Review
- Sky Bubbles Deluxe Game Review
5 StarsThe game Sky Bubbles Deluxe is exquisitely done. You feel like a winner when you're done. The graphics are stunning. You find yourself taking it real slow trying to check out the graphics. There is a great built in motivation to try to meet the challenge...so you find yourself abruptly ignoring the graphics and trying to clear the levels. There is so more to do than just match beautiful groups of color. Learning to earn and select the best power ups in the heat of the action can make all the difference. The transitions between levels is wonderful. The music and sound effects are top drawer. You can set the 3D background to fly over snowy peaks, volcanoes or a variety of other choices. Though I was specifically ,doing game reviews, I just had to buy this game after playing the demo. Additionally, you can set it to screen saver mode and let the camera fly you over the terrains without the game in the foreground.
If you have played games like "Bejeweled 2 Deluxe" (which is an excellent game also) Wonderlines and other swap 3 games you have a basic idea of the general game. However, the graphic show is a visual reward for making advanced combos. In "Adventure Mode" you have to earn the the availability of bonus rewards and make choices for the available bonuses based on your progress. The goal is not entirely based on ability to make bonuses because there are certain number of targets which must be removed before you can go to a next level. So focus on a additional goal adds to the challenge. You also have the option to continue making swaps, before the "bubbles" settle into their next spot, allowing for a "continuous rapid play" - if you are up for the challenge. In "Swap Mode" all the bonuses are just automatically present and the show can be a little overwhelming.
The other two modes of play in Sky Bubbles Deluxe are: lines and action lines. Played on a grid where 5 or more bubbles must be made horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Any turn you take where you have not completed a row of 5, the computer adds extra bubbles to the grid. When the grid fills up game play is over. It can be an addictive game, like the many lines games, including the recent release of "Wonderlines" (also a fine game - review to be posted at a later date).
If you were only buying one game, and had narrowed your choice to Wonderlines and Bejeweled 2 - play this demo - buy this game and go back for the other two later. That's my personal opinion. Supplied are links to all three games so that you can fairly make your own choice. Certainly, the other two games have earned their right in high ratings for good reasons. That's why demos are available. We each have different likes and dislikes. These reviews serve to give you a better idea about how to use you 60 minutes in the demo, when you get it. Some games may have wonder features that you never see during a trial. Simply because, you might choose one mode and play it for the full session, when your favorite style of game was just a menu click away.
This may be my favorite game of all time. Make sure to try out adventure mode. Whether, you want a slow relaxing game or lots of action...it's all right here. High score or not you can feel good about the game. Surprisingly, the game makes you feel good all around. Much more than I expected to enjoy any game. I played the demo straight through the whole 60 minutes. When I submitted the review to Reflexive Entertainment I quoted: "I'm definitely buying this game and recommending that everyone should try this demo. I'd like to put this demo on my website! " And, a couple weeks later, here it is and I have my own copy of the full game. A review of the full game will be done later this year by this source. I'll try to be less biased in the up coming review.
For other screen shots and description pages for Sky Bubbles Deluxe see earlier blog entry http://debraford123.com/blog1/deb-web-games-reviews-and-tips/game-reviews/sky-bubbles-deluxe/ or to the arcade page at http://www.debraford123.com/DEBWEBGAMES.html .