Normally, I'm not a fan of time management game but I decided to give this one a try. I'm glad that I did. I finished it quickly (couple of days) and enjoyed every minute of it. Just challenging enough to keep my attention and the plot was great motivation to keep going. All in all, a fun game that even people who aren't normally fans on the genre will still certainly enjoy. It was fun in an annoying way to get frustrated when you added a wrong to a potion and couldn't get it out. Basically, you usually had to write off the customer unless you had a magic flask handy. Bravo on this gem! Keep 'em coming!

...................Moderator comment.................

Thank you for your feedback Raphael. Muche appreciated. :)

Downloaded it, played all levels, and seriously wonder why. It has been deleted. I've had too much Real Life experience serving cranky and demanding people. I kept expecting more interesting things to happen, going to find Jack, or exploring secret passageways or something. But no, just fixing drinks, level after level. Good lord, if I wanted to do that I'd get a job as a bartender. A really annoying game. Good graphics, but since the player didn't move around much that was not too impressive.


....................ModeratorComment....................

Thank you for your feedback Sunfish. Got to agree with you (80% at least)I also dislike this type of game, but they do seem very popular with casual gamers and it is well made. Okay there is room for improvement; hopefully Playrix will take into consideration the suggestions already made above from the community. :)

Personally, I much prefer to wander around one of the elder Scrolls environments, or the later Fallout games or if i feel like playing a FPS one of the open world shooters such as ArmA II or the latest two Operation Flashpoint games. All of which are infinitely more interesting than today's TM game. I'd also check out the burgeoning indie scene. Desura or Steams Greenlight community are the places to go to find some very interesting and original game concepts. :)

I like TM games, and I love Playrix. Potion Bar is unfortunately shortn(roughly 3 1/2 hours) and low on the replayability scale though. I bought it about two years ago, played, forgot about it until today. The length, screen layout, and goal meter are the three things I dislike the most. On the plus side, there's an attempt at a story (even if it is a little convoluted) with few typos and grammatical errors. The one typo I really hate is the "engenering drawing". It's probably more annoying because it stands out so. The hidden object mini game suffers the same issue as a lot of HOGs where the item looks very little like the description, but there isn't a time limit and you have unlimited hints so it could be worse. That said, the lack of limits adds to the games lack of challenge.

Not to sound completely negative (because it isn't a bad game), but I'd also like to see the bad guys stop showing up as customers after their role in the plot is revealed. I don't like them myself, but the game could be expanded with an "endless day" option where you see how many customers you can serve before some limit like three burnt potions or five angry customers.


.......................Moderator comment.................

Thank you for your feedback & suggestions. :)

Thank you GGOTD for a cute game. It's tame enough for me as I am not a TM game player as a general rule. I am more a Match 3 HOG player. This was colorful and I just adore the cat.

I really don't like TM games but this one is OK. Great graphics, decent storyline and music. I already had this one so but it being here.....reminded me about it. Playrix games are always good as is Alawar's.

Yep, I agree with RM(Runie); there needs to be more dialogue with the customers to be realistic. I tip better if the bartender pays attention to me. "Witness your amazing potions endow incredible power, reverse aging and help get to the secrets of the Universe." You might even find your lost shaker of salt..Or end up dancing on top of the bar with the girls of Coyote Ugly.

Yes, Runie, I got your(what did we use to call them) appleseeds..or close to that??? I owe the Wabbit one first...Besides I got a year, right???

Thanks Playrix and GGOTD for the game and that Wrascally Wabbit for his review.


...................Moderator comment....................

Thanks Delenn :)

Has it really been over a year since this was offered?? Yep, 8/2011. Time slippeth through fingers like mercury.
There's nothing NOT to like about this game.* Colorful, creative, complex enough to make you stop and think. Although I'm not partial to kids (especially when they walk on the lawn) I can see where rug rats would probably enjoy playing this with Ma or Pa.

* Okay, I far prefer casual games (SkyAces being a lone exception. I had no idea how much rage it let me vent! I miss that game. So does my office drywall.)
I never got past Level 1. The TM aspect of Potion Bar stressed me out. Probably should wear a BP cuff 24/7.
If I had one wish for the developer, it'd be to offer a laid back wizards's no time limits option where we could get a chance to chat with the patrons a bit (using a free open source AI chat bot subroutine like Eliza with some good script), let us practice flipping flasks behind our backs while Kokomo plays in the background... else I end up killing customers and burying them in the basement alongside the health inspectors.

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Thanks Runesage. Oe of the reasons I don't like TM games is the time limits. There are some that I do like to play, such as the Farm Frenzy games. The timeallowed for those is quite generous and I can usually score gold or silver times. another one is flower story (or something like that. where you grow flowers in your garden and sell them at the local market. It was a give away some years ago. Can't remember its full name. There was another where the developer kept upgrading and allowed giveaway users to upgrade for free (something like Magic farm). I seem to remember we got up to around 21 upgrades. That was another plant/farm like TM game There darned opiates make me forget too easily these days. :( I still get the occasional email from that developer when he wants beta testers.

The game plays smoothly in Windows 7. If you go into Compatibility Mode and select "Run in 640x480 screen resolution", the game will run full-screen on a wide-screen monitor, with no loss in image quality.

Seems entertaining. I am about a quarter of the way through it already. Much more challenging using just the touch pad on the laptop. I do agree with Nikki though. A variety of random phrases for each character would be welcome.

This is an absolutely marvelous game. I have purchased it before, lost it, and am thrilled to see it today! THANK YOU ONE AND ALL at Game Giveaway of the Day and PLAYRIX! Wonderful, colorful, fun game!

Have had this game since 2011 and love it...great late night, can't sleep time consumer!! I would suggest that you give it a try and be patient...the time management gets more difficult as the levels go on. Playrix (as usual) has beautiful graphics and you get a background story about the characters. Love it!!

The flower/web items on the left-hand side need to be spaced out a little more. I was constantly having to change the item twice, wasting time.

Very good game easy to play and challenging well worth trying.

When trying to install this program, Norton 360 intercepts is with the message that the SONAR heuristic was detected and the program terminated. What can be done?



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

You'll probably need to temporarily disable sonar.

As I've said literally hundreds of times now, game giveaways are always throughly checked for malware. What you are seeing is a result of the security software that is now included with the game giveaway (It was included to stop users from being able to rip off the developers by being able to copy a reusable executable from the hidden temp folder during the installation of the game. These were appearing on peer to peer sites and compromising the project.

There is nothing wrong with todays game giveaway. what you are getting is a false positive. The game giveaway project has been running since Dec 2006 and there has never been a game given away with malware. also Playrix is a very reputable developer.

Playrix, the only thing that can be wrong with their games is that you don't like the gametype, good graphics, easy install, never boring. like Anh already said, Instant thumbs up

I had a potion game I downloaded here some time ago. I kind of liked it. As Stephen has mentioned it can be stressful. You need to work at it. However I did have fun playing it. Not a game that you play when you only have a short time to play.

Download it and enjoy.

Installed A-OK on Vista Hm PRem., X64. Played the game for few minutes just to make sure it runs OK; Loved the special effects and scenarios ... different adn fun.

I have a different Q/Comment ... Why is it Playrix or Alawar would offer their Fun Games on Sunday's instead of Saturday's!?!?

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Don't know? :)

.... Comment removed due to scaremongering.....



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

As I've said literally hundreds of times now, game giveaways are always throughly checked for malware. What you are seeing is a result of the security software that is now included with the game giveaway (It was included to stop users from being able to rip off the developers by being able to copy a reusable executable from the hidden temp folder during the installation of the game. These were appearing on peer to peer sites and compromising the project.

There is nothing wrong with todays game giveaway. what you are getting is a false positive. The game giveaway project has been running since Dec 2006 and there has never been a game given away with malware. also Playrix is a very reputable developer.

This works fine. No problems with download. Enjoying it so far.
Thank you Playrix.

Instant thumps up. Got it last year, totally enjoyed it.
The Playrix website needs a Search function though. I can't even find this game on there.

.....................Moderator comment......................

Alawar do the same. Most of their games cannot be found using the sites seach engine. The easiest way is to Google the name of the game with the developer.

http://www.playrix.com/games/pc/potion-bar.html

Seems GGOTD is dancing all around royal envoy 2.
I bought version 1 then like 3 days later it was given away here[NATURALLY].
any idea if/when v2 is going to be on here?

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

That's up to Playrix

Hello White rabbit, been down in Congo, in Africa, still followed you with vigor.Love this game , after all its playrix, need this here in the bush on your day off, from work , from war , from anything.Thanks. Have fun, continue giving christmas presents early, aka good games !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I actually own this game but just wanted to say its a decent time management title, gameplay is fast enough to make it a bit challenging and it actually has something of a storyline - not common in this genre. My only complaint was the customers all having their own catchphrase, great at first but it gets a bit tedious as the game goes on hearing the same phrases over and over. Be careful with your upgrades as it really does matter what you choose, think whether you need more equipment, more speed or to earn more money before you choose. Definitely recommended, I cannot understand why the game has so many "thumbs down" - don't downmark a game just because you don't like the genre!


.......................Mderator Comment.....................

Thank you for your feedback Nikki

Definitely a fun game - I enjoyed the personality in the quirky characters.

This was given on August 27, 2011

For thoses of you who can't sleep well this game is for you.

I finished it last time we had it here and trust me make sure to think things through when the merchant sells you upgrades it will make your life easier.


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

Thank you for your feedback Shawn. :)

Problems installing or activating:


If you have any problems installing today's game please go HERE for help.

If you have difficulty downloading or activating the game you can try again later or do one of the following - for example once downloaded when you click on the dual activation and set up file you may get the message "Failed to connect. Please try again later" If this happens try re-booting your modem and/or router, failing that reboot your computer or clear out the internet cache, in particular the cookies for the game giveawayoftheday then re-try. If you use Firefox check to see if Internet Explorer isn't set to off-line, this can also cause the above problem.

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Potion Barl>

Installation:

The game downloads to a 56.9Mb zip file that unpacks to a read me, a security file (setup.gcd) and dual activation and setup file. The game installs to the following path by default, but you can change the path during the installation wizard:


C:\Program Files (x86)\Playrix Entertainment\Potion Bar (64 bit)

Or

C:\Program Files\Playrix Entertainment\Potion Bar (32 bit)


The game installs to a 58.6MB folder. Shortcuts are created for the desktop and the Start Menu/Programs List under Playrix Entertainment. The game plays in XP, Vista and Win 7. You can get today's gamegiveaway 24/7 from MyPlayCity HERE though remember sites like MyPlayCity do sometimes have hidden perils like home page hijacking and toolbar installations as well as less innocuous but nevertheless annoying attributes such as opening your browser when you close the game down. The former can be reversed and are avoidable by unchecking the checkboxes that are presented to you during the installation wizard but the latter is always present in all free games from any of those free sites giving away full version and usually commercial titles such as the ones I mention in the 'Alternatives' section below. ;-)

Main Menu

Early Game Level

Introduction:

Potion Bar was originally given away last year (August 2011) where it received a positive 73% out of 346 votes. You can see the 49 comments HERE


Developers Introduction:

Plunge into the captivating world of magic! Make delicious potions with Rainbow spray and Vampire fangs and serve them to fantastic clients. Decorate glasses with wild lotuses and Phoenix feathers. Witness your amazing potions endow incredible power, reverse aging and help get to the secrets of the Universe. Travel the world and space, see prophetic dreams and solve the enigmatic mystery! Be the first to play this game at Playrix!

Reference accessed HERE Aug 26th 2011

Later Game Level

Potion making Laboratory with Hidden Object mini game

The Game

The game is fully mouse controlled apart from creating your profile. You can create multiple profiles if you wish, which makes this an ideal family game. When you start the game for the first time you'll be asked to create a profile before you can progress further. The options menu is simple with sliders to control the music and sound effects plus check boxes for Full Screen/Windowed mode and one for changing the cursor to a custom cursor.

When you start a new game you will first be shown several pages that give you the background story. You can scroll through these by clicking on each page or skipping altogether by clicking on the skip button to the bottom right of the game screen. Once you're in the potions bar you'll see several more screens of dialogue between yourself and a cat, amongst this dialogue you'll have to click on a letter that tells you that the previous bar man has run away, then you are warned that your first customer is about to arrive.


The game is a light hearted attempt at a time management game (TM game) that even I can play. This isn't like the time management games I've played before in that it's relatively easy going, (well at least for the first several levels that I managed to play while checking this game out last night using the demo). The graphics are excellent and very colourful. You are a (press-ganged) potions bar manager in a witches, wizards , vampires and werewolves bar. Unfortunately, because the original bar person ran away you have been trapped at the bar and are not able to leave until the original bar person returns.

Your job is to create a selection of potions that is accomplished by adding various colored liquids into a flask then adding specific ingredients to the flask, then you place the flask onto a burner to cook. When it's done a cork pops off. You then have to add a second ingredient then replace the flask on the stove. When the cork pop's again it's ready to serve to your customer. As you progress through the levels (of which there are only 35) the choice of potions that you have to create increases. Each potion is easy to create as there is always a picture of what you need to create in front of the customer on the bar.

The game starts with a simple tutorial which introduces you to this relatively simple TM game. As you progress through the levels the number of customers increases. You have to collect a specific amount of money within a certain time to complete the level and move on to the next. If you fail to collect the specified amount of money you have to restart the level or start the game over (you are given the choice). As well as potions you also have to occasionally give talisman away as and when they are requested by a customer. The first talisman is garlic. As the game progresses you will be awarded new talisman to give away as well as new potions and new items such as extra stoves and special flasks. Every few levels you get to purchase new upgrades and create new potions but to be able to do this you have to play a simple hidden object game where you place items on a fancy looking door (sort of like a jigsaw). On completion the door opens and you gain entry into the potion making laboratory where you can then create a new potion by adding various ingredients to a cauldron that are hidden around the lab.

The quicker you create potions for each customer the more money you can earn. You can see the mood of a customer after they have waited some time by a smily face above their heads. If you don't earn a specific amount of money within the given time you have to restart the level.

Options Menu

Door into Potions Laboratory with puzzle pieces to open

Features

• 35 challenging levels with progressive difficulty

• City episodes in 5 beautiful locations

• Smartly incorporated mini-games

• Engaging story line and vivid characters

• Refreshing blend of mystery and irony

Level Completed

Ending the game

Images & Video

You can see a couple of videos of in game features HERE and HERE



You can see a slideshow of over 70 images HERE.







Conclusion

I've never really liked TM games as I play games for relaxation discovery or excitement. Most TM games for me are stress increasing, so generally I avoid them, but I quite liked today's game; it wasn't as stressful as most that I've played and I found the concept of potion making appealed to me (I loved chemistry as a child and youth). Overall I would rate this game are very playable and well worth including in your games library. It's well constructed and includes a short story line that adds to the overall playability of this game.


Scoring

Score out of 10 = 7.2

Game Play - 7.5
Graphics - 7.5
Audio - 7
Re-playability - 7
Target Groups – 7

Part of Story Board

Letter left at start of game

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Alternatives:





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Similar Games available for free


You'll find over 50 free time management games over at MyPlayCity HERE and includes such hits as 3 of the Farm Frenzy games, Amelia's Café, Beach Party Craze, Cake Shop 1 & 2, Magic Farm, Magic Farm: Ultimate Flower, Youda Farmer as well as today's giveaway Potion Bar, which means if you miss today's Gamegiveaway you can still get Potion Bar 24/7, though today's giveaway has none of the problems such as your browser being opened when the game closes down or the risk of your home page being changed or tool bars installed that are associated with getting games from such sites as MyPlayCity and others like Gametop (you'll also find some TM games at Gametop). That said those risks are not serious, more like an annoyance.



Games, Games, and yet more Games:





If you're looking for something other than today's game check the didimatic site via THIS link for some brilliant deals.
There are several other deals available from Steam as well as many more from Gamersgate, Gamestop, Desura, Greenman Gaming and GOG; all of which you can find via the Didimatic site.

This weekends Steam deals include a free weekend play of the excellent Red Orchestra 2 GOTY version, which can also be purchased for only £3.74 (75% off) and there's also 75% off the Crysis franchise (one of PC's benchmark games with amazing graphics). You'll need a decent computer to run any of the Crysis games at maximum graphics. You can get Crysis even cheaper than Red Orchestra 2 at only £2.49 its a steal. The 24hr deal for today is rigonauts (66% off £2.37/approx $3.50) - Rigonauts is a fantastical building battle game from Engient. Snap together the ultimate vessel and send your crew of Hobs into battle. With a well designed ship and a clever plan, your crew will smash and blast past an assortment of strange and dangerous foes. :)





This months Alawar game box is called 'Finding Doggy' (a Match 3 similar to 4 Elements). You need to install the free game box from Alawar to access the free games, which for newcomers change over approximately every month to six weeks. If that's not enough, check out the Game Discussion forums HERE for details of other games either free or on deals.


You'll find details of all live game bundles (eg Bundle in a Box and Indie Gala 11) over in the Game discussion forums HERE
as well. :) also don't forget to check out the IndieGameStands 96 hour deal. The present game is Blueberry Garden a cute physics based platformer.

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A Request for help:

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