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Farm Sounds by TantrumApps
Games and Education
App
Take your kids to the farm, anytime! A fun application to play with your children, and a great...
Blackbox :: infamous puzzles
Games and Entertainment
9.0
Rate It
App
Blackbox is one of iOS's #1 puzzle games but don't take my word for it—read from over 80,000...
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Spirits of the Wild in Tabletop Games
Aug 15, 2019
You know how some games just look… delicious? Take Azul’s tiles that remind us of a yummy burst of sugary goodness. Or all the cutie little bits in Everdell. Well, the components in this game are really stellar and are just a joy to play with. Yes, I am jumping the gun with the formula I typically use for my reviews, but just scroll down for a sec and check out the play photo. Just those juicy little stones, the awesome bowl, the nice little coyote mini. They’re great! Anyway, having great components doesn’t necessarily mean that the game will be good. Add to that the fact that I picked this up from Target AND it’s published by Mattel and I really wasn’t expecting much from Spirits of the Wild. I’ll admit I was wrong. This is a great game. This is why –
This is a game about resource management, set collection and a hint of take that. The winner of the game is the player who can most efficiently use the stones they choose from the bowl during the game by assigning them to areas on their player mat. Each area scores points differently, and the game ends at the end of the player’s turn once at least five clear stones have left the provided bag. Let me explain.
DISCLAIMER: I do not intend to cover every single rule included in the rule book, but will describe the overall game flow and major rule set so that our readers may get a sense of how the game plays. For more in depth rules, you may purchase a copy from the publisher directly, from Target, or from your FLGS. -T
To setup the game, place all the stones in the bag. Place the bowl in the middle of the players, and set aside the coyote mini. Place the two stacks of Spirit Cards in the middle of the table. Each player receives a play mat and the same set of cards that indicates an action that can be taken on a turn. Draw out four stones from the bag and place them in the bowl. You are ready to begin.
On a player’s turn, they choose a face up card from the collection in front of them which tells them what to do on their turn. Such actions include take a stone, take two stones, or place some stones in the bowl and take one. Once an action card has been chosen and followed, the player flips it over and it cannot be used on the next turn. One card that can be used at any time instructs the player to take a Spirit Card action and refresh their cards by flipping them all face-up. The cards drive the actions to be made throughout the game, but the game really hinges on the stones and the coyote.
When you take actions to choose stones from the bowl you then have to assign those stones to spots on your play mat. These areas score differently and deciding which stones to grab and where to place them can be agonizing, but only because you can see what your opponent is doing and you really need to set yourself up to score points before the game suddenly has to end and you are stuck unfinished and will be unscoring. Unscoring? You’re welcome, Webster’s Dictionary. The coyote, when placed on an opponent’s play mat prevents stones from being added to that area and can really throw an ACME wrench into your plans. So determining when to move the coyote from your mat onto your opponent’s may really be the difference between sweet, tasty victory and bitter, yucky defeat. Again, play continues until the end of the turn when the fifth clear stone leaves the bag. Oh those clear ones? When placed, you can no longer place stones in that area but will also double that area’s score at the end of the game. So there’s quite a bit going on in your head throughout the game. Delicious!
Components. Well, I kinda already professed my love for them in the intro, so I’ll do it again here. They are wonderful components! I want to just be fidgeting with them all the time.
So is this good? Verily!! The constant struggle between deciding your action card based on the stones in the bowl or refreshing your cards or just going for broke and taking a chance on unscoring an area because there are already three clear stones out but you know at any time three more can make an appearance and end the game is just so satisfying. The components are amazing, the game play is fast and furious (not a sponsor), and you just want to play it again right afterward. Those are my favorite kind of games. If this all sounds like your kind of game, definitely check it out. You won’t be disappointed. I believe anyone would like this one. Purple Phoenix Games gives this one an enthusiastic, but temptation-to-eat-the-stones-resisting 10 / 12.
This is a game about resource management, set collection and a hint of take that. The winner of the game is the player who can most efficiently use the stones they choose from the bowl during the game by assigning them to areas on their player mat. Each area scores points differently, and the game ends at the end of the player’s turn once at least five clear stones have left the provided bag. Let me explain.
DISCLAIMER: I do not intend to cover every single rule included in the rule book, but will describe the overall game flow and major rule set so that our readers may get a sense of how the game plays. For more in depth rules, you may purchase a copy from the publisher directly, from Target, or from your FLGS. -T
To setup the game, place all the stones in the bag. Place the bowl in the middle of the players, and set aside the coyote mini. Place the two stacks of Spirit Cards in the middle of the table. Each player receives a play mat and the same set of cards that indicates an action that can be taken on a turn. Draw out four stones from the bag and place them in the bowl. You are ready to begin.
On a player’s turn, they choose a face up card from the collection in front of them which tells them what to do on their turn. Such actions include take a stone, take two stones, or place some stones in the bowl and take one. Once an action card has been chosen and followed, the player flips it over and it cannot be used on the next turn. One card that can be used at any time instructs the player to take a Spirit Card action and refresh their cards by flipping them all face-up. The cards drive the actions to be made throughout the game, but the game really hinges on the stones and the coyote.
When you take actions to choose stones from the bowl you then have to assign those stones to spots on your play mat. These areas score differently and deciding which stones to grab and where to place them can be agonizing, but only because you can see what your opponent is doing and you really need to set yourself up to score points before the game suddenly has to end and you are stuck unfinished and will be unscoring. Unscoring? You’re welcome, Webster’s Dictionary. The coyote, when placed on an opponent’s play mat prevents stones from being added to that area and can really throw an ACME wrench into your plans. So determining when to move the coyote from your mat onto your opponent’s may really be the difference between sweet, tasty victory and bitter, yucky defeat. Again, play continues until the end of the turn when the fifth clear stone leaves the bag. Oh those clear ones? When placed, you can no longer place stones in that area but will also double that area’s score at the end of the game. So there’s quite a bit going on in your head throughout the game. Delicious!
Components. Well, I kinda already professed my love for them in the intro, so I’ll do it again here. They are wonderful components! I want to just be fidgeting with them all the time.
So is this good? Verily!! The constant struggle between deciding your action card based on the stones in the bowl or refreshing your cards or just going for broke and taking a chance on unscoring an area because there are already three clear stones out but you know at any time three more can make an appearance and end the game is just so satisfying. The components are amazing, the game play is fast and furious (not a sponsor), and you just want to play it again right afterward. Those are my favorite kind of games. If this all sounds like your kind of game, definitely check it out. You won’t be disappointed. I believe anyone would like this one. Purple Phoenix Games gives this one an enthusiastic, but temptation-to-eat-the-stones-resisting 10 / 12.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Feb 6, 2019
Intelligent writing (2 more)
Realistic mental health issues
Fandom representation and fanfiction
Wow. Just wow.
The synopsis for this book was very short, precisely 9 lines. The synopsis made me expect to read a book much like paper towns where they go on an adventure, detective style and find the missing person. However, this book was something so much more than that. The main concept of the book I felt was actually about the mental health of the main character Aza. Aza has severe intrusive thoughts that take control of her life. Near to the end of the book a sudden and dramatic incident occurs and you're left unknowing what the outcome will be. Although I wish it never ended, John Green ends the book perfectly.
When a book has help line contact details in the authors notes, you know it's going to be a serious book.
It took me less than 24hours to finish this book, I physically couldn't put it down. John notes in the AN that it took 6 years to finish the book, I can completely understand why. Just wow
When a book has help line contact details in the authors notes, you know it's going to be a serious book.
It took me less than 24hours to finish this book, I physically couldn't put it down. John notes in the AN that it took 6 years to finish the book, I can completely understand why. Just wow
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Slightly Married (Bedwyn Saga, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I don't have too much to say about this first (actual) entry into the Bedwyn/Slightly series. The pacing was good, the hero and heroine were nice and likable characters, and their romance was sweet and charming. The only thing I had a problem with were the loves scenes, they just felt 'off' and didn't quite fit into or with the flow of the storyline. Especially the second one, which struck me as odd. Otherwise it was a nice and easy story to read.
I don't dislike Freyja as much in this book, but for setting a series on a whole family of six, why did Ms. Balogh write them so unlikable? Or at least, they don't make me want to read the next book immediately, as I feel it should be. I am interested in Wulfric's intended and how she is able to break through to him. <i>That</i> ought to be something! :P
Now that I've read three in a row in the series (this and the two 'prequels'), I think I'll take a break. I've heard that there is a bit of repetition and it's better to break them up. :)
I don't dislike Freyja as much in this book, but for setting a series on a whole family of six, why did Ms. Balogh write them so unlikable? Or at least, they don't make me want to read the next book immediately, as I feel it should be. I am interested in Wulfric's intended and how she is able to break through to him. <i>That</i> ought to be something! :P
Now that I've read three in a row in the series (this and the two 'prequels'), I think I'll take a break. I've heard that there is a bit of repetition and it's better to break them up. :)
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Dangerous Kind in Books
Mar 15, 2019
1 in 100 people
We all recognize them. Those who exist just on the fringes of society. Who send prickles up the back of our necks. The charmers. The liars. The manipulators. Those who have the potential to go that one step too far. And then take another step.
WOW... is what I have to say for this thriller. This book grabbed me from the first chapter and never let me go. It tackles some difficult topics and it was quite uncomfortable to read in places but it was written well and not overly explicit.
I had tears while reading this; at times I wanted to scream in frustration at the characters. by the ending I was doing the mouth hanging open in surprise!
This story is told mainly from four different view points the story follows Jessamine, a radio presenter, her adopted daughter Sarah, Jitesh an intern at the BBC radio studios in present day London and Rowena in 2003.
I myself would love to see this turned into a movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
We all recognize them. Those who exist just on the fringes of society. Who send prickles up the back of our necks. The charmers. The liars. The manipulators. Those who have the potential to go that one step too far. And then take another step.
WOW... is what I have to say for this thriller. This book grabbed me from the first chapter and never let me go. It tackles some difficult topics and it was quite uncomfortable to read in places but it was written well and not overly explicit.
I had tears while reading this; at times I wanted to scream in frustration at the characters. by the ending I was doing the mouth hanging open in surprise!
This story is told mainly from four different view points the story follows Jessamine, a radio presenter, her adopted daughter Sarah, Jitesh an intern at the BBC radio studios in present day London and Rowena in 2003.
I myself would love to see this turned into a movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Merissa (11961 KP) rated Defiance (The Wolfborne Saga #1) in Books
Dec 19, 2019
Defiance is the first book in The Wolfborne Saga and you get a very different take on vampires and werewolves! It starts with Zev escaping in wolf form, from who or what you don't know. It's a close call though, nearly his last call, but he is saved by a young man driving a car. This opens up a whole sort-of-new life for those Zev meets and for him himself.
This was brilliantly written, with plenty of world-building and information given without it being an info-dump. There is definitely character growth from Zev but the others are just as interesting.
As the first book in a series you expect to get a lot of the ground-work, sometimes to the detriment of the story. Not so here. Ms. Alsop has provided a great start and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was brilliantly written, with plenty of world-building and information given without it being an info-dump. There is definitely character growth from Zev but the others are just as interesting.
As the first book in a series you expect to get a lot of the ground-work, sometimes to the detriment of the story. Not so here. Ms. Alsop has provided a great start and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nick Beaty (70 KP) rated Mindhunter - Season 1 in TV
Jan 14, 2020 (Updated Jan 14, 2020)
Cameron Britton steals every scene...
I went in to Mindhunter with high expectations and ended up with a mixed bag of emotions by the end.
The scene's in which they interview the 'Serial Killers' are fascinating and make up the best parts of Mindhunter by far. They were intense, creepy and completely captivating. Cameron Britton's portrayal of Ed Kemper in particular, is absolutely superb and he steals every scene.
A few people have mentioned the slow pace of the show as a problem, I personally didn't mind this. For me the main problem lies with the lead character Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) who is very unlikable to say the least, he is arrogant, manipulative and very selfish. However his partnership with FBI agent Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) is another highlight, as they do have a good on screen chemistry.
Without adding any spoilers, I would say that for me the ending to season 1 is a bit of an anticlimax.
After all is said and done Mindhunter is still a good watch and I am looking forward to seeing where they take it in season 2.
The scene's in which they interview the 'Serial Killers' are fascinating and make up the best parts of Mindhunter by far. They were intense, creepy and completely captivating. Cameron Britton's portrayal of Ed Kemper in particular, is absolutely superb and he steals every scene.
A few people have mentioned the slow pace of the show as a problem, I personally didn't mind this. For me the main problem lies with the lead character Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) who is very unlikable to say the least, he is arrogant, manipulative and very selfish. However his partnership with FBI agent Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) is another highlight, as they do have a good on screen chemistry.
Without adding any spoilers, I would say that for me the ending to season 1 is a bit of an anticlimax.
After all is said and done Mindhunter is still a good watch and I am looking forward to seeing where they take it in season 2.
Terry Crews recommended Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) in Movies (curated)
