If you are stuck on the second puzzle during the Dew story (the one with the green triangles), try refreshing, especially if it looks like there are missing pieces
Ugh. It's frustrating that I am at the tier 8 full turquoise clover, but can't get it to mutate after 12 hours. I'm sure that I have to upgrade the "Mutation Chance" but I think I'm probably two or three days away from getting enough "Science" to upgrade. My museum is full with all the tier 1 - tier 7 variations, so there is literally nothing for me to do except wait. I agree -- I wish I could convert money into science (which would make sense... as in "hire more innovators" or "hire more scientists"). The money is worthless to me, as I have topped out on all the money-related upgrades. It's a decent idea for a game... I just am frustrated to be "stuck" here at tier 8.
Just to play Devil's Advocate...
I played this game before the badges were added, and I do like it. (And no, I don't pay to play -- at least not until I play for a long enough time to think it merits it.) I did receive the medium badge last night when I logged in... apparently, about 900 of those who play regularly logged in yesterday because it seems to be down now. It wasn't that hard to reach fame level 6 -- it does take some grinding, but there are a lot of quests to get gems, etc. (in other words -- you don't *have* to buy gems with kreds, you can get them in game).
I think that maybe the servers have crashed because of adding the badges and so many more people are trying the game. Or maybe there is something else going on... but I don't think that the 3.7 stars is not merited. Of all the long-term games I've played on Kongregate, this is right up there with the best.
Just my .02!
Super glitchy... but fun for a while (until the slow float after battles makes me want to shoot myself in the face).
Did all 4 endings (enforcer, buccaneer, millionaire, dictator) and all four were underwhelming.