Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day - Mushroom Age (Hidden Object)

Otty Ott

CAGiversary!
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

Mushroom Age - Travel to the prehistoric past and space age future in this different hidden object game!

Click here for Mushroom Age

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
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Gamezebo review:

"Frankly, from start to finish, it’s hard to discount the tremendous level of playtesting and polish that’s gone into the adventure. As such, Ancient Quest of Saqqarah doesn’t just stand up there with the medium’s best desktop time killers – in many ways, it’ll also change the way you look at them going forward. Whereas most mainstream-friendly amusements attempt to do one thing well, this landmark game instead delivers multiple thrills in a single, attention-grabbing package. Download today and see for yourself: It’s the type of title you’ll easily be playing weeks hence, and, at least for the next several months, using as a benchmark against which to score all future competition."

Pros: Multiple gameplay variations. Cinematic presentation. Expert blend of balance, challenge and execution. Hundreds of levels. Tons of extras and upgrades.

Cons: Curving pathways sometimes make spotting matches tricky. Some animations can't be skipped.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Click to read the Gamezebo review of Ancient Quest Of Saqqarah
 
I've said it before and I'll say it again. This game is amazing. I think just about anybody on CAG would love it. It is one of the best puzzle games out there. For $2.95 it is an absolute steal...
 
Gamezebo review:

"As a city slicker who grew up thinking milk comes from a store, I wasn’t sure if I’d “get” playing Alawar’s Farm Frenzy 2, a game all about farm management and profit. Much to my surprise, however, the game’s challenging levels and cute graphics were eggs-actly what I needed on lengthy plane rides this past weekend."

Pros: Challenging business simulation. Can buy many upgrades for farm. Impressive graphics and animation. Two game modes. Can win awards.

Cons: No hint system for a difficult game. Some building and vehicle inconsistencies. Not too different than first game. Song gets very repetitive.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Farm Frenzy 2
 
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

Cake Mania 3 - A popular time-management game where you run a bakery.

Click here for Cake Mania 3

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
Gamezebo review:

"Given that Cake Mania 2 was a good, but not stellar, follow-up to the original Cake Mania, Sandlot Games had something to prove with Cake Mania 3. The result, happily, is a sequel that has enough new features to justify a purchase even for fans that have already played through the first two."

Pros: New power-ups, locations and customers. Strategy changes based on customer behaviors. Fun cake-decorating mini-game. Trophies. Can rearrange machinery in the kitchen. More cohesive story.

Cons: Sugar Rush unintuitive to activate. Ho-hum conveyor belt mini-games. Juggling cakes can still be awkward. Starts off slowly.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Cake Mania 3
 
Gamezebo review:

"Even if you're getting a little tired of hidden object games, do yourself a favor and give Magic Encyclopedia: First Story a spin. With the wonderful graphics and story, music and mini-games, and adveture game-like puzzles strewn throughout, you'll certainly agree that this - er, finally finished - game pushes the genre forward in exciting new directions."

Pros: Interesting take on hidden-object games. Adventure game-like puzzles add to the fun. Many mini-games to play. Intriguing story. Hand-drawn backgrounds. Great music.

Cons: Those who downloaded the game when it first launched suffered through many technical bugs.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Magic Encyclopedia
 
Gamezebo review:

"If you’re used to frenetic mousemashers where you have to replay rounds several times just to get through, Alice Greenfingers 2 may seem very, well, “peculiar,” at first. In our modern society most of us have to literally learn how to relax. Try the demo for a change of pace, and see if you, too, find the charm of this unique untimed game growing right alongside the tomatoes."

Pros: Unique untimed format. Excellent upgrade variety. Ability to save mid-round,. Endless replayability.

Cons: Retro graphics lack detail. Annoying secondary character.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Alice Greenfingers 2
 
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

Costume Chaos - A fast-paced time management game running a costume store.

Click here for Costume Chaos

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
Gamezebo review:

"Halloween is still far away, but that doesn't mean you can't have a costume party. Reflexive Entertainment's Costume Chaos is a fun and fast-paced time management game that has you dressing up your customers in all kinds of outrageous outfits. It's got a few new twists to add to the genre, too."

Pros: Great pacing. Good variety of tasks. Plenty of stations and upgrades. Ability to place your assistants at any station.

Cons: Simple storyline. Can get very hectic at later levels.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Costume Chaos
 
On a sad note, Reflexive is shutting down their games store at the end of June. I'll keep updating these daily offers until then, however. I guess Amazon, who bought them out a year ago, is turning into strictly a game developer. They are known mainly for Big Kahuna Reef, Ricochet series, and Airport Mania.
 
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

My Tribe - A real-time strategy game that is very similar to Virtual Villagers.

Click here for My Tribe

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
Gamezebo review:

"OK, so here’s the deal: If you’ve read any of the forums you’ll see both sides of the argument – whether Grubby Games “ripped off” LDW’s Virtual Villagers with My Tribe or were they merely influenced by it and created an island sim in the same vein? Gamezebo will also let its readers become judge and jury while debating back and forth, but there’s little argument it’s virtually the same game (real-time play, tech trees, breeding, collecting, tribespersons instead of villagers) but with a few extras, mentioned above. We really liked My Tribe, yes, but if you’ve played Virtual Villagers then there’s not much more here for you – download and play to see for yourself."

Pros: Engaging game-play. Many different islands to explore. Intuitive interface. Lots of variety and challenges. Game plays out even when not playing it. Unlock trophies.

Cons: Very, very similar to Virtual Villagers. Not everyone likes games that continue when you’re not there.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of My Tribe
 
There is a version of My Tribe on Facebook now. I don't know how they have changed it from this download version though...
 
Gamezebo review:

"Albeit no major advancement for the pitchfork- and overall-themed canon, realize: Farm Mania comes correct where it counts – in terms of sheer playability. As such, you’ll have a blast watching gramps, grandma and co. scurry about on screen, supporting your efforts, and frantically clicking to scare off the crows and rabbits determined to snarf down your stocks. To wit, just when we thought the genre had gone fallow, well... consider this proof positive there’s still fertile ground to be tapped."

Pros: Selection of crops, animals, buildings. Multiple on-screen characters. Ability to upgrade self, farm. Learning curve. Bonus hidden object stages. Inviting atmosphere. Manages to ramp up difficulty without overwhelming.

Cons: Can get pretty frantic. Troublesome hotspots. Hackneyed storyline. Can’t shoo pests off anytime.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars, Player average 4.5 out of 5
 
Gamezebo review:

"Many games have tried, with varying degrees of success, to duplicate the real estate/construction strategy gameplay that the original Build-a-lot so deftly pioneered, however none of the imitators have yet to come close to nailing the superb pacing and deep layers of strategy that continue to be hallmarks of this excellent series. Build-a-lot 3 included."

Pros: Run-down lots and other new features. Intuitive interface. Superb challenge and pacing. Deep strategy with many ways to approach level goals. Great replay value. Two modes of play, plus expert rating to strive for. Weather conditions and new building types.

Cons: Characters don't seem as memorable. Due to bigger challenge, expect to repeat levels frequently until you figure out what strategy works.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Build-A-Lot 3: Passport To Europe
 
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

Mushroom Age - Travel to the prehistoric past and space age future in this different hidden object game!

Click here for Mushroom Age

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
Gamezebo review:

"Mushroom Age hardly sounds like a puzzle and hidden object game. Don't let it throw you, and get ready for a big surprise. Meet the latest wonderful addition to the genre that involves more than finding objects. It blows away many of these games as it lasts much longer than other titles infamous for their short length. Furthermore, the lack of a clock takes away pressure so you can relish the experience."

Pros: Intriguing story. Long-lasting. Much more than a hidden object game. Humorous.

Cons: Couple of bugs and confusing parts. Wasted hints. No replayability.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Mushroom Age
 
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

Totem Tribe - A unique strategy game where your tribe builds villages and solves side quests on 20+ islands!

Click here for Totem Tribe

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
Gamezebo review:

"Totem Tribe is quite an accomplishment. Such a unique gaming experience is not easily found in the casual games market, and its production values are above average. We recommend the game to anyone who isn't afraid of a more complex strategy game experience. You will need at least ten hours to beat the game, and significantly more if you plan on revealing every secret and reaching each of the three endings. Totem Tribe might not be as accessible at first glance as other games, but it is more than worth the effort to get into it. "

Pros: Very unique. Highly replayable. Fascinating and engaging storyline. Cute graphics.

Cons: Missing hint system for hidden object sections. Minor control issues. Construction can get tedious. Can't save at any time.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Totem Tribe
 
Gamezebo review:

"If you're a foodie, or you if like to cook, there should be plenty in Cooking Academy 2 to keep you busy. It's not as challenging as the Hot Dish games, but you will need to replay boards frequently if you want all expert scores. As a bonus, you'll learn some interesting things about a bunch of ethnic dishes, and maybe get a few ideas to use in the real world."

Pros: Lots of new recipes, including some exotic ones. Improvements have been made to some of the original tasks. Great length. Good variety in restaurant themes. Good pacing.

Cons: Unoriginal. It's very much like the first Cooking Academy, which was a lot like Cooking Mama.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Cooking Academy 2
 
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

Adventure Chronicles: The Search For Lost Treasure - A great game with both hidden object and graphic adventure elements. Essentially a sequel to Escape The Museum using the same main character.

Click here for Adventure Chronicles

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
Gamezebo review:

"With its combination of excellent graphics, well-balanced hidden object and inventory tasks, and meaningful challenges, Adventure Chronicles: The Search for Lost Treasure is definitely one of the better HO/adventure games to come out this year."

Pros: Very well-balanced mix of Hidden Object and inventory tasks offers challenge without a timer. Objects are appropriate to their settings. Satisfying ending.

Cons: Relatively short length for the main story. Primary character acts more like a thief than an archaeologist. Some players may need a walkthrough for a few sections.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Adventure Chronicles: The Search For Lost Treasure
 
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

Strike Ball 3 - A 3D Arkanoid-style game. It was orginally called Magic Ball 3 but the name was changed for legal reasons.

Click here for Strike Ball 3

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
Gamezebo review:

"Strike Ball 3 is a great, dynamic ball-breaker that is definitely more than your average time-waster. It’s amazing that, after all these years, there are still new ways to move the genre ahead. The improvements from one Strike Ball game to the next have been fantastic. Sign me up for Strike Ball 4 on its release day!"

Pros: Great graphics and physics. Inventive level design. Many upgradable power-ups. Interesting gameplay twists.

Cons: Music is irritating. Some slowdown. Highest graphic setting can be taxing for low-powered computers.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Strike Ball 3
 
Gamezebo review:

" Successfully blending mah jong with Zuma and bingo, offbeat puzzler Liong: The Dragon Dance was nothing if not ambitious when it launched several months back. Sequel Liong: The Lost Amulets takes an equally innovative approach, mixing hidden object play with typical tile-matching challenges, albeit not always to best effect.
While returning fans may appreciate the gesture, and newcomers will be amused, a few design quirks ultimately hold the title back from true greatness."


Pros: Multiple play styles. Exotic audiovisuals. Purchasable power-ups. Bonus mini-games. Soothing soundtrack. Intuitive interface.

Cons: Frustrating design choices. Low challenge level. Haphazard pacing. Undistinguished action.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Liong: The Lost Amulets
 
Gamezebo review:

"It’s a shame that just a couple of snags can put a damper on an otherwise pleasant fantasy sim, but there’s no denying they do. Best give this one a try before buying to see if you’re willing to put up with the performance and camera hitches."

Pros: Simple, engaging simulation-style play. Our sentient sprouts are pretty cute. Multipurpose spells are fun and empowering.

Cons: Laggy, especially in windowed mode. Awkward camera control makes for frustrating play.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Sprouts Adventure
 
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

Farm Frenzy Pizza Party - Produce all the ingredients for various pizzas on your farm in this clickfest of a game.

Click here for Farm Frenzy Pizza Party

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
Gamezebo review:

"With the improvements Farm Frenzy - Pizza Party is clearly the best of an already good series, so new players should definitely start with this title. If you’ve played one of the Farm Frenzy series before, we think you’ll enjoy this game, too, but expect a strong sense of deja vu for the first 5 or 6 levels."

Pros: Cute graphics, multiple strategy choices. Faster plane. Excellent length at 90 levels.

Cons: Although there are some new products/buildings, basic gameplay is identical to the last game. Many items look similar. No tutorial for the strategy aspects.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Farm Frenzy Pizza Party
 
Gamezebo review:

"I don't think I've ever been more torn while reviewing a game than I am with Virtual Families. On one hand it takes an existing and proven concept -- "borrowing" the virtual life elements of The Sims, the best-selling computer game in history -- and adding a real-time element, trophies and other goodies. But at the same time the game just feels unfinished, primarily due to the aforementioned A.I. issues."

Pros: Ambitious people sim. Many character combinations. Many random events. Collectible trophies. Works in real time.

Cons: Lacks polish. Many A.I. (artificial intelligence) inconsistencies. Unoriginal concept. Works in real time.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Virtual Families
 
Gamezebo review:

"Phantom of the Renaissance Faire is a beautifully done, smart game that masterfully accommodates a variety of skill levels and is still fun even on your second playthrough. (If you played on the easier setting the first time, switch to the harder version for your second try. It's a completely different experience.) Hunting down the hint fairies is a fun mini-game by itself - you'll find yourself revisiting scenes just to track down the fairy you missed, whether you actually need her help or not. If you're looking for just the right mixture of puzzles and hidden objects, this is the game for you."

Pros: Beautiful visuals. Variable skill settings. Fun puzzles.

Cons: A bit on the short side.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of GHOST Chronicles: Phantom of the Renaissance Faire
 
Reflexive sure is going out with a bang. Almost every day they are running a much stronger, more current game than Big Fish in their daily $2.95 sale. I know these games are looked down upon as casual fair, but many of the games Reflexive has been running would entertain most CAGs...including this one today for sure.
 
Gamezebo review:

"Governor of Poker is a blast, but it’s not a full house if you get my drift. While there’s a secondary “Instant Poker” game that dispenses with the real estate portion of the game (you can play tables in any of the cities you’ve unlocked), you can’t play against friends as you can with many other poker PC games. Heck, even the Texas Hold ‘Em game for the iPhone has an online multiplayer mode. Despite this oversight, you ould go all-in on Governor of Poker – it may be based on a very familiar casino game, and there are no shortage of related computer games, but the property management and western angles are a refreshing and amusing addition."

Pros: Enjoyable and accessible Texas Hold ‘Em game during the Wild West. Fun “Monopoly”-like real estate spin. Cute graphics, sound effects, music and voices. Multiple game modes. Rewards.

Cons: No multiplayer support.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Governor Of Poker
 
Today's Reflexive $2.95 Game Of The Day is:

Burger Shop 2 - A fast-paced time management game where you build burgers with ingredients on conveyor belts.

Click here for Burger Shop 2

No coupon required. Offer ends at midnight PDT.

I will update this post every day for the new game each day.
 
Gamezebo review:

"It's safe to say that if you liked Burger Shop, you're going to love Burger Shop 2. The fast-paced assembly-line time management game is just as fun as the original and, like any good sequel, expands on the formula with additional levels and fun new twists like extra dishes, characters and trophies."

Pros: Funny story. Well-balanced and fun gameplay. 120 levels and multiple modes. Interesting characters and upgrades. Pleasing production values. New twists to improvements.

Cons: Recycles some of the same recipes, characters and locations.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Burger Shop 2
 
Gamezebo review:

"Altogether, we nevertheless strongly recommend Build-a-lot 4: Power Source, even if you have already played the three previous games. Despite some minor points of criticism the game still manages to deliver a top notch gaming experience, and you won't feel like you have already played this three times before. Give it a shot and the game will provide you with easily more than twenty hours of intense gameplay and fun."

Pros: Addicting and challenging gameplay. Above average game length. Interesting energy-reserve feature. Lots of different buildings. Various strategies work to beat a level. Decent replay value. Three campaigns, casual and timed mode.

Cons: Some levels are frustratingly hard. Neighborhoods and mayors are arbitrary. No real improvements/differences with regards to the graphics. Static maps. Energy feature is vaguely implemented at times.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click to read Gamezebo's review of Build-A-Lot 4: Power Source
 
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