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:
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
14 of 15 found this review helpful
ADVENTURE GALORE AND SO MUCH TO DO
PostedOctober 11, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed Game, Bonus and Hidden Chapter.
You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Advanced and Hardcore modes play;
* Diary;
* Achievements Cupboard;
* Interactive map;
* A panda to help you (you can personally name him);
* Collect 168 flames (to play the Hidden Chapter).
* Casual, Advanced and Hardcore modes play;
* Diary;
* Achievements Cupboard;
* Interactive map;
* A panda to help you (you can personally name him);
* Collect 168 flames (to play the Hidden Chapter).
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 and bonus which you can personally name. I liked that.
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.
There are 168 flames to find throughout the Game and Bonus. They look like a trio of fireflies floating around and there are 4 in each scene. A hand DOESN'T come over them, so keep an eye out. They are not hard to find, but a few were a little elusive. If you miss any by the end of the game or wish to do them later, you can do this when you go to play the Hidden Chapter. Firstly you have to complete a puzzle.
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. However, after I finished the game I started again and tried it out. It worked fine and also showed where you still had tasks to do. I also tried the hint, which worked well and filled up again very fast.
All up, the game, bonus and hidden chapter took me about 10 hours to do. However, I didn't skip or hint any mini-games or HOS in the Game and Bonus and I'm not a fast player. I like to check everywhere just in case I miss something. I'm sure there are a lot of you fishies out there that can do this much faster.
So overall, if you want a game that has great graphics, nice music, plenty of HOS and mini-games for keep you busy and good value for money, then this is the game for you. Definitely recommended.
I recommend this game!
Take a journey through medieval times. Help Joan of Arc to build a new kingdom and change the fate of the people in this epic story of honor and courage.
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 6 found this review helpful
HELP JOAN AND BUILD A NEW KINGDOM
PostedOctober 10, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Review of completed game.
You have:
* Match modes of Swap, Pop and Chain;
* Time and Relaxed modes;
* Awards board; and
* Can replay any of the boards once game finished.
* Time and Relaxed modes;
* Awards board; and
* Can replay any of the boards once game finished.
This time I played the Swap mode. I haven't played the Pop or Chain modes yet as I'm not very familiar with them. However you mix and match them during the game as you are given the option to choose each board you play.
The graphics are superb and very clear. I enjoyed playing the boards because of this.
The music is very pretty and quite haunting. I found that I was getting a bit irritated after a while with the music because I was being distracted by it, so I turned it right down.
This is a lovely easy game to play and is perfect for beginner and maybe intermediate fishies. Expert players however will find this too easy. I played on timed but you can change your mode from timed to relaxed at any time.
There are 100 boards to play. At the end of the game you can replay any of the boards again.
There are 12 achievements to get. The usual ones like finishing a game in less than a minute, etc.
All up the game took me about 4 hours to play.
I was hoping it would get harder as I got further into the game, but sadly this didn't happen. Oh well.
Happy playing.
I recommend this game!
Become the Emperor of Rome as you match tiles and build your Empire in this truly original matching game.
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 16 found this review helpful
I PREFER CRADLE OF ROME 2 AND CRADLE OF EGYPT
PostedOctober 3, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I've played Cradle of Rome 2 and Cradle of Egypt many times over the years and thought I would try out this first game as well.
Unfortunately, due to the horrible graphics, I could only play for short periods of time before my eyes started watering because I was staring at the screen trying to decipher what things were.
The music is exactly the same as Cradle of Rome 2.
You collect extra lives as you go, so if you run out of time you use a life.
There are no achievements or blitz modes in this game - you only get a blurb come up saying you have acquired something, but its gone before you realise what is happening.
The game itself was pretty easy up until about Level 60. It gets harder then, so you end up using your axe, lighting, bomb, timer, etc to get to the end before time runs out. But overall its a pretty easy game.
The game has 100 levels and I finished the game with 17 lives to spare - so overall its not very challenging.
HOWEVER, please do try Cradle of Rome 2 and Cradle of Egypt - they are brilliant games to play. The graphics and challenge are so much better and you have achievements and blitz modes to play after the game has finished. Try these out first - you will enjoy these two.
I don't recommend this game.
Discover the secrets that lie buried in the eerie, crooked halls of Mnemosyne Asylum!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 7 found this review helpful
INSANE GAME - WELL WORTH PLAYING
PostedSeptember 28, 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
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed game.
There is:
* Casual, Advanced and Expert modes;
* Journal;
* Interactive map;
* Voiceovers;
* You can play Mahjong instead of HOS;
* You can change your mode of play at any time.
* Journal;
* Interactive map;
* Voiceovers;
* You can play Mahjong instead of HOS;
* You can change your mode of play at any time.
I really enjoyed this game because you are a real police detective. I liked the way where you had to solve in exact detail what happened in each scene when people were killed. As you click on certain items they are highlighted and then it is revealed what happened. Really cool.
The graphics are okay - kind of dirty and somber - which is apt for the game.
The sound and music are great - kind of eerie and loud but really works for the game.
There is definitely a gritty atmosphere throughout the game and I never knew what was going to happen next. I loved that.
The hidden object games are easy and you do each one twice. However, you can play Mahjong instead if you wish. These are easy too.
The mini games are fun. Nothing I haven't seen before but they are enjoyable.
All up I played about 5 hours on Expert mode and didn't skip and HOS or mini-games, so good value for money.
Overall, a great game and thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended.
I recommend this game!
Something pulled your son into a shimmering portal. Dive into a magical world to find him!
Overall rating
5
/
5
10 of 11 found this review helpful
MUM TO THE RESCUE TO SAVE JIMMY
PostedSeptember 26, 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
Review based on completed game and bonus.
What a brilliant game. If you want great graphics, sound, music and storyline, then this is the game for you.
There is:
* Easy, Normal and Hard modes of play;
* Voiceovers;
* Diary;
* Achievements (24 of them);
* Interactive map;
* Find collection items throughout the game;
* Interactive HOS.
* Voiceovers;
* Diary;
* Achievements (24 of them);
* Interactive map;
* Find collection items throughout the game;
* Interactive HOS.
In the main game, you have to rescue your son Jimmy. In the Bonus game you have to help the lake spirit.
You can turn off Hints and Skip to make things harder if you want. I love that. However, you can change your mode of play at any time.
The graphics are superb - very clear and easy to find items you need.
The sound is great and music is orchestral and beautiful.
The HOS are interactive - putting items back, silhouette and straightforward. These are pretty easy but enjoyable.
There are a huge range of hidden object games to play and most you will have seen before, but they are great fun and I enjoyed playing them all. You will be very busy with lots of tasks to do, so do get comfortable.
The interactive map also has a circle where, if you get stuck, you will see where tasks have to be undertaken. I tried this out in the last part of the bonus game and it worked well. If you play on Easy this will work, however, I played on Hard mode and turned off Skip and Hints, so this didn't show up. But its there if you need it. You just have to change your mode of play from Hard to Easy.
You have to find collection items throughout the game (but not the Bonus). There are about 34 of them I think. These are pinecones, shells, skulls and what look like bows/wreaths. Keep an eye out for them in each scene cause some are well hidden. These are enjoyable to do too. If you get them all, these go into your Achievements.
Up all the game took me many hours, played during the week. A good 6 hours or so and the Bonus took about 1 hour. Good value for money.
So overall, a terrific game. I'm really impressed with the developers who did a great job. Well done.
Definitely recommended.
I recommend this game!
You're about to uncover the secret that's been haunting Blackrow!
Overall rating
3
/
5
33 of 43 found this review helpful
RESCUE NORMA SHINE
PostedSeptember 26, 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
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Review from completed Collectors Edition game.
There is plenty to do in the game.
You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal and Black Tie modes of play;
* Elf the dog to help you;
* Interactive map.
* Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal and Black Tie modes of play;
* Elf the dog to help you;
* Interactive map.
There is a device that you need to use on areas with energy residue to reveal past events. Find a battery and then use the device to locate a circle with an eye. Then watch the short clip. Just check each scene as you go through. Because the device uses batteries which depletes each time, you are forever trying to find new ones. I enjoyed using this device.
The graphics were okay. It was very dark and somber in most areas, but I could navigate around all right.
Sound and music were fine. I didn't turn down the music at all.
The hidden object games were fairly easy. They were all just straight HOS. Nothing out of the ordinary.
The mini-games ranged from being very easy to medium. Lots of sliding tiles, etc. One mini-game did have me going for a good 30 minutes - not because it was hard, just because I had to get everything in the right order.
Personally, I would buy the Collectors Edition. You have extras like finding 16 mystical spirits and also the secret room where you have to find 73 morphing objects - great for all you morphing fanatic fishies out there.
So overall, not a bad game and will definitely fill an afternoon.
Happy playing
I recommend this game!
You’re about to uncover the secret that’s been haunting Blackrow!
Overall rating
3
/
5
4 of 7 found this review helpful
RESCUE NORMAL SHINE
PostedSeptember 17, 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
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed game, bonus and secret room.
There is plenty to do in the game.
You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal and Black Tie modes of play;
* Achievements Board (in game and bonus);
* Elf the dog to help you;
* Interactive map (which has areas of interest if you get stuck);
* Diary;
* Secret Room;
* Find 26 glass pieces (in game and bonus) and then complete the puzzle.
* Casual, Semi-Casual, Formal and Black Tie modes of play;
* Achievements Board (in game and bonus);
* Elf the dog to help you;
* Interactive map (which has areas of interest if you get stuck);
* Diary;
* Secret Room;
* Find 26 glass pieces (in game and bonus) and then complete the puzzle.
In the main game you have to help Norma Shine and in the bonus you have to find and help Norma's film crew.
There is a device that you need to use on areas with energy residue to reveal past events. Find a battery and then use the device to locate a circle with an eye. Then watch the short clip. You will also need to use the device to find the mystical spirits. Just check each scene as you go through. Because the device uses batteries which depletes each time, you are forever trying to find new ones. In the bonus, you finally get a battery that lasts! I enjoyed playing with this.
The graphics were just okay. It was very dark and somber in most areas, but I could navigate around all right.
Sound and music were fine. I didn't turn down the music at all.
The hidden object games were fairly easy. They were all just straight HOS. Nothing out of the ordinary.
The mini-games ranged from being very easy to medium. Lots of sliding tiles, etc. One mini-game did have me going for a good 30 minutes - not because it was hard, just because I had to get everything in the right order.
In the Secret Room you have to find:
~ 12 morphing spheres;
~ 12 morphing bottles;
~ 12 morphing statutes;
~ 12 morphing bells;
~ 12 morphing crystals;
~ 12 morphing skulls; and
~ 1 rabbit.
~ 12 morphing bottles;
~ 12 morphing statutes;
~ 12 morphing bells;
~ 12 morphing crystals;
~ 12 morphing skulls; and
~ 1 rabbit.
I found these to be quite challenging, which I loved. So for all you morphing addict fishies out there, you will love this. I was in the Secret Room for nearly an hour finding all these. These do morph quite slowly, so keep an eye out.
All up, the game, bonus and secret room took me about 6 hours or so. I played on Black Tie mode throughout the game etc, so it depends on what mode you play. However, I'm not a fast player.
Happy playing.
I recommend this game!
Solve the mystery that spooked a young girl into silence!
Overall rating
3
/
5
14 of 18 found this review helpful
NICE AND EASY GAME TO PLAY
PostedSeptember 12, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I played the full game and bonus of the Collectors Edition of this game.
Its a nice game to play, with plenty of HOS and mini-games to play.
You have:
* Casual, Advanced and Hard modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* Voiceovers;
* Diary.
* Interactive map;
* Voiceovers;
* Diary.
The graphics are very good - clear and easy on the eye. Colours are bright and vivid and I enjoyed moving around from scene to scene.
Sound is very good. The music is lovely and I didn't turn it down at all during the game.
The hidden object games are interactive and very easy. Some are straightforward and there are others where you have to find one item to locate another, etc and put items back where they belong. These don't take long. There were quite a lot of them, but enjoyable to do. Every item is clearly visible and not too small or hard on the eye.
There were also lots of mini-games which again were very easy and we have seen them all before. The usual ones were sliding tiles, finding pairs, buttons where you jump over them until only one left, matching patterns, etc. I've played these all before but I still find these enjoyable.
This is a very easy but nice game to play which doesn't need much brain storming. If it had a Custom mode in which I could turn everything off, I would have been much happier. Definitely recommended for beginners and maybe intermediates.
Well worth playing on a rainy afternoon.
Happy playing.
I recommend this game!
Find the woman who disappears in the Hall of Mirrors. Investigate two worlds: the Carnivals of Good and Evil!
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 13 found this review helpful
WOW, WOW AND I DID MENTION WOW!
PostedSeptember 7, 2014
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
What a fantastic game - this really made my weekend.
Review on completed game and bonus.
You have:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Advanced and Expert modes of play;
* Diary;
* Map (but not an interactive map);
* Achievements Board (20 of them);
* Miles the monkey to give you a hand;
* Bonus game.
* Casual, Advanced and Expert modes of play;
* Diary;
* Map (but not an interactive map);
* Achievements Board (20 of them);
* Miles the monkey to give you a hand;
* Bonus game.
I played on Expert mode throughout the game and bonus. There were no sparkles in the Expert mode, which I was glad for.
The graphics were fabulous - very colourful and bright, just like you would imagine a carnival to be. Everywhere was crystal clear and easy to see - even in the evil world. Sometimes the characters in the game actually looked real - they were so life like.
Sound was very good and the music was what you would listen to at a carnival.
The whole atmosphere was creepy (but not scary) and I had so much fun discovering all the areas.
There were many hidden object games to play, which didn't take very long - around a minute or two for each one. They were easy to play.
There were also a lot of mini-games to play which were all great fun. I played them all and had a great time. None were too hard or frustrating.
In the main game you play Susan Jones (the mother) and in the Bonus game you play Miles.
I had a wonderful time playing this game and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even if you don't play another game this month or even this year, PLAY THIS GAME, you won't be disappointed.
All up, the game and bonus took me about 5 hours to play.
Definitely worth buying and putting in your collection. Have fun.
I recommend this game!
Solve the mystery that spooked a young girl into silence!
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 11 found this review helpful
DON'T MESS WITH DAD!
PostedSeptember 4, 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
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Review of game and bonus.
Nice love story with plenty to do.
You have:
* Casual, Advanced and Hard modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* Voiceovers;
* Diary
* Find morphing objects to get extra hints;
* Find pictures pieces to restore paintings.
* Interactive map;
* Voiceovers;
* Diary
* Find morphing objects to get extra hints;
* Find pictures pieces to restore paintings.
The graphics are very good - clear and easy on the eye.
Sound is very good. The music is lovely and I didn't turn it down at all during the game.
The hidden objects games are interactive and very easy. Some are straightforward and others you have to find one item to locate another, etc. These don't take long. There were quite a lot of them, but enjoyable to do.
There were also lots of mini-games which again were very easy and we have seen them all before. The usual ones were sliding tiles, finding pairs, buttons where you jump over them until only one left, matching patterns, etc.
I'm not sure how many morphing objects you needed to collect, but I found 37. These gave extra hints, but I never needed to use them. I found these only in the main game but not the bonus. Keep an eye out for them - some are easy to see and others can be quite elusive. I enjoyed finding these.
There are lots of puzzle pieces to find. When you have found the right amount for each picture, then you can do the puzzle. These are in the game and bonus. The puzzles are not hard to do and don't take long. When you have finished all the puzzles then you can go back and repay any of the mini-games.
All up, the game and bonus took me about 5 hours on Hard mode. Its a very easy but nice game to play which doesn't need much brain storming. If it had a Custom mode in which I could turn everything off, I would have been much happier. Definitely recommended for beginners and maybe intermediates.
Happy playing.
I recommend this game!