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I really like fish tanks. I would like to have one but my place is too small and besides I have enough animals to take care of. But whenever I go anyplace that has one it draws me to it like a magnet. It is so relaxing to watch the fish swim by and they are always so bright and beautiful. So when I realized there was a match 3 game with tropical fish I just had to play it. I was not disappointed. The graphics in this game are spectacular. Last week I urged you to exercise your brain and this week we are going to have to be coordinated.

Hey all you chocolate fans. As you probably know by now, the third installment of Chocolatier has arrived. Many reviewers are calling this one the best in the series so far. So if you want to continue your quest to become the next international confectionary tycoon, play this game. And of when you get stuck, check out the excellent guide that Kristi wrote.

I used to be a really good speller. But as I get older my skills seem to be a little rusty. Thank God we have computers that will correct all of our mistakes. A game like Word Whomp is good for older folks because we must use our brain power. This game will definitely give your brain all the exercise it needs for the day.

What a coincidence! After spending a week taking care of a friend in the hospital up jumps a new game called Unwell Mel. Poor Mel. He is definitely unwell. He has every disease you could possibly think of and some you would never think of such as gossipy mouth. Although, come to think of it there are a lot of us who may have that problem. Anyway, the object of this game is to cure poor Mel. You can play standard or relaxed play, the graphics are nice and clear and each level comes up with another object to match or help you get more points. This is a different kind of match 3 game and if you are into medical ailments, you’ll really enjoy this one.

Another Farm Frenzy game is out, Farm Frenzy Pizza Party, and it continues to live up to its great reputation! What I enjoy about this game is that it's not just one task that you are trying to complete before time runs out, but several. You need to, of course, make the required products, but you also need to keep your animals happy and fed, send your truck to make deliveries, send the airplane to bring ingredients, and fend off bears so they won't take away your livestock. I love the bears, the way they are animated is so cute and cracks me up every time they come around, except when they take one of my chickens. Grrrrrrr!

In the latest manifestation of this long running series (which started sometime around the time I was born), you'll play against computer opponents trying to dominate an Old English landscape. This game has a nice mix of strategy and mini-games. I really enjoyed sneaking into the opponent's castle and stealing their gold. While the tutorial of the game could probably be better, overall I'd say its worth a try.

Whew, what a busy time! Midterms coming up, then a short spring break, then back to school.

Well it took me a couple weeks but I finally finished the Totem Tribe walkthrough.

I have to say I was blown away by this game. If you have visited the brickbusting genre in awhile, the release of this game makes it worth coming back to. It really takes the genre to a whole new place. Its sort of combination pinball, shooter, brickbuster game. The authors really take advantage of the physics engine which has 3D structures collapsing all around you. And you really need a whole arsenal of weapons to take out these tricky blocks and objects including air support from helicopters and jets. I highly recommend Stike Ball 3.

If you've ever been torn between trying out a hidden object game or a time management game, then Shop-n-Spree is definitely the game for you. This game is a very fun blend of the two genres, sort of the best of both worlds. Basically, you are trying to save the family store from the big mean superstore that moved in next door by beefing up the sales in your own business. In the game you try to help different kinds of customers find the items they are looking for, and believe me, there are a lot of items to look through. It kind of reminds me of the tv game show Wheel of Fortune when the contestant gets to choose items from a whole room chalked full of prizes.

I have to admit that this game was very confusing to me at first - I think they could have done a better job introducing people to the game. It took me awhile to figure out what all the letters meant and how to control the interface. But once you figure it out, its simple. By the third round I had figured out how to play the game and started to enjoy it.

Its pouring rain here so weekend beach plans may have to be punted. But we are going to a new Mexican Restaurant tonight for my birthday - rain can't stop that.

My latest guide is for Natalie Brookes: The Treasures of the Lost Kingdom. This is a sequel game and is pretty much like the first in game-play except it has 3D elements, cool ay? The mini games range from super easy to difficult but there is a skip option. It's really more of a puzzle game than a hidden object game, but it has elements of both. It's not a very long game but I enjoyed it just the same. My only complaints is the translation to English is a bit messed up as it was with the first one. While these don't take away from the story, it is an annoyance. You'll catch Natalie at say things another character should have or refer to her grandfather as someone else's. The most humorous mix up I can't tell you in detail suffice to say that they really should reword the line "take out (character name)". They mean "get (character name) out" but... well you know what I mean.

Super Bowl Sunday is here and I am ready for the big game. Being a West Coast native I will be rooting for the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers are my team but alas no super bowl this year. I love football. I used to be a real fanatic but I have calmed down some over the years. I like to go to the games and see all the fans and their crazy get-ups. Of course being a niner fan I would go to San Francisco for the home games and who couldn’t have a good time in that great city? After the game we would go out for a great dinner at the wharf and sometimes see the fishing boats come in with their catch of the day. Which brings me to the review this week: Robinson Crusoe is fun to play.

With school starting up again, I had to find some reason not to do my homework... so I decided to do a walkthrough for Be Rich. This is a great game with some interesting complexities. You may not get immediately hooked in like some of the other games on this site, but just give it a chance. There is a lot more freedom to do what you want in this game than in the Build-A-Lot series. So check it out if, like me, you fantasize about being uber-wealthy someday. And if you get stuck, you know where to look for help.

What would you do if you won the lotto? I've sometimes contemplated that question for myself (though that would probably mean actually purchasing a ticket, which I've never done). But just say that I were to happen into a large sum of money, there's a lot of things I'd do, like buy a new house, pay off debt, go on a tour of Europe, just to name a few. I think I'd also try and find some ways to invest a large portion of it so that I'm not just consuming the winnings but turning it into a money generator itself.

Today Anne, Xavier, and I went to the Doodah Parade in Pasadena. Very fun and crazy. If you ever get the chance to go, you should at least once. A lot of people out just having fun, which we need more of in life. And I guess that's why we all enjoy playing games.

They finally came out with a new match three game that I like. It is one of the Atlantis series. I have all 3 of them and I like all of them. They are challenging and a lot of fun to play. The Call of Atlantis fits right in with the other two. It starts off easy and gets harder as you go along. Try to collect all the game bonuses you can. You will need all of them to win . If you put the game pieces out first you don’t get a chance to put out the bonus pieces because it will go to the next level. So try to put the bonus pieces out first. Also watch the timer and get as many points as you can so you will get more lives. On the easy rounds collect points before you put out the game piece. This will give you lives you will need later on. If you don’t have any of the Atlantis games you really should try them out if you are a match 3 fan. They are some of the best. I think Atlantis Quest is the most difficult but you might think differently. Give them a try and see what you think. . Oh! I forgot to mention that this game has some added fun with hidden objects. I should also mention that if you come across frozen tiles try and break them as quickly as you can so you can get the higher game pieces down faster.

Well here I am again back at work after an extended vacation to Tuscany. Around the middle of November my girlfriend called and asked if I would like to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with her in Italy at her villa in Tuscany.What?!!! Are you kidding? I have always wanted to go so I packed my bags, got on a plane and had the most wonderful time of my life. It is cold there right now and the villa had a few heating problems but who cares. She was born there so we didn’t have any of the usual tourist problems and I made many new friends. Can’t wait to go back.

Thanks to CasualGameGuides reader KamenRider for the guide to Wonderland Adventures. Reminder: anyone who gets a guide posted to the site gets a game code to unlock any Big Fish Game!

As much as I love Christmas vacation, I get bored quickly. What better way to fight boredom than to play a game and write a guide. Yes, another one already, I've been busy!

Westward 3 has been released so we've started a guide. Post your questions in the forums so we can attempt to research the answers. And as for all you experts, place your quest walkthroughs in the forums so we can benefit from your wisdom!

I hope everyone had a happy holidays, I sure did! I'm on vacation for a few weeks so what a better way to spend my time then play games (and write a guide).

Wow, what a busy, busy month we’ve had. Nearly everyday there is a new HOG! Here is a list of all the one that have been released in the last month or so and my reviews. Please remember that these are solely my opinion and before you purchase a game or don’t purchase a game, please locate the game on our site and download the demo. You have a full hour to try all these games which is plenty of time to decide if you want to buy it. Now, if you disagree with my review, you like one I don’t or vice versa, tell us why.

Pictureka! - Museum Mayhem is a fun and challenging hidden object game. You're given categories of things to find on the screen. Like "Things that Fly" or "Things in a Bathroom". As you progress through the game, you work multiple cards at one time and you can find objects that apply to more than one card to get bonus points. Worth checking out if you enjoy this type of game.

I've always loved the Diner Dash series. These series of time management games are what originally got me interested in the genre. The latest installment is Diner Dash "Flo Through Time". The basic story line is that Flo and her Aunt Florence travel through time, past and future, using the time machine Aunt Florence made out of a microwave. As they travel they confront various dining issues that they try to solve to help the people of that area.

Whew, I managed to finish this guide in a matter of a few days! What can I say about this game but... WOW!

Thanks to Vicky, a regular reader of CGG, we have thorough walkthrough of Build-A-Lot 3. Check it out if you get stuck. Thanks a lot Vicky!

Hi fellow gamers, due to the high demand for a guide on Return to Ravenhearst, I have decided to put my Nancy Drew guide on hold for a bit and work hard on getting you a guide to this game in a few days!

Exclusive for Big Fish Affiliates... get 50% off Return to Ravenhearst!

Hey all!

It is a busy time right now around our house getting ready for Thanksgiving. We are having family visiting from Oregon and Bakersfield. So I am planning menus, shopping, cleaning house, baking and trying to give the dog a bath. Giving Lulu a bath is my hardest chore. Every time I even think about it without even saying anything out loud she runs under my bed and won’t come out. So I have to sneak the shampoo and towel out of the closet and close all the doors to all the rooms so she can’t escape. Then she gets under the table and I have to get down on my hands and knees and drag her out. Which is not all that easy even though she only weighs 11 pounds? Finally I get her in the sink and she is very good about the whole washing process. I don’t know why she makes such a fuss. Speaking of problems, I have been having a lot of trouble with my computer lately. It doesn’t seem to be able to handle the new games that are coming out so I haven’t been able to get you some of the games I wanted to review.

I remember helping my mom do yard work and tend the garden when I was growing up. She taught me just the right way to pull weeds so that you get as much of the roots as possible. I really enjoyed those times in the garden with her and remember the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment I felt afterward. Now, my family and I live in an apartment so I haven't had much of an opportunity to utilize my "green thumb", but eventually we're hoping to move in a house where there will be plenty of yard tending needs.

Hey gamers - even though my computer science classes are crazy this semester, I've found some time to play a new game Forgotten Lands First Colony. This is a resource management game that will definitely activate those pleasure sensors in the brain for those looking for a distraction from life. Your homeland runs out of resources, so your villagers are forced out to explore the unknown and rebuild their society.

I am sitting at my desk ,looking out the window and watching it rain. It is really coming down.A perfect day . Especially since I don't have to work in it. When I was a young girl in the forties, long before Television was a common household appliance, I love to lay in bed and listen to the rain on the roof and the mystery programs on the radio . There were 3 or 4 that were on Sunday nights. I couldn't wait for it to be bed time so I could snuggle under the warm quilts and listen to the stories.

Hi all! I finally got a guide done between being sick, midterms, research papers, and everything else!

There haven’t been any new Match 3 games out in quite a while so I have been shopping around Casual Games for something interesting to play. I like a game that I can play over and over but still holds my interest. I like to get my money’s worth when I get a new game. Amazing Adventures fits the bill. I have been playing this game for 2 weeks now and haven’t been bored with it yet. It is a hidden object game but it is not loaded with a lot of clutter so the objects can be seen quite well.

Swarm Gold is a revision of the old Swarm from days past. This version is much better, with a ships that drives beautifully and nice gun attachments. Its also nice they give you the chance to get the "star clubber" on every level, which is a lot of fun to use once you find it. If you like shooter games, you'll definitely enjoy this title. Check out our guide for some tips.

Hey all, it's been awhile since my last guide but great news, here's a new one for ya! The game is called Magic Encyclopedia: First Year. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you'll notice the similarities in the academy in the game and Hogwarts. This game was fantastic, it's a little bit puzzle, a little bit hidden object. Think Dream Chronicles. Now its not nearly as hard as Dream Chronicles, but its fun! The graphics are wonderful and the storyline is intriguing, so... if you haven't bought this one yet, do it now, you won't be disappointed! The game guide I wrote is very detailed, every object is circled so no need to use up those hints if you get stuck.

I am not a big fan of gambling. I don’t have a problem with other people gambling but I just can’t make myself put money in a slot unless it is going to wash my clothes. The last time I was in Reno was when my youngest daughter got married. The whole family went and we had a wonderful time but I don’t remember anyone spending a lot of time at the tables or slot machines. Anyway that is what my review is about this week. A Combination of slots and Bingo.

I'm a huge fan of chocolate and obviously a great fan of casual games. So when the two came together in the Chocolatier games, I was thrilled. They have to be some of my all-time favorite games, and are probably responsible for reeling me into the world of casual games.

Better graphics and sound make this game a worth sequel to the first. And you'll need more ruthless business sense as well. If you played the first, you'll likely enjoy this sequel, and if you've never played before, don't be afraid to start with this title.

Fall is really in the air at our house. The mornings are cold and crisp and make you want to linger over your coffee and watch the news or read the paper. Even though I love the puzzles on my computer I still do the puzzles in the paper. The news has been so depressing lately sometimes that’s all I read in the paper is the puzzles. You better get your thinking cap on for this puzzle boys and girls. It’s fun but it requires all of your attention.

I played Crazy Machines while watching some college football. I quickly discovered (even with my formidable brain power) that was not possible. This game sucked me in and once I got past some of the tutorial puzzles it succeeded in challenging me. If you enjoy brain teasers and Rube Goldberg machines, this game is for you.

Last year around this time my son bought me a computer and sent it to me in the mail. My daughter came over and hooked it up for me because I was completely clueless and still am about how to hook one of these things up. Then my son, bless his heart, started to try and teach me how to use it. I don’t know where he gets all his patience but slowly things started to come together. At first I was afraid I would break it if I touched anything but soon I realized it was tougher than I thought. The way I learned was playing games. I learned how to do almost everything I wanted to do because I wanted to play a certain game. So between my son and Casual Games I am expanding my world through the computer. This brings me to this week’s review.

The other game I played this week was called Restoring Rhonda. This is a match 3 game combined with tasks you have to do to refurbish paintings. It is really a lot of fun. As in all match 3 games, start at the bottom of the screen. That way you can break tiles on the top as they are falling. As far as the tasks go I am far from an expert. I found myself laughing out loud trying to get them done. Some of the tasks you will be asked to do include using a needle and thread, tweezers and cloths to clean up spills. I had a ball playing and was sorry when the trial game was over. I would like to have this game for myself to try and upgrade my skills on the computer. This game really helps your coordination and I highly recommend it.

I have had an interesting week where games are concerned. Jasper asked if I would review two games for him this week and I was more than happy to do so as things are pretty boring around here. The first game I played was Pearl Diversion. This is supposed to be a match 3 game. As you probably know by now if you have been reading my blog, match three games are my favorite. I like hidden object games but my eyesight isn’t good enough to play them. I get too frustrated at time Management games. I’m working on that problem.

Hey everyone, wow what a great Labor Day weekend! Azada 2 released just in time for me to use my vacation wisely and write a guide for it.