Blue Stub - Web and Casual Game Reviews

Belle's Beauty Boutique Review - Rocking

I t's been almost 9 months since BlueStub.com reviewed new casual games - We totally burned out of reviewing horrible "match 3" games during that time frame.  That having been said, the last year may not have provided massive innovation (see Joel's rant at gamezebo.com here), but it's at least fun to again play some fun new casual games.

Belle's Beauty Boutique (download free trial here) from Grab Games (now Demand Media) is a good example of some reasons to at least hope for progress, although let's not get too excited.  It's an extremely fun derivation of Tapper or Diner Dash, as this "service" category is now being defined.

I originally dismissed Belle's for lackluster graphics, and derivative gameplay.  Having spent a bunch more time on it, the game is really fun.  Basic concept is the usual, you run a beauty salon, and you have lots of different customers showing up with different needs.  What I like is a closer-in view of the character, allowing players to feel a little more attached to "Belle".  In addition, the different beauty chairs (hairdryer, haircut, nails, etc) start to show interesting characteristics, the user can start to modify the shop as you progress, and the graphics/sound are sparse, but appropriate for the game.

In total, the game just nails it for a casual game audience interested in this beauty metaphor.  My guess is the demographics of this game are far lower in age than the typical 35-yr old casual game female player, and that's a good thing for the industry.  Now if we can only merge in our latest Meez API, which should really resonate for our users.

Verdict - Go get this beauty salon/Diner Dash right now here

Similar Games

Diner Dash  - Flow on the Go - download free trial here

Screenshots

Talismania Deluxe Review - Mythological Linking

Popcap Games has introduced a new puzzle game called Talismania Deluxe (download free demo here).  Developed by RocketJump Games, this Greek Mythology-themed game puts the player in the role of legendary King Midas, who must earn enough Gold to build various buildings on each level to help those less fortunate than him.

The Talisman game play is different than a typical "Match 3" game in that the player must rotate a set of objects on a grid to connect them between two Talismans, with the longer connections providing higher scores, as each object turns into a coin when the Talismans are connected.  Each level requires a certain score to clear it, and then the coins are used in an intervening cut scene to build the desired building on each level - finish the building and clear the level.

As is typical of games these days, there are two ways to play it, with 40 levels in each mode.  Talisman opens up in Story mode which does not have a time limit on it as the player learns how to deal with the various power-ups and perils that appear with each successive level (E.g. Evil Medusa freezes 2 objects per level if not eliminated, while the bonus $ object increases the amount of Gold in that level when used).  About 1/4 of the way through that mode, the player unlocks the Hero Mode, which is a much more fun and hectic timed version of the game for those looking for a little more action.  The help screens and tips are quite useful, and can be turned off when necessary.  The graphics and sound are cute, but very cartoony, and the cut scenes and mini-games between scenes add a little levity and break up the game play.

All in all, Talisman deserves credit for introducing a new type of game play.  On the other hand, it's not going to be as much fun as what users see from other game play types, so it will appeal to a smaller audience.

Verdict - an interesting new game style for those tired of Match 3 games, but not as appealing.  Try downloading it here

Similar Games

None - has unique game play

Screenshots

Sweetopia Review - Zuma in a Candy Factory

Sweetopia (download free demo here) is Playfirst's recent entry into the Zuma-like style of gameplay.  In this type of game, the player shoots an object at a chain of other colored objects, attempting to Match at least 3 of them to make them disappear.

The Sweetopia story is minimal, having to do with the need to rescue a Candy Factory from runaway sweets, but it's not really relevant to the game.  The game builds on the classic Zuma game style in a variety of ways which create a compelling experience. In particular, there are 2 chains of sweets moving towards each other rather than one, and the player can often switch between two candy shooters, rather than just settle for one - these two enhancements really create a new experience for players. 

In addition, the user can score points in a variety of ways, including ricochet shots, and there are 14 different sweets in the game (e.g. the Banana Slugs split when shot).  The difficulty level ramps gradually, giving users at least 10 easier levels to learn about the game before it really gets hard.  As is customary these days, there are lots of levels (70), and the game can be played in either Story or Arcade mode, plus high scores are recorded on the web, so there is a full game experience available for $20.  The graphics and soundtrack don't set new standards, but both contribute to the overall enjoyment of Sweetopia.   

Verdict - a well polished, next generation Zuma-type game with enough new features to warrant giving it a try.  Download a free trial here

Similar Games

Birds on a Wire - see earlier review here

Screenshots

RIP: Strike Back Review - More Mayhem

White Elephant has recently introduced a casual action shooter called RIP: Strike Back (download free demo here).  This is a very different type of game from the typical Match 3 or I Spy gameplay seen in other casual games, but it's still a small downloadable game with simple controls which is easy to play, but hard to conquer, so it's definitely a casual game aimed at younger male audiences.

There isn't much of a plot here - it's really AIM, SHOOT, REPEAT.  That having been said, it's a fun and challenging game, with lots of action and enough variety across the levels to keep everyone interested.  The player must choose between 3 characters, each with different strengths, and the player also levels up during the game, giving him access to power-ups, similar to what would happen in a role-playing game.   There is a much harder Boss at the end of every 10 levels, but you can always check out the White Elephant hints here if you get stuck behind one of those levels.  The easiest hint is that winning more advanced levels often depends on how you manuever around the screen, not just on how fast you shoot the enemies.

Verdict - worth downloading if you are looking for a quick distraction, and simply can't Match 3 items anymore

Similar Games

Alien Shooter - download free demo here

Screenshots

Birds On a Wire Review - Good Fun

Birds on a Wire is an enjoyable Zuma-inspired game from Dayterium Entertainment (download free demo here).  Just when one thinks that this entire game genre has become too crowded, Birds comes along to remind you about what a well polished, fun, simple casual game can deliver to its users.

The game has a wealth of content, with 3 game play options and 250 levels per game, as well as a high score feature.  The gameplay is absolutely fun, with great sound effects, different ways to bounce your shots off the wall & objects, and a huge supply of power-ups and possible traps as the user advances levels.  The pacing is great, the soundtrack is solid, and the game should be a big winner for all age groups.  Buy this game.

Review - Totally worth trying if you  like the cateogry

Similar Games

Zuma Deluxe - download here

ScreenShots

Moon Tycoon Review - Not a Casual Game

Anarchy Enterprises and BigFish Games have released a real time strategy game called Moon Tycoon (download free trial here).  This good-sized program (35MB+) looks like it is a re-release of an earlier box CD game from 2003.

Moon Tycoon is a typical SimCity-like game where the user constructs a lunar base of 50 types of buildings, attempts to create an economy through mining and other activities, and then has to survive the inevitable disasters that strike.  This is a complex game whose tutorial alone will take up the free 60 minutes of the trial.  It is a rich graphical game, with a cool 3D interface, including a wonderful camera control system, and it has a deep electronic-like soundtrack.  There are a lot of gameplay options, including 3 story-based campaigns, but it is not a lightweight gaming experience - it feels very much like a traditional PC Sim game.

Verdict:  Moon Tycoon is a 3D PC simulation game - not appropriate for most casual gamers unless looking for a slower strategy experience.

Similar Games

Fish Tycoon - see review here

Screenshots

Hidden Expedition: Titanic Review - Underwater Mystery Case Files

BigFish Games has released Hidden Expedition: Titanic (download free trial here), a new game that is essentially a spin-out or line-extension of its best-selling Mystery Case Files (MCF) game franchise.  The "I Spy" gameplay goal remains identical - pick out a set number of objects in a room before time runs out, with each level getting progressively more difficult to solve in the given time limit.

How is Hidden Expedition: Titanic different from Mystery Case Files?  Outside of the the different venue, it's pretty similar in look and feel, but with enough twists to keep most fans happy with the outcome.  For example, BigFish has added 2 different types of minigames at the end of each level, either a puzzle game or an I Spy game with silhouettes instead of actual objects.  In addition, the user has to solve 2-3 rooms in each stage, as well as the subsequent minigame, all before the oxygen tank timer runs out.  Asking for a Hint or clicking on the incorrect object both result in subtracted time from the oxygen tank, but you can often find an extra oxygen tank on each level to help you solve the puzzle.  That's a change from MCF where there are a set number of Hints on each level, and where there is no actual penalty for clicking on the wrong objects.

Hidden Expedition: Titanic is a beautifully produced game, with gorgeous sound effects and a highly detailed set of levels with nice graphical touches such as bubbles pouring out from the oxygen tank.  There is some educational information about the Titanic experience as you solve the levels, and a thin exploration-related storyline, but it's not really relevant to the game progression, nor is the idea that the user can find and collect gems along the way.  There are a total of 17 levels, and the game play seems to get harder in a natural way, giving a fair amount of experience for the money.

Verdict:  a very polished underwater extension to the best selling Mystery Case Files franchise - go download it here

Similar Games

Mystery Case Files: Huntsville - see review here and download it here
Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects - see review here and download it here 

Screenshots

10 Talismans Review - Mystical Match 3

Nevosoft recently introduced a new Match 3 puzzle game called 10 Talismans (download free trial here).  Similar to other games in this genre, the player must swap tiles on 50 increasingly difficult levels in order to match at least 3 of them in a row, causing them to be removed from that level, and scoring points for different types of tile combinations.  Once the player has caused a tile to be removed at least once from every square on the screen before the timer runs out, the level ends, with a score awarded based on the time left on screen, as well as a total of the types of tiles that were removed.  Unlocking 5 screens gives the player a "talisman" such as a dragon.

What can one say about yet another game in this well-traveled genre?  10 Talismans is a well-polished game with all of the check-box features for the category.  It has 50 increasingly difficult levels.  It has a standard set of power ups (hammer to break up tiles, flashing tiles to explode large groups of near-by tiles, etc) and perils (locks that must be broken or tiles which must be hit twice to be eliminated, etc).   It has 2 modes, a timed Classic one and a relaxed Timeless one.  It has truly beautiful graphics with great special effects when you trigger large combinations, and it has a wonderful Far East-style soundtrack.  There is nothing wrong with this game, but there isn't a lot that's new either.

Verdict - a solid, beautiful Match 3 game.   If you love the genre, download it here.

Similar Games

Big Kahuna Reef 2 - see review here

The Da Vinci Code - see review here

Tino's Fruit Stand - see review here

Screenshots

Big Kahuna Reef 2 Review - Ocean Match 3 Fun

Reflexive Entertainment has released Big Kahuna Reef 2: Chain Reaction (download free trial here), the sequel to last year's best selling game.  This is a Match 3 game where the user must swap icons on a board to produce at least 3 in a row, causing them to be eliminated from the screen and scoring points.  The boards get more complex as the game progresses, and power-ups and additional perils are introduced.  Although this is a classic design, BK2 is a great example of how developers can still offer a compelling puzzle experience in the midst of a sea of similar games.

There are over 750 levels in BK2 and the game offers the ability to download/trade additional levels over the Internet, so there is a huge amount of gameplay here, with ever increasing difficulty levels, but also lots of creative options, such as a Mah Jong level.  What also makes BK2 stand out is the addition of the fish discovery mode where the user can unlock special fish as he/she progresses, making the program into a rich underwater screen saver, incorporating the newly unlocked fish.  The players can take turns playing levels with a "Hot Swap" option, and both Relaxed and Timed options are available.  Although the PC system requirements are quite low, the graphics are beautifully done and the sound fits in well too.

Verdict - a worthy sequel with a lot of great gameplay - buy it or try it here

Similar Games

Jewel Quest - download free trial here
Bejeweled 2 - download free trial here

Screenshots

Casino Island To Go Review - Gambling Lite

The Pogo casual game group of Electronic Arts recently released a deluxe version of their Casino Island game (download free trial here).  It offers a "lite" suite of gambling games, including Texas Hold-em Poker, Video Poker, Blackjack, Slots, and Ride the Tide.

This is a good beginner set of games.  It has all of the regular rules, including a helpful hint button, but it also gives options such as "always decline insurance" in Blackjack, which is great for more skilled players.  In addition, there are power-ups available to jazz up the overall experience beyond the standard games, such as Spy Glasses to see an opponent's poker hand.  If you achieve certain monetary goals, you will get a "comp" just as you would with regular casinos, and there is a comprehensive statistics section to track your progress in each game. 

On the look and feel side, a Casino Island player can choose an avatar to represent themselves (like we offer at Meez), and the other game characters are an interesting bunch, which lightens up the gameplay.  The graphics have a pleasant island theme, and the music fits the mood as well.

Verdict - a fun suite of casino games, with some extra features to liven up the game.  Good for the whole family, but not for serious players

Similar Games

Poker Pop - see earlier review here

Screenshots