Annabel Review

Genre: Adventure
Publisher: Nevosoft
Download a 60-minute trial of Annabel from Club Casual Games

Ian Hannan:
The ancient Egyptians revered their Gods and the lore of this ancient race runs deep throughout history. Intriguing are the elements of secrecy employed in hiding artefacts in great pyramids within the great deserts of Egypt, and within the hieroglyphics. Annabel the game, seeks to uncover a mystery of the Egyptians, and in so doing take you on an adventure. So buckle up!

Down-time without the frown time!

The Life/Work Balance
by December M

Life. Work. Home. If only there were more hours in the day. If only there was more time to sleep, more time to play, more time with the kids, more time with the spouse, more time to empty that damn inbox and much less spam to wade through.

Fishdom: Seasons under the Sea Review

Genre: Match 3 / Sim
Developer: Playrix
Publisher: Playrix
Download a 60-minute trial of Fishdom: Seasons under the Sea

December M:
They say familiarity breeds contempt but not so with the latest release of the Fishdom series: Seasons under the Sea. Once again, Fishdom bring you a fun match 3 game but this time the choice of tanks are holiday-themed, with a choice of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Royal Envoy: Review

Genre: Resource Management / strategy
Developer: Playrix
Publisher: Playrix
Download a 60-minute trial of Royal Envoy from Club Casual Games
Play Royal Envoy online for free

Ian Hannan:
A storm has swept across the lands, destroying homes and the livelihoods of the people living in Islandshire, a small group of islands governed by one King. When advised of the misfortune of his people, it is not until he realizes that he won’t be receiving any more elaborate footwear unless his citizens are saved, that he moves to action. Welcome to Playrix’s Royal Envoy, and your first step toward being a town planner.

Little Shop Memories Review

Genre: Hidden Object
Developer: GameHouse
Publisher: GameHouse
Download a 60-minute trial of Little Shop: Memories on Club Casual Games
Play Little Shop Memories online for free

December M:
Following in the successful series of the other Little Shop games, the Memories edition offers yet another hidden object game, focused squarely on the beginner market. While the game offers quality images and perky music, it really is in the game play that is a disappointment.

Campfire Legends – The Hookman Review

Genre: Hidden Object Adventure
Developer: GameHouse
Publisher: GameHouse
Download a 60-minute trial of Campfire Legends – The Hookman on Club Casual Games

December M:
Terrifying! Ten minutes into Campfire Legends – The Hookman and I’d scared the crap out of myself! I knocked my computer table so hard the speakers fell over and my heart was racing! Oh boy! How long has it been since a hidden object/adventure game has done that to me?

Paradise Beach 2: Around the World Review

Genre: Strategy, Time Management
Developer: Nevosoft
Publisher: Nevosoft
Download a 60-minute trial of Paradise Beach 2: Around the World

December M:
I’m hopeless at these sorts of games. I say it time and again but there’s just no other way to put it. I am not sure if it’s the time management part of Paradise Beach 2, or if it’s the multitasking required that causes me to do badly. But it’s not good.

Snark Busters: Welcome to the Club Review

Genre: Hidden Object Adventure
Developer: Alawar Stargaze
Publisher: Alawar
Download a 60-minute trial of Snark Busters: Welcome to the Club

December M:

I’d love to stay and chat but I’m afraid I can’t stay long: I simply must get back and finish playing Snark Busters: Welcome to the Club. This compelling and invigorating game is an Adventure/Hidden Object/Puzzle which surprises on many levels and leaves you panting for more!

There are two main types of games available that I have observed. Firstly, you have games that start an innovation (think of Pong, text adventures, Myst or even the original DragonQuest) and these lead on to many replicas with different names that enhance and add to the original concept. There are a few elite games that can bring a new edge to an existing game and when they do so, they do it well (think of Jolly Rover, Text Twist 2 and Midnight Mysteries). There’s the other type of game, of course. They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery so that must explain the vast majority of games released that are really just clones of an earlier idea – with nothing added but still managed to deliver a solid performing game.

Mortimer Beckett and the Lost King

Genre: Hidden object adventure
Developer:
Publisher: Gamehouse
Download a 60-minute trial from Club Casual Games

December M:

Uh Oh! Another Hidden Object Game – just like all the others right? WRONG! Mortimer Beckett and the Lost King has such a captivating opening sequence that sets you up to enjoy one of the pleasurable HOG’s released in a while. The 3D animations are smooth and crisp; the storyline is enchanting and will continue to pique your interest from chapter to chapter. And even the gameplay is fun and somewhat different.

Jolly Rover – Review

Genre: Adventure
Developer: Brawsome
Publisher: Brawsome
Download a trial of Jolly Rover from Club Casual Games

Ian Hannan:
“So whilst the winds are blowing well, prepare to set sail with Brawsome’s Jolly Rover for the adventure of a lifetime. You can’t go wrong with the puzzle solving, romance, adventure, action and humour.” read the full review

December M:
“Yo! Ho! Ho! and a bottle of FUN! Jolly Rover had me in stitches with its wit, humour and charm! This adventure game has all the key elements to give you a great time for many hours.” read the full review