Cradle of Empires・Match 3 game

I would give Cradle of empires a 5 star but I’ve been experiencing issues with every time I sign in it has to update. This takes a minute or two to update and sometimes that’s all the time I’ve got to play. Therefore each time it updates I back out and move on to another game. I’ve tried 3 times with Awen and all they say is they see crashes (but those are when I just back out as I don’t want to wait and I’ve explained that) and that I need a better internet connection so try resetting my modem and see if that works. I’ve done this 3 times and each time it doesn’t fix anything. They tell me I need to clear my Cache before I play, it always is. I’ve written to them and each time I get the same response, it’s something I’m doing. I’ve been playing this game for about 4 years, maybe more and I’ve told them if I don’t get the problem fixed then I will be deleting this game. Oops I’m sorry but it’s your fault. Try resetting your internet and clearing your cache or get on another internet. I’m trying very hard to hav onto this game as I don’t want 4 years of build up to go away but I don’t like it having to update each time I play. Hopefully there’s something else they can do but at this time it won’t be long before I delete and don’t come back if some real assistance is offered because obviously I’ve done all I can do on my end. Anyone else have this problem?

After years of casual play and 150+ levels I can say this is still a fun fun game. Well balanced gameplay that’s always a challenge but ultimately winnable. Some levels are very difficult - cheater levels you seemingly can’t win, but switch game modes and you can solve. For beginners, don’t go for collections. Instead focus 100% effort on experience. Going up in levels makes everything easier. Build totems. Next is the Sacred Lotus - always try to complete it and hope for stars to get the Pharaoh’s Treasure, which is worth at least one level if used wisely. Do the Ship/Cave/Pyramid only when you’re low on energy. They’re fun, too! The Sphinx is the only worthwhile side quest. Ask yourself is this giving me exp? If no, don’t do it. You do NOT need gems. They are nice to buy hammers, but otherwise not necessary. I do buy a bag of gems every so often, but in general I’m very patient. Replaying games till you understand the patterns is key. And use Blitz mode to kill gophers. Have fun!

This is a game to play in spare time, and instead of focusing on completing collections, I would complete the puzzles within the areas of the village. Much more fulfilling and doable. I am beginning to believe the only way to complete the collections is to buy them, and not win them. And yes, it takes a long time to charge enough lives to play. Expect to let it sit for at least 8 hours to get almost, not all, 350 lives (my current stage). As you progress further, you will need to use the bonus chargers to complete puzzles. I found I have to use them 75% of the time, otherwise, you will use all the lives to play a puzzle, and most likely get no where. And, many times, after completing a puzzle, you may not get the reward hidden in it. You will have to play it and successfully complete the puzzle at least 3x more to get it. I like the game, but you do feel like the rewards are small when you win a lot. I agree with other reviewers too, you should not lose your lives if you win the puzzle. It takes so long to recharge, it would only seem fair since you cannot get the rewards easily anyway when you win. There really is no give in this game. Play when you can (I check in every day just so I don't lose the daily gifts which at week's end, gives something bigger), but do not buy anything. You will end up spending a lot for your frustration, and only have to spend more as you reach higher levels. Good luck!