Gamezebo: Reviews | Strategy

Westward IV: All Aboard Review

erin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:39:39 -0600

It's a shame that the Wild West isn't a more popular setting in video games. If Hollywood and Louis L'Amor are to be believed, this was the era when cowboys had the same sense of honor as Knights of the Round Table, gunfights were used to settle disputes, and gorgeous steam trains were the way to get around. It was a period of romance and adventure, when the nation was still young and the possibilities seemed endless. Thankfully, the Westward series of games have done the setting proud, and the newly-released Westward IV: All Aboard continues the tradition.

Little Folk of Faery Review

erin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:46:00 -0600

Little Folk of Faery isn't the first game to simulate caring for a tribe of villagers (see Wild Tribe, Escape from Paradise, and of course the granddaddy of them all: Virtual Villagers), but it's certainly the one of the most stylish. Set in a beautiful fantasy realm populated with leprauchans, pixies, dryads and other fairytale creatures, the game is a visual delight even as the gameplay itself is nothing groundbreaking.

Millennium: A New Hope Review

erin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:39:22 -0600

Millennium: A New Hope is the latest title from Aldorlea Games, an independent developer that specializes in creating casual or "retro-style" role-playing games. Fans of the genre will find many familiar trappings here, especially if you've played any of the studio's previous titles like 3 Stars of Destiny.

Tropical Farm Review

erin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:29:21 -0600

It is hard to count how many farming games have already been developed for the casual market, and Tropical Farm by Alawar is the next in line to compete for the player's attention. While there are not many flaws to be found here, the game still feels like playing more of the same old, and a few more innovations and twists would surely have been welcome.

Dark Souls Review

erin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:15:33 -0600

Nowadays a lot of role-playing games are trying to find the next new thing that will bring gamers in hordes to their door step, but truthfully all many of us want is the basic, old school RPG system we loved from when we were kids. Dark Souls is one of those games that tries to follow in the footsteps of "classic" role-playing game formats like the Aveyond series and the early Final Fantasy games, but fails for so many reasons - let me count the ways.

Island Realms Review

erin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:28:27 -0500

When Alawar Melesta, creator of the popular Farm Frenzy-series, decides to develop a game that can be compared to the surprise hit My Kingdom for the Princess, this could be interesting. While the lack of a proper tutorial for a rather complex game and a somewhat choppy and shortish storyline appear a bit daunting in the beginning, Island Realms nevertheless turns out to be more innovative and engaging than the usual more of the same entry in the casual market.

Gemini Lost Review

erin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:18:55 -0500

If you're roaming around and happen to see a giant, ominous shaft of light appear emanating from far off in the distance, the general rule of thumb is to steer clear. While ignoring this seemingly obvious safety precaution does not bode particularly well for the gaggle of curious townspeople in Gemini Lost, such foolishness is entertaining and rewarding for the omniscient overseer who invisibly influences them in their daily routines. That's you, by the way.

All the trouble starts when a gaggle of youth (conveniently made up of three guys and three gals) first stumble upon an unexpected solar eclipse and then witness an even stranger occurrence where the eclipse lines-up with the Gemini constellation.

Paradise Beach Review

erin — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:43:16 -0500

With autumn fast approaching, people who could not enjoy a well-deserved holiday in the sun are able to make up for it virtually by playing Paradise Beach, the latest creation by developer Astargames. In this building simulation you can get along without sunburn and expensive cocktails, but it certainly has its own catch. In a niche setting represented by popular titles such as Coconut Queen it is hard to stand out, but Paradise Beach does not have to dread any comparison.

World of Zellians: Kingdom Builder Review

erin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:50:56 -0500

Many of the kings and queens who appear in World of Zellians: Kingdom Builder display patently poor judgment when it comes to cultivating their realms (much like some of our own leaders, oddly enough). Good thing we're here to keep them on the straight and narrow. As travelling city architects players construct the houses, shops, farms, and community facilities each town needs to safely grow and prosper in this routine but still satisfying city builder.

The narrative centers around a young city planner (you - there is no onscreen avatar) who travels around the world helping monarchs enhance their towns, build up their economies, and initiate trading between nations.

Empire Builder: Ancient Egypt Review

erin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:31:42 -0500

In reality it took decades and the effort of thousands of workers to create monuments such as the sphinx or the Pyramid of Cheops. The latest building sim Empire Builder - Ancient Egypt by developer Iguana Entertainment enables the player to experience those miracles of architecture much quicker. While the game might lack the challenge and complexity of similar titles, it is still worth a look for players searching for a resource management title in a new setting.

Be Richer Review

erin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:54:02 -0500

Be Rich has become the real estate gaming equivalent to what Turbo Subs is to food time management titles - which means incredibly fast-paced and challenging gameplay. The sequel with the highly creative name Be Richer by developer Divo Games takes exactly the same line - but is there more to discover than just a tedious rehash of what was once an already good-but-not-great game?

MONOPOLY: Build-a-lot Edition Review

erin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:32:25 -0500

You don't have to be confused if you should encounter a feeling of déjà vu while playing MONOPOLY: Build-a-lot Edition. In fact, you are playing a hybrid of Build-a-lot 2 and Monopoly, although the shares of the latter are of minor significance. The idea of combining the probably most popular board game about real estate management and the counterpart of the casual market sounds utterly compelling, but sometimes it's all on the surface.

Coconut Queen Review

erin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:04:21 -0500

It seems as though iWin has been on a winning streak with its recent releases. After the entertaining Kelly Green: Garden Queen only two weeks ago, Coconut Queen turns out to be the first game that can really compete with Build-a-lot in every respect.

Aveyond: Gates of Night Review

erin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:10:43 -0500

Aveyond: Gates of Night is the direct follow-up to Aveyond: Lord of Twilight, and the second episode in the new format since Amaranth Games decided to go episodic with its popular casual role-playing game series instead of releasing one giant 50-hour epic. Offering about 10 hours of gameplay, Gates of Night feels more solid and fleshed out than its predecessor and makes for an even more enjoyable adventure.

Many Years Ago Review

erin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:05:28 -0500

Cave men, meet the Cave men. They're an ancient, stone-age family. From their tiny island, they're a page right out of history. So what has inspired me to badly re-write the Flintstone's theme song? Well, its a little game called Many Years Ago that absolutely reminded me of the famous Hanna Barbara cartoon from the moment I started playing it and it is packed full of cute cave man themed simulator fun.

Build-a-lot 4: Power Source Review

erin — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:46:38 -0500

Once upon a time a company called HipSoft had the crazy idea to develop a casual game about real estate management. For sure a lot of people asked themselves: "Who would actually play a game with such a dull topic?" Well, with the recent release of Build-a-lot 4: Power Source, which is the fourth installment of what is now one of the most successful (and copied) series in the casual game market, HipSoft can proudly answer: "Everyone and her brother!"

My Kingdom for the Princess Review

erin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:32:34 -0500

A great casual game is one that's simple to learn, yet challenging to master. It has high production values, addictive game play, and a great story to tie it all together. That's probably why My Kingdom for the Princess is so fun to play - it's a resource management game with all of those core elements, and more.

Spirited Heart Review

erin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:44:04 -0500

A simulation/role-playing game from independent Italian studio Winter Wolves, Spirited Heart puts players in the shoes of a young woman living in a medieval fantasy city who works to earn a living while trying to win the heart of one of six bachelors. It's a simple and potentially appealing concept. Alas, its frustrating character growth system and unfair game design makes it difficult to give this romance sim much love.

Artist Colony Review

erin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:42:31 -0500

If you're like me, you glanced at I-play's new casual game Artist Colony and immediately wrote it off as a copycat of Virtual Villagers or The Sims. I mean, it features little virtual characters who interact with each other, fall in love, advance in their career and clean up messes they make.

But oh, how I was wrong. After spending nearly a week with Artist Colony, the similarities to Virtual Villagers are merely cosmetic. This engrossing single-player game stands on its own merit and proves to be highly enjoying and gratifying twist on the simulation genre.

Aquapolis Review

erin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:46:43 -0500

If there's any game that will have you hearing "Under the Sea" in your head, it's Aquapolis. The charming time management building game takes Build-a-Lot to the real estate world under the sea. Though a pearl of a game, Aquapolis has a few stingers that dampen the underwater adventures.

The story is slim pickin's, but this type of building game doesn't need a story. Aquapolis throws you in a shipwreck. No, really, Shipwreck is the name of the first city you'll see. The game kicks off with your coming highly recommended as you start working in Steward Don Garro. Mr. Garro shows you the ropes throughout the three levels in the Shipyard.

Hotel Mogul Review

joel — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:42:42 -0500

All is fair in love, war, and business. At least that's the case in the time management and building simulation Hotel Mogul, where the unfortunate protagonist Lynette has just gotten a rotten deal in divorce court!

Create A Mall Review

joel — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:48:11 -0500

The modern shopping mall is a magical place, filled with gleaming riches, scrumptious culinary delights, technological marvels and exotic imports from far-off lands. All of which are yours to enjoy, of course, in exchange for braving the milling throngs and endless sea of parking spaces.

Thankfully, business simulation Create a Mall puts the power to build a better shopping center in your hands, giving the people what they want while also raking in a healthy income. We just wish the creators understood a simple underlying principle: Time equals money, and you'll be aghast at just how much can be wasted on any given session.

Avalon Review

joel — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:46:55 -0500

In this day and age, it's easy to get caught up in modern life and forget about the simple beauty of nature. That's the idea behind Avalon, a real time simulation game that puts you in charge of a community of fairies that are striving to bring nature and magic back to the modern world. While the core game play mechanics are heavily influenced by the Virtual Villagers series, Avalon features its own unique theme and engaging fantasy environment that's sure to please real-time simulation and fairy fans alike.

Sprouts Adventure Review

joel — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:40:14 -0500

Eating, sleeping, playing, working. These are the key elements to any satisfying existence, and so it is for Sprouts Adventure’s tiny protagonists, little flora/fauna hybrids who look a bit like Nintendo’s popular pikmin characters and spend their days trying stay productive, healthy, and happy.

As simulation games go, this is a pretty simple one. The sprouts are in rough shape. A storm has reduced the number of these cute little creatures with nasally helium voices and flowers growing from their skulls to just five, and these remaining few have…well, nothing, other than a giant egg-shaped idol that they worship.

Aveyond: Lord of Twilight Review

erin — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:19:34 -0500

Shortly before the release of the title everyone was calling Aveyond 3, developer Amaranth Games announced a change of strategy: Instead of the latest game in the Aveyond series being a sprawling 50-hour role-playing adventure like its two predecessors, it would instead be released as several smaller "episodes" offering about 10 hours of playtime each. The first such episode is Aveyond: Lord of Twilight.

Other than the length (and let's face it, 10 hours is still pretty darned impressive - especially by casual game standards) and the fact that a couple of quests carry over into the next game, Lord of Twilight is the same kind of game that Aveyond fans have come to know and love.

Hollywood Tycoon Review

erin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:30:32 -0500

Have you ever watched a movie and thought to yourself, "Hey, I could do better than that!" Now is your chance. Hollywood Tycoon is a tycoon game that puts you in the shoes of a big league movie producer, managing scripts, sets, and actors in a whirl.

The plot is simple. When your uncle Irving Goldfish dies, you inherit his run-down movie studio. Can you make it a smashing success, or will your films flop?

Escape from Paradise 2 Review

erin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:22:53 -0500

Escape from Paradise 2: A Kingdom's Quest is the sequel to Gogii Games Virtual Villagers-style sim game Escape from Paradise. With the help of the royal Perusah and an ever-growing tribe, our Hero must discover many of the islands secrets through strategy, mini-games, and various challenges befitting a legendary Hero and tribal leader.

Youda Marina Review

erin — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:26:16 -0500

Beachfront property? Check. Some cash in the bank? Yep. A desire to build up a successful marina? You bet. So long as you've met these requirements, you can create and maintain a thriving harbor in Youda Marina. This business sim with a time management element might take a while to wrap your head around but offers a deep and enjoyable game if you're up for the challenge.

The overall goal of this marina simulation is to build a beautiful - and efficient - marina, but in order to get there you perform dozens of smaller goals such as docking motor boats, creating attractions to make for happy guests, and of course, raking in plenty of cash (which can then go towards newer facilities to keep everything running smoothly).

Tradewinds Odyssey Review

erin — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:53:10 -0500

Tradewinds Odyssey, the newest quest-based adventure from Sandlot Games, shows the publisher listens closely to its fans. Back to the ocean, with stories based on familiar characters from Greek mythology, Odyssey plays like Tradewinds “lite” compared to 2008’s Tradewinds Caravans.

DinerTown Tycoon Review

erin — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:20:27 -0500

Local restaurant owners in DinerTown are alarmed when Grub Burger moves into DinerTown and starts stealing customers with its suspiciously addictive “Ingredient X” sauce. It’s up to you to help local businesses win back business and drive Grub Burger out of town for good, but instead of a straight-up time management game like Diner Dash, DinerTown Tycoon is a strategy game that shares more in common with the likes of Pogo’s Fairy Godmother Tycoon.

Plants vs Zombies Review

erin — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:02:26 -0500

After clicking though the disappointing Bejeweled Twist late last year, we were concerned PopCap Games, one of our favorite casual game companies, had lost its mojo. Thankfully, we were dead wrong.

From the folks who brought us Peggle, Insaniquarium, Chuzzle and Bookworm Adventures comes – get this – a game about plants. Tough plants. Plants so tough they can stop hoards of nasty zombies from terrorizing the neighborhood. Plants vs. Zombies is a quirky Tower Defense-style game of wits that
might look like a cakewalk, but proves to be as challenging as it is fun.

Virtual Families Review

erin — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:35:55 -0500

If you were a professional game reviewer, naturally you'd want to bestow high marks on a deep and ambitious game. But what would you do if that game wasn't finished? If it were laden with many technical and graphical issues that marred the experience? And what if it were an unoriginal concept?

Such is the case with Virtual Families, the latest from developer Last Day of Work (of Virtual Villagers fame), and while we had fun with this The Sims-esque game, we also grew frustrated with its lack of polish and innovation.

3 Stars of Destiny Review

erin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:45:57 -0500

The French-made role-playing game 3 Stars of Destiny pushes no boundaries. Its teen-saves-world story is far from original, and it doesn’t introduce any innovative mechanics or scenarios. It simply maintains the classic RPG status quo.

But that’s no reason to avoid it. Indeed, fans of traditional role-playing will probably find a lot to like about this sprite-based adventure from Aldorlea Games.

Wild Tribe Review

erin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 08:24:05 -0500

Wild Tribe is a Virtual Villagers-style strategy game where you must care for a desert island tribe by helping them build things, gather food and water, defend themselves, grow and make new discoveries. Instead of people, though, your tribe consists of creatures called “wobblies” that can evolve into different animals. While it’s a cute twist, Wild Tribe doesn’t have the same level of depth as some of its contemporaries.

Plan it Green Review

erin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:01:19 -0500

Global warming had been the most dominant theme in the media for a long time, until the banking crisis stole the show. Plan It Green, another addition to the lately prospering resource management genre, sets the record straight by enabling the player to rebuild all the districts of Greenville, a city suffering from heavy pollution, in an eco-friendly, yet profitable way. Do you have what it takes to put the "green" back into Greenville?

Flock! Review

erin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:48:09 -0500

While herding sheep may seem like a chore, throw in some aliens and a bunch of crazy obstacles and you have Capcom’s newest and most entertaining downloadable title, Flock! Available for download for the PC (which is the system we review the game on), Xbox 360 via Xbox Live and Playstation 3 via the Playstation Network, Flock brings you into the world of live stock alien abduction in a fresh and kooky kind of way.

Winemaker Extraordinaire Review

erin — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 07:42:24 -0500

While there does not seem to be a week going by without a release of a new hidden object or time management game, the number of options for people who enjoy strategy games like the Chocolatier or Tradewinds series' is rather limited. All the better that Winemaker Extraordinaire turns out to be a compelling and well-made game in the same line. Instead of making coffee, truffles and chocolate bars the player travels the world to acquire new wineries and collect more and more blends of wine.

Wonderburg Review

erin — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:14:06 -0500

Pirate ghosts, yeti-like snowmen and creepy pumpkin-creatures flying on brooms - no, this is not about Halloween, but Wonderburg, the latest resource management game by Shiny Tales. You must help Alisa, a young magician, and her friend Rudi, a dwarf, to get to the bottom of the mysterious force that is threatening the villages of their country. But does real estate management really work in a fairy tale world?

Wandering Willows Review

erin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:08:16 -0500

Wandering Willows, the newest release from PlayFirst, is a delightful and unique adventure that sends you on a journey to whimsical lands of magical creatures and zany new friends. You and your trusty new pet will do everything from digging holes to dealing with Alien aircraft while charming your way into the hearts of everyone finally finding your way home.

Be a King Review

erin — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:58:19 -0500

How does it feel to rule a whole realm? To be in charge of a nation's future? Be A King lets you get a feel for this huge responsibility. As a royal leader, you have to provide your people with houses and food while keeping monsters from invading the villages. The game doesn't necessarily deserve a royal recommendation, though.

Romopolis Review

erin — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 23:39:56 -0600

In Romopolis, a new game by developer Lonely Troops, the challenge to construct various cities in Roman style is up to you. The differences between this new installment and Lonely Troops' previous game, Townopolis, are as negligible as those between the names. The important question is, whether Romopolis still suffers from tedious and frustrating gameplay or if it has finally grown into a decent game.

Eternal Eden Review

erin — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:09:47 -0600

Blossomsoft's Eternal Eden is an epic role-playing game in the tradition of Aveyond. The player controls up to four characters who set out to correct a sin that threatens their once-idyllic world. During this challenge you'll encounter giant spiders, slimes and other creatures that look as though they're straight out of the worst possible nightmare. The game is a blend of combat, puzzles and lengthy - but fortunately witty - dialogue.

Loco Mogul Review

erin — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:03:39 -0600

Everyone who has dreamed of creating a model railroad but lacked the time or money for such an exclusive hobby should check out Loco Mogul. By laying tracks, shaping the landscape and managing your funds to create effective and profitable routes, you'll build up your own successful railroad company. This new game by Apezone defies categorization, and its unique and addictive gameplay is definitely worth a try.

Bigshot Review

erin — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:39:00 -0600

The real estate business is probably a puzzling, incomprehensible section of the economy to the average citizen, and the events of the last two years surely did not add to its popularity. Big$hot, a new strategy game from Rusty Axe Games, tries to bring out the real estate broker in all of us by urging the player to juggle various companies while trying to understand the current state of the economy.

Totem Tribe Review

erin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:00:42 -0600

Based on first impressions, gamers might be fooled into thinking that Totem Tribe is just an unimaginative Virtual Villagers clone. However, aside from a few similarities in basic gameplay, the only thing that both of them share is the setting – namely, isolated islands in an unknown ocean. In reality, Totem Tribe sparkles with creativity and uniqueness that should serve as an inspiration for future casual game developers.

Chocolatier: Decadence by Design Review

erin — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:22:51 -0600

Having been a fan of the Chocolatier series I was both delighted and disappointed after playing this sequel, Decadence by Design. On one hand, PlayFirst's latest proved to be a highly polished adventure with challenging gameplay and charming characters and story. But despite a few welcome additions, the gameplay itself is virtually the same as the original, which might let down those anxiously awaiting to see where the developer takes this coveted franchise next.

Orchard Review

erin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:47:33 -0600

Real-time strategy games are all the rage lately. The same goes for agricultural simulations. Put the two together, and you often get promising results… see Youda Farmer, Farm Mania, Alice Greenfingers 2, and so on. Unfortunately for latest genre outing Orchard – which is equal parts time management title, tactical challenge and business sim – though, unless you’ve got hours to burn, the only harvest you’ll reap here is in frustration and boredom.

Be Rich Review

erin — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:06:12 -0600

It's not hard for a game to be good when it borrows most of its ideas from one of hte most successful franchises in casual gaming. In spite of the clever innovations that building sim Be Rich does bring to the table, its considerable appeal is tempered by the fact that much of what makes it good was lifted directly from Hipsoft's Build-a-lot series.

Westward III: Gold Rush Review

erin — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:08:28 -0600

Northern California may not be in the throes of any present gold rushes, but circa the mid-1800s, nugget fever was in full swing. It’s a state of mind cheerfully captured in Westward III, a satisfying hybrid of real-time strategy game and life simulator which sends three all-new pioneers scurrying off to tame the wild frontier. A welcome, if predictable, step forward for the franchise, it quickly provides ample reason for series vets and newcomers alike to hop back in the saddle and hit the trail.

County Fair Review

erin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:47:14 -0600

County Fair is a neat tycoon game and carnival-building simulation that puts you in full control of building and maintaining some very cool amusement parks. From carousels to ring toss games to deep fried candy bars, it has everything you'd expect to find in a real-life fair.

As the sole surviving relative of an ailing businessman, you're put in charge of an empire of county fairs. Business hasn't been so great in recent years, so it's up to you to fend off foreclosure. You'll be given some money and staff to start, along with a teenage advisor to teach you the ropes.