I am starting a new thread (part eight) of What Casual Games Are You Playing Right Now? so that we can continue our discussion, as the previous thread was getting quite long.

For those wishing to read the previous thread which was part seven, it can be found here.

Thanks for starting a new thread, Marian!

Unfortunately, a new shortcut did not help Daydream Mosaics to shut down. I hate having to shut down my computer to have to exit a game. At least I have usually only been playing the mosaics games late at night anyway.

Maryann is becoming a chore. There are certain levels that are very hard to do (at least in timed mode) unless you have a lot of helpful "objects". Unfortunately, the objects cost money and the sections to get money are not as plentiful. I'm not sure if I can replay those levels or not to get more money. I'll have to check into that, or switch to untimed mode for those levels I guess. There are some other ways to win money, such as the "slots" but even though I win, I don't see any money going into my purse. ??

I see some reviews of Maryann online as well as some YouTube videos. Maybe some of them would help, like explaining the casino aspect?

That is annoying about Daydream Mosaics. I wish there was a way to exit the game that wasn't disruptive.

I am between casual games right now, but will decide pretty soon what's up next.

I'm "quite" liking Bridge to Another World : Christmas Flight" but not as much as I liked "Tibetan Quest : Beyond the World's End".

It just doesn't have the same appeal for me.... although, of course, the graphics and such-like are much more modern

I've already finished Red Riding Hood. It was quite short and the ending was pretty abrupt, although it did make sense where it ended I suppose. I thought there would be more to it though.

I'm not sure yet what's next. Possible I'll go back to Win 7 and play another Domini game. Just two of them left on that computer.

What do you know? Tonight the Daydream Mosaics game closed right up when I exited out.

I started Secret City: Sacred Fire the other night. It was smooth sailing until tonight when I hit a puzzle that's giving me trouble. Use side arrows to turn a square to get the ball in the hole. Except there are 4 different color balls with matching hole colors. I've spent about 35 minutes on it so far. What aggravated me was that several times when I thought I might be onto something, I accidentally closed the puzzle screen and lost my progress. I probably wasn't really onto anything but still, I hate when I back out of a puzzle when I don't mean to.

I hate it when I get backed out of a puzzle by mistake. It is really annoying.

I remember that puzzle - got it more or less by luck

I tried the puzzle again for about an hour in two more sessions, the first one ending when I once again accidentally clicked out of the puzzle. I got frustrated with it and looked at the solution in the guide which didn't make any sense at all. The gamed defaults to "hard" for the puzzles and I left it there. That's the solution that made no sense. So I switched to "easy" but didn't even attempt that on my own as I had had enough. I used the guide for the "easy" puzzle and then got out of the game again anyway. I guess I should have just skipped it. I usually like to see the solution but by then I wasn't paying any attention.

I have played Secret City: Secret Fire and don't remember the puzzle, but I probably skipped it.

I finished The Adventures of Maryann. I replayed 2 of the missions to make enough money to buy a couple of objects to help me beat those few levels that were giving me trouble. Now I have to figure out what Match 3 will be next.

Wow, that is great that you finished it!

I have started yet another match 3 game; this one is Helga the Viking Warrior: Rise of the Shield-Maiden. It is the first one in the series. I am still playing an RPG also and need something casual for when I want to take short breaks or my time is limited.

I have to laugh at that part about "time is limited". I get myself stuck in Match 3 games for hours sometimes. I was going through my list trying to decide which one to play next and there were a couple I was thinking about but then I looked to see how Season Match looks and found it is no longer on Big Fish so I decided to play it. I just bought it in November in a bundle. I'll probably start it tonight.

I noticed that Icebound Secrets is no longer on Big Fish either and the first game has been removed from Steam too. Steam has the second game but it shows a different develop than Elephant. I had not bought either of those games. Oh well.

I had not noticed that Icebound Secrets is gone. I do have both games, but it's a shame that they have already been removed. I really enjoyed the first game even though it did not have any voice overs. It was ported over from mobile, I believe. The second game was a different developer and I think Elephant was the publisher.

I can't remember if I have Season Match or not, although I think I remember playing the demo years ago. Okay, I just checked, and I have Season Match 1 and Season Match 2.

Season Match is a little different. You click on groups of items (as opposed to swapping to make a group) to clear barriers and a number of certain items. I don't think I will be able to play in timed mode. It's pretty hard. I got stuck on Level 9 last night. I thought I did everything a couple of times but had forgotten about clearing the certain number of certain items. I tried it again today 3 times only (so far) and still could not get it. Part of the problem is that my mouse starts to feel sluggish and is hard to make a fast click. Even after I got out of the game last night and went into my mosaic game, my mouse felt hard to move. Also, there is no "play" button. I'm not even sure what I clicked on to actually start playing. It's kind of weird. I will definitely continue and see how it goes though.

I do remember now that you click on groups of items in the game. I don't think I will try to play in timed mode. I used to love timed mode and now the only game where I still enjoy it is Caribbean Hideaway and maybe Cradle of Rome.

Finished Secret City. Will be playing Legendary Tales: Map of Hope next.

I'm still playing Season Match in timed mode but have reached another really hard level. My arm has gotten sore from quick button mashing, stubborn fool that I am.

I can remember being a stubborn fool with Hotdog Hotshot - that gave me a neck ache for days from being tensed up all the time.

Currently playing Alchemy Odyssey: Rise of Shadows. I plan to play a HOPA after this, maybe the first Legendary Tales game.

Do you like Alchemy Odyssey? I have that in my library.

It is very similar to all of the other Efunsoft games I have played. I am finding it to be a pleasant diversion, like the other ones I have finished. Sometimes pleasant and relatively uncomplicated are all I am looking for.

That's why I like the paint and mosaics games, Marian. The Match 3 games also usually do that for me too but it does depend on the game. I never would have thought there could be so many different types of Match 3 games.

Yes, I can see that. I also like the many solitaire games available for the same reasons (and I never thought there could have been so many variations on solitaire).

Ooh! So frustrating! Several times I have gotten to where I need just one more match to beat that level and it's right there in front of me but time runs out while I'm clicking. This is why I keep trying though and haven't given up yet. So. Close.

I admire your persistence!

I'm stuck in a lock picking puzzle in Legendary Tales and I'm stuck in a tree climbing puzzle in Cats and the Other Lives. Not much playing I can do like this

Yes, that is when I would take a look at a walkthrough, but I also understand why you are reluctant to do so.

I took a look at the Cats and the Other Lives forum on Steam and the developer had some suggestions for the tree minigame:



and



It sounds kind of wonky to me, and the controls don't sound very good either.

Thank you. I didn't see that on the Steam forum but I didn't even know I was still getting hit by stones at that point. I just thought I was falling. I have made it all the way up to the roof but cannot get onto the roof for some reason. I've watched a video walkthough (which has some annoying ads in it) but don't see anything I'm not doing. It looks like you get on the roof once you get up there. I'm not seeing paw prints to jump. I don't know. Maybe I need to move to the right and I'm not sure if I've tried that or not.

Edit: Got the s*cker in the Match 3 game!

Well, progress on the match 3 front!

I think I spent about 4 days on that level, Marian.

And guess what? Now that you have shown me that I was supposed to be dodging stones, not just climbing, I made it to the roof. It still took 5 or 6 tries but I made it! Thank you!!!!

You are most welcome! That is so nice to hear.

Looking for a name of a game. I bought it on BFG, but with close to 600 games in my library, it's like finding a needle in the haystack. Brief description: Set in the late 1800s or early 1900s. You, a single gentleman, have received notice that you're inherited and estate on an island off the coast of England. When you arrive, you are greeted by the island's sole inhabitant, the caretaker for the estate. You discover that the estate was the site of three deaths. Due mostly because of a lovers triangle. One lady and two men. You make it you goal to reunite two of the lovers and see to it that the third lover, who likely caused the deaths of the other two, receives the punishment he deserves. Does this ring any bells? Also, I wouldn't call it time travel, but we not only see the estate as the run-down building it currently is, but also in the pristinely decorated estate it once was.

When I was reading the initial part of your description, I was thinking that the game was Shiver: Poltergeist. The single gentleman inheriting an estate, being greeted when you arrive by the caretaker for the estate. But then the rest of the description made me think that it was a different game as it didn't ring any bells.

Anyway, I will see what you have to say and then think about it some more.

I'm at a total loss for the game's name. I'll DL the game you suggested and if that's not it, see if it rings any more bells. (I'm sure there are several games that fit the description, or at least parts of it.)

Yes, there are probably several games that fit that description. And I just looked at Shiver: Poltergeist more closely and it is a butler and not a caretaker.

How about this one? Death at Fairing Point: A Dana Knightstone Novel

Good thought, Ana.

Sorry. That's not it. Not in the Library, although maybe it should be.

I hope we can get this figured out. I'll keep thinking about it.

I just started Spring Mosaics and must say I'm disappointed from the first puzzle. You have to make guesses or use hints. I chose to guess and made 3 mistakes filling in just 4 answers. Then on the third puzzle I either need to guess, hint, or possibly put it down on paper. It's 4 am so I quit out of the game instead. Doesn't save!

Not exactly a promising start.

I doesn't help me, but another clue .... whatever the game is, it, to the best of my knowledege, is not part of a series.

That is good to know.

No, it's not, especially since I was enjoying doing the last Mosaic game just before bed time. I went in the game today and got myself back to where I was last night and took a screen shot which I put in my Paint program. I then tried to figure it out and there were multiple ways it could be solved. I still made 3 mistakes with it. Then I did a couple more which were okay but now I'm stuck in another one which I have also put in Paint since I am probably going to close the game again. I haven't yet.

Edit: I kept the game open and tried some things. After 6 mistakes I "lost" the level and will have to start over. I'm sorry to say this game is not fun. I may try one more time and use the hint button just to see how that works for me but it is not how I want to play it. I will have to find another game.

Edit 2: I think I'll just play Spring in Japan Mosaic Edition. I finished Season Match. There were only 2 levels I played with the timer off - the last level in both the Quest mode and the Arcade mode. There is also something called Trophy Way but I didn't earn enough coins to play that so I'm done. When you lose a level you can continue to progress in the game but you lose your points and coins and helpful items. I hit "game over" multiple times .

Argh. This Spring in Japan game doesn't save on exit either. Just lost a lot of work.

I started Storm Tale Match 3 the other night, playing in Timed Casual mode.

I'm about half way through Legendary Tales: Map of Hope and so far I've actually solved all the puzzles, mostly with luck I think.

Hi everyone!
Its been a while since I posted but I've gotten back into adventure and casual games recently.
I just finished playing Lost Lands 1: Dark Overlord. I was looking for a game to play on the iPad and a friend recommended it. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the game is completely free for iPad. I was expecting to encounter the 'please purchase the complete game' screen, but it never appeared 😀
The puzzles range from really easy to some head-scratchers, but I was thankfully able to get through most of the game and only needed to consult the walkthrough a couple of times.
Overall, a very enjoyable game and I'll be playing more in the series - it looks like there are quite a few.

Hi LaurenJodi, I am glad you have been able to get back into adventure and casual games!

I love Lost Lands: Dark Overlord and have played it three times so far. As of right now, there are eleven Lost Lands games, the latest of which hasn't made it to Big Fish yet.

Sounds good so far with Map of Hope, ob.

Thanks Marian!
I've already started playing it again from the beginning 😂 I want to just wander through all the gorgeous locations this time.
Lots of lands to look forward to 😀

That's great, LaurenJodi. I am happy that you joined the discussion.

Hi LaurenJodi. Have you played any of the Legendary Tales games yet? There are 5 of them and they are by the same developer as the Lost Lands games. I like them a little better myself.

And the Darkness and Flame series as well as the New York Mysteries games are good as well (all 5 BN).

I still haven't started either of those series yet, Marian. One of these days...

I'm sure you will get to them eventually, ob.

Think I have discovered the problem with the game I wish to identify. I printed out my library list. I know it's not part of a series, which eliminates a certain percentage of the games. Of the games that are left I thought I would try to match them against the alphabetical list on the BFG home page. Then read the description that comes up when I click on a candidate. Problem. There is no alphabetical list that can be searched on the BFG home page. Just nine pages of 50 games/page that aren't listed alphabetically, or by original date of publication, or any other searchable criteria.

Heck of a way to run a company. Good guess is that the games that are left are the only ones who didn't receive their walking papers with the latest change of ownership.

Good news is the Drawn Trilogy, which I wasn't able to download as recently at three weeks ago, is now available for sale on the site again. Going to try a download tomorrow.

I, too, miss the alphabetical listing that they used to have but I don't even see where you are seeing a list at all. I see categories and if you go into a category you should be able to sort it by "product name" over on the left hand side of the screen. There are other sorts available also but don't forget to select your language and platform (PC or Mac or whatever else they show) or you will see multiples of all of the games. Oh, and it doesn't hold your language anywhere as far as I can tell so if you change categories you probably have to select your language again. I absolutely hate that! It should keep my language in my profile or a setting somewhere.

Thanls for the recommendations Oldbroad 😀. I haven't played those ones yet. I have played two of the Bridge to Another World games - The Others and Alice in Shadowland as well as Reflections of Life: Tree of Dreams. Those were a bit more linear that Lost Lands, but the stories and puzzles are engaging and I enjoyed them a lot.

I will add all of the games mentioned by others here to my list. Thanks!

The list is is on Game Manager under Purchase History. Use the game title option. Copy and paste the list onto Notepad or whatever app you use. Print, and you are ready to go ... if, make that IF bfg still had the alphabetical list available on its home page.

Thanks, rtrooney. I know about the list in the manager. I was referring to the site. You can list by Category and then alphabetical.

That's likey true, but I think I can only get to that screen if I log in. Something I'm only willing to do under the direst of circumstances. The two sites, BGF home page and Game Manager don't recognize each other's passwords. That's been a loong-time problem. Unfotunately, I don't consider finding the name of one game sufficiently dire to risk logging in. That's why I hoped someone would reccognize it from my description.

Side note: I was able to download Drawn2&3. Drawn1 is currently a no go.

You can browse all the games without logging in.

I found the "alphabetical listing" although I would hardly call it that. It's kind of like the old days visiting a record store. The albums are supposed to be in alphabetical order but the only thing you see is the album covers. Regardless, what I did see is of no use. I've got more titles in my Purchase History that BFG has on it's web page. Thanks for the effort.

I just finished Legendary Tales: Map of Hope (except for going through all of the "extras"). It is a really nice and beautiful game! There were some puzzles that I had to look at the objective (how to play it) but never used the guide or a hint or the skip button. I don't know how I managed that because I didn't feel that the puzzles were easy. I guess I mostly got lucky because I know there were some that I have not been able to solve in past games I've played.

I think I might play Behind the Reflection in Win 7 next. The game I have is on a disc.

I have been continuing to play both Spring Mosaics and Spring in Japan Mosaic Edition even though there is a lot of guessing and neither game will save a partially done puzzle. I am not having quite as much trouble with the guessing. Maybe I didn't try hard enough on those first ones, but still, there IS a good bit of guessing which I don't like.

Edit: Spoke too soon about the Mosaics games. Working on one now that is mostly all guessing.

That's wonderful about Map of Hope. I haven't played that one yet and look forward to it.

I don't think I have Behind the Reflection.

And I agree - I don't like guessing in Mosaics games.

I started Behind the Reflection tonight. It's a bit different. You find things all over the screen as well as in some HO scenes. Some items might need to be made or repaired in order for you to find some other items. I have used the hint button once already in a HO scene and became frustrated in a memory puzzle and almost hit skip but instead got out of the game.

I also started Fishdom 3 Match 3.

Fishdom 3 I have, and have played. I don't believe I ever finished it, though (if there is an actual ending to the game, which I also don't recall). I always liked the Fishdom games.

Thanks for telling us about Behind the Reflection.

Turns out that is the game! When I said it was not part of a series, I fooled myself. All "Shivers:" games have the same title words, but they are all completely different games. Poltergeist had nothing in common with Vanishing Hitchhiker or any other Shivers game. When you said it didn't ring any bells, I stopped looking. Truth is you only meet two of the love triangle characters in the first halof of the story. The third character doesn't appear until much later.

Anyway, I dl's it today, and it's just as good as I remember it being. And, the rest of you can stop looking.

Good news that you found the game and are enjoying it again! And, you can usually trust Marian!

That is great news, rtrooney! This is indeed an excellent game. Enjoy the replay.

I only have Fishdom 3 and Depths of Time, not the two earlier games.

Behind the reflection is sort of fun but I have found a couple of frustrating puzzles already. I did manage to beat the memory puzzle but I just did one puzzle that about killed me. There is a key in a fish aquarium and you have to have the fish push it to the upper left corner to get it. It was very hard to do and quite frustrating. I am actually out of breath now. There is no skip button that I saw for this. I am also currently stuck in some other puzzle that I don't know why it isn't working. I think I'm doing it right. It does have a skip button though if I can't figure it out.