caseyduhamel's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:3,948
- Reviews Submitted:148
- First Review:October 29, 2019
- Most Recent Review:December 23, 2024
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Rescue teenagers from the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet!
Overall rating
5
/
5
4 of 4 found this review helpful
OH, BRING BACK THESE GAMES!!!
PostedJanuary 3, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromGaming, good gaming, where for art thou, good gaming? Right here!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Elephant's best...and at the time of this review, this game is about 8 years old. You'll absolutely get your money's worth with this adventure! The attention to detail in the hand-drawn scenes is outstanding. The entire game is narrative-driven so the story will keep you interested and drive you forward- no yawning here! And challenging- some of the puzzles had me scratching my head for an hour! The musical score is lovely and time appropriate and very atmospheric. and what fantastic subject matter- Shakespeare's classics! The devs have blended that timeless prose with futuristic technology and have produced a masterwork of their own! No collectibles or puzzle pieces- you've got too much sleuthing to do already! Just good solid HOPA gaming. Oh, and the HOPs- you put the objects back instead of take. Actually fun, well drawn, clear and not impossible. Please, devs, more of these HOPA games- PUH-leeeeeeeeze! Outstanding!
I recommend this game!
The most perfect town in the world hides a terrible secret!
Overall rating
4
/
5
40 of 46 found this review helpful
Remember:, in the final edit- attention to detail!
PostedDecember 31, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromAlways Check The Details At End Production
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I like Elephant games. Except for the fact this developer is exceptionally "emblem heavy", they usually put out a fun 7 hours. And they did so here...BUT, in the final edit the devs need to pay attention to detail. I have this complaint with many other games and developers. One overseen detail can ruin the whole game. Now, in the first opening scene we are hit with a junk pile HOP. That was actually kinda cool, no match-3 option, but the variant on the game made it fun, not frustrating. We get to play two different characters- again, makes it interesting and fun. The graphics are quite good, even though that Detectives United Badge is a bit over the top. If a cop wore a badge that size, he couldn't eat his doughnut! Here's my beef... just two scenes into the game I hit a machine that needs coinage. OK, I get it, seen it before. Now the dialogue box says "Roseville Currency Needed", but the machine says "Restville Currency Only". Nothing in this game is designated "Roseville". C'mon now, I spent good money on this. Lack of attention to detail and poor attention in the last stages of production. Sorry, but those minor details really bother me. But, play it, it's fun. I recommend it, unless you're OCD like me about detail! LOL Happy New Year!
I recommend this game!
Can you save him and the Secret City from destruction in time?
Overall rating
4
/
5
36 of 48 found this review helpful
Not My Bag of Twinkies, BUT...
PostedDecember 27, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromFar away in a purple land called "Domini"...
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I'm not one for fantasy games consisting of a secret city populated by four-armed people, blue giants, and dwarves. To me, it's sophomoric, but, hey, that's just me. I like a bit more realism. But, I absolutely love museums and artifacts...so, onward. I like this developer, Domini. So, I bought this CE sight unseen. I forgot that there is a land far away they call "Domini", and it's national flag is purple, and the president's car is purple, and the capitol's draperies are purple, and they were nice enough to give me a purple bullhorn as a welcome gift. The museum's curator even had a purple cassette recorder. Get the purple picture? But, in some scenes the purple palette is noticeably reduced or gently muted, so we know it's there but not in your face. OK, enough of this ranting. The graphics are actually very, very good and the VO's match the characters' movements just about spot-on. The HOPs are basic junk piles but with good variations to keep it interesting and a match-3 option. You've got a helpful collectible indicator right under your map to let you know what to pick up and where. Loved the puzzles- always play on difficult mode when available. So, the technical aspects are there (a point off for the dependency on purple). I played a Secret City game about a year ago and as soon as I saw a four-armed humanoid I quit the game and put it in my "Play Later Queue". I thought I'd give this series another try with this game. It's a good game- I didn't love it but many will. Happy New Year!!
I recommend this game!
Can you bring magic back in time to save your home?
Overall rating
5
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
A Five Star In Spite Of Purple
PostedDecember 24, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromFor Those Who Don't Like Fantasy, Give This A Try!
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Well, the warning was there in the very opening cuts...purple. And this game is soaked with it. Purple doesn't necessarily designate a magical kingdom. Domini needs to heed the reviews and start removing the purple-oversaturation from their palette as other devs have. Speaking of magical kingdoms- the opening scene, we are at the mystical gothic castle of the king. And standing out front is a horse. Is this horse regaled in time-appropriate (medieval-ish) knight's tack? Nope- The horse is an American Paint Horse completely outfitted in steer roping gear from the saddle to the bridle, patiently waiting for a cowboy or cowgirl (as in my case) to climb aboard and head off into the sunset out of this magical kingdom and back to the American West. A very distracting faux pas. Lack of attention to detail. I thought I'd quit then and there what with the purple and Paint Horse. But, I like Domini and like their game structure and stories. I'm not one for fantasy, but I thought I'd go ahead with it and give it a chance. I'm glad I did! Even though purple permeates, the graphics are quite lovely, detailed, and transport you to a different world. Characters are well executed, detailed and move fluidly especially when speaking. The storyline will keep you interested and the find-ems add a fun aspect to the game and there is an added collectible's hint bar attached to the right side of the inventory bar- that always helps. If HOPs aren't your thing, you've got the match-3 option. The puzzles- many are a challenge, even in casual mode, so enjoy that...some took me a while but were fun and a great pastime. This game is challenging, so it will keep your interest. The game ran very smoothly on my PC- no blips, coughs, freezing, or hiccups. All in all, a fun game and worth buying.
I recommend this game!
Can you break an evil curse and save the day?!
Overall rating
4
/
5
6 of 6 found this review helpful
Oh C'mon, It's Not That Bad!
PostedDecember 21, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
An earlier edition to the Christmas Stories series. There are a few naysayers here, but really- there are more terrible things in life than purchasing a game that didn't meet your expectations. Does this game meet the Christmas Stories series level of excellence, well yes...and kinda no as the story has little to do with Christmas as it has more to do with a blending of fairy tales (Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella specifically). One can see the immediate resemblance to the Evil Queen of Disney's masterpiece "Snow White" and the evil queen in this game. OK, as with several in this series, you have a side helper. I know many gamers don't like this aspect but it helps to add depth to the game. Although this helper's little random movements whilst waiting to be utilized are very cute (checking his watch and adjusting his sleeves) he himself (a fox) is not well executed- badly drawn and not cute at all. OK, got that out of the way. Make no mistake, many of the puzzles in this game take some work! The find-'ems are fun- two morphs- snowmen and wedding guests, not always easy to find. And, puzzle pieces in the close-ups; there could be one or two! This game was done before all the complaints about the oversaturation of purple, so, yes, the purple is there but not over the top. The scenes are good, nothing to write home about. The story- could have been applied in any fairy tale genre. But, I have to say the fun factor is there as is the challenge. The musical score is mostly dignified and somber piano and strings (well, a wedding had been ruined!), but there are hints of "Noel"). Worth buying...of course. Just realize this series has gone through several stages of maturation. Merry Christmas!
I recommend this game!
Can you help the train’s passengers save their holidays in time?
Overall rating
5
/
5
44 of 45 found this review helpful
I Didn't Expect This!
PostedDecember 20, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
Wow! OK, when I first sat down to play this I was taken a bit aback by the very busy scenes. I mean BUSY. I thought that was going to be inhibitive as when a scene looks like a junkpile HOP (this is true of Timmy's room). But, how wrong I was. The attention to detail is phenomenal. There is none of the dreaded purple anywhere! The colors are not over-saturated- in fact the graphics resemble hand-drawn scenes- excellent!
And speaking of attention to detail: your two little animal helpers (a mouse and a squirrel) are undeniably adorable! They just don't sit there atop of the menu designation, these little guys are busy! The mouse will wipe his nose on his sleeve or eat some cheese, the squirrel will rub his eyes and clean his face or look at you through a magnifying glass. And I am not kidding when I say they are adorable, very well executed! The VOs are excellent and spot on. The Train's Storyteller has a Scottish accent that reminds me of Midlothian in Scotland where I have visited many times. And you might think this is a child's game as it is kinda cutesy but most of the puzzles take some time and thought- you've seen a few before but many were very new to me. The HOPs- some are are of the junk pile genre but not frustrating and had some new twists. The musical score is not classic Christmas but definitely Christmas sounding and very cheerful. The storyline has been done a few times before, but was refreshing in its delivery and kept the game moving along and was very interesting. I was very pleasantly surprised- a wonderful game with lots of collectibles, fantastic graphics, great story, and just the thing for the Covid Blues. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
And speaking of attention to detail: your two little animal helpers (a mouse and a squirrel) are undeniably adorable! They just don't sit there atop of the menu designation, these little guys are busy! The mouse will wipe his nose on his sleeve or eat some cheese, the squirrel will rub his eyes and clean his face or look at you through a magnifying glass. And I am not kidding when I say they are adorable, very well executed! The VOs are excellent and spot on. The Train's Storyteller has a Scottish accent that reminds me of Midlothian in Scotland where I have visited many times. And you might think this is a child's game as it is kinda cutesy but most of the puzzles take some time and thought- you've seen a few before but many were very new to me. The HOPs- some are are of the junk pile genre but not frustrating and had some new twists. The musical score is not classic Christmas but definitely Christmas sounding and very cheerful. The storyline has been done a few times before, but was refreshing in its delivery and kept the game moving along and was very interesting. I was very pleasantly surprised- a wonderful game with lots of collectibles, fantastic graphics, great story, and just the thing for the Covid Blues. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
I recommend this game!
Something is terribly wrong in the toy world, and only you can help!
Overall rating
5
/
5
85 of 94 found this review helpful
Not Your Usual Christmas Game!
PostedDecember 17, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This lovely Christmas adventure takes place in a Bavarian someplace. As in many Christmas stories (Babes in Toyland comes to mind), you enter a toy populated land to find your best friend Fritz. He is your young toy-making partner and both of you had been under the tutelage of the Master Toymaker (who slightly resembles Santa). What struck me first and foremost (and with much appreciation) are the beautifully executed graphics. I was blown away- they truly appear to be hand drawn, that's how good they are. Christmas games, as a rule, have a rather "loud" palette. The games shout "CHRISTMAS!" in each and every scene. Not this game. The palette is wonderfully soft and pastel, like a new snowfall. The Christmas décor is gentle and lovely. The game does not rely on Christmas music, instead opting for something different: symphonic music which sets the mood for that particular scene. The characters are very detailed and move with very good fluidity. There are your usual fun-to-find goodies, four to a scene- two collectibles, two morphs. You have to look for them but its not frustrating. Speaking of frustrating- the HOPs. No worries here, even without the Match-3 option. The HOPs are fun and engaging with different variations that make the HOPs much more enjoyable than your usual junkpile. And, I never met a puzzle I didn't like and I enjoy these very much. Also, there is a little story telling mouse that lives in a little castle that will be added to your control bar, alongside the map. He is part of the game as he trades parts of the story for treats- that's a new one! Also, the name of the fantasy area you will be exploring is Spielland, which is German for "Play Land". Add this wonderful tale to your Christmas collection for your whole family to enjoy. You won't be disappointed. Merry Christmas!
I recommend this game!
Can you reach your new family in time for Christmas?
Overall rating
5
/
5
20 of 28 found this review helpful
Merry Christmas Domini!
PostedDecember 10, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
A wonderful addition to the Christmas genre! Holiday games have to be judged differently than other games. Most will be family friendly-this quality may not appeal to some. So yes, the voice overs may be a bit childish in this particular game but that is to be expected. From the opening introduction scene we are treated with a classic Christmas song. The actual game sound track is not running a continual loop throughout the game; instead the very Christmassy tunes introduce each scene then stop. Many may appreciate this. Every Christmas story has its villains: Scrooge, the Grinch, The Nutcracker, Babes in Toyland. It wouldn't be a Christmas story without a villain- even Santa says "Have you been naughty or nice?" In this story, the villain is a nasty (albeit benign) overachieving elf with ulterior motives; you play a toy searching for your home and this elf is your nemesis. The graphics are excellent, they shout "Christmas"!- NO PURPLE!!!!! ANYWHERE!!!! THANK YOU DEVS!!!!!!! I completed the puzzles in difficult mode...well, mostly lol. They are fun and I really enjoyed them, you'll recognize a couple. The HOPS had some new twists that made playing the HOP actually enjoyable (I am not a HOP girl). But the HOPs were more puzzle-like so I really appreciated that. You've got three types of collectibles to hunt- always fun...morphs (Christmas presents), Christmas Goodies, and coins in the close ups. You'll use these to buy goodies in the bonus extras section. What I really appreciate is the little indicator to the left of the inventory bar. It lets you know what is available to find in the scene. How many of us get on a roll in a game and forget the pick-up goodies? I know I do. This game is a wonderful definite addition to my Christmas gaming collection. During these difficult times it is wonderful to escape into the wondrous Christmas landscape. Thank you Domini and Merry Christmas everyone! :-)
I recommend this game!
Can you bring back magic and rescue your mom in time for Christmas?
Overall rating
4
/
5
42 of 51 found this review helpful
Delightful Christmas Story
PostedDecember 3, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
We have to judge this game differently as it is a Christmas game. Hands down, Christmas Stories Nut Cracker has been the best in this series. But, this is a wonderful addition. It has the usual Elephant bells and whistles but the devs have thrown in a few twists to make the experience different, especially the HOPs. The devs did sneak in the dreaded purple to the palette, but not to the point where you need special glasses to play the game. Collectibles( 3 types: morphs, figures, puzzle pieces), especially the morphers (wrapped presents) are fun to find and can be challenging. I was very surprised at the quality of the graphics, just beautiful and gets you in that Christmas spirit. The sound track is delightful. Don't expect Christmas music, but it does set the mood very well. Cut-aways very smooth, characters have fluidity of motion. V-Os are well done and don't sound like actors rolling their eyes because this was the only Christmas gig they could land (believe me, I know). The puzzles range from easy to difficult even in casual mode. The map is a little difficult to read simply because of the size of the designation symbols. Not a big deal. If I could give this game a 4.5, I would. The only thing holding me back from a 5 star rating is the fact that, yes, it is the same ol' "save a relative" game with the same Elephant emblem scavenger hunt, BUT- there are new things to do in the puzzles, the collectibles definitely add to the game, the Hops and puzzles are a great pastime and some are definite head-scratchers. So, judging this as a Christmas game- GREAT JOB, DEVS!
I recommend this game!
An adventure in Austrian artwork and antiquities with Mia Faircroft!
Overall rating
3
/
5
11 of 11 found this review helpful
Could Have Been a 5 Star
PostedDecember 2, 2020
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Graphics- excellent. Level of difficulty- ridiculously simple (some puzzles) to impossible to find objects (some HOPs). All in all, the HOPs are very crisp and clear but a few of the objects are impossible to find without the help of the hint button. The puzzles: some way too easy, some took some thought. My beef with this game is this- monotony. There needed to be much more variety regarding the actual HOPs and puzzles- same three types over and over again. And way too much useless readable dialogue. That was so over the top I just skipped right through it as much of it didn't advance the storyline and just involved needless boring chit-chat. Some gamers might really love this...up to you, but I'll recommend it. There's a lot worse out there!
I recommend this game!