Royal Roads: The Magic Box Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

36 of 39 found this review helpful

Not as simple as it first appears.

PostedNovember 3, 2020

angelfish106

fromStevenage, Herts UK

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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Royal Roads: The Magic Box Collector's Edition

(20)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

I'm disappointed with some of the criticism levelled at this game. Not enough time to complete a level? Try playing in 'easy' mode; it has no timer. The first few levels are too easy. So they were in the first game; by the end some were almost impossible without a guide. The colours are too bland; better that than playing with garish pinks, blues and purples....or so some reviewers would have you ...Show more

I'm disappointed with some of the criticism levelled at this game. Not enough time to complete a level? Try playing in 'easy' mode; it has no timer. The first few levels are too easy. So they were in the first game; by the end some were almost impossible without a guide. The colours are too bland; better that than playing with garish pinks, blues and purples....or so some reviewers would have you believe.

I bought this without trying the demo as I loved the first game and this one doesn't disappoint; at least it doesn't disappoint me. I agree the tasks can be repetitive early doors but don't be fooled into thinking it will be the same all the way through.
I've already had to restart a level because of using up all my wood before I got to build the sawmill...and I'm only on level 16.

Personally I think some of the criticism is a bit unfair and likely based on the first few levels. They don't give a true picture of just how challenging this game will become. I gave it 5 stars; it's a game that doesn't feels like a copycat of dozens of others. Show less

I recommend this game!

+33points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

14 of 17 found this review helpful

You must go through several levels until this gets good

PostedNovember 2, 2020

Sklmarm

fromGettysburg, PA

Skill Level:Expert

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

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

Having played the previous Royal Roads, I knew that the challenge would not be there in the first several levels. So I persevered through some slow levels. Later, after about level 6 or 7, the challenge picks up. As with the previous rendition, the challenge here is strategy. You can't just build a mill and assume that you'll finish. You have limited resources to start with and must plan what you ...Show more

Having played the previous Royal Roads, I knew that the challenge would not be there in the first several levels. So I persevered through some slow levels. Later, after about level 6 or 7, the challenge picks up. As with the previous rendition, the challenge here is strategy. You can't just build a mill and assume that you'll finish. You have limited resources to start with and must plan what you might need before you set out. I started one level building the tent for an extra worker only to find out that I didn't have enough lumber to make it to the sawmill. This is not so much a time management game as one of strategy. Show less

I recommend this game!

+11points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

10 of 13 found this review helpful

Not the best TM game but it'll do

PostedNovember 3, 2020

Nocturne

fromSan Francisco, CA

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Strategy, Time Management

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

I think that's how I felt about the first one too. I have been replaying my old games a little too much so I decided to buy this--of course, not on a bonus or double-punch day or anything. It was an okay game. Some levels are rather difficult because if you don't do certain things in order, you have to restart and try something else. One level I actually went online to see if I could get any help ...Show more

I think that's how I felt about the first one too. I have been replaying my old games a little too much so I decided to buy this--of course, not on a bonus or double-punch day or anything. It was an okay game. Some levels are rather difficult because if you don't do certain things in order, you have to restart and try something else. One level I actually went online to see if I could get any help but after eating a sandwich, it all became clear to me what had to be done and it worked. Unlike Rescue Team, Roads of Roman, Incredible Dracula or Northern Tales (etc.), I don't have any feelings for any of the characters, they're just running around like ants and that's maybe why I don't like this game more. And I have no idea what this Magic Box is about, didn't get into the storyline since you don't need the story to play the levels. Show less

+7points

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Overall rating

4 / 5

23 of 35 found this review helpful

Must buy based on my love for the first game

PostedOctober 31, 2020

snapnhiss

fromColorado, USA

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Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

I think I'd call these more "strategy" than time management, some of the levels on the first game were incredibly challenging with many choices of route with very limited resources that made only one route possible. Definitely trial and error and a good memory are needed to solve the puzzle.

I like the soothing Autumn colors and the music, while repetitive, doesn't jar on the nerves like a lot ...Show more

I think I'd call these more "strategy" than time management, some of the levels on the first game were incredibly challenging with many choices of route with very limited resources that made only one route possible. Definitely trial and error and a good memory are needed to solve the puzzle.

I like the soothing Autumn colors and the music, while repetitive, doesn't jar on the nerves like a lot of games do. There isn't much to the story but I like the rest of the game so much that I don't really care. Show less

I recommend this game!

+11points

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Overall rating

2 / 5

75 of 87 found this review helpful

Please no more clones, boring tasks and waiting for resources!

PostedOctober 31, 2020

Joybelle_2

fromAustralia

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Card & Board, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management, Word

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

1 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

Straight off the bat..I have had more than enough of this developer just churning out same games like a burger joint. Same sounds, same clock countdown, same tasks over and over not only in this series..but all the TM's they produce.

Even if you haven't played one of these style of games before or the title before, you will still find the graphics basic and flat, and you will be sitting around ...Show more

Straight off the bat..I have had more than enough of this developer just churning out same games like a burger joint. Same sounds, same clock countdown, same tasks over and over not only in this series..but all the TM's they produce.

Even if you haven't played one of these style of games before or the title before, you will still find the graphics basic and flat, and you will be sitting around waiting for recourses often, only to find that the time is gone!

There is a strategy guide, both visual and written, and that's good because there is only one way to do a level, and you start out so slowly..then very quickly the timer becomes quite tough. There are achievements, and you can access the guide from the pause button on any level, and you can also skip the tutorial and turn it on and off...but..you cant skip the tedious dialogue! If you repeat a level you will have to clickety clack through it again.

Its the usual build upgrade, repair bridges and collect resources games this developer has been pumping out for many years in all their games, and the tasks are just done over and over again with no novelty at all, other than perhaps the markets to trade at.

Always try the demo..but to be honest I was glad when the demo was over. It was like being set free lol. I couldn't find any 'fun factor' in this game, or visual delight of any sort. So it's a 'no buy' from me! Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+63points

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Overall rating

2 / 5

31 of 37 found this review helpful

Another so-so game

PostedOctober 31, 2020

DrDavid

fromRaleigh, NC

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Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Match 3, Strategy

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

2 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

1 / 5

Another formulaic offering with a timer one cannot escape. I hate being rushed -- points deducted for that. There is some strategy but it is balanced against long waits for resources -- points deducted for that. The developer has received this criticism before and continues to ignore feedback -- points deducted for that.

I don't recommend this game.

+25points

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Overall rating

2 / 5

20 of 26 found this review helpful

Rather boring

PostedOctober 31, 2020

polarbearcraze

fromEatonville, Washington

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Mahjong, Match 3, Strategy, Time Management

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

Very plain game. Not very entertaining or exciting. Not even any special things to look for. Sorry, just need a little more from a game other then just running around & collecting materials.

I don't recommend this game.

+14points

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Overall rating

2 / 5

4 of 8 found this review helpful

Not CE worthy - bypass this one

PostedNovember 1, 2020

JeansLady1

fromKansas

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Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Word

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

2 / 5

Level of Challenge

2 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

In the CE version you get bonus levels; but in the case of this game, that is not a plus. A couple of things are really awful about this game. Having to wait and wait on resources is sooooo irritating. You have to trade resources and you can't trade until you gather certain resources. So, you wait and wait and wait for the needed resources to generate. You want to yell at the game and say "So ...Show more

In the CE version you get bonus levels; but in the case of this game, that is not a plus. A couple of things are really awful about this game. Having to wait and wait on resources is sooooo irritating. You have to trade resources and you can't trade until you gather certain resources. So, you wait and wait and wait for the needed resources to generate. You want to yell at the game and say "So hurry up already!!!" The second really awful thing about this game is that it is so repetitive - no imagination here by the developers. You do the same thing level after level after level. There might be a variation now and then; but it's just way too repetitive and lacks imagination. When compared to the cream of the crop TM games offered by BF, this one is woefully behind the times. For someone who has never played a TM game, this might be a good one - sort of like using training wheels on a kid's first bicycle. But, at the same time, you wouldn't want a new TM player to think all TM games are as bad as this one. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

0points

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Overall rating

1 / 5

74 of 88 found this review helpful

THIS IS REALLY RETRO...BUT NOT IN A COOL WAY

PostedOctober 31, 2020

pennmom36

fromCandy Corn was created in the 1800's by Goelitz Confectionery Company (now Jelly Belly Co) It was originally called Chicken Feed & marked w/ a colorful rooster on the box!

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Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

The Tiny Bang Story

(175)

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

1 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

Storyline

1 / 5

Do you remember how Time Management games used to have the old-school graphics and how we were constantly reaping wheat, waiting for a new crop to grow, and reaping it over and over again, when the farming games were a huge craze? Eventually, graphics moved on to more elaborate food choices (except the one developer who can't seem to resist the huge cheese wheels) and the farming craze ...Show more

Do you remember how Time Management games used to have the old-school graphics and how we were constantly reaping wheat, waiting for a new crop to grow, and reaping it over and over again, when the farming games were a huge craze? Eventually, graphics moved on to more elaborate food choices (except the one developer who can't seem to resist the huge cheese wheels) and the farming craze subsided...until now when this developer decided to bring it back. The graphics couldn't be blander or more unappealing.

Level after level I was tasked with the most mundane and unimaginative tasks: clear the path, clear heaps from the path, fill in holes on the path, remove Little Shop of Horror vines from the path, remove trees from the path, repair a bridge to continue on the path because, in TM world, no bridge is intact. At this point, I'm pretty sure it would just be easier to make a brand new path! As I'm trying to salvage the existing "path" I'm constantly reaping numerous crops of spontaneously growing wheat crops, at least they have thrown in an occasional grape crop for a splash of color, (which btw, regrows so fast that wine growers would be the happiest farmers on planet Earth) Bridges aren't the only structure in need of repair, of course, I have to repair or build mills, farms, quarries, tents?? And then just when I thought my boring tasks were nearly over, I had to upgrade them all to level 2 and sometimes, if I was super lucky, level 3!

I honestly kept playing the levels to see if they were going to surprise me with something new, something that was unusual, after all, this Collector's Edition doesn't have any CE goodies or CE bling like hidden rune puzzle pieces or morphing objects to make it fun or challenging. After a few levels, they added a Market to trade resources, but that feature has been around for ages, and most quality games allow you to choose which resources you want to exchange, a feature that can make or break your level goals and star-rating if not chosen wisely, this game does not give you options!

After a few levels, Bonus Icons appeared, but not only were these the same ole same ole bonus icons that have been around for ages, they recharged so quickly that the little workers were hardly ever working at a normal speed, production was rarely at normal capacity, in fact, I think a few of my workers had a stroke and the manufacturers simply weren't able to keep up with production so the remaining workers either went on strike or quit, everyone was getting pretty angry, a few of them started trashing the wheat crops and I'm not positive but it looked like one of them broke their ankle trying to run across the bridge that wasn't yet repaired due to the lack of manufacturing resources.

The Collector's Edition version has 7 extremely annoying Music Soundtracks, 13 really boring, who cares, Concept Art pictures,(seriously, what are you supposed to do with unfinished art sketches?...yes, very nice, I like where you're going with that, next...) and 20 pat-yourself-on-the-back Achievements (one of which should be for enduring the game in 1-minute increments) 50 Main Levels, an undisclosed amount of CE Bonus Levels? a built-in Strategy Guide, boring game content, the end.

ROYAL ROADS SERIES LIST
Title***Collector's Edition Release Date***Average Rating

1-Royal Roads (July 4-2019) 3.3
2-Royal Roads: The Magic Box (October 3-2020) n/a

by: Studio Bidon Games Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+60points

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Overall rating

1 / 5

41 of 49 found this review helpful

Deja Vu (Seems familiar)

PostedOctober 31, 2020

Cyril48

fromNew Zealand

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Skill Level:Intermediate

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

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

1 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

Storyline

1 / 5

This game was very hard. Very hard to last the whole demo.

Why oh why does this dev rehash over and over again. They have pulled the rabbit out of the hat a couple of times with the odd surprise in other games but this is bargain basement stuff.

Graphics are dreadful, so is the music and how on earth this can be passed off as a CE is beyond belief ?

It has 45 levels and a "Bonus Chapter" ...Show more

This game was very hard. Very hard to last the whole demo.

Why oh why does this dev rehash over and over again. They have pulled the rabbit out of the hat a couple of times with the odd surprise in other games but this is bargain basement stuff.

Graphics are dreadful, so is the music and how on earth this can be passed off as a CE is beyond belief ?

It has 45 levels and a "Bonus Chapter" but there is no way of knowing how many levels or indeed what is in the bonus level until you complete the first chapter.

Where is the skip button for the dreadful dialogue ?

Try the demo and see what you think but bear in mind there are very similar games by this dev already out there so why buy another? Would you buy the same video just because it had a different cover?

I am sorry but it is an absolute no from me. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+33points

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