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Aqua Pearls: A Review

(20 posts) (10 voices)

Started 16 years ago by Whiterabbit-uk
Latest reply from scubaguy (R.I.P.)

Whiterabbit-uk
Games Guru

Introduction

Today’s giveaway received a positive 83% of 221 votes the last time it was given away and also had 79 comments which you can read by following the link below:

http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/aqua-pearls/

In particular see comments #48 by Swan, #52 & 54 by Game Seeker, #69 & 70 by Brandy and comment #77 Bonnie

The Game

The game installs perfectly, and plays like a dream. My daughter loves these games, this particular one is perfect for her as it has a pleasant underwater theme with a likable character and playing on easy it’s not too fast for her to cope. There are two other difficulty settings Medium and Hard. Changing the difficulty settings controls the speed at which the string of pearls travels along a predetermined path. My children couldn’t cope with anything other than easy.

Apart from requiring the keyboard to set up your profile at the beginning of the game It’s fully mouse controlled. From the options menu you can change the pearls skin from a solid to a semi translucent skin which reminds me of sweets for some inexplicable reason. You can also choose to play the game in windowed mode. There are four different modes, Puzzle, adventure, strategy and endless; though I couldn’t see much difference between the four. You can check what each mode entails from the help menu. (you can see these by following the link to the screen captures) You can also adjust the sound and music volume. The intro music is almost classical in form, and very pleasant to listen to. The playing music is okay, but after a while I found it a little monotonous. Nice game for children and adults alike.

To help you win levels you get 11 different power ups ranging from score multipliers to bombs and other bonuses that affect the movement of the string of pearls as well as some more unusual ones such as the earthquake bonus. You can see all the different bonuses on pages 5 & 6 of the help menu or by following the link to the in game screen captures I’ve posted to my photobucket account. As you progress through the levels you collect stars which can be used to upgrade your bonuses to make them more powerful.

Images – All on one page

http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/Whiterabbit_01/gaotd/Aqua%20Pearls/

Images – As a slideshow

http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/Whiterabbit_01/gaotd/Aqua%20Pearls/?albumview=slideshow

Googled

http://images.google.co.uk/images?gbv=2&hl=en&q=Aqua+pearls&btnG=Search+Images

Conclusion

This is a straightforward Zuma clone that is ideal for the family as there’s enough difference between the difficulty settings to make it a challenge for the kids and adults alike. It also got the added bonus of being able to upgrade power ups through the stars that are collected. This is always a welcome attribute in a game (IMO) and in my opinion adds to the games enjoyment. There’s plenty of re-playability in this game. If you don’t have too many clones of this game or if you are a family I would recommend this game as a keeper and in my estimation is worth a reasonable 7 out of 10. I have all of the Luxor games (4) as well as Atlantis Sky Patrol, and several others but would still keep this one because it’s well made and playable; besides I’m a sucker for remakes of the original so long as it’s not exactly the same.

Similar stuff

Here’s a free Zuma clone called Azteca which is actually the commercial game Inca ball; and is another decent Zuma clone worth having. As always with Gametop games I must warn you that you do get your browser opened, but nothing untoward is downloaded to your computer, and closing the browser down is simple, with no come back once it’s closed.

http://www.gametop.com/download-free-games/azteca-download/

There’s another Zuma clone from the same distributor as Azteca is called Aqua Pop and can be downloaded from the following link:

http://www.gametop.com/download-free-games/aqua-pop-download/

Posted 16 years ago #
sukibabe
Games Junkie

LOL, Whabbit, how are you????

I have been doing Beta's to long, lol, I remember this one!

Not a bad one for kids, but can definatly see the frustration. I remember when I used to baby sit my sisters twins when they were about 5 years old. We had the latest in Nintendo, they almost thru the controller at the TV screen(not unlike what is happening with Wii), although the adults are doing that now!
I haven't been on much because my older brother just had heart valve replacement for the second time and my son just informed me he was in a car accident on the 29th of February, not even a week after the Sunday baby shower! He is ok I think, but his precious Yellow scooped, decked out, Chevy is crushed! Hearing him describe it I don't want to feel the effects of an air bag.
Went to the front page first to look for your review, then came to the forums! When I started typing this it was a little after 2 A.M.!!!!
It will be like the squirrel one, on for a bit then off.

I like games with a challenge! Not to many out there! I keep a WANT folder, all the games I Beta or demo, that I would give a second try, go in that folder. Then they get gone thru again! Needless to say the folder is only holding 2 games at the moment. I leave them in the folder because when I delete the game, the reminder is still there!

Well hope your feeling better and I will be on the forums a little bit more as things settle down.

Suki

Posted 16 years ago #
graylox
Moderator

Hi, Stephen, thank you for your review.
Unfortunately my puter don't feel for this game, just like a lot of other Realore games. There is a nice underwater picture with an OK button in the middle and the cursor. I can check OK, it says "glupp" (or something like that) - that's all. Have to close it with task manager.
It's the same crap with Azteca, Inka Balls or Aqua Pop from Gametop. So, no new game for me today.
----
Suki I hope, all will be good with your brother and your son.

graylox

Posted 16 years ago #
Whiterabbit-uk
Games Guru

Addendum to my first post above:

I didn’t really explain the differences between each of the four modes in my review posted earlier this morning, partly because I needed to get an early night so rushed the review. It wasn’t until Goodtwin pointed out the differences that I realized my oversight. I’ve updated the screen captures to include a couple of end of level stats pages, which you get with the puzzle and strategy games and a levels map with the adventure mode as well as a screen capture of the bonus updates. There’s also an image that shows how the adventure mode gets a little more challenging when boards with double rows of pearls appear. I don't think these are just limited to the adventure mode either. The following is a summary of each of the modes - which I should have included earlier – sorry about that :oops:

Adventure mode:

Once stars start to appear which is from level 2 onwards you should catch as many as you can as these go towards upgrading your bonus items. When a bonus item appears you need to capture it relatively quickly as it only stays in place for a short period before moving on to another position. There are forty levels in this mode which are divided up into four stages. At the end of each tenth level you will meet an end of level boss which according to Game Seeker (from the first time it was given away) creates havoc by randomly adding more pearls to the string you’re trying to destroy. The bosses you’ll meet on this journey are a crab, angler fish octopus and a shark. I presume these also relate to the four stings of pearls that were stolen; however I can’t be sure as I’ve not played the adventure mode to the end of the first 10 levels yet.

Strategy mode:

I found this one relatively easy, though I could just have been lucky, having completed the first two levels in less than 40 seconds each and the third in under 2 minutes. The aim here is to clear away the fish from the arena by removing three or more pearls when they are adjacent to the fish. The strategy mode gradually gets harder as the number of fish is increased. The first two levels had four fish to remove and then this number increased to five fish. You can change the pearl skins or change the difficulty settings anytime in between levels and it will not affect your saves which are automatically done when you leave the game each time.

Puzzle mode:

In this mode you are given a limited number of shots that can be added to by collecting stars from within the string of pearls. Every time you collect a star you get an additional shot. The level ends in three ways. You complete the level and remove all pearls, you run out of stars, which you can see via an indicator to the top middle right of the playing arena, or if your string of pearls arrives at the clam shell.

Endless:

This is exactly as the name implies, endless. The aim is to score as high a score as you can. This is the only mode where you don’t save your progress because you can choose any of the fifteen levels whenever you boot up the game.

If you’re not that familiar with Zuma style games and enjoyed today’s giveaway; let me recommend two that are must haves of this sub genre of match three games. Any one of the Luxor games are brilliant though Luxor 3 is the one I would highly recommend because it's the latest and has more surprises to discover. Also Atlantis Sky Patrol is worth checking out, with a great story line and again some excellent gaeplay and a brilliant bonus update system. Both are fabulous and in my opinion are probably the best of this genre. If I had to choose between the two I’d go for Luxor 3, but only just as I thoroughly enjoyed playing Atlantis Sky Patrol despite it not having the scope that Luxor 3 has. You can download demos of both these games from the links below:

Luxor 3:

http://realore.com/luxor3/

Atlantis Sky Patrol:

http://www.tucows.com/preview/507360

Posted 16 years ago #
funkymom
Member

thanks for the review, whiterabbit.
i like this kind of game(sometimes), so after your review, i will be checking it out.

i was lucky enough to have a friend "share" luxor 3 with me. it's a fun game with really beautiful graphics. it is the only game my friend even plays.

suki- hope your brother and your son are well.

Posted 16 years ago #
Whiterabbit-uk
Games Guru

Thanks for your support over that weird comment yeaterday. As for todays game, I'll certainly be keeping it a second time around. Emily loves this one. I do think Luxor 3 is the cream of the crop with respect to this genre. with all the power ups, the beautiful graphics and the extra games you get it's so playable, though I still also love Atlantis Sky Patrol even though it comes nowhere near the playability of Luxor 3. If you were to buy one of these games I'd certainly go for one of the above mentioned. If I read you right about sharing then if you have the spare cash get Atlantis Sky Patrol. (though check out the demo first lol.

Stephen

Posted 16 years ago #
delenn13
Minbari Ambassador

I wasn't going to download this game today as my fingers usually don't work fast enough and the game usually frustrates me instead of relaxing me.....But I read WR's review and he mentioned it had an "easy" mode so I did. Glad I did. Cute game. I have others like this and I will check to see if they have the easy mode also. :)

Thanks WR again for teaching me another thing to check for in a game. I had never played any games but card games before coming here. So I am learning a lot and taking chances I wouldn't have other wise. I was ill with migraines when you posted about the reviews not being any fun anymore so I wasn't able to post at the time and express my regret and to let you know you would be missed. I am glad TPTB are working with you now. And if it gets to be too much, just do a basic one. We will understand.

Posted 16 years ago #
LeKanaw
Member

Hi all :-)
First Thank You WRabbit - Another great review and another game I wasn't going to dwld, but u convinced me!

I'm having weird problems w today's game.
Sorry to be posting about this problem only now, probably too late to resolve anything.

1-On my laptop:
In a middle of a game, the game stops then minimizes. We have to click it in the taskbar for it to go to full screen again. It does this frequently. But at least we can play it.

2-On a desktop:
All the left part of the screen is blank. The colours and decor are there, but not the bubbles w the info. Closed/Re-Opened - still the same. Impossible to play.

Is it just me?
Strange to have different problems on different systems w the same game! All XP SP2.
I don't know if I should dwld on my other PCs or what...
What would be the best course of action?
Thank you in advance for any input.

Hi Suki: Hope your brother & son are doing better!
Hi Ambassador, hope things are improving for you and Hubby :-)

Posted 16 years ago #
scubaguy (R.I.P.)
Member

To the queen of the Mango Parade. I really want to help you with your problems!!

1. (I'm having weird problems with today's game.)

That's because today is just a weird day,I hear tomorrow will be the same,so don't D/L anything then,and hang a string of garlic around your computer screen.

2. (In the middle of a game, the game stops then minimizes. We have to click it in the taskbar for it to go to full screen again. It does this frequently.)

After you click it to go to full screen,put your hand on the screen and hold it there real tight,that will keep it from slipping down to the task bar,if that doesn't work put some glue around the edge of the screen that will hold it there for sure!!!

3. ( the left part of the screen is blank.)

Hang a pretty picture over that part, this way it won't be so blank,I could send you one of me!!!

4. (but not the bubbles )

This is easy get some dish soap,or bubble bath works best mix with water and there you are bubbles,you can then put some on the screen.

5.(Is it just me?)

Yes it most definitely is you. I assure you of that,here's how to prove it, go stand in front of a mirror,now the person looking back,is you!!! That should answer your question,"Is it just Me".

6. (What would be the best course of action?)

I would strongly suggest you pack up both systems and ship them to Nigeria,I hear in return they will send you "$$ Millions of Dollars" hard to believe,but true.
If your still frustrated, go over to the window stick your head out and,..Wait did I say you should open it first, ok then yell as loud as you can "I can't take it anymore,and I'm going to stuff noodles up my nose!!! Remember you have to do this as loud as you can.

Now, I know what your thinking right about this time, your saying to yourself," This scubaguy is really a terrific person to take time out of his busy schedule to help me ,how could I ever repay him?".
Well it's reward enough to know that I was able to help you with your problem,and return the favor when you helped me fix that problem I had with the sound on that site last month,you know the one!!
So you are most welcome.

Posted 16 years ago #
LeKanaw
Member

Thank You sooooo very much SC, u are really a terrific person to take time out of ur busy schedule to help me!!

How kind of you!! (she says, thinking instead: Ohhh, he'll pay for this!!) to help me out soooo generously!!
I liked best the part about opening the window first!! Duhh, silly me, could have forgotten...
I'll have to see about the noodle part though... Not so sure how to add them to the hard drive afterwards!?!?
Well, have to go now, the bubble bath bubbles must be ready, I already have the glue...
See u around, my very kind & generous friend!

=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=
Now, this is a Declaration of War if I ever saw one!
You do realize I'll hunt u down and I'll make u pay, right?
Revenge & War... Hummm... How interesting... Me likey ;-)
We'll see who's sword *or* kitchen knives are best! HeeHeeHee (devilish laugh)

Posted 16 years ago #
funkymom
Member

omg! scubaguy- you crack me up.

maybe my memory is shot (scratch the maybe- i know it's shot), but you seem to be much funnier lately. did you recently change your meds?

whatever- thanks for the laugh.
:D

Posted 16 years ago #
LeKanaw
Member

Hi Funky
No, I think he's now taking other type of meds... heuhh, if u can call them that...
But he's always funny, when he takes out his cape and butter knives :-)

Anyway, after going through the window AND gluing the bubbles on my screen...
I installed the game on my other 2.
The score: only 1 out of 4 run properly!! Hummm, bizzaro day?
Well, maybe SC is right, it is my weird day indeed! Well, all my days are weird, what else is new!?!
So, anybody else has any (real) ideas? Help...

Posted 16 years ago #
funkymom
Member

i'm sorry, i can't help.
i can only be entertained by the side effects of your problems.

Posted 16 years ago #
shkapoo
Member

No, LeKanaw. It's not just you! I have the same problem on my computer as you are having on your desktop. Even uninstalled it and re-installed. Still doing the same thing.

Posted 16 years ago #
Whiterabbit-uk
Games Guru

lol.

Posted 16 years ago #
graylox
Moderator

Hi, Manu, I have similar weird problems with some Realore games, and remember, others had them too.
There are always some parts of the game not seen, or it's folded like blends, or something.
The game loads, and it appears to play - but not with me.
Posted this several times. There are no error notices, the puter seems to think he is playing - split personality ? But who ? the puter ? you ? scuby ? I ? BuBBy ? his keyboard ? or Billy M$ ? or Me again ?
grayBar or barLox or loxbab ?

Posted 16 years ago #
goodgotd
Member

check your screen resolution.

Posted 16 years ago #
graylox
Moderator

that would be too simple - didn't help

Posted 16 years ago #
maizeydaze
Member

scubaguy - Did I talk to you on the phone the other day? You sound exactly like that ISP tech guy. :D

Posted 16 years ago #
scubaguy (R.I.P.)
Member

maizeydaze - No it wasn't me,but I did train the guy you talked to,and no,you don't have to thank me.
Have to go now,If the Mango Lady finds me I'm in BIG BIG trouble!!!!
Try the garlic ring on the puter!

Posted 16 years ago #

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