Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Cooking Dash!


New from PlayFirst! Cooking Dash is the latest release featuring one of our favorite characters, Flo! Join her and Grandma Florence behind the counter in a series of restaurants as they cook up and serve some tasty dishes!

And she cooks, too! When Cookie the Chef leaves Flo's Diner to pursue a career on a popular cooking reality TV show, he creates a shortage of chefs in DinerTown by inviting them all to appear as guest stars. It's up to Flo to pick up the slack with a whole new set of food service skills! Help Flo and Grandma Florence keep five DinerTown restaurants up and running...if you can stand the heat!
  • Over 50 levels of game play
  • Master the art of perfectly prepared meals in five different restaurants
  • 3D rendered characters add dimension to the animation

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Virtual Villagers 3 - The Lost City

It's here! It's here! Finally!

Virtual Villagers 3 - The Lost City picks up the story of the stranded villagers and their quest for survival. The long awaited sequel delivers all the wonder of the first two games in the series plus a whole lot more! New features, such as the Tribal Chief, make the game more involved than the earlier ones, yet the changes are not so overwhelming as to make the game unfamiliar!


Loads of new puzzles to solve, buildings to construct and mysteries to unlock await you in this lovely, remote paradise. Can you guide your villagers to prosperity?


Set out on a journey with a group of villagers as they search for a new part of their island to populate. Land on the hidden shores of the northern Isola and explore a long-lost, secret city. Find new sources of food to nourish your villagers and help them rebuild the remains of this mysterious new home. Who lived here before? Where have they gone? Can you unravel the secret of Isola?
  • Real-time weather such as rain
  • Find new sources of food
  • Raise children who resemble their parents

I give this game 8 stars out of 10!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Blast From The Past Week!

This week I will be highlighting some older games that I still enjoy playing! They may be new to someone so stay tuned! :)

First up - one of my all time favorite games - Plantasia!



If you've never played this game, I urge you to try the demo at least. It's tons of fun and the graphics are fantastic!

You play as a fairy who has to grant the wish of a young man. His wish is to have the flower gardens of his estate restored to their former glory. There are 5 different gardens, each with ten levels to complete. Work the soil, plant seeds, harvest flowers, restore statues and more in this unique and beautiful puzzle-slash-time management game.



From the creators of Diner Dash™ comes Plantasia. Plant seeds, harvest flowers, restore fountains, and watch as your gardens bloom. Play this game of gardening delight now - no green thumb required.
  • 50 levels of lush gardening goodness
  • Over 35 types of plants, each with different vibrant blooms
  • 2 modes: Holly's Story or Garden Challenge
  • Easier than gardening at home

I give this game a 9 out of 10!

Monday, May 12, 2008

Wedding Dash 2 is here!


Now available from PlayFirst - Wedding Dash 2!

Quinn is back on a new whirlwind adventure, joined by Flo® and Joe Wright, wedding photographer. Help Quinn become the world's top wedding planner in this hilarious sequel to the hit game Wedding Dash®. Visit beautiful, exotic locations while managing new guests, fulfilling bride and groom requests, and tackling comedic disasters. Do you have what it takes to help Quinn win the title of THE wedding planner of the year?


  • 50 challenging levels with planning puzzles for each couple
  • 15 quirky guests including Baby Kathleen, forgetful grandpa, twins and more
  • 6 hilarious new disasters from groomkong to pigeons


Wedding Dash 2 is a long-awaited sequel to the hit game Wedding Dash. The game stars Quinn, the wedding planner, with guest appearances from the ever popular Flo of Diner Dash fame!

You play as Quinn as well as the dinner server at a wide variety of wedding receptions that you help plan. Seat customers next to their friends, keep an eye on the party to avoid wedding disasters and serve a three course meal. Can you keep everyone happy and pull of a successful party? Give it a try!

I really enjoyed the first Wedding Dash game and I'm eager to get into this one as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the sneak peek of the game and hope you will too!

DOWNLOAD the free demo here!

PURCHASE the game here! ($19.95 or 1,995 PlayGold)

I give this game 8 out of 10 stars!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Dancing With The Stars - Game!


Yes, it's true! The hit TV show "Dancing with the Stars" is now a game for your PC!


Put on the dancing shoes of one of your 26 favorite celebrity and professional dancers from the first four seasons including Apolo Anton Ohno, Joey Fatone, Kym Johnson, Drew Lachey, Monique Coleman, Cheryl Burke, Emmitt Smith, Mario Lopez, Harry Hamlin, Karina Smirnoff, Johnathan Roberts, Alec Mazo, Stacy Keibler, Billy Ray Cyrus, John Ratzenberger, John O’Hurley, Lisa Rinna, and Laila Ali. Get ready to dance your way into the finals! Will the show's judges love you or pan your performance?


  • Customize your own dance routine
  • Gain inside access to the Dancing with the Stars' wardrobe
  • 3 'attribute training' mini-games


($19.95 or 1,995 PlayGold)

Friday, April 18, 2008

Dairy Dash


New from PlayFirst! Dairy Dash brings the fun of the Diner Dash series to the farm!

Ah, life on the farm... what could be more relaxing? Just about anything, according to the Smith's! Help these city slickers get a grip on the family farm as the entertaining hustle of the Diner Dash® series goes pastoral. Care for cows, goats, chickens, and sheep while growing tomatoes, corn and pumpkins. You'll even enjoy the occasional glass of lemonade and fill an order or two for Flo! It's all in a day's work in Dairy Dash™!


  • 2 modes: Story and Endless Game
  • 52 levels of game play
  • 4 farm locations
Download the demo here!

Buy the game here!
($19.95 OR 1,700 PlayGold!)


I'm off to play, but I'll add more to my review soon!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Gamezebo Nominated for 2008 Webby Award!

As many of my readers know, I've recently begun writing game reviews and other articles for Gamezebo.com, one of the best casual game portals out there! Below is an article written by Gamezebo's editor, Erin Bell, detailing their recent nomination for the 2008 Webby Award!

Please Click Here to vote for Gamezebo!
(go to the Website category, scroll down to Entertainment and
click on the Games-related category to vote! You will have to register to vote.)


Link to Original Article

By: Erin Bell

Gamezebo is thrilled to announce that we've been chosen as one of five finalists for a Webby Award in the category of best games-related website, an accomplishment that reflects the strength of the casual game community we've built over the past year.

Presented by the Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, the Webby Awards are often referred to as the "Oscars of the Internet," honoring excellence on the web, online video and advertising.

A large part of what makes Gamezebo great is the enthusiastic, vocal and supportive group of gamers who visit our site on a regular basis to help each other with gameplay tips, offer opinions, and chat about the games they love. So we'd like to say a heart-felt thanks to you, Gamezebo's readers!

Members of the public (that means you!) can vote for their favorite website now through to the end of May, and winners will be announced on May 6. If you'd like to do your part and show your support for Gamezebo, click here, go to the Website category, scroll down to Entertainment and click on the Games-related category to vote for us. (Registration is required.)

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Build-a-Lot 2 Game and Walkthrough!


Yay! It's here! I'm so excited!

Build-a-lot 2 has been released at Hipsoft.com! I was lucky enough to be on the beta team for this game and have been on the edge of my seat waiting for it's release, finally!

I thoroughly enjoyed the first Build-a-lot game and was a bit worried that they might ruin it with the sequel, but they didn't! The second installment of the game is as good as the first, with a lot of new improvements.

In addition to the fantastic gameplay of the original game, Build-a-lot 2's new features include the ability to custom paint your houses, a wide variety of new buildings, shops and parks, new scenic environments and the return of my favorite part of the game - sandbox mode!

I've just gotten started on the walkthrough, but the first few towns are done. If you need help with the game, check out the walkthrough at Game Cafe! (You must register and log in to access the walkthrough section of the forum, but it's free!)

Leave some comments or join the forum to discuss this great game!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Pet Shop Hop!



New from PlayFirst and Mean Hamster Software - Pet Shop Hop!

You may think you've played all the pet shop games you can stand, but this is by far one of the best I've ever played! Bright, 3d graphics, adorable pets, tons of upgrades and funny characters make this game unique among its peers!

Your job is to help Cassie build her pet store and turn it into a profitable establishment to prevent the unfriendly MegaPeg Superstore from taking over! Earn money by selling a variety of cute animals to needy customers and use your profits to upgrade the store in this new time management game!



Running a pet store isn't all cuddly kittens and adoring doggies. It takes keen business sense, shop upgrades, animal selection, and a lot of stamina to grow your modest pet shop into an exclusive boutique. Take over your family's business and save it from being gobbled up by MegaPet Superstore!


There are two modes of play available, story and challenge and over 50 levels of play. The pets are varied - fish, rabbits, cats, dogs and more! Your very own in-store pet will help you keep those customers happy in line while you tend to the sales. Add fish bowls or cages and other items to increase your sales.

I really enjoyed the preview of this game. Very cute, lots of fun and I can't wait to get back to it!


I give this game an 8 out of 10!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Rainbow Web 2

The sequel to the hit game Rainbow Web is out! This new puzzle game is definitely an improvement over the original with better graphics, mini-puzzles and more challenges!



Rainbow Web 2 is a unique puzzle game in which you have to match colored orbs as they rest upon a variety of spider webs! Mini puzzles in between the levels keep the game flowing nicely - jigsaw puzzles, hidden object games, etc. Scenic background images and a nice musical score also enhance the game. A great improvement over the first Rainbow Web!

Use the links below to download or purchase the game! (Note - if you try it and would like to purchase it, do not use the "buy it now" links inside the game itself, please close the game and click on the purchase link below! Thanks!)

War Chess

We don't see a lot of new chess games coming out.. but here's an offering from PlayFirst!



In a world where races of dwarves, elves, and other creatures exist, you must lead your army to victory and defeat each opponent in this glorious game of chess. Navigate your troops through many mysterious places, such as a distant desert, ancient temple ruins, and more! Take control in 4 game modes: single-player, hot seat, automatic battle, and multiplayer.

* Powerful AI with 10 levels of difficulty
* Splendid 3D graphics
* 10 highly detailed arenas, 20 animated characters




Click Here to download the demo!

Purchase the game here! (Even use your PlayGold!)

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Tumblebugs 2 Is Out!



Oh no! The black bugs are back, meaner, faster and nastier! They've crashed the garden party and are rounding up the colored beetles. Once again it's Tumble to the rescue... but this time she's got backup.

Call on your frog, butterfly and rhino beetle friends to help you battle your way through 90 stunning all-new levels and save your beetle buddies.

Thrilling new powerups help you free bugs better than ever: do some rapid fire matching with the homing bug; open up some tactical shots with the gap bug; beam yourself back from certain doom with the path light!

Collect elusive golden rings to win big points and extra lives on special new hidden garden bonus rounds.

And who is behind this black bug invasion? Whatever became of the Black Bug King? All will be revealed right here in the long awaited sequel to the bestselling Tumblebugs!

......
(Click thumbnail for a larger image)

Download the free demo here!

Buy the game here! ($19.99)

For a marble shooter game, I'd give this game a 7 out of 10!


Friday, February 29, 2008

New DDHH Diner - Caveman Cafe!


The newest add-on diner, Caveman Cafe, is available for Diner Dash - Hometown Hero (gourmet edition)!

Flo's grandmother Florence creates a time machine, using a microwave of all things! The time machine accidentally zaps Flo, Grandma and some diners back into the stone age! A cog from the time machine comes loose and is gobbled up by a hungry pterodactyl, oh no! Luckily though, there is a caveman cog shop that sells cogs, lol. To earn enough money to buy a new cog and hopefully fix the time machine, Flo and her Grandma decide to open a restaurant!

Serve customers in this prehistoric themed diner while keeping the giant dinosaur happy. Deal with the rowdy, impatient cavemen patrons while managing everyone else's demands. Serve snacks and desserts alongside the dinners and drinks!

The graphics for Caveman Cafe are more simplistic than some of the other diners, but cute nonetheless. Many choices for decor upgrades are available, as with all of the diners in DDHH. There is even a cute stone age outfit available for Flo!

Overall, I thought the game play for this diner was a bit easier than some of the other add-ons, but those cavemen sure did give me a run for my money!

The end of the level suggests that the next location will be an Egyptian themed diner which sounds very intriguing! Can't wait!

To purchase this diner for $4.99, visit the DinerDash.com Boutique today! You will also find the accompanying outfit for Flo available for $1.79!

(Note, you must have Diner Dash: Hometown Hero Gourmet Edition to play this diner - though you can purchase the add on diners with the trial version of the game!)

Miss Teri Tale Game



In Miss Teri Tale, someone has kidnapped poor little Jason, a prize winning show dog, and it`s up to you to find the culprit in this great Hidden Object game. Jason`s owner is devastated, the police are perplexed and it seems everyone has ample reason to have kidnapped the dog. Can you, Miss Terri Tale, a famous mystery writer, get to the bottom of this tragedy before a mysterious blackmailer pins the crime on an innocent person?

- Discover tantalizing secrets!
- A one-of-a-kind mystery tale.
- Quirky cast of characters.

Click images to enlarge




System Requirements:

OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
CPU: 600 Mhz
RAM: 128 MB
DirectX: 6.0
Hard Drive: 82 MB

Read More | Buy Now | Download Trial
View Recent Games

Thursday, February 21, 2008

News Flash!! PlayFirst Teams up with Wadjet Eye Games!

This is some very exciting news from the GDC (Game Developers Conference in CA)!

PlayFirst signed the acclaimed developer - Wadjet Eye Games - to a publishing deal! Wow!! My two favorite game developers working together? This can only mean good things for my game-addicted future!

PlayFirst was instrumental in getting Wadjet Eye Games Blackwell series into the forefront of the casual game industry last year with their promotion of the game "The Blackwell Legacy", followed by the fantastic sequel (but really prequel!) Blackwell Unbound. Currently, Blackwell Convergence is in the works and we'll bring you a sneak peek as soon as we can!

I can only imagine what wonderful treats Dave Gilbert and PlayFirst will cook up for us!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Dream Chronicles 2 Walkthrough

(click the image to download a free demo or purchase the game from PlayFirst!)


I'm pleased to announce that the Game Cafe walkthrough for Dream Chronicles 2 is complete!

The walkthrough includes step by step instructions for completing the game as well as maps, puzzle solutions, screen captures, dream pieces and jewels locations and more! Game Fairy (that's me!) is also on hand to answer your questions about the game and help if you get stuck! We also have a live chat room on the board if you need your questions answered fast! Check it out today!

Stop by Game Cafe today to register for free access to all of our walkthroughs and discussion board!

Friday, February 15, 2008

Game Cafe Server Trouble

There's a problem with an external server thingy that we use for Game Cafe. If you need to access the forum while we get that fixed, use THIS LINK. :)

If you have any trouble, email me at gamefairy@gmail.com and I'll see what I can do!

Thanks for your patience!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze


Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze is here! Finally! The long awaited sequel to the hit game Dream Chronicles is now available from PlayFirst!

Locked away within the Ancients' Place by Lilith, Fairy Queen of Dreams, Faye continues her quest to reunite with her beloved husband, Fidget. Navigate this stunning story world of intricate puzzles and magical landscapes as you unravel the secrets of your family's past in this alluring sequel. Dream Chronicles™ 2 takes you deeper into the dream realm than ever before with over eighty engaging puzzles offering all-new challenges and longer game play.
  • 50 luscious Art-Nouveau style backgrounds
  • 25 dazzling chapters of discoveries
  • 80 challenging puzzles
  • 15 exquisite new dream jewels
This game is every bit as gorgeous as the original Dream Chronicles, with improved game play and duration. The storyline picks up where it left off and is even more engaging than before!

Game Fairy's Dream Chronicles 2 Walkthrough is available for
registered members of Game Cafe! Sign up today (it's free!)

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Ghost In The Sheet

Ghost in the Sheet



Welcome to the afterlife! It`s nothing like you`ve expected. Ghost in the Sheet is a comedy adventure game of supernatural proportions. Become a ghost and master your new paranormal skill set to unravel the secrets of your life-after-death adventure! Mystery, intrigue, comedy and adventure await; aren`t you just dying to play?

- Learn paranormal skills.
- Entertaining mini-games.
- Solve a variety of puzzles.


Click images to enlarge




What a great game! I'm very glad I took a chance on it and bought it without a demo - generally, I won't buy a game online if there isn't a demo as I've been burned a few times that way! (Hello Restaurant Empire and Hotel Giant! lol) This game though, is worth the risk!

Point-and-click adventure mystery games are getting more and more popular. This game plays rather like the Blackwell series insofar as it is also a non-linear puzzler. Explore various areas, uncover clues, interact with other characters and solve the mystery of Omega Sector - all while you're nothing more than a - you guessed it - ghost in a sheet!

The storyline runs the gamut from quirky and funny to morbid and spooky! The game is geared more to adults and mature teens than kids, so keep that in mind. There isn't anything overtly sexual or extraordinarily violent, but there are a few scenes that definitely aren't for the younger crowd! (Such as the "squishing rats" mini game and the shadowy showering girl ghost.) There are long voice-overed conversations and cut scenes, though they can be skipped for those not interested in the tale.

The game is quite challenging as there aren't many in game hints. I really had to pay attention to what was going on and take my time exploring everything in great detail. If you're not a patient player, Ghost in the Sheet could become frustrating quickly. However, if you're in the mood for a large game that you can really sink your teeth into, then this is the game for you!

If you get really stuck, I've got a walkthrough (almost finished!) posted already at the Game Cafe forum! You must be a registered user to see it, but the forum is free, so sign up today!

I give this game a 9 out of 10! (Took 1 point off because there is no demo!)

System Requirements:

OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
CPU: 1.4 GHz
RAM: 512 MB
DirectX: 8.0
Hard Drive: 227 MB

No demonstration version available for this game. This is a very large full version game: 209.55 MB.

Read More | Buy Now
View Recent Games

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Doggie Dash!

Doggie Dash


A new pet oriented time management game from PlayFirst! Doggie Dash features a pet shop / salon with a load of adorable animals to clean up and groom for their loving owners!

Help reluctant pet spa partners Walter and Scarlett get their new business up and running! Doggie Dash™ is the newest store in Dinertown! Get dirty dogs squeaky clean, trim matted cats back to fluffy perfection, and put the perfect bow on prissy poodles while you upgrade and customize the ultimate pet spa!

* 2 modes of play, story and endless
* 50 levels of gameplay!
* 58 upgrades available!



I know there are a LOT of pet salon games out there lately.. but this one is at *least* worth the download! Give it a try and let me know how you liked it!


I'll add more to this post later, after I've had a chance to play longer than the demo! :)

I give this game a 7 out of 10!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

New Diner! Romantic Rendevous

(note, this is a screen shot from my own game. Flo's outfit is not part of the diner, but is available in the boutique! Look under "Specials" to get the entire outfit!)

The newest restaurant for Diner Dash: Hometown Hero is out! A valentine themed diner called the Romantic Rendevous was released yesterday.

Help Flo restore the old lover's hangout and bring the romance back! This new restaurant features an animated fountain, dancing silhouettes, a very romantic soundtrack and much more!

Lovely glass vases of roses replace the bright pink flowers of the other diners - beautiful! The game play is quite challenging - more so than most of the other restaurants, in my opinion, which is great!

Our friend Quinn (of Wedding Dash fame) makes a few appearances too! When (and if) Flo gets in over her head, she can once again use the phone to call for help during a shift! Quinn is available to come and keep the waiting patrons happy in line while Flo serves up the food!

There were a few server glitches with the release last night but all seems to be working now, yay!

You can purchase this complete restaurant (13 levels - including multiplayer, endless and expert) at the Diner Dash Boutique for only $4.99! There are also some new clothing and "My Diner" items available as well! Check it out :)

Ice Cream Craze!


Ice Cream Craze is a new time management / assembly management game presented by PlayFirst! Fans of games like Stand O' Food will love this game!

In this assembly line management game, Jan needs help convincing her parents not to sell the family ice cream shop by promising to manage, fix, and turn a profit with it. Serving everyone from square nerds to prom queens, you'll learn to stack, top, and serve sweet treats at record speed. The faster you serve, the happier your customers are and the bigger your tips. Yum!
  • 60 challenging and diverse levels
  • Dozens of useful upgrades
  • A slew of quirky customers
  • Engaging storyline based on the classic 1950s era
  • Hip, swinging 50s soundtrack to keep you bopping along
You work in an old ice cream shop and have to upgrade it as you earn money from sales. A series of conveyor belts deliver the items needed to complete the ice cream orders of the customers. You have to pick up the items and complete each order quickly, before the customers get angry and leave!


Lots of available upgrades will help along the way, though the game does get more challenging in the later levels. A wide variety of customers helps keep the game more interesting, not to mention some of the ice cream concoctions look delicious!

Overall, the graphics and game mechanics of Ice Cream Craze are on par with Stand O' Food, so don't expect a Diner Dash quality experience, but I did find the game enjoyable!


I give this game a 6 out of 10!

Lots of New Screen Savers!

Paradise Nook Animated Screen Saver


Paradise Nook is a lovely, romantic screen saver featuring an animated pond, butterflies and flowers to grace your desktop. The soft sound of birds creates a soothing environment for this bright, colorful screen saver.



Lake of the Beloved Animated Screen Saver



Lake of the Beloved is a new screen saver that features a very romantic theme. Pink hears and flowers, a calm lake, butterflies and gentle bird songs all work in harmony to create this sweet desktop enhancement. If you're looking for something mushy and sweet for Valentine's day, this might be the one for you!

Download a Free Demo of Lake of the Beloved

Buy Lake of the Beloved - $9.95


Two Towers Animated Screen Saver


Two towering spires rise in the misty background of this enchanted medieval forest. The remnants of a battle long past still cover the ground. Sword, shield and arrows lie forgotten among the rocks and lichen. The quiet sound of birds chirping completes the scene. Two thumbs up for this screen saver!

Download a Free Demo of Two Towers

Buy Two Towers Screen Saver - $9.95


Big Mountain Valley Screen Saver



Enjoy the peace and beauty of a quiet, misty morning in a hidden valley. Gently rolling waters reflect the sunlight as a soft mist rises, creating a rainbow in the background of this lovely setting. Listen to the soft tune of the song birds as the day begins.

Friday, January 11, 2008

The Great Tree



I fully expect this game to be called one of the best games of 2008! It's just fantastic!

You play as a young fairy, sent out to collect the magical pollen that is needed to maintain The Great Tree. The usual beings that collect the pollen, called the swee, have been disappearing! Dark forces are present and the world is becoming a very dangerous place. Can you free the swee, collect enough pollen and stay alive long enough to see the "Great Descent" ? Discover the mystery as you complete levels and unlock parts of the storyline.

Complete levels to earn points. Rescue the swee to collect experience points and decide how best to use them to increase your stats! Earn new magical fairy wings with special powers to aide you in your quest!



The game mechanics are easy to learn. Simply fly around and collect the floating bits of pollen while avoiding monsters, bugs and other bad things! Use magic spells to keep yourself safe and defeat the dark powers. Play the game through on "easy" and then try your hand at normal or hard.. there is definitely a lot of replay value!

The graphics are just stunning. The game is worth the demo just to see the graphics even if you don't like this kind of game! The music and storyline are also wonderful. I just can't say enough good things about this game - so CLICK HERE to download it right now! :)




I give this game a 10 out of 10! (Which is really rare!!)

You can download a demo or buy the game right here!

(With or without BFG Game Club Credits!)


System Requirements:
OS: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista
CPU: 600 Mhz
RAM: 512
6.0
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