Windows Phone Thoughts: PDAmill GameBox Classics Reviewed

Game 3: Jewel Master
Of all the games, Jewel Master is my favorite. The idea is to tap on groups of gems of similar color until none are left. But you can only "mine" the jewels in groups of at least two. If you make a mistake and a few are left over that are not "minable", you lose one of your three picks and have to start that puzzle over. As you progress through the game more gems and colors are mixed in. The background music is fantastic, and the special effects are well done. A low, male voice makes comments about your mining strategy as you go along, and makes fun of you when you lose. :lol: As far as I'm concerned, PDAMill could've sold Jewel Master by itself and it would've still been a deal.


Figure 5: (Main Menu) Jewel Master is another great classic that PDAMill breathed life into.


Figure 6: What things will look like after a few minutes of 'mining'.


Figure 7: When jewels are mined they disappear into a starburst. And when you get a nice handful of stones this happens. :mrgreen:

Game 4: Cannons
Remember that old tank game you used to play on your Apple II or 386sx? PDAMill has revived this classic game, and added some twists that make it worth looking at again. The object of Cannons is to hit the opposing tank with enough explosives to destroy it. Users must manipulate the angle and power of the shot to hit their opponent, and need to consider the landscape and ever-changing wind to accurately place their shots. The Options menu here allows you to turn the special effects on or off, as well as the wind and two-player mode. The first round (no pun intended) the player gets a little help and is shown where their shots would land depending on the current angle and power settings. This helps you get the feel of the game, and know just how much "mustard" to put on the shot. Each round you win you earn 100 points, and the game is over when your tank is destroyed.


Figure 8: (Main Menu) Lock 'n Load!


Figure 9: The computer, red, is shooting at 10 degrees and 81% power. Notice the water and depleted power meters. Yes, I died after this shot! :oops: