Merchants of the Caribbean > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

17 of 17 found this review helpful

Finally a TIme Management Game with a New Twist

PostedApril 3, 2021

lwxb

fromCalgary AB

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management, Word

Current Favorite:

Golden Rails: Small Town Story Collector's Edition

(21)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I'm a big fan of time management games and this one is great. It has all the standard mechanics of a regular TM game but also gives you a lot more choices as to which resources you collect/produce and this is critical. The game adds the element of a market where you can sell your goods to make money (different resources are worth different amounts depending on the level so be sure to keep an eye ...Show more

I'm a big fan of time management games and this one is great. It has all the standard mechanics of a regular TM game but also gives you a lot more choices as to which resources you collect/produce and this is critical. The game adds the element of a market where you can sell your goods to make money (different resources are worth different amounts depending on the level so be sure to keep an eye on the market - think TM meets Tradewinds). Be careful though, sometimes you need to keep some raw materials to produce more valuable resources.

This is a really engaging game and I hope to see more TM games like this in the future.

I have seen some complaints about the sea battle levels but, really, they're no different than the "mini-games" in other TM games and are more of a distraction than anything. If you like TM games and are looking for a new twist, this game is definitely for you. Show less

I recommend this game!

+17points

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Overall rating

5 / 5

8 of 8 found this review helpful

Should've Gotten the CE

PostedJune 9, 2021

TooOld2Play

fromConnecticut

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Merchants of the Caribbean

(8)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I really like this game. It is very different and very difficult. I found the Sea Battles not too difficult but OMG the levels!!!! I am not the swiftest player and I am happy to get 2 stars out of 3 if I'm lucky. Not sure if the CE has a guide but that would have been really really helpful. Tough game but it has a lot of replay value if for no other reason than to get you to 3 stars!
It's a ...Show more

I really like this game. It is very different and very difficult. I found the Sea Battles not too difficult but OMG the levels!!!! I am not the swiftest player and I am happy to get 2 stars out of 3 if I'm lucky. Not sure if the CE has a guide but that would have been really really helpful. Tough game but it has a lot of replay value if for no other reason than to get you to 3 stars!
It's a building/collecting game but requires real strategy, Not for landlubbers.... Show less

+8points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

4 of 6 found this review helpful

a time management game with a difference

PostedMay 4, 2021

afarrell

fromNSW Australia

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Time Management

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

I really enjoyed this game. It was a little short as in chapters. But It was different to other time management games. You were challenged in what you grew and when to cash crops in. Battle games were hard. So I was relieved to read there is a way to skip them. ( Not saying how if I had to work it out so do other gamers ! )
Two levels not much difference between them. I will buy the sequel if ...Show more

I really enjoyed this game. It was a little short as in chapters. But It was different to other time management games. You were challenged in what you grew and when to cash crops in. Battle games were hard. So I was relieved to read there is a way to skip them. ( Not saying how if I had to work it out so do other gamers ! )
Two levels not much difference between them. I will buy the sequel if there is one as it is a good game to amuse one self for a few hours. Show less

I recommend this game!

+2points

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Overall rating

2 / 5

150 of 168 found this review helpful

Could have been so much better

PostedMarch 28, 2021

Cyril48

fromNew Zealand

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Marble Popper, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

When I first reviewed the CE I had only played the demo and was reasonably pleased with it and gave it 4 stars.

How ever I was soon to regret that decision.

When you play in easy mode , that is what you expect an easy relaxed game.

Many only play in relaxed or easy modes as they do not want a timer and that is what you expect.

This game is badly designed with half the game untimed and ...Show more

When I first reviewed the CE I had only played the demo and was reasonably pleased with it and gave it 4 stars.

How ever I was soon to regret that decision.

When you play in easy mode , that is what you expect an easy relaxed game.

Many only play in relaxed or easy modes as they do not want a timer and that is what you expect.

This game is badly designed with half the game untimed and the rest of it timed, not only timed but impossible for some to play.

First off you start with a battle which is a put off to start if you are expecting a TM game.

The TM element of this game is very good once you get used to the mecanics of the game but that is where it ends if you want a relaxed game. Fine if you want a timed game but even then it is not easy.

When you have completed a battle scene you then need to upgrade your ship in order to be able to have a strong enough ship to take on the next battle.

To do this you go to an island then collect treasure chests but this is timed and for the first couple of levels it is doable but soon becomes so hard that you run out of time and if you like me, like to take your time it just becomes impossible even for hardened players this is a big challenge, but hello, we want to play in relaxed mode NOT timed

So why is half the game timed ?
Another thing that some people did not realise is that you can skip the battles and islands and just do the 24 levels plus 10 extra for the CE.

But what is the point in doing half the game ?
I have no problem at all with the TM side of this game and really enjoyed it but the rest of it totally spoiled it for me.

So for me and I suspect many others whom want relaxed, this game is not ideal unless you are happy just playing 24 levels in the SE, By all means try the battles and islands but do remember they are timed.

This developer usually provides relaxed throughout their games so I hope they take note of this and if a sequel comes out please provide a relaxed mode for the whole game.

Because of this I can only give this a 2 star rating and I do hope that a future game will take note of this.

I understand that some will like the game like this but we are not all the same.

Try the demo and see what you think. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+132points

150of 168voted this as helpful.

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Overall rating

1 / 5

14 of 17 found this review helpful

ARRR, I WANTED TO BE A PIRATE!

PostedApril 25, 2021

pennmom36

fromAarr, Shiver Me Timbers, they should have let me be the Pirate Captain!

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Top Reviewer

Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

At first, I was intrigued by this game because it starts out on a Merchant Ship doing battle with a Pirate Ship. I would have been super thrilled if I was playing as one of the pirates, even better if I was able to pick the side I wanted to be on cuz I'd definitely have chosen the pirate's side, lol. I loved the battle scenes because you are doing all the Time Management tasks onboard the ship, ...Show more

At first, I was intrigued by this game because it starts out on a Merchant Ship doing battle with a Pirate Ship. I would have been super thrilled if I was playing as one of the pirates, even better if I was able to pick the side I wanted to be on cuz I'd definitely have chosen the pirate's side, lol. I loved the battle scenes because you are doing all the Time Management tasks onboard the ship, such as loading the cannons and repairing the damage inflicted by the pirates...which, unfortunately, wasn't me!

The next scene totally lost my piqued interest when I discovered I made landfall and had to constantly click the Market Tab to sell my goods to progress. You have to plant a ton of Plantations, such as Corn Plantations, Flax, and various Nut Plantations, but you literally can't accomplish more than 3 tasks before you have to sell the crops, lather, rinse, repeat, repeat, repeat! To make matters worse, the tab is giant and doesn't collapse automatically so you have an added step each time you use it or it will block the TM tasks. The good news is that the crops automatically go into your Market tab without having to reap the crops you sow.

You can play in an Easy or Normal difficulty Mode and each level has a Hidden Object that varies each time. I always look for the hidden objects before clicking on a task that starts the game so I don't waste the time needed to complete the level goals. The level map tells you whether you have found the hidden object and you can always restart the level to search for the object, and then exit out without disturbing your original star rating.

The TM tasks are the normal tasks of removing a ton of crates, containers, and coffers, removing logs and stones, and repairing cracks in the pathways and those infamous footbridges that seem to be a given in all TM games! This was a huge missed opportunity because this game started out onboard a Ship, but then they decided to throw in a bunch of same ole, same ole boring tasks. Another annoying feature was having to hire workers in specific numbers (1 or more) because apparently, they quit their job after a task or two, and sometimes I'd hire a worker that would never show up leaving my single worker to do all the dirty deeds, and yes, I had plenty of money so that wasn't the issue.

As you progress, Totems are added to the mixture, most of which last for about 10 seconds and can't be disabled for at least 30 seconds.

-Slow Down Totem: slows down the colonists passing by.
-Fear Totem: sends colonists running in fear to the camp.
-Evil Eye Totem: transforms active colonists into frogs every 60 seconds
-Darkness Totems: creates darkness preventing you from assigning tasks in the area.
-Prohibition Totem: prohibits construction of buildings in the area.
-Barrier Totem: maintains an impassable barrier at 1 or more locations on the entire level.

During the Ship Battles, cannons deal damage to the pirate ship, but they are shooting at your ship too which damages your ship as well. Minor damage removes 5 units of strength which are restored when you repair the damage. Fires remove 3 strength units every 5 seconds, Major damage removes 25 strength units and the damage can't be recovered. Grappling Hooks allow pirates to board your ship to throw a bomb but the rope can eventually be cut by the sailors. Bombs burn for 10 seconds before they explode and remove 5 units of strength that can't be recovered. You do have the option of skipping the battle modes if you aren't into ship battles but I enjoyed these levels more than the main levels.

There are Island Expeditions that allow you to collect a bunch of booty! The goal is to remove all of the Gold Chests and when the Expedition is fully completed, it grants you Ship Upgrades.

The Collector's Edition version has 6 Skins, an Encylopedia (explanation of features) 6 Music Soundtracks, a Strategy Guide, Achievement Trophies, 24 Main Levels, 6 Bonus Levels, and various Collectible Objects. I'd love for you to join us on my new forum at thewoodsforum.boards.net :) Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+11points

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Overall rating

1 / 5

2 of 2 found this review helpful

Timed

PostedFebruary 27, 2023

gameidiot

fromWilmington, NC

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Detectives United: Origins

(22)

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I was enjoying this game, something new. Until Sea Battle 4. I took me 4 tries to win. Then the next area was timed. No fun at all. Too bad they didn't make a relaxed version. I am sorry I bought this game.

+2points

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Overall rating

1 / 5

2 of 3 found this review helpful

Don't like sea battles

PostedApril 11, 2022

ladyfsgf01

fromPark Ranger series, 12 Labours of Hercules, Play New Yankee

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

1 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

Storyline

1 / 5

Can't get past sea battle 4-tried at least 4-5 times. No option to skip.

I don't recommend this game.

+1point

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Overall rating

1 / 5

4 of 7 found this review helpful

No instructions

PostedSeptember 5, 2021

ElizabethR1533

fromYorkshire, UK.

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

2 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

I "bought" three men, and had six in total. Clicked on objects and none of them would run to them, despite having plenty of gold. No sign of what I might have needed to pick the objects up, no clue, nothing. No hints at what I needed. What's the point? Plus, it gets hard from level 2 on normalto get gold, way before you get into the game. Gave up at level 3 when I didn't have a clue why my men ...Show more

I "bought" three men, and had six in total. Clicked on objects and none of them would run to them, despite having plenty of gold. No sign of what I might have needed to pick the objects up, no clue, nothing. No hints at what I needed. What's the point? Plus, it gets hard from level 2 on normalto get gold, way before you get into the game. Gave up at level 3 when I didn't have a clue why my men wouldn't run to collect stuff.
Pointless.
Wasn't that good, anyway, just the same old same old TM that we get nowadays, nothing new.
Deleted. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+1point

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