Secret City: The Human Threat Collector's Edition > iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac & PC Game

Overall rating

5 / 5

73 of 87 found this review helpful

Off To Secret City Via The Demo Portal

PostedJuly 18, 2019

HeavenBound7729

fromOcala, Florida

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Current Favorite:

Tulula: Legend of a Volcano

(20)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Well, the demo didn't get me terribly far into the game, but I saw enough to know it would be a definite purchase. I want to catch that cold-hearted bad guy and turn him into a dirt clod or something....but wait he already IS a piece of dirt ! lol

I loved the story and the story behind the story! It got right into the job the detective had at hand and away she went through the portal, after ...Show more

Well, the demo didn't get me terribly far into the game, but I saw enough to know it would be a definite purchase. I want to catch that cold-hearted bad guy and turn him into a dirt clod or something....but wait he already IS a piece of dirt ! lol

I loved the story and the story behind the story! It got right into the job the detective had at hand and away she went through the portal, after some necessary tasks, of course! Those tasks were not boring or time wasters as in so many games lately. Not a zipper pull in sight and the locks were no big deal. Inventory filled quickly, but nothing lagged behind for very long. I enjoyed the task of looking for collectibles and achievements were fun, too. There were few characters in the demo and my time was mostly spent inside at the scene of the crime. The demo ended shortly after stepping through the portal, to a brief encounter with mister baddie!

However, the few characters I encountered were very interesting and the voice-overs were great. The HOs and games were superb and left me wondering why other devs can't deliver such great quality and stories that really grab you! Not much of the green and purple in the demo, but I agree that it has been done to death!

The custom mode lets us reduce skip time on games and hints down to zero. A very appreciated feature, indeed, as was the ability to change from hard to easy mode on games I played. Had to switch a couple of times. All the HOs can be replayed and there is a match 3 alternative, but I wish there had been more than 18. However, I actually really enjoyed the games, as they didn't feel like a nuisance getting in the way of my good time. Everything ran smoothly, the graphics were nice and clear, colors rich and appropriate. I am looking forward to more excellent gameplay and the bonus chapter.

So happy to know, too, thanks to Sunnyglow. that this will be a long game. It's nice to get something special all in one package. They won't have to pry the money out of my hand for this one!

God Bless.... Show less

I recommend this game!

+59points

73of 87voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes73No14

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

26 of 34 found this review helpful

Fantastical FUN!!

PostedJuly 18, 2019

Mel7777

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Brain Teaser, Hidden Object, Large File, Puzzle

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Absorbing storyline and great graphics. This game is beyond fun!!

I recommend this game!

+18points

26of 34voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes26No8

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

144 of 223 found this review helpful

UNCOVERING THE HEART OF LONDON IN A GAME WHICH STOLE MY HEART

PostedJuly 18, 2019

sunnyglow

fromAlthough some may sing “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” I left mine behind the scenes in London – within this game!

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages - Time: 7 hours (It is a long game)

OPINION: Detective! Escape to the magical world of the Secret City to defeat a power-hungry crime boss out to steal an artifact, the Heart of London. This fantastic game will steal your heart as well! It is a long game from a developer who provides those extras other ...Show more

REVIEW BASED UPON THE ENTIRE GAME
4 Chapters Plus a Bonus Chapter – Strategy Guide: 52 pages - Time: 7 hours (It is a long game)

OPINION: Detective! Escape to the magical world of the Secret City to defeat a power-hungry crime boss out to steal an artifact, the Heart of London. This fantastic game will steal your heart as well! It is a long game from a developer who provides those extras other developers do not. For me, this is the best game of the series so far.

The story behind the game is well-written. It is action-packed with plenty of activities to keep a good pace throughout. The graphics well-portray the two worlds – that of magic and that of humans. Those signature colors for the developer, neon green and vivid purple, once more make an encore performance, adding a touch of surrealism. Although I realize this is their trademark, I do wish my favorite developer would branch out (just a little) to include some other color schemes. For me, the game is well-worth the price of a collector’s edition. Although not my favorite series from this developer; this game stole my heart!

Three are three (3) collectibles in the game. I found most easy to locate. As in all this developer’s games, there is an indicator for the collectibles on the top of the inventory bar. It lights up when a collectible is within a scene. The player can replay some mini-games and HOP scenes. Surprisingly there are more HOP scenes to replay than puzzles. I do wish it was the opposite. There are many of the puzzles I would like to replay but they are not offered.

There are eighteen (18) HOP scenes and all can be replayed. They are creatively designed. There is a variety of them. One of my favorites is one with famous London landmarks. Locate those landmarks based on description of them. Returning are the scenes which have sliders which align silhouettes of the items with the items themselves before they are removed. There is a beautiful one set in clouds in which ravens must be located using a light to see through the clouds. If a player does not wish to play a scene, there is a Match-3 game which can be played instead.

There are thirty-three (33) mini-games,fifteen(15) of which can be replayed. Most have the option to be played in either an “easy” or “hard” mode. This designation can be set in the menu as well; however, if a player changes their mind, the difficulty can be changed while playing the puzzle. Nevertheless, there are puzzles which do not have this designation. The puzzles are well-designed.

MECHANICS:

• Four (4) levels of play including a customized version.
• Eighteen (18) achievements.
• Collect fifteen (15) morphing photos
• Collect fifteen (15) Secret City artifacts
• Collect fifty-one (51) coins to purchase items to decorate evildoer Mortymer’s office
• Fourteen (14) wallpapers along with concept art, music and cut scenes
• Replay eighteen (18) HOP scenes and fifteen (15) mini-games

BONUS CHAPTER: Learn the story behind the founding of the Secret City. Play a Lakrian during the time when the magical beings were at war with each other. When a human, King Wilhelm invades the magical kingdom, you realize that you must unite all the magical beings residing there. Defeat the spirit of Discord, Guillian and search for Heart of Consent to restore peace. This is a long chapter with eight (8) mini-games and five (5) HOP scenes. The chapter is well-worth the extra price of a collector’s edition. I found the quality of the game consistent with that of the main game.

SPOILERS: HERE ARE SOME OF THE MINI-GAMES AFTER THE DEMO: (E/H denotes puzzles which have “easy” and “hard” modes of play).

A. E/H. Matching puzzle. Rotate gears with symbols on them so that adjoining symbols match between gears and on the grid itself. Rotating a gear affects the others.
B. E/H. Picture puzzle. Rotate circular picture parts to restore an image within a book. 4X
C. Matching puzzle. Play keys on a piano as per a given sheet of music.
D. E/H Lockpick puzzle. Move 2 lockpicks (one on the top and one on the bottom of a grid) across the grid by moving tumblers up and down to create a path for both. Switch between the two lockpicks to get them across the grid.
E. E/H. Maze puzzle. Take a carriage through the park while avoiding obstacles in your path.
F. E/H Domino puzzle. Lay domino pieces with two symbols on the ends within a grid so that symbols on the ends match up with each other.
G. E/H. Connection puzzle. Rotate triangles containing images of pipe pieces imprinted on them, so that all the pipe pieces connect. Rotating one affects the others.
H. Logic puzzle. Paint an image of a portal so that no 2 adjoining sections are the same color
BONUS CHAPTER:
I. Rotating tiles puzzle. On a grid, rotate stars so that connectors between the stars are the same color. The connectors change color and reflect the color of the star next to them.
J. Maze puzzle. Use a stethoscope to traverse a maze within a safe. Use 4 arrows to direct the path.
K. Connection puzzle. Connect two suns (one on top and another at the bottom of a grid) while avoiding moon tokens which will restart the game. All squares with sunbeams must be connected
L. Switch puzzle. Switch royal emblems from hints given on a 5 x 5 grid until each emblem is in the proper position. Use scraps of paper with the emblems on them to discover where each is to be placed. You can only switch emblems which are next to each other. Show less

I recommend this game!

+65points

144of 223voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes144No79

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

5 / 5

12 of 15 found this review helpful

Enjoyed

PostedJuly 19, 2019

Marja67

fromSpokane, WA

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I did enjoy this game. Easy to play on Easy setting.
Good graphics and puzzles. Collect morphs.
I was so happy that it went on a long time. It's a buy for me.

I recommend this game!

+9points

12of 15voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes12No3

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

11 of 11 found this review helpful

Good Game, Best Bonus Chapter!

PostedJuly 21, 2019

LikeAGoodStory

fromFlorida

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

3 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

For me, this is the best storyline of the Secret City series, although it's not without its frustrations. It's not the uniqueness of the story but the way it's told and all the places it takes us, as we pursue the human threat. The frustrating part is the repetitiveness of the tasks and inventory, just too many times the same chisel or hammer or.... It really takes away from the story and overall ...Show more

For me, this is the best storyline of the Secret City series, although it's not without its frustrations. It's not the uniqueness of the story but the way it's told and all the places it takes us, as we pursue the human threat. The frustrating part is the repetitiveness of the tasks and inventory, just too many times the same chisel or hammer or.... It really takes away from the story and overall play. However, some pretty good HOPS.

Surprisingly (to me, anyway) is that repetitiveness is not in the bonus chapter, which is long and again, interesting. It's better than the game, in all aspects, especially the music!

I don't think this is a 3 game and probably not a 4, if you don't include the bonus chapter. My thinking is 3.7 without the bonus chapter and 4.3 with it. Enjoy! Show less

I recommend this game!

+11points

11of 11voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes11No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

11 of 12 found this review helpful

Wish to make my point

PostedJuly 20, 2019

sbechirian

fromMontreal, Canada

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Time Management

Current Favorite:

Haunted Legends: The Call of Despair

(5)

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

As in many games from other developpers, I found the subtitles of this game a little small. I dont have reading glasses and always love to read the subtitles because I understand better the story this way. So, for everybody in my case, please make us sweet subtitles that are not to hard to read...

I recommend this game!

+10points

11of 12voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes11No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

7 of 7 found this review helpful

Secret City puzzled me crazy.

PostedJuly 23, 2019

ender07

fromLondon, Ontario, Canada

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object, Marble Popper, Match 3

Current Favorite:

Edge of Reality: Great Deeds

(3)

Fun Factor

3 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

4 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

I enjoyed this game with all it's characters and good coloured graphics. I do not enjoy puzzles that have complicated instructions, reset if I make a mistake, and so many moves I get lost. More of a jigsaw kinda girl, so I can see where I'm at. Still, the length was good and the characters were interesting. Recommend trying before you buy.

I recommend this game!

+7points

7of 7voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes7No0

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

6 of 7 found this review helpful

fun game

PostedJuly 27, 2019

jmarc24

fromOkotoks, Alberta

Skill Level:Intermediate

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

5 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

I really enjoyed this game. It was long which I like. The one thing I don't like about all these games is the talking. I don't care what they have to say. I just want to play the game

I recommend this game!

+5points

6of 7voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes6No1

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

27 of 43 found this review helpful

Bit torn over this one!

PostedJuly 18, 2019

CBEEM

fromEdinburgh Scotland

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Hidden Object

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

4 / 5

Level of Challenge

3 / 5

Storyline

4 / 5

Starting with an American black cab driver wishing me to have a good day in London was not the most auspicious start and while I realise that the biggest market for these games is the USA it would be nice to get apposite accents and references i.e. tube carriage not train carriage however the developers pulled me back in with the good gameplay and loved the Dr Who references near the start.

I recommend this game!

+11points

27of 43voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes27No16

Flagged as inappropriate.

Overall rating

4 / 5

13 of 20 found this review helpful

Heart of London?

PostedJuly 19, 2019

dancemom1

fromYakima, WA

Key Contributor
This "Key Contributor" plays, rates, and reviews a lot of games. We think you'll trust their thoughts and opinions about games.
Key Contributor

Skill Level:Expert

Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Family, Hidden Object, Puzzle, Strategy, Word

Fun Factor

4 / 5

Visual/Sound Quality

5 / 5

Level of Challenge

5 / 5

Storyline

5 / 5

Hello friends! As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story to others. However, I do comment on the story line. As always, the graphics in this game are beautiful, but we still have blurring when going in and out of close up scenes. Excellent game play, no glitches during the demo. Wonderful colors, bright, but not over powering. Excellent animation, very realistic facial ...Show more

Hello friends! As always, I review mostly on the game play and leave the story to others. However, I do comment on the story line. As always, the graphics in this game are beautiful, but we still have blurring when going in and out of close up scenes. Excellent game play, no glitches during the demo. Wonderful colors, bright, but not over powering. Excellent animation, very realistic facial movements. Voices are age and character appropriate with realistic emotions. You can click through dialog without missing any hints or earned objects to help throughout the game. Music isn't too bad, but does get annoying after a while. Very nice storm sfx, but not a lot of sfx when inside a building, usually only when something is used or picked up. We sort of have a helpful bulldog, along with a communicator so we can understand what he is saying when he barks. Hasn't been used much during the demo. We do travel through a portal, but this time we have no bright lights. Yes, we still have the creepy four armed people, but they are the good guys.

HOGs are varied and well done, with interactive HOGs, place items in picture, riddles. Scenes are fairly clear and items are not difficult to find. If we didn't care for the HOGs, we could switch to a March 3 game. Most of the mini games were challenging and took time and thought to complete. We still had a few simple puzzles as well. The hint system is very helpful, but I did not see that we had a transport feature, but the map opens to show you where you need to go next. The perfect map! Areas are clearly identified by name and picture, so we don't have to do a lot of clicking to figure out where we need to go. It also indicates where we may have missed a collectible, or you can remove that feature for more challenge.

Collectibles are very well done and varied. We have 51 coins to find that allow us to buy items for a room. These do not jump off the page at you, but are not difficult to find. We have 15 various artifacts. Some are rather small, others are just easy to overlook. There are also 15 pictures that morph fairly quickly.

This story was better than the last and flowed much better. I found that some movements didn't make a lot of sense, even for a game. I doubt that I could walk into a room with the bad guy and wonder around in his stuff without some sort of backlash. I would think I would either have to take care of him or sneak in. That didn't make sense to me. All that aside, we are constantly on the move in this addition. I like this series and really liked where the story was going. Yes, I have the need to see what is happening in this one and why. I think this will appeal to most all levels of players. Yes, I am adding this one to my CE collection. Gave this one a 4.75 because of the story, the collectibles and the challenging games.

As always, try it for yourself and see what you think. We all have different tastes in games and you may not care for this one at all. Thanks for the reviews. Play on! Show less

I recommend this game!

+6points

13of 20voted this as helpful.

Was this review helpful?Yes13No7

Flagged as inappropriate.

Browse by Genre:

Browse by Genre:

Secret City: The Human Threat Collector's Edition

Reviews

Secret City: The Human Threat Collector's Edition

, share your thoughts about this game!

Secret City: The Human Threat Collector's Edition

Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted.

Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game!

You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game.

Thanks for submitting the review below.


	, share your thoughts about this game! Secret City: The Human Threat Collector's Edition The heart of London’s at stake! Heres what your review will look like once it’s posted. Click Submit if you’re happy. Your review should appear soon. To make changes, use the Edit or Cancel buttons. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this game! You’ve already shared your thoughts about this game. Thanks for submitting the review below.