I want to write something complex here but I feel like I really can't. You've got some nice cutesy graphics and shit, but in the end it's just another Bejeweled clone. I used only minimal strategy when picking my moves mainly out of boredom, and felt most players were doing the same. The online factor is really a gimmick more than anything but worst of all the upgrade thing is just a video game trope that you tacked on for replay value.
Reviews for "Manamancers"
It's a great game if you like match 3s, even more fun with the online multiplayer feature, but what really annoyed me is the armor. If you're going to force me to play with real people and not give the option to play with bots to level up, at least put me against people who don't have armor, it was really annoying because I'd think, if only my opponent didn't start with a bonus that I have no ability to get until I level up, maybe I could have won that match.
That's my biggest complaint, it's great if you match up players with similar skill levels, it's terrible that you don't let people with profiles play against bots except when looking for a real opponent, and it's terrible that they have bonuses that I won't be able to get for a long time.
Maras responds:
Thanks for your review. I will think of it and possibly remove armor bonus if new players is facing veteran, but to be honest the new player will probably still lose.
The veteran will just have much more experience so the novice can't beat him unless he/she get reallly lucky.
I prefered shorter waiting times over proper matchmaking, because it's possible that with regular matchmaking, some players would have to wait too long for a match.
Seriously a bit to luck based in PVP one second you're about even and oh look your opponent now magically gains an advantage of far to much way to fast for you to play catch up, and then it follows suit to do it again. I can't speak for all but I don't think people enjoy a game where you lose constant to luck and only that.
Maras responds:
You are right that you can lose some games purely on bad luck, but:
- You can lose few games on bad luck, but in long run you will always get score according to your skill
- Sometimes it's not pure luck. You can spot combo which will give you even 12 or more gems (I do not mean obvious combos where the gems are stacked together, but rather counting how the gems will fall)
Spotting guide: Purple:Most powerful, requires around five charges White:Requires around 4 charges Yellow:Requires around 3 charges Red:Requires around two charges. Physical attack, defense, and healing should be worried about less than charging magic (especially physical unless you are trying to finish someone off).
Maras responds:
That is correct, but you can be easily lock down by your opponent if you choose purple. Or opponent playing aggresively using just attacks / red / yellow could beat you if you choose purple / white over other gems all the time.
how do you upgrade your stuff?
Maras responds:
From level 5+ :)