Villa Banana > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

7 of 9 found this review helpful

Surprisingly addictive ... for some!

PostedApril 24, 2013

gpj53

fromCanberra, Australia

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3

Current Favorite:

Fear for Sale: Nightmare Cinema Collector's Edition

(107)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

3 / 5

I loved the Group Tiles sections of Hidden Depths so tried this game on the recommendation of it being a similar type game. It has proved addictive and I play it again and again trying to better my score of remaining money at the end of Level 60 when I've bought everything for the garden. It's a very, very simple game graphics and story wise but quite challenging trying to work out where to put ...Show more

I loved the Group Tiles sections of Hidden Depths so tried this game on the recommendation of it being a similar type game. It has proved addictive and I play it again and again trying to better my score of remaining money at the end of Level 60 when I've bought everything for the garden. It's a very, very simple game graphics and story wise but quite challenging trying to work out where to put that bit of fruit to its best advantage with Level 60 being the biggest challenge of all. It has a timer but only for a money bonus if level is completed within the time otherwise the game is played time-free. Show less

I recommend this game!

+5points

7of 9voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes7No2

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

7 of 11 found this review helpful

Nice game where you could learn the rules yourself. Learning by doing.

PostedMay 23, 2013

jules85

fromGermany

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Word, Match 3, Card & Board, Brain Teaser, Time Management, Puzzle

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I liked it alot that you don´t become an explanation of the rules for 5 minutes before you could play. Also the building part was nice. There shoul come more games like that.

I recommend this game!

+3points

7of 11voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes7No4

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

17 of 20 found this review helpful

A mental workout

PostedNovember 21, 2011

SynthpopAddict

fromHome on Derange

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:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Marble Popper, Match 3

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Pros: generous hints, untimed, uncluttered interface

Cons: lack of playing instructions, steep learning curve

Villa Banana reminds me heavily of another M3 in its graphics and game pieces so much that I would say that this is the same game except with fruit instead of colored balls. However, I have not played the other game so will leave it at that. The object in Villa Banana is to remove all ...Show more

Pros: generous hints, untimed, uncluttered interface

Cons: lack of playing instructions, steep learning curve

Villa Banana reminds me heavily of another M3 in its graphics and game pieces so much that I would say that this is the same game except with fruit instead of colored balls. However, I have not played the other game so will leave it at that. The object in Villa Banana is to remove all the gold or silver plates from the playing field by making matches of 3 or more of the same type of fruit over them. The M3 style is like that of the Temple of Bast in Ancient Quest of Saqqarah. In other words, playing pieces, in this case fruit, are scattered around the game board and must be moved together to form M3s. Any moves which do not result in a match cause additional fruit to appear on the board. These new fruits start out as small pieces and then grow to full size with the next move. Unlike AQoS, covering a small fruit will not make it go away, only delay the small fruit's growth until the piece on top is moved off of it, which makes the strategy a lot more complex. If the board becomes too filled up to make any more moves, it must be replayed. Chained fruit obstacles and black balls will appear in later levels to make things even more interesting, and the board shapes will gradually become more complex to make this game a real challenge. Completing each board gives you money for buying upgrades to your beachside villa.

There are an assortment of powerups that will begin appearing after a few boards are played, but instructions for how to use them along with general gameplay instructions are quite lacking, so it will take some trial and error to figure out how to use each powerup to your best advantage. I also found it helpful to wait a few seconds and let the game flash a move hint as the hints often turned out to be really good. Don't let the green bar at the bottom right fool you; that's not a timer, but a bonus bar. If you finish a board with some of the bar left you will get a time bonus, but there is no penalty for taking as much time as you want per board.

Besides the regular game there's also a "challenge" play mode in which you play on a board for the highest score possible, but this part of the game was not all that appealing to me because it seemed monotonous and there are no trophies or awards to win.

The game graphics are OK and the music is repetitive and twangy which didn't bother me, but it's not the best soundtrack I've heard in a game either. The real kicker is the learning curve. Not only are there not many overall instructions on how to play, but Villa Banana gets really hard, really fast. If you enjoy solving tricky logic puzzles this will be fun, but for others this will be an exercise in frustration. I was glad there were only 60 levels to play and was completely ready to move into my villa when I finished the game for some chill time. Recommended, but only for those who want a challenge. Show less

I recommend this game!

+14points

17of 20voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes17No3

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

5 of 6 found this review helpful

Nice game but could do with a bit more development

PostedSeptember 4, 2012

fredandethel

fromDerbyshire, England

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:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Mahjong

Current Favorite:

Trial of the Gods: Ariadne’s Journey

(13)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

I really like this kind of match 3 now, but it does take some getting used to if you've only played the more usual swap, chain or collapse kind. (Oriental Dreams, and Hexus are the best I've found). Based on just the 1 hour demo there seems to be a good variety of game board shapes and layouts, but it would be better if there was some choice of items to buy. I'm not sure what an earlier reviewer ...Show more

I really like this kind of match 3 now, but it does take some getting used to if you've only played the more usual swap, chain or collapse kind. (Oriental Dreams, and Hexus are the best I've found). Based on just the 1 hour demo there seems to be a good variety of game board shapes and layouts, but it would be better if there was some choice of items to buy. I'm not sure what an earlier reviewer means by power ups - all I've had is a small bomb which appears in the same way as the fruit. Show less

I recommend this game!

+4points

5of 6voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes5No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

2 of 3 found this review helpful

Older game with a challenge

PostedFebruary 21, 2015

deddu

fromCalifornia USA

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, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong

Current Favorite:

Runefall

(107)

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

This game came out in 2011 but I decided to try it based on a recommendation on a forum. It has nice graphics and you fix up your island home and grounds. The matching of fruit is colorful and through the 60 levels the game becomes harder. You do acquire bombs and rockets to help.

I recommend this game!

+1point

2of 3voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes2No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

2 of 5 found this review helpful

Match 3

PostedDecember 1, 2011

Dottyj06

fromAB, Canada

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Word, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong

Current Favorite:

Mahjong Journey of Enlightenment

(1)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Challenging after you get into the game.

I recommend this game!

-1point

2of 5voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes2No3

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

2 / 5

9 of 9 found this review helpful

This game drove me bananas!

PostedJanuary 18, 2012

shorenuf

fromScottsdale, AZ

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

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

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

The game is totally weird. I do not like the mechanic at all. Rather than swapping icons -- in this case fruits, you can only move into empty spaces. You can make matches horizontally, vertically and diagonally. As you play, more fruits pop up on the board.

At level 30, you unlock the "Challenge" play. Well, my senses were challenged at level one, by level 3 I had had enough.

Earn gold to ...Show more

The game is totally weird. I do not like the mechanic at all. Rather than swapping icons -- in this case fruits, you can only move into empty spaces. You can make matches horizontally, vertically and diagonally. As you play, more fruits pop up on the board.

At level 30, you unlock the "Challenge" play. Well, my senses were challenged at level one, by level 3 I had had enough.

Earn gold to improve your island hut -- I grew a lawn, built a stone wall and entrance, and put my hut up for sale. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+9points

9of 9voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes9No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

2 / 5

5 of 5 found this review helpful

Sorry but....

PostedApril 3, 2015

Luvago

fromMelbourne Australia

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):Family, Arcade & Action, Hidden Object, Match 3, Card & Board, Time Management, Marble Popper, Puzzle, Mahjong

Current Favorite:

The Golden Path of Plumeboom

(12)

Fun Factor

2 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

2 / 5

I thought I was fairly capable & decided to give the demo a trial, despite reading the reviews, especially regarding the instructions. I studied the few instructions & thought that was fine, I can do that, BUT, despite trying everything, it became hopeless - whilst you are getting matches on one side of the board, the other is filling up & you end not being able to move anything, & with no help ...Show more

I thought I was fairly capable & decided to give the demo a trial, despite reading the reviews, especially regarding the instructions. I studied the few instructions & thought that was fine, I can do that, BUT, despite trying everything, it became hopeless - whilst you are getting matches on one side of the board, the other is filling up & you end not being able to move anything, & with no help such as bombs or being able to match anything, that's it! I did get a lawn, but it nearly drove me insane, & I am pretty good @ perservereing, & usually pretty determined & competitive. I have to give up! = deleted. Show less

I don't recommend this game.

+5points

5of 5voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes5No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

1 / 5

1 of 6 found this review helpful

Match 3

PostedMay 11, 2012

wonderties

fromSo.Cal. USA

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Large File

Fun Factor

1 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

1 / 5

Level of Challenge

1 / 5

Storyline

1 / 5

By far the most ridiculous match game I have ever played.

I don't recommend this game.

-4points

1of 6voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes1No5

Flagged as inappropriate.

Browse by Genre:

Browse by Genre:

Villa Banana

Reviews

Villa Banana

, share your thoughts about this game!

Villa Banana

Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted.

Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game!

You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game.

Thanks for submitting the review below.


	, share your thoughts about this game! Villa Banana Design your very own villa! Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted. Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game! You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game. Thanks for submitting the review below.