Good luck with this game! You can't win!
In Babalon, level 9. there are no parts to play for.They aren't installed in the game.
I kept playing, thinking they would eventually fall into the playing field, but they never did.
You can just keep playing till the time runs out, and it will start you on the beginning again, using up all your lives, but you can never move forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BOO on this!

I'm joining the chorus asking for a relaxed mode for this game. The Atlantis games are really good, but I haven't finished any of them because I get too annoyed at being timed-out near the end-- I want to figure things out myself without a ticking clock, thank you.

I like aiming for a speed reward (love the Rescue series games!), but not being timed-out.

Thanks for the great review as always, Whiterabbit.

I don't mind timed games that let you replay a level if you can't get it in time, but this kind of game that takes away a "life" on a level failure and makes you restart the ENTIRE GAME all the way from the beginning if you hit a level that you just can't get through in time with all the random factors involved is just unacceptable.

No choice of difficult level, just here- play this level 4 times and then start over completely.

No thanks, developers.

Love the game!! Thank you!!

This is a slightly different version of one I played several computers ago. It's lovely to see it back as I enjoy the variety of challenges it presents. It's great with a cup of coffee and I hope I can still get to the end of it. Thanks Playrix.

Vielen Dank !!!

Im Juni 2013 hab ich das schöne Spiel schon gespielt.
Aber so bloed bin ich nicht, dass ich es schon vergessen habe !!!

Euer Angebot ist manchmal recht schön; aber auf die Dauer seid Ihr langweilig !!!

'Gruß
Gast . . .

Trying to run the setup file, I got the message “Failed to connect. Please try again later” repeatedly. After some other attempts to correct the problem I disabled my Avast antivirus and that solved the problem.

Anything Playrix does is excellent in every way, they produce the very best quality games that money can buy. Being an avid games player its 10 out of 10 every time. Thank you to Giveawayoftheday and Playrix for giving us here the privilege of trying it out for ourselves. They are indeed the very best.

You forgot one more Con. No option for "Relaxed Mode" for us elderly, or people who come home from a stressed out day just to wind down.
Come on Playrix, maybe next time?

Although I already have this from a previous giveaway, I rarely play it, due to one little thing: NO relaxed mode. If I wanted to play an arcade game, I'd play an arcade game. I primarily plat match-3s to help get my mind off of my chronic pain, and timed games just exacerbate my stress instead of relieving it. Developers need to realize we play CASUAL games (vs. arcade games) for a reason. I will no longer purchase games that lack a relaxed mode. Playrix has introduced relaxed mode in their later games (like Fishdom 2 & 3.) I love the facts that accompany this game; I just wish it had a relaxed mode so I didn't abandon this game after playing a round or two. (Contrast that with Fishdom 2, which I can play for hours, and has relaxed me enough to sleep many a night.)

At least this time installing the game does create desktop shortcuts (to the game itself and an online link to more games of Playrix). It also registers an uninstaller program.

The saved progress of the game is in "%ProgramData%\Playrix Entertainment\Call of Atlantis".

I love match threes, but usually only enjoy those with a "relaxed" untimed mode. Does this game have that option?

It's a Playrix game. What more need I say?

If you haven't got it already - grab it.

I've had this one on at least three computers now. I have been right round it, but it's always different, so it's well worth keeping to play again and again.

My husband has now been all the way round a different Playrix game twelve times, and has started on yet another journey . . . They're beautifully produced games, and can easily become addictive!

Download it, and enjoy!

Thank you once again to Playrix, GGAOTD and (of course) the lovely Whiterabbit. Hope the health worries are diminishing.

Since I've only been here a few months, these are all new to me. This is my kind of game, but I realize everyone has their preferences. As a wise man once told me, that's why there's chocolate and vanilla. So - I'll try this one, although one of these a few weeks back had me stuck in the desert to the point where I was going to trash my computer, or uninstall the game. I'm always taken by the beauty of the graphics, and sometimes take screenshots to use with my jigsaw puzzlemaker program. (I know they're copyrighted, I don't share them.) Thank you Stephen, GGOTD, and Playrix for this opportunity.

.......................Moderator Comment..........................

Thankyou for your feedback MaryLee

This game is very challenging well worth trying. I have it on my computer from the last time it was given away.

Having loved the 4 Elements, think I'll also give this Match 3 a chance. I've never played through an Atlantis game, but I've always enjoyed the histories given as text for the various locations. Admittedly, I like the idea of earning a screensaver at the end too.

On a slightly technical note, searching for pieces of an object rather than an entire thing makes this have FROG elements rather than HOG elements, but potato po-tah-tah. :)

Thanks for the thoughtful and entertaining review, Mr. Whiterabbit. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. :)

i can never get connected to install the game
happens with every giveaway i try and download

Downloaded and installed with no problem; it DOES add a desktop icon and a start menu folder (wish that these would just install a single start menu icon and not a whole folder of shortcuts to stuff that I have to then move and nuke). Played for only a couple of minutes on my way out (very easy beginning, assume it gets harder), but looks like fun.

Thanks for everything you do, White Rabbit!

.......................Moderator Comment..........................

Thanks :)

@Whiterabbit-uk,
Is this still the same version given away previously? Can you tell?
A different file size than before but probably just the wrapper's been updated?

Thanks for your excellent input and review you always give! You're much appreciated here (by me and others)!

.......................Moderator Comment..........................

not sure. not had the time to compare the two (I keep previous giveaways just for this purpose). Been busy with family and house today. It's more than likely the same version as the file sizes are exactly the same.

While match three aren't my favorite games, they are a close second to time management ones. And this is decent enough. Like most Playrix puts out, visually, this is great with wonderful backgrounds and other stuff that is pleasing to the eye. The music--I'll discuss that below.

First, I like the match three parts. Some are challenging enough that they are great. The hidden object bit--just, NO! Let us skip these parts. I hate hidden object games for the simple fact that my eyesight is just not good enough to find most of the objects. This is even worse as the first one was itty bitty freaking shards. I can't find full-sized objects, so there is no chance I can find itty bitty friggin' shards of whatever. I end up clicking around randomly or waiting for the hint to recharge to find all of it. That considerably lessens the fun and is just frustrating. I know some like these kinds of mini-games, but I don't. Seeing comments on some forums, plenty don't like them and want a chance to skip them. I'm one of those and, serously, that is something that should be incorporated into all games. We don't like certain genres for a reason, forcing us to play them to further whatever doesn't please us.

The game play is good and smooth, keeping it fast paced enough you don't get bored without frustrating you. The tile shifting and other bits is great. My complaint here is that Bejewled has spoiled me with the ability to shift tiles while others move. That helps keep the flow of the game going fast and is frustrating when it doesn't happen. This game needs that as well. It can only help as you hit some of the longer connects. I do also think that the tiles need made bigger. See my eyesight bit above and you get why.

The music—I know some may like this, but I don't. I don't find it soothing the way some Playrix uses. I find it annoying. I turned it almost to the point of off because of that. They could have come up with better for this.

While i adored the backgrounds and scenery, the game is just meh and I doubt I'll go back and play again for various reason, facing the hidden object parts is a large factor there. I don't like the frustration with those.

This is a half and half game with me, so I won't thumbs up or down because it's in the middle. Playrix puts out some great games, this isn't one of them. It could be made better by some simple tweeking.

Thanks again for another great giveaway!

DAMyst

PS Rabbit? Orgin is giving away Peggle for free, at least here in the states!

.......................Moderator Comment..........................

Thanks for your feedback - Ah yes, forgot to mention it in the games games games section. Though i have posted details in the game discussion forums. Well worth getting if you don't already own a copy. Fpr those who don't know what peggle is; it's a pachinko like game; very well made and very addictive. there's commercial two versions a day and night plus a free version available on Steam.

Why would anybody "long await" a game that has been out for over three years? Just BUY the darn thing you "long awaiting" stingy people!

Is one of the gems that unlock the magical undersea altar a jade, O Jaded Critic?

If I am gonna to have to make REGULAR pit stops at 66 different place, I better start eating those PRUNES right this second!

Will I really be REGALED, DELIGHTED, CAPTIVATED, and AWE INSPIRED by the SPECTACULAR, GORGEOUS,LAVISHLY-EXECUTED, RISKY tale?

REALLY? ALL of that from one lil game?

A very entertaining trilogy,thank you!

This game makes its rounds again.

Jubilee: The 250th match-3-game! No joke - I counted them.

Call of Atlantis


Installation

Today’s giveaway downloads as a 64.8 MB zip file that unpacks to a read me and a wrapped setup file (the orange colored file with the key symbol), plus there's a setup file with security (setup.gcd) that's protected from being hacked (because the previous giveaway system was easily cracked). This file may case some security software to alert the user to a possible malware attack, but it will be a false positive.

The game giveaway team check all game giveaways for malware using several well known anti -malware suites. There has never been a game giveaway infected with malware since the project started back in Dec 2006. (The owners know that allowing such things would compromise their buisness, so they make sure all software given away via the giveaway and gamegiveaway sites are throughly checked for all types of malware before allowing community members to download any files.


To register and install the game click on the orange colored icon. The installed game is 88.4 MB in size and installs to the following path by default:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Playrix Entertainment\Call of Atlantis - (unless you’ve installed your operating system to another drive other than C)


The path can be changed to suit whatever your wishes are. Once the game is installed you can delete the giveaway setup files. The game doesn't install shortcuts to the desktop and start menu programs list and there is no uninstaller. To delete the program you simply delete the installed folder. (Basically the game is free standing)..

Call of Atlantis works on both my Win 7 & Win 8 computers.
I no longer have vista or XP, but have previously played my purchased copy on those platforms.

If you miss today's giveaway it's available from MyPlayCity (MPC) HERE 24/7, but do bear in mide the potential for toolbars and home page changes everytime you boot up an MPC game. You can also get Atlantis Quest and The Rise of Atlantis from MPC as well. :)

You can also play it for free online over at Big Fish Games HERE

Introduction:


The game has been given away three times previously. The first time back in October 2011 where it received a positive 89% out of 519 votes with 95 comments which can be read HERE . then it was again given away on the 3rd June 2012 where it received 86% positive votes out of 408 with 57 comments that can be read HERE , it was also given away last year June 1st 2013 where it received a positive 87% out of 360 votes with 52 comments which can be read HERE.


I already own the standard version of this game, purchasing it from Reflexive Arcade some years ago. It’s similar to Rise of Atlantis which we’ve been given a few times previously (and is from the same series of games), though there has been some improvements that you can read below in the 'The Game' section of this review

Atlantis is calling out to a true hero to save it from deadly peril in this long-awaited 3rd installment in the hit Atlantis Quest, The Rise of Atlantis series offering a unique blend of 3 popular gameplays. Set out on an exciting new quest in this spectacular mix of Match-3, Hidden Object and Adventure. Embark on a fascinating new journey around the ancient lands of Rome, Greece, Troy, Phoenicia, Babylon, Egypt and Carthage to acquire seven mysterious crystals of power. Appease Poseidon, the patron god of the Atlanteans, and save the legendary continent.

Reference originally accessed HERE 16th Oct 2011

The Game:


Call of Atlantis is the third in the Atlantis series of match three games. It deftly avoids the disturbing tendency to churn out identikit sequels to score a quick buck, delivering instead a spectacular return to form for the franchise. As an added bonus, it’s also proof positive that a little time and effort is all it takes to reinvent nearly any adventure in the eyes of even the most jaded critics, much to our delight and surprise.

Per the introduction, told via an animated slideshow with elegant voice-overs provided by a female narrator, Poseidon’s none too happy with Atlantis’ residents. Over the years, they’ve forgotten to give the deity his due, and as such, a magical undersea altar – from which the fabled city draws its power – has been sealed away. Only by traveling to seven exotic lands (Egypt, Carthage, Greece, Babylon, etc.) and making regular pit stops at the 66 stages which populate a lovingly-rendered campaign map can the gems which unlock it be recovered. Cue a surprisingly engaging journey across realms of storybook fantasy, made all the merrier by an awe-inspiring presentation and the unexpected introduction of hidden object-style play elements.

Between each self-contained scenario, you’ll be regaled with fun facts about the places you’ll visit. Similarly, prior to journeying to each new land, spectacular cut-scenes further the storyline, all of which can be revisited from the main menu once unlocked. Upon arrival at actual playfields though, expect to be greeted by a familiar grid of tiles. (Layouts take different forms from simple rectangles to large boxes surrounded by smaller, satellite-like squares and self-contained islands.) Naturally, all are stamped with varying icons including horses, shields, gems, rings, scrolls and so forth.

Assembling horizontal/vertical groups of three or more similarly-branded objects – accomplished by swapping two tiles at a time with a click – is essential. Doing so removes these squares from the board, with higher-situated tiles tumbling down to fill in the gaps. The core objective ultimately being to move all pieces of a particular item you’re trying to collect (e.g. shuttles, lyres, coats of arms and such) to the bottom of the board, where they’re instantly retrieved, before time runs out.

No surprises here. You get the usual mix of challenging and easily breezed through encounters, including ones where the designers purposefully place locked titles in the worst possible locale or deliberately try and orphan vital objects in a corner somewhere. Likewise, collectible power-ups – e.g. hourglasses that add precious seconds to a slowly-dwindling meter, bombs which remove whole sections of tiles and lightning bolts that destroy all objects of a certain type – aren’t particularly inspired.

However, three tries deep, creator Playrix Entertainment has game balancing down to a fine science, ensuring everything handles well and moves along at a brisk clip. The action’s nicely facilitated by the Amulet of Poseidon too, an ever-present bonus (charge it by making matches of four or more tiles) that helps prevent players from getting stuck. To wit, this gizmo sends a spray of colored streamers flying out on-command, conveniently destroying a selection of tiles that proves most helpful to your cause.

But where the game really shines is twofold: Specifically, in terms of both its charisma and willingness to take some risks.

For starters, expect to be amazed by the outing’s sense of personality. Background environments from outdoor gardens to lavish armories and harbor views complete with day/night cycles and occasional thunderstorms are par for the course. Rustling leaves, dangling grapes and shimmers of light – just a few of many tiny supporting animations you’ll note – further speak to the designers’ attention to detail. (You can actually click an eye icon to remove the grid entirely and just sit back and enjoy each scene’s winking flames and drifting clouds, or use unlocked backdrops as screen savers.) Heck, we even dig featured songs and supporting sound effects, which provide a riveting blend of lilting tunes, haunting ditties and chirping crickets alike.

Secondly, you’ll also appreciate the way the introduction of hidden object challenges also help boost long-term value, with certain stages requiring you locate shards of specific items or reassemble magic jewels from their individual parts. Scavenger hunts aren’t just for show either, as, towards the end of each sojourn, any collectibles you’ve pieced together need to be returned to the appropriate spot on certain levels. (Lanterns go in sconces, instruments in the hands of statues, etc.) Doing so lights flaming braziers, causes inlays to glisten and, predictably, unlocks the path forward.

Mind you, we don’t dig having to forage for tiny, obscure pieces of pottery or fragments of giant emeralds on a regular basis. But thanks to the fact that there’s no time limit placed on such scenarios, there’s good reason for performing these tasks and optional hints are provided every few seconds, hey... In a happy turn, the process actually proves more welcome diversion which serves to extend the overall lifespan of the tale than outright pain in the patookis.

In short, if you haven’t experimented with the series before, now’s the perfect time to have at it. And even if you have, there’s still plenty of incentive to come back and give the franchise a second look. While essentially reprising the same tale the third time over, what can we say? This lavishly-executed, director’s cut-type take on the old corker shows that even if you succeed once, well...Where quality gameplay is concerned, there’s no reason not to try and try again.


Edited reference accessed HERE 1st June 2013




Features:

• 3rd instalment in a hit Atlantis series

• Unique mix of Match-3, Hidden Object and Adventure

• Superb visual and sound effects

• 66 captivating levels with unlimited play

• 7 ancient lands to explore

• Bonus animated screensaver

• Heed the Call of Atlantis!

Video:

You can see several video's of via the following videos HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE,



Music:

If you don't like the in game music, you should be able to exchange the music files which are located via the path below:

C:Program files (x86)\Call of Atlantis\Base\Sound\Music\x.ogg

Where x represents the ogg files you'll want to change. I'd keep a copy of all of the original ogg files at least until you've tested and made sure the game still runs properly. Make sure that you rename all exchanged music files so that they are the same as the ones you are replacing, and also make sure you convert each file to the ogg format first. :)

Conclusion:

This is one of the better Match Threes around, with Hidden Object elements included, excellent visuals and several different themes to explore. I highly recommend downloading and installing this game even though Match Three's have generally become rather two a penny. (Though the latest Puzzle Quest type match threes are an excellent evolution of the match three genre mixing Match Three with RPG elements).


Pro's:

Finely-balanced play. Gorgeous backgrounds. Hidden object and puzzle components. Eye-catching animations aplenty. Slick sound/special effects. Doubles as screen saver. Breathes new life into the series.

Con's:

Some frustrating level layouts. Rehashes traditional match-three elements. Having to hunt for obscure pieces of objects versus entire items.




Scoring:

Game Play - 9
Graphics – 8
Replayability – 8

Total 8.3 out of 10

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Suggestions to the Developer:

• Add more power ups

• Include some mini games

• Improve the story

• Add a ghostly screensaver that you can earn by completing the game

• Create more contrast between the tiles

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Problems:


If you have any problems installing or getting to work today's game please go HERE for help. I've posted all of the common problems and solutions in a FAQ thread, which you can find in the sticky section of the forums by following the above link.

If you are posting late in the day I would also suggest posting in the main giveaway forums, in the game discussion section because I cannot moderate 24hrs a day over the weekend. If you've installed the game but it won’t work for some reason, it should still be registered, so someone may be able to help at another time. Unfortunately if your problem is actually installing it then once the giveaway period is over there’s nothing that can be done until the game is given away again (though that isn't guaranteed). Sometimes you can still register the game after the giveaway has ended so long as you managed to start the download before the giveaway ends. I've tested this and sometimes the grace period lasts for up to 2 hours, but more often than not 1 hour is the norm.




It’s always worth checking out the free games sites because sometimes the games we get here are also available for free from them. MyPlayCity (MPC) has the most with over 800 games to choose from. Today's game is available from MyPlayCity ) HERE . The game is also available from FreeGamePick. (I've not checked the other two free games sites I know about i.e. Jenkat or Gametop).
If you do download any other games from MPC or the other free game sites 'do' watch out for toolbars etc. Make sure you uncheck the checkboxes during installation, and, in the case of MyPlayCity, everytime you boot the game up. .

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Games, Games, and yet more Games plus Download, Installation & Game play Problems:






If you have any problems installing or getting to work today's game please go HERE for help. I've posted all of the common problems and solutions in a FAQ thread, which you can find in the sticky section of the forums by following the above link.





It's Steams summer sale, with around a thousand games on sale. I 'm not going to list my usual steam choices as there's far too many. The usual 24/48hr deals are live as it the 8hour flash sale and the community choice.

You'll also find some excellent deals over on the following Game sites, some of which have summer sales on. I've been selling my Steam trading cards and have already amassed nearly £200 just from selling these cards. i sold one for over £4 last week. all proceeds are going towards games. :)

GreenManGaming
Gamersgate Summer Sale
GOG
Desura
Gamestop
GameFly

To be honest there are too many game deals around too list them all. Just visit the sites I recommend above and I'm sure you'll find something that suits you for a very decent price. If like me you prefer Steamworks games, many of the above sites also sell steamwork games.

If that's not enough, check out the Game Discussion forums HERE for details of other games either free or on deals such as the Indie Game bundles (there's over 20 of them - If you purchased all of them you'd be paying around $80 for around a thousand dollars worth of games); or check out the four day sales at IndieGameStand. I've updated the Indie Game bundle thread to include all the latest bundles. you'll find that thread HERE.

The latest IndieGameStand game is KEL Reaper of Entropy, an unconventional, humorous adventure game This bundle ends around 5am Tuesday GMT.

The latest Daily Indie game is Tiamat X, a rip-snortin tribute to the side-scrolling shooters of yesteryear, and would be right at home blazing away on the screen of a booming, beer-stained arcade cabinet. As such, your PC will have to do, and it is much to the designer's regret that he can t plumb a coin-slot into his rig for that truly authentic seaside amusement-park experience.

You can get two keys if you pay more than $1.12; (one for a friend or family member perhaps?). You'll find that deal HERE. They also have a bundle of several games that'll cost you less than $1.50 HERE

Most of the bundles retail for around $5 give or take a few dollars, but you can pay as little as a dollar for some.

Finally, if you want more match three games you'll find loads over on MyPlaycity and the other free sites. as already mentioned above, please be aware of the toolbars, home page changes and browser changes that can occur if you don't uncheck the check boxes.

========================================================

A Request for helpl>:

Developers rely on good feedback to improve their games. If you download this game please take some time once you’ve played it a while to leave some constructive feedback either positive or negative. The more constructive feedback we get, the more likely developers are going to give more games away. The giveaway site already has a very good standing with the search engines. Developers want their products out there on the WWW, this site has the potential to do that. The game giveaway project gives away on average between 9 to 17 thousand downloads for each game depending upon what genre and how obscure the game is. That’s a lot of homes these games are being downloaded into and a lot of 'potential' cash that’s being lost by the developers. If we get better games because of better feedback, the community are likely to continue to benefit from the generosity of the developers. Satisfied community members are then more likely to visit the home sites of those developers and purchase games that they may not have bothered with before they discovered the developer via the game giveaway site, thus giving the developers more incentives to give away even more decent games.

Please leave some feedback once you've checked the game out. It can be positive or negative, but please explain what your reasons were for the feedback you post. You could also leave suggestions for improving the game, for example, this game could do with more block types for the levels editor, add more power-ups, describing the ones you think would be suitable, add some mini games (which seem all the rage in some arcade games now) or enable the user to be able to change the in game music easily.

Thank you in advance to all those who take the time to post a constructive comment.

Regards

Whiterabbit aka Stephen

========================================================