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:
Welcome to Top Secret Finders. Your first mission is to save a small town, uncover the truth about a government conspiracy and stop the villain in his tracks!
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 21 found this review helpful
WOO HOO - FAB GAME
PostedMay 20, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW FROM COMPLETED GAME
This sort of game is right up my street and I loved every minute of it.
There is:
* Casual and Advanced modes of play;
* Voiceovers;
* Journal/map;
* Use the hint and it will take you to wherever you need to go.
* Voiceovers;
* Journal/map;
* Use the hint and it will take you to wherever you need to go.
The graphics are sort of muddy with plenty of gray and brown but it is very clear to see everything. Its not too dark and there is colour splashed around.
Sound and music are very good. Music is orchestral.
The hidden object games are slightly interactive and a lot of fun. These are not too hard to do as items can be seen clearly and you don't spend too much time on them. There are a lot of them though, but honestly I was having so much fun that I really didn't notice when playing them.
The mini-games have a very good challenge and I played every single one without skipping. Some of these took a long while to do. They are not too hard or frustrating, but some do take a while to get in the right order or to think about. However, you can skip them if you feel inclined. There are a lot of mini-games to play and there is a good selection of them.
The story line was good and easy to follow. The ending finished satisfactorily with all loose ends tied up BUT I WANTED TO CARRY ON PLAYING as I was having such a good time.
All up the game took me about 10 hours to play. I'm not a fast player and the mini-games certainly took a while to do.
The developers hit the target on this game. It is everything you want in a game - good graphics, great HOS and mini-games and a story line that you can follow.
Definitely worth putting in your collection. Happy playing fishies.
I recommend this game!
The Queen has chosen your sister as her successor.
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
I LIKED IT BETTER THAN ICE ROSE
PostedMay 14, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME AND BONUS
There is:
* Voiceovers;
* Casual, Advanced and Expert modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements room;
* Collect coins to decorate your pet squirrel's room.
* Casual, Advanced and Expert modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* Achievements room;
* Collect coins to decorate your pet squirrel's room.
In this game we definitely have more features than we had in Ice Rose.
The graphics are okay, although there were still some blurry scenes where it was hard to make out what items were.
Sound was good. The music was exactly the same as in Ice Rose which drove me nuts and I turned it off. I was playing in silence unless someone was talking.
The hidden object games were interactive and very easy to play. In some cases you find one item to use to locate another item, etc. In other cases an item was hidden inside something and you just clicked on it to grab it. Nothing frustrating or hard.
The mini-games I have played so many times before. There was a lot of the usual games where you clicked on a tile and three would slip over and then you clicked on another tiles which flipped over another two until eventually you got them all together. There were a lot of these.
You befriend a squirrel which you can name and also collect coins to furnish and upgrade their room. Very cute, but I didn't want or need it.
All up the game and bonus took me about 6 hours. I think this game would be great for older kids as it is neither scary or too hard. Therefore I am recommending this game on their behalf.
I recommend this game!
Novelist Edward Grand has found evidence of a terrible tragedy in the city of Rosemount and sets off to investigate!
Overall rating
2
/
5
9 of 10 found this review helpful
NOT THE BEST
PostedMay 12, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I bought Ice Rose and Frozen Beauty together, going by the high 5 star reviews, and made a huge mistake.
There is Casual, Advanced and Expert modes of play and a Journal. That's it. NO voiceovers, map or any collectibles to find. Boring to say the least.
The graphics are just okay - plenty of colour but not much substance - sort of grainy and blurry.
I noticed that there was only one piece of music which played over and over again to the point that I was driven insane, so I turned it off and played the rest of the game in silence - no voiceovers remember.
There are a huge amount of straightforward hidden object games which you go to twice. These are very easy and take very little time to do.
The mini-games are basic and I have played them all many times before - nothing unique or different.
All up the game and bonus took me about 5 hours playing on Expert mode. I was so bored that I nearly gave up a few times but hung in there because I had paid for it, so I was going to play it.
Please trial the game before you buy to see if it is for you. I'm now going to play Living Legends Frozen Beauty, so hopefully there will be voiceovers, collectibles and especially different music.
The day famed mystery writer Adora Graves died the lights went out in Beacon. Cast light on the town or be stuck in the shadows!
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
EXCELLENT GAME - WELL WORTH PLAYING
PostedMay 9, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed game and epilogue (bonus)
I really enjoyed playing this game.
You have Casual and Advanced modes of play, voiceovers and a note/tasks book.
Okay, the graphics are a bit old school - lots of brown and gray, but it was easy to roam around and find everything you needed. Some scenes were better than others but it wasn't too dark or dreary.
Sound was good. The music was piano and orchestral. It was lovely and quite haunting. You could also hear children talking in the background which was kind of eerie.
The hidden object games were straightforward and slightly interactive. These had a good challenge to them without being frustrating or too hard. I enjoyed them. I found that you do each of them twice. This was the first game that I ever had to look for an ENEMA BAG!! (nice one devs).
There was a good variety of mini-games and I played all of them without skipping. These ranged from being easy to quite challenging and, once again, very enjoyable.
All up the game and epilogue/bonus took me about 7 hours - so very good value for money.
This is a great game - kind of quirky and I did laugh a few times. I think the developer did very well and I look forward to future games from them. Well done.
Definitely recommended. Give this game a whirl and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I was and will be playing it again in the future.
I recommend this game!
Battle evil forces from the future and help Vera save her fiancé Tom in this time-warping Hidden Object game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 10 found this review helpful
OH DEAR, NOT FOR ME
PostedMay 7, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Sorry fishies, but I couldn't take it any longer. I played for a couple of hours, but just couldn't finish it.
When playing hidden object games I couldn't make out what a lot of items were because of the graphics. Some scenes were too dark or too far away to see what they were.
I played a few of the mini-games but some of had to skip as I had no idea what to do and how to accomplish it.
Anyway, I became more and more frustrated, so decided to let it go and move on to something else.
This game is definitely for selected players. Some fishies will love this game and others no way.
Please trial this game before buying to see if it is for you. I didn't do this and relied on the reviews, but made a huge for mistake - for me that is. You might think totally different.
After investigating a series of ritual murders on the foggy streets of London, detective James Voodoo discovers a supernatural conspiracy on a global scale.
Overall rating
3
/
5
15 of 16 found this review helpful
VERY UNUSUAL GAME - GOOD CHALLENGE
PostedMay 7, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Large File
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
Review of completed game.
There is:
* Casual, Normal and Difficult modes (can change any time);
* Voiceovers;
* 30 Achievements;
* Journal;
* Find 10 tubes;
* Interactive map (eventually at Police Station);
* Use of fingerprint pen;
* Use of camera.
* Voiceovers;
* 30 Achievements;
* Journal;
* Find 10 tubes;
* Interactive map (eventually at Police Station);
* Use of fingerprint pen;
* Use of camera.
The graphics was quite good, not crystal sharp, but definitely easy on the eye.
Sound was good. The music was very nice and I kept it on the whole time.
The hidden object games are a bit different - some of the items actually physically change - a bit like morphing but physically changing. For instance, a ball might change into a shuttlecock or a necklace might change into rope. Therefore you have to keep an eye out for the specific items you need. I quite enjoyed doing the HOS because it was just that little bit different.
There were a good variety of mini-games - none to hard to conquer or too frustrating and I enjoyed doing them.
You have a fingerprint pen to use at each scene - just wave it around the scene and it will pick them up. You can upgrade the pen to make it work better as you collect more fingerprints. Just go into the Shop of Researches and you can upgrade items, etc.
You also have a camera to use at each scene. This actually was quite tricky and clunky to use and I became frustrated at times. However, the camera can be upgraded as well.
All up the game took me about 7 hours to play. I took my time because it wasn't just a point and click kind of game. There is a lot to do and to remember. This game is definitely not for everybody but I'm sure a lot of people will like it because its unique and different. The developer did think outside the square. The game needs to be fine tuned and there are a few glitches - nothing major, but it does have potential.
I recommend this game!
After the wizard began his mission of wrath and destruction, you, a mere alchemist, have been sent to stop him.
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 12 found this review helpful
SURPRISINGLY GOOD FUN
PostedMay 4, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I didn't know to expect from this game and was pleasantly surprised. You play an alchemist who has to stop a wizard - no mean feat.
The game has voiceovers (with dialogue) and has Normal and Expert modes of play. The Expert mode has hint and skip turned off, which is an absolute favourite of mine. There is no interactive map, but I found that I didn't need it.
The graphics are pretty good and I had no trouble deciphering what objects or items were.
Sound and voiceovers are good. Music is mainly orchestral with some chanting - apt for the game.
The hidden object games were challenging and I enjoyed them. You do each of these twice. Some HOS were clearer than others but I didn't have any trouble trying to see the objects needed.
Once again the mini-games were quite challenging but very accomplishable. I didn't skip any and never felt that I couldn't finish one. However, there is no hand holding either.
All up the game took me about 4 hours done during the week. Its not a long game and I have a feeling there may be another instalment some time in the future. I hope so. Well done developers.
Happy playing fishies.
I recommend this game!
Why has the Everlast returned after twenty years at sea?
Overall rating
5
/
5
82 of 93 found this review helpful
ALL BOARD THE EVERLOST
PostedMay 3, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
REVIEW OF COMPLETED GAME, BONUS AND EXTRAS
There is:
* Voiceovers;
* Calm Seas, Gale, Hurricane and Custom modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* 8 Achievements;
* Find 37 seashells in game and bonus;
* Use of compass to help you;
* Find 13 morphing objects in the HOS;
* Lots to do in the Extras.
* Calm Seas, Gale, Hurricane and Custom modes of play;
* Interactive map;
* 8 Achievements;
* Find 37 seashells in game and bonus;
* Use of compass to help you;
* Find 13 morphing objects in the HOS;
* Lots to do in the Extras.
The graphics are gorgeous - colourful, bright and crystal clear. I had no trouble at all roaming around finding clues and getting items. There are no dark, blurry or indecipherable scenes at all.
Sound and voiceovers are very good. The music is orchestral and I didn't turn it down at all. The HOS music is piano.
The hidden object games are interactive straightforward and silhouette. Some of these had a good challenge to them. There is one morphing object per HOS, so keep an eye for it. These were also challenging to find because they morph very slowly, but I love playing them.
There are a good variety of mini-games which had a few new ones I hadn't seen before and I enjoyed playing them all.
There is a compass that you use in certain situations. The compass will jump around and wobble, so you will know when to use it.
Even though we have an interactive map, I found that I didn't need to use it at all. You pretty much stick around the same area until all tasks have been done and you only need to go a couple of steps backward or forward, so there was no need to use it.
Most of the 37 seashells are easy to spot, but there were a few that I had to look carefully around. I find it easy to grab it first before doing anything else, just in case you get distracted. However, if you don't want to do them all at once, then you have the option of doing them altogether at the end of the game.
It is actually possible to get all of the achievements. I did try to be careful where I clicked in HOS and mini-games because it does say how accurate you were in the extras.
All up the game, bonus and extras took me about 6 hours. I really enjoyed the game, liked the characters and could have carried on playing all day.
Happy playing fishies.
I recommend this game!
You're a top reporter in search of a missing toymaker – but this isn't child's play. Is something otherworldly responsible?
Overall rating
4
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
WHAT A GEM - PLEASANTLY SURPRISED
PostedApril 30, 2015
charlene_lane
fromWellington, New Zealand
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Adventure, Match 3, Large File
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Yes, its a Si-Fi, which I didn't expect.
There are voiceovers (with dialogue) and you have the option of playing Casual, Expert or Hardcore modes of play.
The graphics are very good - clear and sharp. I really enjoyed roaming around and having a good look.
Sound is good. The music is mainly guitar, piano and some sort of chanting. It wasn't irritating, so I kept it on the whole time.
The hidden object games are straightforward. There are three items included coloured blue. It you cannot find the item, just click on it and it changes to another item, and if you can't find that item, then click again and it changes to another item. I thought that was interesting.
The mini-games are fun. There are lots of clicking tiles, etc to get them to open or fill up the board. You know the ones, press one tile and other tiles flip over until you get them all the same colour, etc. There are a couple of maths questions as well (yikes!). There are a good selection of games to play and I enjoyed them all.
All up I played about 5 hours during the course of the week.
I did try the help and it worked fine.
The game ended a bit abruptly and I think there may be another instalment coming at some stage.
So, definitely worth putting in your collection. Its a quirky game, however I liked playing Mary Bingham, the reporter. I really hope there is another instalment cause I'm hooked.
Happy playing fishies.
I recommend this game!
A simple job protecting a bumbling professor becomes a nightmare when a masked figure threatens to kill him!
Overall rating
5
/
5
11 of 14 found this review helpful
WELCOME TO HOTEL ETERNITY!
PostedApril 26, 2015
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, BONUS AND EXTRAS.
I really enjoyed this game. There is:
* Casual, Advanced, Hardcore and Custom modes of play;
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Achievements Room (about 22 achievements I think);
* Find 12 Trophy Mask Collection in game and bonus;
* Find 20 morphing objects in game and bonus;
* Find the photo fragments in game and bonus;
* Secret Room.
* Voiceovers (with dialogue);
* Achievements Room (about 22 achievements I think);
* Find 12 Trophy Mask Collection in game and bonus;
* Find 20 morphing objects in game and bonus;
* Find the photo fragments in game and bonus;
* Secret Room.
The graphics are good - kind of dark and grayish. There is some colour which is not gaudy or too bright. It is easy to roam around to collect everything you need. However, at the beginning of the game I did turn up the brightness a bit due to it being sunny outside.
Sound was very good. I liked the music which was orchestral and piano.
The hidden objects games were interactive straightforward and silhouette. Most of these didn't take long to do, although a couple of them took me a while to figure out how to do them.
I loved the mini-games and super puzzles. There were a huge variety of mini-games, with all the classics we love. Some of these I got straight away and others took me a while. There are about five super puzzles in the game and bonus. These were not too hard to figure out and accomplish. I managed to do all the mini-games and puzzles without skipping or hinting so they can't be that hard.
The 12 trophy masks were easy to see, however the morphing objects were harder to find. The photo fragments you just pick up along the way, but do keep an eye out for them.
You can actually get most, if not all, the achievements. However, that old nemesis (getting 10 objects in 10 seconds and solving 10 mini-games in under 3 minutes) is just never gonna happen for me (I tried, but my brain and the mouse go off in two different directions), but I did get most of them.
The enjoyed playing in the secret room which is timed search and solve mini-games and HOS to earn stars.
All up the game, bonus and secret room took me about 9 hours to play. Its not an extremely long game, but if you don't skip the mini-games and puzzles, then this game extends much longer (or I am incredibly slow).
Definitely recommended to put in your collection. Happy playing fishies.
I recommend this game!