charlene_lane's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.9
- Helpful Votes:7,522
- Reviews Submitted:475
- First Review:March 13, 2013
- Most Recent Review:January 29, 2022
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Halloween decorations aren’t the only things hanging around spooky Stone Farm when a group of students unwittingly open a portal to the underworld.
Overall rating
4
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS ADVENTURE
PostedNovember 25, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review of completed game.
I honestly didn't expect too much from this game and was really pleasantly surprised. Its a long game as well.
You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual or Expert modes of play;
* Journal;
* Interactive map; and
* A board where you have to assemble pieces.
* Casual or Expert modes of play;
* Journal;
* Interactive map; and
* A board where you have to assemble pieces.
I played on Expert mode and found this to be a good challenge - great for experts.
The graphics are good and all the scenes are very well done. I enjoyed roving around and having a look at everything. Sound and music was also good - orchestral which played softly in the background.
There are lots of hidden object games to play and I found these quite challenging - yee haa its been a while. They can take a while to do as there are lots of items hidden within objects - like a vase or a bucket, etc. The pointer changes when you hover over these items which you click on it and grab the items you need. I thoroughly enjoyed doing these.
Most of the mini-games were easy to medium, with a couple that took me a while. However, if you get stuck then look in Info and it will show you the answer or how to do a task correctly.
There is a box at the bottom of the screen where you locate and place pieces into it. As you complete each character, you get items to help you carry on. I loved this.
The interactive map worked well and also let you know if there were any tasks to be performed at each scene. Very handy if you get stuck where to go.
The game took me a good 7 hours to complete. Its a long game, with plenty of places to investigate, and a lot of tasks to perform. You really do get your money's worth here.
So overall, this is a very good game and I am really impressed by the developers who could be big contenders against the major developers. A diamond in the rough but if they carry on like this, then we are in for a treat. Well done.
Definitely recommended. Have fun playing. Its a very long game, so get comfortable.
I recommend this game!
20 years ago a terrible accident destroyed most of Cyan City. Now, Monica returns to uncover the secrets of her childhood!
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
FABULOUS GAME, BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ENDING?
PostedNovember 23, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed game.
I really enjoyed this game. There is:
* Casual and Expert modes of play;
* Voiceovers;
* Journal;
* Map (but not interactive); and
* Strategy Guide.
* Voiceovers;
* Journal;
* Map (but not interactive); and
* Strategy Guide.
The graphics are superb and very well done. The music is good - kind of orchestral which plays mostly quietly in the background. However, it can get loud in some parts.
The hidden object games are fun and interactive. I enjoyed these. There is a further hidden object game within each one you play - which you have to find 10 to 12 extra items. When you find these you will get an item you need.
The mini-games are very good - not hard to do and I found didn't take long. I've seem them all before, however they are enjoyable.
Travelling around is easy to do. You don't venture off too far and get lost and wonder where to go next.
Its quite a long game - I think it took me about 5 hours to play and I didn't skip or hint any HOS or mini-games, so definitely worth your money.
Overall a very enjoyable game. However, the ending is quite bizarre and left me feeling a bit angry because there were so many questions left answered. Oh well, I hope there a part 2 to this. I'm going to check out now and buy the further Phenomenon games so I can get the whole picture. This is quite an addictive game.
I recommend this game!
As Sara tries to find a miracle cure for her ailing brother, she unravels the dark events of her own past.
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
FIND THAT CURE
PostedNovember 16, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed game.
This is a pretty good game and I enjoyed it.
There is:
* Normal, Hard and Detective modes of play;
* Voiceovers;
* Journal;
* Collect 14 radio-active items; and
* Collect 7 Dr Goodwin's Awards.
* Voiceovers;
* Journal;
* Collect 14 radio-active items; and
* Collect 7 Dr Goodwin's Awards.
I played on Detective mode and found that to be a good challenge.
The graphics are actually very good and clear. I had no trouble at all trying to decipher what items were.
The hidden object games were from easy to medium. A couple had me stumped for a while trying to locate an item. But there were no tiny or obscure items to find.
The mini-games are fun - not too hard but there is no hand holding either. I enjoyed these. There is an info button that you can press if you need instructions.
You also have to find 14 radio-active items and 7 Dr Goodwin Awards - which are so laughably easy to find that I wonder why they were actually included in the game in the first place. Maybe the developers thought that because everyone else is doing it, that they should do it too. But come on - hide them well and give us a challenge!
Overall the game took me about 4 hours to play, which filled in a horrible rainy Sunday afternoon.
After I finished the game, I started again and tried out the hint button. It tells you what you need to do and also takes you to the location to do it. I thought that was quite cool.
I definitely recommend this game - it has a good challenge, nice graphics and plenty to do to keep all you fishies out of trouble.
I recommend this game!
Expose a secret brotherhood called The Seekers and save the performers of the theatre who became the brotherhood’s victims.
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
CHALLENGING GAME - GREAT FOR EXPERTS
PostedNovember 14, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Review based on completed game.
There is:
* Casual, Advanced and Hardcore modes of play;
* Journal;
* Voiceovers;
* Achievements;
* Amulet - collect powers as you progress through the game;
* Interactive HOS;
* Find 31 records.
* Journal;
* Voiceovers;
* Achievements;
* Amulet - collect powers as you progress through the game;
* Interactive HOS;
* Find 31 records.
I played on Hardcore throughout the game, which I found very challenging. Make sure you pick the right mode of play for you as you cannot change this once you start playing.
The graphics are excellent - very crisp and clear. Music is very quiet and I found I was playing in silence most of the time. That didn't bother me as I needed to really concentrate because the puzzles and HOS were difficult to conquer.
There is no interactive map in this game and I was relying heavily on my memory on where to do tasks. This didn't bother me as I don't use it in any games I play, but some people may not like this. I kept a notebook beside me in this instance cause there is a lot of backtracking and moving around to do tasks.
The hidden object games and mini-games were very challenging which I quite enjoyed. The first mini-game, which was connecting wires, just about drove me insane - IT WAS THAT HARD. However, sheer determination and a couple of glasses of red wine got me through it. I was not going to let this beat me. The rest of the mini-games were definitely not as hard.
There are 31 records to find which were quite well hidden. I looked for these first as I entered each new scene.
All up the game took me about 8 hours to play. I haven't started on the bonus yet - I'm a bit worn out.
Its a bit of an odd ball game. I can't quite put my finger on it why - I think its the characters I met during the game who were a bit weird.
So overall, if you relish a challenge, then this is the game for you. For beginners and intermediates please try Casual or Advanced first.
I recommend this game!
Gardenscapes: Mansion Makeover™
Welcome back to Gardenscapes! Turn the hall into a masterpiece!
Overall rating
5
/
5
5 of 7 found this review helpful
DELIGHTFUL GAME - IF YOU ARE 9 OR 90
PostedNovember 14, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a lot of fun we have all had playing this little gem.
I was a bit worn playing the big grunty adventure games and just wanted something to do without having to think too hard - and came across this game. Wow, an absolute beaut.
The graphics are brilliant, the music is nice and there is so much do and buy for the mansion. I started the game thinking I'll do 30 minutes or so, and was still playing 4 hours later!
You can play either time or untimed and at the end of each hidden object game, you get your money to buy items and also a tip on how to play the game better. I liked that.
The hidden objects are not too hard to find and in amongst them all are extra coins to collect and a thermometer and a camera to help you locate items if you need to. You can also collect extra hints as well - but I didn't need these at all.
There are also mini-games where you have to find 20 balls, teddy bears, crockery, etc.
You also have a faithful dog - which you can personally name.
I've finished the game now, however my 10 year old niece has demanded that I gift this game to her as she is now addicted to it - I can't get her off it!
So overall, definitely recommended. Its a fun game for all the family - you just might not get the opportunity to play it until everyone has gone to bed!
I recommend this game!
Jessica would never imagine that her big day would turn out to be a nightmare; they had an accident and Jonathan McNealy, her husband is missing.
Overall rating
5
/
5
13 of 15 found this review helpful
EXCELLENT GAME - WELL WORTH PLAYING
PostedNovember 4, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review based on completed game.
I really enjoyed this game. You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Thrilling and Nightmare modes of play;
* Journal;
* Can rewatch videos.
* Thrilling and Nightmare modes of play;
* Journal;
* Can rewatch videos.
I played on Nightmare mode which has a chain over the hint button so you can't skip or hint anything. Bravo.
The graphics are surprisingly good and easy to see everything. Sound and music was good. The music was intensively creepy which was apt for the game.
There were a lot of HOS to play which, surprisingly enough, I really enjoyed. Normally I don't like too many but, because of the storyline line and with lots of tasks to do, I didn't mind doing them at all. They were not too hard and there didn't appear to be any teeny tiny items which were hard to see, so don't take long to do at all.
The mini-games were fun. I've seen them all before but I still enjoyed them. They are not hard to do and I never felt out of my depth at all. There were the usual ones of making a recipe, catching bugs, connect the wires, etc.
All up the game took me about 4 hours to play. I wished it had been longer cause I was really enjoying it. The ending had an unexpected twist which I had a good laugh at because it wasn't what I had expected. Well done. Didn't see that coming.
So definitely worth playing. If you like a good story, good graphics, lots of HOS and mini-games, then this is the game for you. Well done developers. I'm going to keep an eye out for them in future games. If they keep this up and progress their games, they will be a good contender as one of the best.
I recommend this game!
People have been disappearing in the town of Ridleton for the past 15 years... Can you weather the storm and solve the case?
Overall rating
4
/
5
48 of 53 found this review helpful
BLINDING GOOD GAME - WELL WORTH PLAYING
PostedNovember 3, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed Collectors Edition game.
You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Advanced and Hardcore modes play;
* Diary;
* Interactive map;
* A panda to help you.
* Casual, Advanced and Hardcore modes play;
* Diary;
* Interactive map;
* A panda to help you.
The graphics are just superb - crystal clear and colourful - right throughout the game. I loved that.
The music is beautiful - orchestral - and I kept it on the whole time. Its not intrusive and plays quietly in the background.
There are a lot of interactive hidden object games to play - standard ones and silhouette. These are easy to play and don't take too long to do which can distract you from the game.
There is a panda to help you throughout the game to reach places you can't get. I liked that. In the CE game you can personally name him.
Well, where do I begin with all the mini-games? There are soooo many to play. Some are easy and you can get them right away and others took me a very long time. They are not hard to do - its just that some can take a while to work out and then conquer. I loved every one of them. Well done developers.
I found that I didn't need to use the interactive map because you pretty much only need to go a few steps forwards or backwards to complete tasks. You don't veer off far and its easy to remember where tasks are to do. It also shows where you still have tasks to do. I also tried the hint, which worked well and filled up again very fast.
So overall, if you want a game that has great graphics, nice music and plenty of HOS and mini-games for keep you busy, then this is the game for you.
Now, do you buy the Collectors Edition or the single edition? Personally, with the 168 flames to find, plus the bonus and hidden chapter, I think the Collectors Edition is definitely worth buying to add to your collection.
Definitely recommended.
I recommend this game!
Without warning, a group of mysterious figures arrives and reduces your village to flames and rubble. What do they want... and who is controlling them?
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 50 found this review helpful
LOVED IT - ADVENTURE GALORE
PostedOctober 31, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review based on completed Collectors Edition game.
Fabulous game and so much to do.
You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Spark, Flame, Blaze and Custom modes of play;
* Journal;
* Interactive map;
* Spark, Flame, Blaze and Custom modes of play;
* Journal;
* Interactive map;
First off, you have a medallion with special powers that you will use quite a lot. These are:
~ Stone Whisperer - Talk to stone objects;
~ Flame Shield - Protect yourself from fire;
~ Spark of Life - Heal and restore life energy; and
~ Ancient Flame - Devastate with ancient fire.
~ Flame Shield - Protect yourself from fire;
~ Spark of Life - Heal and restore life energy; and
~ Ancient Flame - Devastate with ancient fire.
You also have your mother's special boots which make you invisible. You also use these a fair bit as well.
The graphics are superb, as usual. Crystal clear and very colourful. Mad Head Games are well renown for this.
The sound and music are stunning. Very loud and so apt for the game. I turned it up loud right throughout just as I do with all their games.
There are many interactive hidden object games. These had a good challenge to them, which I enjoyed.
There are a great variety of mini-games - too many to mention and I loved every one of them. They are not complicated but a few will get you thinking. My favourite was the cards game. There were games I hadn't played before, so there will be something in there for everyone.
I customised my game and turned the hints and skip off and ticked most things off as well to give it a good challenge - great for experts.
My preference is that you get the Collectors Edition as you have 57 flames to find, a long bonus game which has two stories, so you play it one way now and another way next time you play. It also has all the extras like extra card games, etc. Its definitely worth the extra money you pay.
So all up, definitely recommended - such an enjoyable game.
Happy playing. This is a gem.
Happy playing. This is a gem.
.
I recommend this game!
Someone – or something – is stealing the children of Blake’s Mountain!
Overall rating
2
/
5
20 of 24 found this review helpful
LOTS TO DO, IF YOU ARE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH IT
PostedOctober 21, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Review of completed game, but can't complete the bonus.
You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Experienced, Masterful and Custom modes of play;
* Achievements cupboard;
* Interactive map;
* Little scarecrow to help you.
* Find 25 owls and 7 Collectors.
* Casual, Experienced, Masterful and Custom modes of play;
* Achievements cupboard;
* Interactive map;
* Little scarecrow to help you.
* Find 25 owls and 7 Collectors.
The graphics are superb - very colourful and crisp.
Sound is good. However, there isn't much music and you are often playing just to the sound of silence. I don't know what happened there.
The hidden object games are interactive and there are plenty of them. They are all very easy to do and don't take long.
There are many mini-games to do and these are also very easy. My favourite was the spooky pumpkin game where you have to jump over the other pumpkins until there are none left. There are 3 games, next one harder than the other, and they took me a while to conquer.
There are 25 owls to find. Most of these are easy to see, but a few were well hidden. Afterwards you complete a puzzle.
I managed to get most of the achievements, which was good and I didn't feel completely useless.
I finished the game in about 4 hours, went to play the bonus game but, due to a glitch in the game, was not able to carry on with it. I have now given up in frustration and will be deleting it.
All up, a very easy game with little challenge and very glitchy. Be warned as I was unable to complete it.
I don't recommend this game.
Without warning, a group of mysterious figures arrives and reduces your village to flames and rubble. What do they want... and who is controlling them?
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 9 found this review helpful
WOW, MAD HEAD GAMES DO IT AGAIN - BRILLIANT
PostedOctober 17, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File, Match 3
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Review based on Game, Bonus and Hidden Extras.
Fabulous game and so much to do.
You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Spark, Flame, Blaze and Custom modes of play;
* Journal;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements Board (3 x Bronze, Silver and Gold);
* Find 57 flames in game and bonus.
* Spark, Flame, Blaze and Custom modes of play;
* Journal;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements Board (3 x Bronze, Silver and Gold);
* Find 57 flames in game and bonus.
First off, you have a medallion with special powers that you will use quite a lot. These are:
~ Stone Whisperer - Talk to stone objects;
~ Flame Shield - Protect yourself from fire;
~ Spark of Life - Heal and restore life energy; and
~ Ancient Flame - Devastate with ancient fire.
~ Flame Shield - Protect yourself from fire;
~ Spark of Life - Heal and restore life energy; and
~ Ancient Flame - Devastate with ancient fire.
You also have your mother's special boots which make you invisible. You also use these a fair bit as well.
The graphics are superb, as usual. Crystal clear and very colourful. Mad Head Games are well renown for this.
The sound and music are stunning. Very loud and so apt for the game. I turned it up loud right throughout just as I do with all their games.
There are many interactive hidden object games. These had a good challenge to them, which I enjoyed. Please remember that there is one morphing object per hidden object game. I tried to do this first so I wouldn't forget about it, cause you can't go back. These can be tricky and can take a while to find them, so keep a beady eye out.
There are a great variety of mini-games - too many to mention and I loved every one of them. They are not complicated but a few will get you thinking. My favourite was the cards game, which you can play more of in the extras when you finish the game and bonus. There were games I hadn't played before, so there will be something in there for everyone.
All up the game, bonus and hidden extras took me about 8 hours, so very good value. I customised my game and turned the hints and skip off and ticked most things off as well to give it a good challenge - great for experts.
So all up, definitely recommended - such an enjoyable game. I'm going to play this again in 6 months or so because, in the bonus section, you have a choice of how you want to play. This time I fortified the tower but there is also another choice that you can make. Next time I will do the other.
Happy playing. This is a gem.
.
I recommend this game!