Elf Bowling 7 1/2 - The Final Insult

Elf Bowling 7 1/2 - The Final Insult

Hold on to your stockings! The elves are up to no good and Santa needs your help to show those crazy elves what the true meaning of "strike" is. It`s quirky, hilarious bowling fun just in time for the holiday season! Compete in a crazy bowling game with the elves - oh that naughty Santa - serving as the pins and providing their own special, colorful commentary. With just the flick of your mouse, bowl to get a spare or strike, winning trophies along the way.

• Unique bowling lanes.
• Quirky avatars and pins.
• Creative power-ups.

I have to say that this was one of the most unusual holiday games I've played this year, lol. Different modes of gameplay allow you to play against a friend, against the computer or try the story mode for a bowling adventure! The game play is rather easy, which is good as I was incredibly distracted by the Elves and their sarcastic comments, lol.

The graphics are bright and cheery, the sound is alright and the commentary of the Elves is just hysterical. Overall, I thought this was a very cute addition to the list of holiday games available!

Click these links for pop up screen shots: Image 1 - Image 2

To download a demo of the game, click here!

To buy the game, even using your BFG Game Club Credits, click here!
(Please allow pop-ups from Enigmadness.com so your order form will appear!)

I give this game a 6 out of 10!

Brainiversity

Released from PlayFirst today is a very game designed to get those synapses firing! Brainiversity is both entertaining and educational, or at least requires a bit of thinking, which is more than most casual games ask, lol.


Play your way through a series of exams, including spelling tests, memory tests, math quizzes and many more! The difficulty increases as you successfully complete exams.

Stimulate your brain with 16 different activities covering Language, Memory, Math and Analysis. Earn stamps, record your daily workouts and compare your results with friends. There's nothing like a good mental stretch to keep your brain fresh!

• 10 different stamps to earn
• Practice mode lets you hone your skills
• Daily chart visually tracks your progress

There have been reports that casual computer games can stimulate memory and brain function and this game is designed to do just that!

Click here to download the free demo or to purchase the game!

Need help? Visit the Game Cafe forum and meet some new friends!

I give this game a 7 out of 10!

Mahjong Holidays

Mahjong Holidays (2006)

This game was released last year, but I wanted to put it up as its a great holiday Mahjong game that I own and enjoy a lot! I don't play Mahjong games all that often, but when I need a break from Diner Dash: Hometown Hero, I need something quiet and relaxing, lol.

It's time to ring in the holidays with Mahjong Holidays 2006. Break out the eggnog, throw a log on the fire, and settle in for some real mahjong fun! This festive version of a classic game will delight everyone. With three gameplay modes to choose from, your holidays can last even longer.

• Create custom boards.
• Holiday art and music.
• 34,000+ layouts.

Truth is I'll play just about any game with a holiday theme.. but there are ones that I actually like! This is one of them. If you didn't grab it last year, you can get it now! ;)

Download a free demo of Mahjong Holidays here!

Buy it with your BFG Game Club Credits right here!

Purchase the game for $19.95 if you're not a BFG club member here!
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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!

Cradle of Persia

Cradle of Persia



A sequel to the hit game Cradle of Rome, Cradle of Persia recreates the fun in a new locale!

Build up the glorious heart of Ancient Persia in this engaging puzzle game! This land was adored with luxurious metals and gems that were set to impress peasants and visiting nobles alike. But its exotic gardens and impressive architecture have long since vanished in the passing sands. Now you have the chance to seek out the riddles of these ruins. To do this you will need skill and a keen wit, but the result will unlock a mystery never before seen by man, here in the Cradle of Persia.

• Sequel to Cradle of Rome.
• Impressive match-3 action!
• Unique power-ups!

Click for a screen shot of Cradle of Persia!
Image One - Image Two

As I've said before, match-3 games are not my favorite kind of game and there certainly is a preponderance of them around lately. However, I really did like Cradle of Rome and Cradle of Persia is just as good! The only downside is that Cradle of Persia is very, very similar to it's predecessor, and feels much like the first game with some new graphics. But, that's not the end of the world for fans of the series. The game is bright, fun and easy to learn and play. And of course, you get to build a new city!

You can download a free demo of Cradle of Persia here!

Like it? Buy it here - even with your BFG Game Club Credits!

If you're looking for Cradle of Rome, get it here!

Bloom

Bloom
Roses are red, violets are blue.. Well, there are a lot of flowers in this wonderful game but I'm not feeling very poetic at the moment! Bloom is a beautiful puzzle game that I've just come across in my travels and I wanted to share it here!

The object of the game is to connect series of pipes in order to deliver water to all the flowers in the garden. Collect the blossoms and sell them for profit! You can use the money you earn selling your flowers to upgrade your own home with trees, a lake, additions, flowers and more!

Click on the images below for a larger view:

I really enjoyed this game and bought it right after the demo finished. Why? Well, the graphics are lovely, the sounds are soothing, the game play is rather unique and I found it to be a very relaxing game. The puzzles aren't all that challenging, but it did take a few tries to finish some of them! (I haven't finished the game yet either, still another 5-6 levels to go!)

If you're looking for a calm, relaxing, non-violent puzzle game with great graphics and a gentle musical score, this just might be the game for you! The flower animations are so pretty and I caught myself watching the flowers grow instead of solving the puzzles a few times, lol.

Key features of the game include:

• Auto-saves your last game
• 60 levels!
• Unique store - earn the coins during the game and buy decorations for your house.
• Exotic flowers look really fabulous!
• Comprehensive In-Game Help
• Nice soundtrack with sounds of nature provide a relaxing atmosphere
  
• Tools and Power-Ups
• Play offline and full screen

Download the free demo of Bloom right here!

Like it? You can purchase the game right here! ($19.95)

File Size:	25.50 MB
version:	1.6.0
Game Price:	$19.95
OS:	Windows 98, 2000, XP, Me, Vista
Requirements:	Processor: 600 Mhz Intel Pentium Memory: 128 MB RAM Disk Space: 28 MB

Carl the Caveman - Christmas Adventure

Carl the Caveman

Christmas Adventure

Carl the Caveman wants to enjoy Christmas, but when he wakes up eager to open presents, madcap mushrooms are on a rampage and treasure chests are scattered across the prehistoric world he calls home. So he picks up his trusty hammer and sets out on an all-new holiday adventure. As in his first game, Carl must push rocks, smash boulders and avoid traps in order to reach the exit in 60 all-new levels.

Dragons, Goblins and crazed Mushrooms will try to spoil Carl's Christmas celebration, but he can dispose of them by pushing boulders onto their heads. He'll also need to collect keys that open locked doors and use magical springs and teleporters to reach higher ground. It's a challenge, but at least Carl will be able to appreciate the beautiful 3D winter wonderland through which he'll travel. Santa has elves and reindeer to assist him during Christmas. Will you help Carl the Caveman?

Adorable, funny and holiday themed, what more could you want? Although platform games aren't generally my favorite genre, I really liked this one - mainly for the graphics and overall theme of the game! It's very cute! Some of the levels were a lot more challenging than I thought they'd be, but it wasn't frustratingly hard at all. Even if platformers aren't your cup of tea, I think you'd enjoy the demo of this game! :)

Full version features:
Christmas visuals bursting with color
Toe-tapping holiday music
Two campaigns: Snow Challenge and Winter Trap!
60 all-new levels to solve
Free updates and technical support

Download the demo here!

Like it? You can buy the game right here! ($19.95)

Expansion pack available!

Although the winter holidays are over, Carl the Caveman's adventures continue in a new expansion pack! This time our primitive protagonist, Carl, needs your help pushing rocks, smashing crates and avoiding traps. Can you help him through 50 levels of arcade puzzle challenges?

Dragons, Blue Goblins and Mad Mushrooms will do their best to prevent our hero from reaching his goal, but you can get rid of them by using a hammer and pushing boulders onto their heads. You'll also need to open locked doors and use teleporters to reach new areas. It's a challenge, but at least Carl will be able to appreciate the beautiful 3D winter wonderland through which he'll travel. Will you help Carl the Caveman to enjoy the final days of winter?

Note: This is an add-on for Carl the Caveman: Christmas Adventures. To play it, you need to own version 1.2 or higher of the full, original game.

Buy the expansion pack here!($14.95)

Version 1.2
File size: 15.7 MB
Requirements: PIII-750 / 128M RAM / 3D Video 32M
License Price: $19.95
Limitations: Limited features and number of levels

Santa Claus - Save Christmas! Arcade Game

Santa Claus, Save Christmas!

Santa Claus - Save Christmas! is a classical action platform game for arcade lovers of all ages. In this enchanting adventure game with smooth graphics and sounds, the player will have fun all the way jumping and picking presents and special items through the levels in one the best Christmas themed game of the year. If you are a big fan of platform games you will absolutely love this one. Grab your copy and join Santa Claus in this adventure; you will feel the Christmas Spirit right away.

Features
►81 levels to beat
►Smooth cartoon graphics and Christmas music
►Lots of presents, items and enemies

I found this to be a very cute holiday game. Not too challenging and loads of fun! The game mechanics are easy to learn and the graphics are entertaining. And of course, it's holiday themed! Yay!

Download the free demo right here!

Like it? You can buy the game right here! ($19.95)

System Requirements:
Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, 500MHz or faster Processor,
128MB RAM and DirectX 8.0 or higher

New - Winter Lake Screensaver

Winter Lake Animated Screensaver

Frost and snow cover the ground in this enchanting winter screen saver. Sunlight glistens across a deep blue lake as soft, white clouds sail across the cerulean sky. I love the colors and the detail in this screen saver, from the delicate plants to the soft background sounds.

One of the great things about this screensaver is that you can use it all season long, not just for Christmas, so you'll get a lot more "mileage" out of it!

Download the free demo of Winter Lake here!

Purchase Winter Lake Screensaver here! ($9.95)

Matching desktop wallpaper (animated) available for demo or purchase!

Animated Desktop screensavers Version 5.07 size: 5.5MB
Systems Requirements: Pentium II, 128 RAM, Windows XP / 2000 / 98
Not compatible with Windows Vista

Fashion Craze

Fashion Craze is the release of the day at Big Fish Games. Of the preponderance of fashion themed games that hit the market recently, Fashion Craze is one of the better ones. (One of the two that I enjoyed - along with Fashion Fits!)

In this game, you run a trendy clothing store. Instead of selling finished items, you need to make the clothes to order while the customers wait. Select the fabric, deliver it to your seamstress, collect the finished garment and deliver it to the customer, along with any accessories they may want. Show them to the dressing room, wait while they try it on and then collect the cash!

You can earn upgrades for the shop as you successfully complete levels and customize the look of your store. The graphics are decent, but not stunning. There is a varied array of customers to tend to, each with their own patience level, likes and dislikes, which adds a bit of a challenge. Overall, the game was rather easy to play and enjoyable. Definitely worth downloading the demo.

Download a free demo of Fashion Crazy here!

I give this game a 7 out of 10!

Special Trivia Contest News!

On December 7th at 7pm CST (8pm EST and 5pm Pacific time), Enigmadness.com and Wadjet Eye Games will be presenting the next Game Cafe Trivia Contest!

Dave Gilbert, of Wadjet Eye Games will be on hand to challenge your gaming knowledge and also answer your questions about the casual game development industry! Ever want to find out how a game goes from an idea to a finished product? Here's your chance to question a successful game developer!

Wadjet Eye Games is sponsoring the event and will be giving away a FREE copy of Blackwell Unbound - the amazing sequel to The Blackwell Legacy - to the winner of the contest!

There will be 30 questions asked, ranging from easy to guru, based on the popular Blackwell Legacy game! If you haven't played the demo, download it HERE now to get ready for the contest! If you played the game and like it, you can order it from PlayFirst here or from Wadjet Eye Games here! You can even download a free demo of Blackwell Unbound here!

This will be a very special event and we're so pleased to have Dave Gilbert joining us (as we're huge fans of the Blackwell games!)

In order to access the live chat room at the Game Cafe forum for this event, you'll need to register at the site - it's free! Click here to visit the Game Cafe forums and sign up today!

Once you are registered, you will see the link to the chat room towards the bottom of the main page. If you have any trouble accessing the room, please review the help files and ensure that your java is enabled in your browser. If you need more help, send me a PM at the Game Cafe website or email me at thegamefairy@enigmadness.com!

Hope to see you all there!

Holly - A Christmas Tale

Holly, A Christmas Tale

Prepare for a journey of wonder in Holly: A Christmas Tale! Bright, colorful and bursting with holiday magic, A Christmas Tale tells the story of Holly, a young woman who nods off on Christmas Eve and dreams about helping Santa Claus deliver toys to children around the world. But is she really asleep? And what about the magic wand she's using? Does it hint at a greater destiny for Holly?

You'll discover the answers as you play this season's best hidden object game! A Christmas Tale will put you in the holiday spirit as you scour over 25 beautifully drawn Yuletide scenes looking for the objects Santa needs. And you won't get bored, either, as there's more twists to the gameplay than spirals on a candy cane. Can you pick out just the toys on a shelf crammed with merchandise? Or spot the differences between two seemingly identical pictures? Download this new holiday classic today!

I found this game to be very charming, though perhaps aimed at a younger crowd. The Christmas theme is great, as I love holiday games and the graphics are lovely! The game play was rather easy, though a bit tricky as the clues weren't always very clear. Click the images above for a larger view.

The game offers more than 25 levels to beat with over 1,000 different objects to find - and they're all new objects! I didn't recognize them from any of the other HOGs, lol. There are a variety of ways to find the objects as well, adding to the ease of the game.

Although HOGs aren't my favorite genre of game, I did enjoy the holiday theme of this one and will continue to play it throughout the season.

I give this game a 7 out of 10!

To download a free demo of the game, click here to visit Alawar.com!

You can also purchase the game directly, right here! ($19.95)

Purchasing the full version also gives you the entire story, unlimited game time, free upgrades to newer versions and full tech support from the developer, of course. :)

Newly Released at PlayFirst

I'm behind! I took some time off this week for the holiday, but I've fallen behind in the daily releases. Here are the games released at PlayFirst this week! Give them a try! :) Click the images to download a free demo or to purchase the games.

Heroes of Hellas

Travel through Ancient Greece and take back the scepter of Zeus! Click and drag your mouse across objects on the game board to create chains of 3 or more identical items. When the going gets tough, draw from the powers of 7 mythical heroes and use special bonuses. Explore the history behind nine classic mythologies as you progress in this visually stunning and challenging game!

Neptune's Secret

Help a young archaeologist uncover the secret of a lost kingdom and discover the truth about herself. Abandoned as a newborn with only a mysterious amulet, Hannah became an archaeologist specializing in ancient artifacts and symbols. Dive deep beneath the waves to the lost city of Atlantis and join Hannah on her search for the true story of Neptune's demise and the mystical secrets of her own lineage and the power of her amulet.

Fashion Fits

Help Francie run a fast-paced clothing store by stocking tables, cleaning fitting rooms, providing customer service, and more! Set the fashion trends by purchasing new styles to sell. Once you complete the first year at Uber-Mart, help Francie open up her own line of clothing stores - from a sunny beach boutique to a posh department store! Be a trendsetter now!

Abra Academy - Returning Cast

Unknown creatures have broken into the campus and are wreaking havoc. The children are frightened and the school is in total disorder. It's up to Wanda and her friends to put a stop to the attacks. Return to Abra Academy with new levels to conquer, hundreds of objects to hunt and a crystal ball to help you!

Chocolatier™ 2 - Secret Ingredients

Chocolatier™ 2: Secret Ingredients has been released from PlayFirst! This highly anticipated sequel really delivers the goods with tons of levels, lots of new chocolates and recipes, new hidden ingredients, an improved chocolate-making mini game and more!

There's deceit and deception in the new chapter of the Chocolatier saga. A mole is controlling Baumeister Confections and it's up to you, along with the granddaughter of Evangeline, to build a new empire from the ground up and take over Baumeister Confections. Rise up in this industrial age of innovation and seek out secret ingredients to create rich new recipes!

• 2 exciting game play modes: story and freeplay
• 20 cities to travel to, and 72 recipes to acquire and create
• 6 chocolate factories, 4 shops and 1 tasting laboratory all available for purchasing
• Secret ingredients and hidden ports

I will post more about this game soon, but I want to play it through first!

Download a free demo or purchase the game here!

Need help? Come to the Game Cafe forums and post about the game!

The Story of Fairy Place

The Story of Fairy Place is a beautiful 3D matching game. You are there to help a small fairy rebuild her home and restore the fairy magic to the land!

There are tons of levels to play with increasing difficulty that offer quite a challenge later in the game. The 3D graphics allow you to rotate and tilt the play board. Earn upgrades for the Fairy Place upon successful completion of the puzzles. Unique power-ups help when things get tough!



I thoroughly enjoyed the animation and graphics in this game. Although it is a matching game, and there are more than enough of those out there, this one caught my attention with its imagery, storyline and game play!



When you're looking for a quiet, calm puzzle game to take your mind off things, this is a perfect fit! Easy enough to be relaxing, yet challenging enough to keep you interested, The Story of Fairy Place offers the best of two worlds!

Download a free trial of The Story of Fairy Place here!

Purchase the game here!

Systems Requirements:
Pentium II, 128 RAM,
Windows XP / 2000 / 98/Vista

Version 1.0 File Size: 13.34MB Price: $19.95

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)

Wu Hing: The Five Elements

Today's release from PlayFirst is a unique puzzle game called Wu Hing: The Five Elements.

Wu Hing is a strategy board game based on the 5 Chinese elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The game pits 2 players (yin and yang) against each other with the objective to create, destroy and transform the elements in play. Only the most cunning player will win, so plan your moves carefully and come up with a winning strategy to outwit your opponent. Have you got what it takes to master the elements?

• Immerse yourself in the atmospheric music and stunning graphics
• Choose from 4 different game styles, including a solitaire mode
• Play against a friend or 4 CPU difficulty levels

• 
  

If you're in the mood for a great puzzler that requires some thinking, Wu Hing: The Five Elements is sure to please. I definitely enjoyed the demo, but I need to play it again when I'm fully awake! The game is fun, challenging and immersive.

The different game play modes offer unique challenges and can appeal to a wide variety of gaming styles. Too easy? Play against the CPU on the hardest setting! I couldn't beat it! (Though I will try again, lol.) Overall, Wu Hing is a refreshingly different puzzler that will keep me going back for more!

Download a free trial or purchase the game here.

Stumped and need help? Visit the Game Cafe forums!

I give this game an 8 out of 10!

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!

Hidden Relics

Today's release at PlayFirst, Hidden Relics is an adventurous hidden object game. Lots of mini games and different levels stave off the boredom nicely and at some points, the game presents quite a challenge!

The Professor calls upon her star student Adrianna to help her with some antiques but they get stolen from right under Adrianna! Help Adrianna recover the stolen articles throughout Europe, all while evading the evil thief. Along the way, earn gadgets from Mr. Gadget by solving fun puzzles. Use the gadgets to uncover valuable, secret artifacts. The search is on!

The graphics are very well done and I enjoyed the overall theme of the game. For fans of the hidden object genre, this game will probably fall somewhere in between the MCF series and the Mysteryville series.

Download a free demo or purchase Hidden Relics here!

Stuck? Need some hints? Visit the Game Cafe forum!

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!)