upsysydaisy's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.8
- Helpful Votes:2,457
- Reviews Submitted:156
- First Review:July 17, 2014
- Most Recent Review:July 20, 2017
- Featured reviews0
Status:
The fabled land of Agartha awaits your discovery in Esoterica: Hollow Earth! Experience a sci-fi adventure that will take you to the depths of the Earth.
Overall rating
5
/
5
7 of 7 found this review helpful
If You Love Sci-Fi, Hop Aboard The Subterrene!
PostedApril 22, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Esoterica: Hollow Earth is a most splendid game about an advanced civilization and a hidden continent called Agartha. We travel via a great big drill-like vessel with Stephanie Stone, in search of her missing grandfather. He is a great scientist who has not returned from his travels to inner-earth.
Agartha's technology is light years beyond our own and contains many secrets that need to remain secret. The evil, power-hungry Dr. Korsakov will surely destroy the Earth if he discovers these secrets first! He is the villainous thorn in Stephanie's side.
Our story starts out in the Deco era of the 1920s and takes us to a tremendous tech-influenced society. We travel with Stephanie and Samson the Robot on an adventure greater than any you can ever imagine! There is so much I want to share, but it would absolutely rob you of making a great discovery for yourself, overflowing with beauty and amazing things. Don't want to spoil any of it!
Esoterica is exquisite with its gorgeous, hand-drawn graphics. The game starts rather so-so and a little slow, but do not make the mistake of quitting. You will miss out on the best game ever.
The dreamlike, imaginative scenes, sharp, clear imagery, the magnificent rendering of the creatures and characters is divine and truly displays the fantastic creative genius of the artists and game creators. Quality from top to bottom! EVERYTHING was perfectly done and the colors were as if a rainbow dripped down from the sky and drenched the landscape in a veil of beauty.
Collect the 29 gold punch cards scattered throughout the game, they are important to the story and the understanding of Agartha's technology. Lots of dialogue but very easy to read and follow, also important and pay attention to the device that reads the punch cards. There are MANY locations to explore, lots of wonderful puzzles and the HOGs are easy on the eyes and provide enough challenge to delight everyone. I loved all the puzzles and HOGs!
You'll figure out how the game works without much trouble and I suggest taking it slow, to immerse yourself in a magical place you may be reluctant to leave.
It is a nice long game with a directional map, a great journal, goal list, and hint and punch card buttons. It is pretty easy to manage your navigation. If you have a lively imagination and a love for the extraordinary, please don't let this fantastic game slip away!
God Bless....
I recommend this game!
Explore the dangerous landscape of Drummond Island as you hunt for a kidnapper!
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 22 found this review helpful
I Love This Series!
PostedApril 21, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I can always depend on Fear for Sale for a splendid good time. I enjoy looking for missing people, engaging in paranormal combat, destroying strange creatures, outfoxing the villain. You name it, Fear for Sale delivers! My favorite of the series is Nightmare Cinema, a good bizarre-fest.
Hidden Shadows has the ever diligent Emma Roberts, investigating another juicy story. And we know that always leads to lots of excitement and adventure with an ample supply of spooky content to keep us alert and engrossed in a very entertaining game.
We have MANY puzzles/games here. Excellent variety, good challenge and I found them interesting even though some were much like those I've enjoyed in other games. There were a great number of HOGs, too, and their interactivity will keep me busy in the typical Fear for Sale style.
All the collectibles, achievements, morphing objects are never disappointing. I like the feature that allows your rank to increase with your various levels of achievement, as the game progresses. Except for the always excellent map, Bonus Chapter and Guide, I am never interested in the other extras.
The storyline of Hidden in Darkness was solid, uncomplicated and moved along at a comfortable pace. It was scary and held my interest right up to the end. The graphics and coloring were beautiful and everything seemed to perfectly depict Emma's courageous and frightening experience on Drummond Island. The characters were rendered extremely well and the voices and music were very good as well.
I don't think you will be bored with this fine installment of Fear for Sale. Here's hoping a good sale will arrive soon to keep our Big Fish budget in the HAPPY fish pond!
God Bless....
I recommend this game!
Journey: The Heart of Gaia
After being kidnapped, Liz must free the Underworld from the tyranny of Scartaris Umbra.
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
I'd Like A One-Way Ticket, Please!
PostedApril 18, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
You need not be a child to slip into enchantment! This game has got to be the most delightful 6+ hours I have every enjoyed. After your confusing arrival in a mystical land you acquire and travel with 3 sweet companions. They each have a special ability that protect you from danger in this fantastical other-world and assist you in reaching your amazing "pre-destination". There is a great purpose awaiting you.
It is a long journey with many obstacles and tasks, plus lots of tools and gadgets to find to complete your goals. The power-crazy villain was a bizarre looking creature, posing a mega threat to everyone and everything in existence. Blowing him away was a glorious achievement!
With the help of your gifted buddies and excellent guidance via a beautiful map, the journey goes smoothly without being bogged down with all that "where do I go?" and "what do I do now?" stuff that is typical in an adventure game.
The games are excellent and unique, presenting very good challenge, but if you start to become weary or stressed by them, just hit the skip button and all is well. I found with a little extra patience, I did not need to skip any of them.
The hand-drawn graphics are absolutely gorgeous. Add to that, the exquisite coloring and you have a magnificent work of art throughout the entire game. The artistic talent of these creators is pure magic, in my opinion. I was pleasantly engrossed in the game and mesmerized by the colorful beauty of this fantasy world. I'm sure you will love this fun, beautiful game, too!
We need more of this kind of innocent entertainment. It appears at first glance to be a child's game, but I feel it is more suited to adults.
God Bless....
I recommend this game!
Investigate strange goings-on in the eerie town of Fort Nightingale!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
If I Had 10 Thumbs, They Would All Be Up!
PostedApril 17, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
With so many reviews already posted, there's not much more I can add to the praises. I agree with all the 5 star ratings. This is a stellar Standard Edition game, I imagine The CE offers even more thrills with a bonus chapter.
We rarely see a great sci-fi game here at Big Fish, so this was an exciting discovery. The adventure was top-notch with a very good storyline that did not weaken along the way. The kids bared a slight resemblance to "The Children of the Damned". It came out many years ago, many of you may be too young to remember that 50's movie which was a sequel. Very creepy style for that era in movies. Good old black and white stuff! Check it out! It was scary then, but wouldn't even raise a goosebump now, in our futuristic time in history.
Thoroughly enjoyed this game. It was long, the graphics were excellent, the colors were very appropriate to the dismal surroundings, the map was so helpful that the hint button was rarely needed. The map quickly took us to our required locations and showed tasks and morphs that were available. A very nice extra feature not normally provided in Standard Edition games.
The few characters we had contact with were nicely done, the deserted town gave off a real scary feel. I had the feeling something was just about to reach out and touch my shoulder, then whisk me away to a place of no return.
I had fun with all the games, HOGs, morphs. I mostly enjoyed the HOGs where we returned the inventory items to their proper place amongst the hidden objects.
The ending left a lot to speculation and I don't know what I believe about the agent's parents. But the good story outshined the weak ending, so all is good.
I hope we will see more sci-fi games soon. Now that technology has come such a long way, these brilliant game developers/creators should have no trouble delivering something really spectacular!!
God Bless....
I recommend this game!
A puzzle fantasy, inspired by the classic word search game.
Overall rating
5
/
5
78 of 86 found this review helpful
The Demo Wore Me Out !!
PostedApril 17, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
This is the very best word game I've ever played. It is excellent and I don't recall ever seeing one of this quality on Big Fish. In fact, we don't have enough good word games!
The demo was very fast paced and my heart rate was up into the danger zone. Being quick and correct with your word choices is vital, especially with your opponent ready to prevent your victory. I had no time to become really acquainted with how your choice of characters fits into all this, but it seems to play an important part. Maybe your powers and weapons are involved with the role you choose, to engage in battle with your worthy opponent.
There is also a book with a story to unlock with the progress you have gained. I acquired 2 pages in the demo, but I have no idea what the story is about, contains 126 pages.
I am excited to find this fun, unique word game and I'm eager to learn all the tricks and understand the rules better so I can improve my game. The instructions were a little confusing. Although I am an excellent speller, this game is no romp in the park. It was a big challenge trying to create the number of words to win the level, come up with word combinations, etc. Just a lot of fun and a very welcome change of pace.
I won't attempt to explain how it all works, because for me it would be impossible. Do what I did and just jump right in! Other reviewers are great with full descriptions, but not me. I just enjoy learning as I go! This being Bonus Punch Monday, it is a definite purchase for me with a coupon!
God Bless....
I recommend this game!
500 holiday photos will provide many memorable experiences this year!
Overall rating
3
/
5
10 of 13 found this review helpful
Why? Why? Why?
PostedApril 16, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Why are we presented with another Holiday Easter Jigsaw that is really not much different than the last? I do think this one offers a more attractive collection of pictures, but there just are not enough appropriate subjects, in my opinion.
I am so disappointed to see pics of posed people and displays of food. I don't enjoy the people pics, I do not know them and it feels like looking thru a stranger's photo album. Food, and so much of it, is a turn-off as well.
Easter puzzles should contain subjects that are heart warming, things that make us think of the sweeter things in life. I did see beautiful colors, pastels and brights. There were a few adorable animals thrown into the mix here and there.
The Spring and Decoration categories were the most attractive, IMO. But I was really amazed at the lack of Country in the Countryside Section. Instead of scenery, birds, bunnies, meadows & trees, flowers, churches, barns, farms, butterflies....we get posed people, windows, eggs, dishes, shoes, lawn chairs, food, garden tools.
Call me picky, I know...but I just wish they could get it right! It would be nice to buy a Holiday Jigsaw set and be able to enjoy all or most of the puzzles, not just a handful. So, as usual, this will not be a purchase for me.
I know these Holiday Puzzles make so many of you happy and you eagerly wait for the next one...I sincerely wish I could join you since I am a puzzle fanatic and always hate missing out on one!
God Bless....
I recommend this game!
1001 Jigsaw World Tour: Europe is an exciting jigsaw puzzle game and tour guide with 500 high-quality photos.
Overall rating
3
/
5
20 of 24 found this review helpful
I Felt It Lacked The Real Beauty Of Europe
PostedApril 14, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
It was 3:30am when I glimpsed this out of the corner of a very tired eye! And it woke me up like a cold shower. I got so excited...2 jigsaw puzzles just days apart!
Presently I am loving the Asian set that just came to us. It is alive with bright beautiful colors and gorgeous pictures, people in their native costumes.
So I thought this European World Tour would contain a tour of beautiful countryside scenery and animals, etc. I was disappointed to find nothing but buildings, statues, food and people. I do not like puzzles of people who are in masks and costumes in staged poses. Ditto for plates of food.
So I thought this European World Tour would contain a tour of beautiful countryside scenery and animals, etc. I was disappointed to find nothing but buildings, statues, food and people. I do not like puzzles of people who are in masks and costumes in staged poses. Ditto for plates of food.
The buildings all seemed to be the same type of structures, very drab colors. The food was perfectly arranged for display. No trees or fields of flowers, no cute animals, no birds. Nada! So disappointing. So I will just end it here.
This is the first 1001 World Tour Puzzles I will not be purchasing. I know my tastes are different from that of others. I'm sure it will be popular with other puzzle lovers. All the same great features are there, the music was fine and it was 500 jigsaws.
It's a bargain compared to what that many would cost in a store. It just doesn't have what it takes to make me want it in my collection. I am anxious to see if another country will be offered to us soon.
God Bless....
I own the Asian World Tour set and have already spent many relaxing hours with it. Every puzzle, for my taste, is so lovely and the colors are bright and gprgeous.
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover the Logan Family's terrible secret in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
16 of 27 found this review helpful
What's Up With That Boatman?
PostedApril 13, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I usually don't get too excited about Phantasmat games because they are so dark and gloomy. But this one got my attention due to the locale and deep sea theme. This type of story is so mysterious and eerie, and going to a watery grave adds a certain sadness.
Being an archeological student is hard work and discoveries are exciting, but this assignment quickly becomes very dangerous. It's a journey into the dark world of angry ghosts, trapped spirits, ancestral mysteries, hidden relics. And let's not forget about that creepy boatman who always disappears at a very suspicious time. What is he up to?
By the time I got beyond the castle doors, I was just plain tired of all the locks and gadgets and tasks blocking my way. Gaining entry was tiresome. I wanted the actual story to get going so I could be entertained instead of bored!
The puzzles in the demo were okay, but I did not like the one with the skeleton teeth. The others were of average challenge with a little frustration thrown in. The HOGs were fairly complex which I really enjoyed and the one with all morphing objects was not too challenging but a lot of fun. There was another type of game available to replace the HOGs if so desired, but I have never checked it out.
I didn't take time to investigate any of the extras being offered, but Phantasmat games are notorious for supplying us with big bundles of fun stuff to collect and achieve. I earned several trophies in the demo but don't know what I had accomplished.
The graphics were kind of disappointing, they were all dark and dismal. The colors and dim visuals, were to me, a big dreary picture of something terrible that happened. But I imagine that was the exact intention of the artists and creators of this particular story. I only hope the entire game isn't like this. There has to be a ray of light somewhere. Right? Maybe even an underwater flashlight??
With only 2 characters in the demo, not much to describe. I basically saw only the hands of the student. And the boatman was depicted extremely well, oozing with creepiness.
I wanted to see other characters, like ghosts or sea creatures or disgruntled pirates, etc.
I wanted to see other characters, like ghosts or sea creatures or disgruntled pirates, etc.
I was unhappy with the demo because there wasn't enough action to fill a teaspoon. Phantasmat is extremely popular with so many gamers, I'm thinking maybe this installment is just off to a slow start and will improve as it progresses. Can't imagine it failing to be a winner like the previous editions.
It is a great storyline for sure and one I would normally enjoy a great deal because of the subject matter. But until I read more reviews from those who have actually played the game, I'll be on the fence with this one. And I'm not giving a thumbs down, either. I think it will end up getting a 5 star rating from most of the reviewers.
God Bless....
I recommend this game!
Ghosts, necromancers and dangerous man-eating wolves lie in wait on the Forsaken Isle. Will you still go and save Lady Annabel?
Overall rating
5
/
5
46 of 52 found this review helpful
I Love Ghost Stories And This Is A Goodie!
PostedApril 11, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Have always had a fascination with tales of the sea with all the ghosts and pirates, the lost souls who went to a watery grave. This story is so engulfed in mystery, supernatural creatures, ghostly pirates. Danger is all around our main character. Then, of course, Vincent brings his anger and wrath into the picture to help us see how all this tragedy came about.
I can't believe what a superb Standard Edition game this actually is! It contains unusual collectibles, lots of extras, a good journal, and a nice map to get us around this forsaken island. So an excellent package for the SE price.
The storyline is so engrossing! It will be a very long game for me since I'll be taking my time enjoying all the surroundings.
The HOGs were interesting and challenging. Rarely do we see skippable HOGs, but here they are. I can't imagine ever by-passing one of them, they are so much fun. There was a lot of interactivity in the HOGs and throughout the demo. It gets me frustrated at times, just wanting to complete the task pronto, and get on with the game.
As for the mini games...they were challenging but doable with a little extra patience. The few I encountered included arranging puzzle strips to complete a picture. Another with little ships to deliver to their assigned ports, using arrows to guide them. The last involved symbols on the ships wheel which had to be turned in a particular sequence. They were different and interesting. All were fun, not frustrating!
The graphics were just okay in the demo. But I'm betting they will greatly improve once we are out of the gray, watery environment that is involved. The colors had to be murky and dull to depict the wreckage scenes.
The voices sounded good, but if you care about the lip-sync, that wasn't so good. I only saw a couple of characters, but they were nicely rendered, the best example in the demo was the fearful boatman. I hope he survived the trip to the Forsaken Island. He was paid handsomely for the job.
I am certainly anxious to get onto that island and solve some of the mystery and maybe even say howdy to that wicked Vincent. Thank goodness I'll be safe, in the reality of the game! I can hardly wait to buy it and get started.
God Bless....
I recommend this game!
1001 Jigsaw World Tour: Asia is an exciting jigsaw puzzle game and tour guide with 500 high-quality photos!
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 21 found this review helpful
Cheers For World Tour Puzzles...I Love Them!
PostedApril 10, 2017
upsysydaisy
fromOcala, FL
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle, Word
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Being a huge fan of all Asian history, this set of puzzles is a happy discovery! I don't see it as ONLY 500 puzzles. That's a lot of hours of fun and relaxation. And I certainly can't afford to buy 500 puzzles to assemble at my kitchen table!
I love the assortment offered and the colors are beautiful. Was really pleased with the new music, very appropriate. Hope future puzzles will have music matching the theme, too. It is a very welcome change. The features in this set are great and I enjoy challenging myself to earn the trophies. Another feature I love is being able to save the puzzles I want to work and get them all set up for when I am ready to assemble, by choosing the background color and completing the border.
Usually I tweak the puzzle I choose as much as possible (shape and number of pieces) to create the greatest challenge possible. Sometimes it is a really dumb idea, depending on the puzzle subject!
So I'm ready to dive into my romp through Asian beauty via this lovely set of puzzles. How sweet it is! New World puzzles and Bonus Punch Monday!
God Bless....
I recommend this game!