sartasia's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:3,556
- Reviews Submitted:63
- First Review:November 11, 2011
- Most Recent Review:August 28, 2023
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Help John explore a Sinister City and save his bride, Nina, from vicious vampires! Travel to the astral plane and save your love!
Overall rating
3
/
5
19 of 23 found this review helpful
Ah well...the credits were entertaining
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
This is not "scary" in any sense of the word and I don't believe it was meant to be.
This would fall under the catagory of RPG/HOG lite. Extremely lite.
Loaded and ran fine for me with no problems.
Option of both challenge and basic mode. I played challenge level with no sparkles but there are sparkles/clues in the basic level.
3rd person perspective.
Very linear. Point A to point B in a given area depending on the task.
Mini games, while playing into the story line, are simple.
Didn't pay any attention to the music so it must be unobtrusive.
Graphics are clear for the most part.
There is a small amount of interaction as you move some things to find others and select people to talk to.
Most objects to find are multiple identical items.
No penalty for clicking.
If you click on a location, i.e. a door, the character auto goes there.
Story line is suppose to be humorous. To some it may be.
Very short game. For me, 1.5 hours and that was not rushing or skipping.
This would fall under the catagory of RPG/HOG lite. Extremely lite.
Loaded and ran fine for me with no problems.
Option of both challenge and basic mode. I played challenge level with no sparkles but there are sparkles/clues in the basic level.
3rd person perspective.
Very linear. Point A to point B in a given area depending on the task.
Mini games, while playing into the story line, are simple.
Didn't pay any attention to the music so it must be unobtrusive.
Graphics are clear for the most part.
There is a small amount of interaction as you move some things to find others and select people to talk to.
Most objects to find are multiple identical items.
No penalty for clicking.
If you click on a location, i.e. a door, the character auto goes there.
Story line is suppose to be humorous. To some it may be.
Very short game. For me, 1.5 hours and that was not rushing or skipping.
Hmm..well I bought it thinking the humor was interesting in the demo portion.
It never improved. Cute concept that never really fleshed out. And the over all game was extremly easy.
End result for me was boredom. Although I did get a smile at the action during the closing credits.
This would be a great game for someone who was just discovering this genre or was on the young side.
Probably on the whole wished I'd saved the credit.
It never improved. Cute concept that never really fleshed out. And the over all game was extremly easy.
End result for me was boredom. Although I did get a smile at the action during the closing credits.
This would be a great game for someone who was just discovering this genre or was on the young side.
Probably on the whole wished I'd saved the credit.
I don't recommend this game.
Help the secret organization of Mystery Trackers find 3 missing celebrities in the mysterious Void family mansion!
Overall rating
3
/
5
55 of 62 found this review helpful
Not a bad game but could have been better.
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
It's very much a case of pros and cons for me.
The hidden objects were well done but the mini games were no challenge what so ever.
It is also very point A to point B which given the beautiful game renderings is a shame.
The inventory has so far been very short lived as you use what you find almost immediately and then it's gone.
It should have been an omen when the first object was ....
wait for it......
a crowbar.
The music loop was surprisingly short and as such became repetitive very quickly.
The frog didn't bother me as I live on a lake so it's a sound I'm use to tuning out.
I also agree that different options for difficulty would have been nice. I am not a fan of sparkles.
It is also very point A to point B which given the beautiful game renderings is a shame.
The inventory has so far been very short lived as you use what you find almost immediately and then it's gone.
It should have been an omen when the first object was ....
wait for it......
a crowbar.
The music loop was surprisingly short and as such became repetitive very quickly.
The frog didn't bother me as I live on a lake so it's a sound I'm use to tuning out.
I also agree that different options for difficulty would have been nice. I am not a fan of sparkles.
On the plus side the story is not boring though not a real grabber.
And as I mentioned before the graphics are quite nice. Colorful, crisp and clear with no darkspots or size problems.
Not a bad game but could have been better.
And as I mentioned before the graphics are quite nice. Colorful, crisp and clear with no darkspots or size problems.
Not a bad game but could have been better.
I recommend this game!
Open up small jars and find a new Hidden Object scene, Puzzle, or another surprise! Explore these magical tiny worlds!
Overall rating
4
/
5
108 of 114 found this review helpful
What a pure hidden gem.
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Played this 5 minutes and then quickly bought it. Played 20 minutes longer and had to write a review.
Beautifully creative HOG with varied mini games.
Colors and graphics are impressively imaginative. Once your mind and eyes adjust to each particular scene style the objects are there in plain sight.
Hints fills quickly.
Fills my 22inch flat screen with no black bars.
Music changes with every scene and fits. Nothing obnoxious to me.
Nice relaxing game with options for "Score" or "Zen". Meaning timer or no timer.
A perfect one to keep on my desktop for work breaks.
Beautifully creative HOG with varied mini games.
Colors and graphics are impressively imaginative. Once your mind and eyes adjust to each particular scene style the objects are there in plain sight.
Hints fills quickly.
Fills my 22inch flat screen with no black bars.
Music changes with every scene and fits. Nothing obnoxious to me.
Nice relaxing game with options for "Score" or "Zen". Meaning timer or no timer.
A perfect one to keep on my desktop for work breaks.
Ok, lets face it. I'm an old hippie and this appeals to me on so many levels. The artwork alone takes me back many years. What a hidden gem. Thanks BF!!!!!
I love it!
I love it!
I recommend this game!
Vivien Ambrose has just discovered how to travel through time! Set off through history in Time Mysteries: Inheritance!
Overall rating
3
/
5
71 of 82 found this review helpful
It's relaxing and entertaining enough to while away a chilly afternoon
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This game is an light interpretation of an IHOG. Although the retained items are used immediately.
Loaded and ran just fine.
Filled my 22 inch screen.
Separate options for sound and effects.
No problem with cursor.
You can skip or advance the graphic story as you see fit.
Loaded and ran just fine.
Filled my 22 inch screen.
Separate options for sound and effects.
No problem with cursor.
You can skip or advance the graphic story as you see fit.
Graphics are hand drawn and quite well done. Bright colors and clear lines. No dark scenes so far.
Music doesn't bother me though I have it set low. It sets the feel for each time piece fairly well. I must add that it seems at times to be set on a strange loop. Either this is suppose to sound like a record that ends with a scratch or the loop is off.
Mini games have been varied and simple but entertaining. Some have been refreshingly different such as the chess board. Not difficult but a nice change.They also remain consistent to the story. The only repeating one to occur divides each chapter. It is a "Spot the Difference". Though I read a lot of complaints concerning this mini it happens to be one of my favorites. I for one can not stand sliders but they seems to be popular. Bravo BF for providing options for all.
I played on challenge level so hints are supposedly very slow to refill though I didn't use any. Also no sparkles on this choice. They do occur on the casual level.
HOG items seem apropos to the time scene. Well hidden without strained attempts. No off color items or strange sizing. Nothing hidden behind things. Just well placed.
The story line is fairly usual and on the light side but I do like the interaction with the ball. Some of the repartee has been quite glib and cute. Wish that had occured more often.
Length seems fairly average. You goal is to collect 7 rings and I had 2 after the first 50 minutes with only one minor interuption for a phone call. I just sat back and took my time with this. No timer ...no hurry.
I recommend this game!
Gather items, solve puzzles and make spine-chilling discoveries as you explore a deserted island in Twisted Lands: Shadow Town!
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 26 found this review helpful
Shrug of the shoulders...
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Loaded fine.
I played in challenger mode so I don't know how the other option fairs.
Graphics were nice. Possibly could have been crisper in some cases but on the whole clean.
Cut scenes slightly silly and IMO actually pointless.
HOGS were clear and fairly easy.
Mini games were game appropriate, some were challenging and all played into the story line.
Music was slightly repetitive but turned it down and ignored it.
Options for both music and sound which is always a plus for me.
Walkthrough included was easy to use and remained on the page you left it.
Length was ok. Took me about 4 hours (not including bonus) but I had a few pauses for life in that.
Hints worked well and would direct you to another screen if needed.
I played in challenger mode so I don't know how the other option fairs.
Graphics were nice. Possibly could have been crisper in some cases but on the whole clean.
Cut scenes slightly silly and IMO actually pointless.
HOGS were clear and fairly easy.
Mini games were game appropriate, some were challenging and all played into the story line.
Music was slightly repetitive but turned it down and ignored it.
Options for both music and sound which is always a plus for me.
Walkthrough included was easy to use and remained on the page you left it.
Length was ok. Took me about 4 hours (not including bonus) but I had a few pauses for life in that.
Hints worked well and would direct you to another screen if needed.
All sounds good doesn't it?
I thought that this would be a fave. Unfortunately it was more of a shoulder shrug. The game was plodding along fairly well but after a fair amount of time I would have liked some reason to connect what was going on.
The story line was one that by the wrap up I was just going "Huh?" It was all over the board in explanation. At the end you still have no idea why all the events took place. There is even a small reference at one point that it all could be an illusion. When the game ended you were left wondering what just happened. The plot was so disconnected that I have yet, 2 days later, played the bonus scene. I started it and the "characters" I immediately noticed had nothing to do with the previous game play and all I could think was "Now what?" and turned it off with a shrug.
I'm sure I will get back to it at some point but for now I just plain have no interest.
This game may be very enjoyable for those that do not care about story line but as I believe this pretty much carries a game like this it was a disappointment to me.
I might recommend the SE but not the CE. Save your money.
I thought that this would be a fave. Unfortunately it was more of a shoulder shrug. The game was plodding along fairly well but after a fair amount of time I would have liked some reason to connect what was going on.
The story line was one that by the wrap up I was just going "Huh?" It was all over the board in explanation. At the end you still have no idea why all the events took place. There is even a small reference at one point that it all could be an illusion. When the game ended you were left wondering what just happened. The plot was so disconnected that I have yet, 2 days later, played the bonus scene. I started it and the "characters" I immediately noticed had nothing to do with the previous game play and all I could think was "Now what?" and turned it off with a shrug.
I'm sure I will get back to it at some point but for now I just plain have no interest.
This game may be very enjoyable for those that do not care about story line but as I believe this pretty much carries a game like this it was a disappointment to me.
I might recommend the SE but not the CE. Save your money.
I don't recommend this game.
Saddle up for fun and become a sheriff in Golden Trails: The New Western Rush. Find the culprits behind a bank robbery!
Overall rating
4
/
5
84 of 88 found this review helpful
Yehaw...
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
I enjoyed this game!
Fairly straight HOG but there is a little interaction between scenes. Not quite what I would call an IHOG but some others might.
Fairly straight HOG but there is a little interaction between scenes. Not quite what I would call an IHOG but some others might.
Graphics were sharp and clear. I liked the artwork.
I found the objects were well hidden but in plain site and were appropriate to the scene.
I found the objects were well hidden but in plain site and were appropriate to the scene.
No timer.
Not sure if there is a penalty for over clicking as I never ran into it.
Plenty of bonuses including extra hints and points for quick finds, no hint use and, oddly enough, for finishing continuous scenes without leaving the game.
The mini games in between were the only negative for me as they were extremely repetitive and insanely easy. But they were very short and quick so not a bother.
The random shooting, (bad guys pop up) during the HOG scenes, which adds extra hints, is slightly annoying but easily ignored if it bothers you.
The music was repetitive but I turned it down low and it wasn't distracting.
The game, along with the bonus scenes, took me a little over four hours but I relaxed and took my time.
The replay value may be quite good for some as there are many different trophies and achievements to go for.
After completing the game and finding enough hidden sheriff badges it also unlocks an unlimited mode.
This has all the extras of a CE including wallpaper, soundtracks, walkthrough and background construction.
On the whole I found this a fun game with nicely challenging hidden objects.
As a side note I must add:
I do think it's funny that the story starts out with a old time sheriff needing a vacation and his boss sending him off.... lol ...did they get vacation days back then???
I do think it's funny that the story starts out with a old time sheriff needing a vacation and his boss sending him off.... lol ...did they get vacation days back then???
I recommend this game!
Help Thomas find his master Akkad and fulfill a prophecy! Akkad is on a quest from Cleopatra herself, and must end a civil war!
Overall rating
4
/
5
64 of 67 found this review helpful
Good bang for the buck.
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
I've played this game before under a different title.
This is a traditional point-n-click adventure set in Egypt . You play in first person as Thomas, an apprentice astrologer. You find your girl "Iris" and her father "Akkad" have disappeared. The object of the game is to find out what happened and why and track them down.
The game is in 3D. Graphics are beautiful and in my opinion the best part of the entire game.
Nice ambient sound, lively soundtrack and great use of surround sound for audio effects.
Voice acting fair. They sound quite rushed at times.
Voice acting fair. They sound quite rushed at times.
Puzzles are mainly inventory based though there are some logic puzzles. All are well integrated into the Egypt of the time. Most of the puzzles are of a medium difficulty. Though often the difficulty lies in finding an essential object.
Solving the puzzles give a cut scene.
Game length is nice and not too short, especially for BF's price . 17+ hours if you take your time as I did.
Mild Spoiler Alert:
Unfortunately there are only three venues, Akkad's garden, Royal library and Alexandria lighthouse. There are a couple of brief visits to Cleopatra's palace, but no significant gaming action takes place there. I wish there had been more.
Unfortunately there are only three venues, Akkad's garden, Royal library and Alexandria lighthouse. There are a couple of brief visits to Cleopatra's palace, but no significant gaming action takes place there. I wish there had been more.
Greek text instead of hieroglyphics is used throughout the game, which is a nice touch and perfectly accurate for the period in question.
There is a system of choosing astrological sign which tailors the puzzles as easier or harder (good day/ bad day). In practice there is not much difference. Bad day requires a few more steps or pieces to solving a given puzzle.
The game ran without problems on my son's older XP and fine on my Vista.
I would have liked more historical info but I guess you can't have everything.
This is a nice enough game for adventure enthusiasts who are looking for lots of puzzles and long playing time.
(original review Jun 19, 10)
(original review Jun 19, 10)
I recommend this game!
Return to the PuppetShow in this spooky sequel! Solve new mysteries and uncover dark secrets in Puppetshow: Souls of the Innocent.
Overall rating
5
/
5
71 of 76 found this review helpful
A definite thumbs up!
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Graphics are incredible! No blur or excessive darkness and beautifully done.
Story line is logical and interesting.
Music not intrusive.
HOGs are clear and memory retentive. If you come back a second time the articles from the first search are still gone.
Hints are endless and refill fairly normal.
Skip button for mini-games.
Many different mini games. No repeats that I remember.
Guide is game accessable. No having to go back to menu. I did not use the guide so not sure how clear instructions are.
Worth the money to me. This game is very well done.
About 4 hours in length for the game (though I was up from my desk a few times), and about 40 minutes for the extra game play.
Extra story line sets up for next game in series....YAY!
I must say I did find this one much easier than the first but still entertaining.
The spider robot is back......and still kinda creepy in IMO.
On the whole I'd give this a high rating!
Story line is logical and interesting.
Music not intrusive.
HOGs are clear and memory retentive. If you come back a second time the articles from the first search are still gone.
Hints are endless and refill fairly normal.
Skip button for mini-games.
Many different mini games. No repeats that I remember.
Guide is game accessable. No having to go back to menu. I did not use the guide so not sure how clear instructions are.
Worth the money to me. This game is very well done.
About 4 hours in length for the game (though I was up from my desk a few times), and about 40 minutes for the extra game play.
Extra story line sets up for next game in series....YAY!
I must say I did find this one much easier than the first but still entertaining.
The spider robot is back......and still kinda creepy in IMO.
On the whole I'd give this a high rating!
I recommend this game!
Find mystery, magic, and romance in this Hidden Object game! Play as Dela Reese and escape China with the love of your life.
Overall rating
4
/
5
43 of 44 found this review helpful
I enjoyed this game very much.
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Loaded in and ran well with no problems.
The graphics were clear and well defined. I have read complaints that some objects were hard to find but I found the way they were hidden fun and challenging. No junk pile but well hidden. My older eyes didn't have many problems finding anything.
I enjoyed the mini games immensely. They played into the story well. Nice variations of all kinds.
Only 2 hints used throughout game and thumped my head when I saw what I missed.
Hints are added with every chapter so I'm not sure if you can run out. I never had a problem with it or the recharge.
Cursor will go crazy for a very short time if you overclick. Had to find this out by intentionally fast clickling though as I never had it happen in the game.
The story line is interesting and held my attention. I was sorry that this was a cliffhanger and was disappointed when it ended. I wanted to go on and find out the rest of the tale.
The music was very complimentary to the story and not repetitive. Voice acting fairly well done. It was nice to see drawn expression and emotion as opposed to stoic faces.
The length was worth the cost. No short game here. It took me about 5 hours but I'm fairly quick with HOGS and had gotten up from my desk quite a few times for varied reasons.
The "Romance" warning had to do with comic book style kissing and a few suggestive comments but on the whole very tame.
The graphics were clear and well defined. I have read complaints that some objects were hard to find but I found the way they were hidden fun and challenging. No junk pile but well hidden. My older eyes didn't have many problems finding anything.
I enjoyed the mini games immensely. They played into the story well. Nice variations of all kinds.
Only 2 hints used throughout game and thumped my head when I saw what I missed.
Hints are added with every chapter so I'm not sure if you can run out. I never had a problem with it or the recharge.
Cursor will go crazy for a very short time if you overclick. Had to find this out by intentionally fast clickling though as I never had it happen in the game.
The story line is interesting and held my attention. I was sorry that this was a cliffhanger and was disappointed when it ended. I wanted to go on and find out the rest of the tale.
The music was very complimentary to the story and not repetitive. Voice acting fairly well done. It was nice to see drawn expression and emotion as opposed to stoic faces.
The length was worth the cost. No short game here. It took me about 5 hours but I'm fairly quick with HOGS and had gotten up from my desk quite a few times for varied reasons.
The "Romance" warning had to do with comic book style kissing and a few suggestive comments but on the whole very tame.
Looking forward to Part 2.
Appraise Malgrey Castle, learn about it’s enigmatic inhabitants, save your boss, and learn what drove your co-worker mad!
Overall rating
4
/
5
102 of 103 found this review helpful
This one will make you laugh out loud...
PostedNovember 11, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This game was hilarious! I enjoyed it more and more as it progressed. Though not hard it was challenging at points and never bored me.
There was a fair share of logical and understandable interaction.
The HOG sections were imaginitive and story/ theme driven.
The mini-games were varied and entertaining.
The story line was very amusing and consistant.
The music unobtrusive.
The graphics were colorful and clear. There is 2 very brief "flashlight" sections but they were bright and not at all rough on the eyes.
The overall feel of the game fit the storyline very well.
There are cut scenes but they are brief and entertaining.
The hints and skips recharged though I didn't use but 2 throughout the game.
No penalty for poking as this it is part of the game. You interact with a lot of the scenery.
Your "saves" occur at the end of each chapter.
There are 25 chapters plus a wrap-up to the story at finish.
It does get a little more challenging as it progresses as, at points, it stops giving you directions how to proceed but never really difficult if you poke around.
Well worth your money for time and entertainment value.
.....And you'll notice that the main male character in this "vampire" tale definitely resembled and sounded like Keanu Reeves. That cracked me up!
There was a fair share of logical and understandable interaction.
The HOG sections were imaginitive and story/ theme driven.
The mini-games were varied and entertaining.
The story line was very amusing and consistant.
The music unobtrusive.
The graphics were colorful and clear. There is 2 very brief "flashlight" sections but they were bright and not at all rough on the eyes.
The overall feel of the game fit the storyline very well.
There are cut scenes but they are brief and entertaining.
The hints and skips recharged though I didn't use but 2 throughout the game.
No penalty for poking as this it is part of the game. You interact with a lot of the scenery.
Your "saves" occur at the end of each chapter.
There are 25 chapters plus a wrap-up to the story at finish.
It does get a little more challenging as it progresses as, at points, it stops giving you directions how to proceed but never really difficult if you poke around.
Well worth your money for time and entertainment value.
.....And you'll notice that the main male character in this "vampire" tale definitely resembled and sounded like Keanu Reeves. That cracked me up!
I recommend this game!