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:
Embark on an exciting journey through time to save the world from destruction in this unique Match 3 game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
153 of 171 found this review helpful
Very close to a great game
PostedOctober 23, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
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 waited for quite a while to write a review for this game, because early reviews often miss a lot in a complex game. That is clearly the case with this game. Just to respond to a few criticisms (with due respect for everyone's opinion):
I have played most or all of this developer's games, and I don't find this game more imitative than is inherently necessary in a match-3 game. I think it provides a very new combination of "move the pieces to the bottom" and obstacles to doing that.
Also, this game is definitely not too easy. The spreading sand is much like the spreading tar in "Heroes of Kalevala" in that it can easily block you from doing anything helpful. Also, once you have played a particular country, challenges will be added to each level. I have not seen those yet, but I have to assume they are harder than just playing the level.
Last, although pop-up hints cannot be turned off in the Options menu, the hints have a "stop giving hints" box. I don't know if that turns off the hints in the score box as well, but they are not spoilers, and one doesn't have to read them.
My only picky criticism of the game so far is this: The first five or so segments each had a country-related set of game pieces and music. Once I got to the Vikings, the Native American theme repeated. I didn't like that.
Otherwise, I consider the game very much an excellent match-3 game with a somewhat inventive story, but not much extra #like buying items or building something visual# going on. I look forward to the challenges I have not met yet.
I recommend this game!
Uncover dark forces emanating from the heart of Old Town and be spellbound by this adorably ghoulish horror-themed puzzle game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
65 of 68 found this review helpful
Very nice game that gets harder as it goes on
PostedOctober 21, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
First, the disclosure: I like to play Match-3 games, and I only play untimed.
This game has very fun art, and quite a nice story for a Match-3. As you progress, you can buy decorations for your spooky house and buy power-ups, which can definitely be useful. The game has 100 levels, and they get progressively harder, although not so hard that the game would cease to be fun for an older child. You can play timed or untimed and switch at any time.
A couple of things I particularly like: You can move tokens into empty spaces to make a match, and the appearance of coins (which can be picked up by clicking on them now or later) gives an extra dimension to the strategy.
The game pieces are Halloween-themed and bright, easy to tell apart. So I recommend this game for people who might have vision issues, including colorblindness.
I recommend this game!
Help Emperor Omadan restore a prosperous empire in this gripping Match 3 game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
A fun game for Match-3 lovers
PostedOctober 2, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I came to this game late (was probably traveling when it was first offered), but I love it now that I have it. It's not a particularly sophisticated game, but it has all of the basic attributes one would want in a match-3 game: choice between timed and untimed, earned power-ups, and rewards for long matches. The story is creative, and the buildings one can buy are not just of the same old variety (imagine a casino in ancient India!). I happen to agree with the reviewer who likes whales and dragons, but the game does not require that they be killed, only "banished." I can live with that.
I recommend this game!
Hi-End Match-3 game with several gameplay mechanics, amazing handmade graphics and relaxing music
Overall rating
5
/
5
27 of 29 found this review helpful
Great, but not all that new
PostedSeptember 2, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I loved Lost in Reefs 1 and played it several times. Then I played Lost in Night several times. I've bought this game as well and will undoubtedly play it several times also.
The games have (to me) very pleasant graphics and music, and get harder at an appropriate pace. You get rewards for playing by being able to build or restore a town. All the things one would expect from a high-end Match-3 are there -- timed or relaxed play, multiple game modes, trophies, etc.
My only criticism is that everything is too much the same -- board shapes, game tokens, power-ups, types of obstacles to board completion. This does not keep me from enjoying the game, but some may find it too little like a "new" game.
I recommend this game!
Friendly and cheerful ghosts need your help in this new, breathtaking match 3 game with HOGs and puzzles.
Overall rating
5
/
5
168 of 180 found this review helpful
One of the best match-3's available
PostedJuly 30, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A complex, fun match-3 game with puzzles and HO scenes added, and it can be played timed or untimed. What more could one ask for? I've played for over 2 hours, and still each level offers something new, either a new power-up or a new obstacle. Instructions are clear, and the powerups are earned by making large matches, and set off by double click/tap or being moved intentionally.
The object is to build a town for friendly ghosts. It's all fun, and the town starts earning you coins after a while. I can't tell yet how long this game is, but judging by the available achievement awards, there are ample levels to play. The skippable HO scenes and puzzles are fairly easy, but they give you extra coins if you don't skip them, and I find them relaxing.
This is a game I will definitely play more than once.
I recommend this game!
Become a business shark – play Mahjong on the exchange! Climb the ladder of success and Wall Street will bow to you!
Overall rating
2
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
Beware of this game if you are unable to play fast
PostedJuly 21, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I really liked this game (and bought it) before I found out that if you cannot get enough stars (meaning you cannot make your moves fast enough), you can never unlock the more advanced games.
I have stiff hands from arthritis, and no matter how often I replay the beginner's games, I can't score high enough to unlock the other games. I don't mind scoring low because I am slow -- I don't play for speed scores -- but I would like to be able to enjoy the whole game, not just 15%.
I gave this game an "excellent" for level of challenge, by which I mean very high challenge, not that it is a good level of challenge for everyone.
I don't recommend this game.
Experience a whole new dimension of fun with Jewel Venture, an exciting puzzle game that takes Match-3 gameplay to new heights.
Overall rating
5
/
5
50 of 54 found this review helpful
A vastly varied and interesting game
PostedJuly 17, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Rolling Idols: Lost City
(19)Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is a great game for people like me who love match-3 games that offer something better than just doing the same thing over and over. There are ten game modes in the basic untimed game, with each containing many levels. There are timed games and an "endless" mode. I have only played the first three game modes (you have to unlock each new one by playing 10% of the levels of the earlier ones, so this takes a while). Each was interesting and fun, vith a variety of different tasks. As promised in the intro, the tasks get harder as you advance. One thing I like particularly is that power-ups appear automatically in response to large matches, so you can plan for where you want them to appear.
A great plus for me are the gorgeous phantasy world backgrounds, which look like watercolor art. Although the game has no real story to it, these backgrounds are a fine substitute.
I recommend this game!
Fairway Solitaire: Tee to Play
Fairway Solitaire: Tee To Play is an award-winning combination of solitaire and golf. Play sequential cards to create long drives. Long drives make better scores!
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Some levels too hard
PostedJune 4, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Puzzle, Mahjong
Current Favorite:
Rolling Idols: Lost City
(19)Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I enjoyed this game, until I got to the course "Aces and Eights" (yes, I know that's the "dead man's hand"!) and replayed it about 15 times without winning it, in spite of having quite a few clubs in my bag. I quit at that point. Not my cup of tea to run into super-hard levels that I get stuck on forever, and no way to get out of there.
Rolling Idols: Lost City
Build Mayan pyramids and reconstruct the Mayan calendar to restore the ancient cradle of civilization!
Overall rating
5
/
5
25 of 26 found this review helpful
Even better than the original
PostedMay 28, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I loved Rolling Idols (the first game), but for the fact that it had a mandatory timer. This game has a moves counter instead of a timer, so you can take your time to make the best moves possible. This is a strategy game more than an ordinary match-3. You want to maximize your score by making the fewest moves. You can finish a level with gold, silver, or bronze. If you run out of moves, you can buy more or replay the level.
The game has a good in-game tutorial, but you do have to read the instructions rather than play right through them. It gets progressively harder.
This is by no means a kids' game. It is meant for players who are willing to learn how to play it well, rather than just make random matches.
I recommend this game!
Help desperate daddy bunny fix an Easter mess in this eggciting Match 3 game!
Overall rating
4
/
5
21 of 22 found this review helpful
A better game than it seems at first
PostedMarch 25, 2013
ecblisa
fromSacramento, CA
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Puzzle, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Just to get it out of the way -- I too hate the music. But aside from that, this is a very nice game. The Match-3 part gets quite hard after a while, and you have to learn to use the carrots and cupcakes effectively to get rid of difficult tiles. Also, some levels require the power-ups that can only be earned through large matches to finish a level. The game is untimed, so having to work at a level is not a problem.
Like most holiday games, this is a good game for children, but becomes enjoyable for adults at the higher levels. If I had a grandchild that loves Easter eggs and games, this would be a great game for us to sit down with together, have the child do the first levels with minimal help, and then use the harder levels as a co-working and teaching experience. I consider the game a definite replay contender.