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Genre: Match 3 with Hidden Object & Sim levels

Plot:

It's the summer holidays and Tom's parents are concerned he will spend the days cooped up in his bedroom playing video games (oh the irony.) So they ship him off to his grandfather's farm where he must work hard to help restore the business. Together they complete tasks, earn money and find useful items in order to expand and beautify the farm. A host of supporting characters adds vibrancy to the story.

Game Play:

Farmscapes is an intriguing game featuring Match 3, Hidden Object and Sim genres.

Firstly, (after a slightly bizarre intro), we are introduced to the farm and Grandpa Joe. Immediately we must complete our first Sim-style task, listed at the bottom of the screen. These tasks are varied and ongoing, and serve the purpose of improving the farm and moving the story forward.

Secondly, to complete certain tasks, sometimes a useful tool or item must be located - which is where the Hidden Object element enters the mix. Although nothing out of the ordinary, these levels do provide another dimension to the game which you'll especially enjoy if you're a fan of the genre.

Finally, a Match 3 game underpins Farmscapes, as this is where money is earned to spend on the farm. The (pretty standard) Match 3 levels are themed around the farm shop and feature vegetables and other produce. As you earn cash, you can spend it on a range of items like fencing, paddocks, garden beds, etc - and you can choose from a selection of each to customize your very own look.

The Match 3 games become increasingly harder as the levels progress - although they are never insurmountable. Firecrackers and Bombs help you blow up obstacles like Ice Tiles, and you can play in either Relaxed or Timed Modes (against the clock). Again, the pressure never really escalates - you are given plenty of time if you choose the Timed option.

To get the most out of Farmscapes you need to embrace all three game genres, otherwise it can feel a little jarring moving between the steady pace of the Match 3 levels - to the Sim-style farm - where it's up to you to keep the action going. More than once I found myself aimlessly clicking around the farm as I tried to figure out what needed to be done next. Luckily the HINT function works well if you get stuck.

Once I'd settled into Farmscape's rhythm, I really started to enjoy myself. This is a game that is perfect if you want to while away a few relaxing hours - there are no hidden shocks or surprises, or even particularly hard challenges, but it never gets boring or repetitive.

Graphics and Sound:

The graphics can best be described as 'cute', and it's fun to watch the farm take shape as you make improvements. You can choose to make the farm your screensaver if you get particularly attached! The background music is unobtrusive (a good thing).

Thumbs Up: If you want to put your feet up for a relaxing gaming experience with no hidden shocks or unexpected challenges, this is a great pick. Working through the levels feels methodically satisfying and the 'quirky' aspects of the game are endearing.

Thumbs Down: I found some levels took a longer time than usual to load; also, you need to embrace the variety of all three game genres to really enjoy Farmscapes.