sartasia's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.8
- Helpful Votes:3,556
- Reviews Submitted:64
- First Review:November 11, 2011
- Most Recent Review:March 27, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
I SPY Mystery
It’s time to put your detective skills to the test! Play I Spy with fascinating mysteries that need your super-sleuth skills.
Overall rating
4
/
5
32 of 44 found this review helpful
Tried and true to the series. Kids will like it,
PostedFebruary 13, 2012
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
The I Spy series is great for kids and adults alike and really great to do together. The colors are bright. The sounds and animations are playful and the games in general are fun. These are great "First H0GS" for anyone especially young children and a nice pickup game if you are a more seasoned player who just wants to relax. This one has more story and puzzles than most of the others in the series making it a little more challenging. Not hard mind you just a little more than it's sister games. This was my kids favorite out of the entire line and I enjoyed it too. My rating relates to it as a younger players game.
I recommend this game!
Time Dreamer: Temporal Betrayal
After joining a research team you are sent out to mine valuable krawtite. Along the way, however, something goes horribly wrong!
Overall rating
3
/
5
40 of 42 found this review helpful
Average length and fairly entertaining
PostedFebruary 7, 2012
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
As I had enjoyed the first one of this series I expected this to be more of a sequel than it turned out to be. The story line though rather muddled is easy to follow and the graphics are nice and clear. The mini games are inventive twists on old favorites and fit the narrative. The HOS are spread out, interactive and borderline junk pile but also fit the tale. Along with items acquired during the HOs you also pick up random articles spread out through the scenes. The tale is mostly linear though each chapter encompasses quite a few scenes so wear your tennis shoes.
This, I imagine, was suppose to be a suspenseful tale but the "time jumping" tended to take some of that away. All the same it did lend itself to a sense of urgency and little bits of quirky humor. I was interested in the story to the end. Not an "Amazing" game but entertaining and a nice change from the supernatural/horror games of late.
The wrap up at the end was a hoot...lol.
It also recommends you try both Casual and Expert levels as they have different mini games and altered HOS.
Happy Gaming!
This, I imagine, was suppose to be a suspenseful tale but the "time jumping" tended to take some of that away. All the same it did lend itself to a sense of urgency and little bits of quirky humor. I was interested in the story to the end. Not an "Amazing" game but entertaining and a nice change from the supernatural/horror games of late.
The wrap up at the end was a hoot...lol.
It also recommends you try both Casual and Expert levels as they have different mini games and altered HOS.
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
Shadow Wolf Mysteries: Bane of the Family Collector's Edition
Return to the De la Fer estate to help the count unravel the curse that has been passed down through his family!
Overall rating
4
/
5
118 of 130 found this review helpful
Entertaining as usual.
PostedDecember 31, 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
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
As most know ERS has a history of beautiful graphics and reasonably good stories. They also tend to follow the same ideas over and over again as to junk pile H0 scenes and abrupt endings. This rings true on all points.
The Werewolf family saga continues from their previous offering with just a few tweeks to the story line to maintain continuity. It has just enough to hold your interest and connect the scenes.
The graphics as usual with this dev team are well drawn with a slightly washed out appearance in some scenes that fits the story. Others are vivid and colorful.
The H0s are plentiful with the usual ERS interaction with two or more on the list. Some of the interaction was imaginatively done. Most have the junk pile feel though you won't find out of time articles. No cell phones here. You also will revisit most H0 scenes twice. No scene memory here. Everything previously removed/opened/torn, etc. is back.
The mini games vary from inanely simple (most) to moderately challenging (a few). On the up side many are quite inventive. All are colorful and attractive to look at.
The voice overs are well done.
The length both in main game and extra chapter are average for a CE.
Always a plus is the 3 level difficulty option which I have found with ERS works fine as the games for me are much more enjoyable without the handholding. Though I must say even in the challenge mode the dreaded sparkles appeared.
Also remember your tennis shoes. At points you will be backtracking but only within the specific chapter area.
I never had to use the SC so I cannot comment on it's usefulness.
I do have to say that as in quite a few ERS games the story ended so abruptly that I did a double take. This often has the effect of making me feel in some of their CEs that the extra chapter was actually the wrap up. The abruptness didn't make the game feel any shorter just created a kind of "What just happened?" moment.
On the whole an afternoon spent entertained.
Happy Gaming!
The graphics as usual with this dev team are well drawn with a slightly washed out appearance in some scenes that fits the story. Others are vivid and colorful.
The H0s are plentiful with the usual ERS interaction with two or more on the list. Some of the interaction was imaginatively done. Most have the junk pile feel though you won't find out of time articles. No cell phones here. You also will revisit most H0 scenes twice. No scene memory here. Everything previously removed/opened/torn, etc. is back.
The mini games vary from inanely simple (most) to moderately challenging (a few). On the up side many are quite inventive. All are colorful and attractive to look at.
The voice overs are well done.
The length both in main game and extra chapter are average for a CE.
Always a plus is the 3 level difficulty option which I have found with ERS works fine as the games for me are much more enjoyable without the handholding. Though I must say even in the challenge mode the dreaded sparkles appeared.
Also remember your tennis shoes. At points you will be backtracking but only within the specific chapter area.
I never had to use the SC so I cannot comment on it's usefulness.
I do have to say that as in quite a few ERS games the story ended so abruptly that I did a double take. This often has the effect of making me feel in some of their CEs that the extra chapter was actually the wrap up. The abruptness didn't make the game feel any shorter just created a kind of "What just happened?" moment.
On the whole an afternoon spent entertained.
Happy Gaming!
I recommend this game!
Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen Collector's Edition
Journey into the mythical Snowfall Kingdom and investigate the disappearance of children in Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen!
Overall rating
5
/
5
215 of 232 found this review helpful
Blue Tea does it again!!!
PostedDecember 1, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
First the basics.
Style of game: Pure FROG though you also will be picking up random objects you encounter.
Options: Volume controls for Music, Ambiance, Sound.
Full screen, Wide screen and system cursor choices.
Difficulty: Casual, Normal and Hard with the latter having no “sparkles” or skips.
20 Morphing objects hidden throughout game that, as you find them, have the added bonus of speeding up the rate of your hint refilling.
Mini games though inventive and entertaining I found to be on the easy side. A couple turn up repeatedly but many others are thrown into the mix. All are graphically wonderful.
The game is not all together linear and there is plenty of room to roam.
A map shows areas of interest but does not help change locations so bring an extra pair of tennis shoes.
Guide is concise and user friendly with both text and graphics. It will also tell you what chapter you are in when you open it.
Bonus content includes a rather short added game play, extra new puzzles, wallpaper, movie gallery, music and concept art.
The game took me about 3.5 hours with an added 20 minutes for the bonus game. No skipping, no racing just enjoying the game. I even went off the story line for a little while towards the end and wandered all over to get the last of the morph objects that I had missed.
About 4 hours total for me and it was well worth it.
Style of game: Pure FROG though you also will be picking up random objects you encounter.
Options: Volume controls for Music, Ambiance, Sound.
Full screen, Wide screen and system cursor choices.
Difficulty: Casual, Normal and Hard with the latter having no “sparkles” or skips.
20 Morphing objects hidden throughout game that, as you find them, have the added bonus of speeding up the rate of your hint refilling.
Mini games though inventive and entertaining I found to be on the easy side. A couple turn up repeatedly but many others are thrown into the mix. All are graphically wonderful.
The game is not all together linear and there is plenty of room to roam.
A map shows areas of interest but does not help change locations so bring an extra pair of tennis shoes.
Guide is concise and user friendly with both text and graphics. It will also tell you what chapter you are in when you open it.
Bonus content includes a rather short added game play, extra new puzzles, wallpaper, movie gallery, music and concept art.
The game took me about 3.5 hours with an added 20 minutes for the bonus game. No skipping, no racing just enjoying the game. I even went off the story line for a little while towards the end and wandered all over to get the last of the morph objects that I had missed.
About 4 hours total for me and it was well worth it.
The game itself:
As with the other two in this series this game is very well designed and a pure delight to play.
The tale starts off by connecting immediately with their previous offering "The Frog Prince" and then it's off you go....
The story draws you in and tugs at your heartstrings. Good and bad are not so clean cut. Instead of just attaching the side stories it tantalizes you with little bites you have to work for by finding items that give it out piece by piece. Making you want to read the "parables" or short allegorical tales of of morals and truth that you earned. Lots to do, lots of things to look out for. This series has a great way of retelling the old fables we grew up with and interconnecting them. Even the bonus game of Hansel and Gretel ties back into the original tale.
As with the other two in this series this game is very well designed and a pure delight to play.
The tale starts off by connecting immediately with their previous offering "The Frog Prince" and then it's off you go....
The story draws you in and tugs at your heartstrings. Good and bad are not so clean cut. Instead of just attaching the side stories it tantalizes you with little bites you have to work for by finding items that give it out piece by piece. Making you want to read the "parables" or short allegorical tales of of morals and truth that you earned. Lots to do, lots of things to look out for. This series has a great way of retelling the old fables we grew up with and interconnecting them. Even the bonus game of Hansel and Gretel ties back into the original tale.
The graphics at times are breathtaking and very much alive. Trees sigh, wind blows, flames flicker and jump. Birds, mice and rabbits among other things scurry away when you touch them. No dark scenes, no strange pixilation. The artwork is as always from this developer a story in itself. Just beautiful.
The music is part of the tale giving life and emotion to the surroundings sounding both sorrowful and haunting. Tell tale sound effects also alert you when needed.
All and all a game you will truly enjoy.
Hope this helped without giving away too much. Happy gaming!
All and all a game you will truly enjoy.
Hope this helped without giving away too much. Happy gaming!
I recommend this game!
Vampire Saga: Pandora's Box
Travel back in time and experience the mysterious life of your grandfather! Explore eerie Victorian locations and find the truth!
Overall rating
5
/
5
35 of 39 found this review helpful
Excellent game!!
PostedNovember 29, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This is definitely a case of this game and it's sequel "Vampire Saga - Welcome To HellLock" being absolutely nothing alike.
I really enjoyed playing this game. It had a definite chill factor as you go through feeling very much alone waiting for something to grab you. The time transitions from present to past really nice and the story is interesting. The atmosphere is very creepy and the tension is thick.
Though a fairly linear game you will feel at times like you are wandering at will.
The graphics have a real style to them. They definitely give this game it's mournful feel.
The music and sound effects are very well done.
Lots of HOG scenes though this is primarily an inventory based game where you find things that help you advance.
It has some interesting and challenging puzzles.
Refillable hints and if there is nothing to do in current room it will say so and not use the hint.
The length on this is really quite good. And an interesting touch is that there is even a small bar across the top of the screen that shows your progress. Demo it and you should get a fair idea how long the game will take you. Although I will say some areas are much harder than others.
This has great replay value as the items will change if you play under a different name.
I really enjoyed playing this game. It had a definite chill factor as you go through feeling very much alone waiting for something to grab you. The time transitions from present to past really nice and the story is interesting. The atmosphere is very creepy and the tension is thick.
Though a fairly linear game you will feel at times like you are wandering at will.
The graphics have a real style to them. They definitely give this game it's mournful feel.
The music and sound effects are very well done.
Lots of HOG scenes though this is primarily an inventory based game where you find things that help you advance.
It has some interesting and challenging puzzles.
Refillable hints and if there is nothing to do in current room it will say so and not use the hint.
The length on this is really quite good. And an interesting touch is that there is even a small bar across the top of the screen that shows your progress. Demo it and you should get a fair idea how long the game will take you. Although I will say some areas are much harder than others.
This has great replay value as the items will change if you play under a different name.
The one negative I would mention is the translation issues with some mislabling a result. But The game was so enjoyable to me that it wasn't an issue.
(original review Sept 09- updated)
(original review Sept 09- updated)
I recommend this game!
5 Spots II
With four game modes, not variations, but original and hilarious games on their own. This game must be played to be believed.
Overall rating
4
/
5
113 of 134 found this review helpful
Great exercise for your brain
PostedNovember 26, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
5 Spots was one of the first games I ever actually kept on my desktop. I bought it when it was first released and was hooked.
5 Spots II has all new pictures and stepped up with all new variations on game play.
Very challenging and a great test of your observation skills. Just a simple "Spot the Difference"? I don't think so. Be warned: this game gets very difficult but then that's what makes it fun.
5 Spots II has all new pictures and stepped up with all new variations on game play.
Very challenging and a great test of your observation skills. Just a simple "Spot the Difference"? I don't think so. Be warned: this game gets very difficult but then that's what makes it fun.
I recommend this game!
5 Spots
Can you spot the difference between two seemingly identical images?
Overall rating
4
/
5
116 of 125 found this review helpful
Great exercise for your brain!
PostedNovember 26, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This is one of the first games I ever actually kept on my desktop. I bought it when it was first released and was hooked. Very challenging and a great test of your observation skills. Just a simple "Spot the Difference"? I don't think so. Be warned: this game gets very difficult but then that's what makes it fun.
I recommend this game!
Guide Pengoo from hatching in the Antarctic, all the way to his first flight!
Overall rating
4
/
5
48 of 60 found this review helpful
Great one to share with your kids or grandkids
PostedNovember 26, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
This is one of those games you keep for varied reasons. It has a light challenge to it but such a fun feel.
Both adults and children will enjoy this as the graphics are cartoony and bright, the music light, the storyline entertaining with a few giggles and the difficulty not too high.
Cute game.
Both adults and children will enjoy this as the graphics are cartoony and bright, the music light, the storyline entertaining with a few giggles and the difficulty not too high.
Cute game.
I recommend this game!
Deadtime Stories
Sinister thrills await you in this gorgeously dark and unsettling real-life ghost story from New Orleans’ shadowy history!
Overall rating
5
/
5
84 of 92 found this review helpful
A keeper!
PostedNovember 26, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Lots of different character tales with a common story weaving them together.
Great graphics. Colorful and clear. Ambience is really well done. Loved the feel to this game.
Soundtrack fits and is not intrusive.
Mini games are inventive and fun.
This is a game that scored on all levels for me.
Well done!
Great graphics. Colorful and clear. Ambience is really well done. Loved the feel to this game.
Soundtrack fits and is not intrusive.
Mini games are inventive and fun.
This is a game that scored on all levels for me.
Well done!
(original review May 4, 10)
I recommend this game!
Hotel
Help Detective Bridget Brightstone crack the case and reveal the great mystery that lies behind high walls of the Bellevue Hotel!
Overall rating
4
/
5
47 of 49 found this review helpful
Excellent game.
PostedNovember 26, 2011
sartasia
fromKC, Mo
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Word, Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Mahjong, Strategy
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Loaded fine.Ran for me with zero glitches.
Great story that held my interest.
Graphics were nice and crisp on my machine.
Length was good but not great. Could have been longer considering it was an adventure but wasn't so short as to not be worth it.
Hint button was convenient as it showed the options available on the screen. Just a functional button that did not need to refill.
Music was not annoying or intrusive. Appropriate to the scenes.
Reasonably challenging overall but not difficult.
Liked this concept and will be interested in what these developers come up with next.
Great story that held my interest.
Graphics were nice and crisp on my machine.
Length was good but not great. Could have been longer considering it was an adventure but wasn't so short as to not be worth it.
Hint button was convenient as it showed the options available on the screen. Just a functional button that did not need to refill.
Music was not annoying or intrusive. Appropriate to the scenes.
Reasonably challenging overall but not difficult.
Liked this concept and will be interested in what these developers come up with next.
(original review Jul 21, 10)
I recommend this game!