Latest Reviews

Guests are the life of any party. No matter how good the food is, or how great the place is, if the people aren't happy then the most carefully planned event can easily turn into a disaster. Achieving the perfect balance of guests - where interesting conversation flows but personalities don't clash - is truly an art unto itself, and Lifetime RSVP shows just how tricky it can be in a rather unique way: by representing guests as multicolored tiles that must be arranged harmoniously on a game board. Read more»

As the old saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day." It took centuries for the ancient metropolis to grow from a small city state into a province-spanning empire. Time was required for its transformation into the capital of the civilized world. In like manner, don't expect to build Rome quickly in Awem Studio's Cradle of Rome. It'll take more than a day to do the job right... and that's a good thing! Read more»

If only gardening in real life could be as simple as it is in Enchanted Gardens, where you can make lush green grass sprout on cue simply by rotating a few tiles. Even if you're the kind of person who has trouble keeping a cactus alive, you'll have no trouble restoring five beautiful gardens in this flora-themed tile-swapping puzzle game from Louisiana-based Yatec Games. Read more»

As many digital diversions as we see exploring peripheral aspects of ancient Aztecs' lives (e.g. ceremonial masks and glittering gold), it's a wonder more don't delve deeper into this culture's fascinating lore and mythology. Suddenly here to fill the void comes fresh, head-scratching outing Azteca, an intriguing spin on the typical "match-three" puzzler that challenges you to save the storied civilization by uncovering words of wisdom its gods secretly seared into stone. Read more»

It's always exciting when a puzzle game comes along that doesn't just dress up a proven game concept with new graphics and power-ups, but actually invents a new way of playing. Ouba: The Great Journey is one such game. Read more»

As if you needed additional proof between recent releases like Luxor 2 and Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst, along comes The Treasures of Montezuma to reinforce the old maxim: Not all casual games are created equal. Read more»

With a map originated from the Conquistadores, you must help Dr. Van Hutton locate a lost treasure buried somewhere in a lush South American rainforest. This is your goal in The Legend of El Dorado, a new puzzle game from Zylom. Read more»

Perhaps it's due to breakthrough films, such as the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series, but the pirate theme is everywhere these days - from toys to books to video games. And so it's no surprise one of the hottest casual game downloads is Cannon Blast!, a swashbuckling adventure that fuses combat on the high seas with "Zuma"-style ball-blasting fun. Read more»

Match-three games are a dime a dozen these days. Well, actually, they're still twenty bucks. But, there are a slew of them. What makes one better than another? It's the "twist" employed to the tried-and-true formula we've come to know and love. In Rainbow Mystery, that twist involves a story about flowers and the manner in which blossoming combos are fashioned. Read more»

Archeology is portrayed hand-in-glove with show-stopping adventure in films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Mummy. In real life, however, it's a much more tedious, slow-paced endeavor. Albeit, still exciting when a unique discovery is made. Fortunately, Jewels of Cleopatra, a tile-matching puzzler with an Egyptian premise, shares more in common with the flicks than archeology itself. Read more»

Ahoy, Matey! Swab the deck, raise the mizzenmast and hoist anchor! It's time to set sail for adventure! There's treasure to be had, by jiminy, and it's ours for the taking! Pirates or not. All we've got to do is find it! Fortunately, that's no problem in the light-hearted Captain BubbleBeard's Treasure. Neither is a lack of "monkey business" thanks to an apish sidekick named Chimpy. Read more»

Despite being one of the most exotic and storied destinations on Earth, southeast Asia has yet to enjoy time in the limelight as the setting for any major casual game release. Here to finally fix the problem is Angkor, a pattern-matching puzzler which uses attractive imagery and catchy remixes of native melodies to bring the region to life right on your very own desktop. Read more»

Take one of the most successful casual game formulas and fuse it with one of the most beloved stories of our time and you'll end up with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Read more»

Rather than stay safely locked in your cozy, heated home this winter, consider getting out and exploring an ancient land of mystery and wonder instead. Read more»

Ancient Egypt is steeped in mystery. Who built the Pyramids? What was the purpose of the Sphinx? Why did the Egyptians use hieroglyphs? Where's the body of Akhenaten? Akhenaten? Who's this Akhenaten and why should I care? Well, sit back and I'll tell you. Read more»

Tis the season to be jolly - so why not ring in the holidays with Gift Shop, a clever retooling of HipSoft's exciting pattern-matching puzzler Gem Shop themed around Christmas cheer? Gem Shop puts you behind the counter of your own thriving retail store and, amusingly, asks that you please an ever-more demanding lineup of consumers. Essentially just a remake of a fun, simple game to begin with, it's nonetheless a desktop companion you'll be all too happy to cozy up alongside this winter. Read more»

Everyone loves a good mystery. For example: Diamond Detective, a film noir-style interactive outing that sees you playing a puzzle-solving sleuth hot on the trail of a nefarious jewel thief. Read more»

A business or product that produces significantly greater revenue than it consumes is referred to as a cash cow. It's a moneymaker that requires minimal expenditures while continuing to generate profits year after year. Cash Cow is also the name of a new coin-counting game and a rather unique puzzle experience. Is the moniker appropriate? In some ways it is, but not in "udders." Read more»

As one of the Web's leading casual game destinations, Pogo.com knows a thing or two about ultra-addictive online outings. But don't take our word for it. Play The Poppit! Show, a TV-themed, balloon-busting puzzler based on the top-ranked brainteaser, which more than a million fans have clocked over 7 billion (!) minutes of time into this past year alone. Read more»

Make some room on your calendar because a little 'ol game you haven't heard of--Abundante!-- is waiting to be downloaded, and believe me, you won't be able to stop once you begin. Read more»

Webster's dictionary defines the term "pantheon" as any given civilization's gods. It also happens to be the name of an exciting gem-smashing diversion from NevoSoft, developer of well-received received outings such as 10 Talismans, Treasure Island, and Dynasty. Set in ancient India, and sending you on a quest to discover an entire mythical canon's worth of exotic deities, it's an eye-opening adventure desktop explorers would do well to embark on. Read more»

We all know the age-old tale of Odysseus, whose adventures were immortalized in all-time great poet Homer's legendary Greek tragedy the Odyssey. Now you can you live the story as well, thanks to pattern-making puzzler Realms of Gold, which - despite the rather grandiose title - shines more for its ingenuity than any gilded lining. Albeit occasionally too clever and/or unpredictable for its own good, the outing manages to surprise and entertain in equal measures, offering expert-level gamers an amusing opportunity to give their brain a workout. Read more»

If you've watched CSI on television, you're familiar with DNA. A coiled pair of nucleotide strands forming a double helix, a twisted ladder-like arrangement, its sequence of nucleic acids determines hereditary characteristics and offers the key to catching criminals and identifying their victims. Nucleotides, however, can also be manipulated to create biological hybrids -- the basis for D.N.A. A blender, if you will, for whipping up new creations at the molecular level. Read more»

Every so often, after a hard day at school or work, you desperately need time to unwind. An antidote to all the frantically crazed arcade-style adventures out there, leisurely-paced jigsaw puzzle challenge Jig Art Quest serves as just such an opportunity to chase the blues away. Despite a few minor setbacks - e.g. eccentric backdrops, a slightly cumbersome interface and curious New Age styling - it's a fine way of catching your breath between everyday emergencies, and idly passing the hours. Read more»

Despite the copycat mentality common to our world, every so often a twitch-happy brainteaser comes along that dares to break the mold. Enter Sproink, one of the most eccentric and original takes on pattern-matching puzzlers we've had the pleasure of sitting down with in many a moon. Although geared toward expert-level players and not without its fair share of quirks and inconsistencies, enthusiasts will quickly warm to the bizarre little outing's singular charm and humorously adorable audiovisual presentation. Read more»

There are casual games, and then there are juggernauts - titles so popular, awe-inspiring and addictive they literally serve to define entire genres. Case in point: Action-packed puzzler Luxor, which prompted 40 million-plus downloads and sold upwards of 500,000 copies last year on the strength of its addictive ball-blasting, Egyptian-themed play. Read more»

Finally - an insect encounter that doesn't bite. To wit: Despite featuring a colorful array of creepy-crawly critters from grasshoppers to snails and fireflies, pattern-matching puzzler Bugged Out will get under your skin in an entirely good way. Read more»

Are you hungry for puzzle-solving excitement? Try sinking your teeth into Fruit Fall Deluxe, a delightfully simple yet difficult to master diversion suitable for all ages and interest types. Read more»

For some time I've watched my wife play pencil-and-paper Sudoku games and been overwhelmingly...bored. "Yawn!" Come on now, I mean, how dull can you get. Well, it turns out Sudoku is not as mind-numbing as I once thought, at least not in digital form. Read more»

Got a green thumb? Great! You'll love Flower Quest, a title happy to sew the seeds of puzzle-solving excitement in impressionable young minds. Read more»

Reflexive Entertainment's match-three underwater adventure, Big Kahuna Reef, might take a relaxed approach to the match-three genre, though it still sucks you like a mighty, deep-water whirlpool. Read more»

Believe in pixies: Those slinky, gossamer-winged harbingers of whimsy and delight not only exist, but do so within the confines of your very own desktop. Tangible proof rests in Fairies, one of the sharpest, most polished puzzle games we've ever had the pleasure of laying trembling fingers upon. Filled with magical moments and boasting an equally enchanting presentation, it won't be long before you too fall under the game's spell. Read more»

Indiana Jones, eat your heart out. Rather than wait another two long years for the much-anticipated sequel to 1989's so-called The Last Crusade, you can instead satisfy your craving for exploration and adventure instantly with chart-topping blockbuster Jewel Quest. Read more»

With its storybook backdrop of warring states, feisty general-kings and an age-old, opulent culture, ancient China makes a fine setting for any electronic amusement. The latest to take advantage of the period's rich historical context and stunning imagery: Four Houses from Oberon Games, a delightful little puzzler that'll simultaneously set your imagination ablaze and mind at ease. Read more»

It seems Leonardo Da Vinci just can't keep a secret these days, as books, movies and television shows keep popping up with new insights gleaned from the smallest details of his celebrated works. Now, video game designers are taking their own look and have found an intriguing puzzle challenge that's perfect for those who enjoy methodical, strategic problem solving. Read more»

Ah, ancient Egypt. Land of forbidden secrets, towering pyramids, mysterious boy-kings and, uh... hieroglyphic-matching races against the clock? Hey - go with the flow in Mysteries of Horus, an easily-learned, tough-to-master arcade outing that'll tax both your reflexes and gray matter. Read more»

Two favorite films growing up were First Men in the Moon (1964), starring Edward Judd and Lionel Jeffries, and The Time Machine (1960), with Rod Taylor. Based on the works of H. G. Wells, both employed fantastic Victorian-era tech that simply wasn't possible at the time (or even today). In like fashion, Atlantis - Sky Patrol offers an alternate-history, sci-fi storyline that could easily serve as the plot for a sequel to Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. But, that's as far as the similarities go. Read more»

Some combinations are hard to beat. For example, the Beach Boys, Mulder and Scully, the Three Stooges, Simon and Garfunkel, Kirk and Spock, and last but not least, Napoleon Dynamite and Pedro. Okay, you get the idea. But, another great combination is mummies and match-three, and you'll find it in Stones of Khufu. Read more»

There comes a time in all of our gameplaying lives when even our best-loved games start to feel a little stale. Even the mighty Zuma from PopCap? Yes, even Zuma. Which is why we so appreciated what Dekovir Entertainment has done with its Chameleon Gems, a knockoff with a twist. Read more»

Anyone who's ever dreamed of becoming an archaeologist will feel an instant affinity for Jurassic Realm. Your objective: Match patterns of three or more objects - crystals, bones, bugs, fossilized fangs, idols, stone axes, etc. - to excavate a whopping 151 levels by removing these items from the board. Read more»

If you're a fan of The Simpsons, you know Bart's famous exclamations. "Don't have a cow, man!" "Eat my shorts!" And, my favorite, a derivative of the oft-used Spanish interjection of surprise, "Aye Carumba!" Okay. So, Bart's not entirely correct. It's actually spelled "¡Ay, caramba!" No matter, Zylom has the mariachi band warmed up and ready to hit the streets with their unique puzzler, Caramba. Read more»

Casual game fans bored of swapping gems, rotating puzzle pieces or clicking through another card solitaire game may find solace in Lotus Deluxe, a new and unique downloadable diversion. Read more»

PopCap, makers of Bejeweled, Bookworm, Zuma, Chuzzle (and the list goes on and on) launched their latest opus today and Gamezebo, being rock stars, already have our review for you. Read our review and download Talismania for yourself. Read more»

May the luck of the Irish be with you: You'll need it to get ahead at pattern-matching puzzler Luck Charm Deluxe. The challenge here - seeing if you've got what it takes to be a real-life leprechaun. (Minus, of course, that goofy beard, gruff accent and Scrooge-like obsession with a certain treasure hoard...) Read more»

Perhaps it's fitting the latest 3-in-a-row puzzler takes place where Darwin solidified his theory on evolution; Galapago is built on the popular casual game formula but adds a slew of new features to keep the game-play fun and fresh. Read more»

If it looks like LUXOR and smells like Zuma, then it must be... a different style of game entirely? Nothing but surprises here, though: Dynasty, the newest offering from Oberon and Nevosoft, takes the whole ball-bursting, color-matching concept and turns it on its head. Plus, no less, adds a healthy dose of Far Eastern sound effects and imagery, setting the title that much further apart from its contemporaries. Read more»

Not too many casual games age real well. When you're done with most, when you've gotten as high a score as you think you'll ever get, off they go, zapped from your desktop into that virtual game closet in the sky, never to be seen again. But there are some exceptions, some that are worth revisiting simply because they are little gems that are so beautifully done, you may have forgotten how good they really are. Read more»

Bubbles look cool and they're fun to pop. You knew that, right? What you may not know is that you won't find a nicer-looking bunch to burst than in Pop-a-Tronic, a phenomenal match-three game in visual and aural design. Read more»

How to outdo Zuma? As the ten-ton gorilla of ball-blasting arcade puzzlers, it's a question many casual game developers have posed, yet few have answered. Ask Russian studio DayTerium though, and they'll say Birds on a Wire. Read more»

Boom! While there's great delight in watching a building implode, it's even more fun to play a one-person demolition derby. Wreak havoc upon underwater ruins on a quest to find lost relics in Jewels of Atlantis, a three-in-a-row-type game that will have you yearning to complete all of the 103 levels in record time. Read more»