New Christmas Screensavers

Forest Demo Buy it here! $9.95

Gift Shop Demo Buy it here! $9.95

Winter Valley Demo Buy it here! $9.95

Three new lovely iscreensavers today for the holiday season! Click the thumbnails for a larger image preview.

First is the Christmas Forest screensaver which features soft, music-box style holiday music which quietly plays in the background as a gentle snow falls in the winter forest. One of the trees is decorated for the season with garlands and blinking lights! (Gently blinking though, lol). A snowman watches over the scene. Peaceful, relaxing and lovely!

The next new screensaver is the Christmas Gift Shop! Again, this screensaver features the ambient and gentle Christmas music playing softly in the background as a musical enhancement to the holiday scene. Snow is falling outside in the street in sharp juxtaposition to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the gift shop! Another lovely and calm holiday program!

The last screensaver today is called Winter Valley. Bright sunlight sparkles against the white snow and ice that covers the quiet valley. Watch large birds in flight as they pass overhead. There is no music in this screensaver, but gentle nature sounds enhance the experience! Just beautiful!

You can use the links above each image to download a free demo and the links underneath the images to purchase them! These are not compatible with Windows Vista however!

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!

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!

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. :)

New Christmas Time Screensaver

Christmas Time

This charming Christmas screensaver features a gentle snowfall and a soothing soundtrack of Christmas tunes. The main image is static, but there are little animations throughout the picture, such as the smoking chimneys and the large snowflakes that drift down and blanket the scene. I like this one because it is a very gentle, calm image and the quiet music is not at all overpowering. Perfect for home or office, this screensaver brings the beauty of Christmas to your PC desktop! (Note - not compatible with Windows Vista!)

Download the free trial of Christmas Time here!

Purchase the Christmas Time screensaver here!

Farm Frenzy!

Farm Frenzy

Slip into a pair of overalls and try your hand at running a farm! From tending to the fields where your cows graze to gathering eggs for sale at the town market, Farm Frenzy is as stimulating as the real thing, only you won't have to experience the nasty smells! You will, however, be required to invest the money you earn in new equipment. Building a cheese dairy, for example, allows you to process your milk on the spot and make even more cash!

To beat a level in Farm Frenzy, you must complete a specific task, such as producing a certain number of eggs. Each new level is more challenging than the last, so you must increase the capacity of your warehouse and improve the performance of your production facilities. You can even buy a larger truck capable of delivering more goods to market! All of this makes dealing with the occasional bear easier. Featuring compelling and enjoyable gameplay, Farm Frenzy lets you give Old MacDonald a run for the money!

I really, really love this game! It's quirky, creative and fun! The graphics, storyline and music are all well done and I had a great time playing this farm-themed time management game!

I give this game a 9 out of 10!

Download a free demo here!

Buy the full game for $19.95 here!

The full game features:

• Over 45 levels to beat
• Five animals to care for
• Nine farm products to sell
• Six buildings to purchase
• Unlimited game time
• Free upgrades to newer versions
• Full technical and customer support

Additional Info:
Version
1.0

File size
17.3 MB

Requirements
PIII-750 / 128M RAM / 3D Video 32M

License
Price: $19.95

Limitations
Limited play time

Northern Bullfinches Screen Saver and Desktop

Download the screen saver free trial here!

A winter wonderland graces your computer in this lovely screen saver and wallpaper set. Bright bullfinches with their merry song flit through the snow-covered woods. Deer can be seen moving slowly through the trees among the frosted undergrowth. I was going to save this one until winter, but we had snow here yesterday, (in Texas!) and I'm in a wintery mood!

I really love the beauty of winter (best seen from inside next to a fireplace) and one of my happiest winter memories were the times I walked to school early in the morning when the snow was still clinging to the pine trees. You just don't see that in Texas. Come to think of it, I haven't seen a pine tree in Texas, lol.

So if you live in Texas, and used to live in New England, this is the perfect winter screen saver! Or no matter where you live, this lovely animated set can bring the beauty of the winter season right to your PC. Enjoy!

Download Screensaver Demo

Purchase Screensaver Here

Purchase Animated Wallpaper Here
(sorry, no demo available for this one)

Version 5.07 size: 4.24MB
Systems Requirements: Pentium II, 128 RAM,
Windows XP / 2000 / 98
Not compatible with Windows Vista

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!)

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

Class is in session - how much have you forgotten since grammar school? Based on the hit game show: test your knowledge with 28 tough grade school subjects with over 3,000 challenging questions, which you can answer with the help from your 5 classmates. Step up to the podium and put your smarts on the line to see if you're smarter than a 5th grader!

Play the popular TV show -"Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" right on your computer! Test your knowledge of many different subjects and go up against some really bright grammar school kids!

With over 3000 questions in the game, you're bound to get SOME of them right - at least we hope you do! lol Find out how much you really remember from your own school days in this hit game!

The game interface is very similar to the TV show, adding a layer of familiarity for the player. The graphics are bright and clean and the soundtrack is great!



With 5 classmates to help you answer the question and a sneaky way to fast forward by peeking, copying or cheating, the game remains fun and doesn't become frustrating! Just don't waste all of your hints and helpers on the easy questions!

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

Stumped? Out of help? Visit the Game Cafe forums!

I give this game an 8 out of 10!

3D Dream Bowl

3D Dream Bowl is a fantastic release from CDK Studio! Several different modes of play allow you to play alone, against the computer or head to head with another player. A variety of different alleys provide a style for every taste and 12 different balls are available!



I found the game easy to play and almost addictive! Hearing that crash as I bowled a strike was very satisfying! lol Many of the bowling games out there don't quite cut it, but this one did it for me. Ball control is smooth and easy to manipulate without the silliness of some games that allow you to move the ball as it travels down the lane.

Download a free demo of 3D Dream Bowl HERE!

Purchase the game HERE!

System Requirements
OS: Windows ME/2000/XP/VISTA
CPU: 600MHz or faster Processor
RAM: 256 MB
DirectX8.1 or greater

I give this game an 7 out of 10!

Halloween Night - Pumpkins Match!

(click the image to download a free demo!)

Halloween Night - Pumpkins Match is a cute new matching game with a spooky theme! Pumpkin Jack only comes out of his eerie mansion once a year to gather the souls of the departed for a Halloween celebration! He needs help freeing the souls and gathering them and has chosen you to be his helper this year!



The game play is simple, but the graphics, music and overall feel of the game make it quite enchanting! Play through plenty of levels, earning upgrades for Pumpkin Jack's home along the way!

Match groups of cute animated 3d pumpkins to free the trapped souls and take them to Jack's celebration. 3D controls allow you to rotate the playing board and change the viewing angle as well!

I am a total sucker for seasonal and holiday themed games and I really enjoyed this one! It was not hard at all and was a very relaxing break at the end of the day!

Download the free trial here!

Buy the game now!

Systems Requirements:
Processor: 800MHz or faster; RAM: 128;
Video card: 16MB Video Card
Version 1.0 File Size: 0MB Price: $19.95

I give this game an 8 out of 10 for sheer enjoyment value!

Cindy's Sundaes

Help Cindy make her ice cream parlor a success. Match scoops and design beautiful ice cream sundaes. Upgrade your parlor by unlocking new flavors, toppings and sundae designs to create more icey wonders. Dish out some sundaes now!

• 2 game modes
• Design your own sundaes
• Enjoy 5 unique parlor themes
• Unlock 20 sundaes and 60 toppings
  

Well, what can I say about Cindy's Sundaes? Erm.. it's.. an ice cream themed game, that has to be good right? Well, maybe. I'm sure there are some people that will really enjoy this game! It's cute and the match-3 play is a little different from the normal style, which is always pleasant. The "make your own" sundae part of the game is definitely cute - and delicious! This game wasn't for me, but it's worth trying the demo! You never know, you just might like it.

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

Need tips, tricks or hints? Sign up at the Game Cafe forum!

I give this game a 3 out of 10.