caseyduhamel's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:4.4
- Helpful Votes:3,948
- Reviews Submitted:152
- First Review:October 29, 2019
- Most Recent Review:June 13, 2025
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Death and Betrayal in Romania: A Dana Knightstone Novel Collector's Edition
Can you escape from the grasp of a lovestruck ghost?
Overall rating
5
/
5
3 of 3 found this review helpful
I'm A Newbie to Dana Knightstone- So Glad I Found This!
PostedJanuary 12, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromSouth Dakota, Good Ol' US of A
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
As you can see by the date on this review, this is my first Dana Knightstone adventure. One might ask why as the series has been around for a while. I am so bored, tired, and genuinely disappointed with the majority of games that are churned out today that I now look back for the older games...when stories had depth, scenes were hand drawn, the color purple had no place in nature or anywhere at all unless it was clothing. And is there any place more mysterious than eastern Europe? This game was a breath of fresh air. Fabulous graphics, geographic and time appropriate clothing and architecture, challenging puzzles and HOPs. Developers really need to get back to old school simply because it demonstrated that someone gave a darn.
I recommend this game!
Can you uncover a murder victim's past and find her killer?
Overall rating
3
/
5
58 of 61 found this review helpful
Same Bells, Same Whistles, Same Purple, Same Mailbox
PostedJanuary 10, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromDomini needs a strong cup of coffee.
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Card & Board, Large File, Match 3, Puzzle, Strategy, Time Management
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I just finished a wonderful game by an independent developer that was outstanding. Amazing hand-drawn graphics gave the game a palpable atmosphere. The story was believable and the back story fascinating. Most importantly, the game treated me as a thinking adult. Then I played this game. Domini- please just forget the color purple exists, ok? Stop congratulating me for every note I find- it's like getting a participation trophy; it's embarrassing. And quit putting weird stuff in mailboxes!!! Why do you think they call it a "mailbox"? Because it contains mail, that's why. I shouldn't have to break into a public mailbox in order to find my own keys to my own cabinet in my own house...why aren't my keys in my house?! Once again, I have to sew the hole in the glove to remove thorns BUT right next to the thorns is a pile of dirt which I can't remove because I don't want to do it with my bare hand...but wait a minute, my hand just had a glove on it literally a second ago- I mean it was just right there and now it's gone when I could have used it on the dirt pile. So, what do I have to do? Find a record, climb up a ladder to an old phonograph and play the record so a compartment on the phonograph opens with a gold spoon in it so I can remove the dirt pile. Are you kidding me? Or maybe the Domini dev team enjoys keeping their expensive flatware in old phonographs, I don't know. The voice-overs in this game are truly uninspired...the female dialogue of this detecting duo is particularly bad. The storyline is good as are the graphics (once you omit the purple); at least some imagination was put into that. Usual variations on the HOPs, you've got your match-3 option as well. This isn't a bad game- it's a bland game. I'll recommend it, though, as some may really enjoy it. As for me, I need a bit more depth, more umph. More intelligent gaming. This game is disappointingly shallow and just a rehash of the same old silly gadgetry.
I recommend this game!
Join Dennis in this match 3 quest and help him break an evil curse!
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Yeah, Another Harry Potter, But I liked It!
PostedJanuary 5, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromVery Relaxing Match-3 Harry Potter :-)
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
4
/
5
Very cute match-3. Excellent action on the boards. You might want to go a bit harder than casual as I found casual too easy for me, but I've been gaming for almost 30 years. I love these build a village match-3's and you've got it here. I enjoyed it, very relaxing as this year evolves into 2021- sometimes you just have to get away to where everybody knows your name...oh, sorry, not "Cheers" lol. So, sit back, get your favorite libation, and enjoy this game- you do have to figure your tools to complete the board so stay at least a bit clear headed. All in all, I enjoyed this.
I recommend this game!
Take a journey through the former USSR to investigate the whereabouts of a missing person!
Overall rating
5
/
5
17 of 17 found this review helpful
A Game Geared Towards Thinking Adults!
PostedJanuary 4, 2021
caseyduhamel
fromIs there a better HOPA game? Nyet!!
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
Outstanding. I can't believe this is a new game, it is a bit old school which means it is fascinating and doesn't rely on bells and whistles to hold your attention. You will find the occasional babushka doll lurking here and there- click on them! What holds your attention is a trip to post-Soviet Union. What?! What game does that?! This adventure does not hold your hand- sparkly areas are sparse. The opening graphics were above par, the rest of the graphics suit the feeling of a Soviet Russia. All devs please take note- so many of us want a game that not only do we have to figure out, but that teaches us something. You won't find helpful bunnies or cute dwarves, alien gods, or devastating dragons in this game...far from it. You will find a fun mystery thoroughly interwoven with an incredible part of world history. I think this is my new best game...in fact, I know it. Thanks, devs, or as they say in Russia- "Spasibo!"
I recommend this game!
Death Pages: Ghost Library Collector's Edition
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
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)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
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)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
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)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
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)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
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)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
Current Favorite:
True Fear: Forsaken Souls Collector's Edition
(324)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!