the intro with the therapist, not much else was brought up about how it had affected him/her. #Even the deal with all the missing kids is treated like, "Meh."# Secondly, there was a lot of emphasis placed on one of the missing kids being bullied by the others, and his connection to another lost boy, *and* his crush on the camp nurse, AND the nurse's relationship with the camp counselor#?#, AND! the nurse's connection to another female character...yet none of that was ever adequately addressed; so why was it all brought up?
Thirdly and most annoyingly was the labyrinth itself. Based on the dialect and accents of the characters, I'd guess the story is set somewhere in America...so what's the deal with this ancient Celtic labyrinth being hidden upon the campgrounds? How did it get there? No explanation is ever given. Even the characters seem blase about this and never question its presence. This lack of detail was beyond strange, and I hope it doesn't overly mar my experience with the sequel.
The artwork, cutscenes, and environments were gorgeous #unlike other reviewers, the little fireflies/butterflies and whatnot didn't bother me at all#, and in fact are the reason I regret having to give the game such a low rating. Hopefully, somebody with a fondness for frustrating minigames, and an ability to overlook the muddled plot, can gain more enjoyment out of the game than I did...as for me, I'd often find myself logging in, playing for a few minutes only, then logging out again in irritation and finding something more fun to play instead. I was glad to get this one over with...and kind of leery of starting the sequel. :/
The Collector's Edition of the game includes wallpapers #alas, they usually choose the gloomiest shots#, concept art, an integrated strategy guide, music clips, and a bonus chapter; the bonus chapter continues the plot from the main game so it might be in a gamer's best interest to invest in the CE as it ties up a few loose ends.
I can neither recommend nor not recommend this game, but will err on the side of recommending it, if only because of the great graphics and interesting storyline...however muddled it is. There is a second game in this series, "Sable Maze: Norwich Caves," which I plan to play next...here's hoping it's not QUITE as much of a letdown as the first!
I obtained my copy of "Sable Maze: Sullivan River Collector's Edition" directly through Big Fish Games. The game folder takes up 855MB on my hard drive. I ran this game on Windows 7 with no problems.
I recommend this game!
Legends of Atlantis: Exodus
Atlantis is facing its end of days and it's up to you to save the people and their kingdom in this innovative and exciting time management game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
Legends Of Atlantis: Exodus
PostedApril 14, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
A rather cute game marred by some unevenness.
I'm no fan of timed games of any sort, even those with a generous timer, so I bought and played this game for the primary reason that you can play it in relaxed mode. "Relaxed" doesn't necessarily mean just that, however; it only means you have as much time as you need to get something done. Yet having enough time doesn't always mean having enough resources, as "Exodus" proves.
Plot: The legendary island kingdom of Atlantis is quicky succumbing to destruction as earthquakes, floods, fires, and random attacks by hydras, barbarians, and clockwork men gone haywire strike the land. You've been employed by the Queen and her Advisor to fix up the roads and temples and help the townspeople evacuate to safety. Over time it becomes clear that more is needed than just this if the Atlanteans are to survive, so the Queen looks into a more permanent solution as you get to work.
You need to renovate partially destroyed buildings such as sawmills, quarries, and crystal mines to supply you with the things you need; fortunately, there are also special altars here and there that replenish random goods, such as water and the much-needed crystals. And there are other resources you can collect. The challenges of evacuating the cities get more difficult as you progress, such as when the barbarians and clockwork men BOTH decide to block your paths. In between all the rebuilding and evacuating, there are a few hidden-object scenes and match-3/marble-popper minigames, the latter used to gather crystals to power the Queen's Advisor's vehicle.
I had finished playing "Adelantado Trilogy" before starting this game, so I guess my expectations were a bit high. Something that annoyed me about "Exodus" was the unevenness of gameplay. Approximately the first half of the game is TOO easy; there's little to no strategy involved, as you just keep clicking on what's available and that's that. Then, the second half of the game gets TOO difficult--finally, strategy is involved, but it's of such a type that if you don't make exactly the right choice of what to rebuild or upgrade first, you could end up stuck and literally unable to complete a level. One level I had to repeat about 3-4 times, finally looking up help online to figure out how to pass it successfully, and by then I was very peeved. I do like some strategy...just not so much that if I make ONE wrong choice, I'm doomed to repeat myself. It's not a good sign when you just want a game to be over. :/
Just as annoying, you don't get to choose what buildings you'll need/want to construct first; the foundations of the buildings are already there on each level and you just fix/upgrade them when possible. So, say, if you need more wood or stone, you can't just build a sawmill or quarry if one isn't already available. You need to be VERY careful what you decide to do with your resources! With each level, before I set to work I found myself carefully observing which resources were immediately available, which ones I would need to clear obstacles to reach #clearing obstacles requires resources that might not be available yet#, and which resources would be limited due to no relevant buildings being available; likewise I kept my eye out for those magical resource-replenishing altars, which could be lifesavers...albeit very slow lifesavers.
There was a sense of humor in the game that was pretty cute--the lame insults tossed out by the clockwork men, and the threats of the barbarians #watch out for the one who mentions their fancy wolf headwear#, were amusing to read. The Atlantean citizens, however, were really ungrateful! Here's the Queen, trying so hard to save them all, and all they can do is complain about how little she's doing for them and they're all doomed. More than once I felt like snapping that I was willing to just leave them behind! But I guess that bit could give the player more incentive to win the game and prove them wrong...
...if only it wasn't for how frustratingly difficult gameplay becomes closer to the end. I guess I'm just not entertained by the possibility of one small wrong choice unraveling the entire effort. Perhaps if there was a bit more leeway to correct mistakes by seeking an alternative solution, it'd be more tolerable, but on at least a few levels this wasn't possible.
I can't NOT recommend the game, as some people like such strict challenges, but I can't really recommend it either since this took away much of my enjoyment. So it's kind of a tie. I'll err on the side of recommending it, since it's kind of cute and entertaining, but only if you're really good at making strategic choices, or else are really patient! #And if you don't mind that the first half of the game is almost ridiculously easy in comparison.#
Also, is it just me or does the Queen resemble Angel from the "Twisted Lands" games...? O.o
I obtained my copy of "Legends Of Atlantis: Exodus" directly through Big Fish Games. The game folder takes up 445mb on my hard drive. I ran this game on Windows 7 with no problems.
I recommend this game!
The epic conclusion of an amazing trilogy in Adelantado Trilogy: Book Three, a thrilling Time Management game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Adelantado Trilogy: Book Three
PostedApril 10, 2014
tehuti88
fromCheboygan, MI
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Current Favorite:
Legends of Atlantis: Exodus
(68)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Please see my reviews of "Adelantado Trilogy: Book One" and "Adelantado Trilogy: Book Two" for the basics on this series' gameplay. They provide a lot of info I've left out here for the sake of brevity!
Well, here it is, the final installment of the series, and it was a fantastic run that I'm sad to see end. I haven't engaged in such immersive gameplay in perhaps two decades, so that says a lot about what "Adelantado" has to offer players.
Plot #since yes, in this there really is one#: Don Diego De Leon, the Adelantado, is seeking not only the missing members of an earlier expedition #led, I believe, by a man named Don Vincent, who may either be possessed or going insane#, but also his beloved native Milintica/Milintika #spelling of her name varies in the game#, who has been kidnapped by cavemen. During his travels he has to build and maintain various structures to provide for his party's needs, explore new territory, send gold back to Spain, and interact with the natives, who are planning a great ceremony to cleanse their land of evil once and for all #or something along those lines#. It all comes to a great climactic ending--including the appearance of a few surprising faces--and the concluding "bonus" chapter provides an even more spectacular, if rather bizarre, postscript. #Rest assured that however weird it might seem, ample foreshadowing was provided in the earlier games.#
Just as before, you can play in untimed mode. Apparently you miss out on the challenge of competing against another explorer #Commander Rodriguez# as well as against the clock, but I didn't mind this detail. Gameplay is about the same, but again with more challenges and bonuses, the latter including new types of buildings, such as one that helps you combat the ever-bothersome cavemen and dinosaurs. Plus, there are hot-air balloons--and you can teleport! :D
A tip, pay close attention to reading the "secrets" you find...although they aren't necessary to beat a level, these actually contribute to the plot, and help explain an encounter you experience toward the end of the game. Keep your eyes sharp, as the secrets can be VERY tricky to find. I found every secret in all three games, without cheating! Woohoo! #Though I did have to search around a lot.#
Similar to a problem I experienced with the second part of the trilogy, I played the first level with no issues in the free trial, but then experienced a game crash on this level in the full game; it froze up, and Control+Alt+Delete revealed an error message. Just as before, I had to close the game and lose progress, and start over, but after that, everything proceeded smoothly. I did end up having to save in the middle of a chapter later on for different reasons, so you do in fact have that capability now, which was absent in the first game.
The "table of contents" of the game keeps track of the length of gameplay per chapter; this game was the longest for me, with almost fourteen hours of play in relaxed mode. Adding up all three parts of the trilogy #33 chapters/levels#, I played for around 37 hours. Talk about more bang for your buck!
This trilogy opened up my eyes to the fact that there ARE time-management/strategy-type games I can find fun, as long as I know where to look #i. e., for the relaxed mode#. I've already downloaded some other, similar goodies I hope to enjoy. So, thank you, "Adelantado Trilogy." I'm glad I took the plunge with you. :) Perhaps I'll enjoy you again in the future!
I obtained my copy of "Adelantado Trilogy: Book Three" directly through Big Fish Games. The game folder takes up 161mb on my hard drive. I ran this game on Windows 7 with one bug/error #a single game crash, mentioned above# but no other problems.
I recommend this game!