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:
Can you stop a deadly evil waiting in an abandoned school?
Overall rating
5
/
5
14 of 14 found this review helpful
WELCOME BACK MAD HEAD GAMES
PostedJuly 3, 2020
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 OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
What a fantastic creepy game and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You play Sophie and, along with your friends Dario and JP, enter into each other's horror stories. There is:
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* 5 modes of play (from Easy to Custom);
* Interactive map;
* 11 Achievements;
* 19 replayable HOPs;
* Find 28 morphs and 28 collectables in game and bonus.
* 5 modes of play (from Easy to Custom);
* Interactive map;
* 11 Achievements;
* 19 replayable HOPs;
* Find 28 morphs and 28 collectables in game and bonus.
The graphics are stunning - each scene is very well defined and items that you need are easy to see and grab. The music is haunting and scary.
The hidden object games are mainly straightforward, silhouette, putting items back and finding a certain amount of one specific item. I enjoyed doing these. Keep an eye out for the morph in the HOPs - these have a good challenge to them. You can replay these in the Extras to get 100% and get three stars.
The mini-games are fun to do and there are a good variety. These are not too hard but at the same time they do get you thinking. I played them all and found I wanted more to play - they are addictive.
There is one morph and one collectible to find in each scene. I found the collectibles easily enough, but the morphs had a good challenge to them. I always do these first when I enter each scene in case I get distracted. However, if you miss any or want to do them later, then you can do these in the Extras.
Once the game has finished and you have collected all the morphs and collectibles, you have three jigsaw puzzles to do. These are quite big, and each puzzle will take an extra 5 minutes or so to do.
Afterwards you can do the Ultimate HOP. I love doing these. I always think that this is the dessert after the main meal. Its a nice way to finish off.
Overall, a fabulous game. Well done devs. Now I can't wait until the next one. Keep them coming.
Definitely comes recommended.
I recommend this game!
When Leitan Keyes, a famous inventor, finishes his latest invention a sudden visit from the future will shatter his world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
28 of 30 found this review helpful
CAN YOU STOP A.R.N.O.L.D?
PostedMay 11, 2020
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 FROM COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
Thank you Brave Giant - you created a masterpiece. This game is creative, visually stunning and, to top it off, challenging. There is:
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map.
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map.
The graphics are stunning and everywhere is crystal clear to see. You will be going to a lot of locations, so you are in for a treat.
The hidden object games are amazing. Yes, for the first time in ages we get challenging HOPs that take time to do. There are the usual interactive straightforward and silhouette (with morphs), but there are a few new ones as well that blew me away. Finally, I had to think, and for the first time in ages I didn't know what to do and had to nut it out (that's a good thing).
There are a great variety of mini-games ranging from easy to medium. In some you will need stealth and speed without being seen. All are accomplishable and I didn't skip any. The instructions are clear and I had a wonderful time doing them. I've been playing them again in the Extras.
In the CE, there are 28 digital articles and 14 morphs in the main game only. Most of these are easy to spot but a few are elusive. Somehow (I must have got distracted) I missed a digital article and 1 morph from a scene, so I can't tell you about them in the Extras. Are they extra mini-games or HOPs or a puzzle? I'm not sure, so I will play the game again some time in the future and find out. Its a pity we can't find any after the game has finished (sigh!).
So, do you get the CE or SE? In the CE there is 24 Achievements, find 28 digital articles and 14 morphs (main game only), 8 replayable mini-games and 8 replayble HOPs. My recommendation is that you get the CE because it is integral with the main game.
Overall, I had a fantastic time playing this game and I can't wait until the next one. For the first time in ages I had gadgets which I had no idea what to do with or how to use them. Does it fit there? Nope not even close. What about there? Yeees it does. The challenging HOPs and the creative
mini-games makes this game very special.
mini-games makes this game very special.
Definitely comes recommended. I know its not to everyone's taste, but if you are a sci-fi freak like me, then you will love it.
Happy playing fishes - this is a gem.
I recommend this game!
When Leitan Keyes, a famous inventor, finishes his latest invention a sudden visit from the future will shatter his world.
Overall rating
5
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
CAN YOU STOP A.R.N.O.L.D?
PostedMay 8, 2020
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 OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
Thank you Brave Giant - you created a masterpiece. This game is creative, visually stunning and, to top it off, challenging. There is:
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map;
* 24 Achievements;
* Find 28 digital articles and 14 morphs (main game only);
* 8 replayable mini-games and 8 replayble HOPs.
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map;
* 24 Achievements;
* Find 28 digital articles and 14 morphs (main game only);
* 8 replayable mini-games and 8 replayble HOPs.
The graphics are stunning and everywhere is crystal clear to see. You will be going to a lot of locations, so you are in for a treat.
The hidden object games are amazing. Yes, for the first time in ages we get challenging HOPs that take time to do. There are the usual interactive straightforward and silhouette (with morphs), but there are a few new ones as well that blew me away. Finally, I had to think, and for the first time in ages I didn't know what to do and had to nut it out (that's a good thing).
There are a great variety of mini-games ranging from easy to medium. All are accomplishable and I didn't skip any. The instructions are clear and I had a wonderful time doing them. I've been playing them again in the Extras.
There are 28 digital articles and 14 morphs in the main game only. Most of these are easy to spot but a few are elusive. Somehow (I must have got distracted) I missed a digital article and 1 morph from a scene, so I can't tell you about them in the Extras. Are they extra mini-games or HOPs or a puzzle? I'm not sure, so I will play the game again some time in the future and find out. Its a pity we can't find any after the game has finished (sigh!).
There are 24 achievements to get - and you will have to work hard to get them (I only got 22).
Overall, I had a fantastic time playing this game and I can't wait until the next one. For the first time in ages I had gadgets which I had no idea what to do with or how to use them. Does it fit there? Nope not even close. What about there? Yeees it does. The challenging HOPs and the creative mini-games makes this game very special.
Definitely comes recommended. I know its not to everyone's taste, but if you are a sci-fi freak like me, then you will love it.
Happy playing fishes - this is a gem.
I recommend this game!
Help Emma dig through the poisonous pieces of this family mystery and solve the case! Play Family Mysteries: Poisonous Promises Collector’s Edition!
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 12 found this review helpful
GREAT GAME WITH LOTS OF TWISTS AND TURNS
PostedApril 19, 2020
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
5
/
5
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
This is a great who dunnit detective game that keeps you guessing right to the end. You play a female police detective (E Emerson) and you have your partner Duke to solve a murder/mystery. Yes, you will be shot at, tasered and push off cliffs to name a few!
There is:
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map;
* Diary;
* 24 achievements;
* Evidence of your smart phone;
* Find 32 collectibles (cards) and 29 morphs (presents);
* 8 repayable HOPs and 8 replayable mini-games.
* Casual, Advanced, Expert and Custom modes;
* Interactive map;
* Diary;
* 24 achievements;
* Evidence of your smart phone;
* Find 32 collectibles (cards) and 29 morphs (presents);
* 8 repayable HOPs and 8 replayable mini-games.
The graphics are crisp and clear, with just the right amount of colour. I loved going from scene to scene never knowing what to expect next. Sound is good and the music is mainly orchestral.
The hidden object games are highly interactive straightforward and silhouette. There are even morphs in them as well. I enjoyed doing these as they were not as straightforward as you think. However, if you feel like a change then you can play pairs instead of HOPs to give you a bit of variety.
There are a great variety of mini-games and I enjoyed them all. These are not hard to do and the instructions are clear. I noticed there were a good mixture of jigsaw puzzles to do and even though, not hard, still took a while to do.
There are 29 morphs (presents) and 32 collectibles (cards) to find throughout the main game only. These are very easy to spot, so you will get the achievements for these. I wish they had been a bit smaller and harder to find. I just don't see the point in having them in there if they are glaringly huge. Make us work hard for them so that if we get the achievement, then we feel like we've earned it. Also, make sure you get them all within the game as you can't collect any you missed or wanted to do later in the Extras.
You will be collecting evidence and taking photos on your smart phone. When you have enough photos, this will go on the evidence board to piece out what happened. Haha I thought its him! Oh no wrong. Haha I thought its her! Wrong again.
All up the game took me a good 5 hours or so and I really enjoyed it.
I am now about to play the second game which has just come out "Family Mysteries - Echoes of Tomorrow".
Definitely comes recommended. Happy playing fishies.
I recommend this game!
Can you live up to your family’s legacy in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 12 found this review helpful
HELP ELIAH SAVE TALEWORLD
PostedApril 12, 2020
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
REVIEW OF COMPLED GAME AND BONUS
Well, I liked this more than I thought I would. Its modern day meets fairy land. The story line is easy to follow and tasks are simple to do. There is:
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Seed, Sprout, Bud, Flower and Bloom modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* 11 Achievements (some with 3 circles);
* 17 replayable HOPs in the Extras;
* Find 28 collectables (masks) and
* Find 28 morphs in game and bonus.
* Seed, Sprout, Bud, Flower and Bloom modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* 11 Achievements (some with 3 circles);
* 17 replayable HOPs in the Extras;
* Find 28 collectables (masks) and
* Find 28 morphs in game and bonus.
The graphics are absolutely stunning - lovely colours and each scene is well defined. Sound is good and the music you will recognise from previous games.
The hidden object games are mainly straightforward, silhouette, finding pairs and matching colours and fabrics. These are very easy to do. Items are clear to see and grab. Just keep an eye out for the morph in each HOP. Most are easy to see, but a few were elusive.
I like the mini-games which ranged from very easy to medium. Only two mini-games took me a while which are matching symbols which move around and rotate.
There are 28 collectibles (masks) and 28 morphs in the game and bonus. There is 1 mask and 1 morph in each scene. Most are very easy to locate, but a couple of scenes took me a while to find them. If you miss any or want to do them later, then you can do this is the Extras.
At the end of the game there is a puzzle to do, then locate an item in each scene. Lastly there is the ultimate HOP (my favourite). This time they are silhouette.
All up the game and bonus took me about 5 hours which included playing all the mini-games and no skipping.
Overall, I think this is a perfect game for beginners to gain experience or if you just want to play casual. Definitely recommended for younger players (say 10 years plus). Its a very pretty game and not scary.
I recommend this game!
Help Carol find clues to solve a dark mystery and locate her missing husband!
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 19 found this review helpful
YOU PLAY CAROL TO FIND YOUR HUSBAND JAKE
PostedApril 9, 2020
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
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I'm still making my way through the levels.
I bought this game and the dragon game from the same developer yesterday.
There are voiceovers (with dialogue) and you can play either timed or relaxed. The timer is very generous so far.
This is a simple Match3 game with hidden object games which solves the clues you are looking for. There is an evidence board and each clue you find gets put on the board for you to look at.
The graphics are very good and you can see the tiles clearly.
There are tools you can use to help you break tiles, chains, get rid of the spiders, etc which are on the left side of the screen. I haven't used these yet because I haven't needed to, but I'm sure as the game gets harder, then these will come in handy.
The game is a bit clunky and as I am a fast player I like the tiles to fall faster. I find I have to swipe the tiles a couple of times before anything happens, which I hate. Sometimes the tiles move well and other times I'm waiting impatiently.
You can restart a game anytime if you feel like you're getting nowhere fast or get distracted without any penalty.
The storyline is very easy to follow. Find out what happened to Jake. Do a hidden object game, get the clues and they go on the evidence board. Once you've solved the clues in that particular area, you move on.
We are into Day 14 of complete Covid-19 lockdown and I'm working from home, so I bought these games to play in between work coming in. I have two computers and four screens on my desk, so if I have no email instructions or dictation to do, I play this game or the earlier dragon game. They don't need much thought process and just fill in a bit of time when I can't venture off too far from my desk (yeah, like where am I going to go - kitchen!)
So, judging from the reviews, most people hated the game. I really don't mind it. Its challenging enough to keep me occupied and I like the music while playing it. I just wish the tiles moved faster.
Could you survive a deadly game where your opponent knew your secrets?
Overall rating
3
/
5
18 of 19 found this review helpful
HUNT FOR THE DESIGNER
PostedApril 4, 2020
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
4
/
5
REVIEW FROM COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
This game was okay, although it was a little easy and a bit short. There are voiceovers (with dialogue), five modes of play - from Easy to Custom and an interactive map.
The graphics are lovely. There is plenty of colour and each scene is well designed. Items are clear to see and find. The music is orchestral and nice to listen to.
The 16 hidden object games are mainly straightforward, silhouette and finding pairs, rocks, etc. These are all very easy to do and you can get back to the game quickly. Keep an eye out for the morph in each HOP.
The mini-games range from easy to medium and I enjoyed doing them. Only one mini-game (the equation one) I had trouble with because I couldn't get my head around it, so I looked online Youtube to find the answer to that one. However, the rest of them were no problem to figure out.
So, do you get the CE or SE? In the CE there are 16 replayable HOPs (you can redo any of the HOPs in Extras to earn three stars and to get an achievement.), 12 Achievements (some with 3 stars) and 27 morphs and 27 collectibles (in game and bonus). There is 1 morph and 1 collectible in each scene.
So, do you get the CE or SE? In the CE there are 16 replayable HOPs (you can redo any of the HOPs in Extras to earn three stars and to get an achievement.), 12 Achievements (some with 3 stars) and 27 morphs and 27 collectibles (in game and bonus). There is 1 morph and 1 collectible in each scene.
If you get the CE, after the game has finished, you can play a treasure hunt (find an item in each location) and an ultimate HOP to play (these are silhouette this time). I always enjoy doing these. Its a bit like having dessert after a main meal!
All up the game, bonus and extras took me about 4 hours playing all the mini-games, etc. I think this game would be perfect for newbies or begineers to gain experience.
Comes recommended.
Happy playing fishies. Stay safe. New Zealand is into day 13 of lockdown and honestly I don't know what I would do without these games to play. They keep me sane (or insane!).
I recommend this game!
Could you survive a deadly game where your opponent knew your secrets?
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
LOCATE THE DESIGNER
PostedApril 3, 2020
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
4
/
5
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
This game was okay, although it was a little easy and a bit short. There is:
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Five modes of play - from Easy to Custom;
* Interactive map;
* 16 replayable HOPs;
* 12 Achievements (some with 3 stars);
* Find 27 morphs and 27 collectibles (in game and bonus).
* Five modes of play - from Easy to Custom;
* Interactive map;
* 16 replayable HOPs;
* 12 Achievements (some with 3 stars);
* Find 27 morphs and 27 collectibles (in game and bonus).
The graphics are lovely. There is plenty of colour and each scene is well designed. Items are clear to see and find. The music is orchestral and nice to listen to.
The 16 hidden object games are mainly straightforward, silhouette and finding pairs, rocks, etc. These are all very easy to do and you can get back to the game quickly. Keep an eye out for the morph in each HOP. You can redo any of the HOPs in Extras to earn three stars and to get an achievement.
The mini-games range from easy to medium and I enjoyed doing them. Only one mini-game (the equation one) I had trouble with because I couldn't get my head around it, so I looked online Youtube to find the answer to that one. However, the rest of them were no problem to figure out.
There is 1 morph and 1 collectible in each scene. Find them all and you get an achievement. However, if you don't feel like finding them during the game or miss any, then you can do these in the Extras after you have finished.
After the game has finished, you get to play a treasure hunt (find an item in each location) and an ultimate HOP to play (these are silhouette this time). I always enjoy doing these. Its a bit like having dessert after a main meal!
All up the game, bonus and extras took me about 4 hours playing all the mini-games, etc. I think this game would be perfect for newbies or begineers to gain experience.
Comes recommended.
Happy playing fishies. Stay safe.
I recommend this game!
What's more important - the fate of the world or the destiny of your family? Find out in this amazing hidden object adventure game!
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 26 found this review helpful
ANOTHER AWESOME ADVENTURE WITH SUSAN
PostedMarch 28, 2020
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 OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
Wow, this game will get your brain juices going. There is something for everyone here. There is:
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Casual, Advanced, Hard and Customer modes;
* Interactive maps;
* 22 Achievements;
* Diary;
* 12 replayable mini-games;
* Find 7 photographs, 8 maps; 7 giant's marks, 8 coins, 11 pages and 30 morphs (in the main game) and 12 figurines (in the bonus).
* Casual, Advanced, Hard and Customer modes;
* Interactive maps;
* 22 Achievements;
* Diary;
* 12 replayable mini-games;
* Find 7 photographs, 8 maps; 7 giant's marks, 8 coins, 11 pages and 30 morphs (in the main game) and 12 figurines (in the bonus).
One thing I love about this developer is that you can turn off the cursor over the morphs/collectibles and find them yourself. So, you can make these as hard or as easy as you like. This is the only developer I know who does this - so thank you.
The graphics are absolutely stunning and everywhere you look is easy to see and find all the items you need. These graphics are my most favourate - its like you are actually there.
The music will be familiar to you if you have played the previous games to this series.
The hidden object games are highly interactive straightforward, silhouette and putting items away. These are fun to do and I always look forward to them.
Wow, the mini-games range from medium to hard. Some of them took me a long time to do (with RESET often pushed). However, they are all accomplishable with a bit of thought. If you get stuck, then go onto YOUTUBE walkthrough. There is one particular player (Pazu) who plays all the games and you can visually see how to do these puzzles. This will help newbies or casual players who want to gain experience without having to skip games.
There is 1 collectible and 1 morph to find in each scene. Get them all and you get an achievement plus an extra 20 mini-games to play at the end of the game (which I'm doing now).
All up the game and bonus took me well into double digits to play. The mini-games took the most time, but I'm glad I slowly nutted them out.
Definitely comes recommended. The storyline is fabulous and there are lots of highs and lows. If you haven't played this series before, I advise you to get the earlier games because they are so worth playing.
Stay safe out there fishies. With New Zealand on lockdown for at least another 3 weeks, I'm sure I'm going to be playing a lot of games.
I recommend this game!
Can you save your friend and escape from Acorn Hospital in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
POOR ARABELLA - SHE DESERVED BETTER
PostedJanuary 8, 2020
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 FROM COMPLETED GAME AND BONUSES
Yes fishies, this game is awesome and well worth playing. This is a true adventure game with plenty to do in each scene. There is:
* Casual, Advanced, Hard and Custom modes of play;
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Interactive map;
* Diary;
* Find 20 morphs, 20 figurines and 52 herbs.
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Interactive map;
* Diary;
* Find 20 morphs, 20 figurines and 52 herbs.
The graphics are excellent. Colours are vivid and bright and items you need are clear to see and use. Sound is good and the music is fast orchestral with plenty of drama.
The HOPs are mainly highly interactive straightforward, silhouette, finding one item to use to find another and matching patterns to items. Some HOPs even have morphs in them which I liked. I loved doing these and thought some of them had a good challenge to them.
The mini-games are really fun to do. Some of these are quite challenging. My favourite was the checkers game and I lost quite a few times before I finally managed to beat it. There are a lot of mini-games to play and I'm sure you will find your favourite ones in there.
There are 20 morphs, 20 figurines and 52 herbs to find throughout the main game. The figurines are easy to spot, but the morphs and herbs had more challenge. The morphs are not in every scene - just check at the bottom of your screen to check whether there is a morph in that scene or not. There are also two herbs in each scene to find.
All up the game and bonuses took me about 6 hours - not skipping or using the hint in the HOPs or mini-games, so good value for money.
This is a game I will play again because I made a wrong choice in the game and Sophia's son became a victim instead of being rescued - oops.
So, do you get the CE or SE? In the CE, there are 14 Achievements and replayable HOPs and mini-games to better your time and accuracy. The bonus is about how Arabella had her accident which takes about 45 minutes and there is also a little murder/mystery game to play which takes about 10 minutes.
Definitely comes recommended. I am now a loyal fan of Grandma Games and I'm now going to buy the rest of the Whispered Secrets series. Well done devs.
I recommend this game!