Farm Frenzy (Again)

Farm Frenzy! (Again!)

I know I've already posted about this game, but it's just that good so I'm posting about it for a second time, lol.

Seriously though, the reason for this post is that you can now buy Farm Frenzy right here with your BFG (Big Fish Games) Game Club credits! Yay!

If you are a BFG club member and want to purchase the game, click here!
(Even if you're not a club member, you can still buy it through BFG by clicking that link)

To read my review of the game, click here!

Land of Runes

Land of Runes is a great puzzle game released today at PlayFirst. I've only seen one other game with the same style of puzzle and I did enjoy it, but Land of Runes is just so much better!

Very cute 3D graphics and an engaging storyline add to the enjoyment of this game. The puzzles involve matching / stacking colored blocks in order to clear the puzzle board. Simple at first, but with increasing difficulty as the game progresses. A series of power-ups can be earned throughout the game which are very useful! Only by clearing the blocks from all of the ancient memorials, can you spare the village from the threatening volcano!

Two of the other things I found intriguing about this game are the interactive backgrounds - in each level there are treasure chests to be found that will add to your score. The scene can also be completely rotated, making the puzzle board (and backgrounds) easy to view!

The other point of interest was the mini puzzle in between the main level sections. A mahjong style matching game appears every few levels that is quite easy at first, but definitely requires some strategy later on in the game!

Eliminate stacks of colored blocks from ancient memorials located at the base of a fiery volcano. Rotate the monolith in an effort to find the best match, then toss your block toward the multicolored stacks. Although you'll have to work fast to clear each board before time runs out, bombs and other powerups are on hand to help. Can you clear the blocks fast enough?

• 80 Regular Levels
• 19 Bonus Levels
• 6 Bonuses

• 
  

I played the demo of this game from three different websites and finally purchased it. For me, Land of Runes is a wonderful quiet puzzler that is different, interesting and charming!

Download a free demo or purchase the game here!

I give this game an 8 out of 10!

(This game is also available here at BFG)

7 Artifacts

Today's release from Big Fish Games is a gorgeous matching game called 7 Artifacts. Granted, there are more matching games out there than I can count and more appear every day, so it's very hard to write more than "it's another matching game - nice graphics", but I'll try.

The storyline centers around a young magician named Lidia. Travel with her through Greece solving the mystery of ancient relics that are appearing all over the country. Match magical gems to receive letters that will unlock the power of the relics. Earn power-ups along the way to help solve the puzzles.

Unlike other games, 7 Relics does not start off with the storyline and then forget about it somewhere in the middle. The quest continues throughout the game and I found the tale to be very engaging.

Brilliant graphics add to the charm of this game and I did enjoy playing it! Wow, two matching games in a row that I actually liked? Do I have a fever? Nope. They're just really well done!

To download a free trial or to purchase the game, click here!

I give this game a 7 out of 10!

Deep Blue Sea

Deep Blue Sea is a new release from Big Fish Games. (Whether the game is new or not, I do not know, but it's new at BFG!) Now, before you roll your eyes and say "ugh, not another underwater match-3 game!", try this one out!

I personally am quite tired of matching games, especially underwater ones. There are just so many and most of them are nearly identical! Yes, Deep Blue Sea incorporates a lot of the same elements and game mechanics, but there was something about it that was different. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I actually enjoyed playing the full demo for this game and will purchase the full version!

The graphics are decent, the storyline is quirky and the soundtrack is alright. The gameplay is a snap to learn and the levels that I played were quite easy. I made it about a third of the way through the game within the free trial time. Amazingly, I wanted to keep playing and didn't go straight for the "uninstall" button.

If you're in the mood for a relaxing, graphically appealing match game, definitely give this one a try! If nothing else, it will be an enjoyable 60 minute demo!

Some tips and tricks:

• Read the text scenes that come up between the levels. They will tell you what shapes to match to earn the power up bonuses - which are very handy!
• For most levels, you need to collect three special items. Focus solely on those items as the time has a tendency to slip by quickly.
• Don't forget to visit the shop between levels for more power-ups and helpful items.
• Don't waste time matching the little black puff looking thingies because they're cute. (Trust me. This method does not lead to great victory)

Download a free demo or purchase Deep Blue Sea here!

I give this game a 7 out of 10! (which is a miracle for a matching game!)

Fashion Fits!

Fashion Fits! is a new time-management game published by Big Fish Games and available for a free trial download.

You play as a new clerk in a fashion store and have to sell the items to a variety of customers. You have to restock the displays, retrieve clothing from the changing rooms and help customers with special requests. As you complete successful days, you can purchase upgrades for your shop! A "dress the mannequin" mini game in between some of the levels can earn you extra bucks for upgrades.

One of many new fashion-themed games that are slated for release soon, Fashion Fits! is one of the better ones! The overall game play is smooth and easy to learn. The graphics are decent and the variety of characters is amusing.

To download a free trial or to purchase this game, click HERE.

For tips, tricks and more information, check out the Game Cafe!

I give this game a 7 out of 10!

Diner Dash - Hometown Hero at BFG!

Released today at Big Fish Games! You can read my review of Diner Dash® - Hometown Hero™ , including tips and tricks, here. This is truly the best in the Diner Dash series, offering incredible graphics, challenging game play, diner and waiter customizations and so much more!

I know that many people have been waiting for the BFG release of this game (as BFG's game club members can get the game for as little as $6.99!) instead of buying it directly from PlayFirst, however, to get access to ALL of the features of this game, you will need to purchase the Gourmet Edition from the PlayFirst website!

Mystery Case Files - Madame Fate

The latest game in the Mystery Case Files series has finally been released! This long-awaited sequel definitely lives up to the hype and eager anticipation of MCF fans!

Madame Fate runs a small carnival and she has foreseen her own death! You must gather clues to unravel the mystery before midnight! Do you have what it takes to save Madame Fate from her... erm.. fate? lol

The graphics are stunning and the game is very well done. MCF Ravenhearst is hard to top, but they have managed to do it with this new game!

I found Madame Fate more challenging than the other MCF games. The objects are a bit harder to find and the puzzles in between levels aren't all that simple!

A strategy guide is also available from Big Fish Games. You can get it HERE.



New twists within the normal levels make the game much more engaging. For example (possible spoiler!), one object I had to find was called "head over heels". That can be interpreted several different ways and I spent a great deal of time looking for a picture of someone upsidedown, but no, that wasn't it! There was a picture of some high heel shoes that I was able to pick up and place over a picture of a head.. very cute, lol. There are also objects within each level that change their shape or image slightly. You have to find them and collect them to unlock something else later in the game!

The game is full of little tricks and teases like that, which adds a wonderful layer of logic puzzle solving to the mix. The storyline is much improved over the earlier MCF games as well including lengthy cut scenes which I found entertaining and informative!


To download the free trial or purchase this game, click HERE.

For the strategy guide, click the image below:

For more information or to discuss hints, tips and tricks, join the Game Cafe forum HERE!

I give this game a 10 out of 10!

King Mania

I downloaded this game from Big Fish Games today and was surprised at just how much I enjoyed it!

Similar in theory to games like Master of Defense, the object of King Mania is to take over enemy territory, defend your lands and buildings and conquer the world!

The game mechanics were pleasantly easy to learn and the overall game play was challenging, entertaining and lots of fun. I haven't finished the game yet and the levels I'm working on now are definitely not easy.. but coming up with a winning strategy is part of the fun!

I don't have any tips or tricks yet, as I'm still learning the game, but I'll update this post as soon as I figure some out! LOL

To download a free demo or purchase this game, click HERE.

I give this game an 8 out of 10!

MCF Madame Fate Release!

UPDATE: To get the game, click on the image above to be taken to the BFG main page. If you are a game club member, sign into your account and download the game! (It's listed as tomorrow's release.) If you are not a game club member, click on the MCF shield on the BFG home page and it will take you to the MCF mini-site! You can download the game there!

Word on the street is that MCF Madame Fate will be released tonight at midnight at Big Fish Games!

There is speculation that it will be released first to BFG club members and then to the public. This is very exciting! Can't wait for this game!

I will post a review as soon as I get to play it!

MCF Ravenhearst - 99 Cent Sale!

Now through October 31, 2007, you can purchase the full version of Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst for 99 cents at Big Fish Games!

Click here to go to their website. On the home page, there is an advertisement for the game sale. Click on that to get the coupon code and click "buy now". Download the game and you're all set!

Even though we do not partner with Big Fish Games, we just HAD to pass along this great deal to you! For anyone who has been waffling about buying this game, now is the time! :)

Happy Gaming!