ecblisa's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.3
- Helpful Votes:3,199
- Reviews Submitted:76
- First Review:February 3, 2012
- Most Recent Review:August 10, 2021
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Build a town for ghosts in the beautiful valley by the sea and recreate all of the four seasons.
Overall rating
5
/
5
37 of 44 found this review helpful
A new high for the Laruaville series!
PostedAugust 4, 2015
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Match 3, Strategy, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have played several series loyally -- Fishdom and Jewel Match come quickly to mind -- but Laruaville is now also much a favorite. I played one and two in the series many times, and bought this version without even trying it out. I've only played 10 levels, and rarely write a review so quickly, but this is definitely another hit. A new difficulty is that several obstacle types can only be removed with exploding power-ups. Those can only be earned by making large matches. Often, there is no room for large matches near some of the obstacles, so you have to move the bombs, and the do not move very predictably. I think, but am not sure yet, that they only move when you create one or several empty cells next to them with a match or blast. Anyway, the game is fairly difficult already by level 10.
Like Laruaville 2, the story requires a suspension of disbelief about what "friendly ghosts" are capable of. Yet, within its own magical world, the story is consistent and logical. The characters are funny, and not too chatty, and the town building takes very little time.
The Mahjong and spot-the-difference mini-games are fun for variety, and seem to get progressively harder, as in earlier games of the series.
If you like Match-3 games at all, you should definitely give this one a try.
I recommend this game!
Return to a mesmerizing match-three wonderland with this remaster of Jewel Match 2!
Overall rating
5
/
5
48 of 50 found this review helpful
The best Jewel Match yet
PostedJuly 21, 2015
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Like some other reviewers, I've bought every Jewel Match game since the original Jewel Match 2, and played many of them several times. This one is the best yet, certainly visually. It is still a "classic" in the sense of having fairly standard power-ups and rewards for large matches, but the castle scenes are awesome, including the backgrounds. I've played 102 levels and, since there is a new castle to build every 20 levels, I'm on my 6th castle, which promises to be at least equally as beautiful as the first five.
I only play untimed, due to my stiff, arthritic hands that just don't do "fast" any more. So I can't speak for the other game modes. In relaxed mode, the coins available to purchase power-ups are not too generous, and you can't possibly get everything. I happen to like chain breaker a lot, and have been working on maxing that. Also, power-ups have to be refilled for each level, and the mana bottles necessary to refill them don't always appear. This makes the game a bit harder than earlier ones in the series, as I recall.
This is definitely a "must have" for Match-3 fans!
Follow Jason and the Argonauts though ancient Greek adventures in this exciting Match 3 game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
47 of 52 found this review helpful
A varied but so far easy Match-3
PostedJune 29, 2015
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board, Brain Teaser
Current Favorite:
Faerie Solitaire
(29)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I have played this game for over two hours, so I am fairly certain is never gets very difficult. It is fun, though, and can be made more challenging by using either of the higher difficulty ratings. I haven't tried those yet.
To me, it easily qualifies as a game to use a coupon on, or buy in a one-day sale.
It is basically a match-3 with varied mini-games, some of which are hidden object scenes. The mini-games are not hard.
Unlike the majority of match-3 games, it does have a good story: an accurate rendition of Jason's journey with the Argonauts.
The match-3 scenes are varied in having different goals, and some are group mode or chain mode rather than swap mode -- you don't get to choose. An interesting feature is the fact that the emblems to charge the power-ups can be collected with a single click, so they provide a lot of opportunities for strategy because when to collect them can determine other matches. The power-ups fill relatively quickly, and so far are pretty standard varieties.
All in all, this is a comfortable and interesting game, but, at least in the low difficulty mode, not overly challenging. I hope someone starts with the very hard mode and posts a review comparing that mode.
I recommend this game!
Flower Fiesta, a colorful match 3 adventure that gives you a chance to travel the world planting flowers and creating beautiful gardens!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Very nice, but not really for PC
PostedJune 26, 2015
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a nice game, kind of a "truly different" match-3. I have enjoyed playing it enough so I don't mind replaying levels I missed the first time. The game requires you to play slowly and think about each move, because that is the only way to win the more advanced levels.
The problem is that the game is formatted for smart phones and tablets, so it feels like you're playing it on a small slice of your PC screen.
I bought it with a credit, and consider it a good deal as a bonus game. But I would not argue that it can compare with a true PC game, or that I might consider it good value at full price.
Your journey around the world continues! The Eternal City of Rome awaits you with riddles and challenging puzzles. Can you collect all the artifacts!
Overall rating
5
/
5
51 of 52 found this review helpful
This game is much underrated
PostedJune 10, 2015
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
This is the kind of Match-3 game that is hard to evaluate until you have played it a long time. It starts out easy, and you get lots of power-ups that make it fun to get out of mildly difficult situations. Gotcha! By the time you get to the last third of the game, the difficulties mount and the power-ups seem puny. If, like me, you used up all your power-up money as it came in, you'll join me in being sorely disappointed: there is no more free lunch now.
I started a second game with a different strategy: Use power-ups very sparingly, solve difficulties the hard way, and save money for later. It seems to be working, but this is a very long game.
I don't know if any reviewer has actually finished this game, but the truth is it gets very, very nasty -- I mean that in a good way -- with constant new obstacles being served up at the player. I see this as a true strategy game, at least in the second half. Just one example and to keep it from being a spoiler, I won't give exact details: In some levels, you have to collect, let's say, 20 coins. When you start the level, all the coins are encased in ice and the temptation is strong to blast them out of the way. When I did that, I found that those were the only coins that would ever appear on that level, so I had to start the level over and carefully gather them all.
As this example shows, mindless playing is not a good strategy. In a highly chained level, you might need to collect only one type of token, and that may be possible without using power-ups to get rid of all the chains. It really helps to focus on the goals for each level,
I highly recommend this game to players like me who actually like a good Match-3 and aren't tempted to say that it's too easy based on half an hour or less of play. This one presents interesting challenges, especially in the second half, and should provide many hours of deliciously frustrating fun.
I recommend this game!
Can you carve a path of light through the darkness in this marble shooting adventure?
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 5 found this review helpful
Oldie but goodie
PostedMay 15, 2015
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Match 3, Word, Mahjong, Card & Board
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'm reviewing this as the current deal of the day. I'm not usually so fond of marble poppers since my hands got too arthritic for fast mouse action. What some reviewers call "slow as molasses" I call doable for the older and slower among us. It's a fun game, easy to learn and with nice power-ups. At the daily deal, it is a good buy even for us codgers who won't be able to do the more advanced levels. Thanks for revisiting this game!
I recommend this game!
Use the power of the magic cards to help Arianna rebuild her kingdom!
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
A great game for casual solitaire players
PostedApril 24, 2015
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
OK, I admit I'm not great at solitaire -- which doesn't mean I don't like to play some. This game is unusual in that you never get to a dead end. If you can't do well at a level even after some replays, you can just move on. Tthe only "penalty" is that you make less progress, and have to play more levels. So for me, the game is definitely not too short, and forgiving enough so I don't get frustrated. I really recommend this game for casual solitaire players like me who don't want to endlessly replay one level or give up.
I recommend this game!
Sorcerer's apprentice Anton has accidentally reset the teleporter's destination and he must now face an extremely dangerous test.
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Brick Breaker plus match 3
PostedApril 16, 2015
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I both love and hate this game. I love it because it is a thinking person's game and quite original, and I hate it (in a good way# because some of the levels are devilishly difficult, and I have had to replay them several times.
The game is a genuine match-3 game in the sense that you need to make a match of 3 or more game pieces to remove any pieces. You do this by aiming and releasing a new piece, so the game is also like a brick breaker game #it is not a marble popper, because the pieces do not move, and there is no time pressure). There are useful and necessary power-ups, without which some levels cannot be beaten at all. The most difficult levels require you to either collect a certain number of chalices, or the penalty for too many non-matches is 4 new rows added from the top, which can be instantly fatal to that level.
I've played over half the game, and found the variety of challenges very nice. The different levels call for different strategies, and these are not "play fast and don't think" types of levels. One serious mistake can easily lead to disaster. Fortunately, the levels are infinitely replayable.
I highly recommend this game for the patient player who is willing to learn what works, and willing to play slowly and think strategically. As another reviewer correctly pointed out, it is like a puzzle game. I would add that, like a puzzle game, it may not have an instantly apparent solution for all levels.
I recommend this game!
The princess has become a Queen! Help her loyal assistant Jack rebuild the garden from scratch in this unique Match-3 game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
One of the best match-3 games out there
PostedApril 8, 2015
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Earlier reviewers have described the mechanics of the game well, so I will not do that.
I have played (I believe) the entire game, and still love it. There appear to be about 130 new levels, at which time there are no new plants or decorations to buy, and the levels start to repeat. You can choose to keep playing, but I decided to start again, and this time build a better garden knowing what plants were ultimately available.
One non-spoiler hint: The garden is huge, so unless you want to play forever in one game, don't fill the first part too full, or the game will get boring. Better to fill in borders and corners all over first, leaving open lawn in between. You can always come back to fill in more.
This is a "classic" match-3 in that you cannot buy lots of power-ups. Only a few power-ups can be earned through large matches. By paying attention to exactly how those few power-ups work, you can master the advanced levels, some of which are quite difficult. Still, all levels are fair, although if you play with "growing" weeds, you can get into situations where only a replay will help.
One nice thing is that you can change the level of difficulty at any point in the game. I let the weeds grow until a fairly high level, but then decided to switch to keep them immobile #you still get weeds, but they don't expand#.
I strongly recommend this game for aficionados of classic match-3 games. Thinking and good strategy will work fine, and you can adjust the game to your own frustration tolerance.
I recommend this game!
The moon has vanished from the sky. Help the friendly ghosts return it!
Overall rating
5
/
5
80 of 89 found this review helpful
A great sequel to a very good game
PostedMarch 4, 2015
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I played Laruaville several times, and this sequel is even better. The characters are not as intrusive, and the difficulty levels of the game boards are more ingeniously constructed. I play only relaxed because of my arthritic (read "stiff") hands, but I can see where some of the levels would be very challenging with the timed or limited moves modes (I love that this game offers both!).
What I best like about the game is that the obstacles are not the same old chains, double chains, and triple chains, but a wide variety of difficult cells, from barrels to hot coals to vines, all of which have different solutions. I also love the fact that the instructions are clear, but not intrusive. It is a game for people who like to think their way through levels, rather than just demolish things as quickly as possible.
And who could really dislike helping to put the poor fallen moon back up into the sky? To the extent a match-3 game EVER has a good story, this one does.
I highly recommend it to all true match-3 aficionados.