Didn't whip me into a frenzy (Farm Frenzy (PC))

Member Name: abbadabbado

Product:	Farm Frenzy (PC)
Date:	06/10/08 (138 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: an easy game to play

Disadvantages: can be repetitive

Farm Frenzy is an arcade game where you are in control of a farm. The aim of the game is to complete each level by completing the tasks set to you at the beginning of each level. These tasks start off relatively easy such as make 300 gold pieces for example, but as the levels progress, the goals get more difficult and you will have to juggle many tasks to complete the level.

The basic idea of Farm Frenzy starts with a small farm yard. There is a well which you have to fill with water, and a goose which you have to feed in order for it to lay an egg. Geese will lay eggs when they have plenty to eat. Grass will grow on the ground for the geese to eat providing you have water in the well for the grass to grow. Water will be in the well providing you have money to fill the well.
The whole game follows a series of events as you will see from the above, and it's down to your mouse clicking skills to get the most from your farmyard to make the money.

A wagon is placed at the bottom of the screen next to your storage area. When you have collected eggs you can then sell them at market by making the wagon take the produce. When the wagon returns your gold balance increases by the amount you have sent to market.

The game starts off easily with geese before progressing onto more than one animal at a time. This is where you need to start juggling items to get goals completed.
Upgrades become available by this point to make your life a bit easier, and to increase the amount you can sell your produce for. Beware though these upgrades are going to cost you money so you'll need to work hard first before you reap the benefits.

You will find yourself making all sorts of produce before long including material, cheese, milk and lots more.
At the end of each level you have the chance to visit the shop to buy extras to help you throughout the game. This can be in the form of new buildings etc. I often found I hadn't earnt enough gold to be able to buy what I needed and realised I often wasted it on the first thing I could afford. This never really helped me throughout the game.

The beginning of each level a map screen appears and shows where you are in the game. There are 45 levels to this game so be prepared to be playing it for sometimes if you want to actually get to the end.
You have the chance to replay old levels which is a good idea especially if you didn't do so well the first time around.

The game comes across very cute and when you're an adult playing it you begin to question yourself. I started playing it because I downloaded the 60 minutes free trial from the internet, but I liked it enough to pay the full £10 for it. I did consider my daughter when buying this one though as I knew she would like it.
I think it is directed more towards a child when you look at the cartoon style animals and bright colours, but it's geared for adult playing when you have to complete more and more throughout the game. A child could easily get lost with it all.

Overall I thought this game started well, but then it went through a repetitive stage after a few levels. By the time it got difficult and I found myself getting frustrated with it, I began to wish I had never bought it.

I found the concept of the game fairly exciting as I like the sort of games that require me to achieve certain tasks, and it also boasted simple controls, with just clicks of your mouse in the right areas to control everything.
Farm Frenzy is suitable for windows 2000/xp/vista and needs 256mb ram. It's not suitable for macs.
If this game appeals I would recommend the free trail before you spend money on it.

Summary: one to play when you're bored